A New Year and a Change of Pace.
It’s been a minute since we made an update here so what better way to kick things off with a new car in the stable. Since the last update the MK7 Golf GTi has gone back and I decided to scratch the ‘M’ badge itch with a 2017 BMW M4 Competition, in Sakhir Orange.
It all started with a casual browse through the classifieds, as many searches do. I had a rough idea of what I was looking for in my next car but I was also open to see what else the market had to offer at the time. A few F Series M3’s and M4’s were shortlisted along with a couple of interesting C63 AMG wagons. The C63 wagon ticked a lot of boxes but ultimately I wanted a car I could also take on track if the opportunity presented itself, and felt although the C63 is a very capable car, the M cars were more suited towards the handling side of things and not to mention a bit lighter. So with the C63’s cleared off the shortlist I was left with an M3 or M4. As I started to make enquires over both cars a Competition spec M4 came on the market within budget, FSH and low mileage. Without hesitation I jumped on the phone and arranged to go and see the car a few days later. A couple of tire kicks and test drive later I was hooked. I made an offer and the car was mine.
A few weeks have now passed since I took delivery and the M4 hasn’t disappointed. I have had a few RWD drive cars in the past, namely the VXR8. Both of these cars seem to share the same nervous disposition in anything but bone dry tarmac. I know what you are thinking, It’s a RWD car with over 450BHP and similar torque, what do you expect when you are asking the rears to grip under heavy load on a damp surface, and you’d be right of course. Its more the surprise of it when it breaks traction at low speeds, even with the lightest of throttle applications. I have kept the traction control on but have noticed that it will allow a certain amount of slip until it takes over, much like the M2 Competition that has the variable slip function, although clearly in the M4 its either on or off as far as I’m aware. A twitchy rear end aside that little bit of slip is glorious when you can anticipate it powering out of a bend.
As far as the straight line pace and acceleration goes the M4 really gets up and going when you get a clear open stretch. The way it thunders through the gears (in the most aggressive mode) is really impressive, the changes are quick and ferocious. Changing down is just as impressive, with a nice throttle blip between the gears. I’ve kept the exhaust valve setting mostly in Sport Plus so far, which gives you a nice throaty note over the efficient setting. It also activates the most sporty of the throttle maps which I prefer over the others for the feel. The efficient setting does get used, mainly on a long motorway drive just to keep the exhaust noise down a bit and improve the fuel economy.
The cabin so far is a lovely place to be. The M Sport seats are comfortable, even on longer journeys I’ve not had any complaints, and that’s from a 6ft 5 oaf. Also the controls are sensibly laid out and easy to use. I’ve previously used the I-Drive media system on other F series BMW’s and its very easy to navigate and get the hang of in my opinion. So looking long term plans wise with the car, I’d like to get some genuine carbon wing mirror caps to match the roof and boot lip spoiler, I may also look at getting a spare set of wheels to run track day semi slicks on for when I get out on track with it. I am also toying with the idea of fitting Recaro Pole Position bucket seats and harnesses. I’ve seen a few Euro/Jap styled cars and its a style that really appeals.
For now, its time to get some more miles under its belt and usher on the dryer weather of spring and summer.