[totalone]

Originally Posted by Bimmer86

I would highly recommend test driving an M2, or an M3 if you're unable to find a dealer with one to test drive. I went to the dealer all set on placing an order for an M3. I was able to test drive both the M3 and M440i and left with an order for the M440i Gran Coupe. When you test drove the M440i, were you happy with the vehicle, or did you leave wanting more on the sportier end?

They have significantly different driving dynamics that is hard to convey without driving it for yourself. For me, the M440i had the balance of sport and comfort that I preferred for a daily driver. To me, the M3 leaned too far on the sport end of the scale. I realized I don't want to daily drive what is essentially built to be utilized on the track. Since you already test drove a M440i, this may help:
- Comfort mode on the M3 basically starts a notch above Sport Plus on the M440i with steering, suspension, and drivetrain
- The steering is heavier
- The suspension is tighter / stiffer
- There is minimal sound deadening in the M3 (part of the reason why the M440i is so heavy)
- The exhaust note on the M3 more significant (I assume most of us here prefer it, including me, but your neighbors probably won't)
- The liftback on the M440i is more usable

You may end up loving the M2 after test driving it. Being in your 20's with no kids, it'll probably depend on if you have a daily commute, your tolerance for "sportyness", and if the size of the M2 is an issue. If you know you want to go all the way and understand that you'll lose some comfort that the M440i provides, the M2 is definitely worth it. Otherwise, the M440i is already sporty enough for most people.

You are very accurate. Even m340 and m440gc drives differently. When I was buying m440gc there was no m4 or m3 to test drive anywhere in sight. After purchase for multiple months I was debating if I should have gotten m3. I finally found some to test drive. Omg was fit a fun car but, with kid and been this daily driven I couldn't imagine my self been on sport edge all the time. It was just too stiff too sporty for me. I sure would love to have m3 but as my second car. I personally sometimes like to cruise or even driving long distance with quite couchy feel. At the end of the test drive I knew that m car is not for me at this time.

To OP, go test drive it. Put aside the cost. See what you will like first. You might be surprised what you will end up buying. I was in market for A5, bought S5 and now in M440. I never knew I would like bmw at all, now we have 2 lol.

[momo3605]

Originally Posted by g21

M2 resale will make up for that.
I only got the plush one bcos I have a family. They won't be happy with track cars. So baby M it is. Just as fast outside of the track, family friendly. If you don't have a family go M.

+1 the M340 and M440 are better family cars when you still like to go fast on the street. M2 would be a bit faster, louder, rawer for the same money, but you give up practicality.

I'd say if you plan to drive this yourself, no babies or multiple kids, I'd probably pick the M2. If you want something more comfortable, that you can use for longer road trips, carry passengers for frequently, drive on potholey or broken up roads quicker and with less concern, get an M340/440.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by momo3605

+1 the M340 and M440 are better family cars when you still like to go fast on the street. M2 would be a bit faster, louder, rawer for the same money, but you give up practicality.

I'd say if you plan to drive this yourself, no babies or multiple kids, I'd probably pick the M2. If you want something more comfortable, that you can use for longer road trips, carry passengers for frequently, drive on potholey or broken up roads quicker and with less concern, get an M340/440.

I will add to my previous comments that if you can afford it, everyone should have a hardcore M car at least once. They are ideal second cars, with something more comfortable/cruiser like, but if you can have only one, you may need to scratch the itch.

[momo3605]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

I will add to my previous comments that if you can afford it, everyone should have a hardcore M car at least once. They are ideal second cars, with something more comfortable/cruiser like, but if you can have only one, you may need to scratch the itch.

I've owned an F82 M4 to scratch the itch but was not a fan. Steering sucked, very numb, suspension was not great over bumps, couldn't put power down, and the S55 sounded terrible.

I'm much happier with my G20 M340i. While the steering is still a weak spot, i think it's improved in the G series.

[Throatpunch]

Originally Posted by momo3605

I've owned an F82 M4 to scratch the itch but was not a fan. Steering sucked, very numb, suspension was not great over bumps, couldn't put power down, and the S55 sounded terrible.

I'm much happier with my G20 M340i. While the steering is still a weak spot, i think it's improved in the G series.

I had an e93 m3 and evo8 before
Evo8 was 100x more fun and insane
E93 m3 was ok but i got it for the kids to enjoy
M440i is better than my e93x. Im dure rhe new m cars are better

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by Throatpunch

I had an e93 m3 and evo8 before
Evo8 was 100x more fun and insane
E93 m3 was ok but i got it for the kids to enjoy
M440i is better than my e93x. Im dure rhe new m cars are better

My 440 GC (AWD) is far more competent, refined, and powerful than my E46 M3. But there was something messy and hooligan about it that was endearing. I did daily drive it, and that was not always a great experience, but it was never dull.

That said, driving my 4 GC is never dull either. Just a bit more grownup. It’s perfect for my stage of life. And, wow, it is leaps and bounds better in most ways than the E46 era. I can only imagine what the G era M3/4 are like. But, I’d probably rather go Porsche at that point, frankly.

[madpistol]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

My 440 GC (AWD) is far more competent, refined, and powerful than my E46 M3. But there was something messy and hooligan about it that was endearing. I did daily drive it, and that was not always a great experience, but it was never dull.

That said, driving my 4 GC is never dull either. Just a bit more grownup. It’s perfect for my stage of life. And, wow, it is leaps and bounds better in most ways than the E46 era. I can only imagine what the G era M3/4 are like. But, I’d probably rather go Porsche at that point, frankly.

The M440i GC is a super refined car. It is BMW attempting to make a car that can be comfortable and sporty at the same time without going absolutely nuts. They definitely succeeded in finding a great balance. I've never felt uncomfortable in my M440i GC in Comfort mode, and likewise, the car feels like a ton of fun in Sport and Sport+. The car never feels floaty; it always feels buttoned down to the road, but it's has an amazing ability to smooth out crappy pavement without losing that connected road feel.

The car is just as competent carving up a mountain pass as it is cruising at 80+ MPH on a long stretch of interstate. BMW did their homework with the G26.

[G30M]

in terms of daily drivability, the S58 has very bad turbo lag and almost no boost below 2500rpm. but what do i know, i don't have one, only seen video rolling races (M340i pulls away for about 1s before the G82 catches up, that's from 50mph and in a gear that's over 4000rpm). i dare not think what would happen when you're cruising around town and doing 2000rpm.

i do have an M itch but it's not the Gs! i put in an order for G81 but just can't stand the cinema screen and the grill.
either the new M5 CS but for that money I'd prefer a V10 or something exotic, or would love a F82 M4 Competition .... not the base, CS or GTS though ;p

[Axylus]

Originally Posted by g21

in terms of daily drivability, the S58 has very bad turbo lag and almost no boost below 2500rpm. but what do i know, i don't have one, only seen video rolling races (M340i pulls away for about 1s before the G82 catches up, that's from 50mph and in a gear that's over 4000rpm). i dare not think what would happen when you're cruising around town and doing 2000rpm.

g21, I’ll be honest… I have no idea what you are talking about starting with the information in the parenthesis. Can you please clarify

I understand the second paragraph 🤣 yeah IMO I like the big screen, but I am not a big fan of the touring’s as I feel it makes the car look pregnant 😭

[Cammy440iGC]

Get an M240i X Drive. Its the best of the M2 and the M440i...and you put lots of money back in your pocket.

[peelerec]

Originally Posted by momo3605

I've owned an F82 M4 to scratch the itch but was not a fan. Steering sucked, very numb, suspension was not great over bumps, couldn't put power down, and the S55 sounded terrible.

I'm much happier with my G20 M340i. While the steering is still a weak spot, i think it's improved in the G series.

Just an FYI, the dinan monoballs helped steering feel imo.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by Axylus

g21, I’ll be honest… I have no idea what you are talking about starting with the information in the parenthesis. Can you please clarify

I understand the second paragraph 🤣 yeah IMO I like the big screen, but I am not a big fan of the touring’s as I feel it makes the car look pregnant 😭

i'm talking about turbo lag

see 6:57

my M340i does not do that at 4000rpm. it flies immediately.

[maco33]

My vote would be for the M2 for something more fun, while also being a bit more special, with a shorter wheelbase, especially since you don’t have to worry about carrying folks in the back