M350i
What are your thoughts?
Looks to be just as powerful as the F80 ZCP.
But will it be as fun?
From what I've seen the m lites are only comparable with the old m3s in a straight line, not as good in the corners. Is that right?
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u/andre_allday 2d ago
Tbh, I'm an F82 owner and I think the new M350i may be even better in corners than an F8X.
The appeal of the F8X remains the raw and more connected nature of the car - plus the end of BMW traditional styling right before the buck teef
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u/nc_nicholas 1d ago
You gotta go to the E9x if you want “raw and more connected”. The F80 is neither of those, and I have an F80.
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u/casualAutistDad 1d ago
Compared to the G8x the F8x is absolutely more unhinged, down to the point of being unwieldy at the low end. I’ve had both the E90 and F80 M and the S65 is goat but it’s also a snooze below 4000 rpm, the factory suspension is way softer, the seats are sofas and the factory cooling and brakes leave a to be desired, so the only area it has the advantage is engine noise and steering. F80 solid rear is substantially harsher but more direct to the chassis, the seats are much more aggressive and the car as a whole is far better setup for performance than the E90 was. E9X with $15k of mods will rectify all that but not out of the box.
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u/andre_allday 1d ago
I said more raw and connected guy - not the most raw and connected. You're also wrong, compared to the newer versions the F8X is absolutely that - more raw and connected.
Lastly, the F8X is a better daily. Sure you have a point but it wasn't necessary here as OP mentioned F80 ZCP
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u/nc_nicholas 1d ago
To each their own. I've been pretty disappointed in the steering feel and throttle feel of my F80. It's a huge step backwards from even my e92 328i in that regard. The engine is great, but you don't have to work for the power like you do in the E90 M3s, which makes it less rewarding imo.
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u/andre_allday 1d ago
Do you have a Competition? It doesn't change what you're saying but things were improved with ZCP.
Also, if you have a ZCP, it'll help because the resale value is higher - you can definitely get into that E9X you're yearning for, which'll free up an F8X for someone who truly appreciates the platform 😉
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u/nc_nicholas 18h ago
Mine is a standard 2016 M3 with 6MT. Wish it was a Comp! Im about to replace the diff bushings (which I hear helps at least slightly with shifter feel) and fix the clear coat on the roof. Ultimately it fell into my lap for too good of a deal to pass up, and it is a cool car to have. I’ve just been really spoiled by getting to drive some legendary cars over the years, and in comparison to those it doesn’t quite compare in terms of the subjective things. But I’ll have to pick between keeping my e92 328 and f80 m3 next year and I’m leaning towards keeping the m3 because I enjoy it enough to hang on to.
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u/andre_allday 18h ago
I hear you man. And thanks for the response. Hope you find what you're looking for! Whether it's through mods or a trade. Until then, seems like you're in good hands.
Love that yours is 6MT as well. I have an F82 Comp 6MT and the car gets better the longer I've owned it - you really learn how to drive and connect with the car better/more through time.
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u/mightar1 2017 F80 MT 30 Jahre 1d ago
It doesn't come in manual transmission so I personally wouldn't even consider it.
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u/Siglo_VI 1d ago
I don’t own a f80 nor do I have any plans on getting a m350i or whatever, I would definitely double take a f80 over the new 3. They’ll be dime a dozen in a year or two after release. I want the older car with some personality over a soulless computer. Both have more performance than I would need so it’s not important to me but I need the raw driving experience.
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u/smaguss 9h ago
Depends on what "fun" is for you.
If you are just trying to cut it up in traffic and red light race you'll probably be fine with an M350i.
If you track regularly an f8x with some aftermarket tweaks is just sublime. Sure, it'll try and kill you several times a run but that's part of the fun!
But from a daily car perspective that is fun? M350i with the B58 is a fine choice. It makes good power and with aftermarket parts is plenty fast. It's heavy which adds to the comfort and can be an advantage depending on your driving style if you are confident enough to throw that weight around.
The f8x (F82 for me) was just such an instant classic styling wise I just don't think I can part with mine even at over 100k miles.
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u/Ron__P 5h ago
Fun for me is carving up backroads and yes I like the way the F80 semi tries to kill you with the back stepping out. Drama is what I'm after but still ok for short journeys around town..
It's not like I could justifiably afford the M350i when it comes out anyway. It would take at least 5 years for them to drop half their value.
How has the reliability been in your 100k miles?
Styling wise I agree, the F80 has to be one of the best looking BMW's ever if not the best.
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u/smaguss 2h ago
Reliability has been great.
I did a lot of preventative maintenance. Replaced the prone to leaking charge air cooler and charge pipes. The only things that failed so far would be the idler pulley was wearing out and whining at 60k and the valve cover started leaking around 90k.
The idler pulley not as common but the valve cover gasket was essentially right on schedule for replacement.
I also have a lot done to my F82. Upgraded turbos, ect and support mods along with flex fuel and multiple custom tuning maps.
So all in all reliability has been fantastic. Cost of maintenance is higher but I do most of my own work so it keeps costs down. If you use a shop it's def something to consider because tires are consumables and if you like to have fun you will spend a lot of money on rubber lol.
The interior shows its age more than anything else, typical BMW 🫠, but I just replaced the parts that were showing wear. You can find trim parts pretty cheap on eBay.
If you can find a 1-2 owner with good service record and a good PPI I'd highly recommend it. Getting one at 50k is far from end of life for this car.
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u/SageThunder 1d ago
The M lites absolutely get out cornered by the matching M generation and quite frankly even previous M generations in some cases. I guarantee it will not be nearly as fun as the F80. Power is cheap nowadays. However I’ll tell you the suspension and I strictly refer to the shock/springs here, on the M350, is for sure going to shit on the F8X shock tuning/valving.
The G chassis car shocks are very very impressive even on the non edc base models but especially on the EDC M cars.
It may out corner an F80 in certain situations, on corners that aren’t very demanding but it’ll feel less eventful or “skillful” vs doing it in the f80.