Currently, there are two different models of BMW M4. The F82 chassis BMW M4 was in production between 2015 and 2020, and then there is the G82 chassis, which hit our markets in 2021 and continues to be made to the present day.
It is still confusing that the 4-door M3 predecessor kept its name, but the 2-door one got the new name M4. However, besides the names and door counts, those two vehicles are the same regarding performance.
BMW F82 M4 (2015 – 2020)
The BMW M4 F82 is the one that I am the most familiar with. It came with the S55 motor, which relates to the N55 motor from lower-end BMWs such as BMW 335i (2010 – 2015), F10 535i (2009 – 2017), and many others. The full list can be found on the N55 Wikipedia page.
Both of these two engines are extremely popular in the tuner world. Their potential is incredible, and people can squeeze over 100WHP with just a combination of downpipes, intakes, and a tune. Adding power to the BMW M4 engine will cost you more than its non-M sibling, but you will get a decent deal compared to other power-to-dollar ratios. The reason why so many car enthusiasts go with this platform has a lot to do with the massive availability of BMW M4 mods, too.
Engine and Performance
As mentioned, the M4 F82 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, the S55. This engine produces an impressive 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in base-model BMW M4 vehicles. The competition package (ZCP) F82 M4 has 444 horsepower straight from the factory at the crank.
The powertrain is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), catering to enthusiasts who enjoy traditional driving experiences or prefer rapid gear changes. With this setup, the M4 F82 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds with the DCT and 4.1 seconds with the manual gearbox. Reports of independent testers such as FastestLaps showed that the base model F82 M4 was faster than the F82 M4 Competition, which is more than surprising. I have had the pleasure to own both; I do not believe that's factual.
Design and Exterior
The M4 F82's design is both aggressive and elegant, featuring a wide stance, muscular lines, and aerodynamic enhancements. The coupe's distinctive front grille, large air intakes, and sculpted hood contribute to its sporty appearance. Using lightweight materials such as carbon fiber for the roof and other components helps reduce weight and improve the car's handling dynamics.
The appreciation of the F82 M4's good looks became even more apparent in the BMW community after the release of the G82 BMW M4 with its enlarged grills. The F82 is often times referred to as the best-looking BMW ever made.
Interior and Features
Inside, the M4 F82 offers a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials and advanced technology. The sports seats provide excellent support, while the M-specific instrumentation and controls enhance the driving experience.
Standard features include a Harman Kardon sound system, navigation, and BMW's iDrive infotainment system. The M4 F82 also offers various optional packages and customization options, allowing owners to tailor the car to their preferences.
Overall, the interior of the F82 M4 is not mind-blowing. However, it is more than enough for the vehicle that's built to have a lot of fun on the track or to rip through some canyon roads. The Harman Cardon system did not impress me when I had it in the base model M4, nor is it impressing me now in the current LCI (face-lifted) F82 M4. It is not uncommon to hear the speakers rattle, and it might be related to BMW connecting exhaust notes to the speakers for an “enhanced experience.”
Driving Dynamics
The M4 F82 is celebrated for its exceptional driving dynamics. It features a rear-wheel-drive layout, precise steering, and an adaptive M suspension system that provides excellent handling and stability. The car's electronic aids, such as the Active M Differential and Dynamic Stability Control, further enhance its performance capabilities, making it a thrilling yet controllable machine on both the road and the track.
When considering having one of the F82 M4s, it is highly advised to ensure you do not cheap out on the tires. These cars have a tendency to “break loose,” which can result in you hitting the curb or worse. It is extremely easy to break traction on non-dry or cold pavement.
Special Editions and Variants
Throughout its production run, BMW released several special editions and variants of the M4 F82, including the M4 GTS and the M4 CS. These models featured enhancements such as increased power, lightweight construction, and specialized performance components, catering to enthusiasts seeking the ultimate M4 experience.
The BMW M4 F82 remains a highly regarded model among car enthusiasts and collectors, known for its blend of power, style, and driving pleasure. It remains a benchmark in the high-performance coupe segment, representing BMW's commitment to delivering ultimate driving machines.
The base model F82 M4 is your best bet if you want comfort. The Competition, GTS, and CS models have much stiffer suspensions, and you feel every bump on the road with them. I drove the base model F82 M4 from New York to California, and it felt great. However, when I drove the Competition model from Maryland to Michigan, I felt like I had gotten beaten up at the end of the trip.
Known Issues of BMW F82 M4
A very famous issue involving the S55 motor has been discussed in the F8X community. That's the notorious S55 crank hub issue. After speaking to many BMW mechanics and owners of F8X M3/M4 vehicles, it is easy to determine that the crank hub issue mostly happens to tuned motors. It is not uncommon to get it changed “just in case,” but many F82 M4 owners who do not try to squeeze the most performance out of their BMW M4 motors never experience the crankhub issue.
Other than that, there aren't many other issues involving this platform. However, on my first F82 M4, I did have the Chassis Malfunction light up on the iDrive. In that case, the dealership had to replace the ECU unit. Such breakdowns are pretty rare.
BMW G82 M4 (2021 – Present)
The BMW G82 M4 is the latest iteration of BMW's iconic M4 series, representing a significant leap forward in design, technology, and performance. Introduced in 2020, the G82 M4 brings a fresh approach to the high-performance coupe segment, combining advanced engineering with a bold new design language.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the G82 M4 is the powerful S58 engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six that builds on the legacy of its predecessor, the S55. The S58 engine comes in two states of tune: the standard version produces 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the Competition model increases output to 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.
This powerplant is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission (available in the base model) or an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, which is standard in the Competition model. The G82 M4 Competition can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, offering an exhilarating performance that rivals many supercars.
Exterior Design
The design of the G82 M4 is a departure from the previous generation, featuring a more aggressive and distinct aesthetic. The most striking feature is the large, vertical kidney grille, a bold design choice that has sparked considerable discussion among enthusiasts. The coupe's muscular body lines, wide stance, and flared wheel arches emphasize its performance-oriented nature.
Aerodynamic enhancements, such as the front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and integrated rear spoiler, contribute to the car's aggressive appearance and improve its aerodynamic efficiency. Additionally, lightweight materials like aluminum and carbon fiber help reduce the car's weight and lower its center of gravity.
The G82 M4 has a staggered wheel setup: 19″ wheels in the front and 20″ wheels in the rear.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the G82 M4 is a blend of luxury and sportiness, with high-quality materials and advanced technology. The driver-centric cockpit features M-specific displays, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, running the latest BMW iDrive 7 system.
This setup provides access to various features, including navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The M4 G82 also offers optional M Carbon bucket seats, which provide excellent support during spirited driving while maintaining high comfort. Other notable interior features include:
- Ambient lighting.
- A premium Harman Kardon sound system.
- Various M-specific details like the M steering wheel and gear selector.
In 2024 the facelifted version of the G82 M4 came out which featured the following differences:
- New headlights that resemble “snake eyes”
- New taillights that
- New alloy wheel options (Style 825 M)
- Large screen
- Flat bottom steering wheel
- New tech
Driving Dynamics
The G82 M4 is engineered to deliver an exceptional driving experience, combining precision, agility, and control. It features a standard rear-wheel-drive layout, with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system available exclusively on the competition model. The M xDrive system can be configured to provide a rear-biased driving experience or fully rear-wheel drive by turning off the front axle, offering versatility for different driving conditions and preferences.
The suspension setup includes adaptive M dampers, which adjust the suspension characteristics based on driving conditions and selected driving modes. The car also features an M-specific chassis with increased rigidity, which ensures precise handling and responsiveness, along with the Active M Differential and M Servotronic steering. The M Dynamic Mode (MDM) also allows for more relaxed stability control intervention, enabling controlled drifts and a more engaging driving experience.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The G82 M4 has a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance systems. Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The car also offers optional advanced systems like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.
Special Editions and Customization
BMW offers a range of customization options for the G82 M4, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles to their tastes. This includes a variety of exterior colors, wheel designs, interior trims, and optional packages. Additionally, BMW has introduced special editions like the M4 Competition x Kith, a collaboration with the New York-based fashion brand, which features unique design elements and exclusive branding.
BMW M4 F82 & G82: Bottom Line
The BMW M4 is a modern high-performance coupe that blends cutting-edge technology, bold design, and exhilarating performance. It caters to enthusiasts seeking a thrilling driving experience without compromising comfort and luxury. Whether on a racetrack or a winding mountain road, the M4 delivers a driving experience that is quintessentially BMW, embodying the brand's philosophy of “The Ultimate Driving Machine.”
There is a reason why I can't get enough of these cars since 2015. They are extremely fun, feel very raw, and are very well respected in the car community.
