[Radmobile]

Curious to know how many 428i M-Sport owners might have come from an e36 M3 and how the transition has gone, your impressions, likes/dislikes?

I currently drive an e36 M3 to which I absolutely love. I also have a 228i that is my wife's car and is a fantastic car in its own right. Very under-rated and certainly a sleeper of a car.

I know no modern BMW can touch the steering feel, flickability, and balance that the e36 M3 has. However for personal reasons, I need to evaluate DCT and 8-speed ZF auto options to replace my M3. Logic would say to get another 228/230i however I can't justify having two of the exact same cars. At least the 4 has more interior and storage space.

A CPO 428i M-Sport is enticing. However my biggest concern is getting over the power to weight ratio. I know it's going to feel larger and less connected. I'm not concerned with that as I've driven plenty of F80/82 M3/4s, M5/6s, etc. Does the car feel like a lush? From what I've gathered the car is 50/50 balanced due to the motor being behind the front axle with the extended wheelbase. It's also a wider track than the e9x M3s which seem to aid in the handling department.

So for those who made a switch from an e36 M3 to 428i, how have you liked it? Any regrets not going 435i? I'm not looking for a 428i vs 435i argument. I've read those threads and its largely based on the opinion of whatever car the owner went with. Also, a CPO 435i is out of the price range that I'd like to spend so it's really not an option. If it were then I'd be considering e92 M3s instead.

Edit: I've also considered adding a Dinan Stage I tune to boost the power-output closer to the 435i should I feel the power is inadequate stock.

[CalCarNut]

Not sure how many converts you'll find but I have a 428GC. It doesn't lack in power at all so the power to weight ratio I think is a non-issue as I think your '99 and the 428 weigh pretty much the same and have the same advertised power. The SAs I've talked to also say the 4 series is pretty much a trouble free vehicle from defect standpoint.

[Speed-NYC]

Im going from an e46 m3 to a 440. Driving the 430 felt like a step down.

[Radmobile]

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

Not sure how many converts you'll find but I have a 428GC. It doesn't lack in power at all so the power to weight ratio I think is a non-issue as I think your '99 and the 428 weigh pretty much the same and have the same advertised power. The SAs I've talked to also say the 4 series is pretty much a trouble free vehicle from defect standpoint.

I have an N20-powered 228i so I'm familiar with the reliability and occasional issues from the N20. One reason I'm a fan warming up to the 428i. Yes the power numbers are very comparable to the e36 M3. I think the short overhangs, long wheelbase, and wide track (wider than an e9x M3) of the 4-series will help in the handling department to make up some of the driving experience department that the e36 M3 likely outshines.

Originally Posted by Speed-NYC

Im going from an e46 m3 to a 440. Driving the 430 felt like a step down.

Not entirely surprised. People say the same about the e46 vs. e36. The B58 is an animal! Even compared to the N55. But again, I'm not in a situation to get the 440i, or even 435i. Unfortunately the 430i is too new to get a good CPO deal. Otherwise I'd prefer the B48 to the N20 as it seems to offer just a little more on-tap than the N20.

[Speed-NYC]

I see, maybe you can add a mod every 6 months to squeeze some more power out. Chip it then add a performance exhaust. It has the frame and the handling for more power.

[NewM3driver]

You seem to be worried about power. The fact is a 428 isn't going to steer, handle or ride ANYTHING like your e36 M3. As long as you are aware of that, you are in a better position to make an educated decision. If you are buying a CPO car, ask for an over the weekend test drive. Shouldn't be hard to arrange

[BIMMERGUY91]

It's basically going to drive exactly like your 228i. Nothing like an E36 M3 at all. Better in some ways, worse in others. Just a preference thing really.

[Radmobile]

Originally Posted by Speed-NYC

I see, maybe you can add a mod every 6 months to squeeze some more power out. Chip it then add a performance exhaust. It has the frame and the handling for more power.

If I get the M-sport then it has the M-performance exhaust stock which I'll be happy with. Dinan chip and possibly a CAI would be sufficient. Not looking for a firebreathing dragon but something that's adequate and doesn't feel like it's struggling for power. Gotta love turbos for the ability to create more power!

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

You seem to be worried about power. The fact is a 428 isn't going to steer, handle or ride ANYTHING like your e36 M3. As long as you are aware of that, you are in a better position to make an educated decision. If you are buying a CPO car, ask for an over the weekend test drive. Shouldn't be hard to arrange

Oh yeah, I'm very aware of that. haha

But for every time I have an amazing driving experience with the e36 M3, there are almost as frequent frustrations about the car that leads me to believe I'm ready to change. It's been nearly 6 years of e36 M3 ownership. I've seen the highest highs and lowest lows with the car.

Originally Posted by BIMMERGUY91

It's basically going to drive exactly like your 228i. Nothing like an E36 M3 at all. Better in some ways, worse in others. Just a preference thing really.

That's what my hope was but given the size and added weight I wasn't sure if the charm of the 228i would be there in the 428i. Having driven 228s, 235s, and 240s I have really enjoyed what they have to offer and am comfortable walking away from the e36 M3 driving experience for something at the 2-series equivalent level. If I didn't already have a 2 I'd be going that route for sure!

I think I'll be happy in the 4. For all of the outstanding handling performance of the M3, I'll be very happy with the upgrade in luxury, convenience, comfort, and adequate performance level that the 4 will offer.

[2000Z3M]

I use to drive a 2000 M roadster until 2009. I got a 435i zhp with the 8 speed auto about 9 months ago. I love my new car but its missing something, might be the larger size, the steering or the auto, but I crave for another M roadster or coupe.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by 2000Z3M

I crave for another M roadster or coupe.

I would go for the M240i any day. Too bad OP doesn't want another 2 series.

[Radmobile]

Originally Posted by 2000Z3M

I use to drive a 2000 M roadster until 2009. I got a 435i zhp with the 8 speed auto about 9 months ago. I love my new car but its missing something, might be the larger size, the steering or the auto, but I crave for another M roadster or coupe.

Believe me, I'd be all over a clownshoe Z3M Coupe S54 or Z4M Coupe if they had an excellent DCT or the new 8-speed ZF auto as an option. Unfortunately another manual car is out of the question. Not to mention S54 Z3M Coupes are nearing M2 money.

[Thisisdudewhoru]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

You seem to be worried about power. The fact is a 428 isn't going to steer, handle or ride ANYTHING like your e36 M3. As long as you are aware of that, you are in a better position to make an educated decision. If you are buying a CPO car, ask for an over the weekend test drive. Shouldn't be hard to arrange

I went from a z4M coupe being my last Bmw to a 340i M sport with track handling pack. The z4M has better steering feel and definitely stiffer chassis but I dare say the 340i handles as good or better and is faster around any track.

[NewM3driver]

In addition to the M3 ZCP, we have a 320 sport with the track handling pack. The 320 is an awesome driving car