[BMW5and7]

Hello everyone,

I have two very nice M8 Comp and M850 coupes that am keeping my eye on this week and I may end up buying either of them.

Comfort:
- Driving mostly lux sedan cars (S-class, 7-series, GLS, X7, etc) recently, I care so much about road comfort.
- Reading about M8, it seems that it can be a bit too stiff than what i want (just like a Tesla plaid perhaps but still better I know). For that reason, I started to appreciate the M850 with the rear-wheel steering for added comfort especially that it has the DHP with road scanning I assume like X7 and X5?.

Coupe vs gran coupe:
I imagine only kids (1-yr to 8 years old) to ever set in the rear, so i think the coupe works just fine for my needs. I think the coupe drives much better (also looks better) than grand coupe but let me know if am missing anything.

Sport or super sport performance:
I don't care much about the 1 or 1.5 seconds difference (I never track my car) but I like fast powerful cars. Which is why I thought M850 is the perfect choice since it has better comfort?

Please share what you all think about the M8 vs M850.

[ViO]

Honestly, They’re both part of the 8-Series. Both are desired for different reasons. Owners that have either one luv them. Simple as that.

Now the M8’s interior is more luxurious with padded stitching on the panels and light up M8 logo on the seats headrest.

The M8 also has a competition option. Which is hard to beat (no pun intended). You didn’t mention if the M8 you were considering was competition package or not? If not, you’ll have chrome wheels emblems and trim vs black if that matters to you. Both versions are quicker than a stock M850.

Yes, the Competition model will be the stiffest followed by the base M8 and then the M850. They will all handle great. Even the M850 could be considered overkill for some. The 8-series chassis is well thought out.

The M850 has rear wheel steering that the M8 does not have. This can make the M850 feel easier to handle at low speed turning in parking lots. There is also some higher speed benefits as well.

I believe the rear wheel steering is not the best choice for hardcore track use. So that won’t matter for you.

That’s pretty much the main difference’s.. The rest of the equipment is pretty much standard between the two. You can get fiber carbon trim on the M850’s interior and exterior as an option.

Others may say non of the above matters at all depending on which entertainment system they have.. These cars come with either Harmon Kardon or the Bowers and Wilkins sound system.

I have no issues with the loudness and clarity or bass of the Harmon Kardon system after adjusting the EQ settings (you can search for my post if interested and if they both have HK).

Some will say just go for the one that has the Bowers and Wilkins option and ignore everything else.

That may be something to consider if you’re an audiophile.

Personally, I will always go for the one with the lower mileage and best color choice first. The rest of the options come after that.

The 8-series comes very well equipped besides what I mentioned above as the differences. Also, there is no massage seat option on the 8-series.

Either model will put a smile on your face everytime you hit the gas in Sport+ mode. With the M8 Competition providing the biggest one. 😀

In the end it’s your choice, just make sure you can live with the color as that’s what you’ll see first every day.

The competition model will obviously hold the most value. This may be something you want to consider as well.

Good luck! I’m looking forward to seeing what you chose. 😊

*Here is a comparison between the M8 and M850i seats. Notice the quilting on the M8 seats and on the door panels and the light up M8 logo on the headrest vs not on the M850i variant.

The M8 seats have cream color on the side bolsters as well. The M8 seats are way more luxurious. Similar, yes, in the same stratosphere no. 😂

[BMW5and7]

ViO

Thanks so much. This is very useful. The M8 I have in mind is the Comp variant. Also the M850 I have in mind has the carbon exterior package (it has every single option from factory that can be picked except for the extra engine cooling packge).

I will send your privately the M850 I have in mind as well a the M8 as I want your feedback please.

Question: what do you mean by:
"M8’s interior is more luxurious with padded stitching on the panels and" --> both cars I have in mind come with the highest trim level for the leather option (cream and camel-like interior).

[dan1495]

I faced the same dilemma earlier this year. Keep in mind that I’m 70 years old and retired so my perspective could be different than yours. I’ve always driven performance cars when circumstances allowed including numerous Corvettes and AMG Mercedes. I was leaning towards an M8 until I drove it and an M850i back to back.The M8 was awesome but in the end I found the M850i had the right balance of speed, handling and comfort for me. As much as I hated to admit it the M8 was a little too hard core for my liking. I bought a 10,000 mile 22 CPO coupe in Sunset Orange with the carbon fiber exterior bits and have never looked back.

The great thing about it is that you can’t go wrong whichever way you go.

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by ViO

Honestly, They’re both part of the 8-Series. Both are desired for different reasons. Owners that have either one luv them. Simple as that.

Now the M8’s interior is more luxurious with padded stitching on the panels and light up M8 logo on the seats headrest.

The M8 also has a competition option. Which is hard to beat (no pun intended). You didn’t mention if the M8 you were considering was competition package or not? If not, you’ll have chrome wheels emblems and trim vs black if that matters to you. Both versions are quicker than a stock M850.

Yes, the Competition model will be the stiffest followed by the base M8 and then the M850. They will all handle great. Even the M850 could be considered overkill for some. The 8-series chassis is well thought out.

The M850 has rear wheel steering that the M8 does not have. This can make the M850 feel easier to handle at low speed turning in parking lots. There is also some higher speed benefits as well.

I believe the rear wheel steering is not the best choice for hardcore track use. So that won’t matter for you.

That’s pretty much the main difference’s.. The rest of the equipment is pretty much standard between the two. You can get fiber carbon trim on the M850’s interior and exterior as an option.

Others may say non of the above matters at all depending on which entertainment system they have.. These cars come with either Harmon Kardon or the Bowers and Wilkins sound system.

I have no issues with the loudness and clarity or bass of the Harmon Kardon system after adjusting the EQ settings (you can search for my post if interested and if they both have HK).

Some will say just go for the one that has the Bowers and Wilkins option and ignore everything else.

That may be something to consider if you’re an audiophile.

Personally, I will always go for the one with the lower mileage and best color choice first. The rest of the options come after that.

The 8-series comes very well equipped besides what I mentioned above as the differences. Also, there is no massage seat option on the 8-series.

Either model will put a smile on your face everytime you hit the gas in Sport+ mode. With the M8 Competition providing the biggest one. 😀

In the end it’s your choice, just make sure you can live with the color as that’s what you’ll see first every day.

The competition model will obviously hold the most value. This may be something you want to consider as well.

Good luck! I’m looking forward to seeing what you chose. 😊

^^^^
Agree with whatever ViO said.
I used to have M8 Base and now I have M8 Competition and can confirm Competition is stiffer than Base and I expect M850i is softer than both.
I also can say M8 looks more aggressive because of front/rear bumpers in addition to M compound brakes / rotors and CF roof.
Extra ~100 HP and a full second quicker ( 0-60 and 1/4 miles) are another superiority of M8 Competition.

Anyways I believe you won't go wrong with either of them.

ViO I didn't know all 8 series don't have massage seat. I know M8 does not have it but I recall M6 did not have while 650i had so I expected the same for 8 vs M8.

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

ViO

Thanks so much. This is very useful. The M8 I have in mind is the Comp variant. Also the M850 I have in mind has the carbon exterior package (it has every single option from factory that can be picked except for the extra engine cooling packge).

I will send your privately the M850 I have in mind as well a the M8 as I want your feedback please.

Question: what do you mean by:
"M8’s interior is more luxurious with padded stitching on the panels and" --> both cars I have in mind come with the highest trim level for the leather option (cream and camel-like interior).

Can you share Year/MSRP/monthly payment on each of them if you don't mind?

[Drako]

I've had both an m850 coupe and m8 comp coupe now.

Suspension on the M8 comp is insanely tighter than the m850. So much so that I tend to slow down on certain undulations in the road which in the 850 I would previously just glide right over them without a worry or care.

M8 seats are definately more comfortable but I think the 850 was a comfort ride due to the suspension being softer, especially if we're talking about long trips.

If you're driving spirited, I think that's where the m8 really shines - plus I think the M8 looks way better in terms of front and rear styling.

I didn't notice any difference by not having 4 wheel steering - not when making u-turns or handling at speed. In fact, I think the M8 handles better at highway speeds due to sheer lack of body roll.

Power wise, the m850 was more torquey while the M8 is more like a freight train that doesn't stop. Honestly, the m850 had more than enough power already.

Putting it all together, I'd still go M8 comp if I had to do it again. I tend to drive quite spirited all of the time and don't really have to worry about having kids or family in the car. Personally I love the tight suspension and extra power, and the looks are just killer!

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by Drako

Suspension on the M8 comp is insanely tighter than the m850. So much so that I tend to slow down on certain undulations in the road which in the 850 I would previously just glide right over them without a worry or care.!

That’s exactly what scares me with the M8 and I wonder if I should go with M850.

I drive 8000 miles all in town per year, and 2000 miles highways.

The comfort for in-town driving is important to me and from everything I heard it looks like the difference is not small between the too as far as comfort.

I had several BMWs with N63 or newer V8s from the 2019-2024 era (three X7s, and 5-series) so I know that something like N63 engine has more than enough power for my driving style. Deep inside I want the M8 for completeness but the stiffness and comfort is my main concern.

[hufington]

M850 is a fast car for any situation on public roads. M8 looks more aggressive and thus more attractive. The deciding factor would be the road comfort, which the M850 is superior to the M8. Both coupes are great cars for sure.

[MSchfiftyFive]

Brand new maxed out specs aren't very close in price (~$40-50K USD) but you're going to be able to work a better deal percentage to the difference on a year old M8 that might still be on the lot. You can't get the sport buckets, CCB's, or the extra extra little exterior & interior touches with the stitching and pattern differences that all add the little pop that you'll feel like you're missing out on if you care about that sort of thing (but again that's where the MSRP's aren't the same) Comparing them at part throttle is useless because they're the same engine in that way, pushed & flat out they're different cars for a reason.

The M8 GC is the top of the ladder brand wise but still the "softest" of the current true M sedans from a suspension perspective, a tiny bit more so than my LCI F90's were, quite a bit more so than my G80. I love my loaded M8 GC the most of any of the fleet of BMW M cars I've owned now but I love it for those little differences that make it a true M car. Your statement about not needing the extra performance and wanting the extra comfort is literally the reason the M850i exists, so I wouldn't go for more than that and be upset with your choice.

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

That’s exactly what scares me with the M8 and I wonder if I should go with M850.

I drive 8000 miles all in town per year, and 2000 miles highways.

The comfort for in-town driving is important to me and from everything I heard it looks like the difference is not small between the too as far as comfort.

I had several BMWs with N63 or newer V8s from the 2019-2024 era (three X7s, and 5-series) so I know that something like N63 engine has more than enough power for my driving style. Deep inside I want the M8 for completeness but the stiffness and comfort is my main concern.

I believe you should go with M850

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by MSchfiftyFive

Brand new maxed out specs aren't very close in price (~$40-50K USD) but you're going to be able to work a better deal percentage to the difference on a year old M8 that might still be on the lot. You can't get the sport buckets, CCB's, or the extra extra little exterior & interior touches with the stitching and pattern differences that all add the little pop that you'll feel like you're missing out on if you care about that sort of thing (but again that's where the MSRP's aren't the same) Comparing them at part throttle is useless because they're the same engine in that way, pushed & flat out they're different cars for a reason.

The M8 GC is the top of the ladder brand wise but still the "softest" of the current true M sedans from a suspension perspective, a tiny bit more so than my LCI F90's were, quite a bit more so than my G80. I love my loaded M8 GC the most of any of the fleet of BMW M cars I've owned now but I love it for those little differences that make it a true M car. Your statement about not needing the extra performance and wanting the extra comfort is literally the reason the M850i exists, so I wouldn't go for more than that and be upset with your choice.

Dude I read your first paragraph several times and still cannot follow you
The second one is easy to understand though...

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

Hello everyone,

I have two very nice M8 Comp and M850 coupes that am keeping my eye on this week and I may end up buying either of them.

Comfort:
- Driving mostly lux sedan cars (S-class, 7-series, GLS, X7, etc) recently, I care so much about road comfort.
- Reading about M8, it seems that it can be a bit too stiff than what i want (just like a Tesla plaid perhaps but still better I know). For that reason, I started to appreciate the M850 with the rear-wheel steering for added comfort especially that it has the DHP with road scanning I assume like X7 and X5?.

Coupe vs gran coupe:
I imagine only kids (1-yr to 8 years old) to ever set in the rear, so i think the coupe works just fine for my needs. I think the coupe drives much better (also looks better) than grand coupe but let me know if am missing anything.

Sport or super sport performance:
I don't care much about the 1 or 1.5 seconds difference (I never track my car) but I like fast powerful cars. Which is why I thought M850 is the perfect choice since it has better comfort?

Please share what you all think about the M8 vs M850.

I’ve have only had a coupe as a courtesy car (horrible diesel) but even an eight year may struggle for room in the back - I would recommend ‘try before you buy’.

[Gfit]

Don’t think I can add much to what’s already been said but I’ve owned/driven probably 75% of the various models and find any non M too soft for me. Its very personal. My wife had a few X3Ms and that ride was easily the harshest but still didn’t bother us for daily and long trips.

[m3_08]

my M8 vert is very comfortable to me and I'm not young..
Had several trips 12 hours one way and never noticed any discomfort.
My most stiff car was 2018 E63 AMG - that was stiff for me.

[Darth Rust]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

That’s exactly what scares me with the M8 and I wonder if I should go with M850.

I drive 8000 miles all in town per year, and 2000 miles highways.

The comfort for in-town driving is important to me and from everything I heard it looks like the difference is not small between the too as far as comfort.

I had several BMWs with N63 or newer V8s from the 2019-2024 era (three X7s, and 5-series) so I know that something like N63 engine has more than enough power for my driving style. Deep inside I want the M8 for completeness but the stiffness and comfort is my main concern.

Keep in mind that a ride that is "too stiff" or "too soft" is something that we can't judge for you, it's ultimately your preference. What we can tell you is that the M850 is a generally softer ride than the M8. "Soft enough" is a matter of taste. I'm sure there's no shortage of people who can rightly tell you that the M8's ride is perfect for them.

When I was buying, I test drove both a (2020 I think?) M8 and a 2021 M850 couple of time and settled on the M850 as being the one for me. On my roads and streets and with my aging back, it was a much better ride. I also thought, perhaps wrongly, the M850 was more practical as a daily driver. I drive about 6000 miles a year on East Coast roads, something like half of them are 4-6 hours on a highway at a time.

The M8 though, that was clearly a hot car and it was like driving a laser pointer with a domesticated axe murderer under the hood. It was The Fun packaged up with an interior. For me, the number of times I'd be driving it to it's potential was nearly zero. I felt like I'd be paying another $20k or $30k for something I'd rarely if ever use on top of the already exceedingly rare events where I needed/wanted to drive in anger.

The M850 was my pick, plus I still got a V8 that sooths my inner 12 year old every time I hear the cold start. I also consider the B&W sound as part of the comfort given the long drives.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by Seaford

I’ve have only had a couple as a courtesy car (horrible diesel) but even an eight year may struggle for room in the back - I would recommend ‘try before you buy’.

"eight year may struggle"?
Are you sure? Even with a moderately positioned passenger seat? Looked reasonable for an 8 year old.

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

"eight year may struggle"?
Are you sure? Even with a moderately positioned passenger seat? Looked reasonable for an 8 year old.

You asked for opinions and you got one!

I am about 6’2” and as such the drivers seat needs to be well back and low. As such the rear legroom in the coupe isn’t great. Depends on what you think is acceptable.

No such potential issues in the GC.
Try before you buy!

[BMW5and7]

All - I've reserved (didn't buy) this car below for 1 full week. It has carbon exterior package and some other good options. I don't think it is missing any option other than the extra engine cooling package. I will not be able to drive it (if I decide, it will be shipped to me out of state)

May I get some opinions? https://www.carmax.com/car/26134647

Note: I still have another 2020 M8 Comp (expired warranty, 29K miles) that am keeping my on (same interior color). But again I need to wrap my head around suspension stiffness concerns.

[Gfit]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

All - I've reserved (didn't buy) this car below for 1 full week. It has carbon exterior package and some other good options. I don't think it is missing any option other than the extra engine cooling package. I will not be able to drive it (if I decide, it will be shipped to me out of state)

May I get some opinions? https://www.carmax.com/car/26134647

Note: I still have another 2020 M8 Comp (expired warranty, 29K miles) that am keeping my on (same interior color). But again I need to wrap my head around suspension stiffness concerns.

Sounds like the 850 is for you then. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve owned a lot of Ms and never once considered not buying one because of suspension stiffness. In fact, I’ve never even test driven an M prior to purchase. The M8 is downright plush compared to some of my previous Ms.

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by Gfit

Sounds like the 850 is for you then. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve owned a lot of Ms and never once considered not buying one because of suspension stiffness. In fact, I’ve never even test driven an M prior to purchase. The M8 is downright plush compared to some of my previous Ms.

I get all of that (and I have no personal bias to either options) but based on everything that was said, other than additional power (which I don't need), and nicer stitching in the interior, I am not able to recognize what the M8 Comp will offer me other than stiff suspension, and lack of rear-wheel steering.... Exterior wise they both look nice to me. I love sporty-like cars, but am that guy who rarely ever floor his gas but maybe goes 70-80% max throttle on all my previous N63 powered cars. I never track my cars.

Another thing I found interesting is that am hearing that the M850 has nicer or more aggressive exhaust sound.... I was puzzled by the fact BMW did that this way.

[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

I get all of that (and I have no personal bias to either options) but based on everything that was said, other than additional power (which I don't need), and nicer stitching in the interior, I am not able to recognize what the M8 Comp will offer me other than stiff suspension, and lack of rear-wheel steering.... Exterior wise they both look nice to me. I love sporty-like cars, but am that guy who rarely ever floor his gas but maybe goes 70-80% max throttle on all my previous N63 powered cars. I never track my cars.

Another thing I found interesting is that am hearing that the M850 has nicer or more aggressive exhaust sound.... I was puzzled by the fact BMW did that this way.

Again if you dont care about power, acceleration, interior and exterior then M850 is the right one for you.