[aosman]

Hey everyone,

Excited to consider an M8 convertible as my next secondary fun ride! I'm torn between a used 2023 and a low-mileage (< 15,000 mile) 2020.

A friend advised me to go for the 2020, claiming BMW "dumbed down" the engine in 2021 to meet stricter Euro 6d emissions. Apparently, this means the newer models are less powerful and sound less exciting.

While raw power isn't a deal breaker for me (all M8 versions are fast enough), the sound symphony is! I crave that intoxicating growl on startup and the addictive pops/crackles and brap on overrun.

So, M8 veterans, I need your guidance:

Is there any truth to the "dumbed down" engine claim?
How do the 2020 and 2023 M8s compare in terms of sound? Any noticeable difference in startup, overrun, or overall exhaust note?

Given my priority on sound, should I prioritize the 2020 or take the plunge with the newer 2023?
Any insights and experiences are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for helping me choose the perfect M8 to soundtrack my open-air adventures.

Cheers!

[ctelimad]

If you are in the USA both sounds the same
I had a 2020 M8 convertible and now a 2022 M8 coupe
I had both for a month before returning ny 2020 and i revved them next to each other and they sound the same .
I can not speak for europe though

[Dr Thrillride]

If you search for posts by Tenac, he’s explained it a number of times. But yes, it’s an air contaminant emissions and/or sound level pressure thing. I believe the story varies from our members all over the world. My 2919 M850 sounded very cool compared to my 2022 M8 coupe but I wouldn’t buy the 2019 for the sound if they were equivalent cars.

That said the way depreciation looks on a newer vehicle, is the 2020 a no brainer or do you feel like you need this car shiny and new? If the 2020 is a deal, I’d go there.

[shawntech]

The best sounding 8 is m850i

[ctelimad]

I have an M8 and i can tell you the M850 sounds much better in general
But comparing a 2020 M8 and 2023 M8 in the usa they sound the same (objectively after hearing and driving them both within the same month and yes with software updates)
So in the USA no difference
In europe it may be different and between m850 it may also be
I can not speak about that

[Van_bimmer]

Try out an M850 it’s 95% of the M8 and is said to sound better

[aosman]

Originally Posted by Dr Thrillride

If you search for posts by Tenac, he’s explained it a number of times. But yes, it’s an air contaminant emissions and/or sound level pressure thing. I believe the story varies from our members all over the world. My 2919 M850 sounded very cool compared to my 2022 M8 coupe but I wouldn’t buy the 2019 for the sound if they were equivalent cars.

That said the way depreciation looks on a newer vehicle, is the 2020 a no brainer or do you feel like you need this car shiny and new? If the 2020 is a deal, I’d go there.

I tried searching for Tenac's posts but didn't find anything relevant. Can you point me to a specific link?

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by aosman

I tried searching for Tenac's posts but didn't find anything relevant. Can you point me to a specific link?

Technically it won't matter. The key is to find out the iD7 release on either car with the 2023 clearly the loser just given the manufacturer date. On the 2020 if it has anything later than 11/2019.55 on it it's already nerfed as well.

Take it from someone who personally knows as my 2020 M850i built in October of 2019 landed with 11/2019.55 and it was glorious. I avoided all OTA updates due to (and you can find it in older threads what I called "exhaust gate") starting with 03/2020. But in June of 2020 I had an OTA push for 11/2019.70. I figured "hey I'm safe" but nope that too included "exhaust gate".

I did the research and found the states with the most stringent DBa's from exhaust and that appears to be what BMW pushed via OTAs or new factory builds. So the least common denominator vs here in AZ technically I only need a "working muffler". It makes sense though as BMW cannot build across all requirements for states in the US but rather that least common denominator.

https://f92.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1780337

[Tenac]

Originally Posted by aosman

I tried searching for Tenac's posts but didn't find anything relevant. Can you point me to a specific link?

Hey so for sound in a nutshell: The M8 v M850 comes down to the manifolds. On the M8 it is cross flow design which causes for a higher pitch sound more of say "dare I" sound of a screaming V12.... Not quite cross plain crank sound but has a unique tone. If you want something closer to an American V8 or Merc the M850i will be that. I also learned recently the difference in sound between the stainless and titanium on my M8. The titanium brings out the exotic sound of the M8 much more crisp and clean than the stainless I had on it.

Also note there was a software update in 2020 that changed how the flaps worked in conjunction with throttle to produce sound and the removal of the BMW burbbles in anything other than Sport plus and transmission 3 setting. On the pre updated cars the flaps were closed, open 50% and full open. Now they can vary in what looks like every 10-15% as speed and throttle open up.

[Vic55]

Have had a 2020 GC M8 and now a 23 M8 Coupe--- hardware wise- same shit. Sound wise for me with the same mods- same but the Coupe has the shorter exhaust length so I hear it better decibel wise.

Yes the 850i has the better stock grunt but to Tenac's point- the 8 gets a nice duality in tone with low end roar and high end tonal adjustments. Slap on some secondary dps and remove the resonator and voila you have barking beast with a 130mph trap speed. (whats the 850i stock trap??)

[aosman]

Thank you all for the great insights and helpful responses! I think I have a better idea of what I want now. Currently exploring a few options (local and out of state). I'll post again once I have something finalized.

[aosman]

Quick update... Just added a low miles 2020 M8 convertible to the stable!

[Tenac]

Originally Posted by aosman

Quick update... Just added a low miles 2020 M8 convertible to the stable!

Smart choice

[jargon]

Originally Posted by aosman

Quick update... Just added a low miles 2020 M8 convertible to the stable!

Just remember the forum’s ‘‘pictures, or it didn’t happen” rule...

[Tenac]

Originally Posted by jargon

Just remember the forum’s ‘‘pictures, or it didn’t happen” rule...

FACT

[aosman]

Caving to peer pressure (and that pesky "pictures or it didn't happen" rule), here's a glimpse of my F91.
I promise it's even more stunning in person

[NavyBlue]

I've just purchased 2020 M8 convertible with 2,300 miles last month. Cost half the price of a new 2023 or 2024. Glad previous owner took the huge depreciation...

[aosman]

Originally Posted by NavyBlue

I've just purchased 2020 M8 convertible with 2,300 miles last month. Cost half the price of a new 2023 or 2024. Glad previous owner took the huge depreciation...

I scored a fantastic deal on my M8 too, and yeah, I'm definitely not complaining about the previous owner taking that initial depreciation hit.
For this M8, I traded in a brand new Mercedes I bought just 1.5 years ago, and let me tell you, that was a $45,000 lesson in depreciation!

I guess sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. It's all part of the car game

[Tenac]

Originally Posted by aosman

I scored a fantastic deal on my M8 too, and yeah, I'm definitely not complaining about the previous owner taking that initial depreciation hit.
For this M8, I traded in a brand new Mercedes I bought just 1.5 years ago, and let me tell you, that was a $45,000 lesson in depreciation!

I guess sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. It's all part of the car game

Don't forget the market is still rocky as all crap correcting for the past few years. LOL Don't be too down on your hit timing just sux right now.