[mbutter104]

All,

I have been looking for a discussion on the ride of the M8 vs M850i. I found some info doing a google search and one review said the M8 was more jittery than the M850i and they did not enjoy the M8 ride quality compared to the ride of the M850i but this was on UK roads. That being said the individual did not think the ride of the M8 was acceptable on anything but freeway type conditions. As I am still on the fence between the M8 and the M850i as the exhaust has been stated that the M850i is better and the ride is better so I am wondering why to even include the M8 in my search. As prices are not that much different in the used car market is there a good reason to look at the M8? thank you in advance for your kind input . I did find this post

https://f92.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1906030

[mbutter104]

https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/09/10/i...an-the-bmw-m8/

https://www.carthrottle.com/reviews/...-better-car-m8

[Kponti]

I will.say the M8 is jittery but still stable and very confidence inspiring. It's much better than my E63s was for sure.

I haven't driven the 850 so I cannot compare. I have however driven a couple of other BMWs with that engine and on a day to day, the v8 from the 850 will feel much faster and more peppy than the M8. M8 however is definitely much faster overall, just a lil more sluggish at part throttle.

Even when that, I still prefer the m8 though

[Vic55]

I compare my M8 to my other rides on the same exact roads and speeds:

The M8 under soft bumps is still fairly rock hard (Sport not Plus setting) and under higher speeds and undulations I think its got more compression and rebound than even my M3. BMW did a better job with the M3 in regards to chassis marriage (IE damper and spring mating).

I wont even compare the M8 to my 992 GTS or R8... its not as forgiving. The settling of the M8 is still more harsh. With that being said, with the better roads where I live - the M8 is still proper and liveable.

I cant compare to an M850i with tangible relatable value as Ive only driven the M850i in piecemeal and not on the same roads.

[Moopai]

I've been in the M8C once and it does have a harsh ride compare to the M850. I came from a 7-series to the M850 and all I can say for the past three weeks driving this beast is WOW!!! I'm impressed with how this car handles as well as the ride comfort. Even sports plus is not that bad on inner roads, on the highway it's amazing.

As to the sounds, it's mind boggling to me that BMW made this cub sound louder than his father . It's pretty stupid the way they made the M8 sound compare to the M850...

At the end of the day, it's a personal preference to chose between the two. If you are planning to track the car, then M8C is the way to go but if you want to drive a luxury sports beast the M850 will not disappoint you + I cannot believe what a looker this car is. I'm not kidding, people would be looking at you left and right when you pass by . The car is fast like hell with 553 lb/ft of torque at 1800 RPM, it makes wonders (of course the M8C is way faster...). The power never stops in this car at any speed.

Good Luck!

[mbutter104]

Thanks to all for your kind input it is greatly appreciated. I currently have a 2021 Z4 M40i and looking to trading up to an 8 series convertible. I like the looks of the M8 seats compared to the 850i but not sure if the ride makes a difference. I will not be tracking the car as I use it for my grocery getter and curser. Looks like most of the 850i I am seeing for sale are mostly loaded. One on Bring a trailer even has the upgraded sound system. with low miles they are bringing in the low to mid $70's. Is there anything I should specifically be looking for or at when getting a low milage version (under 20,000)?

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2019-bmw-m850i-5/

[BMWGUYinCO]

These are reliable and great cars. We just drove 2,610 miles round trip from Boulder, CO to Paso Robles and were very comfortable.

One thing I would make sure to check out are the integrity of the rims. They are 20" and depending on where the vehicle has lived, potholes will bend/damage them and impact the ride.

Pull the vehicle's service records, but maintenance is included for the first 3 years/36K miles so it should have received all of its scheduled service. Otherwise, mechanically, I can't really think of anything in particular to check for.

The B&W sound system is awesome btw. And if you're looking for a convertible, it would be nice if it came equipped with the neck warmers in the seats (the one on BAT does not have this) but I wouldn't consider this a deal breaker either. Oh, and make sure it has the wind deflector/baffle thingy. This is removable, - you can see it in place on picture 15 on the BAT listing.

[mbutter104]

Thank you for the input greatly appreciated!

[_fas32]

Originally Posted by mbutter104

All,

I have been looking for a discussion on the ride of the M8 vs M850i. I found some info doing a google search and one review said the M8 was more jittery than the M850i and they did not enjoy the M8 ride quality compared to the ride of the M850i but this was on UK roads. That being said the individual did not think the ride of the M8 was acceptable on anything but freeway type conditions. As I am still on the fence between the M8 and the M850i as the exhaust has been stated that the M850i is better and the ride is better so I am wondering why to even include the M8 in my search. As prices are not that much different in the used car market is there a good reason to look at the M8? thank you in advance for your kind input . I did find this post

https://f92.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1906030

Bro in the simplest way to put it, one is a pure performance car and one is a luxury car

Everything on a “M” car is designed for performance from suspension to transmission to engine

If you want performance and nothing but performance M8

If you want luxury calm tame relax chill but also fast but nothing tracky than m850i

[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by mbutter104

Thanks to all for your kind input it is greatly appreciated. I currently have a 2021 Z4 M40i and looking to trading up to an 8 series convertible. I like the looks of the M8 seats compared to the 850i but not sure if the ride makes a difference. I will not be tracking the car as I use it for my grocery getter and curser. Looks like most of the 850i I am seeing for sale are mostly loaded. One on Bring a trailer even has the upgraded sound system. with low miles they are bringing in the low to mid $70's. Is there anything I should specifically be looking for or at when getting a low milage version (under 20,000)?

As someone who did what you said you are planning to do, my first reaction is to say do not do it! The 8 series is not a Z4 with more luxury.

The 8 series is a decent car, but it is definitely not the same top down experience as the Z4 and you may miss that. If that top down roadster experience is important to you, keep the Z4. Test drive an 8 series convertible first before making any decision.

The Z4 will hold its value better than the 8 series. If you get an 8 series, it will be far more difficult to sell or trade later on.

If highway cruising is what you want to do then yeah the 8 is better than the Z4, especially with the advanced driving assist. At least the Z4 has adaptive cruise.

But at the end of the day, I'd still rather have a Z4 M40i for value, handling, economy and sportiness. I'm just horribly buried in my 8 series which I would not be if I had kept my Z4.

Rob

[mbutter104]

Thank you very much for your insight. My 2021 Z4 M40i has just 3K miles. I had traded my 2005 Maserati Spyder in for this Z4. I wanted to get something I could get worked on locally as the closest Maserati dealer was 3 hours away and wanted to keep it serviced and maintained by a certified Maserati dealer. I loved the V8 sound and noise when I would put the pedal to the metal. The Z4 just does not give me the same experience. So I did not want to get a used Maserati GranTurismo because of the many issues with them. The new MC20 is $250K plus and the new GranTurismo convertible GranCabrio is over $300K. So the BMW M850i looks like a good alternative for the sound, driving, convertible and local maintenance.

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by mbutter104

All,

I have been looking for a discussion on the ride of the M8 vs M850i. I found some info doing a google search and one review said the M8 was more jittery than the M850i and they did not enjoy the M8 ride quality compared to the ride of the M850i but this was on UK roads. That being said the individual did not think the ride of the M8 was acceptable on anything but freeway type conditions. As I am still on the fence between the M8 and the M850i as the exhaust has been stated that the M850i is better and the ride is better so I am wondering why to even include the M8 in my search. As prices are not that much different in the used car market is there a good reason to look at the M8? thank you in advance for your kind input . I did find this post

https://f92.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1906030

Two things I would bear in mind regarding ‘reviews’ …1) how many people have actually driven both an M8 and an M850…very few I would suggest, and 2) the internet is a magnificent place for many, many people to suddenly become experts on any given subject.

That is, obviously, just my expert opinion….

[m3_08]

can you just test drive and compare for yourself? Firmness, rigid, jittery .. are very subjective individual opinions.

To me, M8 is soft and comfortable.

[mbutter104]

Thank you all for your input it is greatly appreciated. It is great to have our friends here to provide knowledge and helpful comments. I will have to try and find a location where both a 850i and M8 are located to give it a try so I can provide my opinion for our forum.

[HoyaLefty50]

I’ve had the RS e-tron GT, the RSQ8, and now the M8 GC.

The Audis were much smoother rides and overall the e-tron was the most fun to drive most because of the absurd highway speed acceleration.

The Audis also seemed built better. Doors felt more solid, etc.

The interior of the M8 wins hands down over Audi and I’m a fan of the BMW tech.

The M8 is a rough ride. I’m no pro and can’t tell if it’s the seats or suspension but it’s noticeable.

[larryc]

I haven't driven the M8, BUT here's what my M850 has, that M8's don't:

- panoramic sun-roof
-4 wheel steering (this is a damn long car, 4ws makes it very agile and easy to park)
- crystal glass
- comfy ride
- better V8 sound

[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by larryc

I haven't driven the M8, BUT here's what my M850 has, that M8's don't:

- panoramic sun-roof
-4 wheel steering (this is a damn long car, 4ws makes it very agile and easy to park)
- crystal glass
- comfy ride
- better V8 sound

4 wheel steering does make it turn a lot better than you think it would for such a big vehicle. But at the same time it's not something you can turn off or order without on the M850i though. It is an option on some X5/X6 models though. It feels a little 'different' at first, but later you don't notice it at all.

A convertible beats a sunroof

Yes, the M850i ride is fairly comfy in spite of the runflat tires. More comfy than a Z4 M40i (stock for stock).

The 8 series convertible does have neck warmers (so does 4 series). It's something BMW didn't give Z4 customers for some reason.

Rob

[mbutter104]

Thanks great input from all! very interesting discussion on the subject.

[snowbimmer]

Ok. Here’s one more opinion. My 2018 M550 provided a very comfortable ride. Upgraded to a 2019 M5 base. Surprised me how harsh the ride was, but, oh what a car. After 22k miles I upgraded again to a 2021 M5 Comp LCI. Huge difference, as the comp received some M8 suspension parts. Fabulous road car, but still too harsh for me as a daily driver. I really wanted an M8. Then came Covid, supply chain problems, long ordering waits and the specter of much, much higher interest rates by the time my lease would be up (Dec ‘23). So in April of ‘22 I drove an M850 just for fun……and took it home a few hours later after buying it. Killer looks (it’s a GC), better ride, still blazingly fast and luxurious, nice exhaust note. I miss all the things a full M can do, but I don’t miss the ride. Plus, it's simply an amazing GT tourer. I just passed thru 31,000 miles, it’s been on 4 long road trips and I’m heading out tomorrow for another 2,500 mile weeklong outing. It puts a smile on my face just driving 2 miles to the grocery store.

[mbutter104]

Thank you very great personal experience and great fun ride. I think based on my needs the 850i fits better. The prices are coming down and inventory is going up. Looks like a 1 or 2 year old 850i with less then 20k miles is about $35-40k lower than the MSRP. Looking it appears I can get a 2020-2021 850i convertible for in the $65-80K fully loaded. Now the search is on. Interesting on looking at the CARFAX reports how they changed hands and services. Looks like lots on lease return. I am not sure if it was a factor of too expensive for folks and need to get out or they just wanted to get out for other reasons.

[BMWGUYinCO]

Originally Posted by Rob_G77

The 8 series convertible does have neck warmers (so does 4 series).
Rob

Not all of them; it is an option and supply chain issues made it impossible to get on some model years recently.

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

Ok. Here’s one more opinion. My 2018 M550 provided a very comfortable ride. Upgraded to a 2019 M5 base. Surprised me how harsh the ride was, but, oh what a car. After 22k miles I upgraded again to a 2021 M5 Comp LCI. Huge difference, as the comp received some M8 suspension parts. Fabulous road car, but still too harsh for me as a daily driver. I really wanted an M8. Then came Covid, supply chain problems, long ordering waits and the specter of much, much higher interest rates by the time my lease would be up (Dec ‘23). So in April of ‘22 I drove an M850 just for fun……and took it home a few hours later after buying it. Killer looks (it’s a GC), better ride, still blazingly fast and luxurious, nice exhaust note. I miss all the things a full M can do, but I don’t miss the ride. Plus, it's simply an amazing GT tourer. I just passed thru 31,000 miles, it’s been on 4 long road trips and I’m heading out tomorrow for another 2,500 mile weeklong outing. It puts a smile on my face just driving 2 miles to the grocery store.
Attachment 3277643

What do you feel had the better ride? The M550i or your M850i? Or are they the same suspension-wise?