[noushy]

So my dealer got their HEA car in and called me as soon as it was prepped and ready to drive. It was raining and 60 degrees out so the drive would be quick.

First impression, firmer than the M850i with zero body roll and more vibrations. Not X3M harsh but firm although tolerant over bad roads.

The engine is louder even in the least sport setting. Switch the M mode to sport and immediately it gets louder and the throttle response is sharper. Quick 30-90 run gives you a shove into the seat even on the wet pavement. Excellent grip with the Michelin PS4s tires. Seats are much more comfortable than my last M6 much more like a 7 series with width for bigger people.

Interior had the two color white and brown and although very Miami Vice it would get dirty too quickly. Everything is covered in leather or metal trim or CF. Very nice well made interior that feels even better than the M850i. The shifter is a bit weird but fine.

Will happily answer any questions but remember my drive was brief (10 minutes).

Peace

[brad850csi]

I know you spent a good amount of time in M6s, my question is how good is the gearbox? The ZF8 has always disappointed me when compared to the DCT.

[noushy]

Originally Posted by brad850csi

I know you spent a good amount of time in M6s, my question is how good is the gearbox? The ZF8 has always disappointed me when compared to the DCT.

Sadly its not as quick as the DCT but having a lot of experience with the ZF8 in the X3M it gets better with break in and experience. The X3M shifts better now but tends to hold gears too long. The software and shifting is much better than in the ZF8 in my F85 X5M. It seems BMW is getting better and better at it but just be patient and dont expect it to be a full on DCT. However for daily driving it is much smoother and less jerky. The DCT was acceptable in auto mode but I always drove it in manual. The ZF8 is much better in auto and acceptable in manual but a must for sport plus.

Noushy

[brad850csi]

Originally Posted by noushy

Sadly its not as quick as the DCT but having a lot of experience with the ZF8 in the X3M it gets better with break in and experience. The X3M shifts better now but tends to hold gears too long. The software and shifting is much better than in the ZF8 in my F85 X5M. It seems BMW is getting better and better at it but just be patient and dont expect it to be a full on DCT. However for daily driving it is much smoother and less jerky. The DCT was acceptable in auto mode but I always drove it in manual. The ZF8 is much better in auto and acceptable in manual but a must for sport plus.

Noushy

Thanks I always drive mine in manual and normally mode 2 for the shift speed unless I’m heading off for a drive around some backroads where I’ll mostly be in 3rd and above, shift mode 3 upsets the car a bit when shifting under power going into 3rd.

I think the zf8 especially with a 4wd car could be kept at shift speed 3 at all times. We have a few x3m in the country already, perhaps I could go for a drive in one of them and see how that is.

[noushy]

Originally Posted by brad850csi

Thanks I always drive mine in manual and normally mode 2 for the shift speed unless I’m heading off for a drive around some backroads where I’ll mostly be in 3rd and above, shift mode 3 upsets the car a bit when shifting under power going into 3rd.

I think the zf8 especially with a 4wd car could be kept at shift speed 3 at all times. We have a few x3m in the country already, perhaps I could go for a drive in one of them and see how that is.

Good idea. The M8 drives very different than my X3M comp. closer to a M850i and M5. I think driving the M5 would be closer in experience however the M8 rides very low to the ground.

Noushy

[kyrix1st]

Originally Posted by brad850csi

Thanks I always drive mine in manual and normally mode 2 for the shift speed unless I’m heading off for a drive around some backroads where I’ll mostly be in 3rd and above, shift mode 3 upsets the car a bit when shifting under power going into 3rd.

I think the zf8 especially with a 4wd car could be kept at shift speed 3 at all times. We have a few x3m in the country already, perhaps I could go for a drive in one of them and see how that is.

It has to be kept in D3 mode all the time because the shift speed is essentially equivalent to D1~D2 of DCT.

[brad850csi]

Originally Posted by kyrix1st

It has to be kept in D3 mode all the time because the shift speed is essentially equivalent to D1~D2 of DCT.

That's what I'm worried about!

[stein_325i]

Thanks for the write up! Not sure how I feel about the brown/white interior and black colored steering wheel, I think they pulled it off better in the 6er.

How's the steering feel?

[noushy]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

Thanks for the write up! Not sure how I feel about the brown/white interior and black colored steering wheel, I think they pulled it off better in the 6er.

How's the steering feel?

Steering feel is good very similar to the M850i. Heavier than the base setting in the X3Mc. Didn't really have a solid chance to evaluate it since it was raining and I didn't want to chance it in the dealership's $160k car . If it is not sold I will take it out for a longer drive.

Noushy