[TXSTYLE]

Greetings my fellow enthusiasts!

So once been a long time 7 Series owner (3 to date).

I'm long overdue for a new/newer car. Initially I have had my next replacement 8n mind down to very specific color combo, packages, options, etc. At first I was going with a LCI 2020 - 2022, 750. I am also considering a M760.
But now that my lovely wife has decided to stick with another SUV (new Range Rover Sport), I've at least considered the M8 to satisfy my Sports Car cravings and need for speed, while remaining practical with room for our kids.

All that being said... I've been watching lots of video reviews, articles, etc.
I keep reading how much more punishing the ride is in the Comp. How accurate is this? What other advantages for Comp?
Must have features?
I definitely want: B&O Stereo and full Merino.
And full disclosure... I'm also considering a RS7.
All would be pre-owned, low mileage examples.
Any significant upgrades or changes for 2020 - 2022?

Thanks, Marcus

[TXSTYLE]

Wow.... Tuff crowd. Not one suggestion or consideration?

[Seaford]

I can’t speak for the Competition or even anything with a v8 but my 840GC is just fine for ‘family’ in terms of space and comfort.

The boot isn’t overly big for a car this size so you might want to check that out if you are carting family stuff around.

[ctelimad]

I have an m8 comp coupe and i daily drive it and the ride is totally ok and not bad at all
Compared to a 7 series yes it is night and day difference but overall it is not bad (i will say better then an X3M)
I also had an M8 non comp convertible before and i will say i prefer the comp ride
I will say go for it (B&W sound system is a must of you want to have nice lighting and feel special at night) and it is faster then an RS7

[TXSTYLE]

Thank you Seaford and ctelimad. Any input from current and former owners is appreciated!

FYI, I am used to driving my 7 Series around, lowered and on rubber band sizes 22s. The ride has always been okay for me.
Trunk space isn't a deal breaker but it would be nice to have decent amount of space for groceries. That's about all I will be hauling.

[SmokieRiver]

I have never driven a M8 that wasn’t the competition version, but my comparison is 2022 X5 and gen 2 Raptor. Overall, and no surprise, my 2023 M8 GC Competition is the stiffest of the three vehicles, but it’s not uncomfortable. The suspension is what I would expect out of a super-car

Must have options (in my opinion):
- Driver Assistance
- Front and Rear Heated Seats
- B&W Diamond
- M Drivers Package - just to have access to the higher top end, in case I ever track it in the future
- All other options I can live without

Other advantage to the Competition is I believe you get the M performance exhaust.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by SmokieRiver

I have never driven a M8 that wasn’t the competition version, but my comparison is 2022 X5 and gen 2 Raptor. Overall, and no surprise, my 2023 M8 GC Competition is the stiffest of the three vehicles, but it’s not uncomfortable. The suspension is what I would expect out of a super-car

Must have options (in my opinion):
- Driver Assistance
- Front and Rear Heated Seats
- B&W Diamond
- M Drivers Package - just to have access to the higher top end, in case I ever track it in the future
- All other options I can live without

Other advantage to the Competition is I believe you get the M performance exhaust.

Thanks for the input. Tell me more about the exhaust concern?
M is a bad thing?

[SmokieRiver]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

Thanks for the input. Tell me more about the exhaust concern?
M is a bad thing?

I would assume the M performance would be slightly different (only heard the M850 exhaust). Here is the M8 Competition with a couple light revs. https://youtube.com/shorts/ME8HPku4v-s?feature=share4

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by SmokieRiver

I would assume the M performance would be slightly different (only heard the M850 exhaust). Here is the M8 Competition with a couple light revs. https://youtube.com/shorts/ME8HPku4v-s?feature=share4

I see. Yeah this is very odd??? My X5 xDrive 50i exhaust sounds much better than the X5M too.

[SmokieRiver]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

I see. Yeah this is very odd??? My X5 xDrive 50i exhaust sounds much better than the X5M too.

Others with more historical knowledge will chime in, but since you are looking at used, BMW did change the way the exhaust sounds via software update (referred to a neutering). The 2020 M850 exhaust I test drove when considering the M8 exhaust sounded really different (crackles and pops) than my M8 Competition, which is more a boom with some pops. Your best bet is just test drive and see what feels and sounds best for your taste.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by SmokieRiver

Others with more historical knowledge will chime in, but since you are looking at used, BMW did change the way the exhaust sounds via software update (referred to a neutering). The 2020 M850 exhaust I test drove when considering the M8 exhaust sounded really different (crackles and pops) than my M8 Competition, which is more a boom with some pops. Your best bet is just test drive and see what feels and sounds best for your taste.

I've been known to modify a thing or two on my cars.

[brlawyer]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

Wow.... Tuff crowd. Not one suggestion or consideration?

My GC is great space-wise. RS7? Bleh; tail-less ugly and boring.

[Slawboss]

I love my 23 m8 gc comp. I got rid of a charger widebody hellcat and I’d say the ride is better than that. It’s definitely a stiff ride…but my god the launch control on this car is mind bending.

[stein_325i]

Not an owner, but I think the M850 would be a sweet spot for you Marcus. I’ve driven the 40, 50 and M (although its been a while), and I find that in a vehicle of this size the 50 is more than enough power, you still get a V8, it honestly sounds better, and you can also get a sunroof (although I don’t think it opens) in the non-M models. Coming from a 7er, any of the three trim models will feel more athletic and less heavy.

The RS7 is also a good option in my opinion, especially the looks and practicality, and will also ride much better than the 8er.

[eire42]

Would you consider an Alpina B8? You get all the power but a more comfortable/refined ride. It’s not as loud as it’s M cousin but overall it’s better suited to US roads.

Having flipped back and fourth between Audi and BMW over the years… I feel BMW gives you more (HP, driver feedback) for your money and personally I find iDrive more intuitive that Audi’s latest iteration of MMI.

Have fun shopping… I know I always do.

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

All that being said... I've been watching lots of video reviews, articles, etc.
I keep reading how much more punishing the ride is in the Comp. How accurate is this? What other advantages for Comp?
Must have features?
I definitely want: B&O Stereo and full Merino.
And full disclosure... I'm also considering a RS7.
All would be pre-owned, low mileage examples.
Any significant upgrades or changes for 2020 - 2022?

Thanks, Marcus

Yo Marcus, Ive had a 2020 GC Comp and now have a 23 Coupe Comp. The GC is a formidable machine and the widest car BMW made or still does. There is nothing significant in my opine from the 2020's to the 23's except a slightly bigger Info screen. Engine and exhaust and all things functional from a drive standpoint are static.

Now your must haves are correct and I had them on my GC. I felt that the GC Comp dampers were a slightly more enduring than the ones I have on my Coupe but that could be the length of the car and wheelbase extension (the weight is within 100 lbs of each other). I personally like the Comp dampers better but never owned a non Comp except with the F90 M5 (2018) and thought that valving could have been better dialed to soak up the undulations and rough patches. The Comp GC will be fine in this regard and you have EDC to pick 3 different rates. But the key here is also road quality and I am fortunate to have great paved roads for the most part.

As for the RS7.... hmm I have had 2 of them; a 2014 and a 2017 Performance and the 17 clearly was improved from steering dynamics and overall driver feel. The 17 felt more comfortable over the same roads I have vs my GC but I dont mind road feel, in fact I want it. But what I dont want is that painful thud and I get that more now in the Coupe but not so much in the GC. The RS7 issue, for me, is the engine placement where its over the front wheel which creates really interesting steering dynamics. My cars had fixed torque splits so there was prevalent torque steer. The car was fast tuned and had a great exhaust note too (I like the 4.0 tfsi alot). I think the optics are polarizing for sure and hit or miss but were a hit for me.

Overall the GC was the better car and thats probably why Im back with the Coupe which is slightly more agile with the 10 inch shorter body. You will be very pleased with the power and the ZF8 is a good slush box IMHO too.

My rides

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by eire42

Would you consider an Alpina B8? You get all the power but a more comfortable/refined ride. It’s not as loud as it’s M cousin but overall it’s better suited to US roads.

Having flipped back and fourth between Audi and BMW over the years… I feel BMW gives you more (HP, driver feedback) for your money and personally I find iDrive more intuitive that Audi’s latest iteration of MMI.

Have fun shopping… I know I always do.

I actually forgot the Alpina version. I will add it to my list.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by Vic55

Yo Marcus, Ive had a 2020 GC Comp and now have a 23 Coupe Comp. The GC is a formidable machine and the widest car BMW made or still does. There is nothing significant in my opine from the 2020's to the 23's except a slightly bigger Info screen. Engine and exhaust and all things functional from a drive standpoint are static.

Now your must haves are correct and I had them on my GC. I felt that the GC Comp dampers were a slightly more enduring than the ones I have on my Coupe but that could be the length of the car and wheelbase extension (the weight is within 100 lbs of each other). I personally like the Comp dampers better but never owned a non Comp except with the F90 M5 (2018) and thought that valving could have been better dialed to soak up the undulations and rough patches. The Comp GC will be fine in this regard and you have EDC to pick 3 different rates. But the key here is also road quality and I am fortunate to have great paved roads for the most part.

As for the RS7.... hmm I have had 2 of them; a 2014 and a 2017 Performance and the 17 clearly was improved from steering dynamics and overall driver feel. The 17 felt more comfortable over the same roads I have vs my GC but I dont mind road feel, in fact I want it. But what I dont want is that painful thud and I get that more now in the Coupe but not so much in the GC. The RS7 issue, for me, is the engine placement where its over the front wheel which creates really interesting steering dynamics. My cars had fixed torque splits so there was prevalent torque steer. The car was fast tuned and had a great exhaust note too (I like the 4.0 tfsi alot). I think the optics are polarizing for sure and hit or miss but were a hit for me.

Overall the GC was the better car and thats probably why Im back with the Coupe which is slightly more agile with the 10 inch shorter body. You will be very pleased with the power and the ZF8 is a good slush box IMHO too.

My rides

Outstanding information and comparisons. Definitely the fact that you've owned both the cars and brands I'm considering is very helpful. My buddy has a 17 RS7 it's fast and very compliant.
Roads are not really an issue in my area.

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

Outstanding information and comparisons. Definitely the fact that you've owned both the cars and brands I'm considering is very helpful. My buddy has a 17 RS7 it's fast and very compliant.
Roads are not really an issue in my area.

My 17 had the power bump and it still is not remotely as fast as the GC stock to stock... further, which I didnt mention, the BMW has the better interior. Of course Im comparing a 6 year old to car to a 3 year old car and Im assuming you are looking at the latest RS which has made adjustments.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by Vic55

My 17 had the power bump and it still is not remotely as fast as the GC stock to stock... further, which I didnt mention, the BMW has the better interior. Of course Im comparing a 6 year old to car to a 3 year old car and Im assuming you are looking at the latest RS which has made adjustments.

Yeah I was looking at the newer Gen which is all around a better vehicle.

For the Bimmer, I love the plethora of interior color options. Specifically: White & Tartufo Merino. So delicious!

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Not an owner, but I think the M850 would be a sweet spot for you Marcus. I’ve driven the 40, 50 and M (although its been a while), and I find that in a vehicle of this size the 50 is more than enough power, you still get a V8, it honestly sounds better, and you can also get a sunroof (although I don’t think it opens) in the non-M models. Coming from a 7er, any of the three trim models will feel more athletic and less heavy.

The RS7 is also a good option in my opinion, especially the looks and practicality, and will also ride much better than the 8er.

Thanks for the input and suggestion my guy. I can't rule out a M760Li if it is optioned6out correctly. Whichever way I go, I've got some special modding plans.

[Bulent Ali]

The M8 competition coupe and Gran coupe have metal to metal suspension elements non rubber fitted for extra dynamic handling. Non M 8 series are all rubber bushes for comfort . The " M " IS a track car made for the public road too. For this reason , one should not expect ANY M car to ride soft and extremely comfortable.
On the flip side ..." M" cars are brilliant for track .
Please do not expect very comfy cushion ride with any M car especially the M8 .
I personally prefer a car that has ALL the capabilities of racing , just blame the local authorities for the bad road surfaces and pot holes .....not a BMW " M " fault.