[BimmerGuy09]

Hey guys,

This is my first post, so don't rip me to shreds. My current 530i lease ends in December. I've enjoyed the ride but really miss having power when I press the pedal. If the G80 was in my budget this would be an end of story post but my budget is maxing around 75k (I don't want a non x-drive G80/G82). I'm torn between leasing a new M440 (65k) through my business or buying a used m850 (75k) model year 2022. I also thought about getting a used m550 but I think I want a change from the 5 series. I would lease the m440 for 3 years at 12k miles/yr. M850 purchase would be over 60 months through a credit union. My biggest concern is owning a V8 bimmer out of warranty. Any input is appreciated.

[Davesrb]

I find the two cars you are looking at to be very different in interior build quality, ride quality and over all feel. (I'll put aside your buy/ lease option since there are compelling arguments for both, and the fact that I absolutely HATE the front end of the 4.) To me the M850 is the ultimate GT car, very composed handling that just eats up the miles, massive amounts of power anytime you want it, supremely comfortable for two. The M440 shares many of its great attributes, it just offers less. Great performance and ride, but not as powerful and composed and not the same level of build quality and luxury. The M440 is a fast, fun and probably more nimble car to toss around (I've only driven one in the city, not on a good winding road) I really think this is a case of drive them both and see which one suites your needs, but if you want a luxurious GT with power for days, the 850 is pretty amazing.
For what it's worth, I have the 840i GC and absolutely love it. I've probably only driven my 911 maybe twice a month in 3 1/2 months since I got my 840.

[TupperBMW]

I have owned something very close (M340i) and my current M850i GC

I agree a lot with the post above me. I hate how the 440 looks, first and foremost. It also doesn’t compare in luxury and build quality either. Also, the M850i is obviously far more spacious, especially the GC. So if you’re going to have people in the back seats, that’s a huge consideration.

Finally, the powertrain. I love me the B58–it’s proper fast. But it’s nothing compared to the N63. I don’t miss the B58 at all, even though it’s a great engine. The twin turbo V8 is smooth and just so powerful. As said above, the perfect GT

[BimmerGuy09]

I used to dislike the front end on the 4 series too but I've grown to appreciate it. I definitely need to get behind the wheel of each. Thanks for you perspective.

[Dr Thrillride]

I had a 2015 435 M Performance Edition. Different engine with the N55 but point being if you really really like to play around, more mods for the M440 and the B58. But if you’re modding for power and sound why bother. Just go with the M850. If you don’t want a boat then don’t buy one. Forget the GC. Go the coupe, take the kids in the SUV, and the buy the last V8 BMW will offer.

Regardless of Bucky the Beaver front grill, the M440 does not stack up to the 8 series. Nowhere on the M440 does it stack up.

If you’re worried about nimbleness, hopefully because you don’t drive like an asshole through traffic, ditch the 34 lb stock wheels for 20 something pounders and the car is just a different beast at that point.

[TupperBMW]

Has the OP considered the M550i? That’s another great option, although not as good looking as the 8 series

[SpeedyATL]

Sorry, delete.

[BimmerGuy09]

I would'nt be modding the 440 as it would be a lease, not worth the headache. I would consider the m550 but I currently have a 5 series and feel I want a change from the platform. I'm just unsure how different it feels from a regular 5 series. Also its harder to test drive it since it's not in dealerships anymore.

[Rob_G77]

I'm glad you didn't say NEW M850i because I would have said don't do it!

If you're doing a lot of driving, especially on highway then the 8 series is the clear winner! If your driving is in town then maybe it's more of a toss up. I had a 2021 M340i and it just wasn't a cruiser on the highway like the 8 series is. I actually didn't like driving it on the highway at all.

I'm also a big advocate for having driving assist and my 3 series didn't have that.

Rob

[eire42]

Having owned all 3… the prior gen F36 M440, a M550 and now an Alpina B8 (based off the M850). I would have to say the M850 is hard to beat. It’s a completely different car vs the 4 series. Besides if an extended warranty is a concern, there are plenty of third party options available. My M440 left me wanting more power and refinement. The M550 was awesome but the 8 series is special. I would steer away from the 4 series as it will leave you wanting more. Good luck!

[G80F90]

Ok. So here is the situation; you and I are both in the same predicament. However, I will explain this all to you in a way that will actually help you make the right decision.

Prior to getting my current 2023 BMW M550i xDr. Sedan, I had the opportunity to drive a 2023 BMW M340i xDr. Sedan. It was fun, quick, and nimble…all to the point that I placed an order for one that was loaded to a $74k MSRP. I was excited and ready to see it arrive, until I got behind the wheel of an M550 (LCI).

I drove the M550, and everything about the M340 instantly fell to shreds. The power, exhaust note, aesthetic, and space - everything about the vehicle made me jump ship and order one. I built it out to a $97k MSRP.

Why did I really make the jump and spend so much more money for the vehicle? It’s a completely different monster. The way I see it, the V8’s, in comparison with the B58’s, are two ENTIRELY different platforms. Understand that they both serve their own individual purpose. This is where you should focus:

V8 (M550, M850) Cons:

- More fuel consumption
- Heavier

V8 (M550, M850) Pros:

- Power (523 HP and Torque)
- Exhaust Note
- Little, to no, turbo-lag
- Reliability (N63TU3 - revised to the point that they are essentially bulletproof)

So far, having almost 16k miles on this vehicle, I have encountered no issues whatsoever. I not only push this vehicle, but I drive a ton.

The M340 is an overall well-rounded vehicle, but it lacks (in my opinion) luxury, power, space, and presence. It is quick and fun, but that’s essentially where it ended for me. Too many people have that vehicle (and for good reason), but it lacks so much.

With all of this being said, I am extremely grateful for my vehicle, but I cannot downgrade to a B58. That’s how much of a difference there is between the two. I did give the M340 another go, but it felt so underpowered and numb. I have spoiled myself at 24-years old.

The problem is that I don’t use four doors, and like yourself, would like to change the sedan to a coupe. I rarely have people in my vehicle as it’s essentially just myself 98% of the time. I am between an M4, M850, and M8 Competition Coupe.

I have the opportunity to get either vehicle. My whole (aforementioned) predicament is this:

- I already have the N63TU3 V8 with 523 HP (I cannot downgrade)

- If I settle for a vehicle lower than a 5-series, it has to be an M4 Competition xDr. Coupe

- If I go up in price, the S63 is available (M8), but I am still ok with repeating the V8 from the M550 (M850, that’s how good it is)

The main takeaway from this is the fact that although the 4-series (M440 and M4) are great vehicles with a reliable B58 I-6, all they have going for them is being nimble, quick, and fun. The power to weight is there, but it lacks a lot in several areas, and (to me) is an overall teenager car. The vehicle is not anywhere as composed as an M850, let alone an 840.

Again, the M440, let alone the M4, are just quick, nimble, and fun. The M850 and M8 are GT luxury coupes that are fast, aggressive, sound great, and will give you a crazy amount of road presence.

If you ask me, go for an M850 Coupe. I will more than likely get into an M8, if not, an M850 (just a toss-up right now because of how many miles I actually drive).

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by Davesrb

I find the two cars you are looking at to be very different in interior build quality, ride quality and over all feel. (I'll put aside your buy/ lease option since there are compelling arguments for both, and the fact that I absolutely HATE the front end of the 4.) To me the M850 is the ultimate GT car, very composed handling that just eats up the miles, massive amounts of power anytime you want it, supremely comfortable for two. The M440 shares many of its great attributes, it just offers less. Great performance and ride, but not as powerful and composed and not the same level of build quality and luxury. The M440 is a fast, fun and probably more nimble car to toss around (I've only driven one in the city, not on a good winding road) I really think this is a case of drive them both and see which one suites your needs, but if you want a luxurious GT with power for days, the 850 is pretty amazing.
For what it's worth, I have the 840i GC and absolutely love it. I've probably only driven my 911 maybe twice a month in 3 1/2 months since I got my 840.

There is a world of difference in terms of quality between the 3/4 series and the 8 series - as you would expect for the price difference. I had a 328GT and 330i before the current 840; chalk and cheese, particularly in terms of ride comfort and interior ‘lushness’.

As an aside, don’t rule out the 840 - in the real world it is a brilliant all rounder with more than enough grunt.