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5 Features We Want On The Next Generation BMW M3 and M4

Mar. 24, 2018 12:20 PM ET by Jared Rosenholtz Opinion / 8 Comments The current M3/M4 is not our favorite car in the class, but the next generation could be. The competition in the compact sport sedan segment has never been hotter. This was once a segment where the BMW M3 dominated and the competition simply wanted a small piece of the action. Fast forward to today and it seems like every luxury automaker has an "M3-fighter," some of which we actually to the M3. The current F80 generation M3 is set to be phased out and a new model is on the way. Here are five improvements we'd like to see on the next generation M3 and M4. One of our biggest gripes with the current M3/M4 is the way it sounds. BMW dropped the wonderful S65 V8 engine from the previous M3 in favor of a twin-turbocharged inline-six S55 engine. While we weren't exactly happy about the engine downsizing, we felt confident BMW could make an excellent inline-six engine. The S55 is a powerful unit, which can be easily tuned, but we hate the way it sounds. Competitors like the V8 Mercedes C63 and V6 Alfa Romeo Giulia QV trounce the M3 with their exhaust notes. The next M3 will likely use a modified version of this same engine, but we hope BMW can find a way to make it sound better. BMW BMW BMW also made the bold decision to replace the E90 M3's hydraulic steering in favor of an electrically assisted unit. Many new sports cars have made this change, but others have faired better than the M3. We loved the steering in the old M3, but the new car's steering has been a point of contention, deemed too light in comfort mode and too twitchy in sport mode. We'd like to see BMW stick with one steering feel instead of having different modes. We understand that some buyers like to be able to change their steering feel, but BMW used to be heralded for having the best steering feel in the business. Why let the customer choose when BMW knows best? BMW used to scoff at the idea of building performance models with all-wheel-drive or (heaven forbid) front-wheel-drive. The latest M5 comes with an advanced AWD system, which can send 100% of its power to the rear wheels. There is evidence to suggest the next M3 could use a similar system. We are putting our foot down by saying the M3 should always be RWD. An AWD system would help BMW compete on 0-60 mph times, but that's never been what the M3 is best at. Even if the AWD system can send all of its power to the rear, it adds weight and overall complexity to a car that has strayed too far from its purist roots. BMW and Audi have both made the intriguing decision to kill off the dual-clutch transmissions in their performance models in favor of traditional automatics. Automatics can handle more power, which makes them a better choice for performance cars. This is a bit sad, but we are willing to forgive BMW so long as it doesn't kill off the manual transmission. Only the Cadillac ATS-V offers a manual transmission in the segment, because the Alfa Giulia's stick went MIA prior to its US introduction. Please BMW, give us a manual for at least one more generation of the M3. The biggest criticism of the current M3 became apparent after the company revealed the M4 GTS and the optional Performance Package for the M3/M4. Media outlets complained that the standard car felt "unfinished" next to the M4 GTS, which was later rectified with the Performance Package and models like the CS. It may be a lot to ask for, but the M3 should be perfect from the start. It should't need some optional package to make it perfect. No matter what the next M3 ends up being like, we hope BMW gets it right the first time.

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BMW M3 Sedan BMW M4 Coupe Jared Rosenholtz Editor-at-Large After graduating with an MBA, Jared pursued his love of cars by becoming an automotive journalist. An internship with CarBuzz grew into his current position as Editor At Large. Jared now spends most of his time evaluating new vehicles and chasing the latest news stories in the automotive industry. When he’s not attending Cars & Coffee events on the weekend, Jared loves to watch NFL football and cruise around with the top down in his German convertible. Contact Jared @Carsnbites @jar_rosenholtz LoginSign Up Home News Features Car Reviews Car Advice 2021 CarBuzz Awards New Cars Used Cars Future Cars Compare Cars Sell My Car Car Dealerships Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Reviews Popular Tags Cars # Video # TOP # Spy Shots # Reveal # Rumor # Auto Show # Supercar # Tuning # Car Culture # Industry News # Motorsport Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Make Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Car Type SUVs Crossovers Sedans Coupes Trucks Sports Cars Wagons Vans Hatchbacks Convertibles Small Cars Luxury Cars Electric Cars Hybrid Cars Future Cars By Price Up to $15K $15K - $25K $25K - $35K $35K - $45K $45K - $55K $55K - $75K $75K - $100K $100K - $200K $200K - $300K Above $300K Back To Top