Moving from a Lotus Evora to an M4 convertible or 650i xDrive convertible

[rpolin]

I apologize right up front but I'm in need of some help with what I would like to call a First World Problem, which is which car to get.

I previously had an Audi S4, than an RS4, then a 911 Cab, and currently a Lotus Evora. All are a blast with the Lotus by far being the most fun car to drive ever, hands down. However after going thru a full knee replacement at only 46 years old, I need something a little easier to get in and out of these days to use as my daily driver.

As I part with my Lotus , I'm struggling with what to get next and having never owned a BMW, I am leaning towards it as my next toy. I am trying to decide between the M4 or the 650i with Xdrive, both as convertibles and two very different drives I'm sure.

As it relates to the M4, here are my newbie questions:
- How reliable is the car? In other words, are regular trips to the dealer to be expected?
- What is body roll like? I know it's not a Lotus or a 911, but is it like driving an old station wagon?
- Any particular things I should look for or avoid (i.e. upgrades, etc.)
- Do you guys still love your M4's as much today as when you first got them?

Lastly, yes, I'm hitting the dealership again this weekend for another test drive but during test drives, we all get jaded so I wanted opinions of those that have been driving them for a while. Thanks to all who respond. Greatly appreciate it.

PS- I am looking into getting either a 2014 CPO or a 2015 new model year.

[Woodengun]

Neither will compare to the lotus. But the M4 is much closer than the 650.

Lotus is jackie chan, M4 is chuck norris and the 650 is fat albert lol.

[captainaudio]

I would strongly recommend the Adaptive M Suspension. This makes the M4 a dual personality car. It is a comfortable daily driver in the soft mode and a high performance GT on the more aggressive settings.

Neither the Lotus or the M4 can be driven at their full potential on public roads without being suicidal.

CA

[fueledbymetal]

With adaptive M the body roll of my M3 is barely perceptible over my S2000 and definitely better than my old Scion FR-S.

[r3dbimmer89]

Originally Posted by Woodengun

Neither will compare to the lotus. But the M4 is much closer than the 650.

Lotus is jackie chan, M4 is chuck norris and the 650 is fat albert lol.

Good one

[TI.3VOM]

I would wait and see how you do after the surgery if that's the only reason you're parting with a car you seem to love so much. Just my 2 cents...

[dkhm3]

I love the car more and more each day. It has been great. 5k miles. Mine is an M3 though.
very little body roll. Best handling car i have owned bar none.

[dhoggm3]

As it relates to the M4:
- How reliable is the car? In other words, are regular trips to the dealer to be expected? NO. It's a great daily driver.

- What is body roll like? I know it's not a Lotus or a 911, but is it like driving an old station wagon? The F8X M's control body roll exceptionally well. Still the center of gravity is higher than a Lotus or a 911 so it won't be quite that good.

- Any particular things I should look for or avoid (i.e. upgrades, etc.) I agree that the adaptive suspension is excellent, and don't shy away from the 6MT. It isn't a 911 GTS but it's good. And get the HK radio, because with this option you can disconnect the Active Sound in 20 minutes with only a screwdriver. Many like the Active Sound, but if you don't (like me) it's an easy fix.

- Do you guys still love your M4's as much today as when you first got them? Speaking only for myself, YES! And I have nearly 12K trouble-free miles on it now.

[M3PGH]

there is no 2014 model, you can buy a used 15 or a new 15 or wait for 2016. I have owned
a b8.5 s4 and couple of 991/911" carrera s, and currently GT3" . So in summary the M4 is better than the S4 but not as good as a 911. It is easy to get in and out off though depends on how much ROM " range of movement " you have after your knee replacement. Some patients get better results than other. Try the m4 at dealer several times and see for yourself about how easy for you to get in and out. My other suggestion, since you seem to like the audi/porsche line is to try Macan Turbo, it is really fun to drive or the AMG GLA45
which also a blast

[Racer20]

The car is reliable. The only real issues people have had are some minor creaks from the door seals and dash trim, but they are easily fixable.

The adaptive is a must, and with that option, the body roll is well controlled in sport and sport +. There is a bit of roll in comfort mode, but that's to be expected, and it's not bad.

The car is fantastic, but it's not a Corvette or a Porsche. If you want the worlds best sports sedan, this is it.

Also, get the 6speed. It makes the car seem so much more alive.

[m5sdse63]

Originally Posted by Racer20

The car is reliable. The only real issues people have had are some minor creaks from the door seals and dash trim, but they are easily fixable.

The adaptive is a must, and with that option, the body roll is well controlled in sport and sport +. There is a bit of roll in comfort mode, but that's to be expected, and it's not bad.

The car is fantastic, but it's not a Corvette or a Porsche. If you want the worlds best sports sedan, this is it.

Also, get the 6speed. It makes the car seem so much more alive.

He just had a total knee arthroplasty at the age of 46. The last thing he needs is to wear out his TKA clutching in and out!

DCT will give him more miles on his total knee!

[slavearm]

I have had 3 knee surgeries. I started with an 08 6MT, and will confirm for you that the switch to DCT has made my life a lot better. I would highly advise you to use the DCT. The DCT rocks in this car.

[ake]

I haven't had a single problem with the M3 ... and it's been on the Autobahn, on the Nurburgring, on Spa Circuit and now is used as DD on Detroits "finest" roads

If you ask me that really stands for reliability...

I do have some of the creaks one mentioned above though, will address that some time this summer. But that's nothing of concern I think.

[nicknaz]

Should be a great daily. How about m3 instead of m4

[Fahrvergnügen]

The Evora is a mid-engined car, I believe, and will have a lower polar moment of inertia compared to a an FR layout like the M3/4. Don't be fooled by cars with a low CoG or near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, they are not all made equally (ex. a 3000lb car could have most of its weight on the front fender and back bumper and still have 50/50 weight distribution).

Going from a rear-engined 911 to a mid-engined Evora to a front-engined M4 will definitely be different so of course do a lot of tight turns on your test drive if you can.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Should be a great daily. How about m3 instead of m4

What's wrong with the M4

[Squddie]

There's also the e89 Z4. It's quite a big bigger and not as flat as the Lotus. No M but DCT is available. It drives pretty zappy.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Squddie

There's also the e89 Z4. It's quite a big bigger and not as flat as the Lotus. No M but DCT is available. It drives pretty zappy.

I am replacing an e89 z435 dct with an m3. It is not anywhere close to the m3. Would need turbo swap and supporting mods, lsd and aftermarket suspension to be interesting.

Op is also swapping out due to knee issues. E89 not as easy to get in and out of.

As for m3 vs m4 if its a straight up commuter why not go all in and get a 4 dr

[Ramos]

If you have the means, why not an M6 convertible?

[rpolin]

Thank you all! I am dead set on getting back into a convertible which is why the M3 isn't an option and thus the reason to look at an M4, if i want to go new. I realize that nothing will drive like the lotus and of course, nothing will turn heads like the lotus but I need to be more realistic as to the need for a daily driver and the lotus isn't it, especially with my knee. the surgery went great and i am pain free but range of motion will always be in an issue which is basically trying to get in and out of the car. the M4 looks gorgeous as does the 650ix. Going to take them for another ride today. I'll keep you guys posted and thanks again for the feedback.

[m5sdse63]

Good luck with your choice and keep us posted!

[dharo1]

Originally Posted by rpolin

Thank you all! I am dead set on getting back into a convertible which is why the M3 isn't an option and thus the reason to look at an M4, if i want to go new. I realize that nothing will drive like the lotus and of course, nothing will turn heads like the lotus but I need to be more realistic as to the need for a daily driver and the lotus isn't it, especially with my knee. the surgery went great and i am pain free but range of motion will always be in an issue which is basically trying to get in and out of the car. the M4 looks gorgeous as does the 650ix. Going to take them for another ride today. I'll keep you guys posted and thanks again for the feedback.

Good luck!