This is a car you may have seen more frequently in the weekly newsletters over the last 90 days, and that’s because it’s slowly but surely becoming hackable.
This is good news for those looking for newer body/engineering everyday vehicles who are also obsessed with the German engineering sensibility.
The car went into production back in 2019 and quickly caused a stir as the M range was expanded to include this particular model.
Like the M6, this car is available in both coupe and Gran Coupe (sedan) versions, making it suitable for those looking for a sports car or high-performance sedan. It also comes in a convertible variant, but I don’t recommend buying this car in convertible format as the fabric top ruins the design.
The design is half the appeal of this car, as it is still fluctuating in the depreciation curve, something you don’t want to miss out on when reselling (written in November 2023).
If you’re curious about whether the M8 meets your needs for a high-performance everyday driver, read on to find out if it’s the right hack for you.
Experience behind the wheel
Now, I personally haven’t owned an M8, and that’s only because BMWs aren’t currently in my line of sight to purchase (aside from the XB7 being my “dad SUV”).
But the power of these cars is, in my opinion, something that everyone can get involved with. Plus, the car itself is a real head turner on the streets and highways, even here in South Florida where people don’t even care about Ferraris anymore.
The way this car is designed gives you an inherently sportier driving experience. They are lower to the ground and have a slimmer and more angular cabin shape that still offers sufficient comfort and space for the people inside.
The long front of the car also contributes to the handling as this is where most of the weight sits as the twin-turbo V8 engine is housed inside. But given that it’s all-wheel drive, the heaviness of the front end and the squirming of the rear aren’t felt as much as, say, a Dodge Viper.
With an output of 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, this BMW is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 in just 3.2 seconds. However, the top speed of this Grand Touring model is limited to 155 miles per hour, but can be increased to 190 miles per hour with the M Drivers Package. So be sure to check this on the sticker if you feel the need for speed.
BMW M8 General problems
BMW M8s appear to have some issues that other M Performance models have; or really any sports car, with oil leaking and burning being the most noticeable. This is a common problem with many high-performance vehicles as they have a natural tendency to run hot, causing oil to burn more, and leaks can also be caused by loose rings and weathered seals.
There are also several recalls that have affected the M8 as well as other BMW models in recent years, including seat belts, rearview cameras, anti-lock brakes and even a transmission recall related to the wiring harness. Of course, the severity of these recalls varies from severe to mild, but all are worth repairing and fixing. Therefore, when considering your potential BMW M8 purchase, make sure all recalls have been completed or plan for them to be completed sooner rather than later during the time you own the BMW M8.
A few other quirky issues are that the hydraulic brakes react a little slower and increase the baking distance.
But my personal favorite is the high pressure pump, a problem that BMW is actually so familiar with that they have coined a term for the problem called “inadequate bolting”… Yes, that’s not a joke.
But all “that’s what she said” jokes aside, the pump could pop out because it isn’t screwed in properly. Now it doesn’t necessarily just come out in the middle of the ride, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
Of course, all of these issues can usually be identified and advised as part of a standard pre-purchase inspection by a reputable third party who is willing to look out for all of these common issues and more. For just a few hundred dollars, you’ll save thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches.
Best BMW M8 Buy
Of course, I advise you to go for the M8 competitor model instead of the base model. It’s simply more impressive, both in driving performance and resale value. It comes standard with so many options that are important for those who want to own the M8 after you, such as the M driver package that we touched on earlier in this reading.
It is also equipped with the more desirable options such as a carbon roof, the M aerodynamic bumpers and side skirts front/rear, a carbon fiber interior, M sports seats and the full leather/Alcantara interior which ensures the perfect mix of sportiness and luxurious.
There are many options you can choose in terms of color combinations with BMW.
However, I would like to ask you to stay away from anything that is too impertinent. For interiors, you’ll like Silverstone (white/gray), Sakhir Orange (more red than orange in my opinion), Midrand Biege (saddle brown), or just plain black.
When it comes to exterior colors, the BMW Individual Metallic paint will be the star of the show. Just make sure it goes well with the interior. The Frozen colors are some of my favorite exterior colors, but Frozen Dark Brown may not look great with the Sakhir Orange interior, but it would be hot with the Midrand Beige or Black option. In contrast, the Frozen M Marina Bay Blue would look great with Silverstone or really any other interior.
Diploma
BMW does a great job of combining performance with usability, we’ve seen that with the M3, M4, M5, M6 and now the M8. It stands out from the other M models with its design choices and the improvements inside, outside and under the hood in terms of technology, engine improvements and overall design.
With the depreciation curve starting, you just want to make sure you buy the right car, with the right options (preferring the competition, of course), and in good condition, and you could be the talk of the town.
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