BMW G80 M3 (2021-2026)

84 sales analyzed · 20 topics from real Bring a Trailer & Cars & Bids comments.

“G80 is the best and probably last real M3.”Ryanyates1987 · Sep 24, 2022 at 12:01 AM

• Kidney grille and front-end styling controversyvariant
  The oversized kidney grille is the single most-discussed feature, widely disliked as 'bucktooth' or an eyesore, though many owners say it grows on you, has strong road presence in person, and was styled for the global/Chinese market rather than the US. …
• 6-speed manual is rare, RWD/base only, and 'last of its kind'variant
  The 6-speed manual is offered only on the rear-drive base car and is prized as a rare future classic, celebrated as one of the last ICE, RWD, three-pedal four-door performance cars. …
• Competition means automatic; xDrive availability by yearvariant
  Commenters clarify the trim/drivetrain matrix: Competition on the G80/G82 now just means automatic, 2021 was RWD only, and xDrive AWD first arrived on Competition cars for 2022 onward. …
• xDrive AWD versus RWD manual preferencevariant
  Commenters debate AWD/automatic practicality versus the purist RWD manual; some buy the auto xDrive so family can drive it or for weather, while others view AWD/auto as un-M3, and xDrive owners often admit missing the stick. …
• S58 engine reliability and durabilitymechanical
  Multi-generation M owners single out the S58 and G80 drivetrain as the most reliable M they have owned, with high-mileage examples cited and the S58 rated as night-and-day better than the prior S55. …
• S58 tuning headroom and clutch/trans limitsmechanical
  The S58 is receptive to tuning (JB4 piggyback, BM3/custom, flex-fuel E50/E85), but the F80-carryover manual clutch and transmission cap headroom past ~600 wtq without an aftermarket clutch kit, and sellers frequently emphasize stock/untuned status. …
• Tuning detection and warranty denial riskbuying
  Commenters warn that dealers detect ECU tunes/JB4 via ISTA diagnostics, that BMW NA logs overboost values and can deny drivetrain warranty claims, making removable piggyback tuners (which leave no trace) attractive for warrantied California cars. …
• Exposed oil cooler and cold-start scrutinymechanical
  Buyers commonly demand cold-start videos to rule out prior oil-cooler puncture damage on the exposed lower cooler, while others argue the concern is overblown; a documented 'rough idle on cold start' was explained as the M engine's normal elevated startup RPM. …
• Carbon bucket seats: look great, polarizing to live withvariant
  The optional carbon bucket seats draw praise for looks and support but repeated complaints about narrowness, a pinching front buckle, no cup holders, and being torture devices for taller/heavier drivers or long drives. …
• iDrive 8 curved display versus older dashoriginality
  Many commenters prefer the earlier ('21-'22) button/gauge dash to the newer curved-screen iDrive 8 layout, some buying older model years to avoid it, while others praise the new screen as clean and functional. …
• 1,200-mile break-in service and skipped-service riskownership
  Owners repeatedly reference the mandatory ~1,200-mile break-in service (power limited until then, differential fluid and oil changed), and warn that powertrain coverage may be denied if the service was skipped or delayed; buyers ask for its documentation. …
• Factory warranty length and transferabilitybuying
  Commenters clarify the factory warranty is 4 years/50k miles (distinct from the shorter 3/36k free maintenance), that it is tied to the VIN and transfers between buyers, and that tuning can void it. …
• Depreciation and softening used marketmarket
  Commenters note German-car depreciation and a cooling market with abundant supply, prices settling around 70-75% of MSRP after a few years, though some hold that the M3 retains value better than the M4 and that manuals/Comps briefly firmed. …
• Used value versus new-order MSRP, CS premium and competitorsmarket
  Because order books stay open and cars are plentiful near MSRP, buyers question used premiums; the CS's ~$124k sticker over the standard Comp is seen as unsupported by the used market, and the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is cross-shopped as a superior value. …
• Modifications add little or no resale valuemarket
  Sellers and commenters agree money spent on mods (tunes, suspension, wheels, exhaust) is not recovered at resale, that bone-stock examples tend to get the best money, and highly optioned or accessorized cars rarely command their added cost. …
• Driving experience and S58 characterownership
  Owners describe the G80 as an exhilarating, refined all-rounder: extraordinary handling and acceleration, improved steering feel over other modern BMWs, close manual gearing, and Competition xDrive cars reported to out-accelerate exotics. …
• Brakes, tires and wear-item maintenancemechanical
  Sellers document brake history (rear pad/caliper replacement, front pads due around 25k miles) and buyers scrutinize squeaks and grooved rotors; rear tires wear quickly, and rear brake service requires retracting the electronic parking brake, with single-use caliper bolts. …
• Factory Individual and special-order colorsoriginality
  Bright factory Individual colors (green, mint, Techno Violet, Laguna Seca Blue) draw strong praise, are often mistaken for wraps, and are highlighted as rare and value-adding, though one commenter predicts frozen/matte finishes will age like a fad. …
• PPF, paint protection and cosmetic condition scrutinyownership
  Full PPF is treated as a strong selling point and buyers ask about chips and paint correction before application, while curb-rashed low-profile wheels and dings are read as signals of how well an owner cared for the car. …
• Comparison to the F80 predecessor and earlier M3svariant
  Owners who have had earlier M3s rate the G80 as another level in outright performance, but some prefer the lighter F80 manual and feel the current M4/M3 has grown heavy, coupe examples feeling like a 5-series-class car. …