For BMW enthusiasts in the market for exhilarating performance, the choice between a pre-owned F82 M4 CS and a newer G82 M4 Competition 2022 can be a tough one. Both represent high points in the M4 lineage, but cater to slightly different preferences. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you decide which M4 best suits your driving desires.
The F82 M4 CS: A Raw and Unfiltered Driving Experience
The F82 M4 CS is often lauded for its more visceral and connected driving feel. It’s a car that prioritizes driver engagement and a raw, unfiltered experience.
- Raw NVH and Stiffer Ride: Expect a more pronounced engine note, road noise, and a firmer suspension setup compared to the G82. Even in comfort mode, the F82 CS delivers a noticeably stiffer ride, which some drivers find less ideal for daily commuting but exhilarating on spirited drives.
- DCT Transmission Dynamics: The 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), the only transmission available in the CS, offers lightning-fast shifts and contributes to the car’s aggressive character. However, it also comes with typical DCT quirks. Smooth starts require a deliberate tap of the throttle, and the absence of a park gear means the car rests in neutral when stationary. Launch control in the DCT is known for a more aggressive and direct power delivery.
- Analog Feel: The F82 generation, in general, offers a more analog driving experience. While technologically advanced for its time, it lacks some of the refinement and technological sophistication found in the G82 M4 Competition 2022.
The G82 M4 Competition 2022: Refinement and Enhanced Performance
The 2022 M4 Competition (G82) represents an evolution of the M4, focusing on enhanced refinement, usability, and cutting-edge technology, alongside formidable performance.
- Refined NVH and Comfortable Ride: BMW significantly improved Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) levels in the G82. The result is a more comfortable and quieter cabin, making it a more agreeable daily driver. The suspension, while still performance-oriented, is more compliant, absorbing road imperfections more effectively than the F82 CS.
- Improved Power Delivery and Traction: The G82 M4 Competition 2022 addresses the F82’s tendency to struggle with power delivery, especially in rear-wheel-drive configurations. The availability of M xDrive all-wheel drive further enhances traction and launch capabilities. The G82’s launch control is programmed to start in 2nd gear, optimizing grip and acceleration.
- Modern Technology and Features: The G82 boasts a more modern interior with updated technology, including enhanced infotainment systems and driver-assistance features. Comfort access, which was omitted in the F82 CS to save weight, is standard or readily available in the 2022 M4 Competition, adding to everyday convenience.
- Updated Crankhub Design: A known concern with the F82 generation was the potential for crank hub issues. The G82 M4 Competition 2022 features a redesigned single-piece crank hub, mitigating this risk and offering greater peace of mind.
Driving Dynamics and Daily Use
The core difference boils down to driving experience. The F82 M4 CS prioritizes a raw, connected, and track-focused feel, even at the expense of some daily driving comfort. The G82 M4 Competition 2022, on the other hand, offers a more refined and technologically advanced experience without sacrificing performance. It’s a more mature evolution, suitable for those who want both exhilarating performance and everyday usability.
If you crave a visceral, analog driving experience and are willing to accept a firmer ride and more pronounced NVH, the F82 M4 CS might be your choice. However, if you prioritize refinement, enhanced technology, improved comfort for daily driving, and cutting-edge performance, the 2022 M4 Competition (G82) is the clear step forward. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and how you intend to use your M4.
