This is a car you may have seen showing up in the weekly newsletters a bit more in the last 90 days, and that’s because it is slowly but surely becoming hackable.
This is good news to those looking for newer body/tech daily drivers that are also obsessed with the German engineering feel.
The car launched into production back in 2019 and quickly started raising eyebrows since the M line was added to with this specific model.
Like the M6, this car comes in both coupe and gran coupe (sedan) body styles, so it can work for those who want a sports car or a performance sedan. It also comes in a convertible option, but I DO NOT RECOMMEND GETTING THIS CAR IN CONVERTIBLE FORMAT as the soft top kills the design.
The design is half the appeal to this car, as it is still teetering in the depreciation curve, you don’t want to be without that when you go to resell (written in Nov of 2023).
If you were curious if the M8 could fit your needs for a high-performance daily driver, keep reading to see if it’s the right hack for you.
Driving Experience
Now I have not personally owned an M8, and that is just because BMWs are just not in my line of sight for purchase at this time (aside from the XB7 being my “dad SUV”).
But the drive of these cars is something I think that everyone can get behind. Plus, the car itself is quite the eye-catcher out on the roads and highways, even here in South Florida, where people don’t even get excited about Ferraris anymore.
With the way this car is designed, by nature, you’re going to get a more sporty driving experience. You are lower to the ground with a more sleek and angular cabin shape, that still provides a fair amount of comfort and space for those inside.
The long front of the car also adds to the drivability as that is where a majority of the weight sits as it houses the twin-turbo V8 engine inside. But given the fact she is an all-wheel drive system, the front-end heaviness and tail-end squirminess aren’t felt as much as they would be in a Dodge Viper, for example.
Capable of making 617 horsepower and 553 pounds of torque, this BMW is capable of a 0-60 time in just 3.2 seconds, but this grand touring spec does indeed have a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour, but is able to be raised to 190mph with the M Drivers Package. So be sure to check for that on the sticker if you feel the need for speed.
BMW M8 Common Problems
BMW M8’s can be seen having some issues that other M performance models have; or really any sports car, the most noticeable of which being the leaking and burning of oil. This is a common issue with a lot of performance cars, because the cars naturally tend to run hot so oil burns more as a result, and also leaks can spring from loosened rings and weather gaskets.
There are also a few recalls to note that have affected the M8, as well as other BMW models in the past few years, including seat belt, rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, and even a transmission recall involving the wiring harness. These recalls range in severity from serious to mild, of course, but all are worth getting repaired and addressed. So ensure when looking at your potential BMW M8 buy that all recalls are done, or be sure to schedule them for completion sooner rather than later during your time of ownership.
A few other quirky problems are that the hydraulic brakes are a little slow on reaction time and increase the baking distance.
But my personal favorite is the high-pressure pump, an issue BMW is actually so familiar with they have coined a term for the problem called “inadequate screwing”… ya, kid you not.
But all “that’s what she said” jokes aside, the pump could pop out due to it not being screwed in correctly… Now it won’t necessarily just come out mid-road trip, but it is something to keep an eye on.
All these issues, of course, can typically be seen and advised on during a standard Pre-Purchase Inspection done by a reputable third-party shop that will be willing to look out for all these common issues and more. Saving you thousands of dollars and many headaches for just a couple hundred bucks.
Best BMW M8 To Buy
Obviously, I am going to tell you to go for the M8 competition over the base model. It is just more impressive both in the drive and in the resell value. It comes standard with so many options that are important to those looking to own the M8 after you, like the M Drivers Package we touched on earlier in this read.
It also comes with the more desirable options such as carbon fiber roof, the M aerodynamics front/rear bumpers and side sills, carbon fiber interior trim, M sport seats, and the full leather/Alcantara interior combination, which gives that perfect blend of sporty and luxurious.
There are a lot of options that you can go for in terms of color combinations with BMW’s.
However, I want to implore you to stay away from anything too outrageous. For interiors, you will like the Silverstone (white/gray), the Sakhir orange (more red than orange in my opinion), Midrand Biege (saddle brown), or just regular Black.
Then, for exterior colors, the BMW Individual metallic paintwork is going to be the star of the show, just make sure it pairs well with the interior choice. Like the Frozen paints are some of my favorite exteriors, but a Frozen Dark Brown may not look the best with 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 of the options for interior.
Conclusion
BMW does a great job of blending performance with usability, wehave seen it with the M3, M4, M5, M6, and now the M8. It stands apart from the other M’s with its design choice and the upgrades inside, out, and under the hood with technology, engine enhancements, and overall design.
Given it is beginning to enter its depreciation curve, you just want to ensure that you’re buying the right car with the right options (Competition preferred, obviously), and in good condition, and you could be the talk of the town.
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