2021 BMW M4 | Save The Manuals

Our introduction to the newest generation BMW M4 starts with the standard model with its manual gearbox. We take it for a spin on some perfect roads to discover what it's all about.
For a very different second opinion, check out MotoManTV's review of the same car at • 2021 BMW M4: The manua...
Learn how to heel and toe with our ultimate guide: • The Secret to Perfect ...
2021 BMW M2 CS Review: • 2020 BMW M2 CS | Bimme...
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#bmwm4 #bmwm4manual #g82m4

[@zerobytesfree]

Another great review, and bonus points for the Austin Powers reference.

[@BrianMakse]

I have one simple request. And that is to have sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads!

[@grizzle273463]

I loved this video and your presentation style. Thumbs up!

[@BrianMakse]

Cheers. Thanks, Gary.

[@MIAMILIFEANDFITNESS]

this was the best review on the M4... thank you! 💪🏼

[@BrianMakse]

Cheers. That's our goal here.

[@skrypka]

Completely different perspective for this car, thanks! Racing drivers perspective is much more valuable than anyone's on youtube today (basically they all tell that the car feels surprisingly light, agile and similar statements).

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, very pleased that you appreciate this. It's a big car now. Very much a GT now, not light and athletic, but still fun to drive.

[@anilbouri1485]

nice details on clutch and brake feel, not too many journalists cover these topics, I appreciate that

[@BrianMakse]

This is what we do here. A couple of points. 1. Most “automotive journalists” can’t drive their way out of a paper bag. 2. I’m not one of them.

[@davidhoughton5893]

In search of a sedan with a manual transmission I can be excited for as my family grows. I appreciate the feedback on the stick not fitting the dynamic of the car, perhaps Ill look into the CT4 Blackwing.

[@KandiMan]

Nice review! As you were giving your live reactions to the car’s suspension/handling at 14:18, I noticed that you were in Comfort mode. I find that there’s a noticeable difference between Comfort and Sport Plus.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks! Pretty sure I addressed this in the video. Comfort is great for typically rough public roads. Sport Plus might work for smooth roads or the surfaces of racing circuits. The softest damper setting the general rule on the road for me. Firmer settings have the tire skipping over road imperfections.

[@KandiMan]

@@BrianMakse Comfort is absolutely the mode you want to be in if you’re on a standard A-to-B drive on typical roads. I do find Sport Plus a worthy mode for having fun on roads like the one you were on for your review. The body roll and secondary motion that you mention at 13:20 are typical of Comfort, and sharply mitigated in Sport Plus. The car feels a lot stiffer and “on its toes” in the more aggressive mode, with exactly the trade offs you mention. With optimal settings for conditions an M1/M2 button press away, going between the modes is easy and essentially encouraged.

[@BrianMakse]

@@KandiMan that road is 100% Comfort mode! Typical SoCal deteriorating road surface. I found both body roll and secondary motion only slightly reduced in Sport Plus. I'm rather sensitive to this being a racing driver and all. Your experience will vary.

[@Route36BGN]

You raved about the car the whole review and then was negative about arguably the best part about it. Driving dynamics. I notice you're brushing off the comments from people telling you that you were on comfort mode and needed to be on Sport+. I'm shocked that a "race car" driver did a review with the adaptive suspension on "comfort". Yes, it makes a huge difference and yes you can still use it on public Cali roads. The body roll is almost negated with Sport+ and the car is very flat/planted. I drove a white manual M4 just like this(pretty hard I might add) on Philly public roads(trust me they are pretty bad). The car tears up corners and the overall experience made me order my own M3 manual. You cannot be on Comfort and then complain about body roll haha. This car has been weighed to be only 150lbs heavier than previous gen and you cannot feel the weight gain either. It's only second to the M4 GTS in power to weight ratio and it beat it's time on the Sachsenring(supertest by Autobild). Motor Trend also got 23.8 seconds in their figure 8 course(anything under 24 they consider a supercar). I bet they weren't on "comfort" settings nor do they think the car is a "GT Tourer" like you're saying. Almost every top reviewer said the car is better with the manual contradicting you. Sorry but this was a very poor take and your whole review is discredited in my book. This is a track car, sports car, and a capable daily driver all in one.

[@BrianMakse]

There's no brush off, homie, and this is no track car. If you know how dampers work, we'd be having a different conversation.There are plenty of channels for you to choose from and I hear there lots of really good drivers on KZbin.

[@Route36BGN]

@@BrianMakse Doesn't brush off...then proceeds to brush off without addressing my points 😂 Have a nice day sir.

[@BrianMakse]

Evidently, you don’t want to have a conversation and don’t understand the difference between new ideas and a brush off. Sorry you’re having a bad day, sir.

[@MyWatchTherapy]

Well said!

[@SebastianThierjung]

great looking car... from behind! definitely a big change overall from the F generation BMWs. constantly getting bigger and bigger, turning into GTs. loved the review!

[@BrianMakse]

Ha ha! Thanks! Is it any different when you get to see the episode first hand?

[@SebastianThierjung]

@@BrianMakse in a way. it’s a super fun experience. but you manage to get across on video in 15-20 minutes everything you say in person. so well done for that!

[@BrianMakse]

@@SebastianThierjung Thanks, Sea-Bass!

[@BillY2KFRC]

Great video, always enjoy your reviews. Question, I've heard both you and Farah use the term "agro"; is this just short for aggressive? Must be a CA thing! :)

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, Bill! I don't watch Matt's channel all the much (or anyone else's for that matter), but I'd say it comes from my BMX background from the eighties until today. It is an abbreviation of aggressive most definitely!

[@os1437]

hi Brian excellent video, how does the interior quality feel, as in the leather finish, seats, etc ...? thanks

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks! I'm not much of a dash stroker, but it's definitely typical BMW above average quality.

[@golfbuddy1969]

Great video as always.I would do the green color on the M3...I like the looks better than the M4. If a person gets the manual, they take a hit on performance, quickness, and gas mileage, so it should be a great manual. If not a great manual, might as well get an auto. Also, have you thought about putting “how to spec your....” near the end of the video? I think it may be a good way to wrap the video up, but just my thoughts and worth what you paid. 🙂

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks! I saw a green one at a BMW store before I drove this one. As always, I appreciate your feedback. We've been doing this show format for basically the last year and we're looking at rejigging it a little.

[@karlmalone11]

Were the dampers in sport plus or at least sport? I find it remarkably flat in sport plus and aggressive in a good way, and sport being a nice compromise of comfort and body control

[@BrianMakse]

I tried the range. Body control seemed to be a challenge in every mode and not as buttoned down as I would have expected. I'd love to know of the Comp suspension calibrations are different than this standard model.

[@davidpegler6774]

Really enjoyed this take thank you. It’s making me really question ordering the M3 manual. If you saying the competition is the way to go I should probably listen.

[@BrianMakse]

Glad you enjoyed, David. I genuinely think so. Still haven’t driven the Comp/auto, but there’s no question in my mind that the auto suits this car better than the stick. The manual isn’t as crisp and as sharp as I’d like.

[@davidpegler6774]

@@BrianMakse sincerely appreciate your response thank you. It’s a shame this G80 series might be the last pure combustion M cars we get. I really wanted to dig the manual. Thanks again!!

[@BrianMakse]

Drive both if you can to be sure for yourself. I was let down near the limits of its performance envelope. Day to day? It’s fine.

[@brandodurham]

I donno, I feel like if it was a dct I could do that, but the manual is worlds better than the zf for a driver. They made improvements to the mounting and feel of the manual from the last gen. I ordered the manual, but only cause I’m coming from a super fast dual clutch and I know the zf would make me sad in comparison

[@gw7624]

Surprised at the weight distribution given the longer wheelbase compared to the F series. I can't imagine the S58 weighs much more than the S55.

[@HemiMike]

Hi Brian, Is it just me or are the pricing for performance cars are getting ridiculous in Canada?

[@BrianMakse]

It's not you, Mike! Heck, that last M2 CS was a hundred in Canada...

[@stms4411]

Another great one Brian - thanks. Some thoughts. So glad you pointed out that this is more GT than sports car. I would submit however that it wouldn’t be a sports car if the damping alone was different. How can any 3,800 lb car be a sports car? I was forever seduced by BMWs in line sixes and was also impressed with the turbo power plants. My last bmw was an M235i. It will likely be my last bmw sadly. Despite being the smallest in the lineup, it drove big and insulated from the road. A good mini GT. At this price point, I’d submit that one would likely have more than one car. In which case, the cayman 4.0 w manual would annihilate the M4 as a sports car.choice, wouldn’t it? And while I can live with some aesthetics that don’t suit my taste (for good driving dynamics), I can’t live with some cars design choices. For example, I’ve never sought out a civic type r to drive because the appearance is such a turn off. With this bmw, the grill alone might be enough for me to ignore this car altogether and that’s a shame. Perhaps not as big a sin as the first bangle designed 7 series was in its day, but bad job bmw. I fear they’ve lost their way. Would love your thoughts in reply

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, Geoff. I'm not a fan of the M3/M4 styling that's for sure. Several aftermarket companies have tried to resolve the aesthetic of the fascia, some better than others. The new 2 series looks great, as does the X3 we recently covered. All of that said, I think BMW's design is no longer trying to appeal to European or North American tastes.

[@tonymcflattie2450]

How well does the auto blipper work? I don’t like the blipper in the civic type r.

[@BrianMakse]

I don't really use them, still using old school heel and toe.

[@francoisbalavoine1316]

hallowen party interior!! jajajajaja hilarious!

[@robertfoster3384]

I’d spec my M4 base manual with the option wheels in black.

[@BrianMakse]

I love black wheels in person, hate them on camera.

[@tttppp5951]

Theres kw v3 for sale for this car ,some others too,also there are nice 2 piece steel rotors and btw its mosty good pads whats nevedel not carbon ceramics ,but.Definitelly a good car,not so hard to Tune also:)

[@tttppp5951]

*NEEDED

[@BrianMakse]

There are other advantages to carbon ceramics in addition to braking performance.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Great video. Too bad the manual isn’t more engaging.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, Jorge! Yep, and I think the auto will be brilliant!

[@c05l24]

Yikes!!! What did they do to the front end? I think I would still prefer the Evora ...and for looks, the previous M3...yes, I am shallow Lol :) Great job Brian as usual.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, Chad! Agreed. It seems like attractive cars are lacking today, even when the opportunity is right in front of designers. Since I drove this car a couple of weeks ago, I've been considering aesthetics again (never studied it), but when I see things like my uncle's roses, it's clear that recognizing beauty is innately human.

[@cwx8]

@@BrianMakse I think the new BRZ is a good looking little car, the Audi rs6, subjectively I think the supra looks cool, and the vantage. But yeah sure is dark out there.

[@JusBThankful]

Nose is really growing on me, and I really hated it at first. It imparts a unique character unlike anything else on the road, and there are some heritage design cues from 70-90's performance BMW's that shines through.

[@BrianMakse]

They say to each his own, but this is inherently unattractive.

[@JusBThankful]

@@BrianMakse well to some. But much like a fungus... You probably know the rest lol

[@derekburns4553]

I think you nailed this one, Brian. Well done indeed. You'll have to grab a slush-box example to confirm suspicions when the chance arises. But the proposition of a GT with a I-6 is interesting (and also nothing new in the car world), though a turbo seems to make things peppy based on your driving. Really cool stuff. My whole gripe with this car is price, even if it seems to be going to the GT route. Its nearly the size of the old M6. I'm sure you see what I mean here.

[@stubones]

There are no suspicions from educated road testers and drivers. The so called "slush box" is anything but slushy and is fast and accurate. In fact most testers say its almost as fast as the old DCT, but is smoother, especially at low speeds. Its 2021, not 1980 with 3 speed bowls of gear porridge. The ZF 8sp auto is simply the best box on the market.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks, DB! It's coming soon, I think, so we'll give it a proper run. I kinda think it'll be perfect.

[@IamJay02]

You know it would be amazing if they offered a manual with the competition #Savethemanuals

[@BrianMakse]

It might be better! We'll never know! It's probably not available for the usual clutch/transmission-saving excuse.

[@Massimo_U]

dude, the comp has just slightly more turbo boost. nothing a software can't fix. the rest is identical (except the transmission of course)

[@MyWatchTherapy]

Brian, does this car handle the same as the M3?

[@BrianMakse]

Roughly

[@brettsneyers7019]

i own a manual g80 and it’s lovely !!!! I also drive a m3 competetion last week and it’s very very boring against mine. The manual is the wat to go!!

[@BrianMakse]

In your car, I love the DCT! In the M4 GT4 race car, it's even better!

[@benbrown5913]

@@BrianMakse G80 refers to the 2021

[@BrianMakse]

@@benbrown5913 I'm so not a nerd. What's the previous gen model nerd code?

[@benbrown5913]

@@BrianMakse Why is your self confidence so low that you have to be this defensive in response to your audience?

[@BrianMakse]

@@benbrown5913 I think you're projecting, Sigmund Freud!

[@richieduck67]

I approve

[@BrianMakse]

He approves!

[@CrackerJohn100]

Honestly, if you dont realize that the body roll movements can be adjusted in the car settings, you might not know a lot about modern sports cars. Also, preferring an automatic in an M car.. maybe a 550d Touring is more suiting for you.

[@BrianMakse]

OMG LOL through which mechanical system does one control body roll from inside the cockpit of a 2021 BMW M4? I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS ANSWER!

[@CrackerJohn100]

@@BrianMakse ironically capslocking into ridiculousness. Go ahead, I'm not gonna hold you back.

[@BrianMakse]

@@CrackerJohn100 That wasn't ironic, but rather deliberate. I'm giddy with excitement because I'm going to learn something new! Still waiting for your deep, technical explanation!

[@HanDynastyNet]

Would you rather have the m2 cs or m4?

[@BrianMakse]

Great question! For me? M2 CS.

[@HanDynastyNet]

@@BrianMakse yes sir. Ur one of my fav reviewer. Would love ur input.

[@HanDynastyNet]

@@BrianMakse I bought the m2cs. Just want to feel good about my decision lol

[@BrianMakse]

@@HanDynastyNet I swear I should start charging for purchase validation! Good choice...now buy something at our merch store!

[@HanDynastyNet]

@@BrianMakse lol will do.

[@stubones]

I honestly don't care that manual is being phased out of new cars. If people really want "old school" motoring there are millions of used manual cars for sale. The reality is that our daily drives are made up of stop start traffic a lot of the time and manual is a pain that I don't miss. 99% of us can't afford daily drivers and a weekend toy.

[@BrianMakse]

There are plenty of cars that work with a manual, but this isn't one.

[@escesc14]

Manual > DCT

[@BrianMakse]

They offer a manual and an auto in this car, no dual clutch.

[@boffam00]

Complete-save-the-manuals-diehard-enthusiast checking in! Compared to my F80 this looks like a step forward in driving dynamics, power, and sound, but 3 steps back in aesthetics. Inside and out, this thing is uglier than a baboon’s ass. Pity.

[@BrianMakse]

I do like the interior...

[@boffam00]

@@BrianMakse I guess I’m also a complete-save the round analog dials-diehard enthusiast as well! I do like the orange leather and the silvery switchgear.

[@iluvcakes19]

Bro this thing is basically a German Mustang now. Tell me I'm wrong.

[@BrianMakse]

It doesn't have a V8, nor a budget interior.

[@iluvcakes19]

@@BrianMakse v8 aside, they make similar power (GT, Mach 1, and GT350) and have similar weight and dimensions. In fact, I think the new BMW is a bit longer. You should do a comparison between the M4 and the Mach 1. I bet they put down similar times. Interior is preference I guess. I wasn't considering that when I made my statement.

[@BrianMakse]

@@iluvcakes19 I think the M4 would be quicker on a racing circuit, but maybe not by much, which would make the Mach 1 a killer value regardless. I'd love to do a comparison, but it's a ton of work for no ROI.

[@iluvcakes19]

@@BrianMakse generating views, especially in the event of an upset, isn't ROI? Serious question. I thought youtubers got paid from ads and views.

[@cwx8]

Excuse me.. attractive? What? Also.. for the love of god do not option a power trunk lid.

[@BrianMakse]

That may have been a joke. I was shocked by the trunk, too. It's part of one of the packages.

[@cwx8]

@@BrianMakse subtle, well done :D

[@Eric_Gilbert]

You need to lose weight my friend and watch out for the Malibu sheriff

[@Alwalidalharbi]

I totally disagree with you. I think the manual suits the car very well.

[@BrianMakse]

Let me guess…you bought one.

[@Alwalidalharbi]

@@BrianMakse no, but I am going to

[@BrianMakse]

@@Alwalidalharbi Don't do it because I don't like saying I told you so

[@Alwalidalharbi]

@@BrianMakse I am an only manual type of car enthusiast. I think the manual doesn't suit the m8 for example because it is so big and it is a touring car but the m4 needs a manual. It is connected to its identity and heritage. There is an English car youtuber who owns the m4 competition and he tried the manual in Germany. He said that car feels better with the manual and if he had the manual option, he would've chosen it.

[@BrianMakse]

This isn’t the channel for you, mate. This is a channel for drivers, not pretenders. Go follow that Euro KZbinr.

[@marclaren6193]

The G82/80 M4/3 : Insanely ugly 😬🙈🤢🤮🤮🤮 , Too heavy 👎👎, Too expensive 👎👎, horrible sound 😖🙉

[@paulm6481]

Jesus Christ what is wrong with BMW? Brian I just can’t get past that front grill. It is as though they want to destroy the legacy of 3 series past. It may be fast, but I take a Mustang GT or new Mach 1 with better manual over this any day. I can never own a car that looks like this. A joke.

[@BrianMakse]

This made me laugh, Paul! I think the aftermarket is going to do a tidy business with new M4 fascias.