Watch this before buying a used BMW M3 or M4 (F80, F82, F83 - what to look for)

[@AHeatedMess]

So glad I watched this video before I bought a used M3. I will stick to my unicycle thank you very much.

[@lowkeyjc2347]

😂😂😂

[@raydoeonda826]

Scatpack it is

[@Byriii]

​@@raydoeonda826 imagine choosing a hellcat over a BMW for reliability 💀💀💀

[@fvkz]

​@@Byriii 😹

[@wizzglock6940]

@@Byriiishit gone get stolen within 48 hours😅

[@yungmugel]

I work at a BMW dealer in the service dept. and I’ve only had one owner slip their timing gear, and that was caused by money shifting. Very solid engine for the abuse I’ve seen it take, even for 600+ whp vehicles

[@TommyLGarage]

Any issues with leather wear ?

[@yungmugel]

Tommy L Garage commonly on the driver side bolster since it pokes out a good amount and it’s grazed going in and out of the car, but overall, one of the least problematic M cars to come thru tbh, steering wheel’s leather sometimes can feel like it gets sticky or coming apart after a lot of use or if you live in a very hot/humid climate

[@TommyLGarage]

Miguel Ramirez thanks !!!!

[@gtmike916]

Have you came across any other issues that these M3/M4 F80-83 cars may have? I want to know because I keep wanting one haha.

[@yungmugel]

GT Mike91 Not very much at all mechanical wise! Pretty solid M cars like I said, charge pipes have a tendency of cracking, turbos are rarely an issue, keep up with oil changes and routine maintenance and you’ll be good tbh

[@MrFifty2323]

I always look back when i walk away lol. I know the feeling

[@TommyLGarage]

I’m glad I’m not the only one

[@Maddoggy2023]

Me too, every time. I look back at it and I’m like, damn that thing is amazing.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

MrFifty2323 me too, but I probably wouldn’t with the F80. Looks boring to me. My E46 M3 is timeless, and I look back every time, multiple times

[@boeingdriver29]

MrFifty2323 every time 👍

[@pete64041]

@@boeingdriver29 I do a 360

[@7coldfusion]

"looking back at your car as you walk away" what every car enthusiast does! xD

[@TommyLGarage]

Of course :)

[@Toyota4Life]

Don’t forget we take a picture too 😂🤦🏾‍♂️

[@sirm.3952]

Sting3R right.😅

[@astonbrissett9747]

I have a mustang and I still do that lol.

[@zabre200]

@@Toyota4Life no

[@itsm3th3b33]

I thought that he was going to warn us against crazy owners that do donuts in the parking lot in their M3. 😃

[@TommyLGarage]

J Y nope - I do it too :)

[@kiratofu]

Looking forward to the day I can buy this car. Thanks for the video!

[@TommyLGarage]

Hope it was helpful

[@blackice214]

I’ll sell you mine ,2018 grey

[@chasemcwilliams6516]

How much?

[@blackice214]

Chase McWilliams 62k it’s gone by the weekend

[@EJ257IHI]

If you are buying it used and out of warranty, set aside a few thousands for repairs, or take my advice and don't buy a used M3/M4.

[@jmciver767]

One other component that has seen some failures recently has been the top mount heat exchanger - some have been developing internal leaks and draining all of the coolant into the engine in the extreme cases. Unlike the crank hub issue, which has been most likely blown out of proportion a bit due to the forums (and the dealers don't appear to be very familiar with it), dealers have been seeing some failed top mount heat exchangers. Exactly how widespread the issue is actually is difficult to tell of course. Also, there does not seem to be a specific pattern for those cars that are affected (i.e. model year, tuned vs stock, etc). But it is something to look out for (by checking the expansion tank level) or asking the previous owner/dealer if it has been replaced. I wouldn't let this potential issue discourage anyone from buying the car though (it does not appear to be a rampant issue by any means), just something else to be aware of. FWIW, my car is a MY17 (Comp Pack), almost 3 years old with 41k miles on the clock and I have not seen any issues with my top mount heat exchanger (but I also check my expansion tank level regularly now since I became aware of this potential issue).

[@wjohnsonism]

I'd like to add that my 2016 expansion tank had a small weeping/leak at the seams. I would notice a small amount of coolant residue spitting when hot. My dealer replaced it under warranty and mentioned that they have seen a few others do this and it's fairly simple to replace if you happen to pick one up out of warranty. Other than that, I've had zero issues.

[@zcarfanatic]

Love the look-back comment. Classic! The measure of a great car is the look-back factor. I was going to buy an F80 M3/4 a year ago, but I unfortunately, I had to buy a pickup-truck as a tow vehicle and home improvement hauler instead. I still have my 2007 350z that I bought new and tastefully modded. I still look back at that 12 year old car as well.

[@TommyLGarage]

I remember when the 350z first came out I wanted one so bad. The manual transmission was so good on it

[@supasupra9543]

When I parked my 2012 Evo x 500 whp I always look back and every time I drive it I have a big smile 😊 and the feeling is priceless too🙏😂

[@TommyLGarage]

Gotta love the Evo!

[@jayding486]

thumbs up from another M manual owner :)

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks!!!!! Kudos for owning this car in a manual

[@3dlava202]

Mannnnnn, I'm about to pull the trigger on this car,...thank you so much .

[@TommyLGarage]

Good luck! Let me know if you’ve got other questions. Email is best

[@GracelessTarnished]

I got my 2018 Yas Marina Blue manual a couple of years ago and and am still absolutely in love with this machine. Had to special order it to get the options I wanted, i.e. manual and the 19 inch wheels. This car is a work of art.

[@TommyLGarage]

Agreed! Such an amazing car. Hard to beat it

[@Donslife]

One of my favorite F8x content creators! I really like that you tackle most of the work yourself!

[@stevemerbler9793]

Also, I like the way you present yourself .... I watch a lot of car channels. Just subscribed to yours... keep'em coming!

[@TommyLGarage]

I really appreciate it. Thank you! It means a lot. I don’t try to go over the top - I’m just being myself

[@stevemerbler9793]

@@TommyLGarage It's perfect Tommy... Well done!

[@entreptiles]

Just got a brand new M5 last month. I definitely keep looking back when I walk away. 😅

[@TommyLGarage]

Congrats. M5 is truly amazing

[@lukepugh76]

Great points. I’ve had mine for some time now and it is light years beyond my older M cars. No plans to modify it. It wasn’t supposed be a daily but I just can’t stay out of it. It’s a base model with manual & I absolutely love every moment with the car. Withing a a couple months of ownership I had already accumulated about 10k miles and a few oil changes and basic preventive services. What an awesome car these seem to be.

[@TommyLGarage]

So happy to hear! I say these are a must! www.kiesmotorsports.com/products/tlg-mud-flaps-for-bmw-f8x?aff=7

[@TommyLGarage]

So happy to hear! I say these are a must! www.kiesmotorsports.com/products/tlg-mud-flaps-for-bmw-f8x?aff=7

[@chriswyatt2874]

I couldn't agree more with your comments being a f80 M3 owner myself. I love my car!

[@byrongreen7225]

This video actually helped quite a lot when I was looking at a used M4 for sale. Ended up buying it so thanks for the tips😁

[@Leo-ij1ef]

Congrats! any updates on the car so far?

[@mred1341]

mine is a 16’ individual color 6mt M4 and bought it new, don’t drive it much, only has 8k miles on it, it’s my track car, love it

[@TommyLGarage]

edwin morgado reliable right ??!!

[@mred1341]

Tommy L Garage absolutely, 125% solid, keeping it for many years to come

[@JC-qf1jd]

the full leather pack age is definitely worth - its in no way a chore maintaining it and it looks 100% better than the other options.

[@TommyLGarage]

Perhaps you’re right

[@paulewing1094]

This is best spec M3 on KZbin. Well done Tommy!!

[@dennisnedkov1681]

Thanks for sharing videos like these, an F80 M3 is my dream car, especially with that crazy color. Everytime you upload a new video my desire for an F80 just gets bigger

[@ASCONTRACT]

Awesome video Tommy! You really inspired me to purchase an F82 in a manual! Now I always look back at my ride when I walk away

[@uttoxeterscaffolding]

Had mine 3 years from new. Never missed a beat. Looked for new car but couldn’t find anything that even came close. I’ve had RS4’s 911’s and gti’s . In the end I extended my warranty. The best solution for me is to keep her long term and upgrade my wife’s car so I will have the best of both worlds

[@TommyLGarage]

Glad to hear! The car is indeed a great all arounder

[@leslie_7017]

I saw this car at a dealership the other day and fell in love instantly with the color which is exactly like this one, and now I want to get it so badly! 😭

[@TommyLGarage]

Time to pull the trigger!

[@laxkid1019]

Very helpful video when looking to buy an F8X. I bought my M4 almost 6 months ago but have been using your videos to help make my decision

[@avishkarsingh744]

This car is just such a bargain of a sports car. Reliability, looks, speed, value, its the whole package deal. My next one for sure

[@TommyLGarage]

Super solid !

[@andys5782]

I have a 2017 m3 competition and I just love that car

[@TommyLGarage]

Hope she serves you well!

[@willvalentine91]

Most underrated f8x KZbin channel. Keep it up man!

[@maickdaenen987]

If I will ever be able to afford one of these, by God there will be a Tommy L Garage-sticker on it, because you will be the reason I would buy one!

[@Amigotheboss98]

I think the best thing to do would be to change your crank hub to be sure it wouldn't brake and to change the oil of the dkg transmission and I think it will be done ✅

[@TommyLGarage]

True !

[@carlosramos368]

This was the first video I watch before purchasing my beautiful m3 like I said thanks tommy 👌🏼

[@DRUMM1NM4N77]

Ohhhh the tunnel blast... doesn't get any better than that!

[@Nahluwalia94]

Tommy I have been watching your videos before I got myself and f80 m3. Great job and very entertaining!

[@kellykellymaster5150]

I love the way you go through every thing the, especially the wheels and the problems, and risks of buying this car

[@billmolyneaux7625]

Love the way the car looks, headlights looks amazing

[@rjansrvoll8069]

Had mine for 4 yrs now and no issues. Thanks for the video Tommy, great info! Masheen55.

[@TommyLGarage]

Masheeeeeeeeeen!!!!!!

[@wtrfern_s]

What year?

[@FSXflyermaster]

Imagine bragging about your car not having issues for four years. This comment was made by the Lexus gang.

[@kalhana_photography]

I got the M4 competition pack DCT about a week ago (2018 model year, ~7.5k miles, Shakir Orange). Loving it! Still getting used to it, but I find myself driving it in sequential mode most of the time, it's a lot of fun. I have opened the exhaust flaps with the BimmerLink app and it does more exhaust pops and gurgles (actually since upgrading from a 320d, I have found that I use the harman kardon at a lot less volume and instead listen to the pops and gurgles haha). Also I have turned off ASD. I might unplug the exhaust flap solenoid because it's a faff messing around with the app all the time to open the flaps.

[@TommyLGarage]

Congrats! Wishing you lots of happy and safe miles

[@alexfuentesyuherd]

I got a g35 coupe now for 4 years and going but like shitttt ever since the f80 came out i been stacking for it 😤😭😭

[@TommyLGarage]

You won’t be disappointed when you make the switch

[@alexfuentesyuherd]

@@TommyLGarage haha for sure bro!! I’ll be patient for this monster 😍 subscribed btw 🤙🏽

[@lapchoine6600]

Yup I also heard a lot of blown M3 engines due to tuning. If you tune it make sure you check out only the reputable one. Cost of fixing it will be easily in the $10K.

[@TommyLGarage]

That’s a scary number!

[@JMD535]

This is great information for those in the market for an F80 M3, etc. If I were to consider one,....I'd definitely look to get the last model year!

[@dkhmargi]

Always enjoy your videos. Lots of guidance as an F80 owner!

[@KyleSulkar]

Haha what an awesome intro! Love it man. Happy to see a fellow F80 owner enjoying their car.

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@evo5349]

A high performance engine has to be looked after, warmed up and treated with respect until warm. I always change the oil far two often and have never had a problem with any off my cars and use the best oil.

[@TommyLGarage]

Same here

[@grendelz]

Love that color. If I ever decide to buy one it will have to be that.

[@TommyLGarage]

It is definitely a standout

[@ronaldcollins3634]

Well done. Leaning toward a M235i or M2 but might seriously consider the '16-17 M3/M4. Had Major issues with an Awesome 2007 335i (Sport/Cold/Smoking Pkgs). Hated to get rid of it. Bought a 2013 335i (Sport Pkg, 89,000 miles) and it's been solid. Totally stock. I've had to add oil to it a couple times. It's my Wife's car. I Drifted in it yesterday.

[@TommyLGarage]

From what I’ve seen the M cars are better built than non-M

[@MrJamkev]

Crank Hub is real my friend, even on stock, it’s the first engine mod I did on my F82, and I was running it stock for a while. If u abuse the stock it can spin that hub as well. The fix for it is pretti bullet proof thou

[@TommyLGarage]

From what I’m seeing if you are stock you are fine. But if you are making modifications it’s good to have it. I will be getting mine done as well

[@MrJamkev]

Tommy L Garage my boy spun is on a stock M4 with less than 3000 miles at a track day. BMW gave him the go around to fix, went and upgraded my hub at that point

[@jeffgrimes7341]

Couple things on my 19' M36spd. The window seals "crackle" a lot and I'm kind of a noise freak. I've had them replaced but it only seems to help temporarily. Also, I had a water bottle leak in the driver's side of the trunk. FYI, the amp for all the sound of the car is located there and got fried. No radio/phone/warning/seat belt (that's actually nice, car door etc. Cost over $2k to replace. Not really a defect, just a heads up not to let anything leak into that area.

[@TommyLGarage]

I have a permanent fix for the window seal crackling. Stay tuned!

[@AlexanderBallot]

Good luck on hitting a million views!

[@TheNORegretShow]

And this is why you always do a very good inspection on used sports cars. Then hire a professional to do a second inspection. Because some people drive them like they are stolen.

[@TommyLGarage]

These cars can take a lot of Abuse

[@Josenv-kd5te]

I can’t wait to own an m3 . They’re beautiful beast 😍

[@dannysimpson5174]

My next car is going to be the m3 f80 I drive them at work and my first drive with one I just fell in love ❤️ very good and honest video 👌

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! But mine? :)

[@metomwhou]

Good luck on the 1,000,000 views!

[@meck1973]

Constant source of inspiration!! Many thanks for all the content ..from over the pond in the UK 👍

[@kens.8124]

Tysm. Your video makes buying one of these used so helpful!

[@TommyLGarage]

They’re amazing used !

[@v8_sami]

Love these cars just the way s55 sounds throws me off

[@prudvireddy5485]

Love your videos! Wish I watched this more in depth before I bought mine.

[@amarr8647]

Super sick m3, trying to get a m4 soon 😈

[@aekashs357]

Love your channel man super helpful been wanting a m3 for a while jus need money lol

[@donovanh5679]

A very informative video on F8X gen M3/M4. Given a new M2 Comp costs about $65K, I wonder if it is a better buy than a used M3/4 Comp? From many leading auto journalists, they seem to think so because of its compact size and superb handling with the same detuned M3/4 engine under the hood.

[@Peanutdenver]

M3/4 Comp all day long. More technology, more horsepower, more room and greater color variance. Don't get me wrong I do love the M2C, but for low $50s you can get an 18 M3/4 Comp pack and save 15k. They are also very close in weight, M2C 3655lbs with DCT and M4 with manual is 3466lbs (88lbs heavier with DCT).

[@TommyLGarage]

I agree with Patrick. I know the M2 might be more nimble at the track but M3 M4 just feels a lot more premium. You feel like you get a lot for your money. Although I really like the way BMW wide body looks

[@donovanh5679]

There is no doubt that M3/4 feels more premium than M2. On the other hand, there has been criticism that newer generations of M3/4 are growing in size and weight which push them into the GT category rather than truly driver-focused sports cars. Quoting from a recent Car and Driver article, www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a22574455/2019-bmw-m2-competition-first-drive-review/, the journalist wrote: "... the M2 remains the most exciting vehicle from a driver-involvement standpoint within the BMW lineup".

[@Peanutdenver]

@@TommyLGarage I'm with you on the looks department as well. I like my F80 better than my E92 in every department beyond the soundtrack you get with the E92. Miss that roaring 4 liter V8 screaming a little bit.In every other department the new M3/4 is just a fantastic package all the way around. Great vid btw, juts found your channel and love the stance on your M3C.

[@ryanseifert5144]

Congrats to 25k, love the Channel!👌🏻

[@freddyperez678]

Love the f80 platform!

[@brigitteknott6884]

Love this video! Thank you. I've been searching for my M3 for 6 months now! One day, though :)

[@TommyLGarage]

Best of luck! Let me know if you ever have any questions

[@981_pdk3]

Love your work Tommy. Great info and experience on the M3. Maybe need your Volvo back to track. I own and track a Volvo C30 only issue had is slight oil leak from clamp on drive shaft. I also track a Cayman 981 and have had no issues.

[@DevanGoodwin]

This was really informative and to the point, thanks. On the fence for a used M4 comp.

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks! Go for it. You won’t regret it. Or buy mine :)

[@illLogic02]

Still lookin back at my m4 when I walk away for 3 years now

[@corvairluver]

Love your channel! Got your mudflaps, they are amazing. Have been eyeing the Akropovic Exhaust since I saw your video about it!

[@serferito6]

Guilty as charged. I am a "rubber necker". My son is becoming one too when he sees a BMW. Cheers.

[@seanf3255]

Hey Tommy thanks for always responding to my questions.

[@max_mox]

Always interesting to watch your videos.

[@Account1746]

That colours is perfect

[@TommyLGarage]

Thank you...though sometimes it gets too much attention

[@Scruffy91]

Watched this video before my purchase, at the dealership and after purchase lol

[@stevojohn]

Love your films. This is really useful information.

[@dragonball_modz7157]

cant wait till the G80 M3 comes out.

[@TommyLGarage]

It will be too much of the same

[@garyching5597]

i came here for some review of m3. click in here to see this guy flex with that drift tf

[@TommyLGarage]

Scarred for life?

[@s.c.1972]

Love your videos! I’m *still* shopping for my M3!

[@JrzyG80]

Thoroughly informative as always

[@guptabob123456789]

Love your videos and been watching you for a while

[@masterofdisaster5476]

Exhaust sounds good!

[@-Cold-World]

This car is sick! I love my 2020M2C!

[@TommyLGarage]

M2C is amazing. Congrats !!

[@jouncsenxie8984]

Really want a M3!

[@PeterSather]

That look back comment is SO damn true haha

[@TommyLGarage]

I do it every damn time haha

[@ghouloh4518]

The exhuast sound like a rock bounced in a bucket 2 times at start up 😂

[@TommyLGarage]

Haha god analogy

[@kamote214]

Love the YAS M3

[@shanGoes924]

honest opinion from your end, what would u tell a buyer stuck between 2016 M3 and 2017 charger hellcat. Great video btw and Thanks

[@TommyLGarage]

M3 all the way. More refinement and class

[@shanGoes924]

thanks, it’s definitely tempting

[@ILoveMyHonduh]

Seat bolsters wear very easily on these cars compared to older model Ms

[@TommyLGarage]

I’m at 26k and have to say the wear is somewhat acceptable

[@pyccanful]

25k subs and climbing, keep it up

[@MrJayzion1]

Mud flaps FTW!

[@matthewdrewello8902]

Thanks for all of the great videos. Keep up the good work!

[@derrickallen2054]

Extremely helpful info thanks. I'm considering buying a 2018 with 24k miles, pretty much mint condition. They're even letting me drive it this wkend, only thing I don't like so far is the seat kind of hurts my upper back when I'm in it for extended amount of time. Initially my concern was the crank hub, but you helped bring some clarity. Thanks!

[@TommyLGarage]

I’m glad it helped. Good luck with your search.

[@derrickallen2054]

@@TommyLGarage thanks bro

[@earlsmithson4749]

TLG great content and just plain fun to watch

[@trevorjones8307]

thanks for the content man, enjoy your livestreams too

[@tonikins99771]

Good tips Tommy!

[@FoneBone27]

thanks i'm lokking for a m4 and this info helps a lot, getting 2017 afther seeing this :) (not 2015)

[@TommyLGarage]

Nice!! Glad it was helpful

[@Copperhead-th1tt]

Extremely Helpful!!! Thank you so much for especially the skratchy thing you warned of

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@tompotter501]

Enjoy it Tommy...

[@Nathan413c]

Thank you for this video!!! I’ll be looking for everything mentioned when I purchase

[@TommyLGarage]

Or buy my car :)

[@Nockalates]

I am Having terrible problems with turbo waste gate rattle issues. Have Been fighting BMW for 12 months on it.

[@TommyLGarage]

Has anyone tweaked it ?

[@CU08]

M-cars are usually at the forefront of automobile technology. This is the stuff that generally goes wrong, and it's expensive to fix. I personally wouldn't own an M-car out of warranty. Amazing cars, but definitely not a "deal" in the used car market.

[@TommyLGarage]

Very well said

[@y2ksierra]

B. L to be fair, this attitude is what makes out of warranty M cars an amazing deal for DIYers like myself 😀

[@CU08]

LC's Garage ... if I had the patience for German engineering, I’d be right there with you. Absolutely hate them tho. Also, when many of the issues lead to ‘catastrophic engine failure,’ not exactly the type of issues I’m looking to deal with, lol. Then again, I like American performance, and they’re generally shit themselves. Easy to work on though.

[@WilsonsGreenRoom]

Great video as always. Love my M3 as well.