Buying the M4 of someone else’s dreams

I couldn’t convince you to save the V-10s – 57% of you think it’s time to walk away. This week, I’m bringing you something that I promise will make you laugh. Smile, at least. It’s a BMW M4!

Buckle up, we’re going for a ride.

The 2015 BMW M4 Coupe vs the 2016 BMW M4 GTS

See the 2015 M4 Coupe listing here

See the 2016 BMW M4 GTS listing here

I’m well aware that modifying a car is not a financially sound decision, but it does make us happy doesn’t it? And sometimes when you modify a car tastefully, it can increase the value over some that are stock – but by no means will you make your money back fully. The last piece of the puzzle is your own personal vision for a car – will someone else share it?

May I present the poster child for that conundrum – this 2015 BMW M4 Coupe. It’s been modded yo. A roll cage. A GTS hood. Tuned. Wrap. Big wing. Let’s say the owner has been inspired by an M4 GTS. It’s been so modified that half of it doesn’t work.

I can’t quite believe they let this thing on Cars & Bids.

Against it, let’s get an actual GTS. The market hasn’t been kind (it’s depreciated more than any other modern M car), and I’m on the record saying this isn’t very good. The one I’m picking is cheap (ish), has some history and has accumulated over 34,000 miles.

Can the wannabe compete with the real deal?

The 2015 BMW M4 Coupe

There’s nothing inherently wrong with turning your car into a dedicated track machine, and in the M4, you have a platform that will serve you well.

But the problems begin when we can’t decide if we still want to drive it on public roads…

• 48,700 miles
• Bid to $35,000 so far
• The CarFax is clean
• But “The airbag, chassis function, and TPMS warning lights are illuminated in the gauge cluster, reportedly due to the aftermarket modifications.”
• There is a roll cage installed, along with MoMo racing seats
• A green wrap. What’s the paint look like underneath? No one knows. Pop the hood for a surprise!
• LCI head- and taillights, along with a GTS hood and look-alike wing
• Eventuri Black Carbon cold air intake, AWE Tuning exhaust, and a Bootmod3 Stage 1 ECU tune – nothing major.

Wheels, Suspension, and Brakes

• 18-inch BC Forged KL01 wheels
• MSI wheel studs
• KW Clubsport 2-way coilovers
• Hyperco coil springs
• Ground Control camber plates
• Turner Motorsport rear toe arms
• AP Racing front brake kit
• AP Racing rear brake discs and brake lines
• GTS-coded traction and steering mapping

I wanted to list all those suspension mods because…why? The seller states that this car has about 800 track miles on it, so that’s a lot of work for 800 miles. If you buy it, among trying to fix everything, you’ll need to take it to a shop like TySpeed and have them dial it in properly to make sure it handles how you like.

All for…a second a lap over a regular M4, if that?

Opinions? Who, me?

The 2016 M4 GTS

Whatever that car goes for, it’s already too much at $35k. Instead, can I present the real deal?

• 32,423 miles
• CarFax lists a moderate accident, so no matter what, this will never be a cherry example of a GTS
• $71,306 – bet you can get them into the 60s.
• Three previous owners, and currently in Ohio
• Alpine White, though the GTS only came in four muted colors anyway

Aside from the accident, it’s an unremarkable GTS that’s cheap. But it already comes with carbon ceramic brakes, more horsepower, that carbon fiber hood, a HAS suspension, and a rear seat deletion. In Europe they came with roll cages, so the GTS is designed to handle one easily. Looks more “race car” too, with no arm rest or sound deadening because she’s not going to go on a date with you anyway.

It still might be twice the price, but everything works, making the final check you write deceiving.

So, which M4 can be my next track day toy?

Want your car reviewed?

If you live in the tri-state area and want me to check it out, send me an email! 

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