F8X BMW: All you need to know to go fast with one | Articles

F8X vs. E46 vs. E9X vs. F3X

Why this particular generation of BMW? Let’s start with the E46. Those cars are roughly 20 years old. “With the E46 parts, we’re seeing a lot of stuff go NLA,” says Phil. “The parts supply is golden on F-chassis cars.”

One generation newer, and you get the E9X and with it a V8. Certainly nice, indeed, but it’s not faster than the F8X, says Phil.

“BMW has been upping the performance with every new generation,” Phil says. “Yes, they get a little bit heavier, but, everything else, that F8X car does better.”

And then there’s the contemporary cousin to the F8X, the F3X. We felt that the F3X held so much potential that we have a 2015 BMW 435i as a project car. The F8X, though, offers more power, a more responsive DCT, a limited slip with a stepper motor, bigger brakes and wider fenders flares for bigger tires.

“This all comes with a price tag difference,” Phil reminds us. “Expect to pay probably double for an F8X, but depending on the example it could end up being more. The F3X is an amazing car, still.”

What to Look for When Buying One

The F8X came in several trim levels: standard, Competition, CS and the GTS.

“If you’re person who wants to take it to the track and not modify it, maybe a CS or GTS is your option,” says Phil. “They’ll be a little more money up front, but they’ll be a little more capable. However, if you’re a person who’s going to put a tune on a car, install a better suspension, fit wider wheels and tires–you know, go the GTMore route–all that stuff from the CS and GTS isn’t going to matter.”

Sedan (M3) or coupe (M4)?

Photograph Courtesy BMW

“That could come down to personal preference,” Phil says. “But a coupe is going to be about 50 pounds lighter than a sedan.”

Six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT?

“If lap time is what you’re after, then the DCT is what you want to do,” says Phil. “I was once a stickler…