DRIVEN: BMW M4 with M Performance Parts

An evocative soundtrack is an extremely important element to any performance car. The BMW E46 M3 had the famous inline six-cylinder exhaust rasp and the E92 M3 still has one of the best V8 soundtracks money can buy. And the current F80/F82 M3/M4? Well, not so much…

Turbochargers are robbing the sound of pureness and then there is the automotive evil of synthesised sound through the audio system. BMW now has a solution  available that would not void your warranty: The BMW M Performance Parts pack, including a performance exhaust.

Does it sound any good?

Hitting the starter button from cold initiates a snarl from the exhaust that settles into an angry idle. The full soundtrack is only available in Sport and Sport+ modes so quickly opt for one of the latter. Driving around your neighbourhood in these settings borders on anti-social behaviour as dogs start barking and car alarms are set off.

Any flex of the right foot will result in unadulterated fury leaving the enlarged, quad-piped exhaust system, adding to the whole experience. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it does endow the M4 with a raw edge that is otherwise lacking. BMW does not currently claim any power benefit (although possible) but it’s not if the standard car is lacking in that department anyway. There is always the Performance Pack version available at 331 kW if you so desire…

Enhanced styling

The new soundtrack will draw eyeballs to the car and that is where the M Performance kit adds more appeal. The carbon-fibre splitter, side sills and boot spoiler add the needed drama in a fairly sophisticated way. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but our test car – finished in “Silverstone Metallic” – was a stunner. Just be careful when traversing a speed bump as the front splitter is quite low. And make sure to swing your leg further out when exiting as the carbon side sill does not function in the same way as a bakkie’s side steps…

How does it go?

As with the standard M4, our test car was a serious performance machine. The wet weather in Cape Town ruined the fun somewhat as traction during full-bore acceleration was a problem in any gear. During a dry spell, all 317 kW was unleashed, resulting in big numbers on the speedometer in a very short time. In the most aggressive transmission and throttle settings, the wheels chirp between gearshifts from first to second and second to third – especially when the electronic nannies are relaxed in MDM mode. Switching the traction control off is a brave move if you aren’t in the possession of a Super Licence….

And the handling?

The main party trick of the M4 is its immense handling capability if the driver is prepared to delve into its full potential. Again, MDM mode is preferred as it allows a little slip, but more importantly, instant throttle response when exiting turns. Turn-in and the neutral stance mid-corner are hugely impressive.

The aggressive rear limited slip differential allows the driver to steer the vehicle from the rear when needed. Feedback from the steering wheel is lacking but one learns to trust the front end and allow the lateral grip to build quickly upon turn-in. A skilled pilot will not be left behind by most forms of rapid transport – not bad for a vehicle that can carry four people and their luggage. Our test unit came sans the adaptive suspension option but the default spring and damper settings struck a good balance between comfort and good body control.

Should you opt for the M Performance parts?

If you find the standard M4 slightly soulless and want to portray your individuality then by all means pick up a copy of BMW’s M Performance catalogue or visit its website. The vehicle will not be any faster but the wider grin on your face may just be worth the extra capital outlay. Just be careful as selecting all the options will quickly add to the overall price – as you can see in the list below, which details what was fitted to our test unit…