mmmamg

I'm looking for convertible 'toy' and it came to me that M8 convertible already has everything SL232 trying to have: luxury GT 2+2 convertible, V8 600+hp, soft top, all modern electronics,
AWD, etc.
I'll be looking to test drive one when its available around.

Am I wrong?

js_cls

Ask @Wolfman for opinion, as he has an M8 Coupe.


M8 is not a bad car, but modern M cars just lack a lot of feeling whether it be dynamically or just specialness. The steering in particular is pretty numb and the ZF transmission was too smooth for my liking and the exhaust could be better for a V8. Overall just lacks the theater that most MB AMG’s provide in my opinion, but you may feel different. Also the depreciation will be steep, these cars were selling for 20+% off new because BMW couldn’t move them, they even discontinued a whole model year to clean up inventory, I would not buy one of these while the prices are high and would wait until the market returns to normal with the expected discount since these cars are not receiving a successor.

mmmamg

Agree about exhaust. ...And theater.

The discounts and depreciation pre-covid' were the same with R231 or R231 were even worth.

Quite possible if we return to normal market condition We may get good discounts again but for now BMW dealers asking MSRP +.

But my point spec per spec it looks good comparing to the new SL63.

Wolfman

I can't speak to the new SL although I have some thoughts about how it will drive since the hardware will bear some similarities to the W213 E63s which we replaced with the M8 Comp Coupe. We also have a AMG GTC roadster which I will use as a benchmark against the new SL.

I have driven all flavors of 8 series, from the Cab to the Gran Coupe (840, M850, M8C). Also for extended periods in Germany a few months back. Interestingly, my opinion about the M8 has improved since we got it. Love the interior; easily better than the new SL unless it's black where it look underwhelming. But it's just another flavor of BMW interior whereas the SL will be unique.
In terms of power we will have to see how the SL stacks up against the specs but it will not match the M8 which is a sub 3 second, sub 11second 1/4 mile car in stock form and highly tunable (if so desired). The ZF is a fantastic transmission and BMW knows how to mate it to their engines in terms of software. Mercedes 9speed MCT is slow and clunky in comparison. Steering is numb as mentioned by js_cls and the cabin is too insulated to hear the actually quite nice sounding M Performance exhaust. Very different than our E63s. Loved that sound
Now the M8c cab is different; it does sound pretty decent with the top down. Can't match the AMG though and the GTC sounds better than either.

Neither the E63s or the M8 is as much fun to drive than our GTC which clearly isn't as quick from a stop. Love the rear wheel steering and the balance of the front-mid engine coupled with a transaxle (and the DCT). I hope the SL has some magic to create a similar balance even though it has the traditional front engine with attached 9 speed MCT.

The let-down of the 8 series cab is the 4 seater layout, the clumsy windscreen required to limit the wind buffeting and less than cool looks with the top up. The new SL has clearly less usable rear seats and unfortunately a similar clumsy windscreen but managed to make the car looks great with top up/down (by managing to maintain the R231 hard top roof line).

I'd take the SL over a M8 cab any day of the week although the will take the SL63 ePerformance to match the M8 in speed. A better looking package for me as a top down car.

Wolfman

The 8 series had the about the dumbest model launch in history. Virtually no marketing to build up any excitement and then loading up inventory at dealers nationwide without considering that dealers don't know how to sell $160-$180k BMW's. Those were in a price class of their own compared to the similar M5's. This is exactly the opposite of what Mercedes does with their AMG's. In normal times dealer inventory was constrained artificially. Whenever they tried to force allocations like they did for the S65 coupe/cab and AMG GT 4 door models, it ended in disaster and they sold with big discounts.

The R231 AMG model also sold with some of the biggest discounts of the AMG line-up but I expect that the new SL's will not repeat that. Mercedes will rather sell less than at a large discount. We know that from Europe where dealers are forced int a new agency model where all dealer inventory is owned by MB rather than the dealers...

Don't expect very big discounts for M8's in the short-term either; they have adjusted they prices downwards for the 22 MY and trunk money will be tighter moving forward.

jimand7

The M8 is a brutal ride in the coupe version I cannot even imagine the drop top. I went to buy one last month and could not get over how the comfort setting was stiffer than my 2018 Panamera Turbo is sport plus.

Wolfman

Compared to our E63s, our M8 is a super soft ride. Our car is also lowered a bit on adjustable springs. But I remember when picking up that AMG from the dealer, the tires were over inflated to the point that they were 50psi+ when warm. Felt like concrete and once we adjusted them down it was much better. Dealers seem to have a habit to over-inflate in case the cars are sitting for a longer period. M8 tire pressure is at 32psi. Just FYI

mmmamg

Wolfman

Congratulations! Have been seeing you car over on Bimmerpost and am eager to hear your impressions, also as a top down car. Enjoy!

places

Gorgeous. I think until SL's can readily be had at MSRP the M8 is a great buy.

js_cls

Nice spec! Glad to see some color, most M8’s and typically black, white, or gray.

Panama

Beautiful car... very pretty exterior color.. very nice combo.

I really like the interior dash engineering in these cars too. The computer screen - info screen looks like it was planned and an engineered design from the front end and very tastefully integrated into the dash. The 232 MB looks like they completely forgot the screen and at the last minute they thought --- OH NO...we need a screen, let's buy a great big iPad and a stand and add it right here....they won't notice it.

Your M8 is a great color. That is one reason we went with Brilliant Blue Metallic. I get so tired of seeing black and white and the occasional silver. They are just so common that they do not stand out. Your exteriot color does show it off and pairs nicely with the interior.

mmmamg

Thanks guys!
My first impression after E63 how comfortable M8 ride is. Apparently it is possible to make a car similar to E63s by all specs but make it very comfortable daily driver.
From outside new SL looks better than M8 but for this $ I want more performance and more customizable options so I went with M8 where I can get individual color.
I just started the break in so can't tell my onion about the driving dynamics.

The car has old fashioned BMW interior with 100 buttons so it is super easy to operate if you ever had BMW.

So far I like it and plan to have it for 2-3 years till something significantly better will be available in that price range.

Wolfman

Peridot Green. Cool color! Nice to also see non-CF interior panel M8...a rarity. You will love the car. As indicated these car are so comfortable compared to the E63s; they are great dailies.
We even keep our hardcore M2 setting still in comfort mode for suspension.

Drone_S213

Wolfman have you experienced a flex or creak in your M8 when driving 5mph in a parking lot then traversing over a speed bump at an angle? Old roommate now in DC by the Navy Yards just picked up a Nice Spec M850i Cabriolet in Dravit Grey with that cool 50th Anniversary M-Sport Roundel. Previously has driven Supercharged Jaguars sedans and Cabriolets last 20+ years. Was waiting on SL55 pricing put pulled trigger on 8-series custom order with that MSRP price drop...picked up his new Cabriolet about two months ago and just eclipsed 1800-miles. He loves his BMW much better than the smooth riding Jags with old school Supercharger Belts but at $128K is bothered by the "Flex" under above slow moving limited scenario with the top down or up and Radio turned off. Prior to his first BMW purchase he had sold his 2019 XJL Collection for $68K to Carmax which was the price he had negotiated new in 2019. He also sold his 2007 XKR Supercharged Cabriolet that looked immaculate but had serious engine warning light issues that started to show up that his factory trained independent mechanic could no longer extinguish by throwing parts at it from Rock Auto.

Wolfman

We have the coupe so zero flex. The car also has the carbon core (CF components embedded into the body shell for stiffening/weight reduction). We did drive an 840 cabriolet as a loaner; solid car. No creaks when entering our street which has a steep angled incline. We do get the occasional noise from our AMG GTC and SL before that (all top down). Let's see what mmmamg has to say...

That said, all convertibles are subject to some potential flex. Chances are even the new SL will make a little noise when putting 4300lbs at an angle over a bump

Our fun rides

mmmamg

I drive mostly top down thanks to great weather and so far very happy with M8 rigid body. zero flex as Wolfman said.

HAWKiS63

Great car, congrats!

Considering a M8 convertible also or an M850i XDrive. Even the M8 has a lower MSRP overhere than an AMG SL63, and compare it in build quality, space, driving, etc it is a no brainer imho.