[RacerTex]

First time poster after years of lurking I'm sure this topic has been covered a ton, but I'll chime in anyway.

Flew from Texas to St. Louis to pickup a 2024 G87 (manual AW) from Autohaus BMW. First off, the dealership was fantastic to work with. Nick (sales), Zack (setup) and Steve (finance) were all professional and efficient. Nick, in particular, was very patient and responsive while I waited for the car to arrive in Baltimore and make its way to the dealership. I can wholeheartedly recommend the team and the dealership.

Drove the G87 home over two days and was struck by the differences between my F87 (manual BSM) and the new car. I'm self-diagnosed OCD, so I took it very easy, but I can still tell that the cars will drive and behave very differently over time. The car was a pleasure to drive on the highway. The trip in my F87 would not have been nearly as comfortable, or entertaining. The best way to describe it is to say that the G87 feels similar to my 2018 F82, while the F87 feels like an altogether different car. I've always described the F87 as tossable, playful and rambunctious, and that's exactly how it feels compared to the G87. Both are great, just different.

Here are some of the differences:
Transmission (manual) - Good, but heavy and more notchy. Feels more like what I've driven in a Mustang GT.
Clutch - Very nice, light but with the typical first to second struggle.
Engine - Strong. Pulls hard but not as punchy.
Technology - I'll miss the analog instruments and controls of the F87, but I like the curved i8 screen more than I thought.
Drive - More comfortable. Feels like the larger car that it is, including the extra weight.
Handling - I need more time with the car, but the handling is impressive so far.
Brakes - Need more time with the car but it may be the one thing that feels similar in both cars.
Looks - Growing on me for sure to the point of liking the G87 better.
Interior - Big improvement in materials and comfort.
Sound - Different but good.

Overall, I'm happy (bitter sweet) with the choice to move on from my F87. My next car needed to be a little larger and more comfortable and that's exactly what I got in the G87. I missed my F82 and that's what I got in the G87. I'm slower than most to embrace new technology but I do like many of the new features and creature comforts of the G87.

I purchased my F87 off of the lease (story for a separate post), so I'll get to enjoy it a bit longer before selling it. I'll miss it, but it's time to move on.