Now that I've seen the 2021 M4...

3.0L · 03-09-2021, 05:10 PM

I think I'll keep my (out of production) M235i.

I just can't get past that butt-ugly M4 grille.

dradernh · 03-09-2021, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3.0L

I think I'll keep my (out of production) M235i.

I just can't get past that butt-ugly M4 grille.

I just took a look at the car for the first time. The grille isn't for me, nor is an M4 anyway, but I'd probably adjust to it over time. If not, I'd park so I approached the car from the rear as often as possible.

MikeT · 03-09-2021, 05:32 PM

I agree with y'all. I can't get past the new m4 nose. I do like Isle of Man Green, though. If the new m2 gets that color, I might be tempted.

GoldfishRT · 03-09-2021, 06:31 PM

I certainly don't love the snout but now that the shock factor has worn off the only reaction I can muster is that of apathy. I'm sure it's quite fast and pretty nice to drive and it still comes with a stick.

Not that my cheap-seats opinion matters at all anyway. I'm sure BMW will sell quite a few of them.

RoundelM3 · 03-10-2021, 08:29 AM

It's not just the M4 - the G22 (4-series) has the same look. Apparently, the Chinese really like big, ugly grilles, and BMW has bowed to the wishes of its largest market.

p912guy · 03-10-2021, 08:51 AM

I'm not a fan of the big grill either, but the longer it's been available, the more I have mellowed to it. As a fan of convertibles, I think the M4 / M440 looks much better as a convertible than as a coupe. To me some of the other lines in profile on the coupe are confused and I don't see those same issues on the vert. Still, it's a big car and I am doubtful I'd like that aspect. If I had to replace my M235i tomorrow, I'd consider the M4 / M440 along with the Z4 M40, but the top of my list is still a 718 Boxster S. Fortunately, my M235i still only has 55K miles so it will be in my garage for a few more years.

It's gonna be in the upper 60's at lunch today so the top is coming down for the first time since October which will make me fall in love with it all over again.

Wheelwright · 03-10-2021, 08:55 AM

The grill is big because the car is big, so if you make it smaller it will look out of proportion. Besides this trend has been going on for at least a decade, so why pick on BMW ? Also the big grill can be somewhat mitigated by choosing darker color like Dravit Grey. M4 looks really mean in that color IMHO.

WolfGTI · 03-10-2021, 09:35 AM

If the new M2 CS delivers on the driving experience, I'll over look its looks. The M4 apparently is delivering on the driving experience, but too big a car for my personal tastes.

dradernh · 03-10-2021, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p912guy

It's gonna be in the upper 60's at lunch today so the top is coming down for the first time since October which will make me fall in love with it all over again.

abraxas613 · 03-10-2021, 03:12 PM

I'm simply thankful that a manual option is available for both the M3 and M4...one can only hope that the next M2 will follow that trend.

Regardless, the grill isn't that bad IMO.

BenDiem · 03-10-2021, 04:24 PM

I was in the same camp, but since it’s been in the public eye for a while now, I’ve grown to no longer hate it. In six months or more, I’ll grow to like it, lol. Seems to be my M.O., lol...
Cheers/B

celsdogg · 03-11-2021, 08:20 AM

aside from the big grills, there are a lot of other design elements that look more odd the more I look at them. the lower vents, the side mirrors, etc.

Ajowhan · 03-11-2021, 08:28 AM

Thinking back to when F82/83 first came out, I didnt like it either. It definitely grew on me. But this.. Here is hoping to god it never grew on me.

KennyFSU · 03-11-2021, 10:02 AM

Yeah I think my next upgrade will be either an 240i or a Cayman S.

TonM3 · 03-11-2021, 10:49 AM

I'm going to my dealer's M3/M4 showing tonight, an event at many dealers across the country.
I am sure it is just as ugly in person, I am just glad it will be available in manual. Hopefully the likely poor sales performance won't get blamed on the manual transmission.
Either way, when my 2017 manual F23 gets old, I'll likely try and find a low mileage 2021 F23 manual.

Rocky58 · 03-11-2021, 11:08 AM

Look at it this way. Nothing will ever be as ugly as a Lexus grill.

Gilles79 · 03-11-2021, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky58

Look at it this way. Nothing will ever be as ugly as a Lexus grill.

This comes close - 2021 Genesis G80

TonM3 · 03-11-2021, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky58

Look at it this way. Nothing will ever be as ugly as a Lexus grill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky58

Look at it this way. Nothing will ever be as ugly as a Lexus grill.

The BMW 3/4 grill is uglier. The entire M4 front end from its GTO hood to the headlights to that god awful grill are a disaster.

spidy512 · 03-11-2021, 06:03 PM

Yo!

Went to Concord BMW is the East Bay, and they had 4 M3/4'son the showroom floor. One of the sales guys was SUPER cool, and let me check each one out. They were all spoken for, so clearly I just got to look, not touch. Ha.

I have to admit, I liked the grill way better in person. And frankly, when up close, the whole car had a flow to it that pics can't replicate (or at least not well). They all had the ridiculous lower carbon pieces, which was worse than the grill IMO. But overall, the design was not nearly as ugly as I anticipated.

The wheel overhang, as others have mentioned, is hard to miss. Possibly the AWD version will have a wider stance in the front? Either way these cars will look SO much better with either spacers but better yet, wider wheels. The whole car is begging to be lowered. 22's look like they would almost be a perfect fit the wheel arches and wells are that big. The aftermarket is going to go nuts on these cars.

The interior is awesome. WAY modern and is gorgeous. Not much else to say as I only got to look through the windows....

Just like many of the polarizing designs I hated in the past (old Subi guy here. I pretty much disliked every model change for the WRX), I am pretty sure this will grow on me eventually (just like each body style of WRX has for me). Having seen it in person, it does change how I feel about the F80 M3. It all of a sudden looks old, and sorta plain. Just how BMW wants me to think....haha.

I took a bunch of pics, but promised to not post them until the embargo is up (Monday?).

josh

TonM3 · 03-11-2021, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spidy512

Yo!

Went to Concord BMW is the East Bay, and they had 4 M3/4'son the showroom floor. One of the sales guys was SUPER cool, and let me check each one out. They were all spoken for, so clearly I just got to look, not touch. Ha.

I have to admit, I liked the grill way better in person. And frankly, when up close, the whole car had a flow to it that pics can't replicate (or at least not well). They all had the ridiculous lower carbon pieces, which was worse than the grill IMO. But overall, the design was not nearly as ugly as I anticipated.

The wheel overhang, as others have mentioned, is hard to miss. Possibly the AWD version will have a wider stance in the front? Either way these cars will look SO much better with either spacers but better yet, wider wheels. The whole car is begging to be lowered. 22's look like they would almost be a perfect fit the wheel arches and wells are that big. The aftermarket is going to go nuts on these cars.

The interior is awesome. WAY modern and is gorgeous. Not much else to say as I only got to look through the windows....

Just like many of the polarizing designs I hated in the past (old Subi guy here. I pretty much disliked every model change for the WRX), I am pretty sure this will grow on me eventually (just like each body style of WRX has for me). Having seen it in person, it does change how I feel about the F80 M3. It all of a sudden looks old, and sorta plain. Just how BMW wants me to think....haha.

I took a bunch of pics, but promised to not post them until the embargo is up (Monday?).

josh

In person they are less ugly. Funny that looking at my phone after I took the pictures, my pictures were uglier than what I was standing in front of

TonM3 · 03-11-2021, 08:45 PM

Just not photogenic. But this was nice to see

MikeT · 03-11-2021, 11:44 PM

I'll say it again. I freakin' love Isle of Man Green. Such a stunning color. Yet I just can't get past that grill. If this color makes it onto the next M2, and I like the specs & styling, I'm possibly going to be $60k (or whatever) poorer.

03-09-2021, 05:10 PM	#1
3.0L Colonel 8944 Rep 2,010 Posts Drives: M235i, 20k miles Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Now that I've seen the 2021 M4... I think I'll keep my (out of production) M235i. I just can't get past that butt-ugly M4 grille. __________________ ///M235i \| Mineral Grey Metallic \| Premium Package \| Technology Package \| Driver Assistance Package \| Dakota Coral Red/Black Leather \| Harman/Kardon Premium 360 watt sound system \| 8-speed automatic When writing your life's plan, use a pencil with an eraser
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03-09-2021, 05:32 PM	#3
MikeT Lieutenant 170 Rep 533 Posts Drives: 2015 m235i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I agree with y'all. I can't get past the new m4 nose. I do like Isle of Man Green, though. If the new m2 gets that color, I might be tempted.
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03-09-2021, 06:31 PM	#4
GoldfishRT Private First Class 76 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 228i M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	I certainly don't love the snout but now that the shock factor has worn off the only reaction I can muster is that of apathy. I'm sure it's quite fast and pretty nice to drive and it still comes with a stick. Not that my cheap-seats opinion matters at all anyway. I'm sure BMW will sell quite a few of them. __________________ 2014 228i M-Sport 6MT "And the Porsche is still behind us..."
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03-10-2021, 08:29 AM	#5
RoundelM3 Major General 1838 Rep 6,991 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	It's not just the M4 - the G22 (4-series) has the same look. Apparently, the Chinese really like big, ugly grilles, and BMW has bowed to the wishes of its largest market. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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03-10-2021, 08:51 AM	#6
p912guy Captain 373 Rep 702 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i Convertible Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: The Ville iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW M235i Conv ... [0.00]	I'm not a fan of the big grill either, but the longer it's been available, the more I have mellowed to it. As a fan of convertibles, I think the M4 / M440 looks much better as a convertible than as a coupe. To me some of the other lines in profile on the coupe are confused and I don't see those same issues on the vert. Still, it's a big car and I am doubtful I'd like that aspect. If I had to replace my M235i tomorrow, I'd consider the M4 / M440 along with the Z4 M40, but the top of my list is still a 718 Boxster S. Fortunately, my M235i still only has 55K miles so it will be in my garage for a few more years. It's gonna be in the upper 60's at lunch today so the top is coming down for the first time since October which will make me fall in love with it all over again. __________________ 16 BMW M235i Alpine White Convertible / MT (Daily Driver) 16 Audi Q5 3.0T (Wife's Daily Driver) 66 Porsche 912 (Project) 17 GMC Canyon Denali Long Bed 4x4 (Tailgatin, Haulin & Towin) various 'one design' sailboats / stinky hockey gear
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03-10-2021, 08:55 AM	#7
Wheelwright Captain 463 Rep 779 Posts Drives: M235i (6MT fakerich edition) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Canada, Oak Ridges iTrader: (0)	The grill is big because the car is big, so if you make it smaller it will look out of proportion. Besides this trend has been going on for at least a decade, so why pick on BMW ? Also the big grill can be somewhat mitigated by choosing darker color like Dravit Grey. M4 looks really mean in that color IMHO.
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03-10-2021, 09:35 AM	#8
WolfGTI Captain 716 Rep 913 Posts Drives: '17 F22,15 E84 M Sport,02 R53 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M240i [0.00] 2002 MINI Cooper S [0.00] 2015 BMW X1 [0.00]	If the new M2 CS delivers on the driving experience, I'll over look its looks. The M4 apparently is delivering on the driving experience, but too big a car for my personal tastes. __________________ Integrated Engineering engine mounts, Dinan CAI, AA catted DP, Remus resonated cat back. Rogue Engineering SSK & transmission mounts, WaveTrac LSD. Ohlins R&T coilovers, Turner monoball thrust arms, F87 LCAs, GC camber plates, Superpro subframe bushings, Megan Racing adj. RCAs, delrin differential bushings. Stoptech BBK 6 piston (f) 4 piston (r). Last edited by WolfGTI; 03-10-2021 at 05:38 PM..
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03-10-2021, 03:12 PM	#10
abraxas613 New Member 10 Rep 28 Posts Drives: 2020 230i Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Ottawa, ON iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW 230i M Sport [0.00]	I'm simply thankful that a manual option is available for both the M3 and M4...one can only hope that the next M2 will follow that trend. Regardless, the grill isn't that bad IMO.
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03-10-2021, 04:24 PM	#11
BenDiem Private First Class 76 Rep 184 Posts Drives: '19 M240i xDrive Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: OH-10 iTrader: (0)	I was in the same camp, but since it’s been in the public eye for a while now, I’ve grown to no longer hate it. In six months or more, I’ll grow to like it, lol. Seems to be my M.O., lol... Cheers/B __________________ Previous BMWs: '87 325is; '06 X3; '09 X3; '11 328i x-Drive; '12 R1200 RT; '13 128i; '13 X3 35i MSport Other/Current: '19 Porsche 991.2 TT; '21 Jeep Wrangler JL80A; ‘23 Lambo Huracan EVO RWD
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03-11-2021, 08:20 AM	#12
celsdogg E4 Mafia 329 Rep 418 Posts Drives: E30, E36/5, E46x2, F22, F30 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: MD iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 BMW 330xi [0.00] 1990 BMW 325i [0.00] 1998 BMW 318ti [0.00] 2003 BMW 325i [0.00] 2015 BMW 335i [0.00] 2015 BMW M235i [0.00]	aside from the big grills, there are a lot of other design elements that look more odd the more I look at them. the lower vents, the side mirrors, etc. __________________ Squad - '90 E30 325i MT (225k) \| '98 E36/5 318ti MT (153k) \| '03 E46 325i MT (152k) \| '04 E46 330xi MT (198k) \| '15 F22 M235i MT (60k) \| '15 F30 335i MT (80k) KIA - '91 E30 325i AT (146k) \| '02 E46 325i MT (212k) Bring back the purple M stripe
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03-11-2021, 08:28 AM	#13
Ajowhan Lieutenant 257 Rep 516 Posts Drives: m240i 'vert Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: CA iTrader: (1)	Thinking back to when F82/83 first came out, I didnt like it either. It definitely grew on me. But this.. Here is hoping to god it never grew on me.
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03-11-2021, 10:02 AM	#14
KennyFSU Captain 1104 Rep 736 Posts Drives: Lexus RC F Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW F22 M235xi [0.00] 1991 Suzuki Intrude ... [0.00]	Yeah I think my next upgrade will be either an 240i or a Cayman S. __________________ Estoril Blue E36M3 Mineral Grey M235ix/12.02 @ 115 Ultra White Lexus RC F
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03-11-2021, 10:49 AM	#15
TonM3 Lieutenant 249 Rep 507 Posts Drives: 2006 E46 M3 / 2017 M240 Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Bethesda, MD iTrader: (0)	I'm going to my dealer's M3/M4 showing tonight, an event at many dealers across the country. I am sure it is just as ugly in person, I am just glad it will be available in manual. Hopefully the likely poor sales performance won't get blamed on the manual transmission. Either way, when my 2017 manual F23 gets old, I'll likely try and find a low mileage 2021 F23 manual. __________________ E46 -> E90 -> F30 -> F23
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03-11-2021, 11:08 AM	#16
Rocky58 Second Lieutenant 123 Rep 208 Posts Drives: m240xi Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: UT iTrader: (0)	Look at it this way. Nothing will ever be as ugly as a Lexus grill.
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03-11-2021, 06:03 PM	#19
spidy512 Captain 498 Rep 693 Posts Drives: 2015 f80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: East Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [0.00]	Yo! Went to Concord BMW is the East Bay, and they had 4 M3/4'son the showroom floor. One of the sales guys was SUPER cool, and let me check each one out. They were all spoken for, so clearly I just got to look, not touch. Ha. I have to admit, I liked the grill way better in person. And frankly, when up close, the whole car had a flow to it that pics can't replicate (or at least not well). They all had the ridiculous lower carbon pieces, which was worse than the grill IMO. But overall, the design was not nearly as ugly as I anticipated. The wheel overhang, as others have mentioned, is hard to miss. Possibly the AWD version will have a wider stance in the front? Either way these cars will look SO much better with either spacers but better yet, wider wheels. The whole car is begging to be lowered. 22's look like they would almost be a perfect fit the wheel arches and wells are that big. The aftermarket is going to go nuts on these cars. The interior is awesome. WAY modern and is gorgeous. Not much else to say as I only got to look through the windows.... Just like many of the polarizing designs I hated in the past (old Subi guy here. I pretty much disliked every model change for the WRX), I am pretty sure this will grow on me eventually (just like each body style of WRX has for me). Having seen it in person, it does change how I feel about the F80 M3. It all of a sudden looks old, and sorta plain. Just how BMW wants me to think....haha. I took a bunch of pics, but promised to not post them until the embargo is up (Monday?). josh
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03-11-2021, 08:45 PM	#21
TonM3 Lieutenant 249 Rep 507 Posts Drives: 2006 E46 M3 / 2017 M240 Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Bethesda, MD iTrader: (0)	Just not photogenic. But this was nice to see Attached Images __________________ E46 -> E90 -> F30 -> F23
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03-11-2021, 11:44 PM	#22
MikeT Lieutenant 170 Rep 533 Posts Drives: 2015 m235i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: California iTrader: (0)	I'll say it again. I freakin' love Isle of Man Green. Such a stunning color. Yet I just can't get past that grill. If this color makes it onto the next M2, and I like the specs & styling, I'm possibly going to be $60k (or whatever) poorer.
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