[i4m50Norway]

i4 40 : Weight distribution front / rear - 45.1 / 54.9 % - Receipe for a tail happy - and somewhat difficult car on slippery roads - with the Big batttery / EV weight.

If you want fun the original E30 BMW M3 only weights 1165 kg.
Have not driven the E30 in M3 configuration, but the 325i was really fun until you reach 200 kmh - then you understand why new BMW's have stronger and heavier chassis.

Body :​	Sedan
Num. of Doors :​	2
Wheelbase :​	256.2 cm / 100.87 in
Length :​	436 cm / 171.65 in
Width :​	167.5 cm / 65.94 in
Height :​	136.5 cm / 53.74 in
Front Axle :​	141.2 cm / 55.59 in
Rear Axle :​	143.3 cm / 56.42 in
Num. of Seats :​	5
Aerodynamic drag coefficient - Cx :​	0.33
Front Brakes - Disc dimensions :​	Vented Discs (280 mm / 11.02 in)
Rear Brakes - Dics dimensions :​	Discs (282 mm / 11.1 in)
Front Tyres - Rims dimensions :​	205/55 R15
Rear Tyres - Rims dimensions :​	205/55 R15
Front Wheels Width :​	7"
Rear Wheels Width :​	7"
Curb Weight :​	1165 Kg / 2568 lbs
Weight-Power Output Ratio :​	5.8 kg/hp
Trunk / Boot capacity :​	420 L / 14.8 cu-ft
Steering :​	Rack and pinion. PAS
Front Suspension :​	Double joint spring strut(McPherson) axle
Rear Suspension :​	Independent suspension on semi-trailing arms and spring struts with coil springs

 

[ssh]

i4 40 : Weight distribution front / rear - 45.1 / 54.9 % - Receipe for a tail happy - and somewhat difficult car on slippery roads - with the Big batttery / EV weight.

I felt that in my drive last weekend. Don't like it. Rear end feels like it likes to skip. Don't like it in skis, don't like it in a car, either!

 

[Variable430]

So he is essentially saying an M50 is an old school muscle car?

Yup, alot of power and a little overweight. That’s about right. we had plenty of close calls in my friend’s ‘65 Mustang back in high school.

 

[Variable430]

It´s actually really simple. If you are into corner chasing, drifting and insta-donutting activities, buy yourself a M3 RWD. The i4 i40 will not be close to the fun performance of that because of the weight.

But we are comparing M50/i40 here, and with the above limitations, the i40 would clearly be more nimble because of weight. However, it might not be the same amount of fun in a snowy hill or perhaps gravel surfaces. That being said, the M50 has a 48/52 % weight distribution front/rear as far as I know. With a missing engine and drive shaft in front, what is the weight distribution for the i40 - would be less 50/50 I would imagine?

As a side comment, in Norway the price difference for a fully specced i40 is about half the price of a base M3 (in fact my M50 on order is cheaper than a 320d touring with the same packages). So as a daily commute, the i4 in any configuration is a no-brainer in many regards over here. Nothing beats the sound of an inline 6 though, to be honest ;-)

Maybe a flat 6 rear engined boxer might…..😉

 

[AlohaMike]

And I did order and receive an e40 with DAP, variable M suspension, HK and all options that are removed from the list now.

At least in the US, the only options you cannot get in the MY23 e40 are DAP and PAP. Adaptive M suspension and Variable Sport Steering are now standard in the M Sport Package (I think in MY22 we had to order a performance package to get those, but they did increase the price of the M Sport package to cover the additional features). I wasn't getting DAP anyway because its really not useful in Hawaii, but I was looking forward to the extra cameras and 360 view that comes with PAP. Not a deal-breaker for me. If they took away the performance suspension and steering I would cancel and get on the M50 waiting list, though.

 

[Jurgen W]

At least in the US, the only options you cannot get in the MY23 e40 are DAP and PAP. Adaptive M suspension and Variable Sport Steering are now standard in the M Sport Package (I think in MY22 we had to order a performance package to get those, but they did increase the price of the M Sport package to cover the additional features). I wasn't getting DAP anyway because its really not useful in Hawaii, but I was looking forward to the extra cameras and 360 view that comes with PAP. Not a deal-breaker for me. If they took away the performance suspension and steering I would cancel and get on the M50 waiting list, though.

Agree, and that’s why people are hunting down a canceled e-drive 40 22’ to get these options if they were came with those features. Sad they stripped down the e-drive 40, since it’s a fantastic car for those who do not need that power of the M50. Both great cars however.

 

[lazLA]

Sure... I also think that AWD's "planted" feel is "more fun" than doing a bunch of drifting. I like the feel of being "on rails" when I drive (just as I do when I ski!). Each of us have sensations we think are "fun" and others we find boring or disconcerting.

So happy someone mentioned the planted feeling! That was something I noticed in M50 test drive that really appealed to me. I’ve seen numerous reviewers mention that on the e40 they like how the rear end feels like it could slip around turns (it doesn’t slip but feels like it could). That is not a feeling I am seeking when driving, especially with my kids in the car.

 

[ssh]

So happy someone mentioned the planted feeling! That was something I noticed in M50 test drive that really appealed to me. I’ve seen numerous reviewers mention that on the e40 they like how the rear end feels like it could slip around turns (it doesn’t slip but feels like it could). That is not a feeling I am seeking when driving, especially with my kids in the car.

I did break an eDrive40 loose in Denver last weekend... and I didn't think I was doing anything especially "spirited" at the time. Dry pavement, etc. Yeah, give me planted. Thanks!

 

[rwjr44]

So he is essentially saying an M50 is an old school muscle car?

Except those old school muscle cars didn't handle well and couldn't stop. I drove most of those and the only mild exception was the late to the market Olds 442.

I have been trying to decide between the M40 and M50 for about a month now. The deciding factor will probably be the availability of DAPP. I also need to drive both.

 

[Jurgen W]

Saw another YouTube review that kinda gives an overview on if M50 is preferred as opposed to e40.

In short, yes if you don’t need 4WD in colder climates.

Is i4 edrive 40 more fun to drive then M50?

just another opinion of course. But for myself in N. California, it’s the reason why in my case e40Msport with adaptive suspension was my choice.

 

[M3HNGRY]

I did break an eDrive40 loose in Denver last weekend... and I didn't think I was doing anything especially "spirited" at the time. Dry pavement, etc. Yeah, give me planted. Thanks!

Interesting, my wife is a racecar driver. (she think she is) Did you have traction control on? Hopefully, she doesn't have any issues.

 

[ssh]

Interesting, my wife is a racecar driver. (she think she is) Did you have traction control on? Hopefully, she doesn't have any issues.

DSC on, so not traction control (if I understand this distinction which I’m not sure I do!).

 

[M3HNGRY]

DSC on, so not traction control (if I understand this distinction which I’m not sure I do!).

If it just normal driving and you didn't turn off the DSC then traction control is on.

 

[ssh]

If it just normal driving and you didn't turn off the DSC then traction control is on.

After a brief review, I don’t think so. Three modes:

1. dynamic stability control (default setting and retired for some assistant functions)
2. dynamic traction control
3. off

 

[Markus E]

Reason some of us would prefer the M50?? If everyone in the world agree on the same definition of fun, we’ll all be driving the same car? That’s why there’s different models tailored for different people?

I got it primarily for AWD since I am a Ski instructor. But I have to admit my M50 is so much fun and I have no regrets.

 

[ssh]

I got it primarily for AWD since I am a Ski instructor. But I have to admit my M50 is so much fun and I have no regrets.

Come ski with me at Copper sometime (PSIA A II 19 years) and we’ll compare i4s!

 

[Markus E]

Come ski with me at Copper sometime (PSIA A II 19 years) and we’ll compare i4s!

I looked up your mountain. Very nice. My ski area Seven Springs is now part of Vail. I am „only“ Level I doing this for about 6 years.

 

[ssh]

I looked up your mountain. Very nice. My ski area Seven Springs is now part of Vail. I am „only“ Level I doing this for about 6 years.

Sweet! You’re welcome any time; I’d love to show you around (and Copper values PSIA members, unlike the Dark Side on the west of the pass…! 😉).

 

[i4m50Norway]

I did break an eDrive40 loose in Denver last weekend... and I didn't think I was doing anything especially "spirited" at the time. Dry pavement, etc. Yeah, give me planted. Thanks!

It might be interesting to know if the i4 40 had Dynamic Damping (M-sport suspension) and tire size/type.

There is now two videos on the i4M50 on Nurburgring:

One with 20 inch and wide performance tires - car looks stable - speed in (out of) many corners not far from the M4 run (current record holder for production cars - approx half a minute faster than Tesla Model-S Plaid (record holder for prod. EV))

One run with 19 inch 245/255- EV eco-tires, car makes many interesting moves in corners. Fun or Scary ?

 

[northerncalguy]

It might be interesting to know if the i4 40 had Dynamic Damping (M-sport suspension) and tire size/type.

There is now two videos on the i4M50 on Nurburgring:

One with 20 inch and wide performance tires - car looks stable - speed in (out of) many corners not far from the M4 run (current record holder for production cars - approx half a minute faster than Tesla Model-S Plaid (record holder for prod. EV))

One run with 19 inch 245/255- EV eco-tires, car makes many interesting moves in corners. Fun or Scary ?

Watching those videos are enough for me! I could see myself doing some serious damage to my car on the 'ring. Definitely scary, especially on the low traction corners where it sounds like a pig squealing frantically.