BMW M4 G82 vs M4 F82: which M4 is right for you?
The first M4 or the second? An honest comparison of the F82 and G82 M4: engines, gearboxes, all-wheel drive, design, technology and what each one is like to own.
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M4 G82 vs F82 is the choice many buyers face today. The F82 was the first M4, built from 2014 to 2020. The G82 followed in 2021 with more power, more technology and, for the first time, all-wheel drive. Both are fast, capable coupés, but they feel quite different.
In this comparison we look at the engines, gearboxes, performance, weight, design, technology and running costs, so you can decide which M4 fits you best.
M4 G82 vs F82 at a glance
When BMW gave its coupés even numbers in 2014, the M3 coupé became the M4. The F82 M4 used the S55, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six with 431 hp. It was lighter than the V8 M3 E92 before it and much faster.
The G82 M4 arrived in 2021. It uses the S58, a newer 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six with 480 hp in the standard car and 510 hp in the Competition. Later updates raised the power of some versions further. For the first time, an M4 was also offered with M xDrive all-wheel drive.
Both cars are also available as convertibles: the F83 and the G83. Both have special versions: the F82 had the M4 CS and the very rare M4 GTS, while the G82 has the M4 CSL and the M4 CS.
The F82 feels lighter and more raw. The G82 is more refined, more powerful and more stable, but also heavier.
Engines: S55 vs S58
The F82's S55 produces 431 hp and 550 Nm. With the Competition Package it reached 450 hp, the M4 CS 460 hp and the M4 GTS, with water injection, 500 hp. The S55 is very strong in the mid-range, but its delivery can feel sudden, and its sound is often described as less emotional than older M engines.
The G82's S58 is a newer engine, developed with motorsport in mind. It produces 480 hp in the standard M4 and 510 hp in the Competition, with up to 650 Nm. It revs more freely, pulls more evenly and sounds better than the S55, according to most drivers.
In daily driving, both engines have huge torque and are always fast. On the track, the S58 is stronger and cooler-running.
Both engines are generally robust. The S55 has some known points, such as the crank hub on high-power tuned cars, while the S58 is newer and has a shorter track record.
Gearboxes and all-wheel drive
The F82 was offered with a six-speed manual and a seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch gearbox. The DCT is fast and direct, but it can be a little jerky at low speed. The manual is rarer and appreciated by enthusiasts.
The G82 standard model is available with a six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive in many markets, while the Competition uses an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic. This automatic is very smooth in traffic and very fast in its sportiest settings.
The biggest difference is all-wheel drive. The G82 is available as M4 Competition xDrive, with the M xDrive system that includes a 2WD mode. It makes the car much faster off the line and more secure in the wet.
If you want a pure rear-wheel-drive coupé with a dual-clutch or manual gearbox, the F82 is attractive. If you want maximum traction and comfort, the G82 xDrive is hard to beat.
Performance and weight
On paper, the G82 is clearly faster. The M4 Competition xDrive reaches 100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds, compared with about 4.1 seconds for the F82 with DCT. On a race track, the G82 is also quicker thanks to its power, tyres and chassis.
But the G82 is heavier. Depending on the version, it weighs around 150 to 250 kg more than the F82. You notice this in the way the car changes direction and in its size: the G82 is longer and wider.
The F82 feels more nervous and lively, especially in the wet, where its power can overwhelm the rear tyres. Some drivers love this; others find it tiring.
The G82 feels more stable and planted, with a more predictable behaviour at the limit. It is easier to drive fast, but some drivers miss the lightness of the F82.
Design, interior and technology
The design is where opinions differ most. The F82 has a classic, clean BMW coupé look with a traditional kidney grille. The G82 introduced a very large vertical grille that divided fans; some love its presence, others still cannot accept it.
Inside, the G82 is a clear step forward. It has newer displays, better materials, more modern assistance systems and, in later cars, BMW's curved display. The optional M Carbon bucket seats are very supportive but not for everyone.
The F82 interior is simpler and starting to feel a little older, but it is well built and functional. Some drivers prefer its traditional buttons and controls.
Both cars offer good everyday usability for a performance coupé, with a usable boot and space for occasional rear passengers.
Running costs and which one to buy
Running costs are high for both, but the F82 is usually cheaper to buy and slightly cheaper to run, with smaller tyres and brakes. The G82 has more modern technology, which can make some repairs more expensive.
The F82 is often seen as good value today. A well-maintained example, especially a manual or a Competition, offers huge performance for the money. The M4 CS and GTS are collector cars.
The G82 is the better choice if you want the latest technology, all-wheel drive, more comfort and the best performance. It is also likely to be covered by a longer remaining warranty or service package when bought from a dealer.
As always, buy on condition and history, and have the car inspected by a specialist. Then choose the M4 whose character suits you: the light, raw F82 or the powerful, sophisticated G82.
M4 F82 vs G82 side by side
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Years | F82: 2014–2020 · G82: since 2021 |
| Engine | F82: S55 3.0 twin-turbo six · G82: S58 3.0 twin-turbo six |
| Power | F82: 431–460 hp (GTS 500) · G82: 480–510 hp and more |
| Gearbox | F82: 6MT or 7 M DCT · G82: 6MT or 8 M Steptronic |
| Drive | F82: rear-wheel drive · G82: RWD or M xDrive |
| 0–100 km/h | F82 DCT: about 4.1 s · G82 Comp xDrive: about 3.5 s |
| Special versions | F82: CS, GTS · G82: CSL, CS |
| Convertible | F83 and G83 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the M4 G82 faster than the F82?
Yes. The M4 Competition xDrive (G82) reaches 100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds, compared with about 4.1 seconds for the F82 M4 with DCT. The G82 is also faster on track.
Which M4 is more reliable, F82 or G82?
Both are generally robust. The S55 in the F82 has a longer track record with known points; the S58 in the G82 is newer. Service history and condition matter most.
Does the F82 M4 have all-wheel drive?
No. The F82 M4 is rear-wheel drive only. The G82 is the first M4 available with M xDrive all-wheel drive.
Is there a manual G82 M4?
Yes, the standard G82 M4 with rear-wheel drive is available with a six-speed manual in many markets. The Competition models use the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic.
Which M4 is better value?
The F82 usually offers more performance for the money on the used market. The G82 offers more technology, power and all-wheel drive, at a higher price.
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