Review: This BMW M4 Competition from CarBahn defines OEM+
The latest G82 generation model and its G80 M3 sibling push the concept of a car punching above its weight class to extremes. The G82 model and the G80 M3’s sibling are the latest examples of cars that punch above their weight class. BMW has already answered this question for those who are looking for more.
What, then, is there left to improve? stripped-out M4 CSL Photo by Drew Phillips M3 CS CarBahn, the latest venture by legendary tuner, racer, and engine builder Steve Dinan, believes it found a compelling counterargument in the form of its $20,599 CB3 Signature Package. Before the first mile, this car is already a great one. Dinan’s reputation as a car modder and racer dates back to the 1980s. Although he’s no longer part of the company that bears his name, Dinan’s philosophy of upgrading cars to OEM or better standards while matching the factory warranty endures.
7,35 hp it’s easy to assume CarBahn has dialed up power beyond factory limitations and called it a day.
Photo taken by Drew Phillips
The reverse is true. Custom engine software boosts torque to 668 pounds-feet and also includes an upgraded heat-exchanger. A new cold-air intake is added to make this two-door as reliable as it can be. The Stage 2 Power Package from CarBahn includes a stainless steel exhaust. This tester, however, swaps out the heavier pipes for lighter titanium ones, which cost $3,500. McLaren 720S-beating While an extra 232 hp and 189 lb-ft represent a leap forward performance-wise, these aren’t the most impactful upgrades bolted to this all-wheel-drive-equipped M4. For that, you will have to look at its suspension. The tuner’s first item is what they call a “coilover” kit, but it doesn’t replace both the spring and the damper in the traditional way. It adds height adjustable springs, while keeping the stock damper. This ensures that the factory suspension modes remain versatile. CarBahn has created adjustable bump stops that support the suspension. Although initially they may seem minor, this can have a significant impact on ride quality.
As these bump stops compress, they can absorb excess energy from road imperfections and reduce the roughness in the cabin. This BMW M4 Competition is now firmer and better able to stay perfectly centered on bumpy roads. This decision results in a smoother ride that is more suitable for everyday use. Along with the coilover kit from CarBahn, the CB3 Signature package includes adjustable anti-roll bar, Monoball bushings in front and upgraded toelinks at the rear. The stainless steel brake lines and a five-point carbon brace help to maintain a consistent pedal feel while improving the performance. The most expensive CarBahn upgrade fitted to this M4 is not one you should skip. It gains a set of widened 20-inch forged rims, shown here in dark bronze, with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup R rubber for $4,000 Tires measuring 295/30 at the front and 305/30 at the back widen this car’s track.
Cosmetically, the Signature Package loads this car’s exterior with carbon fiber goodies. The package starts with an engine grille and moves outward to the engine cover. It finishes with a body kit that is made entirely of lightweight carbon fiber. It’s a two door with a more aggressive aesthetic than any BMW mass-produced. Now that you’ve seen all the details and know what they are, how effective do they really work?
Photo taken by Drew Phillips
Photo by Drew Phillips
It helps to have less weight, too, with CarBahn’s forged wheels and titanium exhaust shaving a few pounds. Braking performance is fantastic, but then what would you expect from a car wearing a nearly five-figure set of carbon ceramics?
It helps that you’re lugging around less weight, too, with CarBahn’s forged wheels and titanium exhaust shaving a few pounds. CarBahn claims that with the carbon ceramics, carbon seats and titanium exhaust fitted, this M4 Competition weighs 200 pounds less than an xDrive equipped base model. Even as you accelerate, the BMW M4 Competition maintains its composure in tight and open bends. It is less likely to be shaken by large bumps as it feels more secure than a standard car. It feels more planted but, thanks to the new bump stops, its occupants never feel road roughness. Photo by Drew Phillips
The end result is a car which moves in perfect sync with the driver, while providing a driving experience that is more about fun than performance. Its extra 232 horsepower is certainly accounted for. It accelerates more quickly than a standard car but it is never overwhelming. It doesn’t have to struggle with traction thanks to the xDrive system. Even when you direct all power to the rear wheels, it remains composed. Its titanium exhaust makes its 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine louder, but not excessively so on the highway. Still, it’s limited by the fact that BMW’s raspy S58 engine is far from its best sounding.
Photo by Drew Phillips
While the CB3 Signature Package costs $20,599, this tester sports the aforementioned $3,500 titanium exhaust system, a $4,000 wheel and tire package, and a $1,500 factory-matching four-year/50,000-mile warranty. The M4 Competition used in this build is $98,145, thanks to its carbon ceramics, which cost $8,150, and the $3,800 m-carbon bucket seats. The total cost is $127,744. that’sThat’s comparable to the M4 CS’ $124,675 base price for context.
Photo by Drew Phillips
To answer the original question, this BMW M4 Competition by CarBahn isn’t designed to find fault and improve an otherwise fantastic sports car. That’s the route chosen by the CS and CSL models, effectively amplifying the stock experience with a more hardcore approach.
