Few things I wanted to mention since you're new to the platform: Exhaust sound stock does leave a lot to be desired imo lol one main negative about this car. There are equal length setups that make a night and day difference in the sound characteristics. I have a pretty in depth video on my page on the sound difference stock compared to equal length. Another thing is the crank hub issue, I'm sure you have heard of it. Feel like it's blown out of proportion, but something to look into if you want to make more power. I just did the cheap crank bolt capture on mine and has been fine running on e30 tune for like a year now lol. Finally, one thing many don't know is that the stock charge air cooler tends to leak randomly ranging from cars with few thousand to several thousand miles. Design flaw, so it is important to just change that out with aftermarket for a piece of mind if you are planning on keeping the car for a while. I went with mishimoto charge air cooler since it's got actual proven gains unlike CSF and other companies that just have marketing and no proof of improvement. Actual tests showed reduction in power actually over stock on kies motorsport channel. Besides that, solid car. Change the oil 5k or less and fluids early and you can bet it'll last a long time without issue. Spark plugs are every 25-30k on these motors.
Your review is spot on! I’ve owned mine for almost 4 years now and still love driving it. I’ve got BM3 stage 1, wheels, suspension and exhaust. Take it lapping occasionally and pick up the kids with it. Best all around car for the price. I actually followed you in the forums way back when you had a white WRX. Had the same car and appreciated seeing your posts and mods you had done on it. You inspired me when I had the 13 WRX hatch. I just subscribed and followed you on IG. Looking forward to following the build and congrats!
Nice car bro. I got a manual 2018 Yas Marina Blue M4. Had it for 6 years now and still turn my head when i walk away. Definitely the most beautiful M car ever made.
STi is more Raw of a feel and sounds amazing , really simple of a car to work on from the box, it’s like a Nissan GTR R34. Something like a men and a vehicle. M3 is in a different play ground, Germans know how to build, how solid it feels and how sound proof, yes it is a way more powerful of a vehicle and yes it looks nice too, totally agree , it’s like comparing apples vs oranges or maybe we should add a water melon 😅 , I have a Ducati Panigale, check how much their exhaust cost 🤦🏻♂️ insanity 101
@@Autofreakgarage don’t blame ya and I plan to own a Beamer, AMG & Subaru all together one day for variety. Gotta have a different choice of variety and experience the difference for sure. Great video Chris
Beautiful car mate. Happy to hear you're so pleased with it. I adore the 666M wheels on the Comp and really think the grey looks sharp. I rented a F80 M4 manual and a M3 Comp DCT for a few hundred miles and I agree, the manual was way more fun. As effective and efficient as it was, I was bored with the DCT honestly. They also definitely improved the EPS in the Comp, it felt much more natural to me than the 2015 base M4. In sport plus, rev matching was disabled in the M4, not sure if it's the same in the Comp. Also I'm pretty sure if you turn off stability control it will also turn off auto-rev match. (At least it does in the M2) Hope you continue to enjoy it for many miles to come!
Thank you! Yes the comp wheels are one of my favorite stock wheels ever on any car. They are beautiful. Right on the money. The dct is very nice, but I lost that appeal quickly after driving one. Nothing like a true manual. I drive in sport plus (throttle) 100% of the time and the rev matching is active.
@@Autofreakgarage Got it, they probably either changed that with the Comp or maybe even just LCI. I remember I always thought it was a bizarre choice when I rented it 🤷♂️ my Carrera T is the opposite, no rev-match in normal mode, but it does in sport and sport plus unless you turn off traction control. Which is also a bizarre choice lol. Just give us an auto-blip button for crying out loud 😂
I think on stock tune on sport plus throttle mode, you have to manual rev match if I remember correctly. Of course with bm3 you can customize what mode has rev match etc. Been long time since my f80 was stock lolll, great cars tho and you got a pretty optioned out manual as well, nice!
Great analysis, thanks for sharing. I have an STI but the F80 is beautiful. The real question is, though, do you still flash the peace sign to Subie drivers?
My brother is selling his 2020 nardi grey M4 comp with 1800 miles. I am tempted to sell the STI, but have only had it for a three years and not quite finished.
Don’t rush things and enjoy what you have. I used to be that way and always felt sellers remorse. You’ll know when you are ready to let go of the current car.
I came from a built motor 15 wrx making about 500whp to the g80 m3 xdrive. don't get me wrong, I love how a 4 banger and a big turbo feels but an M car is an M car. can't want to see what you do with the g80!
Nice comparison. I also had an STi and traded it in for an M2 Comp. Both cars are good, I hated the clutch in the STI. I also don't miss it. I thought that the STI isn't a pretty car. But is a good daily driver if you're driving all highway miles. Now that you're in a BMW...time to wear your hat properly...😊
Wish Subaru put more time and development into making a monster sti. Yes the sti was worlds apart from an Impreza, but not the same way an m3 was from a 325.
Exactly! I wish they put the time into the STI. It would have been an amazing, even better car. Although, it would have moved away from what the STI was originally made for. A reasonably priced, fun, sports/rally car. If they put the development into it, it would have been a 50k+ car and I’m not sure it would have done well in the market with other cars in that category.
@@Autofreakgarage this is the classic explanation but I will say something. You don’t do that kinda of investment of company resources and time, just to move up ranks within your class. The STI could have somewhat crossed the line, been a bit expensive not only with goodies and features but more power and handling, adaptive suspension and power delivery, a reworked EJ. Eh what do I know I have FA20 wrx lol
Agree, they did that with the s209. But was limited production for the short while it was available. Definitely way more they could have done with it instead of the rinse and repeat they did per the last ~20 years.
Did the last owner upgrade the crank hub on that, if not, might want it as your primary mod if you're intending to keep it. That was the weak link of that motor as my brother found out
Car is totally stock and never modified. I am well aware of the crank hub “issue”. Truth be told, very blown out of proportion. Yes, it happens, but it’s just like the ej25 or any other performance oriented motor. There is always an Achilles heel. But yes, I will most likely do the crank hub capture at first then decide if the full replacement is necessary down the road. It happens to cars that are tuned and pushing more power. Yes, can certainly happen on stock power as well, but most cases happen when doing too much and not knowing what you are doing.
I own a e46 m3 since 2012 and I won’t part ways with that car. I also have a 2018 wrx sti and I love both cars. If you compare numbers up to date a 2015 f80 you can buy for under 38k and if I ever wanted to sell my e46 m3 they are at the mid 20k range so if you are in the market for a m3 I would say buy a e30, e36, e46 they are holding there value. Keep in mind if the US never sold as many e36 m3 the m cars in the states would not be where it is today
STI is a beast in the snow for sure but again, comparing apples to oranges. And an f80 m3 with proper snow tires actually does quite well in the snow. Had a bunch of friends use theirs year round and no issues
Does your car have rev matching in Sport plus? Mine turned off when I switched to it from factory. After tuning mine, I left it on in Comfort only. Figured its still a nice feature to have when I'm feeling a little lazy. Almost never in comfort though.
@@Autofreakgarage One more very inexpensive mod I added for better clutch feel was a clutch stop. ~$25 and removes some of the unnecessary clutch travel. 5 min install👍🏼
Both great cars but very different in their own way. I’m also comparing my highly modified STI to a stock f80 m3. Stock for stock, m3 is the clear winner. My STI to my current stock f80, I would say equally as fun. However, I have no doubt the m3 will be a more fun vehicle when I am finished with it.
Few things I wanted to mention since you're new to the platform:
Exhaust sound stock does leave a lot to be desired imo lol one main negative about this car. There are equal length setups that make a night and day difference in the sound characteristics. I have a pretty in depth video on my page on the sound difference stock compared to equal length.
Another thing is the crank hub issue, I'm sure you have heard of it. Feel like it's blown out of proportion, but something to look into if you want to make more power. I just did the cheap crank bolt capture on mine and has been fine running on e30 tune for like a year now lol.
Finally, one thing many don't know is that the stock charge air cooler tends to leak randomly ranging from cars with few thousand to several thousand miles. Design flaw, so it is important to just change that out with aftermarket for a piece of mind if you are planning on keeping the car for a while. I went with mishimoto charge air cooler since it's got actual proven gains unlike CSF and other companies that just have marketing and no proof of improvement. Actual tests showed reduction in power actually over stock on kies motorsport channel. Besides that, solid car. Change the oil 5k or less and fluids early and you can bet it'll last a long time without issue. Spark plugs are every 25-30k on these motors.
Your review is spot on! I’ve owned mine for almost 4 years now and still love driving it. I’ve got BM3 stage 1, wheels, suspension and exhaust. Take it lapping occasionally and pick up the kids with it. Best all around car for the price. I actually followed you in the forums way back when you had a white WRX. Had the same car and appreciated seeing your posts and mods you had done on it. You inspired me when I had the 13 WRX hatch. I just subscribed and followed you on IG. Looking forward to following the build and congrats!
I appreciate the support for so long! The hatch was a great car. Loved my time in it. Always so cool to run into enthusiasts from the past.
Nice car bro. I got a manual 2018 Yas Marina Blue M4. Had it for 6 years now and still turn my head when i walk away. Definitely the most beautiful M car ever made.
Coming from 2 STI’s and a G80 M3, I just purchased my 3rd F80. I truly think it’s the best version of the M3.
I already know there’s gonna be an amazing exhaust series coming
I was cross shopping a 2018 F30 340i three years ago when I bought my VA Sti. Appreciate the video and look forward to more content!
STi is more Raw of a feel and sounds amazing , really simple of a car to work on from the box, it’s like a Nissan GTR R34. Something like a men and a vehicle.
M3 is in a different play ground, Germans know how to build, how solid it feels and how sound proof, yes it is a way more powerful of a vehicle and yes it looks nice too, totally agree , it’s like comparing apples vs oranges or maybe we should add a water melon 😅 , I have a Ducati Panigale, check how much their exhaust cost 🤦🏻♂️ insanity 101
miss that STI so much man. Inspired me so much.
Love the beamers tho. Great cars, different fields.
Wonderful car and it was a pleasure owning Subarus for the last decade. It was just time for a change of pace and to get back into my love of m cars.
@@Autofreakgarage don’t blame ya and I plan to own a Beamer, AMG & Subaru all together one day for variety.
Gotta have a different choice of variety and experience the difference for sure. Great video Chris
Beautiful car mate. Happy to hear you're so pleased with it. I adore the 666M wheels on the Comp and really think the grey looks sharp. I rented a F80 M4 manual and a M3 Comp DCT for a few hundred miles and I agree, the manual was way more fun. As effective and efficient as it was, I was bored with the DCT honestly. They also definitely improved the EPS in the Comp, it felt much more natural to me than the 2015 base M4.
In sport plus, rev matching was disabled in the M4, not sure if it's the same in the Comp. Also I'm pretty sure if you turn off stability control it will also turn off auto-rev match. (At least it does in the M2)
Hope you continue to enjoy it for many miles to come!
Thank you! Yes the comp wheels are one of my favorite stock wheels ever on any car. They are beautiful.
Right on the money. The dct is very nice, but I lost that appeal quickly after driving one. Nothing like a true manual.
I drive in sport plus (throttle) 100% of the time and the rev matching is active.
@@Autofreakgarage Got it, they probably either changed that with the Comp or maybe even just LCI. I remember I always thought it was a bizarre choice when I rented it 🤷♂️ my Carrera T is the opposite, no rev-match in normal mode, but it does in sport and sport plus unless you turn off traction control. Which is also a bizarre choice lol. Just give us an auto-blip button for crying out loud 😂
Same boat, sti owner for 5 years, love it, was looking into the g80 but not tryna pay that 85k, hoping they drop it 10/15k atleast
Used market is the best for German’s. Let the first owner take the hit and scoop one up with low miles. They can be had in the 70’s now.
M3 is so much better of a car! Great choice, and certainly a great platform to work with adding mods!
It is indeed very simple. Love it!
I think on stock tune on sport plus throttle mode, you have to manual rev match if I remember correctly. Of course with bm3 you can customize what mode has rev match etc. Been long time since my f80 was stock lolll, great cars tho and you got a pretty optioned out manual as well, nice!
I currently own a stock F80 and can confirm that Sport + Does have manual rev match ahah
Great analysis, thanks for sharing. I have an STI but the F80 is beautiful. The real question is, though, do you still flash the peace sign to Subie drivers?
Always ✌🏻
Quality content… I like a more raw experience which a r34 is perfect but for daily driving the M3 is perfect
My brother is selling his 2020 nardi grey M4 comp with 1800 miles. I am tempted to sell the STI, but have only had it for a three years and not quite finished.
Don’t rush things and enjoy what you have. I used to be that way and always felt sellers remorse. You’ll know when you are ready to let go of the current car.
You’re F80 spec is highly desirable. Pay it off, hang on to it, then pick up your 911.
Awsome review. I sold my full bolt on 19 sti and I had the same idea but I was thinking about the f82 m4
Glad it helped! Let me know if you have any questions.
And you got a 6-speed. Good on you, brosef.
Was a must!
@@Autofreakgarage Absolutely. Especially for a car from a company that claims to make "the ultimate driving machine".
8:45 No need to code out rev-matching. Turn engine to Sport+ to rev match on your own
Rev matching is active on all 3 modes for mine. They changed it over in 2018.
I came from a built motor 15 wrx making about 500whp to the g80 m3 xdrive. don't get me wrong, I love how a 4 banger and a big turbo feels but an M car is an M car. can't want to see what you do with the g80!
Right same here. Entirely different feel and experience.
Nice comparison. I also had an STi and traded it in for an M2 Comp. Both cars are good, I hated the clutch in the STI. I also don't miss it. I thought that the STI isn't a pretty car. But is a good daily driver if you're driving all highway miles. Now that you're in a BMW...time to wear your hat properly...😊
Ha touché.
Wish Subaru put more time and development into making a monster sti. Yes the sti was worlds apart from an Impreza, but not the same way an m3 was from a 325.
Exactly! I wish they put the time into the STI. It would have been an amazing, even better car. Although, it would have moved away from what the STI was originally made for. A reasonably priced, fun, sports/rally car. If they put the development into it, it would have been a 50k+ car and I’m not sure it would have done well in the market with other cars in that category.
@@Autofreakgarage this is the classic explanation but I will say something. You don’t do that kinda of investment of company resources and time, just to move up ranks within your class. The STI could have somewhat crossed the line, been a bit expensive not only with goodies and features but more power and handling, adaptive suspension and power delivery, a reworked EJ. Eh what do I know I have FA20 wrx lol
Agree, they did that with the s209. But was limited production for the short while it was available. Definitely way more they could have done with it instead of the rinse and repeat they did per the last ~20 years.
Did the last owner upgrade the crank hub on that, if not, might want it as your primary mod if you're intending to keep it. That was the weak link of that motor as my brother found out
Car is totally stock and never modified. I am well aware of the crank hub “issue”. Truth be told, very blown out of proportion. Yes, it happens, but it’s just like the ej25 or any other performance oriented motor. There is always an Achilles heel.
But yes, I will most likely do the crank hub capture at first then decide if the full replacement is necessary down the road.
It happens to cars that are tuned and pushing more power. Yes, can certainly happen on stock power as well, but most cases happen when doing too much and not knowing what you are doing.
Rev matching is alright, but they really need to give the driver the option to disable it without jumping through hoops like that.
Agree. Would be nice to just turn it on and off.
I own a e46 m3 since 2012 and I won’t part ways with that car. I also have a 2018 wrx sti and I love both cars. If you compare numbers up to date a 2015 f80 you can buy for under 38k and if I ever wanted to sell my e46 m3 they are at the mid 20k range so if you are in the market for a m3 I would say buy a e30, e36, e46 they are holding there value. Keep in mind if the US never sold as many e36 m3 the m cars in the states would not be where it is today
my brother bought a g80 last week, i’m planning to trade my sti to f80 but sti is better in the snow
STI is a beast in the snow for sure but again, comparing apples to oranges. And an f80 m3 with proper snow tires actually does quite well in the snow. Had a bunch of friends use theirs year round and no issues
I think there's an option to sync the AC temps for driver & passenger sides in the iDrive system.
….please share this information haha. It would make me a very happy person if this was an option.
I’m trying to get rid of my daily STI, but I’m not sure if I should go for a DCT or manual F80.
Dct is great and works well with the f80, but I still would choose the manual. I would say try both and see what you prefer.
I have an sti hatch for my manual fix, but I always prefer to drive my dct f80 I hardly ever drive the Sti
Does your car have rev matching in Sport plus? Mine turned off when I switched to it from factory. After tuning mine, I left it on in Comfort only. Figured its still a nice feature to have when I'm feeling a little lazy. Almost never in comfort though.
Yes, rev matching is active in sport plus on mine.
@@Autofreakgarage One more very inexpensive mod I added for better clutch feel was a clutch stop. ~$25 and removes some of the unnecessary clutch travel. 5 min install👍🏼
I been trying to get an M3 but its hard to find the package that I want.
Great video 💯
Unless you can custom order you won't be able too. I'm ordering one in May or June
@@dk7541 but I like the f80 not the new one
Did you have any issues selling your modded parts for your STI since you tried multiple different exhausts, etc?
Everything from the STI was sold off no problem. They went very quickly.
What is the best solution to dash noise created by the plastics?
A good ol fashion smack haha. That’s what usually works for me.
@@Autofreakgarage lmao. I wish that was the case for me!
I feel like the build quality jumping from the STI to the M3 must be night and day
It’s a big jump for sure
Have both
? Is it as fun as the STI ?
Both great cars but very different in their own way. I’m also comparing my highly modified STI to a stock f80 m3. Stock for stock, m3 is the clear winner. My STI to my current stock f80, I would say equally as fun. However, I have no doubt the m3 will be a more fun vehicle when I am finished with it.
the m3 is clearly better
but the sti at this point in time is for collection and fun purposes. not racing
Bmw
1st!