[arranm1]

Hi

Having driven an M4 for the last 2 years, have decided to upgrade to an i8 , which I am collecting tomorrow from Sytner UK Birmingham. Am really looking forward to the change in experience from the M4. It is a white 2016 with blue trim.

I have it booked in shortly for a performance upgrade of circa 10%, which should make a tangible difference!!!

Will post piccies shortly and look forward to chatting with members in the weeks to come

Thanks

[JasH]

Originally Posted by arranm1

I have it booked in shortly for a performance upgrade of circa 10%, which should make a tangible difference!!!

Congratulations & welcome to the club

I am curious about what "performance upgrade" you mean though. Can you share details please?

[arranm1]

Hi Jas

Thank you for the warm welcome!

I have been chatting to the guys at Celtic Tuning, who have developed a map for the i8, giving a 10% increase in performance. They seem to be pretty switched on and really helpful. Have a peak at their web site :- celtictuning.co.uk

Interested in your thoughts!

John

[JasH]

Thanks John

I just had a look.

It is a pity they are not boosting the electric power too, but looks interesting for sure Turbo engines are certainly easy to tweak for more power so it is believable.

The downside (for me) is they are located in Cornwall. But I would drive there if I really wanted it

[Nivarox]

Congrats, welcome to the club
Happy Driving

[arranm1]

Thank you - appreciate the welcome

[Longboarder]

Congrats and welcome.

Happy to hear about more tuning options for this car.

[Kief]

Originally Posted by arranm1

Hi

Having driven an M4 for the last 2 years, have decided to upgrade to an i8 , which I am collecting tomorrow from Sytner UK Birmingham. Am really looking forward to the change in experience from the M4. It is a white 2016 with blue trim.

I have it booked in shortly for a performance upgrade of circa 10%, which should make a tangible difference!!!

Will post piccies shortly and look forward to chatting with members in the weeks to come

Thanks

I'm really interested in learning more about your thoughts on how the i8 compares to your M4 prior to the performance upgrade. I had a '15 M4 and then went to a '16 Jag F-Type R Coupe, but I may be interested in going back to BMW. Do you find the i8 noticeably slower than the M4--thus the need for the performance upgrade? How about the handling?

[arranm1]

Hi Kief

Thanks for your comments

I will be delighted to relay my personal experience

I owned my M4 for circa 2 years and then part exchanged it for the i8. I must confess I do not particularly miss the M4 and its foibles. I personally found the car to be very tail happy with upon occasion unsettling wheel spin especially if the road was even modesty damp or wet.

The i8 is four wheel drive and is much more sure footed with a clean take off with no drama or wheel spin. The handling is not as precise as the M4, however is in my view not that far off. Indeed, it corners very flat and is reasonably comfortable. I do miss the suspension choices on the M4, however the sport settings on the i8 are pretty impressive too, but the lack of settings is noticeable.

Performance wise, I think both cars are powerful beasts, with the i8 delivering acceleration in a more linear manner. I believe that ultimately the M4 is quicker mid range but in my view the i8 would be faster off the line, however does not deliver the kick in the back feeling of the M4. Post upgrade my M4 was running 500bhp and could shame the i8 and plenty of other cars too!!

I think the i8 could do with just a little more power and with the Celtic upgrade, the i8 will be an impressive offering for a modest out lay.

Overall, whilst early days, the i8 is a fantastic and powerful 4wd car delivering a great and re-assuring driving experience, which the M4 in my view lacked, given its wheel spin issues with the immense torque.

Hope the above helps!

[WheelsBoutique]

Huge congrats on your new purchase John. Enjoy in good health and let me know if there's anything I can do for you ti spice things up in the future