Are BMW M Models Good Daily Drivers? (M2, M3, M4, M5)
The M stands for Motorsport, and while the M models contain more performance than regular BMW vehicles, many of them are surprisingly easy to live with daily.
Is the BMW M2 a Good Daily Driver?
Compared to the base 2-Series, the M2 is slightly larger, heavier, lower (ground clearance), and has a bigger turning circle.
A turbocharged straight-six engine, good for 405 hp, powers the M2 from 0 to 60mph in under 5 seconds.
While it doesn’t present significant visibility flaws as a sports coupe, the mediocre fuel economy, firm ride, and wide turning radius make daily driving a BMW M2 demanding and tiring, especially if your commute involves less-than-perfect pavement conditions.
Its superior handling capability requires a skilled driver to maximize.
The interior lacks complexity and modernity, but the sedan-like ride height is a plus that makes getting in and out of this sports coupe daily less of a chore.
BMW M2 vs. BMW M240i Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| BMW M2 | 3.0L-i6-T | 405-hp | 20-mpg | Prem-ReQ | NA | Good | Poor |
| BMW M240i | 3.0L-i6-T | 335-hp | 24-mpg | Prem-ReC | NA | Good | Average |
Taking on larger wheels, adaptive suspension, and upgraded brakes, the M240i is sportier than the standard 2 Series without sacrificing comfort.
The BMW M240i’s engine may not be as potent, but it is a better daily driver than the M2 as it rides more comfortably and has higher fuel efficiency and a more compact-car-like turning circle (35.8 ft vs. 38.4 ft in the M240i), which improves maneuverability around town and in tight spaces.
You can also save up to $10,000 by opting for the M240i coupe.
Plus, you get a well-crafted interior, so you aren’t giving up luxury for performance.
Is the BMW M3 a Good Daily Driver?
Many of the German marque’s models share the same power train with the ‘M’ models (albeit with power boosts), and the M3 carries BMW’s most potent 3.0-liter inline-six, pumping out a monstrous 500 horses.
It races from a standstill to 60mph in a fraction over 4 seconds, while the Competition trim goes under that.
Even though it can be outrageously fast, the BMW M3 does a decent job as a daily driver, providing a compliant-enough ride with the adaptive dampers, adequately-size backseat and trunk (13 cubic ft.), and four-door practicality.
Its 19-mpg combined fuel economy doesn’t appeal, but it’s worth forgoing for the thrills of daily driving an M model.
BMW M3 vs. BMW M2 Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| BMW M3 | 3.0L-i6-T | 503-hp | 19-mpg | Prem-ReQ | $1,161 | Good | Average |
| BMW M2 | 3.0L-i6-T | 405-hp | 20-mpg | Prem-ReQ | NA | Good | Poor |
Ignoring the price difference, the BMW M3 is more practical for daily use than the M2 due to the four-door sedan layout and more cabin room.
If you aren’t using it to haul your family, the smaller, lighter, and cheaper M2 will suit you better.
BMW M3 vs. BMW 335i Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| BMW M3 | 3.0L-i6-T | 503-hp | 19-mpg | Prem-ReQ | $1,161 | Good | Average |
| BMW 335i | 3.0L-i6-T | 300-hp | 25-mpg | Premium | $1,030 | Good | Good |
Both are sedans, although the M3 is (obviously) considerably quicker than the 3 Series.
As ultimate speed doesn’t justify an excellent daily driver, the BMW 335i (or any base 3-Series) is better for everyday use than the M3, with superior fuel efficiency and ride comfort in a modern cabin.
Plus, the 3-Series is lighter with a tighter turning radius than the M3, improving its urban-setting ease of maneuverability.
BMW M3 vs. Porsche 911 Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| BMW M3 | 3.0L-i6-T | 503-hp | 19-mpg | Prem-ReQ | $1,161 | Good | Average |
| Porsche 911 | 3.0L-6cyl-T (2017-present) 3.4L-3.6L-6cyl (up to 2016) | 247-379-hp | 17-23-mpg | Prem-ReQ (2001-present) Regular (up to 2000) | $1,072 | Good | Good |
While comparing a high-performance BMW with a rival make is exciting, one is a sedan and the other a coupe, making the contest uneven.
If you expect your daily driver to haul the family with plenty of storage space for shopping and road trips, the four-door M3 is more practical than the two-door 911 for everyday use.
But suppose you only need a two-occupant vehicle and have thousands of dollars to spare; the smaller Porsche 911 offers more driving excitement than the M3 while remaining comfortable for daily duties.
BMW M3 vs. Subaru WRX STI Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| BMW M3 | 3.0L-i6-T–RWD | 503-hp | 19-mpg | Prem-ReQ | $1,161 | Good | Average |
| Subaru WRX STI | 2.5L-flat-4-T–AWD | 305-310-hp | 18-19-mpg | Prem-ReQ | $758 | Good | Poor |
Suppose the 2x sticker price is a non-issue: the BMW M3 outperforms the Subaru WRX STI for daily driving with better ride quality and considerably higher performance at similar fuel consumption.
Both are sedans, and can ably serve your practical needs, whichever model you choose.
Still, the WRX STI’s sub-$40k price tag is an attractive option in the four-door performance compact segment.
Is the BMW M4 a Good Daily Driver?
The M4 has similar dimensions as the M3 sedan but takes on a coupe body with a higher sticker price.
Although most coupes have cramped backseats, rear passengers will find adequate room in the back of this BMW, plus a firm but refined ride, making the M4 a good daily driver – as far as coupes go.
The M4 does comfort better than most other M models.
Its 12 cubic feet trunk is commendable for this body style, but the Ford Mustang (13.5 cubic ft.) and Subaru BRZ are compelling choices if you’re shopping for a sports coupe as your everyday car.
They are superb driving machines at half the M4’s price.
BMW M4 vs. BMW M2 Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| BMW M4 | 3.0L-i6-T | 473-hp | 19-mpg | Prem-ReQ | $2,781 | Average | Good |
| BMW M2 | 3.0L-i6-T | 405-hp | 20-mpg | Prem-ReQ | NA | Good | Poor |
Despite a more muscular output with a similar turbocharged six-cylinder, the M4’s firm but compliant ride is its daily-driver advantage over the M2.
Its sub-4-second 0-60 mpg sprint is on par with the Chevy Corvette, although the latter’s equally potent V8 returns similar fuel economy at a lower starting price.
BMW M4 vs. Porsche 911 Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| BMW M4 | 3.0L-i6-T | 473-hp | 19-mpg | Prem-ReQ | $2,781 | Average | Good |
| Porsche 911 | 3.0L-6cyl-T (2017-present) 3.4L-3.6L-6cyl (up to 2016) | 247-379-hp | 17-23-mpg | Prem-ReQ (2001-present) Regular (up to 2000) | $1,072 | Good | Good |
Both are German coupes, although the BMW is considerably cheaper than the Porsche.
While engine specifications are comparable, the 911 is a better choice for daily use than the M4 as its latest iteration is (marginally) more frugal and doesn’t cost a bomb to maintain.
The Porsche provides impeccable handling, which the BMW lacks.
Is the BMW M5 a Good Daily Driver?
The M lineup within BMW is desirable for the added performance, and if you’re researching which model makes an accomplished everyday vehicle, look no further.
The BMW M5 is an outstanding daily driver, combining track prowess, sedan practicality, and commendable ride quality in a $100,000 midsize body.
Its athleticism is exceptional for the size and overall comfort admirable given the prodigious capability.
The all-wheel-drive system adds to the M5’s all-weather versatility.
It carries a 600-hp V8 under the hood and returns an unsurprising sub-20-mpg fuel economy in mixed driving.
Is the BMW M6 a Good Daily Driver?
It is quick for its size and heft (4,200-lbs curb weight).
However, the BMW M6 is a large coupe that can feel unwieldy in tight spaces with its 41 feet turning circle, especially given the coupe-typical visibility, making it less suitable for daily driving tasks.
That said, the M6 is remarkably comfortable to drive with supportive seats – a massive plus if you desire its coupe or convertible styling.
Is the BMW M8 a Good Daily Driver?
Daily driving an M8 is as exhilarating as the similarly-V8-equipped M6 coupe, but the former is more agile even with its extra weight (+300 lbs) due to a tighter turning radius.
The M8 has modest daily driver credentials with easier maneuverability than the ponderous M6, decent visibility, and segment-competitive storage space.
Still, unless you love the design, smaller and lighter sports coupes like the Porsche 911, Subaru BRZ, or Ford Mustang will make life easier.
The M8’s long doors make entering and exiting the car in tight parking spots difficult.
BMW M Models Compared for Daily Driving
Table Guide:
- Engine: T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor (base trim).
The M models carry higher performance capability and price tags than their base-trim models.
Sedans are typically more practicable than coupes for day-to-day use.
In that case, the M3 and M5 are better daily drivers within the M models rank; the former is in the sub-$100,000 range, while the latter breaks the six-figure price point.
Otherwise, regular BMW models – especially the 3 and 5 Series – provide the ideal balance between fun-to-drive and livability.
References:
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/m-models.html
https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/m3/specs
