After an 11-month wait from order to delivery, a Riviera Blue 2025 G82 M4 CS is finally in my garage! Coming out of a Misano Blue 2020 F87 M2 CS 6MT, this might be the most polarizing car decision Ive ever made. Ive never hesitated stepping into a new M car until this one.
See, Ive driven manual M cars for over 20 years. And now I dont. Thats a strange adjustment. Sure, Ive played with all three shift settings, used the paddles and even the hand shifter, but its just not the same. Still, credit where its due: the ZF automatic is seriously impressive smooth, responsive, and refined even with the revs capped under 56k during break-in.
BMWs Ive Owned:
2005 E46 M3 (6MT)
2008 E92 M3 (6MT)
Another 2008 E92 M3 (6MT)
2012 E70 X5 35i (automatic still have it as a 153k-mile beater)
2007 R56 Mini Cooper S (6MT)
2016 F30 340iX w/ MPPSK (6MT)
2018 F80 M3 (6MT)
2021 G07 X7 M50i (automatic wifes current car)
2020 F87 M2 CS (6MT)
If you dont count the Mini, this is BMW number nine for me each one ordered to spec, broken in properly, and meticulously maintained.
Build Highlights:
2025 G82 M4 CS in Riviera Blue Individual
Carbon Ceramic Brakes (Gold calipers)
Gold Bronze 827M wheels w/ Track Tires (P Zero Corsa)
Modifications:
M Performance CF Rear Winglets (port-installed)
M Performance CF Side Skirts (dealer-installed)
Full-body SunTek Ultra PPF + Nanolex Si3D Ceramic Coating by Detailers Domain
SunTek Evolve 45% Ceramic Tint by Detailers Domain
IND Painted Front Reflectors
Rear M Brake Clips
I typically keep my builds stock, but I was surprised by how high the CS sits. I might consider MPHAS and 10mm spacers down the line.
Early Impressions:
The CCBs are hands down my favorite feature so far mostly for the zero brake dust, which has noticeably cut down my wash time. They look phenomenal too. And despite my doubts, the carbon buckets are surprisingly comfortable even my wife loves them (she refused to ride in the uncomfortable seats of my M2 CS).
A Few Gripes:
I lost the tire lottery and got P Zero Corsas instead of Cup 2s.
iDrive 8.5 insists on turning the radio on every time I open the door super annoying.
No turn-by-turn visuals on the nav screen? Odd.
Surprisingly okay with the lack of cup holders Yeti fits fine in the door pocket.
Thought I disabled Active Sound Design via BimmerCode, but I still think I hear it.
Cant find the Sport Display (used to save it as a favorite) or set it as a widget why not?
Final Thoughts:
Despite being larger than my previous M cars, the M4 CS feels impressively planted more like it pivots through corners than leans with body roll. 600 miles in, Im still adjusting to the automatic and do wish it came in a manual, but theres no denying how refined and capable it feels. It sounds fantastic and carries a more mature presence than my M2 CS.
All in all, Im happy with the move and looking forward to fully enjoying the entire RPM range post-break-in.
Pics:
Photo credit Phil Detailers Domain + myself
