2023 BMW M3 6 Speed Manual Ownership Review | Honest Feedback Comparison 

Sorry to hear all your issues but to my experience the last 30 years of motoring, few cars electrics resist flooding. I am on the 5th year in my Giulia Quadrifoglio and it’s been and still is troublefree. Congrats on the BMW.

Clearly Alfa QV was a better drivers car, this looks ugly, sounds boring, has no emotion and is heavier! It’s sad that Alfa has terrible customer service support which made you switch to this

Maybe I'm in the minority (literally lol) but I absolutely love the Front Fascia!

Man. The M4 coupe looks good, but the M3 4 Doors will make life a lot easier for me. I would’ve option the same exact spec like yours too. 6 SPD MT all the way.

I’ve been following your channel for almost 3 years and based on your reviews you are the reason why I purchased a Giulia Quadra folio 2023 still waiting on it. My heart kind of sunk when I saw your video a couple weeks ago about your final straw with AlfaRomeo, and after everything that’s happened with your car. I really don’t blame you for doing what you did and I wish you great luck with your BMW M3 I hope I have better luck with dealer support, looking forward to more reviews!.

Aesthetically Giulia QV>M3. Build Quality M3>GQV. Steering GQV>M3. Braking M3>GQV. Tech M3>GQV. Emotional Appeal GQV>M3. From a performance aspect I like the fact that the M3 has a manual although they should have hired a Miata engineer to design the shift linkage; don’t like the pumped in engine noise. Your GQV was screwed from the moment the water damaged the electrical system-same thing could happen to the M3 or any modern car however. Italian and British cars suffer from electrical woes but German car plastics, particularly those under the hood, breakdown over time. Shame about the dead steering on this car-inexcusable on a performance car imho. BMW allegedly better post purchase service but when my X3 had a problem both the dealer and BMW Assist left me stranded on 684 for hours. Looking forward to the mods.

You praised the Giulia so much, you were delighted that it was the best sports limousine you had ever driven and why this now?

car's awesome, sound's great but your alfa Romeo videos made me to own one. Alfa's sound can't be compared to any other car. it's one & only. Video rocks

Change is always good and is already re-inspiring you. Will be interested to see where you go with the M3. As a follower who made some of the modifications you recommended on my 2018 QV - I am interested in your thoughts here. Although it’s not an excuse for poor service, Just wondering if the dealership ghosted you because of all of the modifications you made with after market parts, claiming that it voided the warranty. So far so good on my QV, but I am approaching 4 years and will need to extend warranty if I decide to stay with the QV. I do worry about future potential issues being challenged, though the burden is usually on the dealership to prove the modification caused the failure.

manual for ever ❤❤❤❤❤

Car is gorgeous. Love everything about it. Looking forward to all the content about the mods

This is a very painful video to watch. I thought you had accepted all the shortcomings of Alfa ownership (agree 100% with you) in return for the unrivaled driving dynamics. I'm still in disbelief. Regardless, congratulations on your new acquisition especially the 6 speed. Awesome combination with the Isle of Man Green.

Funny, you spoke sooo good about the Alfa when you had it. Now you talk about it like it's an annoyance. Don't you miss the Alfa's sharp steering?

The QF may win the beauty pageant here (at least in the front end) but doesn’t sound like it was worth the stress. Piece of mind is really priceless. When you spend top dollar for a high performance sports/luxury car you’d expect the best reliability and service. I think this is a great buy and replacement for the Alpha…Plus now you’ve got 3 pedals! Congrats!

Sorry man, i can't get used to the front of this car

The lack of Full Merino leather is a bummer. It should still be an option, but I’m sure it has an extended lead time that wouldn’t be feasible. I’m sure I’d forget about it the moment I get behind the wheel. BMW really did a real great job with this generation.

Could your Alfa being unreliable be partially caused by you moded the crap out of it?? I’ve had a stock Giulia quad for 3 years without any problems except the battery dying once

Its not worth the money 💯

My Mini Cooper does the same thing (made a video on an off ramp, wheel stays turned) doesn't RTC=Return To Center. Mini/BMW dealer is great, they tried reprogramming the EPS and let me test drive other models, all had the same trait. Owned a "new" 2020 QV for 4 months, car, dealers even (the idiots on) the forums were bad. Note: You seem to be the only reviewer that comments with detail on steering feel. 👍

Had to wait a couple days to have time to watch, I was never a BMW fan because they all look alike, so the “pig nose” I actually like… the spec on that car is awesome and I’m sure it’s an incredible “driving machine “… if. Could find one, I’d be interested 😂 I had a 2019 Giulia Ti, nothing but trouble! Mostly starter relay failures, sold it! I have a 2019 Stelvio Lusso, which is perfect, love it, and don’t get the reliability differences between the two models. I don’t blame you at all… look forward to modes and reviews on the G80.

I love Isle of Man Green, I love the Sakhir Orange interior - but together? I've seen this combo in the flesh and I can't imagine living with it. But color is a personal preference thing, and hopefully you still like this combo down the road. Thanks for the nice review.

When do we get the AutoFanatic garage tour video?

Really nice spec on the G80! Congrats!! You should put some Michelin alpin tire’s…I have them on my FK8 and love them

Could program the second memory seat slot with the seat all the way back.

Nope. Alfa Romeo for me, in Montreal Green. No fake sounds. It took Alfa to set the bar in 2016 and it is still utterly brilliant.

What you think about spacers ? I’ve seen some and they look good but want your opinion on messing with the drivability of the vehicle or not

Im a big fan of the front tbh. It looks like a beast and gives it character

The Dashboard kills it for me

Your M3 looks stunning in that unique color. Like many others I find the front grill is a weird design. If you come up with a nice alternative I’m sure many owners will be interested in swapping out the OEM grille. The wheels look great with that exterior. Enjoy the new ride.

Have had my QV just shy of 5 years. No issues and a super local tech for service. Dealer stopped carrying Alfa so they will only do non warranty or "extended warranty" work. Since my car has been out of warranty for close to a year, it's not a problem. Let's face it, Alfa dealer support has always sucked. Not just in the US but world wide. Its sadly, the price of admission. Even though my ownership experience has been great and I can't stop looking g at the car even after all of these years, I am now in the market for a new car and will likely take delivery of an M3 6mt in the next six months. Just looking for something different with a manual al transmission. Still love the Alfa.

Yes the Alfa has a dinosaur interior and unteliable at times but the engine and driving dynamics are much better. I love most of the BMWs especially the M cars. But the M3/M4 is their worst M car by far.

Great review! I honestly love that spec!!! I guess the best way to make the seat go all the way back when you park is to save the seat setting to number 2 and just press it after you park

"The new M3 it's just orrible I just wouldn't get that car, I don't care what anybody says, it doesn't excite me and every time I look at it I just want to vomit, I'm sorry I just don't love that car. This car (Alfa Giulia Qv) is far better sound better looks, I think it's far more special." Well this is you just two month ago in your "Alfa Romeo Giulia QV 4 Year Ownership" video. It's nice to see the entire video btw

The steering issue is one another video o saw about that bmw fixed for him

Setting the QV reliability aside. Which is the better drivers car? I’m considering a 2023 QV or a G80.

All manual transmission can be shifted with out clutch.

These orange sidemarkers are very irritating for me as a german, are those mandatory in NY? If not maybe get some painted ones from IND. Love the M3 content Phil

That green looks insane

How tall are you and what's your weight? Trying to decide if i include buckets or not. I'm not planning on tracking but don't want to sacrifice driving experience if the sports seats are couches

Nice car! The screen resembles the one on my E class

Love the spec, Hate the front end! Look forward to your content.

Such a great car

I like the front end of these maybe because I’ve never considered a BMW due to the mechanical reliability and resale reputation.

You’re missing the full leather pack which adds the orange inserts in the doors as well as leather on the upper doors and dash.

I raced one of those in my F36 435i FBO MHD stage2+ E20 map in a roll race. Guess the outcome, I bet 30% are wrong. (BTW I was on my way to buy an F82 650 km's from home).

LOL the only reason to own this car over a giulia is the manual...its a shame there's not maserati version of the giulia for a direct competitor in tech, but if i wanted tech i'd just buy electric. also lol at needing to give it a nose job to not be embarrassed being seen in it. 😄

Love hearing the mental gymnastics to figure out why the steering isn’t great. There’s really not much you can do. This is the reality of modern BMW steering and has been for quite some time. It’ll never be as good as the Alfa.

Shame it sounds so fake through the speakers :(

So nomore Alfa

It's not that you can't get leather on the dash/doors, etc - whoever built your car just needed to tick the full leather (most expensive) option.

Though I dont like the nose, this is my next dream car. Currently, have a 2021 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium

Buy Akebono ceramic pads and your wheels will never look dirty again

Love the new car. Your content is amazing and you are very generous with your expertise. I have an 18 Quadrifoglio and it has been amazing. For two years I had a 45 mile drive to work and I never had an issue. I changed the brake pads at your recommendation and it improved the brakes but they are still wonky. Cracked plastic radiator and a fuel pump that needed replacing but never left me stranded. I would have done the same as you but much earlier on if my car gave me so much trouble. My comment concerns something you said regarding the superior engineering of M vs ct4 BW. ( I have one on order!). I’m not sure I agree that the M is better engineered where it really matters. The caddy has been thrashed by numerous journalists on track with no failures or hiccups that I’m aware of. Also you have had that beautiful M for less than a month and are already planning on modding the shifter and fixing the steering behavior. These two input points on the ct4 have been praised as being near perfect. I concede the interior and exterior finish quality gap is real and favors the M, but don’t plan on changing anything about the blackwing’s appearance. All of this is to say that while your choice of car is truly terrific, the CT 4 deserves a bit more love! And my wife is letting me keep the Alfa!

Many times are changing and people are getting goofy with car specs. But in my opinion the green with red brake calipers and orange seats just don`t together. Repainting the brake calipers black or orange to match the seats would help. Its a awesome car but the way, just giving a honest viewpoint.

Hello, I have the same issues with the steering sticking. But mine stick to the right instead of left on yours

Nice video. There is an extended leather option ($2.5k) that has the orange leather go higher up the doors and lower dash. I believe the top dash is leather too.

Very nice.

I just dropped a tear in pain when I saw that stick shift. I cant find a manual BMW in Canada!

Will you/did you PPF? Is it necessary?

any manual trans can be shifted without the clutch as long as the car is rolling enough to not stall out in second gear, that's not a feature

Love the m3, but just can’t get passed the front grill! Gl

That front is still hideous.

New subscriber,..enjoy your videos so far,..was wondering how many cars you have,..seems you mention a few.I just got an 18 Alfa QV,..im loving it,..hoping no serious issues with it as i want to keep long term

As someone who also had an M3 comp and totaled the car on the Pzero on a cold and rainy day. I say don't risk it man, I was merging onto the highway and lost all traction in the rear causing the car to 180 degree rotate on me. Lucky the car is built really well and I was able to walk out of the car that rolled. Stay safe and congratz on the new car 😀 I know I had a blast with the 2 months I had it.

So glad you got rid of that alfa pile, welcome to the best brand.

My Audi is like that. The electric steering in these cars suck. Im not sure if caster angle/geometry plays a part with the electric steering. As far as i know its all in how its programmed.

It's a beauty but doesn't beat the QV.

I suspect you are going back to Alfa within a month

Can you cancel the engine noise coming through the speakers?

Did you get a great value for your QV?

Curious how the M3 compares dynamically to my 992 911 C4S. The C4S should be the least interesting dynamically out of the 911 lineup. Let me know if you’re on the road in Westchester, I’ll be around !

Hey, first of your videos I've seen. Really appreciate the candid and detailed comments. I love the green and I love the orange but I could never do green over orange! - Former F80 manual M3 owner thinking of a G80.

It’s the “weakest link in the chain” - The manufacturer, the car and the dealer. I’m new in north Texas and was very anxious regarding my first dealer service. I asked to see the service manager, and although I had no appointment, he brought me into his office, and spent 10 minutes discussing my situation. The dealer provided shuttle service. The repair was performed in a timely manner and the dealer warranties their work. This dealer is a twenty mile drive for me - but they have earned my patronage. Just recently my battery suddenly died - the dealer was able to get me in and out, without appointment, on a Saturday afternoon within an hour. This dealer is a major asset for the manufacturer. It’s a shame that the ownership experience of potentially great car can be undermined by a substandard dealer network. Happy BMW Motoring.

I think this engine sounds miles better than the S55 from the F80 did.

Enjoy the SSK (when you get it). We have been doing our best trying to keep up with demand. We also noticed that our delrin shift knob matches some of the interior trim but also compliments the shifting action a bit with its slightly taller than OEM profile.

Boooooooo 😀

i saw your QV for sale on Miller Motorcars website, recognized the custom steering wheel right away, was surprised that it has that many miles. thought it was upwards of 25k-30k. nonetheless, at least you got a M3 as a replacement (hate the M4, mainly because of the proportions, rear section is too long and missing the hips of the M3) would’ve done the same if i went through the same thing, especially in that spec. exact spec i would get mine in actually lol. for me, if the Giulia wasn’t an option, definitely go BMW

you can get leather on top of the doors and top of the dash if you option full leather interior

Congrats, I hate to say I told you sooo.. but I did. I owned a 2018 alfa romeo qv. Very fast, light on its feet. Quick steering. Dealer network 0.. reliability 4 on a 1-10 scale. The alfa was far better than the f80.. but the g80 is better .. when people spend hard earned money they want reliability. The bmw is just a superior brand. The alfa will always have a space in history that's well deserved. I too own a 2022 bmw m3 manual. Great all around car.

Cool, you get people who become you tube biased. I knew people building 7/8 second grand nationals in the 90s, I knew people boring out Honda atc motors to give Suzuki lt500s competition in the 90s, this is well before raptor yada yada yada”my daddy bought me a atv” like your approach man .

Does it have auto rev match you can turn on and off? Also how’s the clutch? Is it beginner friendly and easy to modulate?

Well u did it….if that guilio was breaking down and no good service better u get rid of it. Does the Stelvio have any problems? I have gone back to your introduction on your original 350 when u started the channel. Seen your enthusiasm with the red car. It was clean….damn I miss the Red one! But it’s interesting seeing the progression and your perspective, but still love the red 350! Stay safe my friend!

can you heel toe comfortably? looks like the middle carbon piece on the buckets would obstruct movements.

Does the rear passenger seat have pull down center arm rest with cup holders like the E60 M5?

please don't shift the trans without using the clutch. gear shift assistant only matches the engine speed to the output shaft speed. Rev matching of course makes shifting easier but it will still wear out the syncro faster if you are not using the clutch

Small world, almost purchased this car a couples weeks ago. White plains?

I pulled my G80 wheels off and ceramic coated them the day I took delivery. It makes a huge difference and makes it easy to clean.

I test drove a M3CS before I bought my QV. It was used but only had ~1500 miles on it. Even not in sport mode the ride was very harsh. VERY harsh. I couldn't pull the trigger. That was probably a 2020 (maybe 2019). Has it gotten better?

'21 G80 M3 Base owner here! I don't know if you're aware, but driving without the gear shift assistant makes the revs drop faster. I noticed that the rev hang drops slower using gear shift assistant on. Would you agree? Also, great content!

I wonder if more caster would give the car more self steer?

That’s a great build, but I do love the head us display.

I'm shocked at did see you there. I basically live at that shell station because they have solid E85. I just got my production number for my 23 M3 Comp xDrive. I got the carbon ceramics. I'm local, if you want to compare side by side. Took some pictures of your car on the showroom floor before you picked it up. Ray Catena.

Don't forget to do CDV delete. Also. This car has brake by wire as well.

Great review....! Maybe the best solution with your seat is to use the 2 programmable memories. ...press 1 to exit and 2 when you get back in?

Congrats on the new car. What a great combination of colors. You should check out Matt Moreman from Obsessed Garage, he just got an M3 as well.

what issues have you been having with your QV? I am a recent owner of one and am curious. thanks

Dear Sir, I hope you are well. I have been watching your auto reviews and the information you share on your channel. I wanted to say that in my opinion, you have the best commentary and combination of technical and layman points, available on RU-vid. Furthermore, I am thinking of buying an M3 just because of your indepth analysis of the vehicle. Thank you so much for the time you take and the obvious effort and consideration you put into making these videos. It is much appreciated. Kindest regards, Zeyn

Eight On AF, missed you dude !!

You can get up to 2 degrees of camber which will increase castor, if need more might need camber plates

Absolutely gorgeous!!!