Unlocking the Beast: CarBahn’s M4 Competition Transformations Make It a Tuner’s Dream
When you think of tuning and aftermarket performance enhancements, there are few names as revered in the automotive world as Steve Dinan. After a decade-long hiatus from building high-performance BMWs, Dinan makes his long-awaited return with CarBahn, a company dedicated not just to BMWs, but to enhancing vehicles from an array of luxury performance brands, including Mercedes AMG, Audi RS models, and even the prestigious Porsche lineup. This article focuses on our exhilarating first drive of the CarBahn-tuned BMW M4 Competition xDrive, a model that turns an already formidable sports coupe into a high-octane monster.
Straight from the factory, the BMW M4 Competition is a robust performer, powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing an impressive 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This robust output is efficiently channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels via the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. However, for those looking for an electrifying upgrade, CarBahn offers a variety of tuning packages to significantly boost both power and handling. Our test model featured the mid-level CB3 performance package, an upgrade that adds a staggering amount of power, turning this sporty coupe into a track-ready beast.
This mid-tier upgrade comes at a price of $20,599 and includes a host of performance-enhancing modifications. The most notable of which is the impressive power increase to 735 horsepower and 668 lb-ft of torque, achieved by combining a revised engine tune with a larger charge cooler and a carbon-fiber intake system. Additionally, a redesigned front fascia helps channel 40 percent more air to the engine, optimizing airflow and cooling efficiency. This sleek and purposeful redesign gives the M4 a menacing presence on the road and enhances its aerodynamic capabilities.
To complement the performance upgrades, CarBahn has outfitted the M4 with a set of performance coilovers and anti-sway bars, lowering its stance and firming up its ride. The result is a vehicle that not only looks the part but also handles with outstanding agility and precision. The enhancements don’t stop there, as the CarBahn M4 also includes a suite of carbon fiber trims that adorn the exterior and interior components. These carbon additions, including dive planes and a decklid spoiler, serve both aesthetic and performance functions, helping to keep weight down while elevating the overall sporty look of the vehicle.
Performance on & off the Track
The CarBahn M4 is equipped with wide Michelin Cup 2R tires, delivering an astonishing grip level that is best experienced on a track but also enables exhilarating performance on winding mountain roads. The all-wheel-drive system, enhanced with a precise tune, allows for flawless acceleration out of corners without any signs of tire slip. Drivers who appreciate spirited cornering will find this vehicle both rewarding and exhilarating, thanks to its strategic weight distribution and tuned suspension. However, a word of caution: the ultra-sticky tires do cause a degree of tramlining on grooved pavement, making it a vehicle that requires attentiveness in certain conditions.
In addition to the tire upgrade, CarBahn has implemented stainless steel brake lines that improve the pedal feel and responsiveness when stopping power is required. While we didn't conduct a back-to-back test to appreciate the change fully, the immediate response of the brakes during our drive was nothing short of impressive. With massive rotors on hand, the calipers clamped down assertively, ensuring confidence at high speeds.
Comfort Meets Performance
While the M4 Competition is undoubtedly a sports car, it still aims to provide some level of comfort, particularly in the interior. However, there are a few areas where the car's design choices could be improved. Although the deeply bolstered seats provide excellent support during spirited driving, they may not be the most accommodating for taller drivers, with some reviewers noting tight legroom and ingress issues. The promise of performance comes at the cost of comfort in certain aspects.
Despite some interior quirks—such as odd placement of the headlight controls and buttons that require a reach to adjust the climate settings—the overall experience is one of luxury coupled with performance. The sound from the CarBahn exhaust system adds to the stimulating experience, while the overall design philosophy balances sporty intentions with a hint of comfort.
With each update and performance enhancement, CarBahn maintains its commitment to quality, ensuring that every part fits and functions harmoniously with the existing M4 framework. Whether drivers opt for a complete package or custom individual upgrades, the promise of performance, aesthetic appeal, and driving pleasure is notably apparent in every CarBahn M4 produced.
Conclusion: The Tuner Car Done Right
The CarBahn M4 Competition xDrive represents a well-executed blend of power, handling, and style that caters to tuning enthusiasts who appreciate an integrated approach to performance upgrades. With substantive horsepower gains, remarkable handling improvements, and a sophisticated aesthetic package, it appeals to both casual drivers and ardent motorsports fans alike. Overall, the CarBahn M4 is not just a car but a statement that encapsulates the essence of modern performance tuning done right.