The M4 G82 is the second generation of BMWs designed for the GT4 class. It was unveiled in June 2022, marking a major upgrade for drivers and customer teams ahead of the 2023 racing season.
The two generations of the M4 GT4 are easily recognisable by their body designs, which mirror their road counterparts. The 2023 M4 GT4 features the distinctive twin-kidney grille, while the earlier F82 model showcases a more traditional BMW bodywork design.
Introducing The BMW M4 G82 GT4 In iRacing
The M4 G82 was released in the 2024 Season 4 and replaced the old M4 F82 model, now part of the legacy content. It is the latest addition to the iRacing lineup of GT4 cars, which currently includes:
- Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (introduced in 2020 Season 2)
- McLaren 570S GT4 (2021 Season 2)
- Aston Martin Vantage GT4 (2022 Season 2)
- Mercedes-AMG GT4 (2022 Season 3)
- BMW M4 G82 GT4 (2024 Season 4)
Each car costs $12.95 USD. If you need help picking up the GT4 car that best suits your driving style, check out Coach Dave Academy’s overview of all GT4 cars in iRacing.
The Basic Car Characteristics
The BMW M4 G82 GT4 is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, which produces 450-500 horsepower depending on series regulations. The engine is mated to a 7-speed transmission with paddle shifters for quick gear changes.
The M4 GT4 features a lightweight construction with extensive use of carbon fibre, reducing its overall weight to around 1,500 kilograms. Aerodynamics include a large rear wing, front splitter, and other elements improving downforce and stability at high speeds. Braking is handled by high-performance racing brakes, with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston at the rear.
Steering and Cornering
The chassis and suspension of the G82 GT4 were upgraded compared to the F82. It offers a more responsive handling experience, thanks to improved stiffness and a more adjustable suspension setup, which allows better fine-tuning on different tracks. This gives the G82 GT4 an edge in cornering and overall driving dynamics compared to the F82 GT4.
Weight and balance have been optimised in the G82 GT4, with lighter components and better weight distribution. The car still understeers on corner entry and does not perform well when a quick change of direction is needed. To address these problems with the setup, you can use a high negative front toe, a soft front suspension, a high rake for improved turn-in grip and a negative camber to enhance mid-corner grip.
Power Delivery and Braking
The G82 GT4 is equipped with the newer S58 engine, which is more advanced and efficient than the S55 engine in the F82 GT4. The S58 engine offers a broader powerband, making it more versatile for race tuning and delivering a higher level of performance.
The electronics in the G82 GT4 are also more advanced. Driver aids such as ABS and traction control are more refined in the G82 GT4, offering a more precise and customisable racing experience.
Aerodynamics and Bodywork
In terms of aerodynamics, the G82 GT4 benefits from more aggressive and refined aerodynamics. The newer car has been designed with enhanced aerodynamics, including a more optimised rear wing and splitter, providing better downforce and stability at high speeds compared to the F82 GT4.
The M4 G82 is the fastest GT4 in a straight line, and it is crucial to utilise this strength in races. In GT4 cars, the rear wing has only a small effect on cornering performance, so begin with a lower setting and adjust it towards the end of the setup tuning.
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Where You Can Race It
GT4 cars are considered the entry-level GT class in iRacing, so you get access to multiple regular championships after earning the D sports car licence.
D Licence
The two beginner series for this car are the GT4 Falken Tyre Challenge and the BMW M Power Tour. The former offers GT4 multiclass races and the latter is the BMW GT4 spec series. The setup for both championships is fixed. Races run every hour and last only 15 minutes, so you will always find a session even when you do not have much time.
The second championship available to D-licensed racers is the Nurburgring Endurance Championship. As an endurance, team-based, multiclass series, it is a considerable step up in difficulty compared to the GT4 Falken Tyre Challenge.
C Licence
The senior Falken Tyre championship for C licence drivers is called the Falken Tyre Sports Car Challenge. This multiclass series features the LMP3 alongside five GT4 cars. It allows open setups and includes races that are 30 minutes each compared to the 15 minutes in the GT4 Falken Tyre Challenge.
Another popular series for GT4 cars is the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Here GT4 cars compete as the fastest class against touring cars. Races occur during weekends and last 2 hours, without driver swaps.
Here is the summary of all regular races available on iRacing for the BMW M4 G82 GT4:
| Series | Licence | Cars | Schedule | Race length | Max grid |
| BMW M Power Tour | D | GT4 | Every hour | 15 minutes | 40 drivers |
| GT4 Falken Tyre Challenge | D | GT4 | Every hour | 15 minutes | 30 drivers |
| Nurburgring Endurance Championship | D | GT3, GT4, GR86, PCup | Weekends (4 time slots) | 240 minutes | 60 teams |
| Falken Tyre Sports Car Challenge | C | LMP3, GT4 | Every 2 hours | 30 minutes | 40 drivers |
| IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge | C | GT4, TCR | Weekends (4 time slots) | 120 minutes | 40 drivers |
Final Thoughts
The BMW M4 G82 GT4 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor with improved handling, advanced electronics and refined aerodynamics. It stands out for high top speed and stability, making it a strong contender in the GT4 class. For iRacing drivers seeking a competitive edge in the most modern GT4 car, the M4 G82 is worth considering.
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