Disappointed after a driving an M2

[Flying Ace]

It's probably a really good track car based on the specs alone. Short wheelbase, light weight, turbo, DCT.

But we don't all live at the track.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

It's probably a really good track car based on the specs alone. Short wheelbase, light weight, turbo, DCT.

But we don't all live at the track.

I don't really agree.

A short wheel base does not make a good track car. And it weighs as much as the M3/4.

The question around the M2 is, what advantage does it have vs an M3/4?
Bad:
-same weight
-tuned n55 with little headroom

Good:
-10k cheaper

Meanwhile the M3/4 has the S55 and weighs the same.

I can see it as a fun daily driver if you want a new car but that's pretty much it

[94jedi]

Good to read all the feedback on the M2. I had considered one, maybe after my e90 (although I think I'll keep the e90 forever), but there's something about the looks I just can't get behind. It just doesn't do it for me like the e90 does. I know for modability that n55 variant is pretty good but as I get older, I find there's more to a car than just going fast.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by tdott

I think it will depend on where they are coming from, if it's their first M car, yes they will think it's the best thing since slice bread.

If they've had experience with other M cars or other sports cars, then chances are they might not. If they are afraid of buying an older car out of warranty or want the latest tech, then yes of course they will love the new Ms.

That's me. Never owned an M car. After 10 years of owning old Audi's, I'm was done with dealing with old German cars, so I got 2 F30's and then a F80. I love it. I've driven my buddy's E92 M3. It's a great car too, but I just don't want to deal with anything out of warranty anymore... or do I? Maybe as a secondary car it would be fine! Looking for a used E43 or E92 that is in great condition. My F80 will stay and get swapped for a Porsche soon, and I think a nice "classic" M3 in the garage will be a nice supplement. I drove the M2, it was fun, but the F80's power has it beat squarely, and I can imagine an E92 will yield similar results. The new M2 CS however... that might be the best modern M car. It's just not enough for a track toy for me. Porsche will fill that need.

[rhyary]

For me driving is a passion.
It is not a calculated decision.
For work, I drive 535i and all I care about it is that I can make my phone calls, drink coffee without spilling and that it drives in a straight line with as little effort as possible.

How can you replace the sound of the S65 with anything else? few mods to take out the E92 soft side and what can be better? it feels special.

You don't buy an M car for a rational decision.
You buy an M because it moves you.

So, it is a personal choice and this is why there are many flavors of ice creams.

I like vanilla ice cream and E92 M3. I feel lucky to have one, but I appreciate anyone with passion to chocolate ice cream and M2.

[m3jala]

I never drove it and would like to try it out but to me it looks like the cute bunny version of 3 and up.

[kyrix1st]

M2 CS = M4 base model

[Transfer]

I'm in a new place and there is a mineral gray M2 that parks near me and front end vs front end it wins the looks department hands down. My car looks great too but the MG M2 is just mean.

[slowm3]

I actually really like it, I would get it in alpine white with the 6 speed. I drove the M2 and for me it was a big improvement over the e9x m3 chassis (stock for stock). It felt like the body roll in the corners was much lower then the e92 m3, and the chassis was stiffer. The m2 has good low end torque and this makes it a bit easier to drive around the city whereas the s65 needs to be revved out to be in the power band. I know the downside is the exhaust sound and the steering feel when compared to the e9x m3 platform. Might consider selling my e92 m3 and getting the new m2 comp package when it comes out.

[Montaver]

M2 sounds pretty damn good to my ears. The S65 sounds great, but I prefer 6 cylinder engine sounds. I think the Porsche flat six in the 911.1 Gen Carerra's and 981 Cayman sounds significantly better. It has a motorsport howl that the V8 cannot replicate, although my MPE does make some beautiful sounds.

I haven't driven the M2 to comment on the handling, but I expect the lighter weight, size, more advanced diff and electronics, better chassis, and better brakes will put it above the E9x. Steering isn't hydraulic so it loses points there. I'd consider buying one in a year or so once prices come down after the M2C is released. 100% would need to drive it first but I have a feeling I will like it. If you want something a little more raw and smaller than the e9x whilst remaining practical it seems to fit the bill.

[BayE30]

Originally Posted by Montaver

I haven't driven the M2 to comment on the handling, but I expect the lighter weight, size, more advanced diff and electronics, better chassis, and better brakes will put it above the E9x.

its actually heavier than the e9x m3.

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by SFCM3

its actually heavier than the e9x m3.

Where are you getting that from? A cursory Google suggests:

M2 weighs 3,450 lbs for the manual or 3,505 for the DCT
E92 DCT weighs 3,649 lbs, the E90 weighs 3,715

There is no configuration of the E9x which is lighter than the M2. Even the F8x M3 is lighter than the E9x.

[BayE30]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Where are you getting that from? A cursory Google suggests:

M2 weighs 3,450 lbs for the manual or 3,505 for the DCT
E92 DCT weighs 3,649 lbs, the E90 weighs 3,715

There is no configuration of the E9x which is lighter than the M2. Even the F8x M3 is lighter than the E9x.

You are correct, i was mistakenly reading stats for F82... below are the e92 m3.

3483 lbs / 1580 kg 6mt
3527 lbs / 1600 kg dct

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Steering isn't hydraulic so it loses points there.

Don't fall for this meme that the auto journalists perpetuate. EPAS systems are not as bad as everyone makes them out to be. I would be willing to bet that most people can't even tell the difference on a car these days.

I have owned multiple hydraulic and EPAS cars, and I never once found myself saying, "damn, the steering feel on this car sucks." And yes, I test drove an F80 M3 and the steering felt great. I didn't care that it was EPAS.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by SFCM3

You are correct, i was mistakenly reading stats for F82... below are the e92 m3.

3483 lbs / 1580 kg 6mt
3527 lbs / 1600 kg dct

Close enough

F8X M3/4 was supposed to be way lighter than the E9X but it weighs essentially the same.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by dparm

Don't fall for this meme that the auto journalists perpetuate. EPAS systems are not as bad as everyone makes them out to be. I would be willing to bet that most people can't even tell the difference on a car these days.

I have owned multiple hydraulic and EPAS cars, and I never once found myself saying, "damn, the steering feel on this car sucks." And yes, I test drove an F80 M3 and the steering felt great. I didn't care that it was EPAS.

Drove an M2 last weekend after swapping its winter tires for summers. You can immediately tell the steering talks less than the E9X M. One does not have to try hard to notice.

The M4 GTS I have with me now has better steering. You can feel something when it loads up. Still worse than the E9X M, but better than nothing.

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by dparm

Don't fall for this meme that the auto journalists perpetuate. EPAS systems are not as bad as everyone makes them out to be. I would be willing to bet that most people can't even tell the difference on a car these days.

I have owned multiple hydraulic and EPAS cars, and I never once found myself saying, "damn, the steering feel on this car sucks." And yes, I test drove an F80 M3 and the steering felt great. I didn't care that it was EPAS.

Indeed, i've driven some great EPAS and some not so great. I thought the EPAS on the 991.1 C2S was excellent, direct, well weighted, and made the car feel very placeable. The EPAS in a 2016 Mini Cooper S felt numb, and very disconnected from the front wheels and suspension. I could tell the chassis was great but it felt like there was a layer of fuzz which killed a lot of the fun. Reviews of the M2 suggested the steering is pretty good. I'd take less steering feel for an improved overall chassis.

The E9x steering is still very impressive, well connected and feel some but not overly talkative. However I think the extra thick steering wheel takes away some of the tactility, and it feels a touch heavy with ZCP wheels on. I noticed the difference between my 220m's and ZCP's right away.

[oolas3]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Indeed, i've driven some great EPAS and some not so great. I thought the EPAS on the 991.1 C2S was excellent, direct, well weighted, and made the car feel very placeable. The EPAS in a 2016 Mini Cooper S felt numb, and very disconnected from the front wheels and suspension. I could tell the chassis was great but it felt like there was a layer of fuzz which killed a lot of the fun. Reviews of the M2 suggested the steering is pretty good. I'd take less steering feel for an improved overall chassis.

The E9x steering is still very impressive, well connected and feel some but not overly talkative. However I think the extra thick steering wheel takes away some of the tactility, and it feels a touch heavy with ZCP wheels on. I noticed the difference between my 220m's and ZCP's right away.

And the new M2 Competition will have recalibrated steering so hopefully it is getting even better. It will also be individually configurable unlike the current model.

[HadesM3]

Just curious how you guys would feel about the M2 if the engine and exhaust sounded as good as the s65?

Personally, I think the m2 looks great. More aggressive and purposeful than the e90/92.

The s65 was the primary reason I bought my m3.

[HadesM3]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Indeed, i've driven some great EPAS and some not so great. I thought the EPAS on the 991.1 C2S was excellent, direct, well weighted, and made the car feel very placeable. The EPAS in a 2016 Mini Cooper S felt numb, and very disconnected from the front wheels and suspension. I could tell the chassis was great but it felt like there was a layer of fuzz which killed a lot of the fun. Reviews of the M2 suggested the steering is pretty good. I'd take less steering feel for an improved overall chassis.

The E9x steering is still very impressive, well connected and feel some but not overly talkative. However I think the extra thick steering wheel takes away some of the tactility, and it feels a touch heavy with ZCP wheels on. I noticed the difference between my 220m's and ZCP's right away.

Would you expect a set of lightweight APEX or Bimmerworld 19s would significantly improve handling over the OEM ZCP wheels?

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by ZombieM3

Would you expect a set of lightweight APEX or Bimmerworld 19s would significantly improve handling over the OEM ZCP wheels?

Oh I'm sure you'd notice the difference. The BE TE:AL wheels in 18" are lighter than the Apex ones, I'd bet you'd notice

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by ZombieM3

Just curious how you guys would feel about the M2 if the engine and exhaust sounded as good as the s65?

Personally, I think the m2 looks great. More aggressive and purposeful than the e90/92.

The s65 was the primary reason I bought my m3.

If the M2 had the S65 in it then it would be pretty high on my bucket list.

BMW will never build something as glorious as the S65 again. Meanwhile, the N55/S55 will be superceded in every way by the B58/S58. The N55/B58 part has already happened