M2 has come of age
#1
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It's getting a detuned S55 motor. Err, S55 engine.
I have always considered the M2 a real M, though some have not. Now even for those, it is (M235i, M760Li, C430 AMG, not real M, not real AMG, to me). It's the real deal.
http://www.bmwblog.com/2017/04/10/bm...on-march-2018/
I have always considered the M2 a real M, though some have not. Now even for those, it is (M235i, M760Li, C430 AMG, not real M, not real AMG, to me). It's the real deal.
http://www.bmwblog.com/2017/04/10/bm...on-march-2018/
#2
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When the BMW M2 first debuted, it was seen as a sign of BMW returning to greatness. The M2 represented the best qualities of what …
When the BMW M2 first debuted, it was seen as a sign of BMW returning to greatness. The M2 represented the best qualities of what BMW used to be, the BMW enthusiasts once knew and missed dearly. It was smaller than the M3 and M4, moderately powerful and focused more on handling feel, rather than performance figures or lap times. It was a car that gave enthusiasts hope, hope that BMW was again moving in the right direction. The BMW M2 was thought of as the modern-dayE46 M3, which is largely considered to be the best M3 of all time. So, naturally, almost as soon as it debuted, fans were already thinking ahead. They wanted a lighter, sharper, faster version, akin to the legendary E46 BMW M3 CSL. And now they may have gotten just that, with the brand-new BMW M2 Competition.
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-12-830x553.jpg)
If you’re expecting the second-coming of the E46 M3 CSL, stop right there. This is not that. The BMW M2 Competition is more along the lines of the M4 Competition Package, only it’s a bit more of an upgrade over the standard car than the M4 Comp Pack was. But while the BMW M2 Competition isn’t the lightweight, stripped-out track monster many fans hoped it would be, it is a significant upgrade in performance and presence.
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-35-830x553.jpg)
Under the hood lies a modified version of the same S55 engine that’s found in the BMW M3 and M4. So it’s a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that makes 410 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. So it makes a bit less power than the standard M3 but the same amount of torque. We suspect the lower power figure is done so as to not infringe on the M3’s position in the M Division’s performance hierarchy. Though, its matching torque figure will make the M2 Competition an absolute weapon from stop-light to stop-light. Or it could just turn its rear tires to smoke. Time will tell.
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-47-830x553.jpg)
That twin-turbo engine is mated to a six-speed manual as-standard, praise the Car Gods. However, a seven-speed DCT is available if you can’t be bothered to use your left leg. Either transmission sends its power to the rear wheels, with an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential dividing up the power between each rear wheel. That electronic M Differential is the same basic unit you’ll find in the M3/M4 but it’s been tweaked for M2 Competition duty.
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-37-830x587.jpg)
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-39-830x587.jpg)
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-40-830x587.jpg)
BMW also fiddled with the oil sump extraction and return systems, to keep things running well under high g-force situations. So everything should stay nice and lubricated even during hard track sessions. The BMW M2 Competition’s cooling system has also been borrowed from the M3/M4, which is a massive improvement over the standard M2. The regular ole M2 suffers a bit when driven hard on hot days, as its engine can heat soak a bit. So the increased cooling is a welcome upgrade.
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-20-830x553.jpg)
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-16-830x553.jpg)
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-15-830x553.jpg)
It also gets a slightly new front lip, with three little vents in it. It’s subtle but it looks cool. When you look at the M2 Competition in profile, though, you notice the biggest changes. Its ride height seems even lower than on the standard car and it sits on very aggressive, very large 19″ forged alloy wheels. You also get to see the subtle decklid spoiler and the silver brake calipers, which come on the M Sport brakes and are 6-piston at the front and 4-piston at the back. Out back, there’s a black diffuser and black exhaust tips, with a new two-stage exhaust system. There’s also a carbon fiber strut brace under hood, like on the M3/M4.
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-27-830x553.jpg)
To make the BMW M2 Competition handle a bit sharper, BMW M re-calibrated the electronic power steering setup, as well as the electronic rear diff. So it’s been sharpened up a bit and we expect big things. The BMW M4 Competition Package handles significantly better than the standard car thanks to that sort of tuning, so the M2 Competition could be even better to drive than the standard car already is. And, for the first time on an M2 model, there are adjustments for the steering and engine, with little buttons next to the shift lever.
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-47-830x553.jpg)
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-48-830x553.jpg)
![](http://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BMW-M2-Competition-2018-30-830x553.jpg)
The BMW M2 Competition looks to be a more aggressive, sharper driving, more powerful version of the M2. It doesn’t seem to be a full-on E46 M3 CSL or anything as hardcore as that, but that could also mean that it shouldn’t lose that delicacy and balance we love in the standard car. We’re hoping it stays as playful as the M2 we know and love, while just gaining a bit or a rawer edge. If BMW pulls that off, it might just have created a new future classic.
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http://www.bmwblog.com/2018/04/17/wo...arousel-285461
#4
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Of course I am a N54 fan. The N55 imho could put out what the N54 did, with less expense and more software. Again, there are reasons why a C430 AMG, is not an AMG. There were some purists who said M2 is not a real M, it doesn't have a S motor. I have to believe when you have 10+ inch wide rims, there is something good going on. I think the S motor validates this vehicle. Lucky that when I looked, they were selling for over list. That saved my pocketbook.
And on the S55 motor, of course a V8 would be nicer, but those days are long gone. At the same time, the inline 6 is balanced and has 1/2 the amount of cyl heads to work on, a serious plus in my garage.
And on the S55 motor, of course a V8 would be nicer, but those days are long gone. At the same time, the inline 6 is balanced and has 1/2 the amount of cyl heads to work on, a serious plus in my garage.
#5
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Of course I am a N54 fan. The N55 imho could put out what the N54 did, with less expense and more software. Again, there are reasons why a C430 AMG, is not an AMG. There were some purists who said M2 is not a real M, it doesn't have a S motor. I have to believe when you have 10+ inch wide rims, there is something good going on. I think the S motor validates this vehicle. Lucky that when I looked, they were selling for over list. That saved my pocketbook.
And on the S55 motor, of course a V8 would be nicer, but those days are long gone. At the same time, the inline 6 is balanced and has 1/2 the amount of cyl heads to work on, a serious plus in my garage.
And on the S55 motor, of course a V8 would be nicer, but those days are long gone. At the same time, the inline 6 is balanced and has 1/2 the amount of cyl heads to work on, a serious plus in my garage.
#6
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I have only driven the new M3, so I haven't driven a M2, but I believe it. That's why it was selling for over list price, which I just would never, ever, be willing to do. The criticisms I remember were seat is crooked, motor is N, but look at the option list, it was non-existent, proving it was all about driving. I'm not positive, but I doubt too many people got it for $52k--that is a bargain today.
#7
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The people that think the M2 isn't a real M is literally a bunch of high-horse ego BMW M owners.
The M2 is one of the best M ever made. Its a BMW M that's about the driving and that's what the M is suppose to be about - driving. If you ask me - the M3/M4 seem to lost its way a bit. M3/M4 seems more like a luxury bragging car now rather than driving.
The M2 is one of the best M ever made. Its a BMW M that's about the driving and that's what the M is suppose to be about - driving. If you ask me - the M3/M4 seem to lost its way a bit. M3/M4 seems more like a luxury bragging car now rather than driving.
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#9
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I have only driven the new M3, so I haven't driven a M2, but I believe it. That's why it was selling for over list price, which I just would never, ever, be willing to do. The criticisms I remember were seat is crooked, motor is N, but look at the option list, it was non-existent, proving it was all about driving. I'm not positive, but I doubt too many people got it for $52k--that is a bargain today.
#10
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#12
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The people that think the M2 isn't a real M is literally a bunch of high-horse ego BMW M owners.
The M2 is one of the best M ever made. Its a BMW M that's about the driving and that's what the M is suppose to be about - driving. If you ask me - the M3/M4 seem to lost its way a bit. M3/M4 seems more like a luxury bragging car now rather than driving.
The M2 is one of the best M ever made. Its a BMW M that's about the driving and that's what the M is suppose to be about - driving. If you ask me - the M3/M4 seem to lost its way a bit. M3/M4 seems more like a luxury bragging car now rather than driving.
You realize original M2 didn't have M engine which is why some BMW owners didnt feel it is a "true" M car!
It also didn't have important features like M1 M2 settings, M mirrors, M seats, CF components etc.
This new M2 Comp model is a huge improvement in every way.
#13
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Right lol
You realize original M2 didn't have M engine which is why some BMW owners didnt feel it is a "true" M car!
It also didn't have important features like M1 M2 settings, M mirrors, M seats, CF components etc.
This new M2 Comp model is a huge improvement in every way.
Like someone mentioned before, its just the purist that think this way. And I think they are talking with their ego.
#14
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Right lol
You realize original M2 didn't have M engine which is why some BMW owners didnt feel it is a "true" M car!
It also didn't have important features like M1 M2 settings, M mirrors, M seats, CF components etc.
This new M2 Comp model is a huge improvement in every way.
I do like the sports seats in the upcoming M2 comp, and the orange color, but other than that the current M2 is a better car.
#15
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Right lol
You realize original M2 didn't have M engine which is why some BMW owners didnt feel it is a "true" M car!
It also didn't have important features like M1 M2 settings, M mirrors, M seats, CF components etc.
This new M2 Comp model is a huge improvement in every way.
Or you suggest that when getting a Porsche, be sure to get an S, and they snap.
What I'm driving at is this car is giving you stuff that matters for performance, and not the other way around (does it have apple play or can I stream pandora, do the tires come with an all season option) How about mechanical limited slip?
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