MK 2 M2 LCI - updated

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True-Blue

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 Bristol/Bath
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Had a test drive in one of these today, left me numb.

473BHP through the rear wheels, hardly any feedback through the steering wheel. Felt like a video game.

Interior initially looks great, and then I noticed quite a bit of hard plastic in the cabin, especially the door cards.

Really wanted to like it as there are some big discounts on brand new ‘stock’ cars currently.

I think I’ve been spoilt by a year in a Cayman.
 
Unless you need the extra row of (tiny) seats, I'd stick to the Cayman!
Huge power in isolation is pretty useless - I'd far rather a slower, interactive car that feels like an event to drive and takes skill to master.
 
EVO have run their usual Car of the Year, and they had the M2 CS which came fifth, just behind the Ferrari 12 Cilindri (absolutely gorgeous), the main criticism being the steering and lack of feel, as one of the journalists eloquently stated, it's like driving with oven gloves on. I wonder if they offered the 6MT on the CS, the driver would feel a little more involved.
 
What you should be looking at is a F87 M2 instead. The G87 is a pig (weight mainly) with drive by wire brakes and too soft suspension. VERY capable car but not what you should be looking at if feedback is your main priority.
 
sars said:
EVO have run their usual Car of the Year, and they had the M2 CS which came fifth, just behind the Ferrari 12 Cilindri (absolutely gorgeous), the main criticism being the steering and lack of feel, as one of the journalists eloquently stated, it's like driving with oven gloves on. I wonder if they offered the 6MT on the CS, the driver would feel a little more involved.
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Millway front thrust arm bushings will improve the steering feel A LOT, even better with top mounts with speherical bearings.
 
M2 market is rich 'trust fund' kids who can afford them (or at least the huge PCP payments) but still want to do donuts in Tesco car parks at night and have bragging rights of the "473hp bro".
Most people on here are a little grown up for them IMO.

BMW have lost their way with modern 'M' cars IMO. They are now just rocket-powered lorries with play stations attached.
 
Westersund said:
What you should be looking at is a F87 M2 instead. The G87 is a pig (weight mainly) with drive by wire brakes and too soft suspension. VERY capable car but not what you should be looking at if feedback is your main priority.
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No he should consider a 1M instead.
 
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Interesting comments, We also took out another G29 M40i and I genuinely found that more engaging to drive than the M2, shame it was poorly prepared.

Maybe the previous shape M2 is better, but I think I’ve got that itch out of my system now without owning one.

I don’t really want an older car to run alongside the Alpina. Something newer the Mrs can drive if she wants.
 
I tried a first generation M2 LCI and felt it awkward and a little tiring in normal driving. I am sure it would have been okay on the track but I don’t track. Instead I bought a F22 M240i LCI. One of the last made. No gimmicks and so much better resolved in normal driving conditions. And the OP is right, current generation 2/3/Z build quality is not as good as the previous generation. It looks it at first showing but the amount of hard plastic shines through. It’s one of the reasons I didn’t buy a G29.
 
R60BBA said:
No he should consider a 1M instead.
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Personal preference.

Chassi wise they are very similar, M2 has better brakes and a more reliable engine. F87 M2 looks better IMO than the 1M also, however the 1M has better steering feel than the M2. 1M is a great car but seeing as the OP was looking at something newer I don't think the 1M fits that preference lacking the creature comforts of a more modern car.
 
We want to do more road trips, be brave and venture into Europe, I thought the M2 might be a decent modern compromise what with the tech and being available with heavy discounts. However, the initial wow factor of the big screen and quality ‘touches’ in the interior wore off on the test drive.

For example, an M40i door card compared to an M2… I know which I think looks/feels better quality. Appreciate that the top of the door cards are sensatec and not leather, and that there is some plastic, but look at that sea of cheap plastic on the M2 😵‍💫

The top of the M2 door card isn’t even soft touch, it’s just sort of textured.

I think I was having a bit of a rush of blood to the head, I’ve ruled out the M2 and the GR Supra 3.0 this week, so I’m getting closer.
 

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I’ll be keeping the Alpina for the ‘old school’ thrills. May not handle like an M3, but it’s a great overall package for a 20 year old car.
 
True-Blue said:
I don’t really want an older car to run alongside the Alpina. Something newer the Mrs can drive if she wants.
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Could do a lot worse than an F (or G) series 340i. Either saloon, estate or 4 series coupe. Same B58 as the G29, which is a great engine. Plenty of power as standard, the slushboxes are extremely good (for an auto) and they can be amazingly good on fuel if you want them to be.

If I were to ever buy another BM, I think anything with the B58 would be my choice (not a Z4 though). Anything modern with an 'S' engine is a bit of a waste of time and they come with added 'M' tax on running costs.
 
The B58 is a lovely engine. It goes well with the 2-series F and G models. In my view the F22 is the better of the two as it’s better built, is smaller, looks more like a BMW, and it isn’t laden with irritating tech. I would say though that the current model has a better ride and composure. But I have used my F22 a lot in Europe and it’s great.
 
Because of the dreadful state of roads, terrible driving, etc there is zero point in having a M over a M-lite unless you specifically want to track it or to have bragging rights.
 
Took another M2 out today. Totally different experience in a good way.
Much more steering feel, not Porsche levels, but good enough.
Think it might be something to do with the tires and temperature. 1st test temperature was about 2 degrees, temperature today about 12 degrees - plus salesman had been out in it to warm the tires (and get his lunch!)
This was a manual car, but I don’t think that makes much difference to the steering feel.
 
Have you looked at the M240i, Martin? Someone on another forum has just ordered one (with a few choice accessories) and it looks really good. The updated B58 pushes out almost 400bhp in these, so ain't gonna be no slouch.
Much better 'image' than the M2 aswell IMO.
 
Yes I did consider it, they’re X-drive as well aren’t they - rapid. However, looks like this will be heading home now to keep the Alpina company. Partly because the Mrs will ditch her E89 and use this… but also because it’s lovely. I appreciate they’re not for you. We all like different things
 

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