M2 owners - your opinions please
Discussion
Work, life and car use profile mean that oppertunities to drive my Exige are few and far between. It's a waste of a fantastic car that has done fewer than 2000 miles in my hands so time to change. Clio Trophy has already been sold because that had even less use.
Top of the 'useable toy' want list at the moment is a manual M2.
I know it won't excite or reward like the Lotus on a warm sunny Sunday morning but I'll be much more inclined to use an M2 for early morning airport runs, take it to work occasionally and go for a run out in the kind of weather that made enjoying the Exige borderline. Trips to Lemans/Spa overloaded with camping gear and passengers also meant the Lotus stayed at home sulking, so something slightly more practical really appeals.
Keeping my 130i as an everyday daily driver because I love it and it's worth way more to me than anyone would ever give for it so M2 wouldn't be used for nipping into B&Q, tip runs etc.
I've driven a couple already - a manual in monsoon like conditions so couldn't really enjoy it and a DCT which fealt quick but a little remote.
First impressions are good but are there any current M2 owners who can share their honest opinions after living with one for a while? Thanks.
Top of the 'useable toy' want list at the moment is a manual M2.
I know it won't excite or reward like the Lotus on a warm sunny Sunday morning but I'll be much more inclined to use an M2 for early morning airport runs, take it to work occasionally and go for a run out in the kind of weather that made enjoying the Exige borderline. Trips to Lemans/Spa overloaded with camping gear and passengers also meant the Lotus stayed at home sulking, so something slightly more practical really appeals.
Keeping my 130i as an everyday daily driver because I love it and it's worth way more to me than anyone would ever give for it so M2 wouldn't be used for nipping into B&Q, tip runs etc.
I've driven a couple already - a manual in monsoon like conditions so couldn't really enjoy it and a DCT which fealt quick but a little remote.
First impressions are good but are there any current M2 owners who can share their honest opinions after living with one for a while? Thanks.
swanny71 said:
Anyone?
Hopefully you're not all too busy looking at Cayman's in the classifieds?
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Smuler said:
I've not got a M2, but still as M car fan I enjoyed (thus remembered) reading what Steve said, he may have other posts. Attached in case you missed?
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thanks, I had missed that. PH search facility truly is crap (or maybe it's just me?)
swanny71 said:
Smuler said:
I've not got a M2, but still as M car fan I enjoyed (thus remembered) reading what Steve said, he may have other posts. Attached in case you missed?
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thanks, I had missed that. PH search facility truly is crap (or maybe it's just me?)
I've had my manual M2 since july last year, only get to drive it occasionally but love it! would be a great daily car if i didnt need something bigger. mine is remapped to 419bhp which is totally unnecessary because its great standard, but its a bit more fun now. Probably the most fun car ive had, but ive only really had BMWs.
Having owned two E30 M3's, E36 M3 Evo, E46 M3 and a E92 M3, the M2 I currently own has to be the best M car I've owned with the exception of my E30 M3 Sport Evolution (which I still regret selling). The M2 is very similar to a E46 M3 but better in every way, handling, power delivery and also the brakes. If the M2 is tracked you would need a track focused pad and better brake fluid but you would not need to change callipers.
The M2 is very easy to drive from the rear end, yes you have to be on your guard but the power and subsequent slides are controllable, similar in characteristics to a E30 M3 and a E46 M3 with sorted suspension (which mine was).
You won't regret buying one but drive both a manual and DCT. I bought new and bought a DCT and it is a fantastic gearbox.
The M2 is very easy to drive from the rear end, yes you have to be on your guard but the power and subsequent slides are controllable, similar in characteristics to a E30 M3 and a E46 M3 with sorted suspension (which mine was).
You won't regret buying one but drive both a manual and DCT. I bought new and bought a DCT and it is a fantastic gearbox.
Edited by Andy OH on Saturday 3rd March 13:28
I don’t own an M2, i do own a z4M and an e92 M3 manual comp pack for comparison.
When I took out a DCT M2 the initial impression was that it was a bit flat. I chucked it about and it gripped well but the steering was dead so you judge gripthrough the seat.
I wanted to take a manual out as I suspect they are more engaging, but the dealer didn’t have one. The driving position is great and it’s a solid car, but after all the reviews I had high expectations and it just didn’t feel special to me.
Maybe the M2 gets under your skin with ownership. But if I were you, i’d include a manual e92 m3 on the short list, it’s a deeply rewarding package even on those normal commutes or in the recent snow on winter tyres. Just my thoughts
When I took out a DCT M2 the initial impression was that it was a bit flat. I chucked it about and it gripped well but the steering was dead so you judge gripthrough the seat.
I wanted to take a manual out as I suspect they are more engaging, but the dealer didn’t have one. The driving position is great and it’s a solid car, but after all the reviews I had high expectations and it just didn’t feel special to me.
Maybe the M2 gets under your skin with ownership. But if I were you, i’d include a manual e92 m3 on the short list, it’s a deeply rewarding package even on those normal commutes or in the recent snow on winter tyres. Just my thoughts
ratty6464 said:
I don’t own an M2, i do own a z4M and an e92 M3 manual comp pack for comparison.
When I took out a DCT M2 the initial impression was that it was a bit flat. I chucked it about and it gripped well but the steering was dead so you judge gripthrough the seat.
I wanted to take a manual out as I suspect they are more engaging, but the dealer didn’t have one. The driving position is great and it’s a solid car, but after all the reviews I had high expectations and it just didn’t feel special to me.
Maybe the M2 gets under your skin with ownership. But if I were you, i’d include a manual e92 m3 on the short list, it’s a deeply rewarding package even on those normal commutes or in the recent snow on winter tyres. Just my thoughts
Mine is a manual on the BMW coilovers, I've been driving it all winter. The steering isn't like a hydraulic system but it is very direct and over time you definitely get a far better feel for front end grip. The other thing that has been discussed on here is the feel and feedback from the diff which you also starts to learn pretty quickly, it combines very well with the sharp front end. When I took out a DCT M2 the initial impression was that it was a bit flat. I chucked it about and it gripped well but the steering was dead so you judge gripthrough the seat.
I wanted to take a manual out as I suspect they are more engaging, but the dealer didn’t have one. The driving position is great and it’s a solid car, but after all the reviews I had high expectations and it just didn’t feel special to me.
Maybe the M2 gets under your skin with ownership. But if I were you, i’d include a manual e92 m3 on the short list, it’s a deeply rewarding package even on those normal commutes or in the recent snow on winter tyres. Just my thoughts
I had a test drive in a DCT on dry roads that I drive every day. The level that the chassis and stability systems are at these days that can make the car seem 'too' competent but there was enough there to make me buy the manual and it has definitely got under my skin.
It’s interesting to read what characteristics people look for in a good car. With a front engined RWD car with a lot of power, one would expect to encounter oversteer. The more power, the more oversteer. Throw in an M badge and you have cars which have over time pretty much been just that. That is nice but perhaps a little one dimensional. There have been some very special M cars, but those are the cars that offered a more rounded reward set. The reason I like the M2 is that it is so well balanced that it offers more dimensions of driving experience. Over time, I learned that a good car is very often one where you jump out of after an initial drive and think that there were no traits that stood out. It did everything so well. No opposite lock moments as it were. It’s those when you jump out and think ‘wow, that was mad, great fun’ - that are often proved over time to be the less interesting mistress. The M2 is a very good car in that regard. The harder you push it, the more it gives you in return
Didn't you ask he same question on BabyBMW a few months ago - still haven't got round to buying one yet then...
Had mine for a year and a half now, completely standard manual in Long Beach Blue. Use mine as a daily driver after chopping in my Caterham R400 and BMW M135i.
Its a great daily car, there is space in the back for the kids, it's economical (ish), modern but with an old school vibe, safe, looks great, drives great (apart from the brakes and slightly fidgety rear suspension). As much as I like it and recommend it as a daily driver I am not sure I would be buying one as a fun but useable second car - there are more interesting cars to have locked away in a garage.
Personally I would be looking in the classifieds for a nice manual 997 C2S - which is a bit different to the classic front engine rear wheel drive layout which you already have with your 130 and they are pretty practical for what they are, they are not going to depreciate like the M2 will but that would be partly offset by the running costs.
Had mine for a year and a half now, completely standard manual in Long Beach Blue. Use mine as a daily driver after chopping in my Caterham R400 and BMW M135i.
Its a great daily car, there is space in the back for the kids, it's economical (ish), modern but with an old school vibe, safe, looks great, drives great (apart from the brakes and slightly fidgety rear suspension). As much as I like it and recommend it as a daily driver I am not sure I would be buying one as a fun but useable second car - there are more interesting cars to have locked away in a garage.
Personally I would be looking in the classifieds for a nice manual 997 C2S - which is a bit different to the classic front engine rear wheel drive layout which you already have with your 130 and they are pretty practical for what they are, they are not going to depreciate like the M2 will but that would be partly offset by the running costs.
I use my DCT M2 as a daily. I haven't had anything along the same lines to compare it to though. The fixed suspension is stiff but that doesn't bother me one little bit, it's only my passengers that complain. On the back roads is it great fun and very confidence inspiring, but if a noob like me can drive it then maybe it's a little easy? It nips round mini roundabouts like it's spinning around the inside front wheel. The sound is awesome, way better than the M3/M4. You lose a lot of practicality over a hatch (I've missed my RS3 a couple of times for tip runs etc, but got there eventually). DCT not as smooth as VAGs DSG and pretty useless as an automatic in stop-start traffic imo, I tend to drive in manual mode unless it's a gentle cruise on an A-road or motorway. I average about 25mpg but I do mainly shorter journeys, being real gentle I have seen 33mpg but no more than that. On a blast I'll see 18-20. I had to top up the oil for the first time since buying it (used ex demo) after 5500 miles. Tyre wear seems pretty reasonable. Surprisingly planted in the wet but I got stuck in the ice last week. Not sure what else to say really?
Edited by Brainpox on Monday 5th March 12:03
as7920 said:
Had mine 3 weeks, love it.
Only thing that bothers me so far is the doors are huge and it's awkward getting in and out.
Far easier in my old 5 door M135i with tiny doors!
I have the same problem going from the same into an M240i. Its a small price to pay for a much better looking car.Only thing that bothers me so far is the doors are huge and it's awkward getting in and out.
Far easier in my old 5 door M135i with tiny doors!
Andy OH said:
Having owned two E30 M3's, E36 M3 Evo, E46 M3 and a E92 M3, the M2 I currently own has to be the best M car I've owned with the exception of my E30 M3 Sport Evolution (which I still regret selling). The M2 is very similar to a E46 M3 but better in every way, handling, power delivery and also the brakes. If the M2 is tracked you would need a track focused pad and better brake fluid but you would not need to change callipers.
The M2 is very easy to drive from the rear end, yes you have to be on your guard but the power and subsequent slides are controllable, similar in characteristics to a E30 M3 and a E46 M3 with sorted suspension (which mine was).
You won't regret buying one but drive both a manual and DCT. I bought new and bought a DCT and it is a fantastic gearbox.
Pretty much sums it up for me. My only current reference point is M3 CSL rather than the above list, but agree with everything said. Intend on putting RS29 pads on std discs / calipers and when the Contis (fitted new) are done, some Michelin SS....that’ll do me nicely. Bought new 12 months ago, 4K miles in and no regrets.The M2 is very easy to drive from the rear end, yes you have to be on your guard but the power and subsequent slides are controllable, similar in characteristics to a E30 M3 and a E46 M3 with sorted suspension (which mine was).
You won't regret buying one but drive both a manual and DCT. I bought new and bought a DCT and it is a fantastic gearbox.
Edited by Andy OH on Saturday 3rd March 13:28
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