Early M2 or F80 M3

[CHEESYAARAN]

Afternoon all,

Current owner of a E92 325i looking to upgrade at some point this year. While it’s had its issues I am now a proper BMW fan boy and want one of the full fat M cars in my life. I am torn between in of the first m2’s or an F80 M3.

I’m in my early 20’s with nothing practical needed apart from room for the girlfriends occasional weekend bags with the exception of being a keen mountain biker. I’m aware I’d have to buy a rack for an M2 as it just wouldn’t fit.

What’s the best option? I genuinely cannot make my mind up between the two.

Thanks,

Aaran

[Brett748]

The only thing I can say is drive both and see which you prefer. There is no right or wrong answer.

[MDL111]

As above I think you will have to drive them both to decide. I quite like both of them, although personally would probably get an M3 (but that is because I don’t own a limousine) and I think it looks a little cooler than the coupes

Good luck

[nickfrog]

What bike do you have OP? You can easily fit a big 27.5 wheeled bike with the front wheel off and probably a 29er too but I haven't tried.

I am very happy with my M2 and my 22 year old son drives it regularly too and loves it.

Nothing wrong with a M3 though, it just doesn't sound as good IMO, but it goes really well.

Edited by nickfrog on Friday 22 April 20:36

[cerb4.5lee]

You can't lose either way, because they are both great cars I reckon.

[SmithCorona]

An early F80 is compromised and so is an early M2, but an early M2 is better than an early F80.

If you can wait and save get an M2C or a later F80. If not, an M2 - but you may pine for the M2C in the end.

[nickfrog]

SmithCorona said:

An early F80 is compromised and so is an early M2, but an early M2 is better than an early F80.

If you can wait and save get an M2C or a later F80. If not, an M2 - but you may pine for the M2C in the end.

Pretty subjective I would have thought. All cars are compromised in some way. I would (just about) prefer the compromise of an early M2 than those of a M2C. Noise being the main differentiator for me, as they drive the same way, unsurprisingly, what with the chassis hardware being the same.

[CHEESYAARAN]

nickfrog said:

What bike do you have OP? You can easily fit a big 27.5 wheeled bike with the front wheel off and probably a 29er too but I haven't tried.

I am very happy with my M2 and my 22 year old son drives it regularly too and loves it.

Nothing wrong with a M3 though, it just doesn't sound as good IMO, but it goes really well.

Edited by nickfrog on Friday 22 April 20:36

27.5 on big wheels, always assumed it wouldn’t fit as it’s extremely tight in my current e92, would be a big plus for the M2 if it fits.

[CHEESYAARAN]

nickfrog said:

SmithCorona said:

An early F80 is compromised and so is an early M2, but an early M2 is better than an early F80.

If you can wait and save get an M2C or a later F80. If not, an M2 - but you may pine for the M2C in the end.

Pretty subjective I would have thought. All cars are compromised in some way. I would (just about) prefer the compromise of an early M2 than those of a M2C. Noise being the main differentiator for me, as they drive the same way, unsurprisingly, what with the chassis hardware being the same.

My absolute max would be 30k so a comp car is a little out of that, maybe one day.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd go for the M3 both aren't the sweetest as the Comp has shown but both are still bloody good cars the M3 edges it for me especially when it comes to looks.

M3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203253...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111239...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204134...

[SmithCorona]

nickfrog said:

SmithCorona said:

An early F80 is compromised and so is an early M2, but an early M2 is better than an early F80.

If you can wait and save get an M2C or a later F80. If not, an M2 - but you may pine for the M2C in the end.

Pretty subjective I would have thought. All cars are compromised in some way. I would (just about) prefer the compromise of an early M2 than those of a M2C. Noise being the main differentiator for me, as they drive the same way, unsurprisingly, what with the chassis hardware being the same.

I don't think they drive the same way, the M2C has a stiffer chassis and revised suspension - and a different engine. I think they drive similar, but the M2C is, subjectively of course, a more rounded car.

ETA: I've just looked at BMW AUC, there is an F10 for just over budget - that is definately a compromised but incredible car - not that it helps the OP!

[nickfrog]

SmithCorona said:

I don't think they drive the same way, the M2C has a stiffer chassis and revised suspension - and a different engine. I think they drive similar, but the M2C is, subjectively of course, a more rounded car.

They have tweaked the way the diff engages and made it more progressive so yes you are right t does drive slightly differently in the traction zones but suspension and chassis are 100% identical, same part numbers.

Engine in the M2C is deffo stronger and revs better at the top end but for me doesn't sound as good. And then it does add 55kgs.

Different compromises, both brillant cars.

[Wills2]

Get the car with a real m engine and interior

[nickfrog]

Wills2 said:

Get the car with a real m engine and interior

What, like a 1M?

Edited by nickfrog on Saturday 23 April 08:35

[SWoll]

This.



https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112100...

Manual, just had new brakes all round + a major service and still under extended warranty until December.

[nickfrog]

^ I like it despite the mileage although I would question the validity of the warranty considering the amber services.

[SWoll]

nickfrog said:

^ I like it despite the mileage although I would question the validity of the warranty considering the amber services.

Hadn't spotted that. Are these really good for 21.5k and 16.5k miles between services? Motorway mileage I'm sure based on the timescales but even so?



I assume the amber is just that an earlier service was done 2 months late despite only covering 3k miles in that 12 months and (May rather than March) and didn't get back in sync until 2022. Shouldn't affect the warranty if all main dealer.

Edited by SWoll on Saturday 23 April 11:33

[nickfrog]

^ sadly any amber voids the Allianz / BMW extended warranty, whether indy or main dealer. Although there maybe some mitigating circumstances with Covid, not sure.

(that is not to say that all claims are repudiated, particularly the small ones, before anyone says anything...).

[PTF]

Bikes def fit in the M2.

Mine has a 29er ebike in the back right now. It's tight, but front wheel off and passenger seat a bit forward and it goes in. Front wheel off obvs.

My 27.5 xcountry bike goes in a bit easier. No need to move the passenger seat

Also, the M2 takes roof bars. I've had 3x bikes on the roof of mine.

I looked at M3 and M4, but carbon roof means no roof bar mounts unless you drill the carbon. Or find one with a sunroof, but i don't like sunroofs

What sort of M2 are you after? Colour? Manual/auto?

Edited by PTF on Sunday 24th April 07:01

[PTF]