BMW M2 Competition
Discussion
I’ve had many M cars over the years including most M3s and this M2C replaced an M140i daily driver. I deliberated over spec for many months - I was certain of course about manual, sunroof, HK, heated seats, car play and adaptive LEDs but didn’t like any of the colours including Hockenheim Silver which was the launch colour. I was also very unsure about the ‘new’ wheels which don’t have enough dish and don’t suit the wide arches of the M2. So, at the 11th hour I changed my order to old school Longbeach Blue and old school 437m wheels (of which I also have a spare winter set) and don’t regret this at all. I don’t care one bit about looking like the ‘old’ model (of which I don’t see many around in any case) and think the mid hue colour suits the car better than a light hue (almost white silver) or black.
Anyway, I’m now nearly 7000 miles in and here are the bullet points about 4 months of ownership so far:
Although on paper not much quicker than an M140i it’s MILES more characterful and is in a different league in every single way. It feels so much more muscular, planted, and tactile. I miss the adaptive suspension I had on the 140 but actually the passive on the M2 is more compliant than I’d expected.
I love the engine. It’s really characterful and feels the right amount of power. People moan about the noise but I like it. It’s so much torquier than my old S54 M cars (of course) and also while not a screamer on the S54 tradition, like being revved. I’ve thought about changing the exhaust but frankly a relatively ordinary 2 door coupe with a loud exhaust is a bit ridiculous.
I like the manual gearbox. People like to moan about BMW manuals but I like this one. 6th is far too short - and that’s my only real complaint. It’s averaging 25.5 mpg at the moment and that would be higher with the DCT but I’ve got no interest in a DCT.
Cross country it’s blisteringly quick. I’m surprised how well it deals with the UKs terrible surfaces. At night the adaptive lights are epic, and not sure I’ve had a quicker point to point car.
All in, planning to keep it long term.
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/UIWKZpmw[/url]
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/q4LJu0Yk[/url]
Anyway, I’m now nearly 7000 miles in and here are the bullet points about 4 months of ownership so far:
Although on paper not much quicker than an M140i it’s MILES more characterful and is in a different league in every single way. It feels so much more muscular, planted, and tactile. I miss the adaptive suspension I had on the 140 but actually the passive on the M2 is more compliant than I’d expected.
I love the engine. It’s really characterful and feels the right amount of power. People moan about the noise but I like it. It’s so much torquier than my old S54 M cars (of course) and also while not a screamer on the S54 tradition, like being revved. I’ve thought about changing the exhaust but frankly a relatively ordinary 2 door coupe with a loud exhaust is a bit ridiculous.
I like the manual gearbox. People like to moan about BMW manuals but I like this one. 6th is far too short - and that’s my only real complaint. It’s averaging 25.5 mpg at the moment and that would be higher with the DCT but I’ve got no interest in a DCT.
Cross country it’s blisteringly quick. I’m surprised how well it deals with the UKs terrible surfaces. At night the adaptive lights are epic, and not sure I’ve had a quicker point to point car.
All in, planning to keep it long term.
[url]|https://thumbsnap.com/UIWKZpmw[/url][url]|https://thumbsnap.com/q4LJu0Yk[/url]Edited by Billy_Whizzzz on Wednesday 10th April 08:43
Edited by Billy_Whizzzz on Wednesday 10th April 08:44
Had a shot of my mates "Normal" M2 about a month ago and I was shocked by how good it is, the character it has is perfect and makes it feel like a special car designed and built by people who car about driving.
His is the DCT and like you I have no real interest in 2 pedals but his car really made me consider my views on them. It felt so quick up through the gears that I wasn't convinced I would be able to keep up and make the most of the car with a manual, this is likely because it was an unfamiliar car to me and I was making good progress in it, but my point is that I was really impressed with the DCT box.
I love how you can feel the rear end moving around under you and feel the diff hunting for grip under full power! I can't imagine what the competition feels like but hopefully its the same and more!
The M2 is also a very nice place to be, the fit and finish is excellent! Good choice for sure!
His is the DCT and like you I have no real interest in 2 pedals but his car really made me consider my views on them. It felt so quick up through the gears that I wasn't convinced I would be able to keep up and make the most of the car with a manual, this is likely because it was an unfamiliar car to me and I was making good progress in it, but my point is that I was really impressed with the DCT box.
I love how you can feel the rear end moving around under you and feel the diff hunting for grip under full power! I can't imagine what the competition feels like but hopefully its the same and more!
The M2 is also a very nice place to be, the fit and finish is excellent! Good choice for sure!
There seems to be some good lease deals on these at the moment. https://www.selectcarleasing.co.uk/car-leasing/bmw...
I must admit I would now go for DCT as well, just got used to driving auto's I suppose.
Still got a manual for track duties though.
I must admit I would now go for DCT as well, just got used to driving auto's I suppose.
Still got a manual for track duties though.
Yes the manual vs DCT rumbles on! I might keep this manual and get the new B55 engined (as 140i) Z4 in a few years with the DCT as a daily as I like the idea of something with longer legs. I have a defender too with a very long 6th altho’ of course not a great motorway cat! That or a DCT 540i touring... glad I got the manual M2C tho despite short gearing.
I have a DCT M2C - I wanted a Manual but ended up buying a pre-registered car as it was a great price but 'compromised' on the DCT. Happy with the decision now as I think it suits my commute a little more.
5k miles in - and averaging 23mpg though, so no improvement over the manual in my experience.....
Just wish the fuel tank was a bit larger so as to avoid filling up quite so frequently!
5k miles in - and averaging 23mpg though, so no improvement over the manual in my experience.....
Just wish the fuel tank was a bit larger so as to avoid filling up quite so frequently!
I really really liked these and they seem like the logical move after my M140 in a few years. The Competition just seems to do everything that little bit better than the normal version.
I’m not a huge fan of that particular colour and that was the one thing that disappointed me about the M2 when it was first released; the colour choices were so limited. It was crying out for something really bright and loud. I do like the wheels.
I’m not a huge fan of that particular colour and that was the one thing that disappointed me about the M2 when it was first released; the colour choices were so limited. It was crying out for something really bright and loud. I do like the wheels.
Someone a stones-throw from us has one in Orange with a Milltek exhaust. Sounds fantastic.
Currently in an S5 coupe and did consider the M2 Comp deals that were kicking around but just couldnt get past the interior. I know its not what the car is about but I couldnt sit and look at the inside on my commute everyday.
Currently in an S5 coupe and did consider the M2 Comp deals that were kicking around but just couldnt get past the interior. I know its not what the car is about but I couldnt sit and look at the inside on my commute everyday.
Not an M2 comp but m135i manual.
Pedals are off set , gearbox is notchy , clutch spongy.
Auto is faster, more economical and much nicer to use more of the time.
I also have put the xhp stage 3 zf8 sperd software on which makes a very big difference to the driving characteristics in a positive way.
Pedals are off set , gearbox is notchy , clutch spongy.
Auto is faster, more economical and much nicer to use more of the time.
I also have put the xhp stage 3 zf8 sperd software on which makes a very big difference to the driving characteristics in a positive way.
Edited by xjay1337 on Tuesday 3rd March 10:58
Picked up my M2C from the lovely people at Sytner Chigwell last weekend. Suffice to say, i did not get to explore it limits on the 12 mile journey home along the North Circular road. So on Sunday morning, my ten month old alarm clock went off at 5.30, and by 6am i'd done everything i needed to keep it from going off any longer. So i handed it over to my lovely wife and muttered that i was going out for a couple of hours (i'd rather she though t i was having an affair than going to drive a car for the sake of driving a car).
My route of choice is the M4 to Maidenhead, A404 to Henley, and then take the Henley and Marlow back roads until you get the the M40 end of the A404. all-in-all, about an hour three-quarters, of which half an hour is proper driving.
My car history is as follows Impreza Turbo, e46 M3, Porsche 964, Z4m Coupe, e92 M3, and a pair of F10 M5s (one of which met a well-documented demise). The best car i have ever driven, was the e46 M3, and nothing has come close since. But the M2C, what a machine
WHAT A MACHINE!!!!!
So glad i went for the manual over the auto, as it's more engaging (a lot) lighter, and it makes you a better driver. It is just so agile and so direct and so easy to drive. there's also tonnes of grip, but it also gives you a clue when it's going to run out....unlike the Z4M or the M5, when i had no idea when something was goingto happen.
all in all, the best car i have ever driven!
many road trips planned over the summer, and this is the perfect weapon for the job
My route of choice is the M4 to Maidenhead, A404 to Henley, and then take the Henley and Marlow back roads until you get the the M40 end of the A404. all-in-all, about an hour three-quarters, of which half an hour is proper driving.
My car history is as follows Impreza Turbo, e46 M3, Porsche 964, Z4m Coupe, e92 M3, and a pair of F10 M5s (one of which met a well-documented demise). The best car i have ever driven, was the e46 M3, and nothing has come close since. But the M2C, what a machine
WHAT A MACHINE!!!!!
So glad i went for the manual over the auto, as it's more engaging (a lot) lighter, and it makes you a better driver. It is just so agile and so direct and so easy to drive. there's also tonnes of grip, but it also gives you a clue when it's going to run out....unlike the Z4M or the M5, when i had no idea when something was goingto happen.
all in all, the best car i have ever driven!
many road trips planned over the summer, and this is the perfect weapon for the job
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