BMW M2 - what do I need to know?
Discussion
Driver101 said:
Ahbefive said:
Driver101 said:
Have you changed the seats and colour of your Focus? The Focus has worse issues with the seating especially.
The seats aren't good enough for the M2. They are about ok when in the M240i considering the price and discounts, but they aren't good enough for the M2. They are a bit too cheap.
They've a?dressed that complaint with the M2 Competiton, but that's more expensive. It was one of the areas that needed addressed and popular request.
I love the seats and colour of my focus, not sure what that has to do with anything, we are talking about the M2.The seats aren't good enough for the M2. They are about ok when in the M240i considering the price and discounts, but they aren't good enough for the M2. They are a bit too cheap.
They've a?dressed that complaint with the M2 Competiton, but that's more expensive. It was one of the areas that needed addressed and popular request.
It's ok for your to criticise the seats but not for me? Err no.
What I drive has nothing to do with the lacklustre seats or colour options of an M2.
I make my point subjectively. You come across as a green-eyed monster again. The M2 does ruffle your feathers and the criticism is ironic given your defence of worse.
Yes this thread is about the M2. I wish I hadn't made these posts now as I know you'll know kill the thread with relentless blind RS gushing.
I do get the point the M2 is less about the so-called bells and whistles than (say) an M4 and that's actually one of the pluses of the M2 as far as I'm concerned. However, where I probably differ from some on here is what I regard as a bell or a whistle; for me that's things like electric seats, enhanced bluetooth, etc, but in a sports coupe I actually think good, supportive, seats are pretty fundamental and therefore not in the bells and whistles category! I'd actually like them trimmed in something like alcantara but if it has to be leather - and I'm paying £50k for the car - I'd rather not have the bargain basement cheap stuff BMW put in a mid-range 1-series. If in the eyes of some that means I'm somehow not a "proper driver" then so be it I suppose....
The seats in the M2 are absolutely fine. They do the job nicely. They are supportive and offer a decent driving position - which is not offset.
They don’t offer the asthetic colour options the some might wish but as a seat for driving a sports GT car they are fine. I’d prefer a fixed bucket but accept that is not a practical solution for an every day 4 seater. I cannot offer an opinion on the Focus RS seats because I haven’t driven one, but having raced cars for a living I have come to realise that it is better not to rely on what is written about most things in the motoring press.
They don’t offer the asthetic colour options the some might wish but as a seat for driving a sports GT car they are fine. I’d prefer a fixed bucket but accept that is not a practical solution for an every day 4 seater. I cannot offer an opinion on the Focus RS seats because I haven’t driven one, but having raced cars for a living I have come to realise that it is better not to rely on what is written about most things in the motoring press.
Steve Rance said:
The seats in the M2 are absolutely fine. They do the job nicely. They are supportive and offer a decent driving position - which is not offset.
They don’t offer the asthetic colour options the some might wish but as a seat for driving a sports GT car they are fine. I’d prefer a fixed bucket but accept that is not a practical solution for an every day 4 seater. I cannot offer an opinion on the Focus RS seats because I haven’t driven one, but having raced cars for a living I have come to realise that it is better not to rely on what is written about most things in the motoring press.
What he said. The leather could be better but it's plenty good enough. And unless you drive in your mankini you won't notice the difference while underway.They don’t offer the asthetic colour options the some might wish but as a seat for driving a sports GT car they are fine. I’d prefer a fixed bucket but accept that is not a practical solution for an every day 4 seater. I cannot offer an opinion on the Focus RS seats because I haven’t driven one, but having raced cars for a living I have come to realise that it is better not to rely on what is written about most things in the motoring press.
And having transported a 6 foot level around in my car for the past few days I put it to its best use yet; as far as I can tell the driver's seat is neither offset laterally from in front of the wheel nor is it twisted by a few degrees. I did discover that the driver's seat doesn't go back quite as far as the passenger seat, for whatever that's worth.
JNW1 said:
Driver101 said:
Ahbefive said:
Driver101 said:
Have you changed the seats and colour of your Focus? The Focus has worse issues with the seating especially.
The seats aren't good enough for the M2. They are about ok when in the M240i considering the price and discounts, but they aren't good enough for the M2. They are a bit too cheap.
They've a?dressed that complaint with the M2 Competiton, but that's more expensive. It was one of the areas that needed addressed and popular request.
I love the seats and colour of my focus, not sure what that has to do with anything, we are talking about the M2.The seats aren't good enough for the M2. They are about ok when in the M240i considering the price and discounts, but they aren't good enough for the M2. They are a bit too cheap.
They've a?dressed that complaint with the M2 Competiton, but that's more expensive. It was one of the areas that needed addressed and popular request.
It's ok for your to criticise the seats but not for me? Err no.
What I drive has nothing to do with the lacklustre seats or colour options of an M2.
I make my point subjectively. You come across as a green-eyed monster again. The M2 does ruffle your feathers and the criticism is ironic given your defence of worse.
Yes this thread is about the M2. I wish I hadn't made these posts now as I know you'll know kill the thread with relentless blind RS gushing.
I do get the point the M2 is less about the so-called bells and whistles than (say) an M4 and that's actually one of the pluses of the M2 as far as I'm concerned. However, where I probably differ from some on here is what I regard as a bell or a whistle; for me that's things like electric seats, enhanced bluetooth, etc, but in a sports coupe I actually think good, supportive, seats are pretty fundamental and therefore not in the bells and whistles category! I'd actually like them trimmed in something like alcantara but if it has to be leather - and I'm paying £50k for the car - I'd rather not have the bargain basement cheap stuff BMW put in a mid-range 1-series. If in the eyes of some that means I'm somehow not a "proper driver" then so be it I suppose....
If I was envious of the M2 I would sell up and buy one, I was just commenting that the seats and colour range weren't great, and even said it was a very good car.
Not sure why he has some sort of axe to grind.
MOBB said:
I bought a white one recently.
Quite simply it’s the best car I have owned, and I’ve owned quite a few over the years
Bad points;
Very small fuel tank, light comes on for me just over 200 miles ffs
Tyre roar is a bit excessive
Harmon Kardon is good, but not as good as the larger cars
Ride is a bit stiff. Ok though
Good points;
The noise. By f
k the noise. I had no idea it would sound so epic as standard.
Handling. Hugely better than my old M235i. Glued to the road
The looks. A proper fat hunkered down aggressive little thing
Sat nav great as usual
The seats, interior, mirrors, etc complaints are minor complaints imo
It just feels so special, a proper event to drive
My pre reg with 40 miles on it was £41.6k. - £500 deposit, £446 per month. Lol
Quite simply it’s the best car I have owned, and I’ve owned quite a few over the years
Bad points;
Very small fuel tank, light comes on for me just over 200 miles ffs
Tyre roar is a bit excessive
Harmon Kardon is good, but not as good as the larger cars
Ride is a bit stiff. Ok though
Good points;
The noise. By f
k the noise. I had no idea it would sound so epic as standard.Handling. Hugely better than my old M235i. Glued to the road
The looks. A proper fat hunkered down aggressive little thing
Sat nav great as usual
The seats, interior, mirrors, etc complaints are minor complaints imo
It just feels so special, a proper event to drive
My pre reg with 40 miles on it was £41.6k. - £500 deposit, £446 per month. Lol
`I've got a white M2, good little car. coming from an RS6 performance its performance is far more usable.
I cant't help thinking BMW missed a trick with the competition, i'm sure its great, but the simplicity of the M2's controls and set up appealed more than the M4. I know there would have been a fair amount of development work, but what about a 2.0L twin blown four with about 400bhp ala A45amg.
that would have really set it on another path from the M4/M3. lighter than current car, bit more power. what's not to like?
BMW would have some very different flavours of M cars then.
small 4cyl
medium 6cyl
large 8cyl
I cant't help thinking BMW missed a trick with the competition, i'm sure its great, but the simplicity of the M2's controls and set up appealed more than the M4. I know there would have been a fair amount of development work, but what about a 2.0L twin blown four with about 400bhp ala A45amg.
that would have really set it on another path from the M4/M3. lighter than current car, bit more power. what's not to like?
BMW would have some very different flavours of M cars then.
small 4cyl
medium 6cyl
large 8cyl
RGambo said:
`I've got a white M2, good little car. coming from an RS6 performance its performance is far more usable.
I cant't help thinking BMW missed a trick with the competition, i'm sure its great, but the simplicity of the M2's controls and set up appealed more than the M4. I know there would have been a fair amount of development work, but what about a 2.0L twin blown four with about 400bhp ala A45amg.
that would have really set it on another path from the M4/M3. lighter than current car, bit more power. what's not to like?
BMW would have some very different flavours of M cars then.
small 4cyl
medium 6cyl
large 8cyl
I'm glad BMW haven't stuck a turbo four-pot into the M2 because it would sound as bland as a nerd's nightmare. Same reason why I wouldn't buy a Porsche 718 and many 981 Cayman owners have voted with their feet too since they've gone down the boxer-four path.I cant't help thinking BMW missed a trick with the competition, i'm sure its great, but the simplicity of the M2's controls and set up appealed more than the M4. I know there would have been a fair amount of development work, but what about a 2.0L twin blown four with about 400bhp ala A45amg.
that would have really set it on another path from the M4/M3. lighter than current car, bit more power. what's not to like?
BMW would have some very different flavours of M cars then.
small 4cyl
medium 6cyl
large 8cyl
I’ve been of the mind set for some time that the smart money is to buy an M2 and upgrade the suspension to Create something very special. I’m about to ‘put my money where my mouth is’. I’m now looking to complete the upgrades during the winter. Suspension will be mono balled where possible and either Nitron or KW club sport suspension fitted. Probably an Alcon calliper/floating disc upgrade also. The standard front callipers are probably good enough but the consumables with the Alcon kit will last longer and be cost effective. Its also lighter and will also stand up to more heat abuse than the standard kit. Engine will remain untouched. There is an obsession with power from these cars but the little M2 really doesn’t need it. No exterior modifications, no spoilers, splitters or blacked out grills and no exhaust upgrades. If it doesn’t enhance the driving experience it won’t be fitted. The only visual clues will be a lower rise hight and probably a little more rake.
I’m pretty sure that the upgrades will create a car that will be quite special. Will report back
I’m pretty sure that the upgrades will create a car that will be quite special. Will report back
Steve Rance said:
I’ve been of the mind set for some time that the smart money is to buy an M2 and upgrade the suspension to Create something very special. I’m about to ‘put my money where my mouth is’. I’m now looking to complete the upgrades during the winter. Suspension will be mono balled where possible and either Nitron or KW club sport suspension fitted. Probably an Alcon calliper/floating disc upgrade also. The standard front callipers are probably good enough but the consumables with the Alcon kit will last longer and be cost effective. Its also lighter and will also stand up to more heat abuse than the standard kit. Engine will remain untouched. There is an obsession with power from these cars but the little M2 really doesn’t need it. No exterior modifications, no spoilers, splitters or blacked out grills and no exhaust upgrades. If it doesn’t enhance the driving experience it won’t be fitted. The only visual clues will be a lower rise hight and probably a little more rake.
I’m pretty sure that the upgrades will create a car that will be quite special. Will report back
Steve,I’m pretty sure that the upgrades will create a car that will be quite special. Will report back
That's exactly what I'm planning too, although I was going to use the M Performance coilovers as they are made by KW. However, I would appreciate your feedback on the KW Club Sport kit compare to the M Performance package. I was only thinking M Performance to maintain warranty.
I agree with you about the obsession for more power, people should learn to drive their cars properly and not just in a straight line and they'd probably be quite surprised at what a standard car, albeit with fettled suspension, can actually do.
Hi Andy. I believe that the M dampers are re badged KW V3. They are pretty good but there is a big leap between the V3 and the Clubsport. The club sport dampers share the same valving setup as the race damper which is fat better than the V3 system and makes the Clubsport version very good value for money. I have them fitted to a 964 and they offer very good performance. Currently I am torn between these and the Nitron 3 way which are generally a higher end product and would be easier to get rebuilt if needed being Uk based. It’s not an easy decision because the KW Clubsport damper punches above its weight. Either damper will transform your car. You will find it far more settled - especially on rebound- and more predictable. Ride quality will be in a different league. Pound for pound - from a driving point of view- it will be the best money that you can spend on the M2.
Regarding your comment about handling V power. In my racing experience, the bigger performance gains are almost always found from chassis and braking improvements over power upgrades. No point in adding 50bhp if the chasssis is unable to deploy it effectively
Regarding your comment about handling V power. In my racing experience, the bigger performance gains are almost always found from chassis and braking improvements over power upgrades. No point in adding 50bhp if the chasssis is unable to deploy it effectively
Edited by Steve Rance on Saturday 12th January 08:51
I've just been to view an M2 and took it for a test drive. I really liked it, albeit I didn't get to really exercise it that much due to the location of the dealer, unfortunately didn't find any interesting roads to really test it.
But, I think I want one. The car I drove, though, doesn't have the HK stereo. Is it worth having?
I also prefer the facelift interior and rear lights, and the one I drove was a pre-facelift, but that's not the end of the world I suppose. There aren't too many manuals to choose from unfortunately.
So to summarise my waffling: I would rather have HK (if it's any good), I would rather have a facelift, and the car I drove is neither. But it's in lovely condition, I like the Mineral Grey, and it's only done 4k odd thousand miles. But I also like LBB. I don't want white or black.
Dunno what to do. I don't even know what the point of this post is. Should I go for a car with HK? I like my music and a decent stereo.
But, I think I want one. The car I drove, though, doesn't have the HK stereo. Is it worth having?
I also prefer the facelift interior and rear lights, and the one I drove was a pre-facelift, but that's not the end of the world I suppose. There aren't too many manuals to choose from unfortunately.
So to summarise my waffling: I would rather have HK (if it's any good), I would rather have a facelift, and the car I drove is neither. But it's in lovely condition, I like the Mineral Grey, and it's only done 4k odd thousand miles. But I also like LBB. I don't want white or black.
Dunno what to do. I don't even know what the point of this post is. Should I go for a car with HK? I like my music and a decent stereo.
5er said:
I've just been to view an M2 and took it for a test drive. I really liked it, albeit I didn't get to really exercise it that much due to the location of the dealer, unfortunately didn't find any interesting roads to really test it.
But, I think I want one. The car I drove, though, doesn't have the HK stereo. Is it worth having?
I also prefer the facelift interior and rear lights, and the one I drove was a pre-facelift, but that's not the end of the world I suppose. There aren't too many manuals to choose from unfortunately.
So to summarise my waffling: I would rather have HK (if it's any good), I would rather have a facelift, and the car I drove is neither. But it's in lovely condition, I like the Mineral Grey, and it's only done 4k odd thousand miles. But I also like LBB. I don't want white or black.
Dunno what to do. I don't even know what the point of this post is. Should I go for a car with HK? I like my music and a decent stereo.
If you can afford a low mile LCI (facelift) I'd hold out for one and with HK. Might as well get what you want. But, I think I want one. The car I drove, though, doesn't have the HK stereo. Is it worth having?
I also prefer the facelift interior and rear lights, and the one I drove was a pre-facelift, but that's not the end of the world I suppose. There aren't too many manuals to choose from unfortunately.
So to summarise my waffling: I would rather have HK (if it's any good), I would rather have a facelift, and the car I drove is neither. But it's in lovely condition, I like the Mineral Grey, and it's only done 4k odd thousand miles. But I also like LBB. I don't want white or black.
Dunno what to do. I don't even know what the point of this post is. Should I go for a car with HK? I like my music and a decent stereo.
If LCI's too costly, then consider an aftermarket upgrade to the stereo? Or find a preLCI with it, most seem to have HK from what I've noticed.
I'm not a music person, so am happy with ordinary. though I did once have BMW Individual audio, was at the time (E92 gen) one above HK. That was awesome.
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