M2 test drive comments - LCI, pedal woes, thoughts...
Discussion
Ok - so I'm new to the forums - take it easy on me ok??
Short version - test drove pre PCI, and LCI versions. Manual vs DCT. Pedal box size/angle issue with manual. Thoughts on colours, and alternatives.
I currently drive a mk7 65 plate Golf R, 5 door, manual with DCC and a few other options. I've done about 16000 miles in it, mostly commuting, family visits and some spirited drives in the Dales close to where I live. However, I'm bored. The Golf is unbelievably practical, and probably essential in the last few years as my (now 4) daughter had a buggy etc. Now that she can do lots more things on her own, practicality isn't such a desirable quantity anymore.
What's wrong with the Golf? Well, there are too many on the roads - R or otherwise. It doesn't help to make it feel any more special (yes, a 4 pot turbo with mostly front wheel drive delivery wasn't ever going to feel special, but it also helped me get into cheap, fast, practical motoring since I messed up my NCD a few years ago when I was living abroad.) The manual, whilst more engaging than the DSG perhaps, is a bit flat and ordinary. It's super comfy with the DCC but having driven the M2 with passive setup, it shows just how the Golf's setup is lacking inspiration.
I've had a few BMWs in the past - E46 330Ci sport (owned for 5.5 years and 46000 miles from new), Z4 coupe 3.0 Si and then a 118d and 520d whilst living abroad where everyone has a diesel. The 520d is the only auto I've owned. Also had a lovely black 987 Cayman S that I had to sell prior to moving abroad. It was a peach.
So, all the rave reviews of the M2 have piqued my interest in BMWs again. I've never owned an M car but thought I'd hunt down a local dealer and test drive one.
Cue 1st test drive. DCT, black, LCI. I wasn't in the market for a DCT so told them I just wanted to drive it to get a feel for the chassis, steering, practicality, interior design/quality etc.
At this point I must say that, whilst I'm sure the M2's interior is inferior to the M3/4, given all the reviews are uncomplimentary about the M2 inside, I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe it's the LCI (although I hadn't sat in a pre LCI model at that point). Buttons are solid, carbon fibre weave around the vents is very nice, and the speedo/rev counter looked expensive. Steering wheel is fabulous with the coloured stitching. Leather seats were very comfortable. Visibility was great. My daughter's car seat went in the back just fine. So I was impressed. It certainly felt more cocooning than my Golf, where - having done a few M2 drives now, you definitely sit on the Golf rather than in it. The M2, even with electric seats, feels like you're sitting much lower. Not Porsche low, but low. The Golf has more space, front and back, without a doubt, but sitting lower in a coupe is bound to feel different.
Some reviews comment about the hard/firm suspension. It's firm, I agree, but reminds me so much of my E46. Driving on motorways or poor local roads, I never felt like the M2 crashed about. It has very compliant suspension in my opinion. It was the main reason for the drive, and didn't put me off at all. Whilst I wasn't driving it in spirited fashion much at all, my daughter feel asleep, even after I'd switched to Sport (where the exhaust goes louder as you all know!) So it passed the 4 year old daughter test (even though she said she wanted one without a roof!).
And you know what, I found myself enjoying the simplicity of the DCT. Very smooth in comfort setting, nice and sporty in other modes. It threw a big spanner in the works, but when spending that amount of money I needed to drive a manual. It was in black and looked the business, with one local guy waving for us to slow down whilst he took a good look, then gave a massive thumbs up to it.
2nd road test (different dealer who had pre LCI manual and LCI auto).
Manual first - long beach blue, pre LCI. The colour really suits the car, but not sure it's for me. Older generations (i.e. my parents) hated it in photos. I doubt they'd like it any more in person. Yes, it's my car. But having a night blue Golf R that really flies under the radar, black or grey are more appealing to me at the present time.
First impressions, even before setting off, were that I wanted the LCI version. The main air vents are just standard 2 series fare and don't look integrated into the dash like the LCI model. This one had sunroof, which made the inside feel airier for sure. The speedo and rev counter, whilst fine, just don't have the premium feel of the LCI model.
So, I knew I wouldn't be buying this particular one, which took some pressure off the trip. Just a case of driving the manual and seeing if I liked it.
First few metres, even before we left the parking lot, I knew something wasn't right. Why hadn't I felt this in the DCT? Ah, three pedals in the pedal box. And offset pedals. And seat at a slight angle. These characteristics just weren't noticeable (to me) in the DCT version with just two pedals. My heels were touching each other and making it awkward to get going smoothly. I'll point out, I don't have big feet - size 8.5 - and my trainers didn't have chunky soles or anything like that.
As a result, I spent the majority of the drive working out how to change gear without my feet being too close together. I did get some blasts through the rev range towards the end of the drive, by which point the traditional BMW "snick" of the gearshift started to come back to me. Stepping back into the Golf later on told me where the premium comes from in the BMW.
I couldn't draw a conclusion from the manual test drive - too short and was too busy worrying about the pedals. I heard the blips on downshifts a few times, but sadly hadn't realised I was also in comfort for most of the drive, so distracted had I been by the pedal issue. Sigh
On to the DCT they had, in mineral grey. Was in need of a clean but just 20 miles on the clock. LCI, and back to back with the pre LCI it was once again clear how much nicer it is in the LCI. And with only two pedals in the car, it felt more at home to me, like it had the previous day in the black one.
This time, as I was on my own, I chose to switch to sport immediately and - knowing that the drive was going to be as short as the manual one - I gave it some welly. And I tried the paddles. They felt nice. I think the use of paddles makes it feel more like a computer game, as those who desire a manual will no doubt confirm this is how they envisage it feeling (or have experienced it like this), but I didn't mind the feeling. Keeping both hands on the wheel at all times, especially coming from an all wheel drive capable car to a RWD, might make a difference. I did notice a hesitation shortly after braking heavily before a 90 degree right that made me unsure whether I'd depressed the accelerator enough or not. Don't think it was turbo lag, which I didn't really notice at all (compared to the Golf where it can be quite apparent), but maybe that's just because I've never owned a sporty auto double clutch before.
I walked away though, slightly upset at the poor trade in value (although the price of the M2 was very competitive), and also in the knowledge that there are discounts on new. But mainly I walked away because I felt like I needed to give the manual a second chance.
I know the offset pedals/seat has been mentioned in some reviews, but I really wasn't expecting it to be so noticeable. Jeremy Clarkson loved it - not sure if he drove manual or DCT, but can't see him having small feet! How big an issue to people find the pedal box? It seems pretty cramped to me, with the pedals closer together than my Golf. It's a case of use, I imagine, but the DCT felt so good to me (same pedal box, but only one foot in use)
Just wary of buying one with DCT, and in a few months time wishing I'd given the manual more air time. Or getting bored with the DCT.
In terms of my driving, I commute most days about 6.5 miles each way, not motorway. Mostly 30/40 zones with a short blast of 50. Or I drive to the local station (2 miles). Trips to my parents 35 miles away mostly complete my driving, or day trips to the Dales. I did the NC500 route a few years ago in the Golf, which was fun, but whilst the scenery was great, the sound of the Golf was really bad. I want something that looks, feels and sounds like a sports car, with a degree of practicality. The Golf isn't all that. I actually think the M2 could do with the MPE, but it still sounds so much better than everything I've driven, barring the Cayman S. Which was sublime.
Colour-wise, I think it will be black or grey. Currently it would be a black one.
For the money though, 45-50k ish, I just speculatively looked on Autotrader. M3/4 comp pack, 10k miles, are now under the £50k mark. Both look epic in black, which I've decided is a lovely, slimming but exceptionally mean colour, especially with the coupe lines. A lot more car for the money? But undoubtedly bigger and probably more GT in feeling? Noise not exceptional apparently (despite similar engine to the M2?).
What else? Ditch the practicality and go with 3 year old, flat 6, Cayman/Boxster?
So, as ever with car loving, going round in circles a bit. Will probably put mine up for sale to see what I could get privately for it, and then see what's about. One of the dealers was going to let me know what other pre-reg or build slots might be available on new, with some details on discounts available. I have at least decided that the Golf has to go!
Comments welcome!
Thanks
Sean
Short version - test drove pre PCI, and LCI versions. Manual vs DCT. Pedal box size/angle issue with manual. Thoughts on colours, and alternatives.
I currently drive a mk7 65 plate Golf R, 5 door, manual with DCC and a few other options. I've done about 16000 miles in it, mostly commuting, family visits and some spirited drives in the Dales close to where I live. However, I'm bored. The Golf is unbelievably practical, and probably essential in the last few years as my (now 4) daughter had a buggy etc. Now that she can do lots more things on her own, practicality isn't such a desirable quantity anymore.
What's wrong with the Golf? Well, there are too many on the roads - R or otherwise. It doesn't help to make it feel any more special (yes, a 4 pot turbo with mostly front wheel drive delivery wasn't ever going to feel special, but it also helped me get into cheap, fast, practical motoring since I messed up my NCD a few years ago when I was living abroad.) The manual, whilst more engaging than the DSG perhaps, is a bit flat and ordinary. It's super comfy with the DCC but having driven the M2 with passive setup, it shows just how the Golf's setup is lacking inspiration.
I've had a few BMWs in the past - E46 330Ci sport (owned for 5.5 years and 46000 miles from new), Z4 coupe 3.0 Si and then a 118d and 520d whilst living abroad where everyone has a diesel. The 520d is the only auto I've owned. Also had a lovely black 987 Cayman S that I had to sell prior to moving abroad. It was a peach.
So, all the rave reviews of the M2 have piqued my interest in BMWs again. I've never owned an M car but thought I'd hunt down a local dealer and test drive one.
Cue 1st test drive. DCT, black, LCI. I wasn't in the market for a DCT so told them I just wanted to drive it to get a feel for the chassis, steering, practicality, interior design/quality etc.
At this point I must say that, whilst I'm sure the M2's interior is inferior to the M3/4, given all the reviews are uncomplimentary about the M2 inside, I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe it's the LCI (although I hadn't sat in a pre LCI model at that point). Buttons are solid, carbon fibre weave around the vents is very nice, and the speedo/rev counter looked expensive. Steering wheel is fabulous with the coloured stitching. Leather seats were very comfortable. Visibility was great. My daughter's car seat went in the back just fine. So I was impressed. It certainly felt more cocooning than my Golf, where - having done a few M2 drives now, you definitely sit on the Golf rather than in it. The M2, even with electric seats, feels like you're sitting much lower. Not Porsche low, but low. The Golf has more space, front and back, without a doubt, but sitting lower in a coupe is bound to feel different.
Some reviews comment about the hard/firm suspension. It's firm, I agree, but reminds me so much of my E46. Driving on motorways or poor local roads, I never felt like the M2 crashed about. It has very compliant suspension in my opinion. It was the main reason for the drive, and didn't put me off at all. Whilst I wasn't driving it in spirited fashion much at all, my daughter feel asleep, even after I'd switched to Sport (where the exhaust goes louder as you all know!) So it passed the 4 year old daughter test (even though she said she wanted one without a roof!).
And you know what, I found myself enjoying the simplicity of the DCT. Very smooth in comfort setting, nice and sporty in other modes. It threw a big spanner in the works, but when spending that amount of money I needed to drive a manual. It was in black and looked the business, with one local guy waving for us to slow down whilst he took a good look, then gave a massive thumbs up to it.
2nd road test (different dealer who had pre LCI manual and LCI auto).
Manual first - long beach blue, pre LCI. The colour really suits the car, but not sure it's for me. Older generations (i.e. my parents) hated it in photos. I doubt they'd like it any more in person. Yes, it's my car. But having a night blue Golf R that really flies under the radar, black or grey are more appealing to me at the present time.
First impressions, even before setting off, were that I wanted the LCI version. The main air vents are just standard 2 series fare and don't look integrated into the dash like the LCI model. This one had sunroof, which made the inside feel airier for sure. The speedo and rev counter, whilst fine, just don't have the premium feel of the LCI model.
So, I knew I wouldn't be buying this particular one, which took some pressure off the trip. Just a case of driving the manual and seeing if I liked it.
First few metres, even before we left the parking lot, I knew something wasn't right. Why hadn't I felt this in the DCT? Ah, three pedals in the pedal box. And offset pedals. And seat at a slight angle. These characteristics just weren't noticeable (to me) in the DCT version with just two pedals. My heels were touching each other and making it awkward to get going smoothly. I'll point out, I don't have big feet - size 8.5 - and my trainers didn't have chunky soles or anything like that.
As a result, I spent the majority of the drive working out how to change gear without my feet being too close together. I did get some blasts through the rev range towards the end of the drive, by which point the traditional BMW "snick" of the gearshift started to come back to me. Stepping back into the Golf later on told me where the premium comes from in the BMW.
I couldn't draw a conclusion from the manual test drive - too short and was too busy worrying about the pedals. I heard the blips on downshifts a few times, but sadly hadn't realised I was also in comfort for most of the drive, so distracted had I been by the pedal issue. Sigh
On to the DCT they had, in mineral grey. Was in need of a clean but just 20 miles on the clock. LCI, and back to back with the pre LCI it was once again clear how much nicer it is in the LCI. And with only two pedals in the car, it felt more at home to me, like it had the previous day in the black one.
This time, as I was on my own, I chose to switch to sport immediately and - knowing that the drive was going to be as short as the manual one - I gave it some welly. And I tried the paddles. They felt nice. I think the use of paddles makes it feel more like a computer game, as those who desire a manual will no doubt confirm this is how they envisage it feeling (or have experienced it like this), but I didn't mind the feeling. Keeping both hands on the wheel at all times, especially coming from an all wheel drive capable car to a RWD, might make a difference. I did notice a hesitation shortly after braking heavily before a 90 degree right that made me unsure whether I'd depressed the accelerator enough or not. Don't think it was turbo lag, which I didn't really notice at all (compared to the Golf where it can be quite apparent), but maybe that's just because I've never owned a sporty auto double clutch before.
I walked away though, slightly upset at the poor trade in value (although the price of the M2 was very competitive), and also in the knowledge that there are discounts on new. But mainly I walked away because I felt like I needed to give the manual a second chance.
I know the offset pedals/seat has been mentioned in some reviews, but I really wasn't expecting it to be so noticeable. Jeremy Clarkson loved it - not sure if he drove manual or DCT, but can't see him having small feet! How big an issue to people find the pedal box? It seems pretty cramped to me, with the pedals closer together than my Golf. It's a case of use, I imagine, but the DCT felt so good to me (same pedal box, but only one foot in use)
Just wary of buying one with DCT, and in a few months time wishing I'd given the manual more air time. Or getting bored with the DCT.
In terms of my driving, I commute most days about 6.5 miles each way, not motorway. Mostly 30/40 zones with a short blast of 50. Or I drive to the local station (2 miles). Trips to my parents 35 miles away mostly complete my driving, or day trips to the Dales. I did the NC500 route a few years ago in the Golf, which was fun, but whilst the scenery was great, the sound of the Golf was really bad. I want something that looks, feels and sounds like a sports car, with a degree of practicality. The Golf isn't all that. I actually think the M2 could do with the MPE, but it still sounds so much better than everything I've driven, barring the Cayman S. Which was sublime.
Colour-wise, I think it will be black or grey. Currently it would be a black one.
For the money though, 45-50k ish, I just speculatively looked on Autotrader. M3/4 comp pack, 10k miles, are now under the £50k mark. Both look epic in black, which I've decided is a lovely, slimming but exceptionally mean colour, especially with the coupe lines. A lot more car for the money? But undoubtedly bigger and probably more GT in feeling? Noise not exceptional apparently (despite similar engine to the M2?).
What else? Ditch the practicality and go with 3 year old, flat 6, Cayman/Boxster?
So, as ever with car loving, going round in circles a bit. Will probably put mine up for sale to see what I could get privately for it, and then see what's about. One of the dealers was going to let me know what other pre-reg or build slots might be available on new, with some details on discounts available. I have at least decided that the Golf has to go!
Comments welcome!
Thanks
Sean
Yes. Agree the M2 is nice and compact, and aggressive looking.
Re E46 it wasn’t an M3 and tbh it was a 51 plate so quite a while ago. It was reminiscent rather than me being able to remember exactly what it was like. Just more alive, unlike the Golf.
M3/M4 might be out of reach in any case due to my no claims situation. Don’t much like the thought of dropping a grand or more on insurance.
Pleased you like the DCT though.
Any thoughts on colour?
Re E46 it wasn’t an M3 and tbh it was a 51 plate so quite a while ago. It was reminiscent rather than me being able to remember exactly what it was like. Just more alive, unlike the Golf.
M3/M4 might be out of reach in any case due to my no claims situation. Don’t much like the thought of dropping a grand or more on insurance.
Pleased you like the DCT though.
Any thoughts on colour?
Thanks to everyone who replied.
I’ve been too busy at work to go look at more cars but have given it plenty of thought.
First garage called me up to check how my manual test drive went (at a different garage). When I said I wasn’t sure about the pedals, she said “why do you want a manual anyway? Most go automatic now”. True, I know, but felt a bit pushy. She said she try to get a 240i manual so I could have a longer drive. Seemingly no demo manuals available.
Second garage also emailed to find out where I was.
And that is here - debating an M3 comp pack (pros - much more practical, nicer colours, better interior and tech, available for 5k more (sometimes less) than the M2’s I was looking at; cons - reports that it’s not as fun as the M2, would be DCT as hardly any manuals out there, bit more expensive to insure, larger).
Or a 7 year old base Carrera 997.2 manual.
Or the Giulia QV.
Or keep the Golf R and buy a lightly used, older Boxster for summer/dry fun. But two cars. Gargh......
My main worry is that most of the time I drive there are just so many cars on the road. I don’t go out for drives for the hell of it, like I used to in nicer cars I owned. I work hard and love cars.
A Porsche dealer told me that the Boxsters are generally more fun than Carreras at or within legal limits. A lot of M2 reviews talk of it being more fun than M3/4 at normal speeds. A lot of Carrera reviews talk of the base model being more fun/usable compared with the S and faster models. It is bewildering how fast modern cars are. And yes, I know one needs to stop somewhere (with self limiting finances).
I’ll test drive the M3. Absolutely love the azurite black and tanzanite blue colours. I’m sure I’ll love the HUD and other tech. But remain concerned that it will be too fast or too unusable, and not enjoyable. Buyer’s remorse on a 50k car would kill me.
I’d like to buy something that I’d be happy with for 5 years or more. Given the frost is starting to appear, also wondering about running my R through the winter and selling in Spring with 6 months left on the warranty. But that is a depressing thought....
I’ve been too busy at work to go look at more cars but have given it plenty of thought.
First garage called me up to check how my manual test drive went (at a different garage). When I said I wasn’t sure about the pedals, she said “why do you want a manual anyway? Most go automatic now”. True, I know, but felt a bit pushy. She said she try to get a 240i manual so I could have a longer drive. Seemingly no demo manuals available.
Second garage also emailed to find out where I was.
And that is here - debating an M3 comp pack (pros - much more practical, nicer colours, better interior and tech, available for 5k more (sometimes less) than the M2’s I was looking at; cons - reports that it’s not as fun as the M2, would be DCT as hardly any manuals out there, bit more expensive to insure, larger).
Or a 7 year old base Carrera 997.2 manual.
Or the Giulia QV.
Or keep the Golf R and buy a lightly used, older Boxster for summer/dry fun. But two cars. Gargh......
My main worry is that most of the time I drive there are just so many cars on the road. I don’t go out for drives for the hell of it, like I used to in nicer cars I owned. I work hard and love cars.
A Porsche dealer told me that the Boxsters are generally more fun than Carreras at or within legal limits. A lot of M2 reviews talk of it being more fun than M3/4 at normal speeds. A lot of Carrera reviews talk of the base model being more fun/usable compared with the S and faster models. It is bewildering how fast modern cars are. And yes, I know one needs to stop somewhere (with self limiting finances).
I’ll test drive the M3. Absolutely love the azurite black and tanzanite blue colours. I’m sure I’ll love the HUD and other tech. But remain concerned that it will be too fast or too unusable, and not enjoyable. Buyer’s remorse on a 50k car would kill me.
I’d like to buy something that I’d be happy with for 5 years or more. Given the frost is starting to appear, also wondering about running my R through the winter and selling in Spring with 6 months left on the warranty. But that is a depressing thought....
I read a few articles on the 7 speed manual for the 991 Carrera yesterday and realised what I now hate about my Golf. The manual shift. It is lifeless.
Someone described the 991 manual as being too light and not having a very positive action. I’m sure it’s better than my Golf but I was fondly remembering the mechanism feel of my E46 as well as my Cayman.
I doubt that the Golf, as someone else described modern manuals, is much more engaging than paddles tbh. Perhaps this is why I quickly warmed to the M2’s DCT.
So it’s all very well people saying how manuals are so much better but it all depends on how good the manual is. It seems to be a very sorry state of affairs that good manuals are a dying breed.
In the M2, the manual gear change is much better than mine. So why couldn’t they put the seat and/or pedals in a better position?
Having seen the 240i review, I’m also slightly perturbed about the speed possible in a non M car. Technology has just made the speeds that were supercar territory 20 years ago available to a much wider population.
I’ll test drive an M3 and see how I like it. There are a decent number of sub 50k comp packs around, some with very few miles.
My Golf is due it’s second service in 21 days. Wonder if I will end up keeping it unti the Spring. I doubt the cars available are any different then but gives more time for endlessly thinking what I’m going to do.
What’s that line from the incredibles? When everyone is special, no one is...
Someone described the 991 manual as being too light and not having a very positive action. I’m sure it’s better than my Golf but I was fondly remembering the mechanism feel of my E46 as well as my Cayman.
I doubt that the Golf, as someone else described modern manuals, is much more engaging than paddles tbh. Perhaps this is why I quickly warmed to the M2’s DCT.
So it’s all very well people saying how manuals are so much better but it all depends on how good the manual is. It seems to be a very sorry state of affairs that good manuals are a dying breed.
In the M2, the manual gear change is much better than mine. So why couldn’t they put the seat and/or pedals in a better position?
Having seen the 240i review, I’m also slightly perturbed about the speed possible in a non M car. Technology has just made the speeds that were supercar territory 20 years ago available to a much wider population.
I’ll test drive an M3 and see how I like it. There are a decent number of sub 50k comp packs around, some with very few miles.
My Golf is due it’s second service in 21 days. Wonder if I will end up keeping it unti the Spring. I doubt the cars available are any different then but gives more time for endlessly thinking what I’m going to do.
What’s that line from the incredibles? When everyone is special, no one is...
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff