BMW aficionados are inclined to spend numerous hours researching labeled adverts for his or her subsequent buy. Typically, we’re at all times on the hunt for one thing quick, enjoyable, and inexpensive. Or perhaps a BMW that would be the subsequent traditional. The F13 M6 or F82 M4 are prime examples, however there’s one BMW which may rule all of them: The F87 M2. Launched in 2016, the BMW M2 was instantly topped, by quite a few automobile journalists, as among the finest efficiency vehicles you will get at any value.
BMW borrowed the recipe from the muscle automobile historical past ebook by placing the biggest engine within the lightest physique and obtained impressed by its personal iconic 2002 Turbo and 1M. Nevertheless, these two Bavarian legends had been restricted manufacturing vehicles and form of an experiment. Then again, the BMW M2 F87 was mass-produced, obtainable in a number of variants. The manufacturing of the F87 era has ceased in expectation of an all-new model, so it’s technically a used automobile. With a lot of offers obtainable on the second-hand market and considerably nonetheless inexpensive costs, the F87 M2 is the neatest funding in the intervening time. Here’s what you have to know earlier than parking one in your storage.
Know Your M2
Briefly, there are three distinct variants of this model. The usual M2 was powered by an N55 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder with 365 hp on faucet, a alternative of 6-speed guide or 7-speed DCT gearbox. In late 2018, BMW launched the M2 Competitors with the S55 twin-turbo six-cylinder engine from M3/M4 fashions, improved suspension and braking, and 405 hp delivered to the rear wheels.
A 12 months later, BMW offered an final M2 within the type of M2 CS, which had an much more highly effective S55 engine, rated at 444 hp. The M2 CS additionally got here with a extra aggressive design bundle, totally different trim, and was produced in exactly 2200 examples. BMW didn’t make a convertible M2, and all vehicles had been RWD solely. Solely 4 colours had been supplied, with a number of wheel designs and inside trim choices. BMW designed the M2 as a pure driver’s automobile with out overly emphasizing consolation, gear, and gadget choices.
Which One To Get?
This determination ought to be primarily based on what you propose to do with the automobile. The limited-run M2 Competitors or M2 CS would match properly in case you are in search of an funding piece. Search for vehicles for minimal mileage and in as-new situation. Nevertheless, in case you are shopping for an M2 for the sake of driving and having fun with, then the usual model will likely be an ideal alternative. The M2 is made for being pushed nicely and pushed far, and we really feel that that is how these vehicles ought to be handled.
Modified M2s – Sure or No?
As any fanatic automobile on the market, the M2 has its share of householders that changed their rides. Generally, these modifications had been fairly mild – blacked-out grilles, wheel spacers, wheels, splitters, higher brakes, and extra. Nevertheless, some determined to take it to the subsequent degree with severe efficiency upgrades, roll bars, physique kits, and straight-pipe exhausts. We advise staying away from closely modified vehicles and concentrating on inventory or frivolously modified examples.
Many BMW M2 fashions have efficiency chips put in which might be pointless because the automobile could be very highly effective in customary kind. BMW supplied a manufacturing unit M2 Efficiency Components equipment which included a splitter, aspect skirts, fenders, bonnet, boot, and a spoiler. Some house owners put in adjustable coilover kits for M2, and although it’s a welcome modification, it means that the automobile has been closely used on the monitor.
Nürburgring Syndrome
That leads us to the subsequent level: how are the M2s used? No one purchased this automobile to be a storage queen. The truth is, loads of M2 house owners use it as a weekend monitor automobile. And that’s completely high quality because the M2’s mechanics and suspension are nicely as much as the duty. Nevertheless, closely tracked vehicles present indicators of damage and tear and potential scars from crashing. Such examples ought to be prevented since they’re drained and finally will begin breaking.
That’s the reason an intensive mechanical examine by a BMW specialist is a should earlier than buying. If you’re shopping for an M2 privately, it’s good to seek for the proprietor on social media. You would possibly discover pictures or movies from his adventures on Instagram and see simply what number of instances they visited Nürburgring.
Recognized Issues
Because the M2 didn’t function any radically new expertise or parts, the mechanical combo has confirmed to be fairly bulletproof. There aren’t any main mechanical points that plagued this model. After all, as with every automobile, it has a number of issues it’s best to examine. To begin with, coolant and oil leaks. Coolant will be dripping from an electrical coolant pump, and oil is understood to leak from valve cowl, oil stoop, and oil filter housing. All of these issues are rapidly sorted. Some vehicles are identified to have issues with coils, and you’ll solely see that from the check drive. If the automobile has a tough idle, hesitates to speed up, and isn’t easy and responsive, it’d want a brand new set of coils. It normally occurs with excessive mileage examples.
As we mentioned earlier than, the BMW M2 F87 comes with a 6-speed guide and 7-speed DCT. The manuals are fairly simple and don’t have any issues besides the juddering of the clutch pedal on heavily-used examples. Should you sense the vibrations of the clutch, particularly underneath arduous acceleration, it means you’re up for a brand new clutch equipment. The DCTs are dependable in inventory examples and regular use. If the gearbox has issues staying in gear, overheats, and produces unusual sounds, stroll away. It implies that the automobile has in all probability been abused, and the automated gearbox is on its final legs.
Some M2 house owners reported issues with failing crank hub. It isn’t a typical challenge however is usually linked with engines delivering extra energy than inventory. So, vehicles with efficiency chips, chilly air intakes, or different modifications put in would possibly expertise such points.
After all, earlier than shopping for, it’s best to examine all of the car’s options, audio system, iDrive capabilities, and audio system (they’ve been identified to fail). It ought to work with none issues, unusual noises, or lagging. You also needs to take into account buying a BMW Prolonged Guarantee, for further piece of thoughts.
The inventory suspension on the BMW M2 is greater than able to maintaining with the automobile’s efficiency, though many homeowners upgraded the brakes for added stopping energy. Management arms and bushings are long-lasting, but when the car had been abused or crashed, you’d discover uncommon sounds if you go over bumps.
Documentation
The oldest BMW M2 fashions are actually six years outdated, making them fairly priced and irresistible. Vehicles with full documentation and repair historical past are at all times extra fascinating and well worth the premium. Our recommendation is to search for examples which have been underneath a lease deal since these vehicles are obligated to be serviced in official BMW facilities, and mileage will be confirmed. That being mentioned, we want you good luck in your seek for the right F87 BMW M2 and can see you on the subsequent monitor day!
