[BRAKE!]

Hey all, now that we’re hopefully getting closer to allocations and locking in orders, I’ve been contemplating about my choices. I’m fairly certain I have the car specced the way I want, but I know a lot of you have experience with BMW products over the years and have specced the car in different ways.

I was wondering if you could share what your specs are and why you chose it. I’m aware that there are explanations here and there on the boards, but I am looking for any strong opinions about why you think certain features/options/colors are a must have. Options you may have chosen for yourself, chosen because it may increase the residual, etc. Thank you.

Feel free to skip the whole man vs auto thing because this has been beaten to death in another thread.

[moodyhank82]

In my mind a few specs/themes:

1) The most G87 spec - ZB with M highlight seats (both G87 exclusive), bicolor wheels and blue calipers

2) Classic M spec - AW with M highlights and CF roof, bicolor wheels and blue calipers

3) Make the best color work spec - TR with black seats, bicolor wheels and red calipers

4) Risky but if it works spec - BG with Cognac, CF roof, black wheels and blue calipers

My current build is #2 but 1 and 3 are also still in play...

[FryCookOnVenus]

ZB - I love that the color is unique, and on a snorting beast like the M2, the contrast of a soft or even feminine color looks great to me.

Cognac Interior - My last three cars have had black leather so I want something different. Plus, I live in Colorado where it's always sunny and I'm tired of hot cars/

Black wheels - Generally not a fan of black wheels, but with the lighter ZB, I think the darker wheels work. Might eventually go aftermarket for something in gray.

Blue Brake Calipers - I like the contrast of the red calipers with the ZB, but I like that the blue is more subtle.

6spd MT

As for options . . .

Adding Shadowline (looks good with the wheels), Lighting (cool tech), Heated Steering Wheel (Colorado) and Parking Assist (it's cheap so why not).

Skipping Carbon Package (like having sunroof), HUD (distracting and doesn't work with polarized sunglasses), Cruise Control and Remote Start (neither available with stick), Wireless Charing (doesn't work well) and Personal eSim (seems silly)

*This is all subject to change!

[Carefree]

ZB
Carbon Fiber Trim
Lighting Package
Shadow Line Package
Heated Wheel
Parking Assistant
Active Cruise
Heads Up Display
Black Wheels
Red Calipers
Auto
Sunroof Not Carbon

[ChanceG8X]

I went with ZB as well I don't think the color will be chosen nearly as much. I just didn't pick the personal eSIM already have unlimited data anyways. Also no wireless charging used it in literally every BMW that had it and found it kind of disappointing. Otherwise fully spec'd out well as far as you can go with manual trans can go so no remote start and ACC but this will probably be one of the last since ICE's are being phased out for electric. Also the sunroof is nice and will be missed going for cf roof since the car is already so heavy.

Really up to you though if you have any young kids the 5G might help. Also if you have a long drive to work the wireless charger would get you that extra juice if you don't plug your phone in before bed. Had a whole thing on the auto trans down haha but saw you said to skip it but I'll just say if you haven't felt it its really not that bad.

Side note just so I have some credibility I have driven many M's now I haven't owned one myself but worked at a bmw dealership.

[Tag]

I'm in the minority here since I don't plan on getting a car until LCI, but this is where I am as of now with currently available options.

• Color TBD
• Black wheels, don't like the silver pattern on the bi-colored ones and they will be replaced anyway with lighter forged wheels.
• Black w/Blue contrast stitching seats. Originally eyeing the M Color Highlight seats but the red strip on the side is too loud for my liking.
• Leaning towards Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite trim not because it cost less but because I just don't like the way the CF looks on the steering wheel when you get the CF trim. Have to see in person to decide.
• Shadowline Package, big fan of black exhaust tips. I know some feel that since they are black you can't see them but that's not my experience. Since they are glossy you can see them just fine and I don't like chrome anything on my car, well unless it's black chrome.
• Lighting Package, because lights are cool man.
• Heated Steering Wheel, gets cold here, so...
• M Carbon Roof, looks cool, reduces weight up top and is part of my overall plan to improve on the car where it's economically feasible. That combined with lowering the car to get a lower center of gravity, forged wheels to reduce unsprung weight will make a noticeable difference.

Active Cruise Control, no need
Don't care for the HUD, find it distracting
Parking Assistant isn't worth it without 360 cams IMO
Remote Engine Start, no need
Wireless Device Charging, don't need and it sucks anyway
Personal eSIM 5G, no need

[Kroghj1]

Leaning between 2 specs with first below being the most likely and second being the backup/contender

Toronto Red - keep going back and forth between TR and black sapphire but think 1) TR easier to clean, and 2) more unique vs m240i colors. Only hesitation is that I’m doing the sunroof rather the CF roof. May wrap roof in gloss black later.

Sunroof - like the CF look but cannot justify the trade off of a darker cabin and extra cost that’s surely to depreciate faster.

Shadow line and lighting package - like the black/red consistency in the spec, so only getting lighting package so I can get shadow line.

Automatic - would rather have manual but wife needs to be able to drive the car in case of emergency.

Red calipers - don’t love the blue/red contrast.

Black seats - prefer the M color highlight seats on almost every other color exterior… but think the blue peaking thru the windows (probably won’t tint heavily) wouldn’t fit with the red/black theme. I may change this and go with the M highlights anyway. Undecided.

Black wheels - fits with red/black theme. Love the launch pictures with a similar spec.

No parking package, no HUD - both not worth the Instant depreciation

No wireless charging or 5G - would not ever use

Top speed limiter - not worth it and better driving schools available vs BMWs

Alternate spec I keep considering: exact same spec with black exterior and M color highlight seats. It looks mean with a blacked out exterior, but it hides the wheel arches - i prefer them to pop more. I do like the idea of the sunroof not standing out as much (pre decision to wrap).

[zero21]

I have two builds I'm playing with:

1)
Exterior: TR - was going AW but there's too many white cars on the road
Interior: Cognac - switching back and forth between this and straight black. M highlights look stupid to me in outside of car with red. They are much better with AW and BSM. On the fence though bc in real life cognac is actually kind of orange which may look goofy with TR orange undertones.
Wheels: bi-color - black is lame
Calipers: red - the blue ones look goofy with red paint and since I am going Motorsport gold/grey 963m wheels they will play better
Trim: carbon - the steering wheel just looks too good with it
Options:
HUD - love it
Lighting package - why not?
Drivers pack - on the fence

2) everything above but with carbon pack
Roof: wrap in TR (carbon roof is meh unless I go 963m wheels in grey)

M Performance Parts I'm getting regardless of build:
HAS kit
Roof spoiler
Rear spoiler
Wheels: 963m (in grey or gold) or the gold 827m wheels from the new M3CS

Aftermarket:
Carbon strut brace
Muffler replacement - hate that it's so visible
Rear bumper - still unsure on this - depends on muffler replacement

If individual colors come out later on or with LCI I'm ditching this car and doing that with something kind of crazy and with carbon pack with same options and performance parts. Java Green maybe. Car is supposed to be fun, the colors need to reflect that.

[sl0m0]

Zb- not my favorite color, but on the g87 I like the contrast of the soft color on the boxy rougher shape.

M Color highlight seats- I don't like black interiors primarily because most of my cars have had black interior and in the az heat it not fun, but I just moved up into the mountains and with the little extra color it's got enough character.

Black inlay trim- I don't like any of the other options at all.

Shadowline + headlights - I am going with black on as much of the exterior as possible for contrast on the light blue, and some uniformity. Lighting package, roads are very poorly lit here.

6mt is an absolute must- which means no cruise control (never would pay extra for it anyway), no remote start (sorta a bummer as it gets really cold where I moved to, and really hot in the PHX area which I will still be in bi-monthly.

No parking assist, I assumed it wouldn't be an option with 6mt but didn't actually try to add it as it's something I'd never use.

Hud- I like it, and if my wife ever drives the car it helps remind her if she is speeding without her having to look away from the road. Also in 5 years I think most 2nd hand buyers will opt for a car with hud for a lil more, and some will specifically be looking for it.

Blue calipers- very nervous that it will clash with the ZB, if black was an option I'd go for that since I am not a fan of red. If the blue clashes too much I will get them powder coated.

Sunroof- kids like it. I might wrap the roof black around it.

Black wheels- probably gonna get others and use the stock for winter, but again the blue/black theme

5g- probably getting it, my daughter does schoolwork on her laptop in the car a lot, and my wife works an her laptop in the car. We hotspot a lot but then we get throttled.

Wireless charging - If I use it twice a year it would be worth avoiding the frustration. In the past month alone I've spent $60 on cords while out on the road cuz my toddler steps on them and breaks them, or my older daughter snags my cord without replacing it.

If I can get the m perf HAS kit added at port I will do that, same for m perf exhaust. I'm on the fence about the spoiler, if it only comes as CF and not black than I'm on the fence.

[fanofbmwe46]

AW
Carbon Roof
Black Interior with blue stitching
Red Calipers

963M Frozen Gunmetal Wheels
HAS lowering kit
Carbon lower front inserts
Carbon front spoiler
Carbon difuser

[M2PDX]

Originally Posted by fanofbmwe46

AW
Carbon Roof
Black Interior with blue stitching
Red Calipers

963M Frozen Gunmetal Wheels
HAS lowering kit
Carbon lower front inserts
Carbon front spoiler
Carbon difuser

That's a great combo!

[Game]

Brooklyn Gray - I’ve always loved and admired nardo and chalk grays. This was a no brainer for me. Looks better in person too.

M highlight seats - not many options to choose from but these are the most unique.

6 speed - would not be looking at this car if it weren’t an option.

Black wheels - already have a set of black 826m wheels waiting to get thrown on the car. The 930m style is disappointing. The stockies will likely serve as a winter wheel.

Shadowline/Lighting - going for the black/gray theme so these are no question.

HUD - still on the fence with this one but leaning towards getting it. Steep price but it does give the car a more premium feel and is useful at times.

CF roof - first M car deserves the beautiful roof. Also looks great against gray.

CF Trim - another no brainer. Love me some CF.

Red calipers - love the aggressive contrast.

[Rx-7ames]

TR - This is the only color that makes sense to me
black wheels - I just like it
M highlight seats - I love how loud it is
Blue calipers - This is the right color for an M car
carbon roof - I wouldn't want the car without this roof. I will never use a MR
manual - The only reason I want this car is because of the manual. Otherwise I would get an M240 in Thundernight
HUD - I couldn't imaging getting an M car without HUD. This is a no brainer to me
Heated steering - It's a great comfort option that anyone would regret not getting
lighting package - It's nice to see around turns
personal eSIM - I listen to a lot of podcasts while I commute to work and I want to try out this option to see if it helps with reception

I'm also thinking about adding M performance exhaust and suede armrest. We shall see on those.

[DrJLag420]

I keep going back and forth between ‘safe’ or you could call it ‘boring’ or ‘bland’:

A. BG over Black (love that blue stitching, don’t care for the M-highlight)

And ‘daring’ or ‘breaking the mold’:

B. ZB over Cognac

I’m getting the CF Roof as I don’t want/need a sunroof. Never use it on my M240. Don’t want pay for it and would’ve gone steel slick top if I could. The CF roof does look pretty bad ass though. And I’ll add the CF interior package to match.

Heated steering wheel. HUD. Jealous of my wife’s R.

Black wheels. Blue Calipers. Shadowline and Lighting pack. Will always get the best lights available. Makes it easier to drive at night especially as I get older.

What I wish I could get:
Laser Lights
Ventilated Seats

But I get BMW trying to keep the M2 from encroaching on its big brothers. Don’t agree with it but whatever.

In the end, this will be a beast of an automobile. Happy I can afford one and I’m #1 on the list at my dealer.

Happy Motoring and Cheers!

[DrJLag420]

Originally Posted by fanofbmwe46

AW
Carbon Roof
Black Interior with blue stitching
Red Calipers

963M Frozen Gunmetal Wheels
HAS lowering kit
Carbon lower front inserts
Carbon front spoiler
Carbon difuser

Super Clean!

[GrannyShiftG80]

TR - black grey and white are so boring I can't do them. Between ZB and TR had a long debate. ZB being exclusive but TR red = race car. Ended up with TR. Also can't live in Toronto and not have Toronto Red.

6MT - insane amount of car thefts in my area almost necessitates a manual for such a loud car

bicolour wheels - for me look much better than black. track tires for the track

blue calipers - the red calipers are very different from toronto red and clash pretty hard

M carbon package - carbon buckets are a must have dealbreaker so no choice here. Will be tracking the vehicle. also i hate bmw sunroofs because of the squeaking. m driver's package good for mexico

Premium package (comfort access, adaptive led headlights, parking assist, Harmon Kardon, live cockpit pro with HUD) - comfort access and HUD are must haves

garage door opener - must have
m seat belts - must have
wireless charging - must have even though it sucks I just need it to offset the android auto drain

[02M3ForMe]

I’m going with classic Alpine White 300 with M-Highlight seats and black wheels and red calipers. CF roof. 6-speed manual transmission. Every other option checked except for M Driver’s Package. Some M-Performance stuff on the front. Excited for this car.

[Lex Templar]

Originally Posted by 02M3ForMe

I’m going with classic Alpine White 300 with M-Highlight seats and black wheels and red calipers. CF roof. 6-speed manual transmission. Every other option checked except for M Driver’s Package. Some M-Performance stuff on the front. Excited for this car.

An absolute classic spec here.
I have the same but with carbon seats.
Red calipers on white, for me is perfect.

[DSTR]

Daily driver focused
Toronto Red - in a sea of grey and black in Germany this is much nicer
Automatic gearbox
BiColor(silver) wheels - superb contrast with Red
Alcantara sensatec interior - much easier care and comfort than leather
Lumbar support in seats
Heated steering wheel
Sunroof - love the extra light and air(carbon roof is absurdly overpriced for nothing in terms of performance)
BMW Cockpit Live Professional
Blue calipers

[M_Power Rob]

ZB
Black w/M color highlight
Black Rims (see below)
CF trim
Lighting package
Shadowline package
AT
Red calipers
CF roof
HU display
eSim
Charging tray

After delivery:
Tint
PPF
Ceramic
Rear spoiler
Replace stock rims with Vossen CG205T
H&R lowering springs
catback
intake

Possible additional mods:
Turbo inlet (have to see what the car comes with)
Downpipe

On the fence for multiple reasons:
ECU tune

[johnnie311]

I originally had my heart set on Zandvoort Blue, but I ultimately chose to go with Black Sapphire Metallic. This is partially because some people on this forum described ZB as the color of a smurf's toothpaste...and now I can't unsee it. But really, I've just grown an affinity for the "menacing" look of BSM the more I see pictures in that color. The car looks more formidable and moody in black, which I like. I do worry that black will hide the lines too much. I know I am in the minority, but I actually love the design of this car and want to showcase its "strange" look. I am considering XPEL stealth ppf to give it a frozen black look, but something is telling me I am too old to pull off such a youthful look.

I chose the bi-color wheels because I think a little shine and sparkle will break up the black and make the car feel a bit more premium. Red calipers.

Reluctantly added the $9900 carbon package. The carbon roof and driving school experience are cool...but I wish I could just get the carbon fiber buckets seats on their own. I intend to track the car frequently and I also simply love the cool factor of the seats. People keep saying that the seats may be too uncomfortable to drive daily. Although this will be my only car, I won't be driving it as often as most people. I live in downtown Boston and so I take the subway (or walk) most of the time. I will probably be in the car about 1 to 2 hours total in a given week so I am going to risk it and hope they aren't too uncomfortable.

I am getting the automatic because I sit in a lot of stop and go traffic.

I added the heated steering wheel because it's freezing here most of the year, plus the parking assistant because I need to parallel park it on city streets a lot (GASP, I know).

Non-shadowline lighting package.

I did NOT choose the head up display. I've never had one before and I just don't see it being useful to me, but I am open-minded about it. Just seems like a lot of money for not much utility but maybe I am completely wrong about this and need to be convinced.

No eSIM or wireless charging for me. I really don't think I'd use them.

Build was USD $75,345 plus $595 document fee, plus $4,881 sales tax = $80,281 total cost.

[dominoM]

BG for that subdued color and let the curves and other color highlights do the talking
Bi-color wheels to give a little pop (and I'm getting bored with black wheels)
Red calipers
Carbon fiber roof
Shadowline package
Lighting package
Black w/M color highlight seats, I think they look sporty yet tasteful
CF trim
HU display (loved it on all my BMWs)

AT - this was my hardest, first M car with auto, because I'm a crappy shifter and TBH the recent M ATs really impress me (I know, don't yell at me)

Most likely mods:
HAS
wheels, something more simple and muscular, I think all the BMW wheels lately are too "busy"
some sort of CF spoiler but nothing crazy