[odj1989]

Hello!

I am in the market to buy a car in February, so I was just browsing through what would be best option. I have never driven the OG M2 LCI or M2 COMP yet, and I do not have anyone around me that has the car. This forum would be best place to get an idea and opinions. My last BMW was LCI E92 that was fantastic and loved every single drive. Sold the car because I got married . Long story short in your opinion which car would be better option to buy as far as value and reliability. Reliability would be a big factor for me, since I do commute pretty far to work.

Market has 2018 OG M2 LCI for low 50s and 2020 M2 COMP at mid 60s. (both DCT)
Pretty big difference in price...
Sorry if this is repeated post couldn't find anything on search.

Thank You!

[rmanm4]

OG M2 has a N55 engine and the 2020 M2 COMP has a S55 engine. The S55 will allow for more power if you decide to MOD. The difference is not much in 0-60 times. If you can afford it get the newer M2C otherwise nothing wrong with the OG for the price!

DCT is fun and all but honestly the M2 should only be made in 6-speed. Its a very fun car and should be driven in manual as its not a family car. If you want to go DCT, want reliability and have a family, look at a M3 F80 instead.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by odj1989

Long story short in your opinion which car would be better option to buy as far as value and reliability. Reliability would be a big factor for me, since I do commute pretty far to work.

Reliability, initial cost, cost of ownership, and gas mileage will all be in favor of the OG M2, and those aren't opinions, they're facts (regardless of what the M2C fanboi's come up with later in this thread).

The M2C is geared more towards those that want to race, or are looking for massive power.

I have a list of the main differences I can copy/paste for you if you want.

[Hegge]

Originally Posted by rmanm4

OG M2 has a N55 engine and the 2020 M2 COMP has a S55 engine. The S55 will allow for more power if you decide to MOD. The difference is not much in 0-60 times. If you can afford it get the newer M2C otherwise nothing wrong with the OG for the price!

DCT is fun and all but honestly the M2 should only be made in 6-speed. Its a very fun car and should be driven in manual as its not a family car. If you want to go DCT, want reliability and have a family, look at a M3 F80 instead.

Disagree with this. Not everyone can drive manual. Manual transmission cars are a dying breed. The DCT versions of the M2 are fun plus they are faster than the manual version.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

Reliability, initial cost, cost of ownership, and gas mileage will all be in favor of the OG M2, and those aren't opinions, they're facts (regardless of what the M2C fanboi's come up with later in this thread).

The M2C is geared more towards those that want to race, or are looking for massive power.

I have a list of the main differences I can copy/paste for you if you want.

I 100% agree with Visual Echo.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

Reliability, initial cost, cost of ownership, and gas mileage will all be in favor of the OG M2, and those aren't opinions, they're facts (regardless of what the M2C fanboi's come up with later in this thread).

The M2C is geared more towards those that want to race, or are looking for massive power.

I have a list of the main differences I can copy/paste for you if you want.

Please do!

I haven't studied them so I won't be contributing or arguing. Just curious to know more. My 135i is in fantastic condition and I've no need for another car but if I had to get one today the M2's would be on the short list. Always happen to learn more.

[DrMitch]

Prices may change by Feb - more likely to find a M2C still under factory warranty for peace of mind. The M2C was just a bit out of my planned budget. If they were both the same price, I'd get the newer, lower km one with more warranty left. But honestly, I'd be happy with either and have no regrets getting the OG M2 LCI. For me, the 6MT was the priority followed by reliability and then colour. Good luck!

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by Hegge

Disagree with this. Not everyone can drive manual. Manual transmission cars are a dying breed. The DCT versions of the M2 are fun plus they are faster than the manual version.

I have to disagree with this. If you can't drive a manual, then learn to drive one if you really want to have some fun and be engaging with a car. Manual transmission cars are a "dying breed" is more reason to have one before all of them are gone and you can't get a chance to experience one if you really can't drive a manual NOW. How is a DCT fun when the car is doing everything for you? All the up/down shifts are perfectly executed for you so there's nothing left for you to look forward to on a drive. You'll get bored of a DCT car much faster than you would with a manual. As far as DCT being faster than a manual, Well...Unless you're tracking your car and trying to eke out all those milliseconds per lap, Yes, then go get a DCT. But for the rest of us on public roads, Faster isn't always more fun - if that was the case, we would all be driving Teslas.

[omasou]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

Reliability, initial cost, cost of ownership, and gas mileage will all be in favor of the OG M2, and those aren't opinions, they're facts (regardless of what the M2C fanboi's come up with later in this thread).

The M2C is geared more towards those that want to race, or are looking for massive power.

I have a list of the main differences I can copy/paste for you if you want.

Actually, S55 is suppose to be more fuel efficient. M2C does run significantly cooler.

Based on my data they are approximately equal.

M2 - 18.4 mpg over 16K miles driven
M2C - 18.0 mpg over 11K miles driven
X4M40i - 18.5 mpg over 39K miles driven (F26 same engine as OG M2)

[SanchoDivine]

Y'all forgot to mention the M2C also has the bigger brakes.

Not sure why y'all are talking DCT vs MT when neither of the cars OP is choosing from make him have to choose as well as both the OG and the Comp both can be DCT or MT. He's choosing DCT we can't save the manuals by convincing him to buy one and those feeling inadequate because they drive DCT don't need to defend their drive train.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

Please do!

OG M2 vs M2C

OG M2 Positives (that are either absolute, or most would agree on):

- 121 lbs lighter
- Sounds significantly better
- Visually more pleasing muffler section
- Less expensive MSRP ($5,400), and less expensive to buy used
- Less expensive and easier to maintain (especially as the car ages)
- N55 makes more torque down low, and feels like it has more grunt in normal driving
- Significantly less chance of a crank hub failure
- 437M wheels are lighter and more preferred over the 788M wheels
- Can run 18” wheels
- No scoring issues with 19” wheels because no 2NH option
- True ceramic street brake pads available
- Slightly better fuel economy (1 mpg highway) when driven normally, and significantly better fuel economy when driven hard.
- Slightly less emissions
- No OPF
- With an intercooler, charge pipes, downpipe and an OTS BM3 map the car is just as fast as a stock M2C
- Many report that the seats in the OG are more comfortable, if not as good looking as the Comp seats.

M2C Positives (that are either absolute, or most would agree on):

- +40 hp and +63 torque
- 2NH brake package is superior for tracked cars
- Significantly better cooling for tracked cars
- 25% bespoke parts compared to the N55 (including a closed deck and forged pistons), all geared towards competition
- Larger front air intakes (to also help with cooling tracked cars)
- Significantly superior power when modified
- Visually more preferred seats, and seatbelts
- M1/M2 buttons/settings
- Front parking sensors added
- Visually more pleasing exhaust tips
- Better and more appealing side mirrors
- Carbon fiber strut tower brace
- Steering, diff, and TC software upgrades (available on OG M2 as well)

The M2C’s front end styling is personal preference, as some prefer the older, more classic BMW look of the OG front grill, and some prefer the newer look. Sunset Orange and Hockenheim Silver available exclusively on the M2C, and Mineral Grey is not available on the M2C. Blackline tail-lights are preferred by some.

Conclusion: The M2 makes a better normally-driven car, and the M2C makes a better car for competition, hence the name.

Originally Posted by omasou

Actually, S55 is suppose to be more fuel efficient. M2C does run significantly cooler.

The S55 is not more fuel efficient, you can find that out in a 2-second google search. And second to that, with the standard bolt-on's, OG vs M2C, the OG get significantly better gas mileage.

And the M2C doesn't run any cooler in normal circumstances, only when racing.

[fiveohwblow]

Originally Posted by Hegge

Disagree with this. Not everyone can drive manual. Manual transmission cars are a dying breed. The DCT versions of the M2 are fun plus they are faster than the manual version.

^Drives a DCT

Originally Posted by XMetal

I have to disagree with this. If you can't drive a manual, then learn to drive one if you really want to have some fun and be engaging with a car. Manual transmission cars are a "dying breed" is more reason to have one before all of them are gone and you can't get a chance to experience one if you really can't drive a manual NOW. How is a DCT fun when the car is doing everything for you? All the up/down shifts are perfectly executed for you so there's nothing left for you to look forward to on a drive. You'll get bored of a DCT car much faster than you would with a manual. As far as DCT being faster than a manual, Well...Unless you're tracking your car and trying to eke out all those milliseconds per lap, Yes, then go get a DCT. But for the rest of us on public roads, Faster isn't always more fun - if that was the case, we would all be driving Teslas.

^drives a manual.

Ask us how we all know.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by rmanm4

DCT is fun and all but honestly the M2 should only be made in 6-speed.

I have found both versions to be fun, but the 6MT has a lot more driver engagement. One could argue that M-Cars are about driver engagement, but if they were only about driver engagement, BMW wouldn't have offered them with a DCT. Also, remember the E46 CSL, the most popular M-Car of all time, didn't come in a manual. BMW is, well, weird.

Originally Posted by Hegge

Manual transmission cars are a dying breed. The DCT versions of the M2 are fun plus they are faster than the manual version.

MT's are not a dying breed, whomever told you that was an idiot.

The DCT is in fact faster, but for some people it's not all about the numbers. In fact, for a great many people...

[DanG]

Originally Posted by XMetal

I have to disagree with this. If you can't drive a manual, then learn to drive one if you really want to have some fun and be engaging with a car. Manual transmission cars are a "dying breed" is more reason to have one before all of them are gone and you can't get a chance to experience one if you really can't drive a manual NOW. How is a DCT fun when the car is doing everything for you? All the up/down shifts are perfectly executed for you so there's nothing left for you to look forward to on a drive. You'll get bored of a DCT car much faster than you would with a manual. As far as DCT being faster than a manual, Well...Unless you're tracking your car and trying to eke out all those milliseconds per lap, Yes, then go get a DCT. But for the rest of us on public roads, Faster isn't always more fun - if that was the case, we would all be driving Teslas.

Love these DCT vs manual fights. Having owned both there are both great transmissions. I got the DCT because it was faster and got better gas mileage.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by DanG

Love these DCT vs manual fights. Having owned both there are both great transmissions. I got the DCT because it was faster and got better gas mileage.

Funny, I remember this fight in the 80's when MTs were faster and more fuel efficient than ATs. Looks like we live in the future now.

For the record, there is no better fun than banging thru the gears in a 2800lb vette with 420hp at the rear wheels. Not the fastest thing but definitely engaging.

[omasou]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

OG M2 vs M2C

The S55 is not more fuel efficient, you can find that out in a 2-second google search. And second to that, with the standard bolt-on's, OG vs M2C, the OG get significantly better gas mileage.

And the M2C doesn't run any cooler in normal circumstances, only when racing.

I remember BMW announced that they were using the S55 b/c it complied w/some standards better. Perhaps emissions?

So it appears you are correct about MPG but in actual use by same person (me) driven in same manner there wasn't an appreciaable difference.

Yes, the M2C does run cooler on the street. My M2 and X4M40i both ran pegged at 250°F and the M2C runs around 230°F. I can pull out the M drive analyzer and get you an exact number.

Basically both are great and I enjoyed both. I enjoy the M2C more. Lastly buying an M car based on MPG is silly. You need to pay to play.

When people compare manual vs. DCT, I typically think of how damn fast the DCT shifts not 0-60MPH numbers.

[VisualEcho]

Originally Posted by omasou

I remember BMW announced that they were using the S55 b/c it complied w/some standards better. Perhaps emissions?

So it appears you are correct about MPG but in actual use by same person (me) driven in same manner there wasn't an appreciaable difference.

Yes, the M2C does run cooler on the street. My M2 and X4M40i both ran pegged at 250°F and the M2C runs around 230°F. I can pull out the M drive analyzer and get you an exact number.

Basically both are great and I enjoyed both. I enjoy the M2C more. Lastly buying an M car based on MPG is silly. You need to pay to play.

When people compare manual vs. DCT, I typically think of how damn fast the DCT shifts not 0-60MPH numbers.

Yes, the N55 met current emissions standards, but not the standards going forward. I'm not sure exactly what it entailed, but in the future the S55 will be compliant whereas the N55 could not be.

I don't care about the MPG myself, but some guys do. I get 17/18 in town, and 23 on the highway unless I beat on it, and then I get 28-30 on the highway because the engine is more in its efficiency range when beat on. In the Lotus I get a whopping 50 mpg when I'm beating the shit out of it.

Let me rephrase my cooling statement. My '08 OG has never seen more than 215° regardless of how hard I ran it (was just over 120 several times today and it never moved past 215°), and even at 250° it means nothing to performance, so regardless if the S55 runs cooler, it doesn't HELP anything until you're tracking.

I love the seamless shifts of the auto actually, where the pull just never stops. But that's just 80-150 on the highway, otherwise it's dull and lifeless, and the DCT is jerky and terrible IMO.

6MT with the M2 for me or I'd buy a different car.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by DanG

Love these DCT vs manual fights. Having owned both there are both great transmissions. I got the DCT because it was faster and got better gas mileage.

It's not really a fight, per say. It all depends on what you look for in a "fun" car. I also have both a DCT and a manual in the garage, but guess which key I will reach for when I want to go for a fun drive?

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by SanchoDivine

Y'all forgot to mention the M2C also has the bigger brakes.

Not sure why y'all are talking DCT vs MT when neither of the cars OP is choosing from make him have to choose as well as both the OG and the Comp both can be DCT or MT. He's choosing DCT we can't save the manuals by convincing him to buy one and those feeling inadequate because they drive DCT don't need to defend their drive train.

My apologies if my post makes someone felt inadequate because they drive DCT as that wasn't my intention at all. I was just agreeing with someone that said certain cars are better to be had with a manual. Sorry for inadvertently bringing up this manual vs auto thing as I know that it can be a sore subject to some.

[SanchoDivine]

Originally Posted by XMetal

My apologies if my post makes someone felt inadequate because they drive DCT as that wasn't my intention at all. I was just agreeing with someone that said certain cars are better to be had with a manual. Sorry for inadvertently bringing up this manual vs auto thing as I know that it can be a sore subject to some.

Ah man I meant my comment to be funny not serious.

[avantegardestyle]

Originally Posted by VisualEcho

I have found both versions to be fun, but the 6MT has a lot more driver engagement. One could argue that M-Cars were supposed to be about driver engagement, but if they were only about driver engagement, BMW means Bring Me Money so they made them in DCT. Also, remember the E46 CSL, the most popular M-Car of all time, didn't come in a manual. BMW is, well, weird.

FIXED for you

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by SanchoDivine

Ah man I meant my comment to be funny not serious.

It's difficult to judge people's tone looking at printed words.