[MichaelB1969]

Based on the reviews I've watched, seems like the M2 is a really nice blend of the F87 and the G82.

I recently did the 2-day M School down in Thermal, and drove the F87 and didn't love it. You can read about my experience here.

I found the F87 to be "squirrely". I have since discovered that this is what many people love about the prior generation, and I do get it. I must admit it was fun the way I could slide it around on the track. However, pretty sure what was fun on the track would be frightening for me on the street.

That said, given I prefer the buttoned down feel of the G82, the new M2 seems like it could be a really nice middle ground for people looking for a slightly more tossable (given shorter wheelbase) car than the M4, that is a bit more composed and a bit more refined than the prior generation M2.

I have a G80 (base manual) on the way, as I want a 4-door, extra space and more luxury.

However, for those looking at the G87 vs. G82, that seems like a decision that isn't as clear cut. The styling is just SO different between the two, that I'd imagine people will likely have a solid preference one way or the other.

Curious why people are going one way or the other since the driving experience between the two, while different, aren't world's apart. Or at least that seems to be the case, as only a few reviewers seemed to suggest the difference was night and day.

I will say I don't know what to make of the M2 styling. Will have to see it in person before forming any firm opinion. Love the side profile and muscular flared fenders. Very cool. Don't love the front or rear, especially the front. But again, things can look very different in person.

Couple of things that do stand out that you don't often hear about are:

- Interior door panels: the little molded triangles and M-colored graphics in the door panel seem very gimmicky and look cheap (in photos)

- Looks like there is an odd gap between the hood and top of the headlamp lenses, maybe it isn't apparent in person but my eye is always drawn to this gap in photos

Bottom line, I think that the M2 is going to deliver a great experience to whoever purchases one and my bet is that most buyers are going to find that the M2 really hits the sweet spot in terms of performance and overall driving experience. Yes, it's a bit heavy, but what's more important is how it actually drives, and I haven't heard many reviewers focusing too much on the weight. They seem to be having too much fun driving it to care.

I'd have to see the M2 in person to know for sure, but I think for me I'd go with the M3 first (given I want 4-doors)...but I might go M2 after, then M4. Taking any markups out of the equation, the M2 offers a lot of bang for the buck, making it a bit easier to forego the added luxury and size of the M4.

[MichaelB1969]

Originally Posted by sl0m0

The m4 would never be an option for me unless my wife absolutely has to have a convertible. I like how the m3 looks more than the m2, so for my manual I'm getting the m2, and then for our "family" car we are getting an m3 cx. At this moment I wouldn't give up the m2 for the m3 though, we will see how I feel once I have both but I doubt that will change, as I'd prefer to drive my 72 super beetle B4 my x3 m40i and it's going to be a similar choice, engaging vs smooth and relaxed.

Haha, I'd imagine the difference between your super beetle and X3 M40i is just a tad bigger than the difference between an M2 and M3.

[sl0m0]

Originally Posted by MichaelB1969

Haha, I'd imagine the difference between your super beetle and X3 M40i is just a tad bigger than the difference between an M2 and M3.

Oh definitely, just using it as an example of what the choice is. I'd rather drive a slow manual B4 a fast auto. I am working on avoiding tickets and autos are only fun at top speed, a manual can be fun at or near the speed limit.

[MichaelB1969]

Originally Posted by sl0m0

Oh definitely, just using it as an example of what the choice is. I'd rather drive a slow manual B4 a fast auto. I am working on avoiding tickets and autos are only fast at top speed, a manual can be fun at or near the speed limit.

Agree 100%. In the M School post I linked to above, I talk about this (manual vs auto on street vs track).

[Squidget]

For a lot of people? PRICE PRICE PRICE. Huge price difference between the M2 and M4 (comparing coupes). That's me. I'd take an M4 if I could get it.

Philosophically, I think you nailed it. The M4 is more practical (simply bigger) and just nicer (more options). I think most people who CAN afford an M4 are gonna choose it over an M2, unless the beaver grill is a total dealbreaker.

Reviews do imply the M2 is more tossable than the M4, but since they share so much hardware, I think that difference is perceptible but small. I wouldn't downsize to an M2 for that small difference, if I had the cash for an M4.

There will be the occasional person who just prefers a smaller car for some personal reason, I'm sure. The same kind of person who prefers a Miata to an Porsche. They do exist. Maybe someone who is picking their 2nd toy car.

[Squidget]

My intent was not to offend! The Miata is a hoot, especially on public roads! (Also, a lot easier to drive without swapping ends, so less stressful.)

[zero21]

Originally Posted by Squidget

My intent was not to offend! The Miata is a hoot, especially on public roads! (Also, a lot easier to drive without swapping ends, so less stressful.)

I test drove one and did not like it. I could barely see over the fenders, there was a crap ton of body roll, and the interior was made like a 50 cent toy. Not for me.

[86zccrx]

Originally Posted by MichaelB1969

I will say I don't know what to make of the M2 styling. Will have to see it in person before forming any firm opinion. Love the side profile and muscular flared fenders. Very cool. Don't love the front or rear, especially the front. But again, things can look very different in person.

- Looks like there is an odd gap between the hood and top of the headlamp lenses, maybe it isn't apparent in person but my eye is always drawn to this gap in photos

I felt the same way when looking at pictures there are a couple of items that seemed awkward like the hood/bumper line and some other parts.
After seeing it in person, I completely changed my mind. Even with the regular 2 series, I never really care for it in pictures, but it looks great to me in person. Something about these cars doesn't photograph well and give the right impression.

[Yogi Bear]

I placed my order for a BSM M2 mid-November '22, the first one taken at my chosen BMW dealership and I even got a c3% discount off MSRP - thought that was a good result.

I was initally advised May delivery, but took that with a pinch of salt. I'm now being advised it's pushed out to late August or early September.

Then the M2 press reviews came out, they didn't exactly blow me away. A lot of the UK press also commented that the firm ride on UK roads may be a further negative.

I got a PCP quote for a new M4 xDrive; with just another £1k deposit, it's the exact same cost monthly as the M2.

BMW Finance pricing is cheaper on the M3/M4, as opposed to the c10% APR on the new M2.

I'm starting to think it's a no-brainer to cancel the M2 order a place an order for the M4 xDrive, especially now that it also has the updated infotainment.

[deladude]

Originally Posted by Yogi Bear

I placed my order for a BSM M2 mid-November '22, the first one taken at my chosen BMW dealership and I even got a c3% discount off MSRP - thought that was a good result.

I was initally advised May delivery, but took that with a pinch of salt. I'm now being advised it's pushed out to late August or early September.

Then the M2 press reviews came out, they didn't exactly blow me away. A lot of the UK press also commented that the firm ride on UK roads may be a further negative.

I got a PCP quote for a new M4 xDrive; with just another £1k deposit, it's the exact same cost monthly as the M2.

BMW Finance pricing is cheaper on the M3/M4, as opposed to the c10% APR on the new M2.

I'm starting to think it's a no-brainer to cancel the M2 order a place an order for the M4 xDrive, especially now that it also has the updated infotainment.

Id like to know more about these financing differences. Why would M3/4s get lower rates than the M2 exactly?

[Yogi Bear]

Originally Posted by deladude

Id like to know more about these financing differences. Why would M3/4s get lower rates than the M2 exactly?

https://offers.bmw.co.uk/?series=M

I'm not the CFO of BMW Finance, so I don't know. I can only repeat information that I know to be true from my own sales enquiries and further provide evidence for others with the same quandary.

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by deladude

Id like to know more about these financing differences. Why would M3/4s get lower rates than the M2 exactly?

Yogi is in the UK so who knows how that will compare/differ from the US rates.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by MichaelB1969

Based on the reviews I've watched, seems like the M2 is a really nice blend of the F87 and the G82.
...
That said, given I prefer the buttoned down feel of the G82, the new M2 seems like it could be a really nice middle ground for people looking for a slightly more tossable (given shorter wheelbase) car than the M4, that is a bit more composed and a bit more refined than the prior generation M2.
...
However, for those looking at the G87 vs. G82, that seems like a decision that isn't as clear cut. The styling is just SO different between the two, that I'd imagine people will likely have a solid preference one way or the other.

Curious why people are going one way or the other since the driving experience between the two, while different, aren't world's apart. Or at least that seems to be the case, as only a few reviewers seemed to suggest the difference was night and day.

AS I've said in other posts, I've had the very first of the last three M3/4 Coupe generations, currently '15 M4. When the G82 came out I just couldn't stomach the looks of the nose and the increased size, and don't know if I can still. I've got an M2 on pre-order (#4 on dealer's list) because, as you say, it seems it will have a lot of the good attributes of the M4 with size and styling that I can better stomach. That being said, I wish some of the upmarket options like full Merino leather, Laserlights and more colors were available. There's a chance I may still go with an M4, but at about a $17k premium as I'd spec it.

[Gib007]

Personally I would definitely not like it if I can't take a corner quickly without the rear sliding out and me drifting. I'd consider that a poorly designed car. I like a completely planted and stable feeling no matter the speed or corner. I'm glad the new G87 is very much planted.

I would be happy to buy an M4 instead. I do really like it. However, the M2's exterior stance looks more aggressive though I love the bonnet on the M4. The extra performance of the M4 can be tuned in to the M2 once warranty runs out. My only gripe is the M4 would cost me £30,000 more all-in and that's just not worth it when the M2 is already costing me £75,000.

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BMWBLOG: Is the 2023 BMW M2 a mini-M4?