[BigBart33]

Everybody has been talking about how similar the G87 is to the current M4-same engine, same architecture, etc.

But I’m curious about what was cut to save $12k+ vs the M3/M4? Or are we just getting a nice “bargain” (quotes because $63k+ is still not cheap lol).

What I’ve come up with:
-Marginally worse interior (ambient lighting, materials, etc. but difference seems to be much slimmer than F87 vs F80/F82)
-Cast wheels (forged wheels cost $2k+ in the aftermarket so actually pretty substantial)
-I think worse base seats
-Less available options (laser lights, colors, etc.)
-No 360 camera (very unfortunate tbh)
-Less room, particularly in the back, but also shorter wheelbase
-Arguably looks, particularly exterior lighting
-No standard CF roof but I like sunroofs
-Country of manufacture. This is not a con necessarily but the cost of labor in Mexico vs Germany could contribute to the price difference.
-Power? But dynos seem to prove this untrue minus a slight torque curve change. Gear ratios may be different, unsure.

I’m having trouble determining if there’s a single mechanical difference that matters between the 3. Seems like they’re identical which basically makes the M2 a no brainer vs. the M4 IMO, with the M3 only worth it if you need 4 doors (which I kind of do but just not for $12k lol). Ventilated seats and particularly the 360 camera would be nice to have but that’s about it for me. Oh and colors, wish we had more options there.

Wonder if they’ll bump up the M2’s price in the coming years to be closer to the twins considering these aspects.

[Squidget]

Pretty good list. I'd add:

• xDrive option
• Individual Paint, and just so many more paint options
• Competition variant
• More OEM wheels as options (you can of course buy them yourself)
• An aftermarket parts catalog that actually works.
• Ceramic brakes
• Drive recorder (for recording accidents)
• Fuel tank capacity G87 is only 13.7 gallons. M3/M4 = 15.6 gallons

Not sure if you can get a slicktop.

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by BigBart33

I’m having trouble determining if there’s a single mechanical difference that matters between the 3. Seems like they’re identical which basically makes the M2 a no brainer vs. the M4 IMO

The M4 has a longer wheelbase, and the suspension is tuned differently so that it is more planted in the rear than the M2.

So if you want to track in a highly technical, low-drama fashion the M4 may be better. If you want to toss the M2 into corners and get the tail out more, it's better at that.

While we have are some early dynos, it's not totally proven the G87 S58 is indeed one par with the G8x version in all ways. We'll need some head to head comparisons.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by BigBart33

But I’m curious about what was cut to save $12k+ vs the M3/M4?

To be added: the emotional value pecking order difference of replacing the badge number "3" or "4" by the number "2" ?

[Ctothej]

I know you've mentioned the 360 camera but I have to mention it again. I have it in my 330i, surely it should have been added to the M2!!

[Humdizzle]

Stereo / # of speakers

But I think you nailed most of it though.

[BigBart33]

Originally Posted by Squidget

The M4 has a longer wheelbase, and the suspension is tuned differently so that it is more planted in the rear than the M2.

So if you want to track in a highly technical, low-drama fashion the M4 may be better. If you want to toss the M2 into corners and get the tail out more, it's better at that.

While we have are some early dynos, it's not totally proven the G87 S58 is indeed one par with the G8x version in all ways. We'll need some head to head comparisons.

Interesting.. where did you find this out? I was under the impression suspension tuning was extremely similar with very minor adjustments. This is why we need a SavageGeese review. Lol

Originally Posted by Artemis

To be added: the emotional value pecking order difference of replacing the badge number "3" or "4" by the number "2" ?

Hm very true. Haha. Ngl that did sometimes vaguely bother me in the F87, that I have the baby M car, but there were actual reasons for it (N55 vs S55, etc.). Not sure I’d feel that way in the G87 esp if they end up being rarer than the M3/M4.

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

Stereo / # of speakers

But I think you nailed most of it though.

I was under the impression the stereo system was the same but looks like you’re right- same wattage as the others but 2 less speakers. Probably super close in performance I’d bet assuming the speakers are the same models considering the size of the cabins.

[Game]

The biggest to me is the lack of exterior/interior color options. Even moreso interior to me.

Would have LOVED Kyalami Orange to pair with BG.

[M2Cmtl]

If you ask me BMW made all the right choices except the colors and some classic dial option on the screens. Can't have it all. I hate the curved display, but it's still a huge step up for the interior. The F87 interior was based off of the F30 2011/2012 design...

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by BigBart33

Interesting.. where did you find this out? I was under the impression suspension tuning was extremely similar with very minor adjustments. This is why we need a SavageGeese review. Lol

BMW reps mentioned tightening up the front and changing the back springs. We don't have concrete numbers AFAIK, but it's definitely perceptible. (A few reviewers have commented the difference in feel from the G8x).

[moodyhank82]

As a prospective G87 owner it is the following four that I envy in G80/G82:

1) Ventilated seat option
2) 18/19 inch base wheel option for more sidewall cushioning
3) 360 camera
4) More color choices

[Tag]

Originally Posted by Squidget

BMW reps mentioned tightening up the front and changing the back springs. We don't have concrete numbers AFAIK, but it's definitely perceptible. (A few reviewers have commented the difference in feel from the G8x).

Yes, BMW made the front of the G87 a bit stiffer, and the rear has the same damper/spring setup as the G81 which is a bit softer.

[Tag]

Originally Posted by BigBart33

I’m having trouble determining if there’s a single mechanical difference that matters between the 3.

The springs are the only thing I can think of that are mechanically different. Everything else is a direct carry over from the G80/82. Any changes they made on the G87 are all just in the tuning of components.

[Tuxon_Speed]

Originally Posted by Ctothej

I know you've mentioned the 360 camera but I have to mention it again. I have it in my 330i, surely it should have been added to the M2!!

I just bought the M2 and that was one of the things that pains me the most about the car. I love it in my M3. No reason it shouldn’t be in the M2

[T_U_D]

#1 Current subpar exterior paints

#2 No availability of Individual paints

#3 Front facia

#4 Rear taillights

#5 Lack of vibrant leather seat colors.

[ASAP]

I'd be willing to bet the most noticeable would be the lower power of the S58 and even though it "may" feel like a better handling car there is no way it's getting around any track faster than a G80.

[dagoban]

Originally Posted by BigBart33

Everybody has been talking about how similar the G87 is to the current M4-same engine, same architecture, etc.

But I’m curious about what was cut to save $12k+ vs the M3/M4? Or are we just getting a nice “bargain” (quotes because $63k+ is still not cheap lol).

In vehicles of this category (high level), the retail price is more a matter of company policy than based on manufacturing cost, and more in this model that it is manufactured in Mexico and labor must be about two or three times less than labor in Germany.