[Geighty7]

Hello all,

LONG POST

So let me start this off with saying that the G87 M2 as a manual, is pretty good the way it is from factory. I say “pretty good” because for the price, I can’t think of any better looking/performing car. Every drive is an experience.

However-

After 1 full year of ownership, I deserve to nit pick at it all I want (and so do you).

I won’t say any negative opinions, because I truly don’t think there is one. But I will say, my “not so enthusiastic” opinions about the car.

Below is what I wasn’t over-the-top about the car, and what I did to fix these things.

-I hate the clutch delay valve, it just sucks.
-Rubbery gear throws (I know we hear it all the time, but it is true).
-2nd gear lacks throw me back in my seat power.
-1st gear is short and annoying but what do you expect with 6 gears in an s58 meant to breach 100mph constantly…
-Gear selector is flimsy as all hell. I’ve had issues with it wanting to go into 2nd instead of 4th on WOT when rowing gears. Thankfully I caught it both times before ye ole $ shift.
-Throttle delay- seriously though, it really pisses me off.
-Rev hang isn’t the worst, but it’s certainly not the “best”.
-Car sounds like a damn vacuum, but with 2 resonators and secondary cars coupled with 800cel or more downs, what do you expect?
-Car feels nimble and willing to dive into turns, unless you’re going super fast. THEN you feel the weight (still not my biggest gripe).
-Need I say the car rides pretty damn high? LOL.

All these things are fixable, and here’s what I did to do just that.

1. Exhaust. Milltek non resonated catback. Get rid of those damn resonators! Helps throttle response also.
2. H&R VTF- car sits MUCH better. I’d probably do the AST looking back but oh well.
3. CDV delete- please, if you know how to drive a manual, just do this.
4. BMS clutch stop- I opted for 3 out of 4 spacers. Catch is high so it helps a lot with your driving experience.

Above is all you need to do to make the manual experience pleasurable in this car. Below is not for the feint hearted.

5. FEMTO unlock + BM3 Stage 2 tune. Turns this European sports car into a bat out of hell. The thing pulls like it has mental issues. Doubling target psi for turbos and still only on pump gas, I am easily gapping competition model G80’s and G82’s on 60 rolls while they’re in full automatic mode (tested). After looking at logs, my TQ on clutch is about 520lbft so I estimate just about 600whp… In a damn manual…
Bootmod customer support is amazing and so is their app. I am thinking about tossing flex fuel sensor in soon. Not that I run or want to run ethanol a lot. Still fun once in a while.

6. Evolution Racewerks 200cel catted downpipes- a need for stage 2 and amazing quality. Sound is insane.

7. Eventuri V2 intake- mixed feelings. After tuning, I don’t see much difference in throttle response or sound. Maybe I get some extra numbers only noticeable on the dyno. I could have done without this and stuck to BMC drop in, but oh well. Looks beautiful and can’t hurt.

8. PTB single mass flywheel clutch- arrives today!!. Not in yet, but will report back. I can’t row gears with my current setup due to pushing too much power and torque, I find the clutch (OEM) slipping a lot. Excited for this mod. Single mass flywheel will be fun for even more immediate action (as if throttle isn’t responsive enough LOL).

9. Custom Autosolutions SSK- also not in yet, but will toss in with the clutch at the same time. Arrives early November. Will take away rubber feeling, and won’t be as notchy as a CAE. Perfect combo imo. Much more robust than stock when rowing gears.

10. Awron CANflap- I had this before my time, but still use this instead of the tune valve controller from app. I like this because I programmed it to open at certain rpm regardless of drive setting. Amplifies sound so well.

11. No description needed on these but BBS LM 20’ custom paint wheels (305 in the rear) and a Lightweight Performance TÜV lip (so worth it).

All in all, I believe after my clutch is in, coupled with the SSK, I have created the best and most optimal manual G87 experience. It is sh*t your pants aggressive, handles like a track star, and pulls on anything less than a GT3. I don’t plan on getting above 650hp as it will be undrivable and unpleasant + mo powa, mo problems. I want it still to retain the reliability and enjoyment of a track style weekender vibe, not really into full on roll racing or having a whole project on my hands.

Things I’m considering-
-Do88 charge cooler manifold (not necessary but still better than OEM)
-CSF cooling
-315 tires in the rear (I’m spinning all the way to 100mph on WOT DSC off.)
-adjustable Camber plates
-monoball bushing front conversion
-SPL toe links

I want to retain EDC so probably won’t go full coils.

Hope you enjoyed the read, thanks!

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by Geighty7

Hello all,

LONG POST

So let me start this off with saying that the G87 M2 as a manual, is pretty good the way it is from factory. I say “pretty good” because for the price, I can’t think of any better looking/performing car. Every drive is an experience.

However-

After 1 full year of ownership, I deserve to nit pick at it all I want (and so do you).

I won’t say any negative opinions, because I truly don’t think there is one. But I will say, my “not so enthusiastic” opinions about the car.

Below is what I wasn’t over-the-top about the car, and what I did to fix these things.

-I hate the clutch delay valve, it just sucks.
-Rubbery gear throws (I know we hear it all the time, but it is true).
-2nd gear lacks throw me back in my seat power.
-1st gear is short and annoying but what do you expect with 6 gears in an s58 meant to breach 100mph constantly…
-Gear selector is flimsy as all hell. I’ve had issues with it wanting to go into 2nd instead of 4th on WOT when rowing gears. Thankfully I caught it both times before ye ole $ shift.
-Throttle delay- seriously though, it really pisses me off.
-Rev hang isn’t the worst, but it’s certainly not the “best”.
-Car sounds like a damn vacuum, but with 2 resonators and secondary cars coupled with 800cel or more downs, what do you expect?
-Car feels nimble and willing to dive into turns, unless you’re going super fast. THEN you feel the weight (still not my biggest gripe).
-Need I say the car rides pretty damn high? LOL.

All these things are fixable, and here’s what I did to do just that.

1. Exhaust. Milltek non resonated catback. Get rid of those damn resonators! Helps throttle response also.
2. H&R VTF- car sits MUCH better. I’d probably do the AST looking back but oh well.
3. CDV delete- please, if you know how to drive a manual, just do this.
4. BMS clutch stop- I opted for 3 out of 4 spacers. Catch is high so it helps a lot with your driving experience.

Above is all you need to do to make the manual experience pleasurable in this car. Below is not for the feint hearted.

5. FEMTO unlock + BM3 Stage 2 tune. Turns this European sports car into a bat out of hell. The thing pulls like it has mental issues. Doubling target psi for turbos and still only on pump gas, I am easily gapping competition model G80’s and G82’s on 60 rolls while they’re in full automatic mode (tested). After looking at logs, my TQ on clutch is about 520lbft so I estimate just about 600whp… In a damn manual…
Bootmod customer support is amazing and so is their app. I am thinking about tossing flex fuel sensor in soon. Not that I run or want to run ethanol a lot. Still fun once in a while.

6. Evolution Racewerks 200cel catted downpipes- a need for stage 2 and amazing quality. Sound is insane.

7. Eventuri V2 intake- mixed feelings. After tuning, I don’t see much difference in throttle response or sound. Maybe I get some extra numbers only noticeable on the dyno. I could have done without this and stuck to BMC drop in, but oh well. Looks beautiful and can’t hurt.

8. PTB single mass flywheel clutch- arrives today!!. Not in yet, but will report back. I can’t row gears with my current setup due to pushing too much power and torque, I find the clutch (OEM) slipping a lot. Excited for this mod. Single mass flywheel will be fun for even more immediate action (as if throttle isn’t responsive enough LOL).

9. Custom Autosolutions SSK- also not in yet, but will toss in with the clutch at the same time. Arrives early November. Will take away rubber feeling, and won’t be as notchy as a CAE. Perfect combo imo. Much more robust than stock when rowing gears.

10. Awron CANflap- I had this before my time, but still use this instead of the tune valve controller from app. I like this because I programmed it to open at certain rpm regardless of drive setting. Amplifies sound so well.

11. No description needed on these but BBS LM 20’ custom paint wheels (305 in the rear) and a Lightweight Performance TÜV lip (so worth it).

All in all, I believe after my clutch is in, coupled with the SSK, I have created the best and most optimal manual G87 experience. It is sh*t your pants aggressive, handles like a track star, and pulls on anything less than a GT3. I don’t plan on getting above 650hp as it will be undrivable and unpleasant + mo powa, mo problems. I want it still to retain the reliability and enjoyment of a track style weekender vibe, not really into full on roll racing or having a whole project on my hands.

Things I’m considering-
-Do88 charge cooler manifold (not necessary but still better than OEM)
-CSF cooling
-315 tires in the rear (I’m spinning all the way to 100mph on WOT DSC off.)
-adjustable Camber plates
-monoball bushing front conversion
-SPL toe links

I want to retain EDC so probably won’t go full coils.

Hope you enjoyed the read, thanks!

You got the ER highflow catted downpipes ...how you liking them?

[Twonice2485]

What % did you go with for the SSK?

[curtdragon]

Thanks for the writeup!

What width wheel do you have now?
I guess 19" all around won't cut it lol

[Geighty7]

Originally Posted by M_Power Rob

You got the ER highflow catted downpipes ...how you liking them?

Love them! Such excellent quality. They fit like a glove.

Originally Posted by Twonice2485

What % did you go with for the SSK?

25% shorter throw with OEM height.

Originally Posted by curtdragon

Thanks for the writeup!

What width wheel do you have now?
I guess 19" all around won't cut it lol

20x10.5
20x11
I forget the et off the top of my head but can find out if you need it (somewhere buried in my email).

If I had to redo my setup, I’d actually run 19’s all around with a beefier sidewall. This just looks better, I’d say 19 performs better.

[curtdragon]

Originally Posted by Geighty7

20x10.5
20x11
I forget the et off the top of my head but can find out if you need it (somewhere buried in my email).

If I had to redo my setup, I’d actually run 19’s all around with a beefier sidewall. This just looks better, I’d say 19 performs better.

No need. I was looking at 19" myself.
I did want to ask if you have sound clips of your setup. How's the rasp?

[DrewNewM2]

Nice build! and similar to what I think I will eventually do. I definitely worry about traction, 315s could help but haven't seen anyone run them. Drag radial rears probably in your future if you go E85 as you probably would be at 700 whp or more. I personally would like to get custom tune that eases into torque in first couple of gears.

Looking forward to hearing what you think about the clutch. What is the cost for clutch and labor?

[minn19]

Very nice Geighty7! Not to hijack your thread, but did you or anyone here consider the Carbahn tuning options? I know it’s Steve Dinan’s “new” shop/products, but I haven’t many people running their stuff.

https://carbahn.com/collections/performance-controllers

I’ve never modded for power so I’m very nervous about it for warranty concerns etc. Which, is why I’ve always thought they may be a decent option and pay more for their backup warranty.

Other than that, I’ll probably do the front mono ball kit, HAS springs (corner balanced then) and a SSK, lighter wheels then call it a day.

Very nice build by the way, thanks for the write up/info.

[M2PDX]

Give us a review of the Autosolutions SSK as soon as you get it in.

[JMcLellan]

Originally Posted by minn19

Very nice Geighty7! Not to hijack your thread, but did you or anyone here consider the Carbahn tuning options? I know it’s Steve Dinan’s “new” shop/products, but I haven’t many people running their stuff.

https://carbahn.com/collections/performance-controllers

I’ve never modded for power so I’m very nervous about it for warranty concerns etc. Which, is why I’ve always thought they may be a decent option and pay more for their backup warranty.

Other than that, I’ll probably do the front mono ball kit, HAS springs (corner balanced then) and a SSK, lighter wheels then call it a day.

Very nice build by the way, thanks for the write up/info.

I did explore the Carbahn options for tuning, as well as JB4 and Racechip for piggyback setups. I won't be going down the path of Femto and unlocking the ECU. Though flash tuning is the most effective way to tune in my opinion. I had a great experience with MHD on my last BMW.

I recently picked up the Racechip tuning kit (it looks like the exact hardware of the Carbahn unit) used from another forum member. I highly recommend it. I have it set to a lower setting and even that provides a lot of punch.

The racechip includes a warranty. I believe the terms are coverage for 2 years after purchase and up to 10k in repair costs. I'm not worried about warranty issues for the motor with this tune. My only worries are possible additional wear on my clutch and tires with the added power. However, if the car needed a repair I would expect the dealer would investigate the cause and if the tune was thought to contribute to an issue then I could see a warranty claim being denied. I'm sure there are examples of warranty claims being denied due to tunes but I can't recall hearing about one on the forums here.

You just need to decide to take on the risk of the tune or not. I think it is low risk. My two cents.

[techwhiz1]

Love the build 💙

I can't wait the get an allocation for my money pit, Iean M2. 😂🤣

[Geighty7]

Originally Posted by curtdragon

No need. I was looking at 19" myself.
I did want to ask if you have sound clips of your setup. How's the rasp?

I can post some this week. Rasp is there, but not terrible. It could be cleaned up with an added resonator in the mid section.

Originally Posted by DrewNewM2

Nice build! and similar to what I think I will eventually do. I definitely worry about traction, 315s could help but haven't seen anyone run them. Drag radial rears probably in your future if you go E85 as you probably would be at 700 whp or more. I personally would like to get custom tune that eases into torque in first couple of gears.

Looking forward to hearing what you think about the clutch. What is the cost for clutch and labor?

Yeah if I go e85, most definitely. Looking at Paul Johnson tunes if that is the case.

Clutch was about $2,000 and install will be roughly $1,200.

Originally Posted by minn19

Very nice Geighty7! Not to hijack your thread, but did you or anyone here consider the Carbahn tuning options? I know it’s Steve Dinan’s “new” shop/products, but I haven’t many people running their stuff.

https://carbahn.com/collections/performance-controllers

I’ve never modded for power so I’m very nervous about it for warranty concerns etc. Which, is why I’ve always thought they may be a decent option and pay more for their backup warranty.

Other than that, I’ll probably do the front mono ball kit, HAS springs (corner balanced then) and a SSK, lighter wheels then call it a day.

Very nice build by the way, thanks for the write up/info.

No need to apologize for hijaking, please feel free to ask all questions. I did consider it, but after research, I determined for what I want out of a platform and the reputable OTS maps coupled with long lists of awesome custom tuners, Bootmod3 was my best option. Carbahn is pretty good, but does not have the reach BM3 or MHD do. IMO- the warranty thing is a marketing technique as a carbahn stage 2 is more than double what I paid, and my horsepower and torque numbers are much more significant.

I learned there’s more fear and rumors/gossp vs what actually happens in the world of tuning. More than not, the engines that blow or things that go wrong with tuning is due to negligence on proper research and not upgrading hardware with new software.

As for warranty, there’s an increased risk you get turned down IF something goes wrong. But that’s not something to be scared of. BMW would have to prove that due to your tune etc, that is the reason (X) happened and your car is up for a warranty claim.

Say your driver side door panel light stops working, probably wouldn’t be from a tune. So they’d fix it (hopefully) lol. I’m pretty honest with my SA and service foreman. If anything were to go wrong, my biggest fear is them flashing my car back and locking my ECU, not fixing the issue.

Originally Posted by JMcLellan

I did explore the Carbahn options for tuning, as well as JB4 and Racechip for piggyback setups. I won't be going down the path of Femto and unlocking the ECU. Though flash tuning is the most effective way to tune in my opinion. I had a great experience with MHD on my last BMW.

I recently picked up the Racechip tuning kit (it looks like the exact hardware of the Carbahn unit) used from another forum member. I highly recommend it. I have it set to a lower setting and even that provides a lot of punch.

The racechip includes a warranty. I believe the terms are coverage for 2 years after purchase and up to 10k in repair costs. I'm not worried about warranty issues for the motor with this tune. My only worries are possible additional wear on my clutch and tires with the added power. However, if the car needed a repair I would expect the dealer would investigate the cause and if the tune was thought to contribute to an issue then I could see a warranty claim being denied. I'm sure there are examples of warranty claims being denied due to tunes but I can't recall hearing about one on the forums here.

You just need to decide to take on the risk of the tune or not. I think it is low risk. My two cents.

+1 here. Racechip is a great option as well. Very reputable.

[minn19]

Thanks guys, some other good options and things to think about!

[curtdragon]

Can you drop the link to where you got the clutch from? I need to add that to my list.

[RobM2]

For the lowering springs, curious why you are thinking you would go with the ASTs in retrospect?

And do you find the H&Rs offer better performance and a firmer ride, or same quality as stock just lower?

I'm deciding between these and the KWs and BMW HAS kit so appreciate any feedback. I'd like only a small drop but would appreciate better handling too.

[Geighty7]

Originally Posted by curtdragon

Can you drop the link to where you got the clutch from? I need to add that to my list.

https://www.ptb-shop.de/g80clutch.html?language=en

Originally Posted by RobM2

For the lowering springs, curious why you are thinking you would go with the ASTs in retrospect?

And do you find the H&Rs offer better performance and a firmer ride, or same quality as stock just lower?

I'm deciding between these and the KWs and BMW HAS kit so appreciate any feedback. I'd like only a small drop but would appreciate better handling too.

AST allows slightly lower than H&R.

I wouldn’t say it’s better performance but it is for sure firmer and sometimes bouncier because of how firm. Similar to OEM I’d say with a little less roll.

KW gives too much rake, I had it before and hated it. BMW HAS just doesn’t go low enough. Pretty much the same as KW with warranty.