[Meanie]

Hey guys,

Having owned an M4 that pretty much had all the bells and whistles, my M4 spent most of its time standing and eventually decided to trade my 125i and M4 to consolidate to a 240i. With that being said, I have an itch for something new and have been looking to get an M2.

Now, I have been given a build for an M2C however at the dealership today I got the opportunity to sit in an M2 LCI and play a bit with it. The sound of that N55 is so intoxicating and I can only imagine what an MPE would sound like - what a phenomenal beast! The predicament I am in is would one get the M2 LCI, which there are many full spec ready available or wait for the M2C to go into build and wait 3 months to get shipped to South Africa?

I have always appreciated the input and valuable advice from you guys and yet again need some assistance. I by no means want to start a spat between N55 vs S55, as there are way too many of those.

Thanks a million guys!

[philinit]

Hey OP,

As I myself am an M2 owner, I don't wanna come off as biased or as you mentioned feed into the n55 vs s55 nonsense (both great motors btw) but the M2 LCI is still an amazing car and I'm reminded of it every time I drive her. The best thing about this car is its almost perfect power to weight balance and that's something that might be lost with the M2C even though it is slightly heavier.

I've also considered the possibility of upgrading to an M2C too but as many have mentioned before, the M2 is great as (without the s55 and other add ons) and I highly doubt you'll regret going with an M2 LCI; not to mention at this point your more likely to find great deals on the current M2s.

[Meanie]

Originally Posted by philinit

Hey OP,

As I myself am an M2 owner, I don't wanna come off as biased or as you mentioned feed into the n55 vs s55 nonsense (both great motors btw) but the M2 LCI is still an amazing car and I'm reminded of it every time I drive her. The best thing about this car is its almost perfect power to weight balance and that's something that might be lost with the M2C even though it is slightly heavier.

I've also considered the possibility of upgrading to an M2C too but as many have mentioned before, the M2 is great as (without the s55 and other add ons) and I highly doubt you'll regret going with an M2 LCI; not to mention at this point your more likely to find great deals on the current M2s.

Exactly my thoughts, the only challenge/predicament I have is if I might be going backwards from the B58 to the N55? Granted the M2 chassis setup is far superior to the 240i in many/all ways.

Having had the M4, the M4 even with an MPE lacked the undertones of the N55 on the M2 and I am hesitant to think BMW could improve on it much. The last thing I seriously dislike are the M2C wheels that are the only option for the South African market.

[eeyang92]

I think all the options are very close, which is why it's a very difficult question to answer. I think the main consideration is what you want to do with it and how much money you're willing to part with.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by Meanie

Exactly my thoughts, the only challenge/predicament I have is if I might be going backwards from the B58 to the N55? Granted the M2 chassis setup is far superior to the 240i in many/all ways.

Having had the M4, the M4 even with an MPE lacked the undertones of the N55 on the M2 and I am hesitant to think BMW could improve on it much. The last thing I seriously dislike are the M2C wheels that are the only option for the South African market.

If you buy the LCI you're going to be making a future post about trading that in on a M2C. Maybe that's fine with you though?

[Al1969]

Or just be convinced later that the first feeling on N55 was right and you made the good choice for the M2

[RAM_F30_F87]

Since you have access to an LCI now, does it meet your needs?
If so, buy it and enjoy it now.
You'll save many thousands of dollars which you could optionally spend on various M Performance and other 3rd party parts including tuning if you're after extra horsepower.
Or wait if you must have 'the next new thing' or are in love with silver or orange.
Some of those waiting for the Competition will cringe when it's LCI comes out (never ending cycle).
If you're rich, buy one of each and sell off the one you like less. The depreciation loss won't matter.

[YasF80_SLO]

if you are going to mod it, get the M2c

Leaving it mostly stock or Mperf stuff get the M2 LCI

[stefan]

IMO unless you're desperate for the latest and greatest, an aggressively discounted M2 LCI will walk all over the M2C in terms of value. The S55 is also not purely "better". It has pros and cons depending on what you're into. If you won't be tracking often or if the car is a DD then really the N55 is the better option. The MPE really sounds as good as you think it will. Basically; if you can get a smoking deal on the LCI then go for that. If you don't mind a big price differential and waiting all summer, go M2C.

[DanG]

This is really only a question you can answer. You have owned an M4 so you are very familiar with the S55. I am very happy with my M2 LCI and have zero interest in an M2C.

In reality you can’t go wrong with either choice. But the M2 LCI will save you thousands of dollars if that is important.

[fullstack]

I'm in the same situation. I'm still looking for the perfect m2 lci at the right price. If it's not in the cards then i'll end up getting the m2c. I don't think i'll be happier with one over the other. Both have things I like and dislike.

[chiefsubjugator]

This is all opinion but I wouldn't worry about going 'backwards' in engine designation, you'd be getting one of the latest greatest N55's.

IMHO - get a good deal on an M2 and don't look back. Let us know, whatever you wind up choosing and good luck!

[Nebelhinten]

Seems like sound is important criterion for you. I had 335 N55 with MPE and currently 340i with MPPSK. I've heard M2 both stock and with MPE. M2 stock IMO sounds great, with MPE in track mode epic. You obviously know sound of S55 on M4, but hard to say much about M2C since I've just heard a few brief sound clips. The 335i had good sound with MPE, but really not that close to M2 sound. B58 with MPPSK has more similar sound to M2. It's catback, so no resonators and straight through with valves open. Good growl and lots of snap, crackle, and pop on lift and downshifts.

In terms of engine, yes, M2 is N55, but it is an upgraded version different in character from 335i N55. The B58 with closed deck, air water intercooler, and larger turbo is improvement over regular N55 IMO, but M2 N55 is special.

Tough call, but my sense would be to go with the known. If you already like the sound, look, and driving character of current model that might be best bet. Might be good to make a list. Besides the increased power of the S55, what other features of M2C might be significant enough to move you in that direction?

[m2rs4_official]

Hmmm... I reckon its a matter of personal opinion.

As for myself, I offloaded my 2016 911S and went from having a play in an M4 for 3 weeks thanks to a good buddy of mine BUT ended up deciding on the fully loaded 2018 M2. I went with the M2 not because it was the more affordable option of $335 vs the M4 at $420 but merely because it felt really nimble, the MT transmission was sublime and handles kept me smiling away in the corners.

But I do agree with some, save on the fully loaded LCI M2 available and do it up the way you'd like it to be done. So far this is what I've done but it may be a lil much

http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...1492959&page=2

Anyway, I wish you all the best with your decision and am sure you'll have a blast with whatever you go with my friend.

[TIMCURNOW71]

Hi all,

New member, I have no complaints about my LCI M2 but I would say if you can afford it I would go for the competition as BMW are bound to of improved the car its progress.

[emdeuce]

If you're looking for a car to modify, LCI M2. If you're more of an out of the box type person, M2C.

The money you save from getting the LCI can go towards exhaust, tune, downpipe, etc to get you to the S55 power level with the growl of an N55. I also prefer the looks of the regular M2.

If you like the looks of the M2C and the sound, thats probably the better choice. However, you're paying extra for "upgrades".