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      02-17-2016, 12:59 PM   #221
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And it depends on where you live.
John Tanglewood appears.
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      02-17-2016, 12:59 PM   #222
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The good thing about BMW these days is you can almost make it exactly the way you want from factory with a full warranty, minus the wheels.
Want a louder exhaust? MPE. Want a lower ride height? We got coilovers. Want to look like a stupid race car? We got stickers for you.
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. Maybe they'll pull a Porsche move and make the CSL a 6MT? Then I would seriously have to consider the M2 platform again :

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Now that WOULD be delicious!
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      02-17-2016, 01:05 PM   #223
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lol what do you mean?
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      02-17-2016, 01:07 PM   #224
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Originally Posted by Verbiage
Quote:
Originally Posted by GFK007 View Post
Solid review, but need to see a write up coming from someone who isn't a Bimmerpost guy.

There's got to be a bias here, no?

That said, agree completely with assessment of m3 and m4.
You have seen the thread right below this one, right?
I did not. Reading it right now. Thanks for that!

I know I should get four doors, and I don't like the m2 styling as much as the f80, but my m235i is a ton of fun and now I'm completely and utterly torn...

The color choices are weak and the single interior choice is brutal, but this thing is going to be a super involving car.

If I were buying - I'd go with the m2, but I intend on leasing and I can't see this leasing much better than an f80...
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      02-17-2016, 01:10 PM   #225
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Originally Posted by LDSM View Post
This was a great review! Sam knew his audience and gave us what we all want from a car review. To know how it drives.
Full laps without unnecessary edits or music, and comparisons to other cars, that we all wonder about but will never have the chance of comparing on our own. thanks for the review.

This just makes the decision of m3 vs m2 that much harder. I can live without 4 doors, though they do come in handy. But how much driving fun would I be trading by going for the m3?
I think how much driving fun you 'lose' will be down to preference. I can conceivably see people finding the more stable M3 being more fun as well. If you need 4 doors, don't look back! If you can make the sacrifice, then consider the M2 for its own merits.

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Originally Posted by W/// View Post
To me, the M2 sounds absolutely nothing like the E46 M3 CSL. I've heard a million videos of that car (drove it around a parking lot too actually, that was a great moment in my life haha).

The M2 IMHO is one of the best sounding cars BMW makes at the moment having heard the X4 MPA, but it just does not have any rasp that the S54 is known for. If anything, it sounds like they tried to bring the rasp back on purpose on the S55 in the M3/4. Whether that's a good thing or not, that's up to you.

I absolutely can't wait to read about the comparisons. I really think M2 hit it out of the park with this one. And the fact that our predictions that it'll start in the low $50k's is just a huge huge bonus.
Yes, I agree with you. That rasp from the E46 M3s is indeed gone. However, the M2 does make a good attempt at approximation.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Verbiage View Post
Hey Sam, question for you regarding the throttle blip downshifting:

In my Clubman S (don't laugh...Mini BMW here ) I sometimes will skip gears while throttle blipping appropriately to match the gear I am going to (say, 6th to 4th for a moderately empty exit ramp, and then down to 3rd if the ramp travels uphill). I've gotten pretty good at this, and much so prefer to do it since it saves time moving through the gears.

Will this synchronization rev match do the same if I wish to move through the gearbox that way, or is it required to change down each gear chronologically? Was there any jumping/slight jerk coming off the clutch after a blip, or is enough throttle provided during the downshift that no further input is needed to smoothen the transition?

I hope my questions made sense, and thank you! My car is obviously ordered as a 6MT.
Yes, even if you skip gears, the software is smart enough to blip for the next incoming gear. No worries. No jerking of the clutch. I do still instinctively touch the throttle just before the clutch engages, but I've never felt it do anything unnatural. It just works!

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Originally Posted by slalomfever View Post
Great review! Thank you!

I'm not sure if this was asked...Can you confirm the actual amount of cars that will be available for sale in the US?
Unfortunately, I don't have that information.

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Originally Posted by OrangeCrush View Post
I don't like his response to Artemis when he called the M2 suspension "supple".

Sam, can you give us more detail on that? Was is softer than the M4?
It's not softer than the M4! Not at all. When I say supple, it is supple compared to a GT3 or a GT4. BMW tend to tune their cars with a certain amount of compliance. This gives them a lot of feel at the limit and a lot of communication and makes them better suited for the road rather than being track only. Better all rounders. I really like this! I enjoy the razor sharp hardcore track feel of Porsche GT cars too, but the 'softer' BMWs are actually easier to drive and more flattering to the driver. This is not an excuse for a softer car, it's just a different philosophy for tuning. If you're coming out of an M4 and jump into this, it does NOT suddenly feel soft. Equally firm as the M4 with standard suspension. The M4 with EDC feels softer than the M2.

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Originally Posted by SamS View Post
Hey Sam, that was a great video review. Love the production as well as the commentary. Looks like you had a great time, and your efforts are much appreciated.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by focal View Post
@Sam How does this compare to your other love Porsche? I thought I read you ordered a GT4, so curious how they compare.
Hmm, that's a good question. Until my car arrives, I cannot give a comparison. I've had very limited time in the GT4 thus far. My gut feeling right now is that I really wish I could have both. Each are awesome.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Tuna View Post
He is referring to the fact that M3 and 4, like many cars these days, have been polished to the point of being boring and unremarkable.
Yes, this sums up my feelings really nicely.

Quote:
Originally Posted by supershaft View Post
I understood the gist of his review but I don't quite get it when he compares it to the M3/M4 by saying those cars are too good for their own good. BMW is not going to outclass the M3/M4 with the M2 but reading between the lines it appears that the M2 is right on the knife's edge of performance difference between the two Ms.
Please see the above. The performance difference between the 2 and the 3/4 is really clear. What's not as obvious is the difference in tuning approach. The M2 is a wild thing but the M4 is not. The M4 can spin its tires and play the hooigan part, of course, but like Big Tuna says above, its been "polished to the point of being boring and unremarkable." It has no rough edges.

The M2 has rough edges, and I love every one of them. Even its strange looks.
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      02-17-2016, 01:13 PM   #226
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Originally Posted by John Tanglewood View Post
lol what do you mean?
Lol. I remember some of your posts from back when I was on E90post.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam@Bimmerpost View Post
Yes, even if you skip gears, the software is smart enough to blip for the next incoming gear. No worries. No jerking of the clutch. I do still instinctively touch the throttle just before the clutch engages, but I've never felt it do anything unnatural. It just works!
Wow, that's crazy! Thank you so much for your answer, Sam.
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      02-17-2016, 01:14 PM   #227
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Lol. I remember some of your posts from back when I was on E90post.
ooooh, haha. I'm on the F80post now! Come join!
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      02-17-2016, 01:17 PM   #228
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ooooh, haha. I'm on the F80post now! Come join!
I am on an "F" post. That's why I'm here. My car should be incoming sometime this year.
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      02-17-2016, 01:18 PM   #229
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Originally Posted by 3tekcorps View Post
Stiff springs don't bother me. What I can't stand is hearing tons of road noise on rough pavement, or having to yell over the car when cruising down the talking to passengers.
Yeah. That's a Porsche GT car. The 991 GT3 and the GT4 have gotten a bit better. A bit. But that's part of the appeal.

Quote:
Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster View Post
I just watched your review and it was excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed it! I will be VERY disappointed if you DON'T find your way into an M2.

When I got the chance to drive the 1M.. in many of the same situations that you did... (except Bill Auberlent wasn't present) .. My conclusions were EXACTLY the same as yours!

As a seventeen year E30 M3 owner.. the E36 and even the E46M3 were heavier cars to me and never excited me. I would have imported an E30 M3 Sport Evo if it were reasonably possible. When I drove the 1M.. the playfulness was BACK... ! It's still FAR heavier than the E30 M3.. but it's the closest to what that car feels like. It's a car that makes me grin, chortle and LAUGH just like you did when you said YEAH at points like 11:30 in your video with the M2.

All of your comments about driving behavior and dynamics are exactly what I feel about my 1M when compared to an E90 or an F80.

I was concerned that the M2 is more of an E46 version 2.0... but based on the video and the way the car reacted, it appears that is still does retain some of the characteristics of the 1M! The rear end is lively... but it looks like it's also better able to put down the power as well.

I'm absolutely in love with my 1M.... and happy to see that the M2 looks to be a 1M encore!

Someone needs to sticky this video and it should be mandatory viewing for anyone that looks down on an M2 buyer as if there is something wrong with their wallet because of their decision to not get an M4.

It's about driving dynamics! The 1M and M2 will absolutely put more smiles on your face when driving it compared to an E90 M3 or F80 M3/M4 .

Speaking of which... I am absolutely dying for more info on how the cars relate to each other and I just found this quote from Car and Driver ..

On long, winding esses, our thoughts wandered back to the late 1-series M, the M2’s predecessor. That little car still represents the best of BMW, a standard-bearer of the BMWs we knew and fell hard for before electrically assisted power steering. The M2 is a modern BMW, which means the steering is a bit removed and the stereo plays engine sounds. But it delivers the look and handling acumen, if not the irrepressible soul, of the 1-series M



Sweet!!
Thanks for your post! Enjoy your 1M in good health! Really enjoyed reading your comments about E30 M3 and how it inspired you to get the 1M.
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      02-17-2016, 01:27 PM   #230
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam@Bimmerpost View Post

re: GT4 comparison

Hmm, that's a good question. Until my car arrives, I cannot give a comparison. I've had very limited time in the GT4 thus far. My gut feeling right now is that I really wish I could have both. Each are awesome.

I delivered my GT4 late last year, a week before I put into storage.

Been waiting for your GT4 review.

I'm sure both will be fine cars and make an ultimate garage.

I have a more basic F30 as my daily.
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      02-17-2016, 01:30 PM   #231
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Thanks Sam...for making my life more complicated, ha ha. Great review. I'm in the process of arranging an ED F80 comp package for this summer. Now I'm second guessing myself. Of course, I do think the F80 is more like my long-term E39 M5 daily driver...
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      02-17-2016, 02:19 PM   #232
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I'm surprised nobody asked the one question everyone was asking about like a month ago.

FOLDED REAR SEATS - VERIFIED?
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      02-17-2016, 03:06 PM   #233
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Looks like a beautiful track to shoot the photos of the car. Hats off to the photog.
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      02-17-2016, 03:29 PM   #234
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Wow what a spread of M cars!!! That's what I'm talking about!
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      02-17-2016, 03:32 PM   #235
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dammitcubs View Post
I'm surprised nobody asked the one question everyone was asking about like a month ago.

FOLDED REAR SEATS - VERIFIED?
Seats?? What about the "Which turbo and what's the actual weight" Questions.

Or did i miss a post on this.
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      02-17-2016, 04:07 PM   #236
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam@Bimmerpost View Post
Yes, I used the HUD all day. It's there, and it's perfect.

EDIT: wait, let me confirm. I drove both the X4M 40i and the 640i XDrive on this trip, and both of those for sure had HUDs, so I might be mixing things up. I need to double-check on the M2. Apologies on this, not much sleep these past two days from putting together the edit in time for launch.
Sam,

I can't speak for your test mule, but the M2 at the Chicago Auto show does not have a HUD projection system on the dash.

Excellent review btw!
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      02-17-2016, 04:37 PM   #237
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I agree.

The M3 and M4 are more like grand tourers now.

I feel like the M2 should have been the next M3 after the e46 M3.
F8X M3 and M4 are grand tourers???
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      02-17-2016, 04:42 PM   #238
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I'm surprised nobody asked the one question everyone was asking about like a month ago.

FOLDED REAR SEATS - VERIFIED?
someone did early on
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      02-17-2016, 04:44 PM   #239
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Originally Posted by Strongbark View Post
Yes it's there, I've seen it myself.
there is no HUD on M2. do u know what HUD projection on drivers dash looks like???
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      02-17-2016, 04:44 PM   #240
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Originally Posted by ChrisK View Post
Sam,

I can't speak for your test mule, but the M2 at the Chicago Auto show does not have a HUD projection system on the dash.
I'm glad!

M2 should be a true drivers car and the less electronic interferences the better.

Leave all the unnecessary electronic nannies to the bigger brother M3 and M4.
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      02-17-2016, 04:52 PM   #241
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Quote:
Originally Posted by -JLT- View Post
F8X M3 and M4 are grand tourers???
Yes that is true. The M3/M4 IMO out grown themselves. They are becoming slightly more grand tourer than what the M3 of the past once was.

Even the OP thinks so.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam@Bimmerpost View Post
And while the M3 and M4 are excellent vehicles, they are tuned for performance and sophistication. They are exceedingly well polished and mature products and have in fact, become too good for their own good. They have become slightly more grand tourer than pure sports car. I like and respect them a great deal -- and I understand their popularity around here -- but the M2 is the one that pulls at my heartstrings. Here is a car I would buy with my own money. The M2 is not just good. The M2 is bad. It is a complete badass.

The M2 is yesterdays M3 IMO which is exactly why I want one.
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      02-17-2016, 04:56 PM   #242
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chmura
Quote:
Originally Posted by -JLT- View Post
F8X M3 and M4 are grand tourers???
Yes that is true. The M3/M4 IMO out grown themselves. They are becoming slightly more grand tourer than what the M3 of the past once was.

The M2 is yesterdays M3 IMO which is exactly why I want one.

Even the OP thinks so.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam@Bimmerpost View Post
And while the M3 and M4 are excellent vehicles, they are tuned for performance and sophistication. They are exceedingly well polished and mature products and have in fact, become too good for their own good. They have become slightly more grand tourer than pure sports car. I like and respect them a great deal -- and I understand their popularity around here -- but the M2 is the one that pulls at my heartstrings. Here is a car I would buy with my own money. The M2 is not just good. The M2 is bad. It is a complete badass.
I understand what ur saying but to say it's like a grand tourer is a stretch. don't think a grand tourer does 7:52 seconds on the Nurburgring
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