[M2 CSL]

What premium would you pay to get into a M3/M4 vs a M2?

I'm my view, the $14k sticker premium certainly isn't worth it.

However, as deals will inevitably be had on the cold old M3/M4 as everyone wants the M2 at MSRP, what's it worth to you?

I'm thinking I'd make the jump for $5-7k difference- which should be very achievable in reality.

I know it's less about $ and more about size for most, myself included, however, the M4 is more car and still should command some sort of premium. I'd put my size preferences aside to get more car for the right price.

Thoughts?

[chmura]

It's not about money. Many people do not like the M4 due to the huge size of it including me.

The m3 has grown at every generation. The M2 is a step in the right direction.

[G8rGrl]

Originally Posted by Ummm2

What premium would you pay to get into a M3/M4 vs a M2?

I'm my view, the $14k sticker premium certainly isn't worth it.

However, as deals will inevitably be had on the cold old M3/M4 as everyone wants the M2 at MSRP, what's it worth to you?

I'm thinking I'd make the jump for $5-7k difference- which should be very achievable in reality.

I know it's less about $ and more about size for most, myself included, however, the M4 is more car and still should command some sort of premium. I'd put my size preferences aside to get more car for the right price.

Thoughts?

I don't like the M4. I drove it on the track and on the street. It's not for me.

[zenmaster]

If the M2 is unavailable, I may look at an M4 instead.

[Romo]

Originally Posted by chmura

It's not about money. Many people do not like the M4 due to the huge size of it including me.

The m3 has grown at every generation. The M2 is a step in the right direction.

+1

In my country an M4 is about €30K more expensive than an M2, but than again I could`n care less if it was €15K more or €5K more, I would certainly prefer the M2 over the M4.

And no, it is also not about HP numbers.

[M2 CSL]

I agree with you.

But I'm not willing to pay the same price for a M2 in its current configuration as I would a M4. I would pay M4 money if the M2 was the exact same car, just shrunken but it didn't turn out that way.

That's why I think this is a relevant discussion. While the gap between the M2 and M4 seems very small, there still is a gap and at some price the M4 will offer more value.

[BruceM]

Originally Posted by Ummm2

I agree with you.

But I'm not willing to pay the same price for a M2 in its current configuration as I would a M4. I would pay M4 money if the M2 was the exact same car, just shrunken but it didn't turn out that way.

That's why I think this is a relevant discussion. While the gap between the M2 and M4 seems very small, there still is a gap and at some price the M4 will offer more value.

Depends on what you mean by "value". If you mean "features" and numbers, absolutely. But the differences in driving experience between the two cars described in early reviews of the M2 relate to a different kind of "value." If they are correct, for some the first kind of "value" won't matter, the second kind will, and the M2 will be the pick.

[swilliams]

M4 --> do not want at $65-70K, or $50K for that matter. Too big. If the M2 didn't exist I would have a fun, reliable DD + E46 M3 for nice weather.

If I needed a 4 door sedan for hauling kids I would probably get a WRX. That way they won't be vomiting on nice Merino leather.

[Nine Lives]

Personally I wouldn't pay a premium at all for a car that is too big and can bite you on the ass in less than ideal conditions.
If it wasn't for the M2 I wouldn't be here and would be looking outside the BMW brand for a car to suit my tastes.

[M2 CSL]

Originally Posted by BruceM

Depends on what you mean by "value". If you mean "features" and numbers, absolutely. But the differences in driving experience between the two cars described in early reviews of the M2 relate to a different kind of "value." If they are correct, for some the first kind of "value" won't matter, the second kind will, and the M2 will be the pick.

I don't get the sense that the driving experience will be that much different. It will be nice to have a smaller more agile car, but the difference will be marginal in the grand scheme of things. I've even seen a few reviews that claim the M3/M4 still feels sharper or "racier" than the M2.

And how could it really be that different, think about it, it's smaller but the overall mass (weight) is basically the same. And it's effectively the same suspension. Let's not kid ourselves here.

The bigger takeaway for me from the reviews is that the $14k premium isn't worth it, because the cars really are so similar. And also an applaud to BMW for keeping things simple and offering less options and gizmos. However, if you can get them for free, why not?

[M2 CSL]

Originally Posted by Romo

+1

In my country an M4 is about €30K more expensive than an M2, but than again I could`n care less if it was €15K more or €5K more, I would certainly prefer the M2 over the M4.

And no, it is also not about HP numbers.

Everyone is so aggressive. Don't be irrational. Just a discussion. I never once mentioned HP.

[Verbiage]

Although I do enjoy the M3/4 very much, it is not really about the availability or getting "more" car for the money, you know? It is about having something different and more agile, not to mention the first of its kind (for the 2 Series). The 1M was okay but I absolutely could not get over the awful, piggish look of the thing.

This is an opportunity to get something much better and well-rounded. I will definitely be considering an M4 for my next car, though.

[M2 CSL]

Got it thanks.

My biggest takeaway from this thread is that there will be deals to be had on M3/M4s! Lol.

[swilliams]

Originally Posted by Ummm2

I don't get the sense that the driving experience will be that much different. It will be nice to have a smaller more agile car, but the difference will be marginal in the grand scheme of things. I've even seen a few reviews that claim the M3/M4 still feels sharper or "racier" than the M2.

Some cars feel like you sit on top of them, others feel like they wrap around you. I like a smaller footprint/feel, even for DD. The weight can be similar, but the feel is still different. If you've ever driven E36 vs. E46, you will notice it.

[filet.M2c]

I think people are confusing "value" with utility. The M4 definitely presents more value, especially when one could be had used with low miles for about the same price as a M2. Value in terms of a better engine/turbos , better interior (quality and options), CF roof, more weight savings, ect but like many of you I will most likely find more utility in an M2 because I want a smaller sized, more nimble car. I plan on purchasing in the summer of 2017. If the M2 is still very difficult to be had at or below MSRP then I may consider other options, the M4 being one of them.

[NiceGuyEddie]

I have had my M4 for a little over a year, and am seriously considering going the other way. Actually just put a bsm M2 in the order bank today. My last car was a 1M, and if the M2 happens to be the perfect love child between the 1M and the M4, it might be the last car I own for a very long time.

[zkeeper]

M4 is just bigger than I like, and price of course if there. M3? Not with 4 doors--might work if you need them, but it turned into a weekend family sedan for the Dad who wants to zoom to the soccer field. Fine for those who wish it no doubt.

M2 is just seems right so far, all else included works now beyond my M235.

[dt34]

Isn't necessarily a money thing for everyone i suspect. The M2 is the car I have been waiting for BMW to build. Sure it's a little porky but I'm ok with that.

If BMW didn't build this car I would be looking elsewhere or would buy an 1M.

[Mavus]

The value is what turns you on and you are ok paying for it. When I drive my 330 I feel like I am a part of the machine. The response is almost instantaneous. When I drove M4 it felt large and I felt disconnected. The current M2 is still heavy but the real M2 is yet to come.

[c63er]

Originally Posted by chmura

It's not about money. Many people do not like the M4 due to the huge size of it including me.

The m3 has grown at every generation. The M2 is a step in the right direction.

Exactly. I'd actually pay more for the m2 vs m4 if it had some more features that I wanted.

[gthal]

I own an M4 and have an M2 coming in a few months.

To me, it isn't about the price difference as much as it is the difference in the experience. The M4, IMO, is worth the price spread based on its additional capability, interior treatment, etc. So it's not a value issue. However, the M2 is more raw, more focused, etc. So, the decision is more based on the experience someone I'm after.

If they were the same price, I would still pick the M2 today because that's the experience I'm looking for at the moment. In two years, I might want the M4 experience again and, even if they are $25,000 apart, I'd still buy the M4 if that were the case.

The price gap ($30,000+ in Canada) is, to me, just gravy

[BruceM]

Originally Posted by Ummm2

I don't get the sense that the driving experience will be that much different. It will be nice to have a smaller more agile car, but the difference will be marginal in the grand scheme of things. I've even seen a few reviews that claim the M3/M4 still feels sharper or "racier" than the M2.

And how could it really be that different, think about it, it's smaller but the overall mass (weight) is basically the same. And it's effectively the same suspension. Let's not kid ourselves here.

The bigger takeaway for me from the reviews is that the $14k premium isn't worth it, because the cars really are so similar. And also an applaud to BMW for keeping things simple and offering less options and gizmos. However, if you can get them for free, why not?

Drive the M2 and see. The clear majority of the reviews I've read do in fact point immediately to a significant, non-"marginal" difference in the driving experiences offered by the two cars. I have indeed thought about it, and the wheelbase differences alone are enough for me to believe what I am reading.

You can believe the authors of those reviews are "kidding themselves," and I can believe otherwise. But what will tell the tale is getting behind the wheel of an M2. I've been behind the wheel of an M4. I'm waiting, and it's not because of price.

As for free "gizmos," that offers little to no attraction to me. Chapman had it right, at least for a true sports car you intend to drive as one--"Simplify, and add lightness." The M2 didn't add much lightness, but it is simpler. I like that. At least on paper. We'll see.