[seetohey]

I'm also curious as to how the S55 is so much more superior than the N55 in my car.

[velociti]

I think for most it boils down to three things:

1. Bespoke M motor;
2. Makes power to redline, unlike the N55, which falls off a cliff around 5k; and
3. Much higher tuning potential than N55.

[velociti]

While I’d want an S55, I think the responsible choice is the N55. It’s bulletproof, spools quickly and makes big torque down low, and sounds great. Plugs and coils should get most people to 100k miles, though I’m not sure what the F-series fuel pump / water pump situation is.

For folks who want to track their cars, S55 is the way to go, though.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by Francis///M

Superior in what way? HP/TQ? Power delivery? Reliability? Sound? It's all subjectively depending on what you value.
But let's assume it's an overall superior engine in your eyes, it doesn't automatically mean it's right for the balance of the car.

I can honestly say if the M2 originally came with a S55, I'd still own it for the chassis but I will be spending most of my ownership swapping exhausts trying to remedy the sound...
That was one of the main reasons I couldn't get myself to go for the M4, other than size.

As above poster said, it makes more power and torque, builds power to redline, and did not seem to have any more lag in my experience anyway. It can also get large gains from tunes without replacing the turbos.

I see no downside other than cost.

[OG///M]

Originally Posted by chris719

As above poster said, it makes more power and torque, builds power to redline, and did not seem to have any more lag in my experience anyway. It can also get large gains from tunes without replacing the turbos.

I see no downside other than cost.

Again that's your opinion. I see downsides, quite a few actually.

But hey I think most people on here cares about bespoke designated engine code, more power, more power to redline, more tuning potential over everything else and I can respect that.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by velociti

I think for most it boils down to three things:

1. Bespoke M motor;
2. Makes power to redline, unlike the N55, which falls off a cliff around 5k; and
3. Much higher tuning potential than N55.

I think #2 is a big one. When you are buying and then driving a fun sporty car, you want the engine to get better as you approach redline, not just give up on you.

[Transfer]

For me, if it comes down to an N55 or S55 in the current build M2 then I'm going M3 unless the price on the M2 is $50k or less - which would be used market. But I'm also a DCT buyer and I don't like the DCT tune on the M2. It's either slow and soft or banging hard gear changes. I think the M3 offers a whole lot more and is worth the price unless you specifically don't want the power.

Now if it's an M2 with M-button customization like the M3, dynamic dampers, better seats/leather, and a carbon roof, then I'd pick either engine in the M2 and might even sway toward N55 if it were cheaper. I like my '15 M235i and the M2 a lot but I know what else is out there and you can have a driver's car and other nice/cool stuff with it.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by Transfer

For me, if it comes down to an N55 or S55 in the current build M2 then I'm going M3 unless the price on the M2 is $50k or less - which would be used market. But I'm also a DCT buyer and I don't like the DCT tune on the M2. It's either slow and soft or banging hard gear changes. I think the M3 offers a whole lot more and is worth the price unless you specifically don't want the power.

Now if it's an M2 with M-button customization like the M3, dynamic dampers, better seats/leather, and a carbon roof, then I'd pick either engine in the M2 and might even sway toward N55 if it were cheaper. I like my '15 M235i a lot but I also have a new Audi SQ5 and good lord does Audi up the ante with their interior, tech, and comfort on this gen. It makes me drop my interest in the 2er/M2 just because I know what else is out there.

The DCT shifts fast but soft-ish in Sport. Also in MDM I think. In fact the shifts feel faster in Sport than in Sport+

[stefan]

Originally Posted by chris719

As above poster said, it makes more power and torque, builds power to redline, and did not seem to have any more lag in my experience anyway. It can also get large gains from tunes without replacing the turbos.

I see no downside other than cost.

It definitely has more lag down low. Not sure how you missed that.

[tke743]

Originally Posted by akkando

The DCT shifts fast but soft-ish in Sport. Also in MDM I think. In fact the shifts feel faster in Sport than in Sport+

I had a specific conversation at M school on that. They had us in Sport+ because of this. They said that this was their prefered setting across the board.

[RPM2-85]

Hex Tuned Stage 2, Catted DP, FMIC and Im right with my buddies M3 F30 all the way. Aero is where we diverge.

There is no doubt the M2 chassis is miles more fun. It can handle more power but not 500whp much. I like the base seats and drive my car daily. It spools MUCH faster down low, and has much more torque, its just a better street car no questions. It now pulls like an animal to 6.5k. Just fine for a turbo car.

30k miles passed today. Oil, filters, tires and nothing else. Been an absolute PEACH!

About to service and will do a full fluids flush, put in some liquimoly to the OIL and GAS to clean out the internals. Just put on my all seasons for the cold season ready to roll now. Been an amazing car to me. My goal is 200k miles before I sell it. I am going to dyno it then and see what it pulls then. Have fun with that S55. Its a brute, not smooth, sounds like elephant farts, laggy, and EXPENSIVE.

[SeanWRT]

Guys, be real. Stop lying to yourself

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by SeanWRT

Guys, be real. Stop lying to yourself

The current M2 is lovely in more ways than one. However, It's really hard to like something that truly sounds so bad. The S55 sounds seriously that bad!

[Karmic Man]

For track guys the S55 is a no brainer...especially that the S55 can now be flash tune via the OBDII port. Imagine flash tune your S55 M2 with a M4CS or M4GTS map at home...

There will also be suspension tweaks...diff tweaks...all sorts of goodies in it

[chris719]

Originally Posted by ORIGIN M.

The current M2 is lovely in more ways than one. However, It's really hard to like something that truly sounds so bad. The S55 sounds seriously that bad!

Subjective, and I don't think it does sound bad in the ZCP cars. It sounds meaner than the M2, but not as sweet.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by chris719

Subjective, and I don't think it does sound bad in the ZCP cars. It sounds meaner than the M2, but not as sweet.

If you like your car to duck-fart I guess so.

[chris719]

Man, so many touchy N55 owners in this thread getting defensive . Just giving my take since I drove them back to back. I'm sure if this was posted in the F80 forums you'll see the same thing on the opposite side.

[DelGriffith]

Originally Posted by chris719

Man, so many touchy N55 owners in this thread getting defensive . Just giving my take since I drove them back to back. I'm sure if this was posted in the F80 forums you'll see the same thing on the opposite side.

Agreed.
The N55 has been an absolute BLAST to drive, and has proven very capable as a weekend track ride. However, if I can drive the same car with an S55 on the track, and (mostly)keep up with the 911's and Z06's on the back straight at COTA, is there any reason I would care what it sounds like to the cars following me?! I'm personally looking for M2 chassis and handling, with more power in a straight line, to be more capable on the weekends when I get a chance to stretch her legs and drive 9 or 10/10...

[Karmic Man]

Originally Posted by DelGriffith

Agreed.
The N55 has been an absolute BLAST to drive, and has proven very capable as a weekend track ride. However, if I can drive the same car with an S55 on the track, and (mostly)keep up with the 911's and Z06's on the back straight at COTA, is there any reason I would care what it sounds like to the cars following me?! I'm personally looking for M2 chassis and handling, with more power in a straight line, to be more capable on the weekends when I get a chance to stretch her legs and drive 9 or 10/10...

Yes, that's what a full version M car is for (at least supposedly)

[filet.M2c]

Originally Posted by Francis///M

Again that's your opinion. I see downsides, quite a few actually.

But hey I think most people on here cares about bespoke designated engine code, more power, more power to redline, more tuning potential over everything else and I can respect that.

You list everything that makes the S55 superior but is the "everything else"? you're referring to?

People are claiming spool time is better in the N55, which builds torque around 2100 rpm while the S55 is around 2500 rpm. Hardly a difference on the street and definitely not worth the loss of the extra 1k up top. The N55 undoubtedly sounds better and is still a great engine. Tuning potential needs no further explanation.

As far as pricing, regardless of whether the comp is high $50s or low to mid 60s, snagging up a 16-17 M2 for mid $40s sometime in the next 6-12 months is definitely a great proposition.

[mtoosexy]

Originally Posted by chris719

Have you driven both? S55 is notably superior. I own neither, btw. Only an N55 owner would say that the S55 is worse...

Sound is subjective and the ZCP sounds pretty good. Neither one sounds as good as the S54, S65, or S85 anyway so you might as well get the better engine.

I also own neither... But I like both! I'm torn between M2 and M3. Wife says M3 for the baby and toddler seats. I say M2 for a fun weekend car.
Sound is subjective to a point... friends of mine with m3/m4 agree the exhaust is the worst part of the car. I've driven a stock M2 and a M2 with MPE.
I've driven/heard 2 M3's and an M4 with varying exhausts. I WANT to like the exhaust on new M2... But I don't think I could be happy with a great car and a shitty exhaust. I would be embarassed to accelerate at stoplight🙉 When other cars are around. It would absolutely ruin my experience.
I am first on my dealers list for next gen M2 but I fear I will give up my slot if it sounds like current S55 . My other option would be to pick up 2018, do some Dinan upgrades, carbon roof/hood, suspension -440hp, 450 tq ish. Great sound. When I drove my last S55, it was fast as hell, but had no personality. (Maybe due to it being automatic)
I really hope they fix the "broken" exhaust!

[mtoosexy]

Originally Posted by alscks0414

I have owned MY14 F30 M3 non-Competition, and now having the delivery of MY18 F87 M2 which is about to get delivered to my dealer today and will be ready for me within a week after parts installed.

S55 is a definitely better engine, no doubt about it. Just the sound is not as one could expect and have to agree N55 has better sound. M2 owners can say N55 is just enough for the street and will just be sufficient unless you are on track. Well, that it partially right and partially wrong. S55 pulls a lot better and it is more capable for further tuning as well. Of course, it is price that will define if one will take superior S55 over N55 in their car if choice is given.

Price is a non issue for me, especially when it is most likely 10g price difference or less. The awful sound is awful, no matter how "superior" it may or may not be. Find myself pointing and laughing when I hear M3's and M4's floor it at stoplights. Not quite as hard as when I hear a Honda with a fart cannon, but probably as hard as seeing a fat guy on a Scooter. It's unfortunate because I really like the M3. I couldn't live with a car that sounded like that. Don't mean to be dramatic...but I Would be sad every time I heard the exhaust note.