Updated 11/4 with Q&A from SEMA 2015
At SEMA 2015, we had a chance to speak with BMW representatives Stefan Weiss (Product Manager for M Performance Parts), Eric Reichel (Lifestyle & Accessories manager) and Jake Mooney (Accessory Specialist – Exterior, M Performance and Motorsport) about M Performance Parts for the BMW M2.
Q: Is there a front splitter lip coming for the M2?
A: No splitter lip, but there will be functional bumper winglets for each front corner (see live SEMA photos below), which mirror the rear ones.
Q: Are the front bumper winglets and and rear wheel winglets functional?
A: All M Performance aero parts are functional and designed in the wind tunnel. The front winglets provide downforce and the rear winglets help direct airflow.
Q: What are the details of the M2 M Performance Suspension?
A: It is a non-adaptive, 2-way adjustable (rebound and damping) full coilover kit with custom strut and springs, manufactured by KW to BMW M's specs. It's also been tested on a four post rig and at the Nurburgring. Lowering range drops the car anywhere from 5mm to 25mm.
The suspension's finish has been specially treated to a black chrome finish to prevent corrosion and rust. The shape of the springs prevents any side loads from being transferred to the dampers, increasing its long term durability. The suspension kit will come with recommended settings for street use and select tracks in the US when the product is launched.
Q: Any plans for a carbon ceramic brake package?
A: Not at the current time.
Q: How much weight will the M Performance Exhaust save over the factory setup?
A: No figures yet because still in preproduction form.
[From Jason: the pictured exhaust is still preproduction so the final production exhaust may look different. Also, the exhaust is constructed from stainless steel, so don't expect much weight savings over factory. The focus is on sound improvement (and aesthetics) with this exhaust. The choice of stainless steel was made with the M2's price segment in mind].
Q: Any power gains from the M Performance Exhaust?
A: Few gains should be expected just from changing axle back exhaust on a turbocharged BMW because 1) the main restrictions are in the two catalytic converters, which are retained with an axle-back exhaust and 2) no gains should be expected without remapping the ECU because the ECU is always correcting, so for example if the car loses backpressure, the ECU will reduce power.
Q: How do valves operate on the M Performance Exhaust?
A: Valves are solely driver-controlled using an included bluetooth remote (see photo of exhaust remote from a MINI, which the M2 remote will resemble). The exhaust valves do not automatically open or close at a certain RPM.
[From Jason: the remote may come in packaging which should fit in the cupholder to act conveniently as a remote holder].
Q: Any chance we'll see M Performance Seats available for order?
A: As of now there is no M Performance Seat in the works. However, if there are pure racing seats that are not homologated for the US that would be available at some point in the future, we would explore the possibility of selling them only through
Motorsport (racing) Centers. Anyone looking to purchase motorsport parts through an approved BMW Motorsport Parts Center (see link above) is required to sign a liability release waiver stating the parts cannot be installed by a BMW Center and the vehicle will be used for off-road use only.
Q: Will M2 have striping option?
A:
[From Jason: yes, as seen in the photos from SEMA]
Q: Does the M2 M Performance Exhaust use the same tips as the M3/M4 MPP exhaust?
A: Yes, they are interchangeable.
Q: When will the M2 parts be available?
A: The goal is for them to be available at launch, in April.
[From Jason: the BMW M2 will have its world debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show in January, and first deliveries expected in April. This has not been announced nor confirmed by BMW, but BIMMERPOST can confirm this schedule].
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Updated 11/3 with live photos from SEMA 2015 of the BMW M2 M Performance Parts:
We bring you live photos from SEMA 2015 of the BMW M2 M Performance Parts. The parts are being displayed apart from the M2 (which is not here) because the car has yet to receive its public debut, which will come at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
We're putting together our Q&A / FAQ on the M2 M Performance Parts, so we'll have lots of great details and info to post very soon.
For now, you can see the parts on display and we can also tell you that the M Performance suspension is a full coilover, 2-way adjustable (rebound and damping), with height adjustability from -5mm to -25mm. You'll also notice that the front bumper will receive M Performance Winglets (as seen in the video presentation screenshots). You also see the M Performance Steering Wheel fitted in the M4 interior, which is the same one that the M2 will receive. The exhaust is stainless steel construction. Again, we'll have much more details posted soon.
November 3, 2015.
The Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in Las Vegas (Nevada, USA) is regarded worldwide as the leading trade show for customisation and sports tuning. The new products presented at SEMA to trade experts influence the entire scene and set trends. At this year's SEMA show from November 3rd to 6th 2015, BMW presents a selection of distinctively sports-oriented BMW M Performance Parts to the trade fair audience. Located on the lower level of South Hall (Stand 40247), trade fair visitors will see a BMW M Performance modified BMW M4 Coupe (
link to M4 parts announcement) as well as the first BMW M Performance Parts for the new BMW M2 Coupe.
What is more, the new "M Performance" inscription in dynamic technical design is to be seen on selected parts. The inscription reflects the increased dynamic flair of BMW M Performance as well as underscoring the essential functional orientation of all BMW M Performance Parts. Evidence of this is also to be seen in the new, extremely sporty parts and components with which BMW has fitted the demonstration vehicle. The new inscription will initially appear on the BMW M Performance Parts for the models BMW M2 Coupe and BMW M4 Coupe, but in future it will be used for the entire BMW M Performance product portfolio.
First BMW M Performance Parts for the new BMW M2 Coupe.
Not long after the world premiere of the new BMW M2 Coupe, BMW now presents BMW M Performance Parts at SEMA 2015 which were developed especially for this compact high-performance athlete. These include
black gloss trim grilles with M specific twin trim bars for the front kidney grille elements, featuring trim ring surrounds which are likewise finished in black gloss. Black gloss trim bars are also available for the side M gill elements as well as BMW M Performance exterior mirror caps in carbon fibre.
A BMW M Performance
rear spoiler in carbon fibre finish, the newly developed BMW M Performance
suspension and the
sports exhaust with flap system for the new BMW M2 Coupe with
tailpipe trim elements in carbon fibre are exhibited at SEMA for the first time. Exhibits that demonstrate individualisation of the interior are a BMW M Performance
steering wheel with Alcantara cover and an open-pore carbon fibre trim element, a BMW M Performance
gear selection lever complete with
trim element for the M twin-clutch transmission, likewise in open-pore carbon fibre, a BMW M Performance
centre console combining carbon fibre and Alcantara and pedal covers in stainless steel. Further details of BMW M Performance Parts for the new BMW M2 Coupe will be available in the course of spring 2016.