Hello All,
I had just picked up my M2C on Friday from Bill Jacobs near Chicago. This is my first BMW I have ever owned. Recently, I have been driving a 2015 WRX Manual in the winter and my 2006 S2000 Manual over the summer. I purchased the DCT mostly because I want my wife to be able to drive it.
Driving Impressions:
First I must preface that 99% of the driving I have done in the car was driving it back from Chicago to Denver. I could really tell the car has some heft to it (especially compared to the s2000). It’s hard to explain but it feels like a pretty heavy car to me but it’s not noticeable in the corners or in terms of handling. It’s rough to compare the handling to the s2000 due to the weight difference and it’s not a fair comparison to the WRX either because it was AWD. I really like how it handles and you can really throw it into the corners. The car accelerates really hard. I put it in sport plus and got on it a few times, nothing crazy since it’s still in break in, but I was blown away by how fast it is. The 2015 WRX isn’t a slouch, it probably does 0 to 60 in right around 5 seconds and I had a cobb tune which may have brought it done .1 or .2 seconds. This is on a different level (that is probably an obvious statement though)
I was also surprised how much the brakes bite. They are really nice and have some serious stopping power. I think I just need to get used to the pedal feel and initial bite.
The exhaust seems to be a hot topic. I thought it sounded really nice but wasn’t blown away. I haven’t driven in sport plus too much just because I was on the highway. It didn’t really crackle and pop as much I was expecting. Overall I’m pretty happy with.
Update August 10, 2018:
After driving the car for a few more days, I’m still pleased with the exhaust. I never really owned a car that cracked and popped like this, it’s not too intrusive and isn’t as frequent as I was expecting. The one thing I will say is I do not like the ASD, I think I am going to purchase the bypass harness and eliminate that. I don’t think it has anything to do with the M2C, I just don’t think I’d enjoy it in any car.
I know a the car is known for having a harsh or stiff ride, for a car that has 19 inch rims with Michelin PSS, I thought the car rode nice and would be fine for a daily driver. I’m sure it doesn’t ride like a 7 series but I thought it was pretty good.
I have been driving manuals for a long time and the s2000 is known to have an amazing manual. Going to the DCT, I was impressed how quick and crisp it shifts its almost instantaneous. I will miss the “control” with the manual and the engagement. But it’s pretty crazy how fast the DCT shifts.
Update 10Aug2018: Now that I have been driving the car around town a little bit more, I will say I am a bit disappointed in using the DCT in auto mode (especially comfort/efficient) The transmission seems so confused resulting in a somewhat clunky experience. I’m sure this is a result of the car short shifting and trying to obtain optimal mileage. I don’t think I will be leaving the car in “Auto” mode, I think I will drive this car with the paddles in “manual mode”. I am still pleased with this experience, as I said before I will still miss the feeling of a manual but you can’t argue with the quickness and results of the DCT. (But I am sure people will haha)
In terms of all the iDrive/Navigation type stuff and features, I feel like I have a lot to learn. I’m not old and I’m pretty tech savvy but it’s just a lot to get used to.
Overall, I’m really happy with the car. I think after the break in and the more I drive it I will have some more insights on the car. I will probably never get rid of my s2000 and absolutely love that car. But I don’t think I can make a logical comparison between the two. They are two very different styles and very different cars. Each great in their own right.
If anyone has any specific questions about the car or driving impressions please let me know.
Update 10Aug2018: Car is going in for breakin service in the next few hours, I will keep you guys update on the driving feel afterwards and launch control. Cheers
