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      08-05-2018, 10:54 PM   #1
MartyE12345
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M2 Competition Owner Initial Impressions / Review

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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

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Last edited by MartyE12345; 08-10-2018 at 12:06 PM..
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      08-05-2018, 10:58 PM   #2
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Nice! I think I'm more puzzled by why you got the car in CHI and are driving it to DEN?
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      08-05-2018, 11:13 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Evil///M View Post
Nice! I think I'm more puzzled by why you got the car in CHI and are driving it to DEN?
I was slated for a 43 build in Denver, I wanted to get the car before the winter so I could actually drive it before it got too cold.
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      08-05-2018, 11:22 PM   #4
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My first actual sports car was the scion fr-s, and to this day it is one of the best balanced drivers cars I have ever driven, very similar to the 2018 cayman gts I just test drove. I've been through a couple of cars since then, and have sold my 18 c63s coupe because of its heft and it was only in auto. Now that I've shaved off about 500lbs and now have a manual transmission m3 comp, I'm debating on whether or not I should still order the m2c as I already have the same motor in a more potent form. Also I feel the extra heft would be a little annoying to me, and I'm really starting to love the sound of the outgoing m2, which I can find cheaper and lighter as well. what are your thoughts on my next move, I'm up next for to order an m2c and have to really decide. If I were to order the m2c I'd sell the m3 as I love smaller cars.
Also my first bmw, an 17 m240 I was an auto, which was very impressive but I had to go back to a manual. Your s2000 is my scion fr-s. Extremely light cars that offer a very pure analog/mechanical experience, stepping into a modern bmw is a different kind of experience, in a good way.
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      08-06-2018, 12:08 AM   #5
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Congrats on your car. I'm still waiting for mine since my local dealer didn't' have any cars earlier than week 39. Is wireless car play standard now. Strange how it's subscription based wtf?

Have you ever driven a Boxster Spyder? One of the reasons I didn't need my S2kcr but I kinda wished I kept it since the S2k were great cars during it's time.
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      08-06-2018, 12:09 AM   #6
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Congrats!! Glad that you're happy with it!
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      08-06-2018, 12:26 AM   #7
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Congrats on your car!! Thanks for the review. But I am wondering about one comment you made...are you saying old people can't be tech savvy?
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      08-06-2018, 12:28 AM   #8
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congrats!

which color is your car? could it be AW or HS?

I will be probably in same boat as you since our M2c would be dct wanting my wife to drive it.
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      08-06-2018, 01:10 AM   #9
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Congrats...glad you were blown away by its power...that's a very positive sign for many here
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      08-06-2018, 07:25 AM   #10
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Congrats, welcome here and very interesting write up.

Just a silly unimportant question: DO YOU HAVE ANY PICS OF YOUR M2 COMPETITION!?
And do you want to share them...?

Enjoy jour M2C in good health!

Cheers
Robin
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      08-06-2018, 07:32 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by saphire240 View Post
My first actual sports car was the scion fr-s, and to this day it is one of the best balanced drivers cars I have ever driven, very similar to the 2018 cayman gts I just test drove. I've been through a couple of cars since then, and have sold my 18 c63s coupe because of its heft and it was only in auto. Now that I've shaved off about 500lbs and now have a manual transmission m3 comp, I'm debating on whether or not I should still order the m2c as I already have the same motor in a more potent form. Also I feel the extra heft would be a little annoying to me, and I'm really starting to love the sound of the outgoing m2, which I can find cheaper and lighter as well. what are your thoughts on my next move, I'm up next for to order an m2c and have to really decide. If I were to order the m2c I'd sell the m3 as I love smaller cars.
Also my first bmw, an 17 m240 I was an auto, which was very impressive but I had to go back to a manual. Your s2000 is my scion fr-s. Extremely light cars that offer a very pure analog/mechanical experience, stepping into a modern bmw is a different kind of experience, in a good way.
I have driven the fr-s/brz, it is a ton of fun to drive. Like you said extremely balanced, I’m sure everyone would say it could use a few extra horsepower though. They are pretty similar to the s2000 in terms of weight and handling, the s2000 has some more power but the frs delivers it in a more linear fashion. It’s hard to give you advice on the m3 situation. I’ve never driven one, I like the sedans though. If the shorter wheelbase is enough to do it for you I’d say for for it right? Otherwise it’s the same engine. In terms of the weight, I can’t compare how it feels to the og m2 or m3/m4. It feels like a heavy car to me (heaviest I’ve owned) But if I throw it into a turn I’m impressed how it handles, I think that would be a good sign from someone drives about an 800 lb lighter s2000 through the mountains out here.
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      08-06-2018, 07:33 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin_NL View Post
Congrats, welcome here and very interesting write up.

Just a silly unimportant question: DO YOU HAVE ANY PICS OF YOUR M2 COMPETITION!?
And do you want to share them...?

Enjoy jour M2C in good health!

Cheers
Robin
I’ll take some photos and post today.
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      08-06-2018, 07:34 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eyedi27 View Post
congrats!

which color is your car? could it be AW or HS?

I will be probably in same boat as you since our M2c would be dct wanting my wife to drive it.
Went with white to match the s2000 I own.
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      08-06-2018, 02:57 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eyedi27 View Post
congrats!

which color is your car? could it be AW or HS?

I will be probably in same boat as you since our M2c would be dct wanting my wife to drive it.
I believe this is the OP's M2C.

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1522204
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      08-06-2018, 03:28 PM   #15
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Thank you so much for this. as a guy who owns an S2000 and has an M2C on order this really benefits me. Really appreciate it and I knew there would be differences between the two. I figured while the S2000 feels like a buzzy little scalpel the M2C would be a brute that can be tossed around.
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      08-06-2018, 03:52 PM   #16
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Good the hear. Going along with what others are saying, I am very much looking forward to taking delivery of my car next month. Current owner of a BRZ with all the STI tS upgrades from Japan and have extensive time with an S2000 so I will very much love to transition the driving experience over.
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      08-06-2018, 03:52 PM   #17
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I had a White/Red S2K. I honestly loved that car and have vowed at some point to buy another. It was just so much fun. It did lack in power but man did it handle. I really like my 17 M2 OG. My only gripe is that the interior is a little "basic". My car is tuned and makes nearly the HP of the M2C and has springs, aftermarket wheels and the MP CF interior kit so it's about personalized to my taste. It was nice to see that the M2C can be optioned with the M3/4 seats. I thought seriously of trying to find them for my M2 but read several comments that the fronts aren't very comfortable.
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      08-06-2018, 05:33 PM   #18
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Thanks for sharing! Loving everything you said. Couple question if you don't mind.. How is the turbo lag? How responsive is the engine in low RPMs? Is it pretty immediate? Somewhat progressive? Or does it slam you with torque after a slight delay?
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      08-06-2018, 05:57 PM   #19
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Great to hear that it went to an enthusiast! Thank you for the feedback.

Should have stopped by.
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      08-06-2018, 07:24 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AK993 View Post
Thank you so much for this. as a guy who owns an S2000 and has an M2C on order this really benefits me. Really appreciate it and I knew there would be differences between the two. I figured while the S2000 feels like a buzzy little scalpel the M2C would be a brute that can be tossed around.
Man tons of s2000 owners around here... Me too!

Awesome!
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      08-06-2018, 07:42 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m_michael View Post
Thanks for sharing! Loving everything you said. Couple question if you don't mind.. How is the turbo lag? How responsive is the engine in low RPMs? Is it pretty immediate? Somewhat progressive? Or does it slam you with torque after a slight delay?
I haven’t had a ton of time with but I do feel like the is the tiny bit of lag( it may all be in my head), but once you get on it and keep it up in the rpms it’s non existent. I don’t ever see it being something I would mention or complain about.
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      08-06-2018, 07:52 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by warrenw View Post
Man tons of s2000 owners around here... Me too!

Awesome!
Another one here checking in. Ap1 in Silverstone. Biggest car regret was letting it go.
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