[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Trackman

The M2 is of course a great car but I've decided against a purchase and will explain why in a week when I'm permitted. Its not all sunshine and it has tough completion in the marketplace.

Originally Posted by Trackman

I've just found Attuale's review in the thread. I can't agree with some of his conclusions. Quite the opposite in some areas, in fact! The cars were not driven in anger but perhaps 65 per cent race pace, playing to the lowest common denominator, which limits one's ability to make handling/dynamic assessments and only creates room for impressions.

Welcome to the forum.

Looking forward to your write-up next week. We're open-minded so we appreciate genuine comments, including those reflecting feelings of disappointment, being underwhelmed or let down.

We can perfectly imagine that the M3/M4 sales protection is a burden for the M2, just like the Porsche 911 sales protection is a burden for the Porsche Cayman. Both the M2 and Cayman are supposed to be entry models, stepping-stone cars. Hence, as regards the base versions, the envelope of their great potential ain't pushed hard, deliberately. Some with great expectations may consider that, to some extent, a missed chance.

[///M-pressed]

Originally Posted by Trackman

I've just found Attuale's review in the thread. I can't agree with some of his conclusions. Quite the opposite in some areas, in fact! The cars were not driven in anger but perhaps 65 per cent race pace, playing to the lowest common denominator, which limits one's ability to make handling/dynamic assessments and only creates room for impressions.

My review was just my opinion, and to be fair, we were on a race track compared to a public road waddling along at the speed limit, so I think my ability to make a handling/dynamic assessment was a little higher than that of driving the car at the speed limit on a public road.

You're not the guy who has his heart set on buying the M4 by any chance?

[snaimpally]

Originally Posted by Fraggy

The M235 is really THAT good?

The M235i is similar in size to the old 3 series. The 3/4 series has gotten bloated over the years. The M235i recaptures the handling of those old 3 series.

[Reid]

Originally Posted by PrematureApex

Umm, in steady state cornering, it certainly understeers.

It's far more neutral than any previous M3.

[zenmaster]

Originally Posted by snaimpally

The M235i recaptures the handling of those old 3 series.

Which old 3 series is the M235i closest to in handling?

[BruceM]

"The cars were not driven in anger but perhaps 65 per cent race pace, playing to the lowest common denominator, which limits one's ability to make handling/dynamic assessments and only creates room for impressions."

I presume that any such "impressions" from the same driving experience contrary to those shared by Attuale will be similarly handicapped?

[Bosozoku]

Originally Posted by snaimpally

The M235i is similar in size to the old 3 series. The 3/4 series has gotten bloated over the years. The M235i recaptures the handling of those old 3 series.

Not to mention feature-bloat.

It's like BMW M group feels the need to slather on an extra layer of luxury to justify the price.
Glowing "M" seat badges, "M mirrors" etc.
All there to impress ... um ... who exactly?

[Yellowflash21]

I can safely bet in my M2 that BMWUS is hiding behind "Trackman" user.

[Nine Lives]

Originally Posted by Yellowflash21

I can safely bet in my M2 that BMWUS is hiding behind "Trackman" user.

Conspiracy .....What Conspiracy

[ConR]

Originally Posted by zenmaster

The 2016 M4 can be had with a few more options over the M2 for around $10k more. Since price difference between these models is a consideration for some buyers, at what price would one buy an M4 over the M2?

Not here!!! It's about $50-60k more!

[BMWPWR]

Originally Posted by ConR

Not here!!! It's about $50-60k more!

It's not that much more but still a fair chunk. Realistically 35-40k more

[///M-pressed]

Originally Posted by BMWPWR

It's not that much more but still a fair chunk. Realistically 35-40k more

Now it is. Friend of mine bought his M4 in August 2014 for 184k drive away. Bet he is kicking himself. You can get an M4 with low kms for 130k now. What a massive hit..

[BMWPWR]

I know... M3's can now be had for 140odd and M4's for 150odd drive away. I would have hated to have bought one just before the price drop

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by Yellowflash21

I can safely bet in my M2 that BMWUS is hiding behind "Trackman" user.

It is kind of odd that he joined the forum just to refute the OP review.

[stefan]

Originally Posted by BruceM

Well, you won't have to wait much longer.

If you're referring to journalist reviews, they are going to love it. What new car has come out recently, BMW or otherwise, where journalists just slammed it. I swear to god these guys just try to protect their ability to continue to make videos.

The best way to get impressions of cars is right here from our posters, especially when they have no direct motivation (e.g., don't own or preorder). At least IMO.

My main concerns with this car which I am sure won't be touched on by journalists is the ever increasing numbness that seems to plague new BMWs. The lack of unique feel over an M235i, the interior cramped-ness, and potential track heat soak. I suspect these cars will be subject to heat issues on a hot day after a few hard laps but that is purely an assumption. Waiting to hear from bimmerpost owners.

Originally Posted by CT135

Why does BMWNA have a problem with somebody from Australia writing about their impressions from a BMWAU sanctioned and promoted event?
Maybe BMWNA could learn something from the BMWAU marketing department!

Unfortunate reality, and I know this is the M2 forums, but M cars these days value marketing as much as actual performance/substance. The M2, with its extremely mild changes from the M235i and lack of bespoke motor is a great example of this (at least compared to the M of old). The message when BMW M releases a new car is very controlled. This does involve paying journalists or ensuring they are *very* happy during their review period. As such, if M can manage, to some extent, which reviews hit the public domain first, they will. I'm not knocking the M2 or directly saying it's a watered down M, just saying marketing, image, and brand perception is very important to the sales of these cars, even more so than how they perform.

[chmura]

Originally Posted by OrangeCrush

It is kind of odd that he joined the forum just to refute the OP review.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

[Yellowflash21]

Or 235i owner.

[Artemis]

Or Chris Harris not being allowed by BMW to push and drift the M2 the way he likes it.

[Adem1534]

Originally Posted by Trackman

I was at the Australian launch and haven't had the benefit of reading Attuale's review. I'll look forward to adding my own perspectives on February 8.
I can say that BMW went to extraordinary lengths for its customers and prospective buyers, offering to fly them in from Sydney (I drove), accommodating them in a quality trackside hotel in suites with hospitality, transferring everyone to the pits in the latest 7-series and then gifting everyone with a new Bell helmet adorned with BMW colours and personalised with our names. BMW you did it well and we were all privileged and delighted.
The M2 is of course a great car but I've decided against a purchase and will explain why in a week when I'm permitted. Its not all sunshine and it has tough completion in the marketplace.

You drive an M235i, I will keep that in mind when I read your review.

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by stefan

The M2, with its extremely mild changes from the M235i and lack of bespoke motor is a great example of this (at least compared to the M of old).

LOL...I thint you need to do a little more research.

Now, your comment about marketing over performance. Please name one BMW, M or not, that does not perform. And you know that this mildly modified M235i will destroy your E92 M3 in every performance category at a lower price, right? I'm not bashing your E92 M3, I'm just saying it's kind of slow.

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by Adem1534

You drive an M235i, I will keep that in mind when I read your review.

Yeah, I don't buy it. With the standard options the M2 comes in cheaper than than the 1M and this is 5 years later. And how many times was the 1M called the performance bargain of the decade. If that's true, the M2 will be the performance bargain of the century.

Having said that, I am a little worried about the EPS but the fact that they removed sound deadening material to reduce weight by a couple of lbs at least hints to me that they didn't soften the M2 when compared to the 1M.

[auf Deutsch]

Originally Posted by OrangeCrush

the fact that they removed sound deadening material to reduce weight by a couple of lbs at least hints to me that they didn't soften the M2 when compared to the 1M.

24 lbs. of sound deadening material alone. That's a lot of styrofoam peanuts

Engine, intake, and exhaust noise should be abundant from the cockpit, the way it should be.