BMW M2: my first driving impressions review

ORIGIN M. · 02-12-2016, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RebelJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attuale

A lucky few of us here in Australia were invited to Australia's official launch of the M2 and we allowed to drive the M2 around Australia's Mt Panorama circuit. It was an epic day and a very well planned event by BMW and much credit goes to them.

The day went like this:

We did 2-3 laps in the M2, followed by 2-3 laps in the M3 and then 2-3 laps in the M4 which was brilliant as we got to compare all three.

Here are my impressions on the M2. I'll try and break it down by each aspect of the car.

Steering & Handing
It feels very direct and weighty and loads up nicely on the corners. It doesn't have all the sport settings that the M4 does, but it's fine as it is.

It feels beautifully planted and very nimble and changes direction quite easily. It didn't want to break traction as much as the M4 did, but I also put that down to the more power that the M4 has.

Engine
There is plenty of pull and the DCT shifts were amazing. I myself have ordered a manual, but the DCT was tempting. Brilliant gearbox and it did 'blap' the exhaust on upshifts like the M4 does.

Styling
They had a Mineral Grey, Long Beach Blue and Black Sapphire Mettalic at the event. I hate to be a sour puss, but the grey doesn't do much for this car. The Long Beach Blue is a really nice colour and the black is very attractive as well. There was no Alpine white. The flared rear wheel arches are simply a sight to behold and make the car very aggressive. The M2 is definitely a looker and looks a lot better in real life than the photos suggest.

Now for the comparison against its big brother the M4. I had never driven an M4 before today, and I got to really see what it could do on a track. I have a lot of respect for this car and anyone who buys one, take it to the track because it is a brilliant track tool.

My thoughts compared to the M2, as briefly as possible.

Handling
The M2 changes direction better and you can feel its more compact chassis holds the road a little better through corners. Definitely that little bit of weight saving makes a difference.

Engine
M4 is quicker and has more pull than the M2. The M2 is no slouch, but you can feel the M4 is quicker, but not by much.

Braking
Much of a muchness really as they both use the same braking set-up.

Feel
The M2 felt like a more direct and raw car than the M4, but that was to be expected considering its smaller dimensions.

Sound
I think the M4 sounds good, but I preferred the sound of the M2. More raspy and less farty than the M4

Styling
Those flared wheel arches did it for me. The M4 is much more toned down in the styling.

My conclusion is, the M4 is an amazing car and the M2 is not better than the M4 (BMW were never trying to do this). It is very close to its performance for a lot less and BMW have done a fantastic job in creating this car. Anyone who has ordered an M2 will not be disappointed and now I can't wait till mine arrives!

Fantastic review thx!

Not sure why it was pulled

dammitcubs · 02-12-2016, 12:59 AM

Because 4 days will make a HUUUUUUUGGGEEE different in peoples perceptions from a non-press writer.....

HP Autosport · 02-12-2016, 01:31 AM

Our F80 M3 will leave soon, can't wait to welcome the M2. The M2 is the right M to own after the 1M.

///M-pressed · 02-12-2016, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prodigy 72

Such a shame they are wanting you to take your review down..

So are you sticking with the BSM? As you say can't really go wrong with any colour you choose if the car is a blast to drive.

I was surprised to be honest. I don't get it, what's the big deal? It's not as if the car has secret features that haven't been released.

Yeh sticking with the BSM!

///M-pressed · 02-12-2016, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dammitcubs

Because 4 days will make a HUUUUUUUGGGEEE different in peoples perceptions from a non-press writer.....

I don't see the logic in it either.

Anyway if anyone wants to ask questions, just PM me.

Artemis · 02-12-2016, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attuale

BMW US doesn't like this being here, sorry guys it has to come down.

Here we go again. BMW intelligence services keep patrolling the interwebs.

Posts like yours are free publicity. You ain't badmouthing or talking low about the M2.

OrangeCrush · 02-12-2016, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M2PILOT

Let's not forget that LBB is the fastest color

Ugh..not this again. We all know that VO is the fastest color on the 1M and it's AW for the M2. Come on! I thought you knew this, man.

///M2-PILOT · 02-12-2016, 04:18 AM

What shame to see BMW censoring their own publicity. I thought your review was very well written and provided a perspective, we as future consumers of their product needed to make an informed decision. Thank god the first amendment is holding strong on the interweb.

Well anyway, they can't make me unread what you wrote so thank you

At least not yet!!

///M2-PILOT · 02-12-2016, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeCrush

Ugh..not this again. We all know that VO is the fastest color on the 1M and it's AW for the M2. Come on! I thought you knew this, man.

So the reason the press have no AW @ Laguna is because it would be too fast for them to handle. Now I understand, glad we got that out of the way

///M-pressed · 02-12-2016, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M2PILOT

What shame to see BMW censoring their own publicity. I thought your review was very well written and provided a perspective, we as future consumers of their product needed to make an informed decision. Thank god the first amendment is holding strong on the interweb.

Well anyway, they can't make me unread what you wrote so thank you

At least not yet!!

No problem! I just wanted to help people make up their minds as many will be placing orders without having driven the car. I still don't get what the issue is though. At first I thought it was BMW Australia but it turns out it was BMW NA who are unhappy.

///M2-PILOT · 02-12-2016, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attuale

No problem! I just wanted to help people make up their minds as many will be placing orders without having driven the car. I still don't get what the issue is though. At first I thought it was BMW Australia but it turns out it was BMW NA who are unhappy.

As its coming from a sales rep. it may be just passing the buck and saying it's not them, it's BMWNA. Either way it's appreciated that we have some firsthand information. As to your point many of us, me included, are purchasing site unseen and never driven. So thank you

mofomat · 02-12-2016, 06:01 AM

Ridiculous that it was pulled. There was nothing in that "review" that couldn't have been written from my armchair at home. Nothing that was said we didn't know already: "M2 more agile". Duh. "M4 slightly quicker". Duh again.

The differences in noise we know from videos.

swagon · 02-12-2016, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mofomat

Ridiculous that it was pulled. There was nothing in that "review" that couldn't have been written from my armchair at home. Nothing that was said we didn't know already: "M2 more agile". Duh. "M4 slightly quicker". Duh again.

The differences in noise we know from videos.

+1 You took words out of my mouth.

W/// · 02-12-2016, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraggy

Thanks guys, thats GREAT to hear. My goal was my next car to be an M, but if an M2 doesn't work out, IM not sure I can swing an M4, so if the M235 slots in as a better driver than a regular sport line 2 or 4 series, that would be perfect.

Honestly, hold out for the M2. You are correct that the car drives way better than a normal 4er. It's definitely the only non-M I'd consider, apart from maybe an F31 diesel.

However, the M2 will be absolutely worth the wait, believe me.

brava09 · 02-12-2016, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attuale

They're worried people won't buy M4s anymore. Kind of their own fault really.

They shouldn't have built the M2 then if they are worried the M4 will suffer.

ORIGIN M. · 02-12-2016, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artemis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attuale

BMW US doesn't like this being here, sorry guys it has to come down.

Here we go again. BMW intelligence services keep patrolling the interwebs.

Posts like yours are free publicity. You ain't badmouthing or talking low about the M2.

Maybe if BMW gave the M2 to somebody like Randy to do a proper review, they would not have to be such corp douchebags after all.

Romo · 02-12-2016, 08:00 AM

I really don not understand why they pulled it..........it is over the whole universe by now, due to strong Gravitational Waves this can not be stopprd anymore........

zenmaster · 02-12-2016, 08:19 AM

It does sound odd if OP didn't sign anything or even if no verbal agreement.

PackPride85 · 02-12-2016, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenmaster

It does sound odd if OP didn't sign anything or even if no verbal agreement.

Its probably to keep a good relationship between Bimmerpost and BMWNA.

MR. · 02-12-2016, 08:46 AM

Luckily we have one of our own soon so that the BIA (BMW Intelligence Agency) cannot force people to remove their opinion...

When are those pancakes going to understand that your superfans are key assets to the existence of your brand!

MR

jasonheaddinG · 02-12-2016, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR.

Luckily we have one of our own soon so that the BIA (BMW Intelligence Agency) cannot force people to remove their opinion...

When are those pancakes going to understand that your superfans are key assets to the existence of your brand!

MR

north korea?

3tekcorps · 02-12-2016, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romo

I really don not understand why they pulled it..........it is over the whole universe by now, due to strong Gravitational Waves this can not be stopprd anymore........

New Jersey doesn't have Vegemite or Joeys.

I think it's all about the Vegemite. Or maybe the Jersy women are bent they get natural tans down under.

02-12-2016, 12:59 AM	#90
dammitcubs Captain 584 Rep 689 Posts Drives: '16 M2 LBB Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0)	Because 4 days will make a HUUUUUUUGGGEEE different in peoples perceptions from a non-press writer.....
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02-12-2016, 01:31 AM	#91
HP Autosport BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 3843 Rep 54,362 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	Our F80 M3 will leave soon, can't wait to welcome the M2. The M2 is the right M to own after the 1M.
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02-12-2016, 04:18 AM	#96
///M2-PILOT M2 PILOT 311 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 2016 ///M2 HEA LBB M-DCT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: In the cockpit iTrader: (0)	What shame to see BMW censoring their own publicity. I thought your review was very well written and provided a perspective, we as future consumers of their product needed to make an informed decision. Thank god the first amendment is holding strong on the interweb. Well anyway, they can't make me unread what you wrote so thank you At least not yet!! __________________ ///M2 - LBB - EXEC - M-DCT Last edited by ///M2-PILOT; 02-12-2016 at 04:26 AM..
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02-12-2016, 06:01 AM	#100
mofomat Colonel 792 Rep 2,234 Posts Drives: Audi R8 V10, BMW 330e Touring Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Maastricht, NL iTrader: (0)	Ridiculous that it was pulled. There was nothing in that "review" that couldn't have been written from my armchair at home. Nothing that was said we didn't know already: "M2 more agile". Duh. "M4 slightly quicker". Duh again. The differences in noise we know from videos.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2016, 08:00 AM	#105
Romo Lieutenant Colonel 1759 Rep 1,668 Posts Drives: GR Yaris GT4RS Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The Netherlands iTrader: (0)	I really don not understand why they pulled it..........it is over the whole universe by now, due to strong Gravitational Waves this can not be stopprd anymore........
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02-12-2016, 08:19 AM	#106
zenmaster Brigadier General 1577 Rep 3,888 Posts Drives: '17 M2 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (1)	It does sound odd if OP didn't sign anything or even if no verbal agreement.
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02-12-2016, 08:46 AM	#108
MR. Colonel 4398 Rep 2,856 Posts Drives: BMW M2 CSL Turbomeister Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Travelling / Managing / Writing iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 MINI GP3 [0.00] 2013 MINI GP2.5 [8.50] 2018 BMW M2 Competi ... [10.00]	Luckily we have one of our own soon so that the BIA (BMW Intelligence Agency) cannot force people to remove their opinion... When are those pancakes going to understand that your superfans are key assets to the existence of your brand! MR
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