[Multimodal]

I have been a BMW enthusiast for years - I’ve had a ‘98 328is, ‘08 335xi, ‘09 Dinan S3 335i, ‘12 X5 50i, ‘14 320i ZSP and ‘19 X5 50i M Sport. I still own the last two of these and I have had the itch recently to upgrade the 320i to something more fun for autocross and track days - like the M2C.

I test drove one yesterday, a 2020 LBB M2C with DCT, and for some reason it just didn’t get me very excited. It seemed like a lot of noise and compromise for very little benefit. My X5 can go 0-60 in almost the same amount of time (4.5 sec vs. 4.0 sec), a M340i can do it just as fast and a Tesla can do it faster. If we want to look at lap times, according to Car & Driver, the M2C makes it around VIR in 2:59.7, the Tesla M3P does it in 3:00.7, F82 M4 3:00.7, M340i 3:03.2, X5 M 3:11.1. All pretty close except, of course, for the X5.

I hope this doesn’t come across as trolling because I’m honestly sad that it didn’t get me eager to sign up for a $1K/month car payment. Do I need to find a 6MT? Get an extended test drive in the twisties (the Ferrari dealer selling this pre-owned M2C required a "follow the leader" test drive that was mostly highway)? Or just accept that maybe I’ve gotten soft and an M3/M4 (or god forbid a Tesla M3P) is more my style?

Click for video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/532996251




Update 4/21: I placed my order today!

[Steelguin]

If you have to say you’re not trolling you prob are


If the M2C in the DCT form was boring and you include Tesla as an alternative that tells me it’s not the missing the clutch thing. As the DCT is as fast as driving
Manual then, Yes. You should get a Tesla. Enjoy it.

[BigKutta]

Yes, it's a lot of noise and drama when you compare it to an X5 and to a Tesla. Very different cars from an M2 which is a fully engaged drivers car. I think it's best you look elsewhere because I think this is not what you are looking for.

[pz619]

If you are comparing a X5/Tesla to a M2, this is almost certainly not the car for you. Drive the other cars and get what you like most.

[(K)]

That depends on your definition and tolerance for "excitement." That's a vague term but if you quantify it a little it might help us to identify which areas of your tastes we can start criticizing you on until you start liking the car lol.

I kid.

[Multimodal]

Originally Posted by (K)

That depends on your definition and tolerance for "excitement." That's a vague term but if you quantify it a little it might help us to identify which areas of your tastes we can start criticizing you on until you start liking the car lol.

I kid.

[Multimodal]

Originally Posted by Steelguin

If the M2C in the DCT form was boring and you include Tesla as an alternative that tells me it’s not the missing the clutch thing.

Well, the Tesla was a novelty. The torque of an electric car is something to experience and the interior is totally different. Otherwise I do think a 6MT would make an M2C more fun.

[Bumpinjeep]

I would honestly take a look at a G82 M4 or even a G80 M3. Based on the cars mentioned, I think it would fit the bill a lot more than the M2C.
Also, when looking at lap times, one thing to note is that when you go out on a track, you don't do one lap. You're looking to have fun over a consistent amount of time, like 30 minutes or so. Out of the cars you compared with, the M2C will be substantially more consistent as it has a much better braking system, is lighter (barely compared to the M3/4, but substantially lighter than the Tesla, 340, and X5), and better cooling. You're operating costs will be lower too.
Anyway, look at the M3/4.

[Fuji550i]

You should get a Tesla and moved on if you have to asked. Even if you convinced yourself to get the M2 , I doubt you will keep it more than a year and it will be back on the market. This car is not for you for sure.

[Moflow]

I dunno if a 6-speed would help. Its a fine transmission, but it isn't amazing by any means either.

The car is really about going around corners without making you suffer through all of the compromises that normally come with a car that handles this well (read: It has a usable back seat, great visibility and a pretty big trunk.)

It's ALSO not slow in a straight line, but if that's what you care about, there are plenty of other options in the same ballpark. But none of those similarly-fast-in-a-straight-line cars are going to handle like the M2 Competition. Some of them might be nearly as capable. And with sticky tires, a couple of them would probably be faster around a road course. But they still won't do it in nearly as satisfying of a manner. I think the handling magic comes from the way the car combines quick, almost twitchy reactions with incredibly smooth and predictable over-the-limit behavior.

[MrOhnoez]

Buy the tesla,
Move on.
If you don't enjoy the car you clearly only care about figures.
As tesla owners love to do.
You are one of them.

[///MCollection]

I've got the F85 X5 and the M2C. The X5 is a mind blowing thing and is probably similar figures to your X5 but the M bit comes into its own when pushed on in a sportier driving style.

I tend to do a few weeks in one then swap to the other and after the X5 the M2 doesn't feel that great as the X5 feels so much higher quality and the torque is phenomenal. BUT after a few days of driving the M2 it clicks and I realise that it's such an amazing balance of quality, speed and drive, yes it's made to a budget to not step on M4 (my fiancé has one) but it's just such a well sorted driving car and when you think you've hit a series of bends well you realise it can do it faster and more accurately over and over again.

It needs to be worked to stand out from non m cars, to realise what the engine is all about. One of our forum users said a long time ago you grow with the m2 as a driver and that was bang on.

The X5 is a weapon but you can't get over the weight for flickability and precision. My M2 is DCT as I'm not a manual fan, not because there not great, I'm just too bone idle in traffic to stir porridge!

[Kankles]

You can find many cars that are as fast, more luxurious, etc, etc but for me it's the sum of its parts and the fun to drive factor. I personally wouldn't consider the DCT as long as manual is available. Again, it's the interaction with the car that I enjoy, not how fast I can go between stop lights.

I've owned a lot of BMWs as well and the two that extracted this even more were the 74 2002 and the E46 M3. That said, for a modern car it's pretty damn good. Getting harder and harder to find cars that don't feel disconnected.

[TargaM2]

Take a look at the G80/82 M3/4, I think they are possibly more what your looking for.
Try to ignore getting tied up in the 'numbers game' as it means very little as to how a car drives unless your looking for an all out track car which your obviously not if your looking at SUV's.
I'd certainly stay well clear of anything with a Tesla badge that's for sure.

[baege]

I was coming from an m240i and I was similarly "meh" after i test drove a M2C. Still ended up ordering one, as there were no other manual options out there really. I have grown to really love this car.
I think the more you live with this car, the more you begin to appreciate what makes it special for SOME of us. A test drive may not necessarily give you enough to truly appreciate the car for what it is.

On the other hand, you might just have a different set of preferences that don't really align with the M2C. I for example don't care about 0-60 or lap times and would never consider a tesla. For me its more about the way a car makes me feel and the M2C puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

[Sublime00]

I never found the m2c to be a hardcore sports car.

It's a daily use car, RWD, manual, with a usable trunk and rear seats. It's capable on the track and as a GT car, so it's a bit of jack of all trades and a fairly analog car in an increasingly digital world.

But yeah if your thing is 0-60 times, then Tesla may be the way to go.

I don't think many M2 owners are blown away by Teslas in terms of drivers engagement so they'll opt for the M2. I also think some people who find the m2 to be spartan would trade in their cars or skip the m2 in favor of the new M3 bc of all the tech it offers.

[Megator]

The lap times thing is so over rated.

Are you a pro driver? do you plan to compete with the M2C? No and no? then why do you care???

The M2C is a barrel of torquey RWD short wheel base fun! I love mine with the DCT, come out of a corner on track, mash the throttle, go a little sideways, pin it to redline and flick the paddle for the next surge of acceleration.

After 15 trackdays it still makes me laugh and drive like a hooligan on crack.

[swampfox94]

I'm here for the bigger fuss. Does anyone really need a faster car than this? It's hard to keep it under 100 as it is I can't imagine owning a m5 that will do it even faster. If you don't want the fuss get a tesla, that thing will get to 60 in a blink and without any drama or fun

[robertm]

The M2 isn’t for everyone. It’s no better or worse car than any other, it just hits on a lot of points that some people greatly value. You did the right thing taking a test drive before buying. Fortunately you realized before purchasing that it’s not the right car for you.

If you are an enthusiast the right car should be obvious when you see/drive/experience it. Wait until then and you’ll be a happy driver!

Best of luck on your journey for a new ride.

[Karmic Man]

The M2C is about tuning into your senses to connect with the car like it's part of your body and do amazing things with it ...the other cars you mentioned has too much insulation and not enough feedback and immediacy to allow for the synergy of man and machine like the M2C

[ASAP]

This car is all about feel... from a pure stock performance standpoint, it really doesn't have any number around any track that blows anyone away. It's twitchy, snappy and it's at times hard to drive... i think that makes it fun.

I do sometimes in the back of my head think of a 2 year old M340i that could have been bought for 15k less and would offer similar performance.

I think the M2 overall is a very compromising car... and you have to accept it or it's not for you.

[HerM2C]

Stop calling the Tesla an M3.