Picking up my 2018 M2 tomorrow

ChrisM4 · 11-02-2018, 05:47 PM

Hi guys,

I’m new to the community and excited to be here. Picking up my new 2018 M2 (Alpine white) DCT car tomorrow morning (Can’t wait)

I test drove both the 2019 M2C (manual) and the 2018 M2 (DCT) and wanted to give my thoughts on both cars and why I chose the 2018. These just my opinions but thought it might help someone who is considering both cars.

2019 M2C

Pros:
- Nicer seats (I like the wider side bolsters)
- Customizable drive modes
- Better setup for tracking the car
- More power headroom if you mod

Cons:
- Exhaust note (I really didn’t like it)
- Wheel style - I preferred the wheel style on the 2018
- New kidney design versus the 2018
- Extra weight (It’s only ~120 pounds heavier but it’s noticeable in tandem with the next point)
- The initial torque ramp on the 2019 seems softer than the 2018. It’s probably due to programming but it is noticeable imo
- Stiffer suspension (by design of course) but for me it was stiffer than I’d like for a 95% street car

2018

Pros:
- Initial torque ramp is awesome
- Exhaust sound is amazing
- I was really surprised with the DCT. I’ve always owned manual sports cars (except for a 2015 ZL1) but this transmission is just a blast and it makes the car feel so balanced
- Front end kidney design is more “BMW”
- Suspension setup imo is perfect for a street car that will see occasional lapping

Cons:
- Seats aren’t as nice
- Limited drive modes
- If you decide to mod less head room power wise versus the 2019
- Less capable on the track

For me the 2018 was perfect. The exhaust note, torque curve, suspension and overall balance are what sold me on the car. I just did not like the M2C exhaust sound and suspension setup.

Both cars are brilliant and if you’re a track rat then the 2019 wins of course but for a street car I really preferred the 2018. Will post pics tomorrow when I pick it up.

Cheers,
Chris

DanG · 11-02-2018, 06:03 PM

Sounds like a good choice. That is from a 2018 AW DCT M2 owner. I am like you. This is my first DCT car. I had a 6 speed E46 M3.

D22M2 · 11-02-2018, 07:21 PM

Congrats !

I’m seriously considering canceling my M2c order until I witnessed for myself a better muffler designed with improved sound

junx · 11-02-2018, 07:29 PM

Congratulations! Couldn't have said it any better. Hope you enjoy your LCI.

ShelJW · 11-02-2018, 08:41 PM

Chris
Congrats! You are going to LOVE the M2!

It really has such a linear power band, that it always blows me away! Doesn't matter what speed you're going (well, maybe if you're doing 80 or above), stomp on the pedal and it takes off!

The sound is also fantastic, and greatly adds to the driving experience!

What color did you get?

Be sure to post some photos when you get your new car!

///M TOWN · 11-02-2018, 10:55 PM

The OG M2 has unique character.

It's the perfect little ///M Car.

-Congratulations Chris!

DanG · 11-02-2018, 11:06 PM

To get the best sound out of the M2, you need the M Performance exhaust and to bypass or code out ASD.

bmxcamel · 11-02-2018, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanG

To get the best sound out of the M2, you need the M Performance exhaust and to bypass or code out ASD.

I'd personally recommend a sport cat over the M performance exhaust. The m performance exhaust suffers from a cold start rattle, and some drone around 3k rpm.

I have had neither of these with the fabspeed sport cat, and as an added plus you get some performance improvements.

DanG · 11-02-2018, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmxcamel

I'd personally recommend a sport cat over the M performance exhaust. The m performance exhaust suffers from a cold start rattle, and some drone around 3k rpm.

I have had neither of these with the fabspeed sport cat, and as an added plus you get some performance improvements.

I have neither of those problems. The rattle and drone is usually caused by poor installation. Mine was port installed.

D22M2 · 11-03-2018, 12:00 AM

Coldstart is so loud I don’t think I would even be able to hear a rattle lol - i’ve had my preowend MPE installed now for a few months and I haven’t noticed any rattle.

Haven’t noticed any drone issues

I would have sport cat installed as well but is illegal in California

gk09 · 11-03-2018, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisM2

Hi guys,

I'm new to the community and excited to be here. Picking up my new 2018 M2 (Alpine white) DCT car tomorrow morning (Can't wait)

I test drove both the 2019 M2C (manual) and the 2018 M2 (DCT) and wanted to give my thoughts on both cars and why I chose the 2018. These just my opinions but thought it might help someone who is considering both cars.

2019 M2C

Pros:
- Nicer seats (I like the wider side bolsters)
- Customizable drive modes
- Better setup for tracking the car
- More power headroom if you mod

Cons:
- Exhaust note (I really didn't like it)
- Wheel style - I preferred the wheel style on the 2018
- New kidney design versus the 2018
- Extra weight (It's only ~120 pounds heavier but it's noticeable in tandem with the next point)
- The initial torque ramp on the 2019 seems softer than the 2018. It's probably due to programming but it is noticeable imo
- Stiffer suspension (by design of course) but for me it was stiffer than I'd like for a 95% street car

2018

Pros:
- Initial torque ramp is awesome
- Exhaust sound is amazing
- I was really surprised with the DCT. I've always owned manual sports cars (except for a 2015 ZL1) but this transmission is just a blast and it makes the car feel so balanced
- Front end kidney design is more "BMW"
- Suspension setup imo is perfect for a street car that will see occasional lapping

Cons:
- Seats aren't as nice
- Limited drive modes
- If you decide to mod less head room power wise versus the 2019
- Less capable on the track

For me the 2018 was perfect. The exhaust note, torque curve, suspension and overall balance are what sold me on the car. I just did not like the M2C exhaust sound and suspension setup.

Both cars are brilliant and if you're a track rat then the 2019 wins of course but for a street car I really preferred the 2018. Will post pics tomorrow when I pick it up.

Cheers,
Chris

Congrats.. I'm buying my 18 tomorrow and should have it Wednesday. I notice you're in Canada. Where abouts. I'm near Burlington

Slowphiveo · 11-03-2018, 12:35 AM

Congrats! I went with the DCT in my MG '18...first non manual sports car I've ever owned and I have zero regrets. You will love it.

Fedorov · 11-03-2018, 02:18 AM

In my personal opinion the only thing better in the m2c is the performance of the engine and possibly the seats. Oh, and the side mirrors!

Wheels are ugly (of course they can be replaced) and kidney design is really bad, looks more Japanese than bmw.

You did the right choice! And the car is loud enough as it is, with m performance exhaust it's almost embarrassingly loud..

nma · 11-03-2018, 02:31 AM

Def get the sportcat over the exhaust, one of the best mods for our cars.

Philb65 · 11-03-2018, 02:41 AM

Congrats OP, great choice. Love my MPE, not just for the sound it looks great to.

Interesting about the suspension, I thought it was exactly the same as the original m2 just some added bracing in the front end?

Scrape · 11-03-2018, 05:49 AM

Congratulations! I too am picking up an 18 M2 LCI in LBB on Thursday I believe. The excitement is killing me. LOL

ChrisM4 · 11-03-2018, 06:17 AM

Thanks everyone!

Quote:

Originally Posted by D22M2

Congrats !

I’m seriously considering canceling my M2c order until I witnessed for myself a better muffler designed with improved sound

I hear you...engine sound/exhaust note is one of the most important parts of the driving experience for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShelJW

Chris
Congrats! You are going to LOVE the M2!

It really has such a linear power band, that it always blows me away! Doesn't matter what speed you're going (well, maybe if you're doing 80 or above), stomp on the pedal and it takes off!

The sound is also fantastic, and greatly adds to the driving experience!

What color did you get?

Be sure to post some photos when you get your new car!

Thanks! The car is Alpine white.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gk09

Congrats.. I'm buying my 18 tomorrow and should have it Wednesday. I notice you're in Canada. Where abouts. I'm near Burlington

Congrats! I’m in Waterloo and lived in Oakville for years

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philb65

Congrats OP, great choice. Love my MPE, not just for the sound it looks great to.

Interesting about the suspension, I thought it was exactly the same as the original m2 just some added bracing in the front end?

It might be down to the brace and extra weight but it sure felt stiffer driving it back to back. I thought for sure there were at least spring rate differences or bushing differences but I could be wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrape

Congratulations! I too am picking up an 18 M2 LCI in LBB on Thursday I believe. The excitement is killing me. LOL

Congrats! I know exactly what you mean

I’m not going to mod the car or impact the warranty but when the warranty runs out I’d do a catted DP, tune and upgraded intercooler.

For winter wheels/tires I’m putting on Blizzaks (Square 245 setup in 18s) and Sparco Trofeo 5 wheels in black.

Pics of the cars and wheels in a couple of hours.

Cheers,
Chris

TheMagician · 11-03-2018, 08:18 AM

Congrats on incoming M2! You got the best colour

ChrisM4 · 11-03-2018, 02:13 PM

Here it is! Sorry for the delay, I came home put the snow tire/wheels on, reset the TPMS and have spent the rest of the day driving around

Pics here: (hopefully the link below works)

https://m.imgur.com/a/gBs9pRl

Cheers,
Chris

BMWEnthuTony · 11-03-2018, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisM2

Here it is! Sorry for the delay, I came home put the snow tire/wheels on, reset the TPMS and have spent the rest of the day driving around

Pics here: (hopefully the link below works)

https://m.imgur.com/a/gBs9pRl

Cheers,
Chris

Looks pretty awesome. What wheels and tires do you have? I really like the wheels.

six-n-twins53 · 11-03-2018, 02:38 PM

Beautiful car! I would have also picked my OG over the m2c for many of the same reasons you did.

That being said, not sure about the s55 aural dislike. I have an 18 zcp and love the sound. While start up sounds pretty John Deere-like, wide open sounds amazing

Craig335d · 11-03-2018, 03:05 PM

Surely the biggest reason to pick an older version of a car is affordability and the consideration towards how much the associated cost saving from buying an outdated model gains you?
I’ve often bought a run out because they are dirt cheap.

Yet it’s rarely mentioned, and the buyers justification kicks in as to why the older model is better, in almost every way.........

11-02-2018, 05:47 PM	#1
ChrisM4 Captain 1614 Rep 976 Posts Drives: 2024 M4 Comp X-Drive Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW M4 Competi ... [7.62]	Picking up my 2018 M2 tomorrow Hi guys, I’m new to the community and excited to be here. Picking up my new 2018 M2 (Alpine white) DCT car tomorrow morning (Can’t wait) I test drove both the 2019 M2C (manual) and the 2018 M2 (DCT) and wanted to give my thoughts on both cars and why I chose the 2018. These just my opinions but thought it might help someone who is considering both cars. 2019 M2C Pros: - Nicer seats (I like the wider side bolsters) - Customizable drive modes - Better setup for tracking the car - More power headroom if you mod Cons: - Exhaust note (I really didn’t like it) - Wheel style - I preferred the wheel style on the 2018 - New kidney design versus the 2018 - Extra weight (It’s only ~120 pounds heavier but it’s noticeable in tandem with the next point) - The initial torque ramp on the 2019 seems softer than the 2018. It’s probably due to programming but it is noticeable imo - Stiffer suspension (by design of course) but for me it was stiffer than I’d like for a 95% street car 2018 Pros: - Initial torque ramp is awesome - Exhaust sound is amazing - I was really surprised with the DCT. I’ve always owned manual sports cars (except for a 2015 ZL1) but this transmission is just a blast and it makes the car feel so balanced - Front end kidney design is more “BMW” - Suspension setup imo is perfect for a street car that will see occasional lapping Cons: - Seats aren’t as nice - Limited drive modes - If you decide to mod less head room power wise versus the 2019 - Less capable on the track For me the 2018 was perfect. The exhaust note, torque curve, suspension and overall balance are what sold me on the car. I just did not like the M2C exhaust sound and suspension setup. Both cars are brilliant and if you’re a track rat then the 2019 wins of course but for a street car I really preferred the 2018. Will post pics tomorrow when I pick it up. Cheers, Chris Last edited by ChrisM4; 11-02-2018 at 05:54 PM..
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11-02-2018, 06:03 PM	#2
DanG Major General 10569 Rep 6,917 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [7.68]	Sounds like a good choice. That is from a 2018 AW DCT M2 owner. I am like you. This is my first DCT car. I had a 6 speed E46 M3.
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11-02-2018, 07:21 PM	#3
D22M2 Captain 1373 Rep 789 Posts Drives: Not a real M Car Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Dublin , CA iTrader: (0)	Congrats ! I’m seriously considering canceling my M2c order until I witnessed for myself a better muffler designed with improved sound
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11-02-2018, 07:29 PM	#4
junx Lieutenant 603 Rep 510 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Congratulations! Couldn't have said it any better. Hope you enjoy your LCI.
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11-02-2018, 08:41 PM	#5
ShelJW Second Lieutenant 360 Rep 289 Posts Drives: 2018 MG BMW M2 Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Chris Congrats! You are going to LOVE the M2! It really has such a linear power band, that it always blows me away! Doesn't matter what speed you're going (well, maybe if you're doing 80 or above), stomp on the pedal and it takes off! The sound is also fantastic, and greatly adds to the driving experience! What color did you get? Be sure to post some photos when you get your new car!
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11-02-2018, 10:55 PM	#6
///M TOWN . 16074 Rep 8,371 Posts Drives: M GmbH Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: North America iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 M2 [8.78]	The OG M2 has unique character. It's the perfect little ///M Car. -Congratulations Chris! __________________ ///
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11-02-2018, 11:06 PM	#7
DanG Major General 10569 Rep 6,917 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [7.68]	To get the best sound out of the M2, you need the M Performance exhaust and to bypass or code out ASD.
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11-03-2018, 12:00 AM	#10
D22M2 Captain 1373 Rep 789 Posts Drives: Not a real M Car Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Dublin , CA iTrader: (0)	Coldstart is so loud I don’t think I would even be able to hear a rattle lol - i’ve had my preowend MPE installed now for a few months and I haven’t noticed any rattle. Haven’t noticed any drone issues I would have sport cat installed as well but is illegal in California
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11-03-2018, 12:35 AM	#12
Slowphiveo Captain 1525 Rep 895 Posts Drives: 2020 M4 Heritage Edition Join Date: May 2018 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Congrats! I went with the DCT in my MG '18...first non manual sports car I've ever owned and I have zero regrets. You will love it.
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11-03-2018, 02:18 AM	#13
Fedorov Lieutenant 162 Rep 460 Posts Drives: BMW 330i G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW 330i G20 [0.00]	In my personal opinion the only thing better in the m2c is the performance of the engine and possibly the seats. Oh, and the side mirrors! Wheels are ugly (of course they can be replaced) and kidney design is really bad, looks more Japanese than bmw. You did the right choice! And the car is loud enough as it is, with m performance exhaust it's almost embarrassingly loud..
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11-03-2018, 02:31 AM	#14
nma New Member 9 Rep 18 Posts Drives: BMW M2 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	Def get the sportcat over the exhaust, one of the best mods for our cars.
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11-03-2018, 02:41 AM	#15
Philb65 Private First Class 46 Rep 109 Posts Drives: LBB M2 Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: South West iTrader: (0)	Congrats OP, great choice. Love my MPE, not just for the sound it looks great to. Interesting about the suspension, I thought it was exactly the same as the original m2 just some added bracing in the front end?
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11-03-2018, 05:49 AM	#16
Scrape Car Guy 38 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Richmond Hill iTrader: (0)	Congratulations! I too am picking up an 18 M2 LCI in LBB on Thursday I believe. The excitement is killing me. LOL
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11-03-2018, 08:18 AM	#18
TheMagician Private First Class 87 Rep 131 Posts Drives: '21 F87 6spd Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	Congrats on incoming M2! You got the best colour
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ChrisM4 Captain 1614 Rep 976 Posts Drives: 2024 M4 Comp X-Drive Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW M4 Competi ... [7.62]	Here it is! Sorry for the delay, I came home put the snow tire/wheels on, reset the TPMS and have spent the rest of the day driving around Pics here: (hopefully the link below works) https://m.imgur.com/a/gBs9pRl Cheers, Chris
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11-03-2018, 02:38 PM	#21
six-n-twins53 Amateur Tattoo Artist 809 Rep 700 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 zcp Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Ohio iTrader: (1)	Beautiful car! I would have also picked my OG over the m2c for many of the same reasons you did. That being said, not sure about the s55 aural dislike. I have an 18 zcp and love the sound. While start up sounds pretty John Deere-like, wide open sounds amazing
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11-03-2018, 03:05 PM	#22
Craig335d Private First Class 153 Rep 142 Posts Drives: 335d Shadow Edition Xdrive Join Date: May 2018 Location: Aberdeenshire iTrader: (0)	Surely the biggest reason to pick an older version of a car is affordability and the consideration towards how much the associated cost saving from buying an outdated model gains you? I’ve often bought a run out because they are dirt cheap. Yet it’s rarely mentioned, and the buyers justification kicks in as to why the older model is better, in almost every way.........
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