[BarrettDB]

Hello, everyone.

After evaluating the M2cs vs the M2 Competition and cost/ROI, I sat on the fence too long, and missed out on any reasonable opportunity at an M2cs. No worries, as the M2 Competition is pretty trick on its own - so I asked my longtime dealer if they could get an allocation, and after a few weeks, we got one.

The car was built in June, and is currently headed to the Ventura VPC, with a July projected arrival. It will be there for at least a few weeks, as the port is installing some fun stuff.

I've been a BMW owner for 47 years, and have had some wonderful cars - my favorite to date being my third E30 M3, and second behind that my E46 M3. I've been more "responsible" in terms of family and work, and have had a 2019 X4Msport40i for the past few years. It was pretty neat, but a big vehicle. Heavy.

I determined the M2c was the best option to have fun with a "true" M car again. I considered (briefly) the new G80 M3, but for many reasons, it just didn't feel "M sport" to me. The nose is for a different kind of buyer. The technology is beyond remarkable - it's a video game, albeit one that can kill you. All in all, the G80 (for me) was just "too much." I'm sure there are plenty of people in both camps.

I'm sharing this thread as I intend to use the car as a spirited DD (when I am not in my company vehicle) and perhaps after awhile, I'll track it a bit - I will certainly take it for twisty adventures throughout the Pacific and Northwest.

It will join my wife and my 2002 BMW E36/7 M Roadster (S54 motor) [wedding present for my wife in 2002], and our 2021 i3s REX.

Here's what I ordered:

2021 M2 Competition in Alpine White

19-inch M Y-Spoke forged black wheels

Black Dakota Leather w/Blue Stiching

Carbon Fiber Trim

Executive Package

Plus the following:

0ZGX - Performance Drive Analyzer

0Z09 - Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler

OZ18 - Carbon Fiber interior trim

0Z2Q - Carbon Fiber & Alcantara trim

OZ4G - Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser

OZ6M - Carbon Fiber Exhaust Tips

OZ02 - Carbon Fiber Side Skirt Winglets

OZ21 - Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps

0ZP7 - Carbon Fiber Front Splitter

0ZW1 - Carbon Fiber Side Grills

I also had to consider some articles about upgrading the M2c vs a stock M2cs. This BMW Blog story was a good starting point.

I'm on the fence about adding the M performance 2-way coil-overs. I won't track the car for at least 5,000 miles, and I need to consider the much shorter lifespan of a performance damper. At the same time, factory warranty is attractive. And, most people who drive the M2cs state the suspension as being the most immediate and important difference of note.

I'm thinking of replacing the 788M wheels with something else. If I do, it would be totally vanity based, as the 788m is forged, fairly light, and is what the factory determined would be a good fit for the car. Clearly the 763M is a far more (to me) attractive wheel, so I'm giving this a good think - as I'd want to make that change on delivery. No doubt would add Cup 2s if I made that change. I'm guessing I could sell the as-delivered wheel and tire set for about $2,500 if less than 100 miles on the tires. But, who knows? I don't want to spend $5,500 or more for the 763M wheel/tire set, and would likely be happier if I could stay under $4,000. But which wheel?

So, that's my introductory story. I'm totally open to introductions, and I would absolutely love to learn more about:

- SoCal BMW M2 comp and M2cs owners
- Outstanding third party shops for suspension, alignment, and non-factory work
- Suggestions on any of the issues noted above

Thanks for reading!

[Foggins]

Great post and congrats on the car!!

[photorph]

I had an allocation for the CS and changed it to a competition. The price difference wasn't worth it to me, mainly because the CS was nearly the price of Porsches which I think are a step above the CS.

Also there was overall a $30,000 USD difference in price. Even after I added M performance bits here and there, still a $20,000 difference.

I personally am a fan of the frozen gold M763 wheels, those are what I get the most questions about.

Things I added:
-M perf 763 wheels
-M perf carbon rear diffuser
-M perf carbon spoiler
-M perf pedals
-Stek gloss carbon roof PPF
-Full front and rocker panel PPF
-Ceramic for full car
-AA EL midpipe non resonated
-Remus Race exhuast

I don't track my car so the stock suspension is perfect. The only other possible thing I may consider down the line is a tune for more power. With the tune and suspension upgrade I'll have what I consider a better car than the CS, and overall will still be about $15,000 less than a CS.

Don't get me wrong, if I had unlimited funds I'd go for CS. But as it stands now for a daily driver I just can't see how the CS would be better. It does have better value retention, but not for me since I drive my car 15000 miles a year through rain and snow.

[KevinM]

Congratulations and welcome! As a long-time BMW owner as well, I feel the M2C is among the best M cars. I'm assuming MT as you did not list DCT in your options...

Nice stable as well. I love the S54, but I'm biased.

[6speed_M2]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Congratulations and welcome! As a long-time BMW owner as well, I feel the M2C is among the best M cars. I'm assuming MT as you did not list DCT in your options...

Nice stable as well. I love the S54, but I'm biased.

I was thinking the opposite as far as the transmission! Let's see if the OP can clarify 🙂

[chefczyk]

if you're going to track the car, you'll end up getting a performance coilover suspension...so I would highly recommend you get it @ time of purchase, installed by the dealer so it comes with the factory warranty..the performance suspension will likley need some service prior to 50k miles, and would be nice to get that done "for free"

[Moflow]

Congrats and welcome! I'm sort of considering the idea of going with Richland Forged fake 763s as they're a lot cheaper and people seem happy with them over on the wheel forum.

[M2C-NLUSA]

Originally Posted by chefczyk

if you're going to track the car, you'll end up getting a performance coilover suspension...so I would highly recommend you get it @ time of purchase, installed by the dealer so it comes with the factory warranty..the performance suspension will likley need some service prior to 50k miles, and would be nice to get that done "for free"

it’s not an orderable option (i tried). Unless your dealer gives you a special deal it should only have a parts warranty not the warranty that the vehicle falls under.

[BarrettDB]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Congratulations and welcome! As a long-time BMW owner as well, I feel the M2C is among the best M cars. I'm assuming MT as you did not list DCT in your options...

Nice stable as well. I love the S54, but I'm biased.

Thanks, Kevin! The S54 is terrific. The 5 speed is a bit notchy, but overall, the M Roadster is really nice. 47,000 miles, and it looks brand new. And yes, MT for the M2 comp.

[BarrettDB]

Originally Posted by chefczyk

if you're going to track the car, you'll end up getting a performance coilover suspension...so I would highly recommend you get it @ time of purchase, installed by the dealer so it comes with the factory warranty..the performance suspension will likley need some service prior to 50k miles, and would be nice to get that done "for free"

I’m on the fence about the coil overs, but you’re likely correct. As many people do exactly what you’re suggesting, it’s challenging to find out what the difference in daily street stiffness is. For daily driving, I’d like to avoid getting an even stiffer ride.

[BarrettDB]

Originally Posted by Moflow

Congrats and welcome! I'm sort of considering the idea of going with Richland Forged fake 763s as they're a lot cheaper and people seem happy with them over on the wheel forum.

How much do they weigh?

[Maynard]

Have you considered HOW they are able to sell a comparable looking wheel (produced in much smaller numbers) for less money than the factory version? That's right, much cheaper and less robust manufacturing techniques, so a wheel that is less strong, and likely also heavier (or if same weight, then much weaker). Is that really worth saving a grand or two? Especially since you can pick up genuine 763's for less than 4k (I hear about 3500 for just wheels). There is no part on your car that sees more stress, nor one that is as likely to kill you if it fails.

[chefczyk]

Originally Posted by BarrettDB

I’m on the fence about the coil overs, but you’re likely correct. As many people do exactly what you’re suggesting, it’s challenging to find out what the difference in daily street stiffness is. For daily driving, I’d like to avoid getting an even stiffer ride.

for what it is worth - these coilovers are the most compliant that I have ever had (have had 6 different sets on different cars) and is way more compliant than the stock track suspension on my Alfa 4C. It really drives / feels like a sports car with these coilovers - I never drove on the stock suspension, but hear its very floaty (and looks like you're driving a boat).

[BarrettDB]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Have you considered HOW they are able to sell a comparable looking wheel (produced in much smaller numbers) for less money than the factory version? That's right, much cheaper and less robust manufacturing techniques, so a wheel that is less strong, and likely also heavier (or if same weight, then much weaker). Is that really worth saving a grand or two? Especially since you can pick up genuine 763's for less than 4k (I hear about 3500 for just wheels). There is no part on your car that sees more stress, nor one that is as likely to kill you if it fails.

I'd much rather have 763s than anything else. But, I've not found them for anywhere near the pricing you mention. Could you be more specific? Thanks in advance.

[BarrettDB]

Originally Posted by chefczyk

for what it is worth - these coilovers are the most compliant that I have ever had (have had 6 different sets on different cars) and is way more compliant than the stock track suspension on my Alfa 4C. It really drives / feels like a sports car with these coilovers - I never drove on the stock suspension, but hear its very floaty (and looks like you're driving a boat).

I've heard the same - but also, I haven't read much from people who started with the stock suspension, and then made the switch to the MP coilovers. If I have my dealer install them as part of the deal, it's absurdly expensive ($5,400). I think a third party purchase (such as from IND) and then independent shop install would total out around $3,300. If I was to spend $5,500, I'd go with an Ohlins solution, I think.

I've also had some folks (all of this seems overly subjective) that keeping the factory dampers but installing a KW height adjustable spring kit is the "affordable" way to go (about $1,300 for parts, installation, and alignment).

I think it may be that these issues can be over-imagined... But if anyone has solid real world experience, I'd be delighted to hear about it.

[BarrettDB]

It appears that the Pleiades Leader, the RORO carrying my M2 Comp will arrive in Ventura on Monday... So, my ship has (nearly) come in!

Anyone else have a BMW on this RORO???

[buckybadger]

Keep the stock suspension, it is quite good for daily driving and track use. Don't over do it.

[Maynard]

Originally Posted by BarrettDB

I'd much rather have 763s than anything else. But, I've not found them for anywhere near the pricing you mention. Could you be more specific? Thanks in advance.

Just the first place I looked, there is a thread or two on these specifically: https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...w2LWdhcw%3D%3D

[NWest]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Just the first place I looked, there is a thread or two on these specifically: https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...w2LWdhcw%3D%3D

Or here

https://www.bmwpartsworldwide.com/oe...oy-36118053421

https://www.bmwpartsworldwide.com/oe...oy-36118053422

[BarrettDB]

Originally Posted by NWest

Or here

https://www.bmwpartsworldwide.com/oe...oy-36118053421

https://www.bmwpartsworldwide.com/oe...oy-36118053422

Thank you.

[workerONE]

Paint or powder coat the 788M wheels black! They look amazing a single color.

[BarrettDB]

Originally Posted by workerONE

Paint or powder coat the 788M wheels black! They look amazing a single color.

Very interesting idea. Have you any pics to post?