BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW M2 Forum > BMW M2 Discussions > Upgrading to m2 from 328

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-15-2020, 07:06 PM   #1
F22leo
First Lieutenant
United_States
244
Rep
344
Posts

Drives: 2015 M235i
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Ny

iTrader: (0)

Upgrading to m2 from 328

I currently drive a 2012 e92 328 and I'm looking to upgrade to a f87 m2 this spring. I've seen some good deals on them already, exact spec I'm looking for around 40k and mileages under 15k. So what should I look out for in terms of issues (obviously a low mileage car like that shouldn't have any) but what n55/f87 problems could there be if any at that mileage. Also is this a good time to buy a f87 or will they continue to go down in price faster now that more m2 comps are on the used market?
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2020, 07:22 PM   #2
DanG
Major General
DanG's Avatar
United_States
10447
Rep
6,879
Posts

Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2018 BMW M2  [7.68]


https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1752733
Appreciate 4
F22leo244.00
AndrewC198910903.50
reisf128.00
TripleU167.50
      10-15-2020, 08:49 PM   #3
RAM_F30_F87
Lieutenant
RAM_F30_F87's Avatar
United_States
195
Rep
430
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2 LBB 6MT; 2012 328i 6MT
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Central PA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I kept my 2012 328i when I bought my M2 because the trade-in value wasn't that great.
I only drive the 328i in bad weather like rain which luckily is not often, and during the three winter months when I get an insurance discount.
I've owned manual transmission 2000, 2006 and 2012 3-series.
I'm glad I bought the M2 and didn't wait for the expected 2018 3-series as they no longer offer a manual transmission and they keep getting bigger.
Appreciate 1
F22leo244.00
      10-16-2020, 04:36 PM   #4
Dasnub
Second Lieutenant
292
Rep
288
Posts

Drives: M2
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Detroit

iTrader: (0)

Not any real known issues to look out for honestly. You’ll get the worst deal in the spring/summer, best deal fall/winter. Nobody wants to buy a sports car when it’s about to snow.
Appreciate 1
F22leo244.00
      10-17-2020, 08:39 AM   #5
bimmer98
Second Lieutenant
United_States
75
Rep
244
Posts

Drives: 2018 M2 Alpine White
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Lake Erie

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2017 X3  [0.00]
2013 335i  [0.00]
1987 325is  [0.00]
You might take notice of the brake calipers. Greenish coloring is a tell tale sign it's been pushed hard at the track. In my mind that would devalue the car. You can also see the brake life left on the iDrive vehicle status. Traction control can cause the rear brakes to need servicing sometimes around 30k miles, which is at least nice to know when repair costs are coming.

Charge pipes can also crack, which isn't costly or anything, just annoying limp mode and trip to a dealer when it happens.

Obviously a carfax can help you understand that it's been serviced and with what frequency. I have a couple leftover from when I was buying, so PM a VIN# and email address if you'd like me to send you one.
Appreciate 1
F22leo244.00
      10-18-2020, 02:08 AM   #6
M2PDX
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
2907
Rep
1,593
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Portland, Oregon

iTrader: (0)

Oil changes listed on the Carfax. A good owner will have changed the oil at 1200 miles, following break-in, and then every 5,000 miles thereafter. It's a small thing that proves the owner wanted to take care of his car.
Appreciate 1
F22leo244.00
      10-18-2020, 06:49 PM   #7
fleetfoot
Second Lieutenant
116
Rep
208
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2, 2013 E92 328i
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Atlanta,GA

iTrader: (1)

I have a 2013 Msport E92 328i with a number of mods (3IM, MPE, short shifter, M3 control arms, Bilstein B8 shocks/struts, etc.), but the car started to feel slow. So in July I found a 2017 M2 with only 6500 miles and 1 year of Ultimate Care left for $41.5k. It came with a bunch of mods including CF diffuser+spoiler, Fabspeed sport cat, Eibach springs, Evolution FMIC+chargepipe, and a Dinan Sport Tuner.

I was pretty excited about the mods, since I probably would have done them anyway. However, I would caution against picking a car that has run any sort of engine tune that raises boost. I experienced some odd behavior with the Dinan Sport Tuner and the thread below made me nervous, so I removed the tuner immediately:
https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1614600

I'd also be cautious getting a car with aftermarket springs. They look phenomenal, but the M2 ride is VERY harsh compared to my 328i. The 328i is excellent for long road trips and around town, but I wouldn't say the same for the M2. The exhaust drone and vibrations wear on you (I never thought I'd say that).

As far as maintenance goes, IMO there isn't much you can really look for beyond the oil changes for a newer car. I bought my 328i new and babied the hell out of it, but still had a bunch of maintenance issues once I got past 75,000 miles. Even if the previous M2 owner did the regular maintenance to a T, you're still going to have to replace leaky oil gaskets, worn out shocks, and crappy bushings as the car increases in mileage. I guess the two things I'd tried to avoid is a car that's seen lots of track days and/or lots of short errand-type trips since that will likely wear out the parts I mentioned above faster.

Four issues I noticed on my car after driving it a bit that you could detect during a test drive and ask for a discount:
1) Vibration during overboost situations (e.g 3rd gear at 45mph and full throttle)
2) Clicking from front wheels during sharp low-speed turns (i.e. pulling into a neighborhood)
3) Broken/poorly fitting interior trim pieces (door pulls, and seat rail covers)
4) Rattles from rear deck latches and center console

I'm really loving my M2 when I can get it up in the mountains and stretch its legs, but around town I still prefer my 328i.
__________________
2017 F87 M2: MGM, 6MT, AA Tune, Eibach Pro-Kit, Fabspeed Catted Downpipe, Evolution Racewerks FMIC+Chargepipe, Autosolutions SSK, CDV Delete, Vorshlag Plates, PFC-08 pads, Apex EC-7 18x9.5"
2013 E92 328i M-Sport: BSM, 6MT, 3IM+AA Tune, BMW PE, M3 control arms, Eibach Pro-Kit, Bilstein B8, BMW SSK, CDV Delete, Apex EC-7 18x9"
Appreciate 1
F22leo244.00
      10-31-2020, 05:02 AM   #8
M2PDX
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
2907
Rep
1,593
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Portland, Oregon

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by fleetfoot View Post
I have a 2013 Msport E92 328i with a number of mods (3IM, MPE, short shifter, M3 control arms, Bilstein B8 shocks/struts, etc.), but the car started to feel slow. So in July I found a 2017 M2 with only 6500 miles and 1 year of Ultimate Care left for $41.5k. It came with a bunch of mods including CF diffuser+spoiler, Fabspeed sport cat, Eibach springs, Evolution FMIC+chargepipe, and a Dinan Sport Tuner.

I was pretty excited about the mods, since I probably would have done them anyway. However, I would caution against picking a car that has run any sort of engine tune that raises boost. I experienced some odd behavior with the Dinan Sport Tuner and the thread below made me nervous, so I removed the tuner immediately:
https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1614600

I'd also be cautious getting a car with aftermarket springs. They look phenomenal, but the M2 ride is VERY harsh compared to my 328i. The 328i is excellent for long road trips and around town, but I wouldn't say the same for the M2. The exhaust drone and vibrations wear on you (I never thought I'd say that).

As far as maintenance goes, IMO there isn't much you can really look for beyond the oil changes for a newer car. I bought my 328i new and babied the hell out of it, but still had a bunch of maintenance issues once I got past 75,000 miles. Even if the previous M2 owner did the regular maintenance to a T, you're still going to have to replace leaky oil gaskets, worn out shocks, and crappy bushings as the car increases in mileage. I guess the two things I'd tried to avoid is a car that's seen lots of track days and/or lots of short errand-type trips since that will likely wear out the parts I mentioned above faster.

Four issues I noticed on my car after driving it a bit that you could detect during a test drive and ask for a discount:
1) Vibration during overboost situations (e.g 3rd gear at 45mph and full throttle)
2) Clicking from front wheels during sharp low-speed turns (i.e. pulling into a neighborhood)
3) Broken/poorly fitting interior trim pieces (door pulls, and seat rail covers)
4) Rattles from rear deck latches and center console

I'm really loving my M2 when I can get it up in the mountains and stretch its legs, but around town I still prefer my 328i.
2) is probably from your Eibach springs/coilivers. The Dinan coilovers do the same thing. It's not anything to be concerned about.
Appreciate 1
F22leo244.00
      10-31-2020, 09:47 AM   #9
Dasnub
Second Lieutenant
292
Rep
288
Posts

Drives: M2
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Detroit

iTrader: (0)

My biggest recommendation is to avoid buying a car that’s been tuned or modified unless it comes at a steep discount. This engine was pushed to its limits by BMW from the factory with very little headroom. Wear and tear is going to be a major issue.
Appreciate 1
F22leo244.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:30 AM.




m2
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST