[jcarr343]

I just picked up a MY18 M2 and came from a Civic Type R. I have not been impressed with the high speed stability and cornering capabilities of the M2 compared to the Type R. It just feels soft and heavy. I don't plan to track the car, but may try it once or twice. Is it possible to fix the M2 handing shortcomings with a good coilover setup?

I have been looking at the M Performance kit, and most seem to like it. It is also hard to tell if they are being truly honest or just justifying their purchase.

I am not trying to troll on the M2. Just having a bit of buyers remorse giving up the Type R. It really is a great car for the money.

Thanks in advance for the guidance and feedback on this.

[omasou]

ru sure your not comparing front wheel drive to rear wheel drive?

[M2joey]

The M2 is over 300 lbs. heavier than the Type R, you will notice that. The M2 does tend to give a leaning sensation but that is just the point where it starts to shine. The Type R has much more weight in the front which will make the steering respond quicker than the M2, probably a lot of what your initial feeling is related to. The M2 OEM suspension is great, you should just take some time learning how to drive it.

Coil overs certainly take the M2 up a step regarding all-around stability, etc. A bigger front roll bar would give you more that feeling I would say you are missing the Type R had, and will certainly make the front respond quicker.

The M2 and Type R are completely different cars and are driven differently. You will certainly never be able to understand this from only driving on the street.

[ddk632]

Ohlins Road & Track full suspension
Lower a bit
Get MP4S
Do a proper alignment geared to sport driving
Profit!

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by ddk632

Ohlins Road & Track full suspension
Lower a bit
Get MP4S
Do a proper alignment geared to sport driving
Profit!

This. It's the closest OP'll get to the "feel" of the FWD Type R, although the M2 in stock form drives better than Type R in my opinion. But I come from a long line of RWD cars with some minor detours here and there.

OP, I really think what you are feeling is the difference between FWD and RWD. Takes time to get comfortable with the weight differences, lean, and how it feels in daily to limit driving.

[3t3p]

I went from a FWD Scirocco R tuned to 315bhp the M2 is very different, once you think of it as a road going go kart you understand it's handling

[Bee Pee]

Originally Posted by ddk632

Do a proper alignment geared to sport driving

can you share your alignment settings above ?

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by Bee Pee

can you share your alignment settings above ?

There was a thread on this not too long ago:

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1&postcount=25

Originally Posted by ddk632

Here's my setup:

OG 2017 M2 6MT

Ohlins R&T w/Ground Control camber plates set in stock setting
Front lowered about 3/4", rear 1/2" (iirc, but close enough)
Camber is -2.2 degrees front, -2.0 rear
Toe is 0 front, 1/32 rear
Alignment was done after Ohlins settled and with brand new MP4S

Setup is for 90% highway plus trips to the mountains for spirited driving and occasional track days.

The turn-in is unbelievably quick and precise, and the car feels more stable at higher speeds (130+) than it was stock. Feels less wobbly/shaky. You still feel high speeds in this car compared to, say an M6, but with a small wheelbase, nimble car that's to be expected.

I love this setup and the alignment really transformed the car. So did the Ohlins!

Did all of this right before a 2000 mile trip to North Carolina mountains (Tail of the Dragon area).

[jcarr343]

Thank you for the feedback. This is my first RWD performance car, so it may just take some getting used to. I will give it a little more time before jumping into a full coilover setup.

[Benef1cient]

Originally Posted by ddk632

There was a thread on this not too long ago:

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1&postcount=25

Is this 1/32 Rear Toe OUT or IN?

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by Benef1cient

Is this 1/32 Rear Toe OUT or IN?

Toe in aka positive toe.

You don't want toe out (negative toe) on an RWD car.

Here's a pretty good article about the various alignment measurements and how they affect the vehicle, including handling and tire wear. I found it a good read. I'm certainly no expert.

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/tiretec...e.jsp?techid=4

[dcmac]

If you do decide to go for coilovers, I am a plus one for Ohlins R&T. Got them a month ago and they are epic!

[mr_lab_rat]

Originally Posted by dcmac

If you do decide to go for coilovers, I am a plus one for Ohlins R&T. Got them a month ago and they are epic!

How much stiffer is the ride compare to stock?

[jcarr343]

How do the Ohlins compare to the M Performance kit? I would prefer to save about $1k and keep the factory warranty... Is the Ohlins setup that much better?

[dcmac]

Originally Posted by mr_lab_rat

How much stiffer is the ride compare to stock?

I'm at 17 clicks for daily driving and for me it now feels the same as stock when it comes to ride quality... with much better performance. Rear end feels more settled over road surface gaps and changes and there's less roll through corners.

When you stiffen it up for the track (5-7 clicks) it turns into an animal - go kart like.

I asked around about these vs the M perf, Bilsteins, etc... the race shops I spoke to all recommended Ohlins.

Hope that helps!

[mr_lab_rat]

Originally Posted by dcmac

I'm at 17 clicks for daily driving and for me it now feels the same as stock when it comes to ride quality... with much better performance. Rear end feels more settled over road surface gaps and changes and there's less roll through corners.

When you stiffen it up for the track (5-7 clicks) it turns into an animal - go kart like.

I asked around about these vs the M perf, Bilsteins, etc... the race shops I spoke to all recommended Ohlins.

Hope that helps!

That's perfect. The softest is 20 clicks, right? Are you on recommended default spring rates (90/190) or custom?

[dcmac]

Yes and yes (default springs)

[M2joey]

Originally Posted by jcarr343

How do the Ohlins compare to the M Performance kit? I would prefer to save about $1k and keep the factory warranty... Is the Ohlins setup that much better?

I had Ohlins R&T on my 335is, did around 30 track days with them on. They are great! They do require servicing after X number of track hours and or road miles.

Just installed the M Performance Coil overs, so far I am very happy with them. I still have yet to really dial them in and push them, I am sure they will be great as well. Buying the MPCs will increase the value of your car as they are a BMW part and include a BMW warranty. You will pretty much take a complete loss with the Ohlins unless you take them off the car and sell them separately, pretty much the biggest issue.

In my opinion, I feel the Ohlins might only be slightly better in the front under the most strenuous of track driving conditions / moments or racing. Most will never push the car that hard, and will certainly never push the car that hard on the street.

[eeyang92]

If you do get the M Perf. suspension, do be aware you generally need to have the dealership install it for them to honor the warranty.

https://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/5...NCE-COILOVERS:

*Most original BMW accessories that are installed on/in the vehicle prior to the delivery to the client will carry the full New Vehicle Limited Warranty. If the installation is made by a Dealer after the retail sale of the vehicle, the accessory will carry the remainder of the New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty period or the limited parts warranty for two years from the date of installation, whichever is greater. Warranty repairs do not constitute an extension of the original limited warranty period for the vehicle or any parts (including accessories) thereof. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from State to State.

I had my dealership install mine, and after about half a year they noticed the rear left shock was leaking during a regular service and fixed it without any trouble. And it's good to know it'll be covered until my new car warranty runs out, so it was definitely worth it to me despite the higher labor costs from the dealership. Other than that, I'm really liking the adjustability and it is much more confidence inspiring than the stock suspension.

If you do decide to order it, definitely look around these forums as several members have found sources with prices below MSRP - I believe I got mine for ~$2k w/ hardware included.

[AnthraciteOG]

Originally Posted by jcarr343

I just picked up a MY18 M2 and came from a Civic Type R. I have not been impressed with the high speed stability and cornering capabilities of the M2 compared to the Type R. It just feels soft and heavy. I don't plan to track the car, but may try it once or twice. Is it possible to fix the M2 handing shortcomings with a good coilover setup?

I have been looking at the M Performance kit, and most seem to like it. It is also hard to tell if they are being truly honest or just justifying their purchase.

I am not trying to troll on the M2. Just having a bit of buyers remorse giving up the Type R. It really is a great car for the money.

Thanks in advance for the guidance and feedback on this.

Just wanted to give u some feed back from my track experience vs a Civic Type R. I recently tracked at Laguna Seca with a black Type R. The car was completely stock except for the RE71R tires brake pads and wheels. My car at the time had PFC 11 pads as well and dinan lowering springs. But I was running on 6k mile old PSS tire. I manage to keep up and over take the CTR and he was right behind me for the entire time of the session. M2 definitely has body roll in quick or highspeed turns. But I can assure you by no means the M2 is slower than the Type R. Its really down to what kind of driving experience you like. Front engine RWD vs Front engine FWD.

[jcarr343]

I just ordered the MPS kit. Plan to install it in about a week. Hopefully that helps with the floaty feel and body roll.