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      01-25-2020, 11:02 PM   #1
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M2 vs M4, which rides better/quieter, is more fun? ?

Curious if anyone has owned both and has opinions either way?
Is the M2 profoundly more fun or just a bit?
Curious for some firsthand experience!
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      01-25-2020, 11:12 PM   #2
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For me anyway, the M2 is more fun because it is smaller and nimble and is more fun in turns. The M4 you can definitely feel the size and the weight and because of that is less fun. I can only imagine the feeling of the size and weight of the M8. If only they could put the M8 comp engine in a M2 chassis.
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      01-26-2020, 11:15 PM   #3
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I had a 2016 M3 that I picked up in Europe. Drove it for 2 years. Sold it because I drove my friend's M2 and was blown away! Then I bought an M2 as quick as I could!

The M2 feels far more lively, direct, connected to the road, nimble, and tossable. It is a lot more fun! Especially with a manual transmission.

M3/4's are great cars, but not quite as exhilarating, in my opinion.

You can be sure that the next generation M3/4 will be amazing, but for now, I'll take my M2.
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      01-27-2020, 12:06 AM   #4
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I had a OG M2 and while it did feel more nimble than my M3, it was not a night and day difference (check out the weight difference, it is not what you think).

The ride however was. The M2 ride on Chicago streets was punishing. My M3 is perfect.
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      01-27-2020, 02:09 AM   #5
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the m4 has adaptive suspension and longer wheel base so it'll be quieter and drive more comfortably. Everyone has there own definition of comfortable and stiff...just drive both and make up your own mind.
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      01-27-2020, 04:34 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TemjinX2 View Post
the m4 has adaptive suspension and longer wheel base so it'll be quieter and drive more comfortably. Everyone has there own definition of comfortable and stiff...just drive both and make up your own mind.
I agree, I driven both an M2 and non-CP M4 with Adaptive Suspension and the M4 feels way more comfortable and compliant when traveling over road undulations, which is a God-sent in the war-torn like roads, here in NYC.

The M2's suspension can feel jarring and crash-y over road imperfections, while the M4 just swallows them. It's not exactly Rolls Royce Phantom comfort levels but there is a discernible difference in compliance between the two vehicles.

Since, for the most part, the M2 shares the same suspension platform as the M4, I attributed the more comfortable ride feel to wider-track and Adaptive Suspension.

However, if your live in a state like Florida with glass-smooth roads, your perception comfort might differ, than those North-East, snow-belt states with roads that resembles the Gaza Strip.
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      01-27-2020, 08:28 AM   #7
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M2 will probably be more fun due to the size. Short wheelbase cars tend to be much more lively and responsive than longer wheelbase cars. That being said, it also means shorter wheelbase cars don't absorb bumps as well, so the ride will be harsher. Never driven an M4, but even with the overly stiff stock M2 suspension, it's far better than some other cars I've been in (GTR's specifically, they ride like butt).

M4 will most definitely be nicer inside, since the M2 is the "entry" M car. Better leather and interior materials, I'm sure the door panels are NOT 60% plastic (like the M2) and the dash isn't weird plasticy foam (like the M2), probably more sound deadening, etc. The M2 (in my opinion) does not have an interior to reflect the $60k price tag, but that's not why I bought the car. It's nice, just not $60k nice.
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      01-27-2020, 08:41 AM   #8
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I had an M4C and it was a pig!!!!
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      01-27-2020, 11:36 AM   #9
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M4 rides better. M2 is way more fun.
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      01-27-2020, 12:06 PM   #10
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I had a M3 prior. M2 is definitely more fun.
But there are perks about the M3 I miss.
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      01-27-2020, 02:30 PM   #11
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My fiancé has an ‘18 m4 and I was interested in an m2/3/4 as a daily. I went for the m2c from a mapped 335d.

My opinion is

The m4 you get a lot more for the money and after my X5m I miss hud and I like the carbon roof of the m3/4. The m2 is quite a low spec compared to a high spec m3/4 but I’m glad I made the choice I did.

The m2 is quieter and more compliant than the m4 even in comfort (it has 19’s) the tractability is so much better to as the m4 is just angry all the time in an I’m going to catch you by surprise way.

The road noise is less in the m2 and they both run ps4 tyres.
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      01-27-2020, 03:51 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DKM2 View Post
I had a M3 prior. M2 is definitely more fun.
But there are perks about the M3 I miss.
What perks? Like the tech and features?
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      01-27-2020, 03:56 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MCollection View Post
My fiancé has an ‘18 m4 and I was interested in an m2/3/4 as a daily. I went for the m2c from a mapped 335d.

The m2 is quieter and more compliant than the m4 even in comfort (it has 19’s) the tractability is so much better to as the m4 is just angry all the time in an I’m going to catch you by surprise way.

The road noise is less in the m2 and they both run ps4 tyres.
Interesting!

I dont mind the stiff ride of the M2 at all. What kills me is the excessive noise and rattles on bad downtown pavement or our many Miami drawbridges metal center section where it sounds like the M2 is about to rattle itself to pieces.

The highway noise (not engine) from tires, etc., is also rather terrible. I can't really make calls (sometimes have to dial in for work meetings on the road) as I cant hear people well unless I blast the audio. Also, when I speak, they all complain of the background noise.

I bought the M2 to replace my M235i and I LOVE the handling, engine, etc. But as an everyday driver, its beginning to seem less appealing and practical. Was thinking the M4 might offer me much of what I love about the M2, but a bit more refinement.

From your post, seems maybe not! I may be looking at a Supra now, as I've read those are much quieter and more refined yet just as fast on track in almost every review.
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      01-27-2020, 04:01 PM   #14
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Our local roads are pretty rough and neither are quiet road noise wise but the m2 I feel is quieter. I was driving today and passed a new z4, looked in the dealership when I collected the m2 and it looked ok but on the road it looked cracking! Close enough to the Toyota but the right badge maybe?
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      01-27-2020, 04:30 PM   #15
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In May 2016 I was part of a group Euro Delivery with 10 M2s, 2 M3s, and 2 M4s, including my M4 with DCT. As part of this trip we had a track day at Nurburgring Nordschleife, Circuit Park Zandvoort, and Spa Francorchamps. The cars were fresh from Euro Delivery and completely stock, but all cars had put in the required 1200 miles before they were all serviced in Stuttgart prior to arriving at Nurburgring.

At Spa I had the opportunity to run closely with one of the M2s with a 6MT. I could easily catch her and pass on the straights. If she was in front, she would pull away in the corners, if I was in front, she would be on my ass all through the corners, but again, I would pull away on the straights. We did this, back and forth, sometimes leading and sometimes following for several laps.

That was before the M4 Competition Package and now of course, the M2 Competition Package. So it kind of depends exactly which M4 model and which M2 model you're comparing. And it also depends on the driver's skill.

I've driven an M2 on numerous occasions. It is nimble and handles well. That said, for most driving, I like the much better interior, the exterior styling, and the tech goodies in my M4.
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      01-28-2020, 12:48 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
I agree, I driven both an M2 and non-CP M4 with Adaptive Suspension and the M4 feels way more comfortable and compliant when traveling over road undulations, which is a God-sent in the war-torn like roads, here in NYC.

The M2's suspension can feel jarring and crash-y over road imperfections, while the M4 just swallows them. It's not exactly Rolls Royce Phantom comfort levels but there is a discernible difference in compliance between the two vehicles.

Since, for the most part, the M2 shares the same suspension platform as the M4, I attributed the more comfortable ride feel to wider-track and Adaptive Suspension.

However, if your live in a state like Florida with glass-smooth roads, your perception comfort might differ, than those North-East, snow-belt states with roads that resembles the Gaza Strip.

i think the m2 is stiff because they underdampened the shocks. I think they just moved over the stock m4 shocks and not took into account the shorter wheel base of the m2. i had way stiffer coil overs on my 335i and it rode smoother then my stock m2.

The m2 was designed more to be a bare bones M car...so you get the driving experience. The m4 is designed more with performance and comfort in mind.

I would say you get more value with a CPO m4 versus a cpo m2 but the problem is i think the M4 is ugly lol.
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      01-28-2020, 01:06 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TemjinX2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
I agree, I driven both an M2 and non-CP M4 with Adaptive Suspension and the M4 feels way more comfortable and compliant when traveling over road undulations, which is a God-sent in the war-torn like roads, here in NYC.

The M2's suspension can feel jarring and crash-y over road imperfections, while the M4 just swallows them. It's not exactly Rolls Royce Phantom comfort levels but there is a discernible difference in compliance between the two vehicles.

Since, for the most part, the M2 shares the same suspension platform as the M4, I attributed the more comfortable ride feel to wider-track and Adaptive Suspension.

However, if your live in a state like Florida with glass-smooth roads, your perception comfort might differ, than those North-East, snow-belt states with roads that resembles the Gaza Strip.

i think the m2 is stiff because they underdampened the shocks. I think they just moved over the stock m4 shocks and not took into account the shorter wheel base of the m2. i had way stiffer coil overs on my 335i and it rode smoother then my stock m2.

The m2 was designed more to be a bare bones M car...so you get the driving experience. The m4 is designed more with performance and comfort in mind.

I would say you get more value with a CPO m4 versus a cpo m2 but the problem is i think the M4 is ugly lol.
I beg to differ..

I know this might sound like blasphemy to say this in the M2 section but If it wasn't for the larger dimensions, I would, hands down, take an M4 over an M2. Which I guess is the point of different intervals in the model lineup.

I just love how the M4 looks, from the upscale red leather, carbon fiber roof, Adaptive Suspension, wet carbon fiber interior, more comfortable ride, ect.

The thing is, my driveway is too narrow to accommodate the M4 chassis, so I had to forgo that option, simple because of a lack of real estate. The M2 just fits more appropriately, so it was the more logical choice.

Sounds weird right but for reference, this is photo of my garage juxtaposed between a 3, 4, & 5 series..

I love it but it's just to too big.. That's what she said.
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      01-28-2020, 01:33 AM   #18
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Quote:
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I beg to differ..

I know this might sound like blasphemy to say this in the M2 section but If it wasn't for the larger dimensions, I would, hands down, take an M4 over an M2. Which I guess is the point of different intervals in the model lineup.

I just love how the M4 looks, from the upscale red leather, carbon fiber roof, Adaptive Suspension, wet carbon fiber interior, more comfortable ride, ect.

The thing is, my driveway is too narrow to accommodate the M4 chassis, so I had to forgo that option, simple because of a lack of real estate. The M2 just fits more appropriately, so it was the more logical choice.

Sounds weird right but for reference, this is photo of my garage juxtaposed between an 3, 4, & 5 series..

I love it but it's just to too big.. That's what she said.
your solution then is to buy a bigger house so you can get a M4..:
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      01-28-2020, 01:38 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TemjinX2 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
I love it but it's just to too big.. That's what she said.
your solution then is to buy a bigger house so you can get a M4..:
I wish I was that vain..

Nah, I'll stick it out, it's not that serious.. I mostly take Uber and public transposition here anyways..

I just hope that my next car, the G87 M2, doesn't gain much larger love handles because then I'll have not choice but crawl out the sunroof, to be able to enter/exit
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      01-29-2020, 09:46 AM   #20
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OP the M2c and OG M2 differ as far as comfortability is concerned. OG M2 crashed a lot more over potholes and cracks in the road.

My M2c is not much different than my M3. Both lowered on eibachs and ran 19s.

M3/M4 with 20s do ride a lot stiffer. Also tire brand matters.
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      01-29-2020, 07:36 PM   #21
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Just traded my M3 Comp for M2C. I test drove M2C and it was a no brainer for me. I track my cars and the M2 is way more fun to drive and just as quick. Don't miss all the tech in the M3 one bit. I do miss the ride a bit, the M3 comp was super stiff with 20's all around but once I switched to the CS wheels 19f/20r and upgraded to PS4s it totally made the ride more compliant and comfortable.
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      01-29-2020, 08:14 PM   #22
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Just traded my M3 Comp for M2C. I test drove M2C and it was a no brainer for me. I track my cars and the M2 is way more fun to drive and just as quick. Don't miss all the tech in the M3 one bit. I do miss the ride a bit, the M3 comp was super stiff with 20's all around but once I switched to the CS wheels 19f/20r and upgraded to PS4s it totally made the ride more compliant and comfortable.
Did you trade in an Imola Red m3?

The only thing that bothers me about the M2c is the lack of color and interior leather options. Oh the small gas tank as well.
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