[BruceM]

It's not going to happen, but if I stay with a back seat, probably the M3 CP, if I could learn to accept those wheels. If I give up the back seat, probably a heavily tweaked Cayman S.

[dmboone25]

This is a great poll.

I think the results are interesting - people are really all over the map on what alternatives could work - the fact that there's 10% of the voting population picking a 235 really surprises me.

[neckthrough]

Also interesting is the fact that by far the strongest alternative (34% so far) is Porsche. That calls into question BMW marketing's positioning of this car as an "entry-level M", at least within the limited demographics of this forum.

Having said that, the sample set is admittedly too small to draw any real statistical conclusions. Hey, but we're allowed to have some fun :-).

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by neckthrough

Also interesting is the fact that by far the strongest alternative (34% so far) is Porsche. That calls into question BMW marketing's positioning of this car as an "entry-level M", at least within the limited demographics of this forum.

Having said that, the sample set is admittedly too small to draw any real statistical conclusions. Hey, but we're allowed to have some fun :-).

That's a great point - I think many of the advantages of the M2 (small, RWD, coupe, sporty) are shared by the 981/718, albeit at a different pricing point by the time you're said and done.

But the M2 doesn't really have a true competitor from the traditional rivals - the CLA AMG and RS3 are hatches, not coupes and aren't RWD. That should be the area of focus for BMW - to distinguish the car and make it the most attractive entry point into M, AMG, or the Audi R cars.

The problem with Porsches is that everything is an ala-carte add on - there's not many packages where they give you a break on the overall cost associated with those choices. My 981CS started at 64, but ended up considerably higher than that. I think Porsche is one of the most profitable car manufacturers out there, and this has to be a big reason why. Makes it harder to penetrate that as a younger buyer, but they don't seem to care. Just part of the beast I guess.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by ConR

RS3

+1 have a deposit down already

[Nine Lives]

I'm # 1 on the list however,if something happened or for whatever reason I couldn't get hold of an M2 then it would be the new Audi TTRS (as I've just come from the mk2 version) when it comes out.I really only need two seats anyhow, but like 2 doors.
Might even swap for the Audi in due course if the price and the power and performance are right

[epinfren]

The new targa style hardtop ND Miata that Mazda will be debuting at the NYC auto show in two weeks. That and a 993.

[csbear]

Haha! Love it...

Only 1 vote for Mercedes (think that's me, but I voted multiple picks). The Focus got more votes. Yes, a great driver's car, but just sayin'.

If MBWorld held a similar post just before the CLA45 was released: "What will you buy if the CLA45 is not available?" There would probably be only one vote for BMW.

Ahhhh, the love between BMW fans and MB fans...

[Teeguzi]

the M2 is supposed to be my path to the dark side. So far the lack of info from BMW about the cars availability, my dealer hinting at a major "Market Adjustment" and the looming change of the maintenance plan has me looking at the S5 and a local Cayman Black.

[Rogue_fxdl]

Thinkin about checking out the spring launch of the 440I with the new engine that's putting out 320 hp in the M sport style. I don't know to much about it though but I'm 3rd on list for a M2 and ordered it last week. If a problem comes up, will go to plan B. BMW is dropping the 4 yr full maint. program next year and would like to keep that benefit on on a new car.

[flyaway]

Originally Posted by csbear

Haha! Love it...

Only 1 vote for Mercedes (think that's me, but I voted multiple picks). The Focus got more votes. Yes, a great driver's car, but just sayin'.

If MBWorld held a similar post just before the CLA45 was released: "What will you buy if the CLA45 is not available?" There would probably be only one vote for BMW.

Ahhhh, the love between BMW fans and MB fans...

I would say the explanation is much simpler (and some/most of the BMW true enthusiasts are more open minded that you might think) : there is no manual in the MB performance range, period. And yes, some of us are just looking for a great driver's car

[JTO24]

I have an f80 now but it's never to early to start planning the next car the M2 is a consideration for sure but I also need to scratch this Porsche itch; so I'll also be looking at CPO Cayman S/GTS (GT4 if they ever depreciate or I can get an allocation for new), CPO 911 C2S or see how the new turbo 6 991.2 base feels. Will also consider another M3/M4 with ZCP and 6spd.

[M2BSM17]

Originally Posted by Benzima

A used 997.2 Porsche 6MT (S or GTS). Not interested in the AWD system.

Same for me.

[csbear]

Originally Posted by flyaway

I would say the explanation is much simpler (and some/most of the BMW true enthusiasts are more open minded that you might think) : there is no manual in the MB performance range, period. And yes, some of us are just looking for a great driver's car

True! Good point about the manual...

[ConR]

I'm super keen on the M2, but for a global corporation who has been around for a long time, and done hundreds of product launches, they could have done a far better job at getting info out globally.

For e.g., the UK has had information on M Performance pricing for over a month. Australia still doesn't know a single thing. And it gets VERY frustrating trying to find out info down here.

BMW, spread your info out globally to all countries at the same time please!

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

This is a great poll.

I think the results are interesting - people are really all over the map on what alternatives could work - the fact that there's 10% of the voting population picking a 235 really surprises me.

You feel 10 percent is low or too high?


There's tons of M235 types out there. Most want M2 styling but still prefer a comfortable commuter more than they want a track car/twisty back road machine.

While this forum is limited, I think the key marketing take home is that around 54 percent of people that can't get the BMW they want are still purchasing another BMW.

That's strong!

Indeed 33 percent of the remaining amount indicate they would go buy a Porsche but then there still is that Porsche sticker shock ..

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

You feel 10 percent is low or too high?


There's tons of M235 types out there. Most want M2 styling but still prefer a comfortable commuter more than they want a track car/twisty back road machine.

While this forum is limited, I think the key marketing take home is that around 54 percent of people that can't get the BMW they want are still purchasing another BMW.

That's strong!

Indeed 33 percent of the remaining amount indicate they would go buy a Porsche but then there still is that Porsche sticker shock ..

It seemed high to me - but you're right, there does seem to be a lot of brand loyalty on the forum.

I had 5 straight Bimmers prior to giving the P car a shot - and if they make an M2 CS/CSL....

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

It seemed high to me - but you're right, there does seem to be a lot of brand loyalty on the forum.

I had 5 straight Bimmers prior to giving the P car a shot - and if they make an M2 CS/CSL....

BMW and Porsche owners really are closer to each other than the other German options.

MB no manuals at all - comfy - plush-

Audi- close but just not ...that close


Seems like a lot of single individuals bounce between BMW and Porsche and many couples/families own both in their household.

[W///]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

BMW and Porsche owners really are closer to each other than the other German options.

MB no manuals at all - comfy - plush-

Audi- close but just not ...that close


Seems like a lot of single individuals bounce between BMW and Porsche and many couples/families own both in their household.

Porsche would easily be the car I go with if I could afford one. It's always been a bucket list of mine to own a 911.

I'm just not at a stage of my life I can afford the one I want yet. These M cars are just a better value proposition for now. I built a base 911 with just a handful of options and it ended up being a $99k car

[Wr3ks]

I went this weekend and spied a few different cars in my area.

Top to bottom of the list if the M2 falls through

M3 SS/SS interior 6spd
M235i MG/CR interior 6spd
S4 Sepang blue auto
S3 Sepang blue auto

[Bluenose-2er]

I would likely keep my 135i for an extra 1/2 year while I did a reset and decided what else I wanted for Spring 2017 delivery. I am actually patient and will wait for my M2 until then - if that is what it takes - but only if they do not piss me off in how it is handled. Worst case they really alienate me on how it plays out and I leave the brand.

If I left BMW, not sure if there is anything out there that is a match for an M car with a 6MT. If I was into DCT I could go for an AMG or RS3, but that is not my thing. Porsche doesn't really have any 4 seaters in the same price range. Not sure I trust Volkswagen enough yet to go for the R, or R400 (possible) - but a hot hatch isn't what I want either!

Do they still make the TT RS?

[G8rGrl]

Originally Posted by Bluenose-1er

I would likely keep my 135i for an extra 1/2 year while I did a reset and decided what else I wanted for Spring 2017 delivery. I am actually patient and will wait for my M2 until then - if that is what it takes - but only if they do not piss me off in how it is handled. Worst case they really alienate me on how it plays out and I leave the brand.

If I left BMW, not sure if there is anything out there that is a match for an M car with a 6MT. If I was into DCT I could go for an AMG or RS3, but that is not my thing. Porsche doesn't really have any 4 seaters in the same price range. Not sure I trust Volkswagen enough yet to go for the R, or R400 (possible) - but a hot hatch isn't what I want either!

Do they still make the TT RS?

TT RS is coming to the U.S. this year.