[cleanflow]

I know this topic has been beat to death, but I'm looking at buying my first M car. The smaller wheelbase of the M2 really appeals to me. The question is, should I go for the N55 or S55.

I won't be tracking the car, perhaps an odd auto cross day here and there. But primarily this car will be used for ride around town. Sound is important to me, but I don't like overdone burbles.

What would you choose if you were in my shoes?

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by cleanflow

I know this topic has been beat to death, but I'm looking at buying my first M car. The smaller wheelbase of the M2 really appeals to me. The question is, should I go for the N55 or S55.

I won't be tracking the car, perhaps an odd auto cross day here and there. But primarily this car will be used for ride around town. Sound is important to me, but I don't like overdone burbles.

What would you choose if you were in my shoes?

The N55 is the engine that has the most audible character out of the two

The S55 unfortunately farts like an Elephant 💨

I could've purchased either M2

I chose the OG M2

[jzcrna]

Originally Posted by cleanflow

I know this topic has been beat to death, but I'm looking at buying my first M car. The smaller wheelbase of the M2 really appeals to me. The question is, should I go for the N55 or S55.

I won't be tracking the car, perhaps an odd auto cross day here and there. But primarily this car will be used for ride around town. Sound is important to me, but I don't like overdone burbles.

What would you choose if you were in my shoes?

I just bought the S55. It sounds pretty good, but you only hear real pronounced burbles in Sport Plus mode. I think the N55 is great. However, I think I would have had regret not getting the S55 knowing it is derived from the other M cars. Not that there is anything at all wrong with the N55. I could probably be just S happy from a driving standpoint.

[Boiler340]

It's unanimous the N55 sounds better than the S55. If you're making the choice based solely on that, there you go.

Not to say you can't make the S55 sound great, but are you willing to spend the difference for a "get around town" ride.

If price is of no concern, S55 with mods. If it is of concern, N55.

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by cleanflow

I know this topic has been beat to death, but I'm looking at buying my first M car. The smaller wheelbase of the M2 really appeals to me. The question is, should I go for the N55 or S55.

I won't be tracking the car, perhaps an odd auto cross day here and there. But primarily this car will be used for ride around town. Sound is important to me, but I don't like overdone burbles.

What would you choose if you were in my shoes?

I was in your shoes, and bought a 2018 LCI. I have a LOT of car friends, and have been asked why I bought the OG instead of the Comp ad nauseam, so I made a little doc that I could just copy paste. It'll allow you to see the differences pretty clearly and make your own judgement.

For me personally it was the sound of the S55 that was the deal-breaker, it's that bad. You'll read/hear that it can be fixed, but it can't, most guys just make it louder to cover up the sound. You can make it sound better at a rev for sure, but who sits around revving their car? Also, I prefer the classic front end, but wouldn't kick the Comp bumper out of bed.


OG M2 vs M2C

OG M2 Positives (that are either absolute, or most would agree on):
- 121 lbs lighter
- Sounds significantly better
- Visually more pleasing muffler section
- Less expensive MSRP ($5,400), and less expensive to buy used
- N55 makes more torque down low, and feels like it has more grunt in normal driving
- Significantly less chance of a crank hub failure
- 437M wheels are lighter and more preferred over the 788M wheels
- Blue brakes can support 18” wheels
- No scoring issues with 19” wheels because no 2NH option
- Can fit slightly wider front tires without modification
- Easier to change brake pads on
- Many report that the seats in the OG are more comfortable, if not as good looking as the Comp seats.
- Unlocked DME (no issues with tuning/flashing)

M2C Positives (that are either absolute, or most would agree on):
- +40 hp and +63 torque
- 2NH brake package is superior for tracked cars
- Significantly better cooling for tracked cars
- 25% bespoke parts compared to the N55 (including a closed deck and forged pistons), all geared towards competition
- Slightly updated VANOS system
- Larger front air intakes (to also help with cooling tracked cars)
- Significantly superior power when modified
- More advanced water to air IC
- Visually more preferred seats, and seatbelts
- M1/M2 buttons/settings
- Front parking sensors added
- Visually more pleasing exhaust tips
- Better and more appealing side mirrors
- Carbon fiber strut tower brace
- Steering, diff, and TC software upgrades (available on OG M2 as well)


The M2C’s front end styling is personal preference, as some prefer the older, more classic BMW look of the OG front grill, and some prefer the newer look. Sunset Orange and Hockenheim Silver available exclusively on the M2C, and Mineral Grey is not available on the M2C. Blackline tail-lights are preferred by some.

[AlpsRider]

That was a fair comparison.

[k_mann]

I went OG for a few reasons. I plan to daily/track the car so the ability for 18's, easy pad changes, and ability to run schroth quick fit was big. The interiors feel the same when you're sitting inside (unless you get orange in the comp of course.) I liked the way the OG felt on street too, the way the m2's n55 is set up is awesome. I just made sure to get an LCI og as I like the newer gauge style and headlights

[Moloc]

Got the OG for all the above reasons. Tbh it was mainly the sound, looks, and heard that the suspension is a little softer (we don't always have the best roads around here). That and it can fit 18s, but that wasn't a deal breaker.

[RugbyBro]

N55 is a better value right now and probably fits your use case best. If I ever picked up a M2, it would be N55 but I already have S55 so I wouldn't be missing out on anything.

[///MPhatic]

An important note about the exhaust is that many OG owners, including myself, don't feel the need to buy a full exhaust after the purchase of either a catted or catless downpipe and a set of tips. This is great news when you consider the most popular exhausts for this car are $2900 to $3500 (MPS and Remus). A catted downpipe alone increases power, and gives 30% more volume and at least that much more sound artifacts (pops/bangs/burbles).

The other thing I really like about the OG's blue brakes is that if you don't track your car you can get the fantastic Akebono brake pads, which have vastly less dust, no noise, and will make your rotors last 2-3 times longer. The CarboTech ceramic street pads for the Comp's 2NH aren't nearly as good.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

An important note about the exhaust is that many OG owners, including myself, don't feel the need to buy a full exhaust after the purchase of either a catted or catless downpipe and a set of tips. This is great news when you consider the most popular exhausts for this car are $2900 to $3500 (MPS and Remus). A catted downpipe alone increases power, and gives 30% more volume and at least that much more sound artifacts (pops/bangs/burbles).

The other thing I really like about the OG's blue brakes is that if you don't track your car you can get the fantastic Akebono brake pads, which have vastly less dust, no noise, and will make your rotors last 2-3 times longer. The CarboTech ceramic street pads for the Comp's 2NH aren't nearly as good.

Agreed

I'm rocking a stock exhaust system, combined with a Fabspeed euro 6 compliant (catted) Down Pipe

My OG sounds amazing with it installed, and the tips finish it all off perfectly

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by ///M TOWN

Agreed

I'm rocking a stock exhaust system, combined with a Fabspeed euro 6 compliant (catted) Down Pipe

My OG sounds amazing with it installed, and the tips finish it all off perfectly

Same here. Tame when I want it to be, and aggressive when I want that. Also beautifully finished with some 102mm black chrome angled tips.

AWE Switchpath by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

Same here. Tame when I want it to be, and aggressive when I want that. Also beautifully finished with some 102mm black chrome angled tips.

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...23b96d39_k.jpg[/img]AWE Switchpath by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

Yeah those tips look money

[DanG]

Originally Posted by ///M TOWN

Agreed

I'm rocking a stock exhaust system, combined with a Fabspeed euro 6 compliant (catted) Down Pipe

My OG sounds amazing with it installed, and the tips finish it all off perfectly

I am happy with my M Performance exhaust and carbon tips. They were port installed and don’t change the factory emissions.

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by DanG

I am happy with my M Performance exhaust and carbon tips. They were port installed and don’t change the factory emissions.

I almost went this route, but I got a barely used Fabspeed sport cat for $800 shipped, which was a lot less than $2500 for the exhaust. To be fair, I did spend $400 on the tips, so I have $1200 in the combo, and create more emissions, but I rarely drive the car, so it works for me. And the sound is really fantastic.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

I almost went this route, but I got a barely used Fabspeed sport cat for $800 shipped, which was a lot less than $2500 for the exhaust. To be fair, I did spend $400 on the tips, so I have $1200 in the combo, and create more emissions, but I rarely drive the car, so it works for me. And the sound is really fantastic.

And both of our catted down pipes will effectively pass a sniff test

[cleanflow]

Originally Posted by ///M TOWN

Agreed

I'm rocking a stock exhaust system, combined with a Fabspeed euro 6 compliant (catted) Down Pipe

My OG sounds amazing with it installed, and the tips finish it all off perfectly

This is a legit setup, looks so good!

[cleanflow]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

Same here. Tame when I want it to be, and aggressive when I want that. Also beautifully finished with some 102mm black chrome angled tips.

AWE Switchpath by Andrew Thompson, on Flickr

Wow these exhaust tips look like perfection. Great pic!

[Bruuuce]

I have had both... Still have the C

Buy the best example you can afford. Can't go wrong.

Opinion wise, I do think the C will be a car that holds it value better in the long run. But I am not all that great at picking stocks... So finical advise is not really my thing.

[///MPhatic]

Originally Posted by Bruuuce

Opinion wise, I do think the C will be a car that holds it value better in the long run.

I think we can all agree on that one. History unfailingly has a way of forgetting the details, so when people look back for an M car they are going to want the one with more power, bigger brakes, prettier seats, and the S code.

[Bruuuce]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

I think we can all agree on that one. History unfailingly has a way of forgetting the details, so when people look back for an M car they are going to want the one with more power, bigger brakes, prettier seats, and the S code.

glad someone agrees!!!

If you look at the MCoupe OG, MCoupe 01, and the ZCoupe. the 01 with the "better engine" is the one worth more in the current market.

[Al Bundy's Dodge]

Originally Posted by ///MPhatic

I was in your shoes, and bought a 2018 LCI. I have a LOT of car friends, and have been asked why I bought the OG instead of the Comp ad nauseam, so I made a little doc that I could just copy paste. It'll allow you to see the differences pretty clearly and make your own judgement.

For me personally it was the sound of the S55 that was the deal-breaker, it's that bad. You'll read/hear that it can be fixed, but it can't, most guys just make it louder to cover up the sound. You can make it sound better at a rev for sure, but who sits around revving their car? Also, I prefer the classic front end, but wouldn't kick the Comp bumper out of bed.


OG M2 vs M2C

OG M2 Positives (that are either absolute, or most would agree on):
- 121 lbs lighter
- Sounds significantly better
- Visually more pleasing muffler section
- Less expensive MSRP ($5,400), and less expensive to buy used
- N55 makes more torque down low, and feels like it has more grunt in normal driving
- Significantly less chance of a crank hub failure
- 437M wheels are lighter and more preferred over the 788M wheels
- Blue brakes can support 18" wheels
- No scoring issues with 19" wheels because no 2NH option
- Can fit slightly wider front tires without modification
- Easier to change brake pads on
- Many report that the seats in the OG are more comfortable, if not as good looking as the Comp seats.
- Unlocked DME (no issues with tuning/flashing)

M2C Positives (that are either absolute, or most would agree on):
- +40 hp and +63 torque
- 2NH brake package is superior for tracked cars
- Significantly better cooling for tracked cars
- 25% bespoke parts compared to the N55 (including a closed deck and forged pistons), all geared towards competition
- Slightly updated VANOS system
- Larger front air intakes (to also help with cooling tracked cars)
- Significantly superior power when modified
- More advanced water to air IC
- Visually more preferred seats, and seatbelts
- M1/M2 buttons/settings
- Front parking sensors added
- Visually more pleasing exhaust tips
- Better and more appealing side mirrors
- Carbon fiber strut tower brace
- Steering, diff, and TC software upgrades (available on OG M2 as well)


The M2C's front end styling is personal preference, as some prefer the older, more classic BMW look of the OG front grill, and some prefer the newer look. Sunset Orange and Hockenheim Silver available exclusively on the M2C, and Mineral Grey is not available on the M2C. Blackline tail-lights are preferred by some.

This post should be stickied at the top of the F87 board for all to see and reference. Bravo.