[KevinM]

Hey guys,

Just placed an order for a 2020 M2C; HS, MT, Executive package. I had initially wanted an M2 when I had an opportune time to do ED in 2016. At the time, there were no allocations available, so I ordered an M3. I like the car a lot, but it is the same size as my E39 M5, and I was looking for a smaller DD after really enjoying some extended time in a 1M. I was going to keep the M3, but a local dealer offered me a M2C build so I went for it. I'm a little pensive about it, as I have heard some bang on about the lower quality of the M2 interior, etc. But, I loved the 1M and I'm not looking for luxury, just fun. I do love the color combination of my M3 (MG and Golden Brown leather) and really wish there were some more choice for the M2C. Oh well.

Anyway, assuming I don't back out and keep the M3 , looking forward to joining the group. I've been searching for how much of an issue rock chips are on the rear fender despite the OE PPF there. For the F80 M3, it was mandatory to replace the OE piece with a much larger piece of PPF to avoid chips, but this does not seem to be an issue for the F82 M4. I don't see a firm consensus on the M2 board, so if anyone has personal experience, let me know!

[Tag]

Many also replace the rear OEM PPF with a larger piece, some do the entire quarter panel. The other prone area from tires kicking up stones are the rocker panels.

Welcome to F87, by far the best forum on bimmerpost! Something about this particular forum that's awesome. Very little infighting, seasoned members, lots of informative threads, sometimes we tell jokes, other times we tell "cool stories bro" and lots of active members that are here for the love of cars. You'll also find there is no shortage of members offering to help, just ask! Ohh, and of course the best Mod in all of bimmerpost, Artemis. He's like Neo from the Matrix when it comes to the M2/c. He sees everything in BMW digital code. Right now you probably are thinking, no way, no F'n way. Way.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Tag

Welcome to F87, by far the best forum on bimmerpost! Something about this particular forum that's awesome. Very little infighting, seasoned members, lots of informative threads, sometimes we tell jokes, other times we tell "cool stories bro" and lots of active members that are here for the love of cars. You'll also find there is no shortage of members offering to help, just ask! Ohh, and of course the best Mod in all of bimmerpost, Artemis. He's like Neo from the Matrix when it comes to the M2/c. He sees everything in BMW digital code. Right now you probably are thinking, no way, no F'n way. Way.

"M2 CS ? I'm going to learn M2 CS ?"

[CSBM5]

Congrats Kevin! I think you'll love the driving experience with the M2C.

Our M2C has seen about 3k highway miles in its 5k total so far, and I recently noticed a chip just above (about 2" above) the top edge of the factory protection on the rear fender...

[devo]

Congrats and nice spec

Some help here:
https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1595133

[twintiga]

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the interior. Not a huge step down from the m3/4.

Compared to the new 5 series etc yes of course but perfectly suitable for what it is.

[allthatisntnow]

The only way the M3/4 interior is any better is the quality of the leather and the extended leather on the dash (if you option it - might be standard in the US?). Other than that the switchgear materials are identical. Steering wheel - identical. Gearshifter - identical. Gauge cluster is bigger in the M4, but i genuinely don't get it when people say the interior is better quality. It's just a slightly different design.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by allthatisntnow

The only way the M3/4 interior is any better is the quality of the leather and the extended leather on the dash (if you option it - might be standard in the US?). Other than that the switchgear materials are identical. Steering wheel - identical. Gearshifter - identical. Gauge cluster is bigger in the M4, but i genuinely don't get it when people say the interior is better quality. It's just a slightly different design.

The dashboard and door card plastics seemed different to me, and the dry carbon trim feels cheap even if it isn't. It's a noticeable difference. The 2 gauge cluster in the M2 also seems cheap in comparison. There is a significant difference, in my opinion, especially if you have extended leather. Not a good reason to buy one over the other, though.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by twintiga

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the interior. Not a huge step down from the m3/4.

Compared to the new 5 series etc yes of course but perfectly suitable for what it is.

Yeah, but that's not saying much for the M3/M4. I think the M2 interior is barely better than VW GTI grade. Interior is probably one of the weakest points of the current 2 and previous 3/4 series cars.

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

Congrats Kevin! I think you'll love the driving experience with the M2C.

Our M2C has seen about 3k highway miles in its 5k total so far, and I recently noticed a chip just above (about 2" above) the top edge of the factory protection on the rear fender...

The first chip is always the worst. My dealer sent me a picture of the rear arch PPF and I am actually surprised about how big it is. I know that the M3 piece was limited in by the rear door, but the OE piece on that car is so small as to be a joke.

Originally Posted by chris719

Yeah, but that's not saying much for the M3/M4. I think the M2 interior is barely better than VW GTI grade. Interior is probably one of the weakest points of the current 2 and previous 3/4 series cars.

Hmm...well, I guess I'll see. I will say that when I want luxury, I take my M5. No car I've had has ever measured up in that measure. Leather is on virtually every surface, and the leather is so much more supple than that in my F80 or Z4M coupe.

[CSBM5]

Re interior, I rarely focus much on the interior of a car, so I guess I have some filter/bias in that regard. It's just not much of an issue with me until utility and form following function are degraded. I've seen many so-called "fantastic" interiors in other's opinions that doesn't pass the basic ergonomic needs I require. The M2C passes those ergonomic filters for me, and the seating position, steering wheel adjustment ability, and shifter location are excellent.

My biggest complaint about the "interior" falls into function. I want a dedicated oil temperature gauge (not one that takes away digital speed when I serially scroll through the stalk presses to get to it...). I want to be able to see my digital speed and the odometer at the same time. Finally I want to be able to code the digital speed as "real" as opposed to the EU mandated 5kph fixed offset higher than real speed (3.1mph fixed higher reading). I coded all my E9x cars for real digital speed display, but the M2C will not accept a US spec car being coded as such (as far as I've found so far -- other later than E9x model BMWs exhibit this issue too).

Oh, two other interior complaints are the lack of a grab handle above the door, and the extreme forward placement of the interior door handle -- both are ergonomic misses of importance.

[bri1042]

The one bit of cheap that annoys me: The paper-thin sun visors.

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

Re interior, I rarely focus much on the interior of a car, so I guess I have some filter/bias in that regard. It's just not much of an issue with me until utility and form following function are degraded. I've seen many so-called "fantastic" interiors in other's opinions that doesn't pass the basic ergonomic needs I require. The M2C passes those ergonomic filters for me, and the seating position, steering wheel adjustment ability, and shifter location are excellent.

My biggest complaint about the "interior" falls into function. I want a dedicated oil temperature gauge (not one that takes away digital speed when I serially scroll through the stalk presses to get to it...). I want to be able to see my digital speed and the odometer at the same time. Finally I want to be able to code the digital speed as "real" as opposed to the EU mandated 5kph fixed offset higher than real speed (3.1mph fixed higher reading). I coded all my E9x cars for real digital speed display, but the M2C will not accept a US spec car being coded as such (as far as I've found so far -- other later than E9x model BMWs exhibit this issue too).

Oh, two other interior complaints are the lack of a grab handle above the door, and the extreme forward placement of the interior door handle -- both are ergonomic misses of importance.

I forgot about the lack of a dedicated oil temp gauge on the M2. Is there an aftermarket solution that you are aware of?

I had no idea the speed was officially underestimated on BMWs!

[infinitekidM2C]

Originally Posted by bri1042

The one bit of cheap that annoys me: The paper-thin sun visors.

Oh you mean how narrow they are? The ones on my wife's crosstrek are huge. Like if i put them down all the way i can barely see half the road and cant see the stoplight. And i'm a small guy.

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by KevinM

I forgot about the lack of a dedicated oil temp gauge on the M2. Is there an aftermarket solution that you are aware of?

I had no idea the speed was officially underestimated on BMWs!

I've not looked into an aftermarket gauge. I usually click the stalk a few times (think it's three pushes from the digital speedo display) while the car is warming up to follow things. You get a horizontal bar display of oil temperature. From there, it's 4 or 5 presses to get back to the digital speedo display.

Yeah, BMW (and other makers afaik) speedometers have a static offset of 5 kph/3.1 mph. On earlier cars (like my E9x ones), you can code the digital display to real speed, but the analog dial still displays the displaced value. Now when you set the cruise control on say 80mph, the digital display will settle out at 77mph. I've checked the E91 and the M3 vs a GPS speed app, and they are spot on now.

Check your F80 vs a GPS app; you should find it's showing 3mph faster than GPS speed.
I've not coded with BMW s/w...only Carly. Carly shows the option to code the analog speedo to eliminate the offset, but it says that option isn't available in North America. Similarly in the M2C, it shows the option for real speed on both the digital and analog displays, but it also says that isn't available.

[KevinM]

I found this gauge: http://awron.com/index.php/f87-m2-f87dga

In the US, it retails for a bit over $1300. Given I live in Arizona, I really don't want to plug a full A/C vent with this. I guess I'll be clicking through the menu...

[bri1042]

Originally Posted by infinitekidM2C

Oh you mean how narrow they are? The ones on my wife's crosstrek are huge. Like if i put them down all the way i can barely see half the road and cant see the stoplight. And i'm a small guy.

No, they feel really thin and out of place, like they should be on a 15k Mitsubishi.

[Bobdaxx]

Congrats on the m2c

you need to be aware of the small gas tank and Im sure you are aware of no HUD. I wish these M2s had HUDs

You will love the size of the car thou!!

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by KevinM

I found this gauge: http://awron.com/index.php/f87-m2-f87dga
In the US, it retails for a bit over $1300. Given I live in Arizona, I really don't want to plug a full A/C vent with this. I guess I'll be clicking through the menu...

Also consider the P3 gauge. It's more discreet and 'basic' than the Awron + you don't lose a complete middle air vent. Just the upper part of the left side air vent. Readings: the very essence of figures displayed. Speed reading runs out of breath above 266 km/h (165mph), though.

See this post.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

I've not looked into an aftermarket gauge. I usually click the stalk a few times (think it's three pushes from the digital speedo display) while the car is warming up to follow things. You get a horizontal bar display of oil temperature. From there, it's 4 or 5 presses to get back to the digital speedo display.

You can easily reduce the number of clicks to go through the OBC. Untick most OBC info options in the iDrive settings menu = less scrolling through OBC info you're not interested in.

Originally Posted by CSBM5

Yeah, BMW (and other makers afaik) speedometers have a static offset of 5 kph/3.1 mph. On earlier cars (like my E9x ones), you can code the digital display to real speed, but the analog dial still displays the displaced value. Now when you set the cruise control on say 80mph, the digital display will settle out at 77mph. I've checked the E91 and the M3 vs a GPS speed app, and they are spot on now.
Check your F80 vs a GPS app; you should find it's showing 3mph faster than GPS speed.
I've not coded with BMW s/w...only Carly. Carly shows the option to code the analog speedo to eliminate the offset, but it says that option isn't available in North America. Similarly in the M2C, it shows the option for real speed on both the digital and analog displays, but it also says that isn't available.

Fit 255/35 R19 front (instead of 245/35 R19) and 275/35 R19 rear (instead of 265/35 R19) and the speedometer reading will get a little bit closer to a true speed reading.

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by Artemis

You can easily reduce the number of clicks to go through the OBC. Untick most OBC info options in the iDrive settings menu = less scrolling through OBC info you're not interested in.



Fit 255/35 R19 front (instead of 245/35 R19) and 275/35 R19 rear (instead of 265/35 R19) and the speedometer reading will get a little bit closer to a true speed reading.

Thanks for the OBC tip!

Re tire sizes...that's exactly what I did on my E90 M3, and it helps a tad (0.9%, so not even 1mph at 100mph). Anyway, that's the plan for replacement tires on the M2C -- PS4S in those sizes.

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by Artemis

Also consider the P3 gauge. It's more discreet and 'basic' than the Awron + you don't lose a complete middle air vent. Just the upper part of the left side air vent. Readings: the very essence of figures displayed. Speed reading runs out of breath above 266 km/h (165mph), though.

See this post.

That is perfect - and a better price as well. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Bobdaxx

Congrats on the m2c

you need to be aware of the small gas tank and Im sure you are aware of no HUD. I wish these M2s had HUDs

You will love the size of the car thou!!

I never actually used HUD on the M3, probably because I wear polarized sun glasses (which renders the display almost unreadable). Did you install one of BMWs aftermarket HUD units?

Originally Posted by Artemis

You can easily reduce the number of clicks to go through the OBC. Untick most OBC info options in the iDrive settings menu = less scrolling through OBC info you're not interested in.



Fit 255/35 R19 front (instead of 245/35 R19) and 275/35 R19 rear (instead of 265/35 R19) and the speedometer reading will get a little bit closer to a true speed reading.

Nice information, thanks.