BIMMERPOST BMW M2 In Depth Review from Laguna Seca

Robin_NL · 02-18-2016, 10:01 AM

A tad late Sam, but a great enthusiastic video from a non-pro journo(which is a compliment btw) . The best review so far(Eagerly awaiting Chris Harris, Steve Sutcliffe, Bovingdon, Matthias Malmedie and Tim Schrick driving/sliding the thing in the oncoming videos)

Because 10/10 journos/reviewers so far wanted the 6MT instead of the DCT I was at my dealership this afternoon and just changed my LBB M2 DCT on order to a 6MT...

...Because then I really know what I get, a bit more fun. And an easy gearbox. Production 5-16

Thanks to you too.

(Semi) Oldskool rules.

Now I have to find out which fuse is the electronic throttleblip

Cheers
Robin

hoyasaxa · 02-18-2016, 10:35 AM

Has anyone figured out the driver's seat issue? Is it production, or just caused by non-standard seats in the euro spec car? (Although, manual seats are available in Europe, so you wouldn't think that would have been an issue...)

Groundpilot · 02-18-2016, 10:53 AM

Great video review OP

Now, when you are talking about performance comparison between M2 vs M3 M4, you said that there is no doubt that M3-4 are more capable cars, faster, grip better and are more sofisticated.
You maybe right about it on paper, but i would hold that judgement untill direct comparison is conducted between these cars by pro drivers on the track...

Verbiage · 02-18-2016, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin_NL

Now I have to find out which fuse is the electronic throttleblip

Cheers
Robin

I bet you'll break it.

W/// · 02-18-2016, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chmura

Yes that is true. The M3/M4 IMO out grown themselves. They are becoming slightly more grand tourer than what the M3 of the past once was.

Even the OP thinks so.

The M2 is yesterdays M3 IMO which is exactly why I want one.

M2 would be a great garage mate to an E90 M3. You should keep both

Sam@Bimmerpost · 02-18-2016, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bosozoku

Let me guess: Gabriel Bridger. His review said he had "a moment" in the Corkscrew.
And his car showed the number 2 in the windshield. Yours showed number 1.
Therefore I deduce that he was directly behind you and his "moment" was why
you and Bill Auberlen had to slow down and let the rest of the group catch up.

Good! That proves that you were relaxed in the car. Can't go fast without relaxing.
And man, you were going fast!

Nope, it wasn't Gabe behind me! I do know Gabe but him and I were in different driving groups for the day. He's a great guy. I did hear about someone having a 'moment' in the corkscrew... maybe that was him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by z3lai

Hi Sam
is the M2 u tested equipped with optional MP exhaust?
Thx

Hi, it was the normal exhaust. None of the cars we drove had the optional exhaust.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robin_NL

A tad late Sam, but a great enthusiastic video from a non-pro journo(which is a compliment btw) . The best review so far(Eagerly awaiting Chris Harris, Steve Sutcliffe, Bovingdon, Matthias Malmedie and Tim Schrick driving/sliding the thing in the oncoming videos)

Because 10/10 journos/reviewers so far wanted the 6MT instead of the DCT I was at my dealership this afternoon and just changed my LBB M2 DCT on order to a 6MT...

...Because then I really know what I get, a bit more fun. And an easy gearbox. Production 5-16

Thanks to you too.

(Semi) Oldskool rules.

Now I have to find out which fuse is the electronic throttleblip

Cheers
Robin

Thank you Robin. I'm glad you went with the 6MT. You will love the involvement and fun factor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundpilot

Great video review OP

Now, when you are talking about performance comparison between M2 vs M3 M4, you said that there is no doubt that M3-4 are more capable cars, faster, grip better and are more sofisticated.
You maybe right about it on paper, but i would hold that judgement untill direct comparison is conducted between these cars by pro drivers on the track...

True, but it's hard to dispute the horsepower difference. We shall see but even if the M2 laps slower, I know which one I would rather be lapping in!

Quote:

Originally Posted by W///

M2 would be a great garage mate to an E90 M3. You should keep both

I agree. Keep both!

Bosozoku · 02-18-2016, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam@Bimmerpost

Nope, it wasn't Gabe behind me! I do know Gabe but him and I were in different driving groups for the day. He's a great guy. I did hear about someone having a 'moment' in the corkscrew... maybe that was him.

...

You're just too quick, Sam!

And hey, "moment" in the corkscrew or not, Mr. Bridger is obviously a very experienced driver and writer.
Which reminds me of a quote:

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
- Mario Andretti

Bosozoku · 02-18-2016, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e46e92love

I find it ironic the way we all praise more engagement, less autos, lighter cars, less grand tourers, etc. ...

Agree. BMWs used to be all about sportiness. Now there's a heavy layer of luxury over that.
With a glittery spritz of glamour dust on top of it all.

But yeah, "engagement" and "fun" are the keywords everyone uses to defend the 6MT.
And sometimes "lightweight build." Because it saves what, 50 pounds?

The thing that kills the M2's 6MT for me is the auto rev-matching.
Heel-and-toe rev-matching on downshifts is the skill factor in manual shifting.
Take that away and I start to lose interest. No more challenge. No more fun.

Yes, I know you can defeat robo-blipping by by setting Driving Dynamics to Sport+.
But no, I don't think you should need to do that.

dammitcubs · 02-18-2016, 05:29 PM

The only conclusion I can seriously make about the auto-rev matching is that the car is so balanced that with the nannies off....it won't kill you.

BMW is not in the business to make a death vehicle. They have focus groups and intelligent people (maybe I shouldn't assume that). If there is a serious outcry for disabling auto-rev matching, they wouldn't make it so that it's so unappealing. Also, alot of the engineers there are car enthusiasts. I mean it was said - over and over, they love what they do.

I don't think there is a person there that loves disabling scheme for auto-rev matching. You have to go out of your way to change the programming scheme from M3/M4 to M2.

bdaddylo · 02-18-2016, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dammitcubs

The only conclusion I can seriously make about the auto-rev matching is that the car is so balanced that with the nannies off....it won't kill you.

BMW is not in the business to make a death vehicle. They have focus groups and intelligent people (maybe I shouldn't assume that). If there is a serious outcry for disabling auto-rev matching, they wouldn't make it so that it's so unappealing. Also, alot of the engineers there are car enthusiasts. I mean it was said - over and over, they love what they do.

I don't think there is a person there that loves disabling scheme for auto-rev matching. You have to go out of your way to change the programming scheme from M3/M4 to M2.

I'm pretty sure it came down to cost and not safety. BMW should have allowed the driver to customize how he/she wants the car to be setup by utilizing programmable M buttons like they've done before on the M3 and M5/6.

Vocans · 02-18-2016, 06:40 PM

I'm pretty sure you can code off rev matching on the M3/4. Is it not reasonable to assume you'll likely be able to do the same on the M2?

M3 Adjuster · 02-18-2016, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangeCrush

Quote:

Originally Posted by -JLT-

I understand what ur saying but to say it's like a grand tourer is a stretch. don't think a grand tourer does 7:52 seconds on the Nurburgring

The M5 does it in 7:55 and that's a luxo barge!

Which means an M6 competition package runs the same time.

M3, M4 , M5 and M6 are all GT cars.

M3 Adjuster · 02-18-2016, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vocans

I'm pretty sure you can code off rev matching on the M3/4. Is it not reasonable to assume you'll likely be able to do the same on the M2?

I have EURO MDM from the E90 coded onto my 1M.

The F80 does have a setting that is independent. I would bet you insert that code or one could at the very least code the auto rev match permanently off if is that appalling to the owner.

marcva · 02-19-2016, 09:26 AM

Sounds like the general formula is great. Decent proportions...even some steering feel (Per MT review).

I still want 4 doors:

Marcva

BGR · 02-19-2016, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcva

Sounds like the general formula is great. Decent proportions...even some steering feel (Per MT review).

I still want 4 doors:

Marcva

Those proportions make the front bumper look a LOT better somehow. This would be my perfect car.

BGR · 02-19-2016, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam@Bimmerpost

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundpilot

Great video review OP

Now, when you are talking about performance comparison between M2 vs M3 M4, you said that there is no doubt that M3-4 are more capable cars, faster, grip better and are more sofisticated.
You maybe right about it on paper, but i would hold that judgement untill direct comparison is conducted between these cars by pro drivers on the track...

True, but it's hard to dispute the horsepower difference. We shall see but even if the M2 laps slower, I know which one I would rather be lapping in!

Quote:

Originally Posted by W///

M2 would be a great garage mate to an E90 M3. You should keep both

I agree. Keep both!

Another question for you...

How noticeable was the overboost, especially on the track? The 1M I had a chance to put some laps on seemed very abrupt and inconsistent when the overboost was provided. It actually made my 135i more predictable in certain situations.

Paul-Bracq-BMW · 02-19-2016, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcva

Sounds like the general formula is great. Decent proportions...even some steering feel (Per MT review).

I still want 4 doors:

[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O...2520Orange.jpg[/IMG]

Marcva

BTW, This is on no way a future model from BMW, just my interpretation of what a M2 grand coupé should look like (more agressive front with slimmer headlights, longer wheelbase for more room in the back, etc)...

marcva · 02-19-2016, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

BTW, This is on no way a future model from BMW, just my interpretation of what a M2 grand coupé should look like (more agressive front with slimmer headlights, longer wheelbase for more room in the back, etc)...

Thank you for the render. It's one of my favorites. It's a stretch (pardon the pun) but I like the chiseled lines even if the proportions wouldn't coincide with a 4 door treatment of the current car.

It couldn't hurt to suggest. I think BMW may monitor these boards for feedback.

8^/

Marc

MackDivaS6 · 02-19-2016, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcva

Sounds like the general formula is great. Decent proportions...even some steering feel (Per MT review).

I still want 4 doors:

Marcva

Yes 4 doors please!

OP, thanks for the awesome video review - great work on the shoot and the editing! Also all of the pictures uploaded in this post also brought out the drool on the keyboard.

Well done Sam!

DrKevM5 · 02-20-2016, 05:44 PM

Ok, Sam. I originally ordered my M2 (production scheduled for Week 3 in March) with DCT. I'm a track rat, and since I've had two M vehicles with it, i know what an advantage it is on the track. But on the street, it is very boring. I ordered my F10 M5 with the 6MT and love every mile. Except in traffic! So after a particularly torturous stint in Toronto traffic three months ago, I promised myself that my next M car would have the automatic. But after hearing your description of how amazing the manual is, I just called my Sales Advisor and asked him to change my order. Know that every time I get caught in horrible traffic with this beast, your image and comments will materialize in my psyche.

swagon · 02-20-2016, 06:12 PM

Don't really know what's so horrible about 6MT in traffic?

DrKevM5 · 02-20-2016, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swagon

Don't really know what's so horrible about 6MT in traffic?

Seriously?! The slow creep/constant stop and go in really bad traffic makes your left leg go numb.

02-18-2016, 10:01 AM	#265
Robin_NL S0THPAW 8717 Rep 7,846 Posts Drives: HS M2 Competition Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The Netherlands iTrader: (0)	A tad late Sam, but a great enthusiastic video from a non-pro journo(which is a compliment btw) . The best review so far(Eagerly awaiting Chris Harris, Steve Sutcliffe, Bovingdon, Matthias Malmedie and Tim Schrick driving/sliding the thing in the oncoming videos) Because 10/10 journos/reviewers so far wanted the 6MT instead of the DCT I was at my dealership this afternoon and just changed my LBB M2 DCT on order to a 6MT... ...Because then I really know what I get, a bit more fun. And an easy gearbox. Production 5-16 Thanks to you too. (Semi) Oldskool rules. Now I have to find out which fuse is the electronic throttleblip Cheers Robin
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-18-2016, 10:35 AM	#266
hoyasaxa Captain 702 Rep 900 Posts Drives: GTI \| 982 4.0 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Has anyone figured out the driver's seat issue? Is it production, or just caused by non-standard seats in the euro spec car? (Although, manual seats are available in Europe, so you wouldn't think that would have been an issue...) __________________ 2014 228i (lease return) \| 2018 ///M2 - ED Thread (sold) \| 2023 Cayman GTS 4.0 (ordered)
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02-18-2016, 10:53 AM	#267
Groundpilot Banned 476 Rep 1,711 Posts Drives: 135I DCT , e92 M3 DCT, Audi A6 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: long island,ny iTrader: (0)	Great video review OP Now, when you are talking about performance comparison between M2 vs M3 M4, you said that there is no doubt that M3-4 are more capable cars, faster, grip better and are more sofisticated. You maybe right about it on paper, but i would hold that judgement untill direct comparison is conducted between these cars by pro drivers on the track...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-18-2016, 05:29 PM	#273
dammitcubs Captain 584 Rep 689 Posts Drives: '16 M2 LBB Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0)	The only conclusion I can seriously make about the auto-rev matching is that the car is so balanced that with the nannies off....it won't kill you. BMW is not in the business to make a death vehicle. They have focus groups and intelligent people (maybe I shouldn't assume that). If there is a serious outcry for disabling auto-rev matching, they wouldn't make it so that it's so unappealing. Also, alot of the engineers there are car enthusiasts. I mean it was said - over and over, they love what they do. I don't think there is a person there that loves disabling scheme for auto-rev matching. You have to go out of your way to change the programming scheme from M3/M4 to M2.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-18-2016, 06:40 PM	#275
Vocans Second Lieutenant 165 Rep 214 Posts Drives: Red tricycle Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: St. Louis iTrader: (0)	I'm pretty sure you can code off rev matching on the M3/4. Is it not reasonable to assume you'll likely be able to do the same on the M2? __________________ 2016 M3 Sakhir Orange/Full Black Merino, 6MT, Competition Package, Executive Package, Lighting Package, Driver Assistance Package
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02-19-2016, 09:26 AM	#278
marcva Captain 378 Rep 647 Posts Drives: E36 M345 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Vienna, Virginia, USA iTrader: (0)	Getting close Sounds like the general formula is great. Decent proportions...even some steering feel (Per MT review). I still want 4 doors: Marcva
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02-20-2016, 05:44 PM	#284
DrKevM5 Colonel 2274 Rep 2,523 Posts Drives: G05 X5, F87 M2 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Western NY iTrader: (7)	Ok, Sam. I originally ordered my M2 (production scheduled for Week 3 in March) with DCT. I'm a track rat, and since I've had two M vehicles with it, i know what an advantage it is on the track. But on the street, it is very boring. I ordered my F10 M5 with the 6MT and love every mile. Except in traffic! So after a particularly torturous stint in Toronto traffic three months ago, I promised myself that my next M car would have the automatic. But after hearing your description of how amazing the manual is, I just called my Sales Advisor and asked him to change my order. Know that every time I get caught in horrible traffic with this beast, your image and comments will materialize in my psyche. __________________ ?16 M2 Long Beach Blue/Black, 6MT '22 X5 4.0 M Sport Black Sapphire/Tartufo ?22 Tesla Model Y Performance Midnight Silver/White
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02-20-2016, 06:12 PM	#285
swagon Major General 13523 Rep 8,165 Posts Drives: F80 6MT Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: . iTrader: (0)	Don't really know what's so horrible about 6MT in traffic?
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