[Damage Inc]

Picked up a 17 MG manual about a week ago. I always like to read others experiences and thoughts in the buying process so I'll post mine.

How did I end up with an M2

I've had many previous M cars including 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M3, 08 M6, 11 M3, 15 M3. 03 ZHP, 06 330i ED. So yeah, I know M cars pretty well and love changing them up to get to experience ownership of many different models. What I loved most of the M cars is the unique motors of previous M's and the NA high revving nature. Plus you can DD them. And I got pretty good to buy used and sell with minimal loss.

After a short stint with a 15 M3, I moved to a 991.1 4S. The F80 M3 isnt really a sports sedan anymore, its too big and disconnected, plus the sound is well, you know. I really wanted an "exotic" but only have room for 1 car, so test drove a 991.2. Long story short, I figured try Porsche ownership for a while even through I really wanted a V10 R8 or 991 GT3. But no room for the R8 without a lift, so had to put that off for a while.

I picked up a 991.1 GTS. Fantastic sports car. High revving NA flat 6 in the GTS sound fantastic. Very precise, dialed in on the back roads. Holding their value amazingly at $100k plus for the past year.

While I loved the GTS, it never "lit my fire" to have $100k sunk in a car. So I started browsing a bit. What has a High revving V8, fun on the backroads, etc. Figured GT350 or go back to a E92 M3.

I dont think I want to DD the E92, so that was "out". Maybe as a long term keeper some day, weekend car. The GT350 looked promising, I could spend HALF of what I have in the GTS and get a kick ass car, then put $50k back into investments. But after doing a little homework I chickened out due to some of the issues, and honestly, I dont think I want to DD as its quite obnoxious (in a good way). 2nd car or weekend car maybe.

Still not a huge fan of the F80, and while the ZCP is promising, I cant stand the 666 wheels... I like a "track look" to the car not chrome jewels. Been there done that w the F80. Its just too damn big to enjoy the tight, winding backroads we have here in Nashville. Wanted something more engaging - either 911 size or "raw" like the GT350 or E46 ZCP.

Which led to a test drive of the M2. Never really considered it until I was driving behind one recently. Plus saw a nice white one at a Porsche auto-x event, looked quite nice.

Drove the M2, and while compromised, it checked all the critical boxes. And for a guy like me who likes to experience different cars, its brand new to me.

[Damage Inc]

So then the hunt for the right M2. New, used, colors.

Decided pretty quick on MG. Its menacing looking, hides dirt, the black wheels and gloss complement well, hides swirl marks, and is a bit low key.

Manual must have, no brainer in this car.

REALLY wanted a sunroof. But would have to order.

I posed used vs. new in another thread, so keep this short.

I had no problem spending more for an 18 brand new over a used 17. The 18 is only $5k more new, but its also worth $5k more. In 1 year $5k depreciation is $480 a month which is my budget. So its kinda a no brainer to get an 18.

However I had to trade in my 991 to get the tax credit.

There was only ONE 18 MG manual in the entire east coast on dealer lots. It was a 10 hour drive each way, and they were $3k less than the used dealer so decided to pass.

If I could have done a different color, would have gone 18. But when you're trading in a $100k car sight unseen, the quotes can vary up to $7k.

So I decided against ordering. It would take 2 months, and I was afraid of what I would end up getting for my 911. And all M2's were out of state transactions - new or orders.

Since I have a tenancy to trade cars quickly, this isnt a long term keeper for me. Plus if the 19 M2 ZCP is hot, I might jump on one.

A local dealer found a 17 MG manual w exec pack MPE 4k miles for $51k and gave me top dollar for my 911. Took 5 days to get it shipped. Done.

A part of me still wishes I could have found an 18 to get a brand new one. But I got out of my 911 safely without any loss from what I paid. So jumped on it.

[Damage Inc]

Finally got to do a clean up on the car. Its close to mint condition. As a bonus it came with a full xpel on front up A pillors and onto roof.

And I negotiated brand new rear tires into the deal to be put on this week.

I put on the M Performance steering wheel to excite up the interior a bit. Only other "mod" is black gloss grilles, and swap the MPE for a Dinan w res delete.

Doing my mirror tap this am to get the V1 up in the windshield.

[Damage Inc]

I'll post my thoughts on the car and driving when I have some more time later that was a lot of typing lol

[Damage Inc]

A couple 991 GTS pics

[Black Gold]

Love the m2 but hard to leave that gts man, damn....

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

I'll post my thoughts on the car and driving when I have some more time later that was a lot of typing lol

Great start! Ready for more.

[Benef1cient]

Originally Posted by Black Gold

Love the m2 but hard to leave that gts man, damn....

I would never

[OG///M]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

Picked up a 17 MG manual about a week ago. I always like to read others experiences and thoughts in the buying process so I'll post mine.

Nice write up!

Congrats on the car, and you made the right choice

16-17 M2 was the best IMO. Preferred the headlights, taillights and dash over the LCI.

A little detail is the OG M2's gray dash dials pays homage to the E46 M3 dash

[GregoryK]

Damage - the actual review is why I'm here. You have stated how qualified you are. You have certainly owned some great cars!
Very interested in your thoughts on this vehicle.

[horsepower_and_hounds]

Same....even though I already own a m2 and previously the M4

[K9GunSlinger]

awesome! would love to hear more, i recently picked up a used 16 MG M2 6spd also, got a great price on it and was going back and forth vs buying new also.

In for more!!

[Damage Inc]

Sorry guys had to run the kids around.

Or was it I was keeping you guys in suspense.... but then puts a lot of pressure on me to make it good ha ha

Ok, anyways... my $.02. Obviously the car has been out for a while so I'll put my thoughts straight up. Then compare vs. other M cars.

This is all just my opinion...

Want me to make this really short and quick?

THIS CAR IS FUN TO DRIVE.

Its not as precise and "serious" as my 991 GTS. It will not make you shit your pants like an S85 w an e-race exhaust at 8200 RPM with the SMG banging so hard you need a chiropractor. Nor does it have the intake noise of the S65. Oh, and I'm not longer in the 991.1 GTS "club" around the office. But the reason I bought it is for the "balance". It uses a formula that made me love driving my E46 01 330i and 05 ZHP. Those were not M cars, but they were still a blast to drive. Well balanced, good steering, manual transmission, decent sound, not overpowering, but begged you to keep pushing it. You could enjoy them on public roads, or some nice backroads. Its what made BMW an enthusiast brand and its in the M2 DNA. IMHO that's what lacking in the new M cars that turn me off (no offense), even though they are brilliant cars for what they are trying to be. So am I an idiot for liking a car with less HP that doesnt have all out power of the big boys? Maybe...

I think the M2 was a bit of an experiment like the 1M. BMW M created a new niche in the $55k to $65k M, so we will see them invest a bit more into refining the M2. So enjoy the first one before they put in a bigger motor, more electronics, and raise the price

Exterior:
From the front it looks fantastic. Mean, bulging, flared fenders. The MG paint with the black / black shadow chrome wheels and trim looks menacing. Obviously the side and 3\4 have odd proportions with the short rear end. However the flared fenders and wide rear end "save it". I also have dark tints which provides more contrast. Car really begs for a carbon fiber roof.

While I dont buy cars for the "look at me factor" (or I would have kept my 911) this car gets a ton of double takes coming head on. And not just from car enthusiasts.

Exterior = love it. Probably the best looking M car out right now, with all things considered.

Interior:
I already knew it was going to be a step down from the M3, but its not as bad a people say. Its obviously better than the GT350 although I loved the Recaro's in the 350 - they make the car look "special", not a commuter but a track car. I will say the seats are very comfortable, just enough support for backroad driving but not serious track work.

I'm never buying a BMW for the interior. Its not their strength. My wife's 18 Q7 blows away BMW's. But BMW always has a way to lure me in with their driving DNA.

Engine
What I like
Feels linear, not peaky. Feels like they tried to mimic a NA linear progression.
Minimal turbo lag: I've figured out the sweet spot which minimizes any turbo lag.
It has a nice balance of power - not the set your hair on fire power, but enough to row the gears and push you back in the seat

My feeling is these high torque cars work well with a manual for daily driving. Where the NA motors w manual are better for spirited drives. The NA work well with the SMG/DCT as it can get tiresome to have to manually rev out in traffic, et.

Lacking
Doesnt have the top end orgasm from the previous generation M cars.
It doesnt feel as "special". The S65/85 were ONLY in the M car, and you knew it. It wasnt a mass market engine that was "tuned".

Suspension
After I already committed to the M2 and was in waiting period, I read a C&D long term that stated the suspension was super harsh. While its not soft, its not harsh to me at all. My GTS while very composed for what it was, had more harshness. The 4S w SPASM I had before the GTS was very very firm. The M2 has a layer of "insulation" to it that takes the edge off.

I would love to put on the Dinan coilovers. If I kept the car long term probably would.

Steering
Slightly on the disappointing side, but not anything bad. After the precision of the GTS the M2 feels like the steering wheel is the size of a truck. The turn in is quick on the M2, but you just dont feel the road or the line like you do in a GTS. Now we are comparing apples to oranges. Not much road feel either, but not bad.

I will say this, I do feel the steering and suspension work in harmony. The M2 feels like the "whole is greater than the sum of its parts". Where the 15 M3 I had w no adaptive. So the steering was flat and super number, but the chassis was super super busy. The 15 steering was not in sync with the suspension and chassis, drove me nuts maybe the ZCP is better. The M2 feels consistent between the steering, the chassis, and suspension. While not as precise, its inline with the character of the car.

Exhaust
Mine came w port installed MPE. It sounds pretty good on the outside, but it drones a bit inside which I'm not a fan of. The BT controller is a nice addition, but BMW needs to get with the program and add a sport exhaust button integrated like Porsche. I have a Dinan w resonator delete I'm putting on this week. I'll circle back to the Dinan vs. MPE. If anybody is interested in a used MPE PM me

ASD
The need for ASD makes my blood boil. I was looking at a 991.2 manual w PSE manual. Sounded fantastic on the outside, but super blah on the inside. In my M3 I turned off ASD and never turned it on. But I had a Fabspeed exhaust that sounded very very good. I turned off ASD w the M2 but it was too quiet. I will admit BMW made a pretty nice noise w the ASD in the M2. I turned it back on for now. We'll see...

Shifter
A bit rubbery, but all my M's have been on the rubbery side. Not nearly the precision as the 991's. BUT for a DD I have no issues with it. I will admit the 991's manuals were very precise, and you had to be focused

Not the "snick snick" of my 1993 Honda Prelude

So if I had to stack rank my M cars... I dont have one that was "the best no question". They are all fantastic in their own way. But it would look something like this....

1. 08 E90 JB/FR manual M3
2. 05 E46 ZCP Carbon / Cinnamon / SMG
3. 08 M6 SMG w Tubi then e-race
4. 11 M3 ZCP DCT w e-race
5. 17 M2 MG manual
6. 06 M5 black / black / SMG
7. 15 M3 manual MG/Orange
8. 01 M3 manual silver / black

I'm very fortunate to have owned / driven all these cars. Plus all the exhaust combo's, etc. I hope BMW listens to us enthusiasts and puts out something like this M2 that is back to their DNA. But to be clear, the M2 is a "modern" BMW M, its not as precise and exciting as the previous M's IMO. BUT more modern, more comfortable, and easier to live with day to day.

Overall, super pleased. This isnt a long term keeper for me, but I will enjoy the new toy and playing around for a while until something different comes along.

I am looking forward to seeing what the market for the M3 CS will be. I have my eye on that car. If it depreciates like the M4 GTS I'm buying. I have zero interest in the M4 GTS, that was a big miss on BMW's part and the market is showing it.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by Francis///M

Nice write up!

Congrats on the car, and you made the right choice

16-17 M2 was the best IMO. Preferred the headlights, taillights and dash over the LCI.

A little detail is the OG M2's gray dash dials pays homage to the E46 M3 dash

Ah, now that you say it. That makes sense. I thought it looked familiar. Nice touch.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by Black Gold

Love the m2 but hard to leave that gts man, damn....

It was a hot car. But I think I'm the kinda guy who gets bored easy, then likes to chase the next toy. And these cars are kinda like "bucket list" check list. Try it out, have some fun. Then go play with another one.

Good thing I'm not like that with all things - worked for the same company for 19 years and married to same wife for 20

Always a chance that I'll pick up a 991.1 GTS down the road, but it would HAVE to be a manual. I think that was the one thing that allowed me to let the GTS go. And the fact that I'll probably look towards an R8 to try next time I decide to spend that type of cash for the mid engine "super car" experience.

[akkando]

I feel like you should weave in a 1M so you can add that to your M roster of cars you have owned. Probably doesn't fit your needs right now though.

[Damage Inc]

Looking back on my list... If I could pick 1 car to put in the garage for long term it would come down to a tie between the E92 ZCP, E46 ZCP, and the M6.. But if it came down to one it would be the E92 ZCP but would go manual. The S65 rod bearings scared me away as a DD. But could fit for a long term keeper.

The M6 V10 is aweme but the car is more one dimensional as a GT.
The E46 is excellent drivers car but the S65 w akra would trump it for sound.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by akkando

I feel like you should weave in a 1M so you can add that to your M roster of cars you have owned. Probably doesn't fit your needs right now though.

Ha ha I never had any intent to build a list like this... just bounced from car to car. Had a chance to buy a 1M at launch, but went E90 M3 instead. The S65 has a special place in my heart even though the 1M was clearly the better investment.

[mmmmmazing]

I've had a number of 911's recently and just sold my 991.2 Carrera. My priorities have changed and I don't find it realistic to own something over $100k when I'm not saving as much as I should be.

This will be a return for me to the M2 this time a 18 manual with sunroof (this is a must for me).

[GregoryK]

Damage - Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Really interesting. That is my thought on the car too. It is not a standout in any area but it all works together.
Many years ago I was a bike nut. Raced air cooled Yamaha's and owned 30 different Japanese bikes. One day I drove a Ducati 900ss. It was not the fastest, especially on a track but it had balance. It was so easy to drive and throw around. It was an eye opener for me.
I try to by cars now that have that same feel. Sure the M2 would be way better IMO if it was 500lbs lighter but for a DD it has a nice balance of practicality and fun. Those back seat may be cramped...but they are there.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by akkando

I feel like you should weave in a 1M so you can add that to your M roster of cars you have owned. Probably doesn't fit your needs right now though.

Agree

I think it’s a much more fun car to drive than the e92. I’m sure the m2 is similar though it’s quite a bit heavier. Though the new f series m chassis is awesome in the m3.

The weight difference is very noticeable between the m3 and 1m.. I own both an e90 dct and 1m.

For sure interested in seeing how the m2 comp develops.

Congrats on the m2 op, a car in a class of ifs own right now in the marketplace.

[SeanWRT]

Thanks for sharing your experience OP. Having experienced E&F gen Ms, I can relate to most of what you're saying.

Only but letting GTS go and even thinking of getting back to E90/92 m3 confuse me...I have a E90 M3 for 6 years and spent 6 months with a 991.1 base (same ingredients but a lesser variant to GTS) in 2015. 991.1 is way superior in every way unless you like wheel spin and day to day practicality. S65 feels special yes, but doesn't change the fact it's no good by today's standard - it's weak down low and isn't strong enough up top either...