[gmazet]

I'm in the market again, and one thing I can say is it's really tough to find an M2C semi-local to test drive.

Did you guys test drive before buying or just went for it? I have never bought a car without testing one out first.

Anyone wish they had?

[carlsontheflyer]

I only drove a friend's 2018 M2. Then I ordered the M2C. I knew it would be better than the one I drove, and I was right. Not disappointed at all.

[Thescout13]

Go test drive an OG M2, then go test drive an M4 ZCP. The M2C is basically as brutal as an M4 with the snappiness (short wheel base) of an M2 with a bit better brakes. Also you'll get a feel for the DCT/Manual because they are identical, and a feel for the bucket seats which I love.

That's the best way I can describe it. Pulls like an M4 (to a point and surprisingly less wheel spin) but handles more like the OG M2 (which is really impressive). Now this is my subjective take and is coming from someone who owns an F80 ZCP, base F80, and has driven the OG M2 and the M2C.

Other option, attend M Performance Center's One Day M School. They have the M2C and you will get to drive it.

[nomoracin]

The dealership let me test drive a lci m2 dct and then I pre-ordered the m2c. They wouldn't let me test drive a 6mt one though.

[gmazet]

Originally Posted by Thescout13

Go test drive an OG M2, then go test drive an M4 ZCP. The M2C is basically as brutal as an M4 with the snappiness (short wheel base) of an M2 with a bit better brakes. Also you'll get a feel for the DCT/Manual because they are identical, and a feel for the bucket seats which I love.

That's the best way I can describe it. Pulls like an M4 (to a point and surprisingly less wheel spin) but handles more like the OG M2 (which is really impressive). Now this is my subjective take and is coming from someone who owns an F80 ZCP, base F80, and has driven the OG M2 and the M2C.

Other option, attend M Performance Center's One Day M School. They have the M2C and you will get to drive it.

good ideas!

[cooler2442]

I test drove a 2017 M2 at a local dealer since I was in the same boat as you and could not get a dealer to let me test drive an M2C or even give me a ride in it while they drive it. The normal M2 drove like garbage to me and I wasn't even interested in it then randomly I saw a used M2C with 290 miles come up for sale locally since they got a GT3 Touring allocation and wanted out of the M2C. I test drove that car and then made him an offer to buy it.

See if you can find one used to test drive within a few hundred miles.

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by gmazet

I'm in the market again, and one thing I can say is it's really tough to find an M2C semi-local to test drive.

Did you guys test drive before buying or just went for it? I have never bought a car without testing one out first.

Anyone wish they had?

Nope, didn't even drive a 2-series of any type beforehand. Of course I felt if the car wasn't up to snuff, I'd just sell it right away (this was last September). Great car, and we're up to about 5500 miles now.

[Shekels]

First time I drove one, was as I took mine out of the showroom last year.

[E21-myfirstlove]

Originally Posted by nomoracin

The dealership let me test drive a lci m2 dct and then I pre-ordered the m2c. They wouldn't let me test drive a 6mt one though.

Why the heck not?

[gmazet]

Originally Posted by E21-myfirstlove

Why the heck not?

yeah I would not buy from a dealer who doesn't allow a test drive f them

[johnkitt]

Originally Posted by gmazet

yeah I would not buy from a dealer who doesn't allow a test drive f them

My experience... This will significantly reduce the # of prospective dealerships to buy from. Not saying this is good or bad, just an observation.

At this point I have an M2C on order and have not driven one, so I'm going a bit on faith. I was able to find only one local dealer that had one in stock (admittedly, I did not look hard for stock cars as I had my heart set on ED) who let me sit (drool actually) in the car, pop the hood, etc. Couldn't turn it on as they had it in their M showroom. I have driven an OG M2 several times over the last couple of years, so I feel like I have a good notion on what to expect.

[pz619]

When I bought mine I was basically competing with everyone here to get an allocation, so bought it without a test drive. Had a M235i previously and drove an M2 and M3 so had a pretty good idea what I was signing up for. When the car came in, it exceeded my expectations.

[gmazet]

Originally Posted by johnkitt

My experience... This will significantly reduce the # of prospective dealerships to buy from. Not saying this is good or bad, just an observation.

At this point I have an M2C on order and have not driven one, so I'm going a bit on faith. I was able to find only one local dealer that had one in stock (admittedly, I did not look hard for stock cars as I had my heart set on ED) who let me sit (drool actually) in the car, pop the hood, etc. Couldn't turn it on as they had it in their M showroom. I have driven an OG M2 several times over the last couple of years, so I feel like I have a good notion on what to expect.

who wants to let me drive theirs in NJ

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by gmazet

who wants to let me drive theirs in NJ

You are on the right track. I test drove my friend's M2C, and that is the easiest way to test drive one currently. I am sure there is a board member in NJ who will let you try it out. You can post the ask on the local sub-forum of this board.

If not, as mentioned above, I would test drive the OG M2 (there are bound to be some local used ones for sale) for the handling and and F8X M3/4 for the S55.

GL!

[chmura]

I did not test drive.

My first test drive was after delivery during my ED in Munich Germany.

[doughboy]

Never test driven a car in my whole life, 34 years of driving.

Like the car, read reviews, buy it. What's the point driving it for 5 minute's?

[BlkSVT]

I did not test drive, and had never set foot in a BMW dealer, much less driven one, until I picked up my car.

Not sure how much help this is for you though, as its pretty routine for me and I'm comfortable with it. Most aren't.

I've ordered 5 cars now like this on initial launch, sight unseen. Many "normal" people look at me kinda funny when I tell them that...

FWIW, I'm loving the M2C, especially after the 1200 mile service yesterday. I'm pretty convinced that, while there may be no reprogramming or unlocking of power going on, that there's a tech's Italian Tune-up Test-Drive that undoes some of the DME's 1200 mile short-shifting, break in driving adaptation "damage" that has been done
...but that's another thread

[gmazet]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Never test driven a car in my whole life, 34 years of driving.

Like the car, read reviews, buy it. What's the point driving it for 5 minute's?

my test drives generally go about 20 minutes, and in that time I can tell whether I like it or not.. The dealer here I usually buy from is great, usually lets me take the car out without coming along.

sometimes I am not decided on a car. when I bought my E92, I drove 3 cars then decided. Hell I might decide to go M5. I know totally different animal but who knows, I might fall in love.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Never test driven a car in my whole life, 34 years of driving.

Like the car, read reviews, buy it. What's the point driving it for 5 minute's?

That can't be a real question.

[ScreamingChicken]

I bought M2 without test driving as there were none to be found. I test drove a used 235i before I ordered just to get a feel for the interior space and placement of controls/seats/etc.

[DanG]

I got a long test drive in my M2 before I bought it. Put 38 miles on it. Loved it so much that I bought it the same day.

[gmazet]

Originally Posted by DanG

I got a long test drive in my M2 before I bought it. Put 38 miles on it. Loved it so much that I bought it the same day.

that's what I'm talkin bout. substantial amount of money being put up, you should be able to sample the goods.