M4 or M2? So torn!

[chris719]

Originally Posted by cotmfk

I have been hearing this as well. M2 just doesn't have the cooling or brakes necessary for track action. M4 holds its own at the track. If that is important to you, then your choice is clear.

The steel brakes are the same, so I don't know why they would brake differently?

[Absurdium]

Originally Posted by chris719

The steel brakes are the same, so I don't know why they would brake differently?

Yeah I don't think the brakes seperate the cars. The main bottleneck of the M2 is definitely the motor

[Circuit Hunter]

I’ve tracked with many M2’s and I haven’t seen or heard of any cooling issues. Does someone have a link to this? Also, like the M3/M4, throw some Alcon rotors on them with some aggressive pads and the iron brakes are just fine.

[MR_M2]

Originally Posted by Absurdium

Yeah I don't think the brakes seperate the cars. The main bottleneck of the M2 is definitely the motor

You must be Randy Pobst to find the motor as the bottleneck! If not, try to match Randy's time in the M2 at laguna seca.
Don't want to sound like a snob, but 99.99% of the people cannot truly reach the limits of the car or the engine. It's almost the driver who ends up as the bottleneck. Of course, one could always mash the gas pedal in a straight line.

[cotmfk]

Originally Posted by chris719

The steel brakes are the same, so I don't know why they would brake differently?

The cooling ducts do not seem to do the trick on the M2 to adequately cool the brakes of the car (even though they are the same as the M4) when on the track for more than a couple of laps.

[Absurdium]

Originally Posted by MR_M2

You must be Randy Pobst to find the motor as the bottleneck! If not, try to match Randy's time in the M2 at laguna seca.
Don't want to sound like a snob, but 99.99% of the people cannot truly reach the limits of the car or the engine. It's almost the driver who ends up as the bottleneck. Of course, one could always mash the gas pedal in a straight line.

I'm speaking from a mechanical perspective as that is what the OP requested. I understand that driving skills are very important to improve one's time. But in a car, the engine is usually the easiest component to extract; you can be super slow through every corner but gun it on the straight even if you're a rookie. Therefore if the cooling is not up to par, it is very easy to push the engine to the point of overheat. Evidently, I'm not just making this up as many on the M2 forums have reported the overheating issue.

Also your argument is a bit flawed. Yes I have no doubt that Randy's time in a M2 would be much better than mine. But I'd also argue that Randy's time in a base Honda civic would be faster than your time on a track, but that doesn't mean there aren't mechanical bottlenecks in that car.

[Absurdium]

Originally Posted by Circuit Hunter

I’ve tracked with many M2’s and I haven’t seen or heard of any cooling issues. Does someone have a link to this? Also, like the M3/M4, throw some Alcon rotors on them with some aggressive pads and the iron brakes are just fine.

I remember active autowerke doing an analysis though I think they had the car on a slight tune. There are members reporting inconsistent power at high temps, with many seeking to install an additional oil cooler. However I personally don't know exactly how serious the issue is; this was just during my research as a potential consumer

[termigni]

As an M2 owner, I will say M4 is the better car, hence the price difference in BMW line up.

I could've gotten a nicely modified M3/4 with low miles or a brand new M2. I went with a new M2 LCI. While M3/4 is better car, I see them at least 3 times per day in my area. I see may be 1 M2 per month. I wanted something not a lot of people have and M2 will most likely depreciate at slower rate than an M3/4 due to less production rate and availability.

Looks are subjective and I think M2 looks better than the M3/4. I just hate the headlights joining grill design on F30s and they have grown too big in overall size which leads to M2's favor on handling characteristics.

Both are great options and you can't go wrong with either.

[asuh1991]

The M2 looks too small and stocky for me. The m4 has the looks I was going for... more like a GT than a small coupe.

And also, wtf is up with the m2's having no m buttons or other features that come with m cars???

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Stage IV

The extra power is nullified by the extra 400 lbs. of the F83. The performance numbers mirror those of the "supped up" M235i, with exception of the rather pedestrian .94 g skidpad.


https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...-manual-review
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...-valley-review

According to the articles you referenced, the M4 convertible 6MT still trounces the M2 6MT acceleration wise by a significant margin. Look at the test sheets, 0.5s to 100mph, 1.6s to 130mph and 3.6s to 150mph is a significant difference. It's not even close. But it will be out-accelerated by an M4, even a convertible.

And BTW, I am of the opinion that the M2 is a "real ///M car" and that it is a nifty little beast that has its place in the ///M lineup. I am not an M2 hater nor an M3/4 snob.

F87 on the left, F83 on the right:

[Ian1973]

I'd probably opt for the M4 if it were me, but there is something to be said about not fearing the rear end is trying to kill you. Looks wise, I'd only go with the M4 because it looks more sophisticated. Quality, obviously the M4 along with interior comforts and just overall feel.

I can see the debate for either, but in the end I'd probably go with the M4.

[KevinGS]

M4 on the looks and the upgraded interior alone. It just looks better to me.

Yes, I'm superficial.

And the M4 is highly capable, fast as hell.

[///M///]

Wish they would improve the rear end for the M2. Only angle I don't like on the car. The tail lights need to be bigger.

[Gatte]

Originally Posted by asuh1991

And also, wtf is up with the m2's having no m buttons or other features that come with m cars???

Yeah. it's the M buttons and mirrors that make an M car.

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

According to the articles you referenced, the M4 convertible 6MT still trounces the M2 6MT acceleration wise by a significant margin. Look at the test sheets, 0.5s to 100mph, 1.6s to 130mph and 3.6s to 150mph is a significant difference. It's not even close. But it will be out-accelerated by an M4, even a convertible.

And BTW, I am of the opinion that the M2 is a "real ///M car" and that it is a nifty little beast that has its place in the ///M lineup. I am not an M2 hater nor an M3/4 snob.

F87 on the left, F83 on the right:

Yep, after ~95 mph, the S55 shows its balls and allows the 4000 lb car to become an Autobahn monster. There's no denying the engine's remarkable capabilities. Still though, we can all agree that trap speed is the best indicator of real world, butt dyno acceleration. In these tests, both are clocked at 113 mph. Here in the states (and Canada), unless tracking, how often can we reach triple digit speeds safely and legally?

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by ///M///

Wish they would improve the rear end for the M2. Only angle I don't like on the car. The tail lights need to be bigger.

BMW half-assed the taillights on the 2 series.

[cotmfk]

Originally Posted by Stage IV

Yep, after ~95 mph, the S55 shows its balls and allows the 4000 lb car to become an Autobahn monster. There's no denying the engine's remarkable capabilities. Still though, we can all agree that trap speed is the best indicator of real world, butt dyno acceleration. In these tests, both are clocked at 113 mph. Here in the states (and Canada), unless tracking, how often can we reach triple digit speeds safely and legally?

There's not much weight difference between the two cars - despite the size difference. A simple google search shows about an 80 pound difference between the two cars.

For "real world" info - my M4 came in at 3595 pounds with a full tank of fuel when I was getting my initial corner balancing done. So - nowhere close to 4000 pounds.

[Circuit Hunter]

Originally Posted by cotmfk

There's not much weight difference between the two cars - despite the size difference. A simple google search shows about an 80 pound difference between the two cars.

For "real world" info - my M4 came in at 3595 pounds with a full tank of fuel when I was getting my initial corner balancing done. So - nowhere close to 4000 pounds.

I think they were referring to the F83 which is 4000lbs.

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by cotmfk

There's not much weight difference between the two cars - despite the size difference. A simple google search shows about an 80 pound difference between the two cars.

For "real world" info - my M4 came in at 3595 pounds with a full tank of fuel when I was getting my initial corner balancing done. So - nowhere close to 4000 pounds.

Originally Posted by Circuit Hunter

I think they were referring to the F83 which is 4000lbs.

Correct, F83

[asuh1991]

Originally Posted by Gatte

Yeah. it's the M buttons and mirrors that make an M car.

no m buttons, no carbon fiber roof, no mirrors, crappy seats... almost same weight as the boat that is the m4. It all adds up. Well for me at least.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Stage IV

Yep, after ~95 mph, the S55 shows its balls and allows the 4000 lb car to become an Autobahn monster. There's no denying the engine's remarkable capabilities. Still though, we can all agree that trap speed is the best indicator of real world, butt dyno acceleration. In these tests, both are clocked at 113 mph. Here in the states (and Canada), unless tracking, how often can we reach triple digit speeds safely and legally?

There is no way to explore the limits of any ///M car on the streets within a reasonable legal margin. So street driving is a bit of a moot discussion. I own an ///M to be able to use it as a dual use car: decently practical, comfortable and luxurious daily driver and weekend track toy. It is only at the track that I can truly explore the performance potential of the car.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by asuh1991

no m buttons, no carbon fiber roof, no mirrors, crappy seats... almost same weight as the boat that is the m4. It all adds up. Well for me at least.

You forgot the most important part.

M4 has the S55 = ///M

M2 has the N55 = :

The M2 Is a fun little car that my wife loves