The M2 (F87) was the culmination of everything BMW had worked so hard to develop over decades of refining what it meant to be “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” A number of key factors led the car to define the peak of what a small sporty BMW stood for. As we move toward a bold future, BMW as a brand is evolving, along with its products. There’s nothing wrong with changing with the times, but there’s something to be said about having nearly every desirable attribute of the brand’s past all baked into one little 2 Series. As we welcome the new G87 M2, let’s not forget where the story started.
The Sexy Looks
Styling, while subjective, is important to address especially with a rich heritage like BMW. Iconic elements are falling by the wayside, such as the Hofmeister kink which has been synonymous with BMW styling for decades. While the new cars have a version of the famous graphic, they have become increasingly angular creating a sharpness never seen before. The community is pretty divided on kidney grilles right now so let’s all agree to disagree peacefully. Proportions-wise, the F87 was a very classic BMW with a tall greenhouse and muscular side profile. The lines along the sheet metal all meet and match with zero ambiguity, not true with newer models. The signature double corona headlight elements are bold and instantly recognizable on the F87 but absent on the new G87 model. Hopefully, the new styling choices will age well for BMW, the F87 seemed like more of a celebration rather than an exploration.
Pick Your Poison: Manual or DCT
A promising sign of a great sports car is the fact that it can be great regardless of transmission choice. Some cars are better suited for manual gearboxes, while others just make sense as an auto. In this case, both the manual and DCT (dual-clutch auto) versions of the M2 are wonderfully executed, which really rings true for BMW’s slogan, “sheer driving pleasure.” Having spent extensive time with the DCT car, it’s clear that although the new autos are very quick, they are never going to be as crisp or satisfying as the DCT was. Each gear change was a solid, smooth, and concise event, something that isn’t as consistent with today’s autos. On track, the quickness and smooth shifts proved to help the car feel like it gracefully floats around a racetrack. That being said, the manual provided the best driving experience, putting a big smile on your face, as it should in a BMW M car.
A Very BMW Engine
BMW has come to define what it means to build the best inline-six engines. The one powering the F87 M2 was perhaps one of the very best ever. Known as the N55, this engine was a gem that shouldn’t be forgotten. Arguably one of the best-sounding inline-six engines BMW has produced, certainly in its turbocharged era, the N55 provided linear power and plenty of it. There has been some push-back claiming an M car can’t exist without an “S” designated engine, but if we are honest, there is far more dilution of the M nameplate than choosing to use a non “S” engine. In reality, though, this particular N55 uses some internal bits from the S55 allowing it to produce more power while remaining stout. So while this engine is a bit of a Frankenstein, you’re really getting a ton of the advantages of BMW's turbo-six, while staying away from the inherent drawbacks of the S55 version. N55-powered M2’s received the nickname “The OG M2” until later models adopted the M3’s S55 in a move by BMW to comply with ever-changing emissions standards.
What Does The Word “Performance” Actually Mean?
Let’s get one thing clear here, the word performance shouldn’t just mean zero to sixty or Nürburgring lap times, etc. Yes, these are measurable ways to obtain an idea of a vehicle's technical ability, but perhaps performance should really be looked at as the entirety of the driving experience. This is where the “OG” M2 shines. There is a way this car moves across the road surface with a certain compliance and sure-footed attitude. Although it feels light on its feet, it’s still very planted, and somehow always ready for what you might throw at it. The car does what I like to call, “the dance.” And, what a great dance partner it is, doing all the things you expect from a small fast BMW.
Here’s how it goes: you’re driving a canyon road, the car is transformative in sport mode, you downshift a couple of gears, sharp, smooth, snappy in the DCT or positive, and almost effortless in the manual, the delicious sounding N55 revs up giving you an instant reminder of BMW’s legendary history of the inline-six engines they do so well, you see the signature analog gauges doing their thing in true BMW fashion, you stomp on the accelerator, and off you go, the car beautifully setting up in every corner, the noise and predictable power delivery gets better as you continue to explore the ca'rs capabilities. It’s an experience that isn’t compromised in any way because you’re getting the very best elements of what BMW is known for in a package that talks the talk but walks the walk. The car lets you take small liberties here and there, taking care of you if you get a bit sloppy, but really this is a characteristic of the fantastically built chassis. These are all things that really matter when it comes to the “performance” of a BMW. The all-encompassing “dance” is a pretty special characteristic of the M2 but more crucially a characteristic all great BMWs offer, and it’s unclear whether the G87 can match that with a buzzy S58 engine and a substantially heavier curb weight. Although a powerful engine, the S58 isn’t particularly pleasing to the ear, thus losing a key aspect of the M2 experience.
Following In The Footsteps Of The E87 1M
We must remember at the end of the day M is still just a part of BMW. A very important part indeed as customers gravitate towards the best possible offerings from any brand, but a BMW nonetheless. The 1M was a parts bin car taking the drivetrain and suspension from the M3 while combining them with a tuned version of the 135i’s N54 inline-six. The story is the same with the F87 M2, the successor to the E87 1M. Nearly all aspects of the F87 M2 follow the footsteps of the wildly sought-after 1M. In essence, these cars aren’t forgoing the roots that fans appreciate so much in favor of a product that is built for the sole purpose of showcasing an M badge. While we should be extremely excited that the M division continues to develop these cars, let’s not forget to celebrate the greatness that BMW as a parent company provides.