BMW aficionados tend to spend countless hours researching classified ads for their next purchase. In general, we’re always on the hunt for something fast, fun, and affordable. Or even a BMW that will be the next classic. The F13 M6 or F82 M4 are prime examples, but there is one BMW that might rule them all: The F87 M2. Introduced in 2016, the BMW M2 was immediately crowned, by numerous car journalists, as one of the best performance cars you can get at any price.
BMW borrowed the recipe from the muscle car history book by putting the largest engine in the lightest body and got inspired by its own iconic 2002 Turbo and 1M. However, those two Bavarian legends were limited production cars and sort of an experiment. On the other hand, the BMW M2 F87 was mass-produced, available in several variants. The production of the F87 generation has ceased in expectation of an all-new model, so it is technically a used car. With a large number of deals available on the second-hand market and somewhat still affordable prices, the F87 M2 is the smartest investment at the moment. Here is what you need to know before parking one in your garage.
In short, there are three distinct variants of this model. The standard M2 was powered by an N55 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder with 365 hp on tap, a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT gearbox. In late 2018, BMW introduced the M2 Competition with the S55 twin-turbo six-cylinder engine from M3/M4 models, improved suspension and braking, and 405 hp delivered to the rear wheels.
A year later, BMW presented an ultimate M2 in the form of M2 CS, which had an even more powerful S55 engine, rated at 444 hp. The M2 CS also came with a more aggressive design package, different trim, and was produced in precisely 2200 examples. BMW didn’t make a convertible M2, and all cars were RWD only. Only four colors were offered, with several wheel designs and interior trim options. BMW designed the M2 as a pure driver’s car without overly emphasizing comfort, equipment,…
