Being a BMW purist, iv owned, E46 M3's, E92's, F80 M3 and now the F87M2 competition. I can honestly say this review couldn't be more further from the truth. Jay i think you've tried to go about this review to maybe have something different to say about the M2 than everyone else on TH-cam for views perhaps, but the M2 is truly a great car, especially on the limit, that is where M cars come alive. It doesn't look like you've even tickled the limit of this car in this review to give these kind of opinions. Im not saying this with a bias either because i own one, I sell performance vehicles and I am fortunate enough to experience many performance vehicles and can really say the M2C is an exceptional car.
Dont take it so personal...its a mediocre car just probably all you can afford for now. Save up for a down payment on a used porsche and you won't be dissapointed.
@@Jdalio5 I have a 991 911.1 turbo S thank you and currently have a new GTS 911 GTS on order with a Porsche dealer. Don’t take it personal, but when you can afford a NEW Porsche and are eligible for their get on the waiting list you wont regret it. A used Porsche will do for you now until you can afford it.
Try a manual variant on a track and i think you will finally make sense of this little beasty. No way can you bring a kia stinger or 540i into the mix as a comparison. Totally different market place. Keep up the interesting reviews 👍 i always love to hear different peoples view points.
Think they look great in all colours, I don't think it is conveyed in photos and video though. Stuff like RS3 look great in photos but have nowhere near the presence of an M2 on the road.
I’ve got one of these and think it’s a great car. My steering feels really sharp and the car turns heads in long beach blue. The car has a lot of personality, in the dry it feels like German muscle. In the wet it’ feels like a street legal drift car that you can place anywhere with ease. I think it will go down as one of the greatest BMWs of all time, I haven’t driven them all being 29 but can’t imagine how it gets much better
markdafunky1 I completely understand, I have actually never driven a Porsche. I really like the 2013 6 cylinder one but it wouldn’t be as fast as the m2, I’m sure it handles great and that maybe my next car if I decide not to pure turbos the m2 competition
I drive every car with as open a mind as possible but we all have preconceptions about a car whether we acknowledge it or not. Often they can be changed during a drive but not always.
@@JayEmmOnCars Hey i watch your video's because I like you, your opinions, and your incredible knowledge on cars. If you challenge what my preconceptions on the car, that's overall a good thing. its also much more entertaining content in my opinion. other than basically the price and the steering input (you can fix the steering issues with adjusting the suspension/alignment apparently) what are both very good and valid points against the car. The bis where I lose you is when you criticize the car for it being popular, and therefore doesn't stand out; and for limited paint colours.... both being something, I and i believe the large majority of people don't care about. This is fine and it's your review but these comments because they are so personal to you should be a side note on why you personally would never buy this car. For car review structure I envision a top gear review (so maybe not the most journalistic by any means). They say all the good points, hype the car up like its the best thing since sliced bread. but then say "but its not going to sell." or "I hate it." and then list negative points with analysis. then final summary. in a lot of cases completely damning the car. also its really easy/cheap to change the colour of a car now with Wraps.
He's late to the party and may be he just likes to "stand out" as he says. I now have a reason why I curbed my wheels..it was down to lag in steering 😃
If the man wants to wear loud shirts and be noticed then good for him. I think also prefers an open car. A lot of us prefer low key tin tops and plain Tshirts, also good. That stuff is irrelevant. I really like the m2, but haven't driven one yet and that steering thing sounds not great. Will have to check it out. I totally agree about that Hockenheim silver though, it is super drab, and I'm even a fan of silver normally. Congrats on the 100k subscribers btw.
I’ve read that the factory wheel alignment has toe-in on the front wheels. Makes it nice and stable in a straight line but a bit lethargic to turn in. Giving it some toe-out at the front and slightly less toe-in at the rear makes the car much more alert apparently.
I once had a car with toe out that I changed to toe in. I noticed exactly the effect you mention. Toe in felt like it was on rails once in the corner, but on the entry it didn't want to turn.
David Hancock my lethargic comment about the cars steering was unfair in hindsight. The M2C has electric steering which is fine but doesn’t brilliantly telegraph what the tyres are up to. Toe-out can improve the feeling through the steering wheel in that first quarter of a turn of lock which might have impressed Jay a bit further. The M2C is brilliant. It’s ride was better than I expected but is still too stiff and under damped for UK B roads. Imagine an M2C with Ohlins suspension 🤤
Yes, it’s all about keeping the wheels on the ground Adam. I posted above about ast suspension so yes ohlins would be great but so expensive! The m2c is I am sure better than my standard m2. 👍
Anyone who wears something like that has clearly no tastes. And considering his belly size looks like he will eat any old shit too so I'm taking his car review with a pinch of salt.
I own a m140i and I drove an M2 a few times. One of the thing that impressed me more in comparison with mine was the precision of the steering and the agility of the front end... probably is not as good as an old hidraulic steering but I still found it great. I agree with the color considerations, I just prefer in blue or orange or black (with orange interior like the old 1m).
This car never had a chance of a non biased review, seemed you had already made your mind up before even getting in the thing. The Focus RS springs to mind when you did the same. Not your finest this James.
Here in America people buy anything BMW to be seen in. The M, Completion, all upgrades etc etc. Bottom line 99% of them use it as a commuter and drive it like a wheel chair. They would not understand anything you talk about.
@@AdamOrban123 At lest hire cars there have manual gearbox. I often get asked, "You are an American, can you shift yourself?" I actually got asked that at Silverstone renting their single seaters.
@@daveblock4061 My family and I had an Airbnb in a village outside of Le Mans (which funnily had the best pizza I've had on my trip). When I rented a car they didn't even ask what transmission I wanted and they gave me a manual
I used to drive my '95 325is like it owed me lots of money. I could actually feel everyones eyes look away when they didn't see an M3 badge. I almost had my hands on a cosmos black e36 M3, I just couldn't afford the $7,000 price tag for a car that was pissing blue smoke out of the exhaust. Oh well.
Most of the US BMW enthusiasts buy second hand or third hand. The depreciation is astonishing and many BMWs are leased with a huge residual so the first owners never buy them. Some enthusiasts jump in here via BMW certified pre owned programs. Others wait until the warranty runs out and values plummet further. These are auction fodder and Kilji\Craigslist finds locally.
Hi Jay, Just sharing some of my personal experience with you here, I was so hyped when the M2C came out and then soon get really disappointed after driving one in 2019, mainly because it lack of on-centre steering response and snappy and rubbery feel on grip limit, the car had original Mechlin PSS tyres. then last month I drove the same car again, but this time with Michelin Cup2 Connect from M2CS, and the whole car just transformed into something darty, racy and eager to be thrown into corners, I ended up selling my 1M and bought a M2C at the end.
Best car I’ve ever driven or owned. I sold my 2015 Elise S and M140i as both were irrelevant once I drove the M2 Competition. I’d say the best M Car ever made. There’s far more M140i’s than M2 Comp’s It’s the complete M Car
After talking to some car enthusiasts, I came to a realization, that there are quite a few car enthusiasts that have absolutely no sense of steering feel. They don't feel any problem on numb/artificial steering, and certainly don't appreciate the extra feedback when they experience a good rack. To my surprise, quite a lot of car reviewers don't even value steering feel that much.
Yes, but some of these people become fixated and biased. Drive the them cars and "feel" for yourself plus adjust to modern reality or be the people that would rather still fly propeller than jet engines?
I own one aswell but don’t feel attacked by this review. He’s not mean in any way, he just doesn’t like it. Everyone has his own taste in end. But it helps a lot having a more popping color and some modifications to feel more unique on the road. Getting a head-turner almost every day does more good, than one guy saying he thinks it’s boring 😉
Yes, you are the only person. I’m not a BMW fan & the M2C is perhaps the best value performance on the planet - pure driver’s car. Have driven one and it’s a 9/10.
I say well done for saying what you think, and I'm an M2 owner! (a manual N55, not a Comp'). I do have one criticism though, and that's accusing it of not being special because there are too many around. I see your point, but the fact that BMW make a smile inducing, rear drive 6 cylinder car in this day and age, is the reason so many have bought them. I'm on board with your other points, especially the lackluster interior with its cheaper leather, and lack of paint choices as they apply to the original M2. I'm an owner so I'm biased but I can forgive the shortcomings after a Sunday morning blast.
Some of us just like weird stuff. I get both points of view, but BMWs right now are just... too normal, too obvious (apart from Alpinas, id love one of those), hence why I drive a Peugeot RCZ-R, for the weirdness factor.
Seph Totally applaud you on that. I’m an ex-Lotus Exige owner and that was my only car!. Same for the M2. A bit of diverse taste makes the world go round.
I think they must be rarer in the U.S. I've had my Comp for a year and i've seen five other comps, and probably that many non-comp M2's during that period. It's like 1 M2 a month. I live in the middle of Seattle too, there are tons of nice cars around here. If you look up the U.S. production numbers, I believe they sell more M4s than M2s and sell roughly as many M3s as M2s. So you have a much higher chance of seeing an M3/M4 than you do an M2.
I have a dct version on £450 plus vat 1+37 profile. Hell of a car for the money and I think it handles beautifully. It’s a great drivers car but a handful in the wet so the full performance in the uk can only be used 40% of the time. I only have 12 months left with it, when it goes for the money it will be hard to replace. Anyone thinking of getting one, in my opinion you will not be disappointed. I think Jays videos are sometimes over opinionated rather than objective. Jeremy Clarkson has retired, be yourself step out of the shadow.
@@th3b0untyhunter I have driven an M235i and will say, I find it to be somewhat overrated as well. Fun, though? Oh, definitely. And certainly handles better than a Stinger GT. Just, they are two different types of car. I can hardly imagine cross-shopping them.
@@ARentz07 every car is overrated when you review it looking for faults as this video clearly does. Tiff Needell loved the M2C and that's good enough for me lol
There was an ECU update for this car some time in 2019 which added a bit of play to the steering wheel. My M2C with 2018 I-STEP is absolutely precise point and shoot. These cars are also running insane times at the nurburgring. Have a look at Team Schirmer. People wouldn’t be selling their Porches to buy a M2C as a ring car if they didn’t have perfect balance, steering and a tunable engine.
I think they just have a deep hate for BMWs. When Matt Farah said the Fiesta is just as fun as a E46 M3 I died from laughter. That is from being in both cars also btw.
I had a 2018 M2 and loved it because it was simple and not so many electronic nannies like M4 and now the M2 Competition. M2 were selling well over retail in US but I got mine just as the M2 Comp was released so it now had less value for lower HP and features. Performance very similar and mine was many thousands less. Kept is for 18 months and traded for a new 991.2 Carrera. Love the Porsche.
@@scottthomson9813 ahahah, I haven’t heard such a ridiculous statement about anything car related in some time. Just as a point, he thinks a 540 wagon is “better” meaning he has no desire for anything serious or exciting. Storage in an M2 is no joke as I’ve carried my 230lbs mastiff in mine. Daily drove a M2 for years and the other two don’t touch the platform. M2 has better drivetrain, better lateral grip, better price for the equipment, better sound, more rear seat space, trunk storage with pass through, safety features above the average modern car, better selection of modes, huge aftermarket support welcomed by the dealers, better community, and timeless looks. I could go on and on. Please at least drive one of these, and drive one faster than 25 mph in comfort on a straight. Your statement clearly comes from a lack of experience.
@@curtr.5083 Do your research sweetpea. The Genesis bests the overrated beemer in all those areas. Designed by Albert Biermann specifically to do so. Sorry to pop the fan boy bubble for you.
The straight pipes youtube chanel mentioned a similar isssue with there being no change in direction for a little bit sort of a deadzone from being straight
I love the M2 Competition with the manual. It feels a bit big and tall for a “compact” sports car, but I think that kinda adds some practicality. I only drove it a short distance on the streets and highway, but it’s the best BMW money can buy right now (2021). The BMW electric steering is not as bad as some say it is, but the old hydraulic rack is never coming back.
I find the original n55 m2 better than the comp . I used to own one . The reason is the weight difference of the engine , which is in the front obviously, and that is what you feel . The original m2 was a lot sharper in the steering department because of that , and sounded better i think. Because there was a lot of comment on the fact that the m2 did not have the s55 ..... now they have ruined it ...
Hi Jay, I have an M2 Comp (stock) - and you're totally right about the steering especially in its heaviest setting. It doesn't inspire confidence and makes it feel somewhat lethargic. It's my one gripe with the car. Also top tip for the running in service: Bring your own oils and save a staggeringly vast amount of money.
I think almost everyone agrees that the heaviest setting (Sport+) is the worst setting, because of the artificiality of it. I use Sport for track and Comfort for highway driving.
I still think it`s a great car for that what it cost new when you also compare it to what you can get new else in that range of sportiness. Taking used cars into the comparison is interesting but you can`t put this in as a Reason when you rate the car. I think this car is more a compromise when you don`t want to commit to a proper 2-Seater like the 718. - I would be in the 718-Camp because I have another car I can use for the daily stuff or holidays.
Yup. I own one as my only car. It works as an only car. I thought about a 718, but in addition to the practicality question, the 718 is quite a bit slower in a straight line and only has 4-cylinders. But if I was shopping for a second car, i'd take a 718 over the M2C because you just can't replicate that handling on a compact car chassis.
@@freedbeefpontoons That makes total sense to me, I would do it in the same way if I would be in that situation. I would like to have the 718 GTS but it`s so much more money compared to a 4-Cylinder. So when I get one it will be the smaller version.
The DCT is fab and I miss my old DCT in traffic but it was too clinical and quick and made my old car duller than the 22 yr old manual car that replaced it
Sadly no they aren't. There is a function in the ECU that enforces 1.2s of throttle lag on upshift to protect the drivetrain and it feels horrible to drive with throttle that does not respond. Nobody knows how to tune it out yet and it's been years, ever since the N55. Data logs for proof of BMW idiocy: f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1699999
I’ve never felt on mine or anyone say the steering is laggy either - what settings were the steering set to? Out of the 3 modes I find sport to be the best and the point in is extremely precise
I hate to agree with anyone......but you're right. I got out of one yesterday and jumped straight into my 82 924, yes, 924! It felt AMAZING,so alive, instant throttle response, flick switch gear change and so chuckable. It has been very slightly breathed on; larger throttle body and lowered, but that's it. Saved myself a fortune
Try not to laugh but i actually preferred my old E90 320si to drive than the N55 M2 i drove for a day. The M2 felt to me like all modern bimmers. Heavy arcade machines with no soul. My old E90 was far from perfect but at least it felt mor analogue with its hyd steering. I'd guess the 1M is the last true drivers car BMW made..i agree with you on this one James 👍
Other than the lack of steering feedback/turn-in slowness it seems Jay's experience driving the car is far more positive than negative, that he's "forcing" himself to dislike it because too many people love it. Similarly, I don't think it is fair to blame a car for its own popularity preventing it from being "special."
As a one year long owner of an M2 competition and as somebody who currently owns 10 BMWs of all vintages (1991-2020) along with 15 other cars let me just say this: It is a great little car. The only problem with it in my humble opinion is the wait. It is definitely 300 pounds too heavy. I disagree with the steering assessment as, while this electric steering is not as good as Porsche’s, it is still very nice indeed. I leave mine in comfort so it does not feel as artificial as when it is in sport. I actually like the intake noise that the engine makes and my Akrapović exhaust sounds really good for a turbocharged car. for the US market, we got the big brakes as Standard, so breaking is no problem. I think the optimal power level for this car is somewhere between 500 and 550bhp. I have an M2CS 6MT on order with carbon ceramic brakes. I am very curious as to how the CS is going to compare to M2 Comp. In conclusion, I do believe that the M2 competition is a perfect city car at least here in the United States. I do enjoy driving it a lot more on a daily basis than I enjoy driving my 600 hp S63.
Just because Instagram influencers and people with bad money management buy one - it's still a super expensive car. It should be reviewed/judged as such.
@@CitarNosis317 The car is incredible all around, and so is the M 240i in the 2 series class! It's absolutely worth the price if it's within your means no doubt!👍
Steering ratio is non-linear and BMW like to fit slow off-centre racks to M cars for high speed stability. The trade off is an overall feeling of a lack of response, once beyond 10 or 2 it is fine, but it does spoil a sporty feel.
@@mattholland315 ironically it is the much-maligned Z3 that got a linear quick ratio rack! Meaning it can feel pretty responsive, despite it's wobbly body. Fitted one to my ZM Coupe!
I am astonished by your comments about the steering. My M2 Comp (manual) now has 13,000 miles on it and has been driven by many of my driving enthusiast and sports car owning friends. Not one has commented adversely on the steering. The turn in is sharp and the steering is very accurate. I have to wonder whether there was an issue with tyre pressures or geometry on the car you drove. I bought it to enjoy and share with my friends for progressive B road recreational driving, not to look special or cool - I am rather shocked you think that would be a reason for buying this sort of car. That I do like the looks is a plus. It has the perfect amount of power for the purpose - lower and I can want more, more and it is frustratingly difficult to use the power with smooth transitions on and off (yes, I do have a more powerful car and have driven many). No other £50k car gives you 400 bhp from a six cylinder engine. A new Cayman GTS would probably be better to drive (I did quite a few miles in the 981 GT4 and loved it, and wasn't bothered by the high gearing which so many complain about) but would cost £30k more to a decent spec and is obviously far less practical. A new Evora is more. When lesser Boxsters and Caymans went 4 cylinder they lost their charm for me in spite of how capable they are. I took the M2 out back to back with a friend's Alpine and while that is lovely I preferred the M2, I wanted a manual and space for weekend luggage for 2. What other sports car for a comparable price would you suggest? To compare the prices of older second hand cars is absurd - we all know that newness is something you pay a lot for and which some of us value. Now I will mention the things I like least about the M2 - not one point of which you mentioned: poor DAB radio reception, small map in the nav system, and not being able to switch off the auto rev-matching without switching the traction control fully off. The only upgrade to mine has been Alcon front brake disks and harder pads (the standards didn't cope with enthusiastic road driving let alone track use - outrageous in a car like this). Sorry for the length of the post, I wonder whether anyone will read it?!
Looking at the cars you have filmed recently I gather you don't value newness - and the reason I have not watched many of your videos is because my main interest is in new cars. About the last new car you filmed is the GTC4 Lusso - I was lucky enough to have the use of one for a few weeks and I agree it is brilliant. Brilliant engine, brilliant chassis and very special. I think it is the daily transport for quite a few of the ultra rich. You said you could not think of rivals - I suggest any Rolls, probably the Wraith. You buy a car like that instead of an RS6 almost because it is very expensive and you can.
I did suggest to the owner that I felt the car's handling was not right, and it is possible something was wrong - but nothing was obviously amiss. I do review some new cars, this year I havent been able to do too many because press fleets shut down for about four months, but I am now doing some more
Hi Jay, I don't need a daily driver, so instead just bought myself a 1M coupe, that of course comes with a proper manual gearbox & is very rare on the road. My first BMW actually & I LOVE IT!!!
@J B yes, steering feel is a huge factor for a performance car in my opinion, & quite a lot of manufacturers don't get it right. My new 1m has wonderful direct steering, second only to my old EVO 8 I would say, but a better built car :)
I had one from Sytner BMW Leicester for 2 days. It’s just too racey, I hate the whining noise from behind the rear seats, the suspension is way too hard and the auto gearbox always drops down even under light acceleration and there is far too much tyre road noise when your cruising at 60 or 70 on an A-road. It’s just too much. I’m sure it’s great on a race track but all I want to do is go to the shops or. Is it some mates and not feel stressed out when I get there.
I own an OG M2 for 3 years already. Tried to switch to m3 or m4 but after I drove them, they didn’t convinced me as a pure sports car. I don’t think I will ever sell this car.
What you’re describing about the steering could be the tyres. I fitted mpss tyres to my Megane RS after having cups 2’s and the steering became exactly how you’re describing. Lost the feel and became spongy. Everyone raves about those tyres but on an agile car like my Megane it really affected the steering in a negative way. I do love the look of the M2 convo but they’re a lot of money for what they are!
Not a fan either. But we are a very small minority apparently. I've driven all M2 variants, and while they are very nice cars considering that they are based on an entry level small-ish BMW I just couldn't see myself spending nearly as much money on them as BMW is asking. You can get cars for that money which were, from the ground up, designed as sportscars. The gulf in enjoyment between driving one of those, or a 2 series with a big engine and stiff suspension, is very large indeed. And it's not like there actually is that much space in a 2 series anyway. I think the car works for BMW fans, but anyone who is more brand agnostic and tries a few other cars might not see the point.
Agreed. Obviously we are a minority. Like JMM, I like to be different and if I'm spending that sort of money, the car needs to excite like a sports car. The outside doesn't do anything for me (eye of the beholder an all that), but the inside where you spend most of your time, is just bland BMW fare. Unfortunately like many cars nowadays. Absolutely no theatre, no flare, no quirkiness, character. Unfortunately it might drive brilliantly, but if the car barely makes my pulse rise I just wont bother driving it.
Why small minority? Majory of people just do not need fast but fragile, overreacting cars like BMW! Majority have ide how to drive them and yet they think the car is super stable and safe but it is just opposite! And finally such a car, given all the limits and crowdy roads cannot be realy usefull. In most cases it is just en extension to ones d.....k.
I think you're mostly correct here (as an owner of an M2 Comp) but you're dismissing single car owners like myself. Yes, a true sports car is indeed more fun to drive when it comes down to it, but one would also ask for far more compromises of its owner. I've never aspired to own a BMW, if i'm being honest i'm a little embarrassed by the car. But its one of the best "do everything" performance cars on the market right now, at least if you want a manual.
@@freedbeefpontoons Well that's certainly a fair point. And given the direction that BMW seems to be going in, we may look back at the M2s in a decade's time and decide they were the last good thing before BMW ///M completely jumped the shark. A lot of stuff looked better in retrospect. Cars like the E46 M3 are now considered to be just about the last true old school M cars were far from perfect, in fact many of them shipped with a gearbox that would now be considered utter shite and borderline unusable. It's just that many of the things I liked in particular about BMW M cars in the past have gone in the bin and that's very frustrating.
I had an M240i and thought about an M2 but was concerned about a harder ride for real world driving (no adaptive suspension like the M240i). So opted for a Z4 which is slower but will offer a fun driving experience (collecting on Thursday...).
You absolutely nailed it on the noise front, I've never heard one that sounds good. It's a shame when BMW clearly know how to make a great sounding straight six.
I've seen some M3s and M4s with an active autowerke equal length midpipe. Have to say it improved the sound by a lot in my opinion. Probably the only exhaust I would buy for the S55 engine.
I'd have a Giulia Ti Sport over this. 3521 lbs, superior handling and usable in more situations, $25,000 less. It was developed as the Quadrafoglio spec first, so you get the carbon fiber driveshaft and roof, and full development of all the other good bits of the Qv, minus the engine.
I drive one of those M2C‘s and have to admit, that I partly agree on the things you said. The steering feels a bit delayed and the interior is not like the other real M-Cars. It’s a bit more focused on driving performance than being „nice“. But on the other hand it’s almost half of the price of an M4 and has the same engine. Lacking the individual program is no big deal. Mine is far away from stock and very individual. It’s a car made for fun and track if you like, so everyone throws out the stock suspension at some point anyways. Why then going for adaptiv dampers? Sound will always be something subjective. I like the S55 sound, even if it sounds better in the pre OPF M4 and M3. Mine is okay with Akrapovic Slip-On and modified mid-resonator, but it will never sound like a E46 M3 😉
My thought too. Steering's all mechanical, if there's 'lag', something is looser/softer than it should be. My M4 is about the sharpest steering thing I've ever driven, so I'd be surprised if an M2C was different.
Having had a few M cars over the years I thought I’d try an m2. I’m disappointed. Why? In a word... Suspension. It simply can’t put its power down. It pogo’s it’s way down the road and the traction light is constantly flickering and cutting the power, it’s so frustrating. Only when you switch it fully off do you realise how fast the thing is. It needs AST or similar suspension upgrades from the likes of litchfield to improve it but that’s £3k. The m2 is much hyped and there are some good points plus maybe I’ve been spoilt as my other car is a sublime 911 GTS (991.2) but I’m disappointed. The chassis engineers could have done a lot better.
So, I drove one for the first time, and I loved everything about it, more so than 3 of the 4 Porsche 997's I've owned in the past, but it was manual. Never owned a bmw before.
Yes! =) To be honest i had massive problems with my m2c with regards to the electrics and the extremely poor service of BMW Sweden. However, with regards to driving its wonderful, which you clearly notice when you switch from something else. When you arent driving it, sitting paying bills... its not perfect... not even close, but when you sit down and push the button you forgive it for all the problems it gave you and simply enjoy it. No you actually love it!!! How strange we are ... =)
Before buying my F80 M3, i watched loads of reviews and yours was the most critical of them. After just 5 months, I got rid of the M3 and wish I'd taken more notice of your review at the time. I'm now tempted by a Lotus Exige, an Alpine A110 or the M2. I think the M2 is out now.
I think he nails the reviews on these cars, I didn’t buy an m140 Or an alpina D3 due to the steering, booked a test drive on a 987 3.4 Gayman, on the Saturday and a Bmw m2 Sunday didn’t make the Sunday drive, if you want a connected feel, it’s hard to beat a 987.2. Is it going to be a daily?
It seems to me that from your car choices you dont need the rear seats, right? So, if you dont need them, why are you looking at cars with rear seats? With the cars you mention, Exige, A110 and M2, i would get the base A110 (Gordon Murray has one for god sake). Not the A110S, that rides to harsh. Exige vs A110, i recommend you drive both at slow speeds, also, manual Exige.
@@stu4181 A weekend toy as have a Tesla M3P as daily which I love. I keep looking at Porches but just can't get into them for some reason. Not keen on the looks or the long gearing
M Jay I know exactly what you mean; I’ve never been a porsche man, Drove a cayman R and was like ohhhhhh this is why people keep buying a rather dull shape, I’ve never driven anything like it. Maybe a lotus would be even better, but i dailyed mine for 14 months so the R was a better choice! Def try one, have you seen Jays review of the old Gayman R? Agree with everything he says on that one as well. The reason he can be absolutely truthful on reviews is they aren’t press cars he’s been lent he borrows owners cars, so doesn’t have an angry marketing dept to deal with after he’s given his opinion. Like the journalists have! I’m sure the tesla is some experience!
It’s a very appropriate comparison other than the stinger being a sedan. Both twin turbo, both about 400 hp, idk about weight comparison. The biggest disappointment to me with the M2 besides the s55 sound is that it has the wheelbase of an e46 M3 but weighs almost 3700 lbs. about as much as a gt350. If you want the best performance value between the two and can check your badge ego, the stinger is the smarter buy. If you want the bmw m badge ego, well then, pay $10k more. If it’s me, I’ll still go with M2 for that reason. Just be honest with yourself, you’re not paying 10k more for a significantly faster, better car than the Kia, you’re paying for the bmw ego.
Kia is an awesome car but way longer. It is also an auto. You can shift gears if you want but it auto upshifts on its own so there's no way someone who is looking at an M2 is also looking at a Kia. Kia is a GT car the M2 is more like a hot Hatch..but not a hatch
I Bought the first M2 in 2016; then I tried the M2 Comp to replace my Ur-M2... but in the end I went for a 2012 1M with less than 3000 miles (the M2 Comp would have been cheaper) 🤣
Because car is common does mean it’s not special in terms of how it drives , haven’t driven the old M2 , but the new M2 G87 in manual form is a cracking drive 👍
Videos don't do it any favours. I bought an M4 expecting to hate the sound, and I was going to tolerate it because it's fast, and I can mod the exhaust. But I actually like it in person, it's actually better (IMO) if you turn off the artificial engine noise - you can code it out or disconnect the module. You can also do the equal length exhaust mod, and then it'll sound like every other straight 6, the same sound most people know and love. But then it's less unique... After owning one, I've decided to keep it stock.
That's why I'm building E21 with an old-school I6 lump. Only 200 hp but the car weighs just about a ton. The engine sounds nothing like this, it has character, it rumbles, it feels like a muscle car. Sort of looks like one.
Once upon time proper M cars were something to aspire to, but nowadays with cheap pcp deals literally everyone has one. Overhyped probably not, M product cheapened...definitely.
You're upset that they have become more common? I mean pcp has made it possible for normal people to get a German hatch or saloon instead of having to drive a crap Ford or vauxhal. And I know which car I'd rather have lmao.
@@TheFlyingClutchman upset? Most certainly not. For me growing up in the 90's M cars were few and far between, I simply think they've devalued the M product...that's all.
@@ryan5983 by selling more cars? They're not a niche or supercar brand where limiting units sold helps lmao. The M brand was never fancy enough for 'something to aim for'. Supercars and porsches were there for that.
Firstly, take it on track, the steering and levels of grip is unbelievable for a standard car Secondly rev it out, granny shifting at 4k, no wonder you think it sounds shit. Take it all the way to the limiter
nes suno maybe the original M2 had poor steering or less sharp than the comp, but it’s one of the better BMWs and decent compared to most cars this side of a Porsche. Again beg to differ, fully rung out I don’t think the S55 sounds bad at all.
@@JonathanTyas I agree with your view. Non-EU and UK M2C cars sound well without OPF and this is regarded as the best modern M car in decades. The new G8x series may change that, but this M2C will stand at the top end regardless.
@@JayEmmOnCars i dont think you drove an m2 comp then, im the first person to slate the s55, hated it in my m4 but i think the m2 sounds a lot better, im not saying its the best sounding car on this planet either because its not, but each to their own, maybe youre just trying to be controversial, in which case you are, congrats
I had the same belief that the exhaust sound of the S55 is HORRID.. However Active Autowerke have made an equal length exhaust that solves this problem, now making me consider an M3! 😊
People like the BMW M2 because they want a small sporty BMW, not the new fattened M3 or the elongated M4 Gran Coupè. They yearn for a facsimile of an older, lighter, and cheaper days of BMW while still having 4 seats. Unfortunately, those days are long gone.
In answer to your question... Yes.
😂
Right 👍
Yes
Yes. Haha
All wrong, it does nothing for me
Being a BMW purist, iv owned, E46 M3's, E92's, F80 M3 and now the F87M2 competition. I can honestly say this review couldn't be more further from the truth. Jay i think you've tried to go about this review to maybe have something different to say about the M2 than everyone else on TH-cam for views perhaps, but the M2 is truly a great car, especially on the limit, that is where M cars come alive. It doesn't look like you've even tickled the limit of this car in this review to give these kind of opinions. Im not saying this with a bias either because i own one, I sell performance vehicles and I am fortunate enough to experience many performance vehicles and can really say the M2C is an exceptional car.
Dont take it so personal...its a mediocre car just probably all you can afford for now. Save up for a down payment on a used porsche and you won't be dissapointed.
@@Jdalio5 I have a 991 911.1 turbo S thank you and currently have a new GTS 911 GTS on order with a Porsche dealer. Don’t take it personal, but when you can afford a NEW Porsche and are eligible for their get on the waiting list you wont regret it. A used Porsche will do for you now until you can afford it.
@@ankushapple trust me I want to however im currently 90 days late on my 2013 nissan.
@@Jdalio5 talking shit about bmw and you drive a shitter Nissan
@@Jdalio5 wow quite incredible lack of judgement on two levels
Usually agree with you but I have to say when I had an m2 for a weekend while my car was being fixed I was blown away, what a car (I have an m4)
M2 or m2 comp? They’re different
Marco Ivan Zuniga was an m2.
😭😭😭m4 I love the car
@@1994TINIE Makes sense, M2 N55 is a better driving car.
Yes, you’re a contrarian.
I have a BMW 1 series and I also dislike the steering
Try a manual variant on a track and i think you will finally make sense of this little beasty. No way can you bring a kia stinger or 540i into the mix as a comparison. Totally different market place. Keep up the interesting reviews 👍 i always love to hear different peoples view points.
Joe Achilles would like to know your location?
😂😂😂
Joe Achilles is a BMW brand ambassador now..he'll say any old shite is good 🤣🤣
Joe this guy has last mind! Don’t bother with this guy!
This buy probably say the cayman S or GT4 has too rough of a ride! The car is too good or something.
It looks like a incomplete car for some reason
I drive a 2018 OG M2 w/DCT and I love it. Since I don't know anything else, I don't miss anything else.
I think the M2/COMP has great presence in the flesh, in blue.
ah... you are not wrong Rob!! And I'm not bias at all...
Think they look great in all colours, I don't think it is conveyed in photos and video though. Stuff like RS3 look great in photos but have nowhere near the presence of an M2 on the road.
I’ve got one of these and think it’s a great car. My steering feels really sharp and the car turns heads in long beach blue. The car has a lot of personality, in the dry it feels like German muscle. In the wet it’ feels like a street legal drift car that you can place anywhere with ease. I think it will go down as one of the greatest BMWs of all time, I haven’t driven them all being 29 but can’t imagine how it gets much better
Wait until you start getting into the Porsche vehicles, then you’ll see how it does get much better
@@markdafunky1 everyone and his budget my friend.
I was in the market for porsche but in my country its very expensive.
so I ordered m2 comp.
markdafunky1 I completely understand, I have actually never driven a Porsche. I really like the 2013 6 cylinder one but it wouldn’t be as fast as the m2, I’m sure it handles great and that maybe my next car if I decide not to pure turbos the m2 competition
@@harry-io9fz The driving engagement when driving a Porsche is simply incredible
@@Ssh52 try a Lotus. Porsche is like a bus compared.
Looks can be somewhat subjective but having driven a couple of these you really cannot deny the fun factor and it seems he’s not into much of that.
seems like you came into the review with prejudice. maybe you didn't but thats what it seemed like when watching the video
Gosh. It's almost like he put it in the video title...
I drive every car with as open a mind as possible but we all have preconceptions about a car whether we acknowledge it or not. Often they can be changed during a drive but not always.
@@JayEmmOnCars Hey i watch your video's because I like you, your opinions, and your incredible knowledge on cars. If you challenge what my preconceptions on the car, that's overall a good thing. its also much more entertaining content in my opinion.
other than basically the price and the steering input (you can fix the steering issues with adjusting the suspension/alignment apparently) what are both very good and valid points against the car. The bis where I lose you is when you criticize the car for it being popular, and therefore doesn't stand out; and for
limited paint colours.... both being something, I and i believe the large majority of people don't care about. This is fine and it's your review but these comments because they are so personal to you should be a side note on why you personally would never buy this car.
For car review structure I envision a top gear review (so maybe not the most journalistic by any means). They say all the good points, hype the car up like its the best thing since sliced bread. but then say "but its not going to sell." or "I hate it." and then list negative points with analysis. then final summary. in a lot of cases completely damning the car.
also its really easy/cheap to change the colour of a car now with Wraps.
He's late to the party and may be he just likes to "stand out" as he says.
I now have a reason why I curbed my wheels..it was down to lag in steering 😃
If the man wants to wear loud shirts and be noticed then good for him. I think also prefers an open car. A lot of us prefer low key tin tops and plain Tshirts, also good. That stuff is irrelevant. I really like the m2, but haven't driven one yet and that steering thing sounds not great. Will have to check it out. I totally agree about that Hockenheim silver though, it is super drab, and I'm even a fan of silver normally. Congrats on the 100k subscribers btw.
I’ve read that the factory wheel alignment has toe-in on the front wheels. Makes it nice and stable in a straight line but a bit lethargic to turn in. Giving it some toe-out at the front and slightly less toe-in at the rear makes the car much more alert apparently.
Oh and a manual gearbox is mandatory too.
I once had a car with toe out that I changed to toe in. I noticed exactly the effect you mention. Toe in felt like it was on rails once in the corner, but on the entry it didn't want to turn.
Turn in is very sharp. It’s excellent in fact. Just a shame the standard suspension is awful which ruins the car imo
David Hancock my lethargic comment about the cars steering was unfair in hindsight. The M2C has electric steering which is fine but doesn’t brilliantly telegraph what the tyres are up to. Toe-out can improve the feeling through the steering wheel in that first quarter of a turn of lock which might have impressed Jay a bit further. The M2C is brilliant. It’s ride was better than I expected but is still too stiff and under damped for UK B roads. Imagine an M2C with Ohlins suspension 🤤
Yes, it’s all about keeping the wheels on the ground Adam. I posted above about ast suspension so yes ohlins would be great but so expensive! The m2c is I am sure better than my standard m2. 👍
Wow that shirt is a beauty james, can we have a comparison video on all your shirts please?
Anyone who wears something like that has clearly no tastes. And considering his belly size looks like he will eat any old shit too so I'm taking his car review with a pinch of salt.
@Pheasant Pluckers son its an m2 competition moron
I own a m140i and I drove an M2 a few times. One of the thing that impressed me more in comparison with mine was the precision of the steering and the agility of the front end... probably is not as good as an old hidraulic steering but I still found it great. I agree with the color considerations, I just prefer in blue or orange or black (with orange interior like the old 1m).
This car never had a chance of a non biased review, seemed you had already made your mind up before even getting in the thing. The Focus RS springs to mind when you did the same. Not your finest this James.
I totally agree. And how much confidence should we have in anyone who has sooo much trouble staying in his lane?
Nothing wrong with using more of the road to enhance forward visibility
@@JayEmmOnCars If youre going fast... and you can sit in the middle of the road with better visibility. Do it.
@@JayEmmOnCars it looks like u raised the seat to its hight setting. How much more visibility do you need?
@@user-jm6hu3zq2v if you have to ask that question I am not sure if I can give an answer you would accept
Here in America people buy anything BMW to be seen in. The M, Completion, all upgrades etc etc. Bottom line 99% of them use it as a commuter and drive it like a wheel chair. They would not understand anything you talk about.
The UK-Euro market isn't much different I reckon..
@@AdamOrban123 At lest hire cars there have manual gearbox. I often get asked, "You are an American, can you shift yourself?" I actually got asked that at Silverstone renting their single seaters.
@@daveblock4061 My family and I had an Airbnb in a village outside of Le Mans (which funnily had the best pizza I've had on my trip). When I rented a car they didn't even ask what transmission I wanted and they gave me a manual
I used to drive my '95 325is like it owed me lots of money. I could actually feel everyones eyes look away when they didn't see an M3 badge. I almost had my hands on a cosmos black e36 M3, I just couldn't afford the $7,000 price tag for a car that was pissing blue smoke out of the exhaust. Oh well.
Most of the US BMW enthusiasts buy second hand or third hand. The depreciation is astonishing and many BMWs are leased with a huge residual so the first owners never buy them. Some enthusiasts jump in here via BMW certified pre owned programs. Others wait until the warranty runs out and values plummet further. These are auction fodder and Kilji\Craigslist finds locally.
Hi Jay, Just sharing some of my personal experience with you here, I was so hyped when the M2C came out and then soon get really disappointed after driving one in 2019, mainly because it lack of on-centre steering response and snappy and rubbery feel on grip limit, the car had original Mechlin PSS tyres. then last month I drove the same car again, but this time with Michelin Cup2 Connect from M2CS, and the whole car just transformed into something darty, racy and eager to be thrown into corners, I ended up selling my 1M and bought a M2C at the end.
how about the m4 comp.
Imagine how good the CS would be
Best car I’ve ever driven or owned.
I sold my 2015 Elise S and M140i as both were irrelevant once I drove the M2 Competition. I’d say the best M Car ever made.
There’s far more M140i’s than M2 Comp’s
It’s the complete M Car
No m2 is better than an elise
I have an S1 Lotus Exige.
Compaired to this my 2016 M2 is rubbish!
Still got my 500+bhp M135i and still happy 👍 M2 with manual gearbox is nice
After talking to some car enthusiasts, I came to a realization, that there are quite a few car enthusiasts that have absolutely no sense of steering feel. They don't feel any problem on numb/artificial steering, and certainly don't appreciate the extra feedback when they experience a good rack. To my surprise, quite a lot of car reviewers don't even value steering feel that much.
Yes, but some of these people become fixated and biased. Drive the them cars and "feel" for yourself plus adjust to modern reality or be the people that would rather still fly propeller than jet engines?
Modern cars will do that to you.
Another thing, most people asssume it's a small lightweight car from its size but it's not... it weighs 1600+ kg
MORE than the M3/M4
That’s a stripper m3/4 those hardly exist
Its 30lbs heavier.
Assuming that, the M3/M4 are still roughly similar in weight to an M2C which is a smaller car
Wow I did not know it was that heavy. Thats a big bertha right there. Would be an absolute GOAT if it was 1200 kg.
That's half a 770K.
It’s great these are selling so well so BMW continue to make cars like this. Needs a manual.
It has Manuel the version he has an optional double automatic clutch
@@BabyBackRibzz I meant stick and pedal. Well, that’s what I would go for anyway.
When one of your favourite reviewers drives the car you own and doesn’t like it - I feel the burn James 😂.
As an owner of an M2 Comp and a Golf GTD, i find myself jumping in to the Golf far too often
It's okay, really. My NSXs and I are happily married (one of them for 18 years in fact) and James' opinion didn't hurt our relationships one bit.
I own one aswell but don’t feel attacked by this review. He’s not mean in any way, he just doesn’t like it. Everyone has his own taste in end.
But it helps a lot having a more popping color and some modifications to feel more unique on the road. Getting a head-turner almost every day does more good, than one guy saying he thinks it’s boring 😉
Yes, you are the only person. I’m not a BMW fan & the M2C is perhaps the best value performance on the planet - pure driver’s car. Have driven one and it’s a 9/10.
I say well done for saying what you think, and I'm an M2 owner! (a manual N55, not a Comp'). I do have one criticism though, and that's accusing it of not being special because there are too many around. I see your point, but the fact that BMW make a smile inducing, rear drive 6 cylinder car in this day and age, is the reason so many have bought them.
I'm on board with your other points, especially the lackluster interior with its cheaper leather, and lack of paint choices as they apply to the original M2. I'm an owner so I'm biased but I can forgive the shortcomings after a Sunday morning blast.
I have seen none other than mine in Sac county. 2018 M2 LCI MT MG.
For that matter I never see them. Maybe one every 2 weeks
Some of us just like weird stuff. I get both points of view, but BMWs right now are just... too normal, too obvious (apart from Alpinas, id love one of those), hence why I drive a Peugeot RCZ-R, for the weirdness factor.
Seph Totally applaud you on that. I’m an ex-Lotus Exige owner and that was my only car!. Same for the M2. A bit of diverse taste makes the world go round.
I think they must be rarer in the U.S. I've had my Comp for a year and i've seen five other comps, and probably that many non-comp M2's during that period. It's like 1 M2 a month. I live in the middle of Seattle too, there are tons of nice cars around here. If you look up the U.S. production numbers, I believe they sell more M4s than M2s and sell roughly as many M3s as M2s. So you have a much higher chance of seeing an M3/M4 than you do an M2.
I have a dct version on £450 plus vat 1+37 profile. Hell of a car for the money and I think it handles beautifully. It’s a great drivers car but a handful in the wet so the full performance in the uk can only be used 40% of the time. I only have 12 months left with it, when it goes for the money it will be hard to replace. Anyone thinking of getting one, in my opinion you will not be disappointed. I think Jays videos are sometimes over opinionated rather than objective. Jeremy Clarkson has retired, be yourself step out of the shadow.
I’ve got one on a ‘69 plate and I part exchanged my M3 comp for it and I really don’t regret it one bit , I love it
Buy the silver, wrap in neon pink and boom, suddenly you’re quite special 🤔🤣
Special? no... Fabulous? Yes
Lost me when he tried to compare an M2 to a Kia Stinger 🤦♂️
Exactly! 🤦🏻♂️
Stinger isn't even on a par with M240 let alone M2C
@@th3b0untyhunter I have driven an M235i and will say, I find it to be somewhat overrated as well. Fun, though? Oh, definitely. And certainly handles better than a Stinger GT. Just, they are two different types of car. I can hardly imagine cross-shopping them.
@@ARentz07 every car is overrated when you review it looking for faults as this video clearly does. Tiff Needell loved the M2C and that's good enough for me lol
Gwelloboy so do Harris and Catchpole....good enough for me too.
The Stinger is a fine car, but they’re not the same kind of car.
Quite like it personally!
There was an ECU update for this car some time in 2019 which added a bit of play to the steering wheel. My M2C with 2018 I-STEP is absolutely precise point and shoot.
These cars are also running insane times at the nurburgring. Have a look at Team Schirmer. People wouldn’t be selling their Porches to buy a M2C as a ring car if they didn’t have perfect balance, steering and a tunable engine.
The steering is not very good let's be honest, but this is more or less a new car thing. But no arguing with how capable these are.
Oscar Brady The feel and feedback is poor like most new cars. The function is fine though.
Yes - you and Matt Farrah are THE ONLY ONES
And both liked the original too.
I think they just have a deep hate for BMWs. When Matt Farah said the Fiesta is just as fun as a E46 M3 I died from laughter. That is from being in both cars also btw.
@J B nah he just baised
@J B Like i said i can compare both since ive driven a fiesta and an m3. Miles apart in the track.
@@GokuTheHusky As James has said elsewhere, he's owned many BMWs.
Doesn't see a place for silver in the world for fast cars .. have you seen the Carrera GT in silver 😐 it looks epic
A proper suspension setup and a tune puts the M2C where it should be :)
The M2 is just a cute car honestly it’s so small and compact
I had a 2018 M2 and loved it because it was simple and not so many electronic nannies like M4 and now the M2 Competition. M2 were selling well over retail in US but I got mine just as the M2 Comp was released so it now had less value for lower HP and features. Performance very similar and mine was many thousands less. Kept is for 18 months and traded for a new 991.2 Carrera. Love the Porsche.
You compared a Kia to a BMW M car? 😂 Carry on...
Just compared to a car that is unclear copy of 10 car , a bit of Maserati look , a bit of merch interior done worse way , light of boat 🚣♀️ 😂😂😂
Stinger is better to drive than this car believe it or not. And the G70 clobbers both.
Lol was about to say the thing until came upon this comment😂
@@scottthomson9813 ahahah, I haven’t heard such a ridiculous statement about anything car related in some time. Just as a point, he thinks a 540 wagon is “better” meaning he has no desire for anything serious or exciting. Storage in an M2 is no joke as I’ve carried my 230lbs mastiff in mine. Daily drove a M2 for years and the other two don’t touch the platform. M2 has better drivetrain, better lateral grip, better price for the equipment, better sound, more rear seat space, trunk storage with pass through, safety features above the average modern car, better selection of modes, huge aftermarket support welcomed by the dealers, better community, and timeless looks. I could go on and on. Please at least drive one of these, and drive one faster than 25 mph in comfort on a straight. Your statement clearly comes from a lack of experience.
@@curtr.5083 Do your research sweetpea. The Genesis bests the overrated beemer in all those areas. Designed by Albert Biermann specifically to do so. Sorry to pop the fan boy bubble for you.
Well, it's the only new BMW left worth buying. A manual is a MUST though!
The muffler hangs way too low and destroys the back view. Looks terrible because of that muffler. BMW needs to do something about this.
You're probably the only person that doesn't like Hockenheim silver as well. You do know it looks nothing like a typical silver right?
About the steering - front tyre pressure a little low during your test drive?
The straight pipes youtube chanel mentioned a similar isssue with there being no change in direction for a little bit sort of a deadzone from being straight
My very elaborate answer to answer your question is...........YES!
I love the M2 Competition with the manual. It feels a bit big and tall for a “compact” sports car, but I think that kinda adds some practicality. I only drove it a short distance on the streets and highway, but it’s the best BMW money can buy right now (2021). The BMW electric steering is not as bad as some say it is, but the old hydraulic rack is never coming back.
Closest thing to the e46 feel
I find the original n55 m2 better than the comp . I used to own one . The reason is the weight difference of the engine , which is in the front obviously, and that is what you feel .
The original m2 was a lot sharper in the steering department because of that , and sounded better i think. Because there was a lot of comment on the fact that the m2 did not have the s55 ..... now they have ruined it ...
a bit heavier frontend but with s55 way more HP potential, im coming from a fbo n55 m235 and upgrading to m2c
@@bikerbros8693if you want power get a mustang, the M2 chassis is not meant for anything ~450+
As much as i like the looks, especially in this colour, i still like the sound of the old m2
In EU and UK, that's an unfortunate truth. Overseas, no OPF and purer engine note!
Very true, Faiz, the old M2 sounds better than the M2Comp with or without the OPF equation.
Brrrr 🥺
Hi Jay, I have an M2 Comp (stock) - and you're totally right about the steering especially in its heaviest setting. It doesn't inspire confidence and makes it feel somewhat lethargic. It's my one gripe with the car.
Also top tip for the running in service: Bring your own oils and save a staggeringly vast amount of money.
I think almost everyone agrees that the heaviest setting (Sport+) is the worst setting, because of the artificiality of it. I use Sport for track and Comfort for highway driving.
I still think it`s a great car for that what it cost new when you also compare it to what you can get new else in that range of sportiness. Taking used cars into the comparison is interesting but you can`t put this in as a Reason when you rate the car. I think this car is more a compromise when you don`t want to commit to a proper 2-Seater like the 718. - I would be in the 718-Camp because I have another car I can use for the daily stuff or holidays.
Yup. I own one as my only car. It works as an only car. I thought about a 718, but in addition to the practicality question, the 718 is quite a bit slower in a straight line and only has 4-cylinders.
But if I was shopping for a second car, i'd take a 718 over the M2C because you just can't replicate that handling on a compact car chassis.
@@freedbeefpontoons That makes total sense to me, I would do it in the same way if I would be in that situation. I would like to have the 718 GTS but it`s so much more money compared to a 4-Cylinder. So when I get one it will be the smaller version.
All that's left in the BMW coupe category is for Jay to come across a 1M to drive.
CSL
@J B you seem biased
I wonder why 🤔...
@J B I was being sarcastic 😂
But yeah, I'm also glad that you 'put your money where your mouth is' because you've got impeccable taste in cars 😋
These are cracking cars with a manual box 🤤
and just as good with dct :)
th3b0untyhunter I like manuals in general as they offer more driver involvement, but yes a good car with any box!
The DCT is fab and I miss my old DCT in traffic but it was too clinical and quick and made my old car duller than the 22 yr old manual car that replaced it
Sadly no they aren't. There is a function in the ECU that enforces 1.2s of throttle lag on upshift to protect the drivetrain and it feels horrible to drive with throttle that does not respond. Nobody knows how to tune it out yet and it's been years, ever since the N55. Data logs for proof of BMW idiocy: f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1699999
Simmo TVR can’t see the M2 Comp listed with a manual box ? Didn’t Joe Achilles buy one of the last manuals?
I actually really like it. Strip it, cage it and put some aggressive coilovers on it and you have a decent arrive and drive track weapon.
I’ve never felt on mine or anyone say the steering is laggy either - what settings were the steering set to? Out of the 3 modes I find sport to be the best and the point in is extremely precise
He's clueless in this review. What mode? What mods if any? What tyre pressures? Wholly inconsistent experience here on road and track.
The Straight Pipes also complained about a strange or wrong feel from the steering.
@@TassieLorenzo I don't recall that
@@TassieLorenzo You sure that wasn't a M240i
I hate to agree with anyone......but you're right. I got out of one yesterday and jumped straight into my 82 924, yes, 924! It felt AMAZING,so alive, instant throttle response, flick switch gear change and so chuckable. It has been very slightly breathed on; larger throttle body and lowered, but that's it. Saved myself a fortune
Try not to laugh but i actually preferred my old E90 320si to drive than the N55 M2 i drove for a day. The M2 felt to me like all modern bimmers. Heavy arcade machines with no soul. My old E90 was far from perfect but at least it felt mor analogue with its hyd steering. I'd guess the 1M is the last true drivers car BMW made..i agree with you on this one James 👍
Other than the lack of steering feedback/turn-in slowness it seems Jay's experience driving the car is far more positive than negative, that he's "forcing" himself to dislike it because too many people love it. Similarly, I don't think it is fair to blame a car for its own popularity preventing it from being "special."
At £50k, this is still £10k cheaper than the E39 was 20 years ago.
E39 M5 was £52k list
@@BenB91
Wrong.
It was £59,995.
th-cam.com/video/1KF0DVAWAdo/w-d-xo.html
www.pistonheads.com/news/spotted-ykywt/bmw-m5-e39--spotted/32031
Can't argue with the article. I was offered a brand new M5 by a dealer for £52k in 2002 which has stuck in my head.
I'm not totally following the comparison, but a current M5 is now up to £100k.
@@cw205mi16
Oh well.
Who in their right mind would suggest a Kia Stinger over a M2????
Paul Wallace now has one, it’s become the chavs with a bit of money favourite ride
snob
Paul is a beemer fan boy. I reckon he knows his stuff.
Rob Tap is he?
M2s are not the chav favourite
That would be corsa C
If they have a little more money then its a golf R with a 'pop and crackle' map.
@@Ssh52 big facts
As a one year long owner of an M2 competition and as somebody who currently owns 10 BMWs of all vintages (1991-2020) along with 15 other cars let me just say this: It is a great little car. The only problem with it in my humble opinion is the wait. It is definitely 300 pounds too heavy. I disagree with the steering assessment as, while this electric steering is not as good as Porsche’s, it is still very nice indeed. I leave mine in comfort so it does not feel as artificial as when it is in sport. I actually like the intake noise that the engine makes and my Akrapović exhaust sounds really good for a turbocharged car. for the US market, we got the big brakes as Standard, so breaking is no problem. I think the optimal power level for this car is somewhere between 500 and 550bhp. I have an M2CS 6MT on order with carbon ceramic brakes. I am very curious as to how the CS is going to compare to M2 Comp. In conclusion, I do believe that the M2 competition is a perfect city car at least here in the United States. I do enjoy driving it a lot more on a daily basis than I enjoy driving my 600 hp S63.
Ahh.....this is one of those edgy car reviewers
Just because Instagram influencers and people with bad money management buy one - it's still a super expensive car. It should be reviewed/judged as such.
@@CitarNosis317 I'd rather listen to Chris Harris mate
@@CitarNosis317 The car is incredible all around, and so is the M 240i in the 2 series class! It's absolutely worth the price if it's within your means no doubt!👍
@@RealOrbit-Australia Then go watch Chris Harris?
@@expanddong5925 ok dad!
Steering ratio is non-linear and BMW like to fit slow off-centre racks to M cars for high speed stability. The trade off is an overall feeling of a lack of response, once beyond 10 or 2 it is fine, but it does spoil a sporty feel.
Every BMW I’ve driven has had this cr@p steering effect you describe. A friend of mine had a massively modified E46 M3 and he reports the same too 🤣
@@mattholland315 ironically it is the much-maligned Z3 that got a linear quick ratio rack! Meaning it can feel pretty responsive, despite it's wobbly body. Fitted one to my ZM Coupe!
Yup it’s called stability 😂. Wouldn’t say there is anything wrong with the comp steering to be fair.
I am astonished by your comments about the steering. My M2 Comp (manual) now has 13,000 miles on it and has been driven by many of my driving enthusiast and sports car owning friends. Not one has commented adversely on the steering. The turn in is sharp and the steering is very accurate. I have to wonder whether there was an issue with tyre pressures or geometry on the car you drove. I bought it to enjoy and share with my friends for progressive B road recreational driving, not to look special or cool - I am rather shocked you think that would be a reason for buying this sort of car. That I do like the looks is a plus. It has the perfect amount of power for the purpose - lower and I can want more, more and it is frustratingly difficult to use the power with smooth transitions on and off (yes, I do have a more powerful car and have driven many). No other £50k car gives you 400 bhp from a six cylinder engine. A new Cayman GTS would probably be better to drive (I did quite a few miles in the 981 GT4 and loved it, and wasn't bothered by the high gearing which so many complain about) but would cost £30k more to a decent spec and is obviously far less practical. A new Evora is more. When lesser Boxsters and Caymans went 4 cylinder they lost their charm for me in spite of how capable they are. I took the M2 out back to back with a friend's Alpine and while that is lovely I preferred the M2, I wanted a manual and space for weekend luggage for 2. What other sports car for a comparable price would you suggest? To compare the prices of older second hand cars is absurd - we all know that newness is something you pay a lot for and which some of us value. Now I will mention the things I like least about the M2 - not one point of which you mentioned: poor DAB radio reception, small map in the nav system, and not being able to switch off the auto rev-matching without switching the traction control fully off. The only upgrade to mine has been Alcon front brake disks and harder pads (the standards didn't cope with enthusiastic road driving let alone track use - outrageous in a car like this). Sorry for the length of the post, I wonder whether anyone will read it?!
Looking at the cars you have filmed recently I gather you don't value newness - and the reason I have not watched many of your videos is because my main interest is in new cars. About the last new car you filmed is the GTC4 Lusso - I was lucky enough to have the use of one for a few weeks and I agree it is brilliant. Brilliant engine, brilliant chassis and very special. I think it is the daily transport for quite a few of the ultra rich. You said you could not think of rivals - I suggest any Rolls, probably the Wraith. You buy a car like that instead of an RS6 almost because it is very expensive and you can.
I did suggest to the owner that I felt the car's handling was not right, and it is possible something was wrong - but nothing was obviously amiss.
I do review some new cars, this year I havent been able to do too many because press fleets shut down for about four months, but I am now doing some more
Thanks for taking the time to read my comments
Hi Jay, I don't need a daily driver, so instead just bought myself a 1M coupe, that of course comes with a proper manual gearbox & is very rare on the road. My first BMW actually & I LOVE IT!!!
Congrats Steve, very special car that
@J B yes, steering feel is a huge factor for a performance car in my opinion, & quite a lot of manufacturers don't get it right. My new 1m has wonderful direct steering, second only to my old EVO 8 I would say, but a better built car :)
I had one from Sytner BMW Leicester for 2 days. It’s just too racey, I hate the whining noise from behind the rear seats, the suspension is way too hard and the auto gearbox always drops down even under light acceleration and there is far too much tyre road noise when your cruising at 60 or 70 on an A-road. It’s just too much. I’m sure it’s great on a race track but all I want to do is go to the shops or. Is it some mates and not feel stressed out when I get there.
I own an OG M2 for 3 years already. Tried to switch to m3 or m4 but after I drove them, they didn’t convinced me as a pure sports car. I don’t think I will ever sell this car.
Overhyped or not the thing looks the business👌💥
It looks deeply ordinary and forgettable doesn't it?!
@@Malc180s does it? Not to us mere mortals who are not lucky to drive Ferraris lol. For a small stocky car, it's got presence
@@Malc180s moron
bmw introduced a budget m3 and its been a hit. thats it.
I think of it as a "short wheelbase M4"
How can you say the m2 comp doesn’t stand out and the m140i does?! M140i looks like a 116d if you didn’t know what it was
What you’re describing about the steering could be the tyres. I fitted mpss tyres to my Megane RS after having cups 2’s and the steering became exactly how you’re describing. Lost the feel and became spongy. Everyone raves about those tyres but on an agile car like my Megane it really affected the steering in a negative way. I do love the look of the M2 convo but they’re a lot of money for what they are!
Not a fan either. But we are a very small minority apparently. I've driven all M2 variants, and while they are very nice cars considering that they are based on an entry level small-ish BMW I just couldn't see myself spending nearly as much money on them as BMW is asking. You can get cars for that money which were, from the ground up, designed as sportscars. The gulf in enjoyment between driving one of those, or a 2 series with a big engine and stiff suspension, is very large indeed. And it's not like there actually is that much space in a 2 series anyway. I think the car works for BMW fans, but anyone who is more brand agnostic and tries a few other cars might not see the point.
Agreed. Obviously we are a minority. Like JMM, I like to be different and if I'm spending that sort of money, the car needs to excite like a sports car. The outside doesn't do anything for me (eye of the beholder an all that), but the inside where you spend most of your time, is just bland BMW fare. Unfortunately like many cars nowadays. Absolutely no theatre, no flare, no quirkiness, character.
Unfortunately it might drive brilliantly, but if the car barely makes my pulse rise I just wont bother driving it.
Why small minority?
Majory of people just do not need fast but fragile, overreacting cars like BMW!
Majority have ide how to drive them and yet they think the car is super stable and safe but it is just opposite!
And finally such a car, given all the limits and crowdy roads cannot be realy usefull.
In most cases it is just en extension to ones d.....k.
I think you're mostly correct here (as an owner of an M2 Comp) but you're dismissing single car owners like myself. Yes, a true sports car is indeed more fun to drive when it comes down to it, but one would also ask for far more compromises of its owner. I've never aspired to own a BMW, if i'm being honest i'm a little embarrassed by the car. But its one of the best "do everything" performance cars on the market right now, at least if you want a manual.
@@freedbeefpontoons Well that's certainly a fair point. And given the direction that BMW seems to be going in, we may look back at the M2s in a decade's time and decide they were the last good thing before BMW ///M completely jumped the shark. A lot of stuff looked better in retrospect. Cars like the E46 M3 are now considered to be just about the last true old school M cars were far from perfect, in fact many of them shipped with a gearbox that would now be considered utter shite and borderline unusable. It's just that many of the things I liked in particular about BMW M cars in the past have gone in the bin and that's very frustrating.
That’s the best shirt you’ve had yet
Looks fine, but hate the rear lights.
I had an M240i and thought about an M2 but was concerned about a harder ride for real world driving (no adaptive suspension like the M240i). So opted for a Z4 which is slower but will offer a fun driving experience (collecting on Thursday...).
Chris Harris says you are wrong
Chris is welcome to his opinion, we disagree on a few things
Yes I’m with Harris
I’m going with Chris’s opinion thank you
That colour looks unreal personally
How to make an S55 sound decent - equal length midpipes.
In EU and UK, not as needed in export markets
You absolutely nailed it on the noise front, I've never heard one that sounds good. It's a shame when BMW clearly know how to make a great sounding straight six.
I've seen some M3s and M4s with an active autowerke equal length midpipe. Have to say it improved the sound by a lot in my opinion. Probably the only exhaust I would buy for the S55 engine.
I'd have a Giulia Ti Sport over this. 3521 lbs, superior handling and usable in more situations, $25,000 less. It was developed as the Quadrafoglio spec first, so you get the carbon fiber driveshaft and roof, and full development of all the other good bits of the Qv, minus the engine.
I drive one of those M2C‘s and have to admit, that I partly agree on the things you said.
The steering feels a bit delayed and the interior is not like the other real M-Cars. It’s a bit more focused on driving performance than being „nice“. But on the other hand it’s almost half of the price of an M4 and has the same engine. Lacking the individual program is no big deal. Mine is far away from stock and very individual. It’s a car made for fun and track if you like, so everyone throws out the stock suspension at some point anyways. Why then going for adaptiv dampers?
Sound will always be something subjective. I like the S55 sound, even if it sounds better in the pre OPF M4 and M3. Mine is okay with Akrapovic Slip-On and modified mid-resonator, but it will never sound like a E46 M3 😉
Really great bang for you buck. And lots of after market stuff for it.
About the steering, was the tire pressure correct?
My thought too. Steering's all mechanical, if there's 'lag', something is looser/softer than it should be. My M4 is about the sharpest steering thing I've ever driven, so I'd be surprised if an M2C was different.
Having had a few M cars over the years I thought I’d try an m2. I’m disappointed. Why? In a word... Suspension. It simply can’t put its power down. It pogo’s it’s way down the road and the traction light is constantly flickering and cutting the power, it’s so frustrating. Only when you switch it fully off do you realise how fast the thing is. It needs AST or similar suspension upgrades from the likes of litchfield to improve it but that’s £3k. The m2 is much hyped and there are some good points plus maybe I’ve been spoilt as my other car is a sublime 911 GTS (991.2) but I’m disappointed. The chassis engineers could have done a lot better.
So, I drove one for the first time, and I loved everything about it, more so than 3 of the 4 Porsche 997's I've owned in the past, but it was manual. Never owned a bmw before.
No 2 series comes close to a 911 tf are you on lol
To answer your question: Yeah, pretty much.
Yes! =) To be honest i had massive problems with my m2c with regards to the electrics and the extremely poor service of BMW Sweden. However, with regards to driving its wonderful, which you clearly notice when you switch from something else. When you arent driving it, sitting paying bills... its not perfect... not even close, but when you sit down and push the button you forgive it for all the problems it gave you and simply enjoy it. No you actually love it!!! How strange we are ... =)
We love our m2 !
This is the greatest car bmw ever created next to the 1 series
Before buying my F80 M3, i watched loads of reviews and yours was the most critical of them. After just 5 months, I got rid of the M3 and wish I'd taken more notice of your review at the time. I'm now tempted by a Lotus Exige, an Alpine A110 or the M2. I think the M2 is out now.
I think he nails the reviews on these cars, I didn’t buy an m140 Or an alpina D3 due to the steering, booked a test drive on a 987 3.4 Gayman, on the Saturday and a Bmw m2 Sunday didn’t make the Sunday drive, if you want a connected feel, it’s hard to beat a 987.2. Is it going to be a daily?
It seems to me that from your car choices you dont need the rear seats, right? So, if you dont need them, why are you looking at cars with rear seats?
With the cars you mention, Exige, A110 and M2, i would get the base A110 (Gordon Murray has one for god sake). Not the A110S, that rides to harsh.
Exige vs A110, i recommend you drive both at slow speeds, also, manual Exige.
Lotus. You’ll love it.
@@stu4181 A weekend toy as have a Tesla M3P as daily which I love. I keep looking at Porches but just can't get into them for some reason. Not keen on the looks or the long gearing
M Jay I know exactly what you mean; I’ve never been a porsche man, Drove a cayman R and was like ohhhhhh this is why people keep buying a rather dull shape, I’ve never driven anything like it. Maybe a lotus would be even better, but i dailyed mine for 14 months so the R was a better choice! Def try one, have you seen Jays review of the old Gayman R? Agree with everything he says on that one as well. The reason he can be absolutely truthful on reviews is they aren’t press cars he’s been lent he borrows owners cars, so doesn’t have an angry marketing dept to deal with after he’s given his opinion. Like the journalists have!
I’m sure the tesla is some experience!
Agreed.
The Atmo M six pots had something special and visceral about them.
These turbo Beemers are well,
Ehhh whatever!
Comparing this to a Kia ? are you okay lol?, the M2 is miles 'Better'
It’s a very appropriate comparison other than the stinger being a sedan. Both twin turbo, both about 400 hp, idk about weight comparison. The biggest disappointment to me with the M2 besides the s55 sound is that it has the wheelbase of an e46 M3 but weighs almost 3700 lbs. about as much as a gt350. If you want the best performance value between the two and can check your badge ego, the stinger is the smarter buy. If you want the bmw m badge ego, well then, pay $10k more. If it’s me, I’ll still go with M2 for that reason. Just be honest with yourself, you’re not paying 10k more for a significantly faster, better car than the Kia, you’re paying for the bmw ego.
@@ericm8368 They are nothing alike, the Stinger is great but waaay larger and handles completely differently.
Your still 10 grand up when you go to sell the M2 so your price comparison is irrelevant.
Kia is an awesome car but way longer. It is also an auto. You can shift gears if you want but it auto upshifts on its own so there's no way someone who is looking at an M2 is also looking at a Kia. Kia is a GT car the M2 is more like a hot Hatch..but not a hatch
lol right???
Actually think the normal M2 is better. In manual. But sadly in the south east they’re as common as Fiestas as you say.
Would be very interesting to see what you thought of a 1M.
I Bought the first M2 in 2016; then I tried the M2 Comp to replace my Ur-M2... but in the end I went for a 2012 1M with less than 3000 miles (the M2 Comp would have been cheaper) 🤣
Because car is common does mean it’s not special in terms of how it drives , haven’t driven the old M2 , but the new M2 G87 in manual form is a cracking drive 👍
Sorry, but I am sick - I like the sound of the S55 ! and it's not as loud as that shirt
Videos don't do it any favours. I bought an M4 expecting to hate the sound, and I was going to tolerate it because it's fast, and I can mod the exhaust. But I actually like it in person, it's actually better (IMO) if you turn off the artificial engine noise - you can code it out or disconnect the module.
You can also do the equal length exhaust mod, and then it'll sound like every other straight 6, the same sound most people know and love. But then it's less unique...
After owning one, I've decided to keep it stock.
That's why I'm building E21 with an old-school I6 lump. Only 200 hp but the car weighs just about a ton. The engine sounds nothing like this, it has character, it rumbles, it feels like a muscle car. Sort of looks like one.
The steering is great! What are you talking about! I don't understand you very well this time 🤔
Jay is a moron.
You're right! Soooo many people have one of these!
Once upon time proper M cars were something to aspire to, but nowadays with cheap pcp deals literally everyone has one. Overhyped probably not, M product cheapened...definitely.
Pahahah!!! You must be as old as me!
You're upset that they have become more common? I mean pcp has made it possible for normal people to get a German hatch or saloon instead of having to drive a crap Ford or vauxhal. And I know which car I'd rather have lmao.
@@TheFlyingClutchman upset? Most certainly not. For me growing up in the 90's M cars were few and far between, I simply think they've devalued the M product...that's all.
@@ryan5983 by selling more cars? They're not a niche or supercar brand where limiting units sold helps lmao. The M brand was never fancy enough for 'something to aim for'. Supercars and porsches were there for that.
I used to drive an E30 and E36 M3, REAL driver's cars.
Yeah used to think Jay was sound of mind but seen a few of his vids now and definitely would have to suggest he is not.
Firstly, take it on track, the steering and levels of grip is unbelievable for a standard car
Secondly rev it out, granny shifting at 4k, no wonder you think it sounds shit. Take it all the way to the limiter
Took it to the limiter plenty of times, still sounds awful.
No excuses for poor steering at road speeds
@@JayEmmOnCars just wow... I wouldn't call you clueless, but biased and misguided for sure
nes suno maybe the original M2 had poor steering or less sharp than the comp, but it’s one of the better BMWs and decent compared to most cars this side of a Porsche. Again beg to differ, fully rung out I don’t think the S55 sounds bad at all.
@@JonathanTyas I agree with your view. Non-EU and UK M2C cars sound well without OPF and this is regarded as the best modern M car in decades. The new G8x series may change that, but this M2C will stand at the top end regardless.
@@JayEmmOnCars i dont think you drove an m2 comp then, im the first person to slate the s55, hated it in my m4 but i think the m2 sounds a lot better, im not saying its the best sounding car on this planet either because its not, but each to their own, maybe youre just trying to be controversial, in which case you are, congrats
I had the same belief that the exhaust sound of the S55 is HORRID..
However Active Autowerke have made an equal length exhaust that solves this problem, now making me consider an M3! 😊
No OPF or awful systems in US and other markets outside of EU or UK!
Yep! Drive it on a road and traffic like that then speak against it. Which speaks well of what then? 🤔 🤣
People like the BMW M2 because they want a small sporty BMW, not the new fattened M3 or the elongated M4 Gran Coupè. They yearn for a facsimile of an older, lighter, and cheaper days of BMW while still having 4 seats. Unfortunately, those days are long gone.