After spending 5 days with the G87 M2, I came away feeling frustratingly torn. Here are the reasons why. Follow me on IG: / zygrene Email me if you'd like me to review your car: zygrene@gmail.com
Numb steering and no clutch feeling should not be on a car like this. Might as well keep saving for a base cayman. Less on hp but way better driving feel.
After daily driving this car for the past 4 months, you absolutely nailed it on the 5 likes you mentioned. This car has tons of useful power, and extremely planted when driven hard in the backroads, which builds your confidence to another dimension. Great review btw.
I have had my G87 M2 manual for 3 weeks now and this review is SPOT ON! At this point begun to put my seatbelt on with the door open right when I enter the car as the reach is easier, with the door closed its very tight and a heck of a reach as you said. Second is I am absolutely doing the clutch delay valve delete on this car as it will make the engagement of the clutch a little more predicable and help with that 1-2 judder that occasionally happens. I did the CDV delete mod on my 1M coupe and it made a world of difference. Also as you stated the clutch and rubbery shifts really suck 1-2 and going slow however at highway speed gears 3-6 everything settles in and it’s quite lovely to shift fast or slow. Simply put no this is not a great small town, traffic light manual like most modern manual M cars. A weighted shift knob and CDV delete I think will help dramatically. Lastly about the size and weight yes its heavy, yes it feels “big” considering you’re in a baby M car however your points about how surefooted the G87 is compared to past M2s is so accurate. I feel more confident on busy highways driving a taller, bigger vehicle. The 1M was small and the last gen M2 certainly wasn’t big. This car if it were a tad longer in the nose would simply be a modern day M3 with its size.. and im okay with that. I miss the easy to slide 1M and flick ability of past M2s but for an all around daily driver that comes in a manual I don’t think this car can be beat. And with the S58 engine there is finally enough power stock to really have fun in any gear. Your review is aces, nice work!
I concur on the bmw clutch. I own a e90, a r52 mini, and a F56 mini cooper S and the clutch is loved the most are the ones in the e90 and r52. The getrag 6speed manual transmission paired with the bmw clutch is very hard to engage 2nd gear from 1st smoothly is not easy. The small engagement point makes it hard to modulate compared to the r52 and e90 is very easy
I don’t think you can get adaptive cruise in the manual. The configurator bumps you to automatic if you select the driving assistance package. Only Honda, Toyota and now Subaru have adaptive cruise with manuals.
Kinda a bummer you aren't going to be able to get an F87 Comp for the comparison. I don't think i've seen that car compared with a G87 yet. It's kind of the goldilocks middle ground between the OG F87 funness and the S-engined goodness from the G87.
Definitely wanted to film that comparo but missed the opportunity. Goldilocks zone is the right term to describe the F87 Comp! Honestly it's the one I'd buy.
The positives you mention about the suspension, like taking bumps without lifting off the throttle and not feel anything, are good things in a 7 series but not in a sportscar
Fenton, given the rear seats are BS, this or the Supra? Latter is much better looking and has such a nice shifter. Wondering about the fun hustling that around the steering comparison
F87 was e36 size G87 is e92 size i like smaller lighter cars but I also love the bmw shifter feel even though it’s not the traditional “good” Miata/s2000 shift feel (which I also love)
Hey Zygrene, love your video as always. Gave me a good perspective & assurance that I bought the right car. Would love to offer my 23' cayman GTS 4.0 for you to do a love & hate video if you are in LA!
Great review! Agree about everything, especially the suspension and benefits of added weight. G87 is a great only car, a beast of a performer but comfortable and quiet when you want it to be. Driving this did lead me to buy an F87 though. It's just more fun to me, and beautiful with usable back seats. The clutch on both cars is ass until you remove the clutch delay valve. Then it's fine, but still not great. Poor boba cup holding capabilities would be a deal breaker for my wife! lol
nice truck route you took, never ending construction! As far as the seatbelt is concerned, you're driving a coupe, it's going to be that way. Try grabbing the belt from the bottom rather than the top and thank me later :)
Nah, you don't get used to iDrive 8 over time. version 8.5 has come out and a whole new version is in the works too...I'm only hoping we get 8.5 in the G87...
That’s why I chose the 8-speed auto over the 6-speed manual. In the fastest shift mode, it shifts at 150 milliseconds, almost as fast as the old DCT which was very clunky at low speeds. As for its capabilities with 3800 lbs, I suggest you watch Chris Harris driving the M2…one of the best cars ever according to Chris. I bought my 2024 M2 strictly for the looks….some hate it but I love it. It’s refreshing when BMW gives people exactly what they want with bulging fenders and then people complain about it. It’s destined to be a classic, unlike the M3/M4 with the beaver teeth.
Would love to see a comparison between this G87 M2 and your Integra Type S! I think a lot of people (myself included) will be cross-shopping these cars and I'm really curious to see if as a holistic driving experience this is really worth another $12k (and by proxy if the G80 M3 is really worth $30k more than the ITS)
Such a shame the ultimate driving machine is so poor on what should be the simple basics; steering feel, other inputs and transmission. As a sporting, fun, performance car, that just kills it stone dead for me.
Things I don't like would be the dumb triangle pattern stampings on the interior vinyl to overstyle it, the gigantic Samsung in your face of a car that is not electric, and the exterior that looks like a concrete block mold. Removing the switchgear is so stupid it is cruel. Things I like are the powertrain.
The add ons have always been like that for German cars. Acura and other Asian cars have always been like they are as well. No extra features, everything added in based on your trim. Comparing them never works because while they are in the same class on paper they just aren't on the same level. Don't compare an M car to any Acura. Better off comparing a Type S to an M340 which is closer in price but also features are a la.carte
Actually really hard to say. Integra is more comfortable and much easier to use every day. And looks better. M2 has RWD dynamics and a killer engine, but is over engineered.
YOu should compare the M2 to the Mustang DH. Both are simlar priced, RWD, back seat, manual and HP. And before most of you guys say one is a lux brand and other is cheap speed and they dont compete. Those days are gone, RWD vs FWD vs AWD, gone. V8 vs turbo, gone. JDM vs mucle vs german, gone. In 2024 it is fun to drive cars vs commuters.
no denying the driving dynamics, but the interior and exterior stylish is trash, also seeing a coupe in real life, this thing can not be called a compact sport car anymore, it is MASSIVIVE
@wilsonmpesha904 Yes. Any BMW is a luxury performance car. They have always been that. Their performance cars are great on the track and on the road. However, they are not built as dedicated sports cars from the ground up. That's why they are so heavy.
He drives s2ks and caymans, he definitely understands light weight. If you listen to his explanation it made a lot of sense. Also mentioning there’s cons to it’s weight as well.
It's a similar feeling to the R35 GTR. Would I prefer a lighter car? Absolutely. But the engineering of the R35 manages to use the weight to its advantage, in limited ways. It's probably safe to say a 3200lb G87 would be more fun to drive but have significantly worse tech, comfort, safety, etc.
The boba test needs to become a permanent part of Zygrene reviews
Love: Driving it.
Hate: Looking at it.
The Looks of these cars is actually growing on me. I kinda like it.
same, I ended up putting a deposit down this past Monday after seeing a ZB at the local dealership. The color looks awesome in person.
Numb steering and no clutch feeling should not be on a car like this. Might as well keep saving for a base cayman. Less on hp but way better driving feel.
Sure, but to offset that numb steering and poor clutch, you get bloated weight and horrendous looks, so it works out. 🙄
Just get a used cayman and save like $10k. I think the base boxster/cayman is just a little too high nowadays. At least the flat 4 is very tunable
After daily driving this car for the past 4 months, you absolutely nailed it on the 5 likes you mentioned. This car has tons of useful power, and extremely planted when driven hard in the backroads, which builds your confidence to another dimension. Great review btw.
Thanks for the review. How do you compare it to a manual Supra?
I actually picked this over m4 because it it’s looks. Love the boxy look.
I have had my G87 M2 manual for 3 weeks now and this review is SPOT ON! At this point begun to put my seatbelt on with the door open right when I enter the car as the reach is easier, with the door closed its very tight and a heck of a reach as you said.
Second is I am absolutely doing the clutch delay valve delete on this car as it will make the engagement of the clutch a little more predicable and help with that 1-2 judder that occasionally happens. I did the CDV delete mod on my 1M coupe and it made a world of difference. Also as you stated the clutch and rubbery shifts really suck 1-2 and going slow however at highway speed gears 3-6 everything settles in and it’s quite lovely to shift fast or slow. Simply put no this is not a great small town, traffic light manual like most modern manual M cars. A weighted shift knob and CDV delete I think will help dramatically.
Lastly about the size and weight yes its heavy, yes it feels “big” considering you’re in a baby M car however your points about how surefooted the G87 is compared to past M2s is so accurate. I feel more confident on busy highways driving a taller, bigger vehicle. The 1M was small and the last gen M2 certainly wasn’t big. This car if it were a tad longer in the nose would simply be a modern day M3 with its size.. and im okay with that.
I miss the easy to slide 1M and flick ability of past M2s but for an all around daily driver that comes in a manual I don’t think this car can be beat. And with the S58 engine there is finally enough power stock to really have fun in any gear. Your review is aces, nice work!
That tablet inside is just insane in car like this
I concur on the bmw clutch. I own a e90, a r52 mini, and a F56 mini cooper S and the clutch is loved the most are the ones in the e90 and r52. The getrag 6speed manual transmission paired with the bmw clutch is very hard to engage 2nd gear from 1st smoothly is not easy. The small engagement point makes it hard to modulate compared to the r52 and e90 is very easy
Great video/commentary.
I don’t think you can get adaptive cruise in the manual. The configurator bumps you to automatic if you select the driving assistance package. Only Honda, Toyota and now Subaru have adaptive cruise with manuals.
Ford do it too with their mustang. This is a shame, coming from a mustang I just bought an m2 and they cannot have cruise control on manuals...
Love the styling. The OG M2 was okay, but this new one looks super aggressive and awesome with it's harder body lines.
Just discovered you. Excellent! Suscribed👌
You have to remove the CDV to get better clutch feel.
Kinda a bummer you aren't going to be able to get an F87 Comp for the comparison. I don't think i've seen that car compared with a G87 yet. It's kind of the goldilocks middle ground between the OG F87 funness and the S-engined goodness from the G87.
Definitely wanted to film that comparo but missed the opportunity. Goldilocks zone is the right term to describe the F87 Comp! Honestly it's the one I'd buy.
The positives you mention about the suspension, like taking bumps without lifting off the throttle and not feel anything, are good things in a 7 series but not in a sportscar
Fenton, given the rear seats are BS, this or the Supra? Latter is much better looking and has such a nice shifter. Wondering about the fun hustling that around the steering comparison
These cars fascinate me, but I couldn't sell my C7 Corvette M7 for one of these. I think I would be disappointed.
F87 was e36 size G87 is e92 size i like smaller lighter cars but I also love the bmw shifter feel even though it’s not the traditional “good” Miata/s2000 shift feel (which I also love)
E36 sized? It’s 6” wider… The F87 is even wider than an E92 M3.
Hey Zygrene, love your video as always. Gave me a good perspective & assurance that I bought the right car.
Would love to offer my 23' cayman GTS 4.0 for you to do a love & hate video if you are in LA!
That'd be great! Please shoot me a quick email to zygrene@gmail.com
@@Zygrene will do
higher torque + Clutch Delay Valve result in that crappy 1st - 2nd jerkiness. The MT supra has some of that too unfortunately.
I'm in the market for a new sports car and I am having a hard time deciding between the M2 and the Dark Horse Mustang.
That's a tough one. Dark Horse looks very promising. Hope to get my hands on one soon.
Great review! Agree about everything, especially the suspension and benefits of added weight. G87 is a great only car, a beast of a performer but comfortable and quiet when you want it to be. Driving this did lead me to buy an F87 though. It's just more fun to me, and beautiful with usable back seats.
The clutch on both cars is ass until you remove the clutch delay valve. Then it's fine, but still not great.
Poor boba cup holding capabilities would be a deal breaker for my wife! lol
Weight is the enemy of all sports cars, Stopping, turning, accelerating, economy.
the cupholder and seatbelt thing is a non issue. For context I have a TR g87 auto
Can the cupholder hold a Starbucks venti iced drink?
nice truck route you took, never ending construction! As far as the seatbelt is concerned, you're driving a coupe, it's going to be that way. Try grabbing the belt from the bottom rather than the top and thank me later :)
I wonder how this really compares to the Dark Horse. A great competitor
Nah, you don't get used to iDrive 8 over time. version 8.5 has come out and a whole new version is in the works too...I'm only hoping we get 8.5 in the G87...
Already noticing how much better 8.5 is in the 2024 X6 M I'm driving this week.
yep its good you get to experience them nearly back to back...@@Zygrene
That’s why I chose the 8-speed auto over the 6-speed manual. In the fastest shift mode, it shifts at 150 milliseconds, almost as fast as the old DCT which was very clunky at low speeds. As for its capabilities with 3800 lbs, I suggest you watch Chris Harris driving the M2…one of the best cars ever according to Chris. I bought my 2024 M2 strictly for the looks….some hate it but I love it. It’s refreshing when BMW gives people exactly what they want with bulging fenders and then people complain about it. It’s destined to be a classic, unlike the M3/M4 with the beaver teeth.
Same here bought my 2024 sapphire black and big factor that went into my decision was its looks.
I need a boba friendly cup holder absolute deal breaker. 😆
Would love to see a comparison between this G87 M2 and your Integra Type S! I think a lot of people (myself included) will be cross-shopping these cars and I'm really curious to see if as a holistic driving experience this is really worth another $12k (and by proxy if the G80 M3 is really worth $30k more than the ITS)
Hopefully I can film this comparo in the near future
Who the heck cross shops a fwd econobox and a rwd luxobarge?
@@TheCaffeinatedDrivepeople who love different cars for different reasons
@@sf4756 ok snowflake
The interior looks much nicer now buttttt that front end, ugh
Be careful not to puncture those cheaply designed and highly exposed radiators ! (based on the roads I see in this video).
you know your stuff
Such a shame the ultimate driving machine is so poor on what should be the simple basics; steering feel, other inputs and transmission. As a sporting, fun, performance car, that just kills it stone dead for me.
Things I don't like would be the dumb triangle pattern stampings on the interior vinyl to overstyle it, the gigantic Samsung in your face of a car that is not electric, and the exterior that looks like a concrete block mold. Removing the switchgear is so stupid it is cruel. Things I like are the powertrain.
The add ons have always been like that for German cars. Acura and other Asian cars have always been like they are as well. No extra features, everything added in based on your trim. Comparing them never works because while they are in the same class on paper they just aren't on the same level. Don't compare an M car to any Acura. Better off comparing a Type S to an M340 which is closer in price but also features are a la.carte
Would keep the type s or bmw if you had a choice and money aside….
Actually really hard to say. Integra is more comfortable and much easier to use every day. And looks better. M2 has RWD dynamics and a killer engine, but is over engineered.
Workhorse daily: ITS.
Secondary car: M2.
Nah, no man. The weight does what? Nah 😂😂😂
1st M car Made in Mexico?.....
Shifter: I don't get why bmw don't fix this. It's so cheap to fix. It's a damn bushing. Short shifter solves this.
If I'm gonna drive a car that looks like that I'd buy a used Nissan GT-R!
YOu should compare the M2 to the Mustang DH. Both are simlar priced, RWD, back seat, manual and HP.
And before most of you guys say one is a lux brand and other is cheap speed and they dont compete. Those days are gone, RWD vs FWD vs AWD, gone. V8 vs turbo, gone. JDM vs mucle vs german, gone. In 2024 it is fun to drive cars vs commuters.
Damn. That 2nd paragraph hits hard.
good review, not a buyer, as i suspected BMW screwed up on all M design models
no denying the driving dynamics, but the interior and exterior stylish is trash, also seeing a coupe in real life, this thing can not be called a compact sport car anymore, it is MASSIVIVE
How does your Fiancee feel when you called her GF? 😂
Filmed pre engagement 😂
The CT4-V Blackwing seems like the way better option
CT4-V BW has a great chassis, but the S58 is the far better engine. The two combined would be *chef's kiss*
6:09 What??? 🤣
POV? It can't be
M2 n55 “run of the mill engine”
LMFAO.
you sound silly. That engine has more character and sounds better than any turbo inline 6. EVER.
2jz is the GOAT…
Weight is bad
Race cars or track cars got to be light…
It's a luxury car. With performance upgrades. Not a sports car.
I agree with both of you!
@@mirkotripic1752So the previous one was a luxury car with sports car features?
@wilsonmpesha904 Yes. Any BMW is a luxury performance car. They have always been that. Their performance cars are great on the track and on the road. However, they are not built as dedicated sports cars from the ground up. That's why they are so heavy.
@@mirkotripic1752 You missed the point. The previous one was lighter. Did that make it a sports car?
cant lie this car looks ugly lmao
He loves the weight because it is confidence inspiring? LOL TH-cam!
🥴
It weighs 3750 lbs. That's a shame. BMW have long lost their apeal to the enthusiast. Not to mention the numb steering since 2012 onwards.
He drives s2ks and caymans, he definitely understands light weight. If you listen to his explanation it made a lot of sense. Also mentioning there’s cons to it’s weight as well.
Haha
It's a similar feeling to the R35 GTR. Would I prefer a lighter car? Absolutely. But the engineering of the R35 manages to use the weight to its advantage, in limited ways. It's probably safe to say a 3200lb G87 would be more fun to drive but have significantly worse tech, comfort, safety, etc.