BMW M2

The BMW M2 is a high-performance version of the BMW 2 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. As the 2 Series replaced the 1 Series coupé and convertible models, the first-generation M2 was marketed as the most basic M model in the range.

The first-generation M2 used the F8x chassis from the M3/M4, codenamed F87 and featured the BMW N55 series engine, while its successors, the M2 Competition and M2 CS, featured a twin-turbocharged engine developed by BMW M GmbH (S55 engine).

The second-generation M2 uses the CLAR platform, codenamed G87, which it shares with the G80 M3 and G82 M4. It features the BMW S58 twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, developed by BMW M GmbH.

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First generation (F87; 2016)

BMW M2 Coupé

The M2 was unveiled in '' Need for Speed'' in November 2015, before later premiering at the North American International Auto Show in January 2016. Production commenced in October 2015, first delivered early 2016 and the M2 was only available as a rear-wheel drive coupé. The M2 is powered by the turbocharged 3.0-litre N55B30T0 straight-six engine rated at at 6,500 rpm and between 1,450 and 4,750 rpm, while an overboost function temporarily increases torque to . The M2 features forged connecting rods & cast aluminum pistons with reinforced wrist ( gudgeon pins), and has lighter aluminium front and rear suspension components resulting in a weight reduction. The M2 is available with a 6-speed manual or with a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. 0–100 km/h acceleration times are 4.5 seconds manual transmission models and 4.3 seconds for models equipped with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Top speed is limited to but could be extended to with the optional M Driver's package. The M2 was used as a safety car in the 2016 MotoGP season.

The BMW M2 can be fitted with M Performance Parts. This includes a splitter, side skirts, fenders, bonnet, boot and a spoiler.

BMW M2 Performance Edition

150 examples produced for the US market. The car is finished in Alpine White over black Dakota leather, and power is provided by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or 6-speed manual transmission. Performance Edition equipment includes an M Performance coilover suspension and exhaust system with titanium tips, along with black trim, manually-adjustable front sport seats, an M Performance sport and track key.

All 150 Performance Editions were finished in Alpine White with Shadowline trim. Additional equipment includes xenon headlights, LED door projectors, a rear spoiler lip, and black-finished kidney grilles, side gills, and mirror caps.

Factory 19-inch Style 437M wheels wear staggered-width Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The Performance Edition equipment includes adjustable M Performance coilovers, and braking is handled by blue-finished calipers and cross-drilled rotors that are shared with the M4 F82.

The interior features seats trimmed in black Dakota leather with contrasting blue stitching, while carbon-fiber trim accents the dashboard, center console, and door panels. Manually-adjustable front sport seats are equipped as part of weight savings, along with single-zone automatic climate control, and removal of the smoker's package and Comfort Access proximity key. Factory output was rated at and 343 lb-ft of torque, and the top speed was increased from 155 mph to 168 mph for the Performance Edition.

A coilover adjustment wrench and rebound adjustment knob were included, along with an M Performance key that activates sport and track mode.

BMW M2 Competition

The BMW M2 Competition was introduced at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show and replaced the standard M2 Coupé as a more powerful variant. Production began first in July 2018, delivered early 2019.

The M2 Competition uses the BMW M GmbH S55 engine, a high-performance variant of the N55 engine, that has been detuned from its application in the F80 M3 and F82 M4. The decision to use the S55 engine was a result of Europe adopting the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure as the official procedure to measure vehicle pollutants, which meant that the standard M2's N55 engine was no longer conformed to European emission standards. Differences from the N55 engine found in the standard M2, the S55 includes a closed-deck engine block, lightweight crankshaft, different crankshaft bearings, strengthened pistons and connecting rods, different springs/valve material, twin turbos, twin fuel pumps, active exhaust, revised cooling system and intercoolers.
The engine also features a redesigned oil supply system, modified cooling system, and electronic locking differential parts that are adapted from the BMW M4 Competition Package. It also features a gasoline particulate filter in certain European Union countries to reduce emissions. Compared to the standard M2, the S55 produces an additional and , resulting in a larger and more sustained power output of between 5,250 and 7,000 rpm, and at 2,350–5,200 rpm. The 0–100 km/h acceleration time is 4.4 seconds for 6-speed manual transmission models, and 4.2 seconds for models with the 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to , but the M Driver's package can extend the limit to which is higher than in the M2 Performance Edition.

The M2 Competition has the standard carbon-fibre reinforced plastic strut bar found in all S55 engine equipped models, to lighten and stiffen the car, enlarged kidney grilles, and optional larger brake discs of in the front axle with 6-piston calipers and in the rear axle with 4-piston calipers. Because of the engine and cooling system borrowed from the F82 M4, the M2 Competition is heavier than the standard M2 which had for manual transmission models and for dual-clutch transmission models.

BMW M2 CS

The BMW M2 CS, a more track-focused version of the BMW M2 Competition, and was unveiled online in November 2019 prior to its introduction at the LA Auto Show. Production began in March 2020, with 2,200 units planned for North America and Eurasia.

The M2 CS uses the same engine as the M2 Competition but with the F82 M4 Competition package ECU map, resulting in and of torque (the same torque as other S55 engined M models) . The 0–100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time is 4.2 seconds for 6-speed manual transmission models, and 4.0 seconds for models equipped with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The M Performance Brakes option rotors and calipers from the M2 Competition are carried over as standard, but ceramic brakes are available as an option. An adaptive M suspension is standard along with an electronic locking differential. The wheel hubs and control arms are made from forged aluminium, with a carbon-fibre transmission tunnel as an additional weight-saving measure. The hood, roof and various aerodynamic parts are made of a carbon-fibre composite. The active exhaust system is new as well, and unique wheel designs in high-gloss jet black or matte gold finishes differentiate it from other M2 models; Michelin Cup 2 tires are also available.

Inside, the centre console is also carbon-fibre, with Alcantara trim and an embroidered red "CS" badge; the seats are leather and Alcantara with red contrast stitching and are complemented by contrast-stitched Alcantara on the steering wheel. The central armrest and rear air vents, which are standard on the M2 and M2 Competition, have been removed for weight reduction.

Second generation (G87; 2023)

BMW M2 Coupé

The second-generation M2 (G87) was shown to the public ahead of its debut at Motorclassica in Melbourne, Australia, in October 2022. The second-generation M2 wheelbase is longer and overall length is longer and is wider than the first-generation M2.

The M2 is powered by the twin-turbo 3.0-litre BMW S58 straight-six engine, it was rated at launch with at 6,250 rpm and between 2,600 and 5,950 rpm.

And later in 2025 with at 6,350 rpm and between 2,600 and 5,950 rpm (Same as the standard G82 M4).

It remains rear-wheel drive and will be available with a 6-speed manual or with an 8-speed automatic transmission. 0–100 km/h acceleration times are 4.3 seconds for manual transmission models and 4.1 seconds for automatic transmission models, and for 2025 model acceleration times are 4.2 seconds for manual transmission models and 4.0 seconds for automatic transmission models. Top speed is limited to but can be extended to with the optional M Driver's package.

In some markets, the M2 will have an optional carbon package. The package will include M carbon bucket seats that are both power operated and heated as well as a carbon fiber roof and carbon fiber interior trim. A power sunroof will be standard in the US but optional in Europe. Other options include a Shadowline package, which is a lighting package which offers full-LED adaptive headlights and automatic high beams and driver assistant packages.

The car launched in April 2023.

Upon launch, the M2 was offered in five colors including Zandvoort Blue which is exclusive to the G87 M2.

Mid-cycle refresh

The BMW M2 received a minor refresh for the 2025 model year. The M2 receives a increase to and an increase in torque of 36 ft/lbs (50Nm) to 442 ft/lbs (600Nm), which is the same as the standard G82 M4. But only vehicles equipped with the 8-speed automatic will have 442 ft/lbs; torque remains at 406 ft/lbs with the 6-speed manual transmission. BMW has stated the manual transmission 2025 M2 will be 0.1 seconds quicker zero-to- time, bringing it to a claimed 4.1 seconds. BMW says the added torque and quick shifting of the 8-speed automatic transmission can get the M2 to in 3.9 seconds.

The refreshed M2 has fourteen different paint hues available including four "BMW Individual" paint colors, updated wheels and exhaust tips. Minor interior updates include a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel with a red center stripe and other minor differences. The M Sport seats have a new black with red highlight option and carbon fiber bucket seats are now available as a standalone option or part of the Carbon Package.

BMW M2 CS

For the 2026 model year, BMW will offer an M2 CS. The M2 CS will come equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine making and 479 pound-feet of torque and will only be offered with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The CS will be nearly lighter than the standard M2 due to carbon-fiber roof, trunk lid, mirror caps, and the rear diffuser as well as standard forged-aluminum wheels. In addition, carbon-ceramic brakes will be an option. The car will feature a ducktail rear spoiler unique to the M2 CS. The CS now sits lower thanks to new springs. The adaptive dampers are also unique to the CS with their own programming. Stability control and M Dynamic mode have been revised as well.

Awards and accolades

* 2017: The BMW M2 is included in Car and Driver's 10Best

*2019: The BMW M2 Competition is included in Car and Driver's 10Best

*2020: The BMW M2 CS is named ''Evo Magazine'' Car of the Year

*2023: The BMW M2 is named Auto Express Performance Car of the Year

* 2024: The BMW M2 is named ''Motor Trend''s Performance Vehicle of the Year

''Motor Trend''s Jonny Lieberman called the 2020 M2 CS the best BMW M car in 12 years.

Motorsport

BMW M235i Racing

The M235i Racing is a track version of the 2 Series developed by the BMW Motorsport division and was produced from 2014 to 2018. It was aimed at amateur drivers due to its relatively lower price and addition of driver aids such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, and dynamic stability control. The M235i Racing uses an 8-speed automatic transmission and features a modified version of the N55B30O0 engine found in the standard M235i, and produces at 5,800–6,000 rpm and at 1,300–4,500 rpm. The M235i Racing also features a mechanical limited-slip differential and larger brakes and springs. The front and rear spoilers, diffuser, and wing mirrors are from the BMW M Performance Parts catalog. The car was used in the BMW M235i Racing Cup which was part of the VLN Endurance Championship at the Nürburgring. It was also sold to customer teams in other championships such as the 24H Series, Touring Car Endurance Series, and Pirelli World Challenge.

BMW M240i Racing

The BMW M240i Racing is an updated version heavily revised by BMW M Motorsport from its predecessor, the BMW M235i Racing, used from the 2019 season and on of the BMW M240i Racing Cup, from the 2019 season and on. The BMW M240i Racing features revised spoiler end plates, updated engine software, and an optional newly-designed driver's seat. The M240i Racing has an increased power output of , and produces an additional at , from the same 3-liter twin-turbo inline-6 from its predecessor. As it is a racecar, it still has an FIA-approved full roll cage, certified by DMSB. Deliveries started in 2020.

BMW M2 CS Racing

The BMW M2 CS Racing is a racing variant of the road-going M2 CS, developed by BMW M Motorsport, to get prospective racing drivers better accustomed to faster cars. The racecar has many developments that have been inspired by and developed further from its predecessors, the BMW M235i Racing, and the BMW M240i Racing, along with its "bigger brother" racecar, the BMW M4 GT4. The racecar gets power from a race-prepped 3-liter twin-turbo inline-6 that can generate anywhere from 280 hp (205 kW) to 365 hp (268 kW) depending on the configuration of the power stick, which is in turn controlled by the need to have a balance of performance or from regulations of a Permit B classification. The BMW M2 CS Racing also features a full FIA-approved roll cage, along with many motorsport-specific components, such as the rear wing, including ABS systems specifically tailored to the car by BMW M Motorsport. A stronger performance package was made to allow the racecar to have up to 450 hp, just 6 hp more than the current street-legal version. Deliveries of the BMW M2 CS Racing are expected to start in mid-2020.

Concept cars

2002 Hommage Concept

The BMW 2002 Hommage Concept was introduced in May 2016 at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este and pays tribute to the BMW 2002 Turbo. The car's underpinnings are based on a BMW M2.
File:2002 Hommage 20160624 27886437065 (cropped).jpg

2002 Hommage Turbomeister Concept

The BMW 2002 Hommage Turbomeister Concept was introduced in August 2016 at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
File:BMW 2002 Hommage Turbomeister Concept (cropped).jpg

References

{{BMW M cars

Coupés
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles
Cars introduced in 2016
M2