BMW F87 M2 review performance specs and why it is a future classic

Few vehicles have captured the essence of driving pleasure quite like the BMW F87 M2. First introduced in 2016, the M2 quickly became a fan favorite among car enthusiasts globally. Its compact, muscular design, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and turbocharged powertrain combined to produce what many call a “modern-day E30 M3.” Unlike other M-badged models that often lean toward luxury and tech, the M2 stays loyal to visceral driving thrills. In this article, we will take a deep dive into why the BMW F87 M2 remains an iconic performance car, explore its engineering and tunability, and explain why it continues to be one of the most sought-after M cars on the market—both in stock form and as a tuning platform.

BMW F87 M2 Overview

Specs and Performance

The original F87 M2 came equipped with BMW’s N55 engine, a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six producing 365 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. This gave the M2 a strong performance profile, allowing for 0-60 mph times in as little as 4.2 seconds with the dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

• Engine: 3.0L inline-six (N55)
• Horsepower: 365 hp
• Torque: 343 lb-ft (369 lb-ft with overboost)
• 0–60 mph: 4.2 seconds (DCT), 4.4 seconds (6MT)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

In 2018, BMW introduced the M2 Competition, replacing the N55 engine with the S55 engine from the M3/M4, pushing output to 405 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. This version became the quintessential enthusiast M2 and remains a hot item in both new and used car markets.

Driving Dynamics and Handling

The BMW M2’s driving experience is where it truly shines. It’s built on a shortened version of the BMW 2 Series chassis, tuned specifically by BMW’s M performance division for agility and fun. With near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a short wheelbase, the M2 delivers confidence-inspiring handling through corners.

Key Driving Features

• Active M Differential: Helps optimize traction during aggressive cornering
• Hydraulic steering (on earlier models): Offers genuine road feel and responsiveness
• Performance Brakes: High-performance M compound brakes deliver excellent stopping power
• Sport Suspension: Adaptive dampers adjust for road conditions to balance comfort and handling

Whether you’re cruising city streets or tearing up the track, the M2 offers a pure driving feel that is becoming increasingly rare in modern sports cars.

Why Car Enthusiasts Love It

At its core, the F87 M2 serves as a bridge between analog driving engagement and modern performance technology. Enthusiasts appreciate its lack of excessive digital interference, precise manual gearbox option, and aggressive styling that sets it apart from the rest of the 2 Series family.

Cult Appeal and Collector Value

• Limited Production: With global units capped and specific variations (like the M2 CS) produced in limited numbers, the F87 M2 maintains strong resale value.
• Purist-Friendly: One of the few remaining M cars to offer a manual transmission with rear-wheel drive.
• Iconic Status: Now often mentioned alongside legendary M cars like the E46 M3 and E30 M3.

BMW built the F87 M2 with enthusiasts in mind, avoiding the over-digitization that characterizes many newer platforms. The result is an analog sensation in a digital world, which resonates with purists around the globe.

Aftermarket Potential: A Tuner’s Dream

Although brilliant in stock form, the F87 M2 has become a popular choice for modification. Whether it’s for track days, weekend canyon carving, or stylish street presence, the platform supports a wide array of upgrades.

Popular Mods and Upgrades

1. Engine Tuning: ECU remaps or piggyback tuners can safely increase horsepower beyond 450+ with bolt-ons.
2. Exhaust Systems: Aftermarket exhausts (Akrapovič, Eisenmann, etc.) enhance sound and reduce weight.
3. Suspension Kits: Adjustable coilovers from brands like KW or Bilstein improve handling precision.
4. Brake Upgrades: Track-capable brake kits ensure consistent stopping power under pressure.
5. Aero Kits: Carbon splitters, diffusers, and wings improve aesthetics and high-speed aerodynamics.

It’s not uncommon for tuned M2s to rival or even surpass the performance of more expensive M3 or M4 models, especially in terms of power-to-weight ratios. Car tuners love the M2 because it’s a platform that responds easily to modification without sacrificing reliability.

Ownership Experience

Living with a BMW F87 M2 is surprisingly practical for a sports car. It offers a usable rear seat, decent trunk space, and modern infotainment technology. It’s not just a weekend toy—it can serve as a daily driver without too much compromise.

Usability and Maintenance

• Fuel Efficiency: Up to 26 mpg on the highway for N55 models
• Maintenance Schedule: Regular service intervals at 10,000 miles recommended
• Common Issues: Some S55 Competition models have high-pressure fuel pump concerns and potential crank hub slipping—modest if properly maintained
• Insurance Cost: Typically ranges from $1,500–$2,300 annually, depending on location and driving history

Most owners find the M2 delivers an ideal balance between performance and practicality, making it appealing not just to weekend warriors but also to those looking for an exciting daily commuter.

F87 M2 CS: The Ultimate Evolution

The 2020 M2 CS was the ultimate expression of the F87 platform. It featured a lighter body, upgraded suspension components from the M3/M4, carbon fiber panels, and exclusive styling cues. With 444 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, the CS model could accelerate from 0–60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.

Top Features of the M2 CS

• Limited Production: Only about 2,200 units globally
• Carbon Ceramic Brakes: Lightweight and track-focused
• Alcantara Interior: Sporty and premium-feeling cabin
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires: Exceptional track traction

Due to its rarity and performance, the M2 CS enjoys collector status and continues to command higher resale prices than both the base and Competition variants.

Market Trends: Buying and Selling the BMW M2

The market continues to reflect strong interest in both new and used M2s. Clean examples—especially with a manual transmission—have seen prices remain resilient even in fluctuating economic conditions.

Price Range (U.S. market, 2024)

• 2016–2017 M2 (N55): $30,000–$40,000
• 2018–2020 M2 Competition (S55): $43,000–$55,000
• 2020 M2 CS: $70,000–$90,000+

The F87 M2 appeals to a wide range of buyers. From newcomers looking for their first M car to collectors hunting down limited editions, its broad appeal makes it one of the most liquid performance cars in today’s used vehicle market.

The BMW F87 M2 in Retrospect

As BMW transitions toward electrification and hybrid platforms, the F87 M2 represents the end of a golden era: a rear-wheel-drive, manual, inline-six sports coupe in its purest form. With engineering rooted in driver feedback and a design that refuses to apologize for its performance-first focus, the M2 remains an ultimate choice for enthusiasts and dealers alike.

Whether you’re buying stock, modifying to the extreme, or collecting for long-term value, the BMW F87 M2 is an automotive icon that continues to deliver smiles per mile every time it’s driven.

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