M4 vs. M2

[KingBurt323]

I am ready to purchase a vehicle and came across two different deals. I was wondering which seems like a better one in your opinions, of course it'll come down to the test drive but some insight wouldn't hurt. Certified 2016 Base M4 in Alpine White with 14,759 miles for $57,999 vs. Certified 2017 Base in Alpine White as well with 2,206 miles for $56,991. (both manual btw) My dream car has always been an M3 but the M2 seems like a good deal although im questioning if its enough car for me to fall in love and not want another car in a year or so. Thanks for your time

[mmmmQuattro]

Really hard to answer your question, as you need to tell us more about what's important for you.
The M2 is quite a bit smaller, so if you have to park it in tight spaces, that's a good thing, but then if you like the room inside, the M4 feels a lot more spacious.

M4 has more lux, but as this one is base, you might not think that's the case.

The S55 motor on the M4 can't be beat - it's got a lot more go up top.

[gatorfast]

They are essentially the same price so go drive both. Dont think you will have many people on here tell you they prefer the M2 to the M3/4 (otherwise we would all be driving M2s).

[DrtyJrze]

Drive them both back to back. The power difference is very clear. If the M2 has enough power for you then get the M2.

[No Boost]

So Cal dealers are treating the M2 like GT Porsches with markups. $57k for 6MT, non-metallic (executive package?) is about 7-9k too much for those miles. Test drive it and if you really like it, buy elsewhere and have it shipped for far less money.

[uniqueMR]

M2 is almost new with these miles.
But I always prefer and recommend M4
You can test drive both and make a choice. It will be your car and whatever you are comfortable with. We can only advice, decision lays with you

[dmboone25]

I love the M2 (and I have a ZCP F80) - but the interior of the 2er is definitely a let down after being in the M3/4. I think they have dressed it up for the M2, but that is one thing you might pay extra attention to when you're checking them out.

And as posted above, the power difference is pretty noticeable IMO.

Other than that, the cars are very similar, as they are nearly identical from the belt line down.

[cca101]

I was set on the M2...then I drove the M3, and it felt like it had twice the power lol
Seriously though, the power difference is quite big. And yes the interior is kind of a joke. The car should weigh 3100lbs, not 3400 barely 100 less than the M3-4. I also like how the dealer kept pushing the M2 as some kind of track monster, which is clearly not the case. Well maybe if you drive a truck...

[Obioban]

Drive both, get the one you prefer.

You're posting this on the M3/4 forum, so the people replying here have chosen the M3/4-- biased responses.

Personally, I'd go with the M2.

[Circuit Hunter]

If I didn’t need four doors I’d do the M2. I can get past the power disparity for a more nimble driving experience. The cabin size and features are just fine for me but as others have said the seats are a let down and they would be one of my first mods to upgrade.

[DarksideM4]

Depends where you are coming from, if it's your 1st M car you won't notice the lack of interior quality of the M2 like the leather. Also if you're not going to haul around people the M2 is a better value IMO and price for performance is a great package. Handling and sound are better in the M2 also. If I had to do it over again and had the option would probably pick the M2 rather than the M4 since I have a daily. You should definitely do an extended test drive if you can so you get a real feel for the dynamics of each car to compare as it's really going to be your personal preference and impressions after driving both.

[Ian1973]

You aren't listing options and things about each car, but for the same price, I'd go with the M4. I'm a 6'4" 44 year old guy, an M2 every day for me would be tough with a family. The M4 would be better simply for that.

[IDBGOD]

You really can't go wrong with either of these.

I have a client with both. He says the M2 is by far one of the most fun cars he's ever owned.

F8x are great...but there's a reason why barley used M2's sell for over sticker while M3/4's tank like any other mass produced vehicle once it's titled.

But you are the one driving it. Drive both and make your choice.

[jmg]

I drove both during the 2 Day M School, pushing each to the limit and abusing them unlike I have every abused a car. I ran both on the short track in timed laps. The M2 is nimble, and the shorter track has it's advantages. It's not a significantly lighter car however, and the power of the M3/4 more than compensates for the agility of the M2 do to it's dimensions. One thing of note: We took the M3 and the M4 on the big track and we were hitting 140mph. Something tells me the M2 wasn't tuned for this, which is why we didn't use them on the big track. In fact, didn't the M235i beat it in the 0-100? Great car though, it earned a tremendous amount of respect from me.

[wdskukm3]

If you have a family maybe get a M4 or M3 but if you're on your own or with your girl then the M2. Power wise. M3 or M4 all the way.

[mrmoua2u]

Only thing I l don't like the M2 is the interior. Looks cheap, pretty much like my old 328i M sport interior. Sorry, if I was in your shoes and already at that price, ill go M3/4 all the way.

If you are looking at that used M4 with 14k miles...you should look at mine (used to be mine) that I trade it in to Fresno BMW. I was the original owner. Mine was 16 AW M4 with ONLY 3445 miles. Best of luck. PM me if you have any questions.

[Clark_Kent]

This has been covered a number of times. See the below thread.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...1#post22443331

[THEROK]

I'm an engine snob. Wouldn't touch an M2, or any M, sans legit M engine.

M2 CS looks interesting w/ the reported S55 under hood.

[ilya335]

M2 sounds better.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by THEROK

M2 CS looks interesting w/ the reported S55 under hood.

+1

That's the M2 version that has caught my attention also

[USA-RET]

Drive both. Pick the one that makes you happiest. In all honesty, HP and performance of both cars is likely more than you can use on the roads today. You can go 0-jail quite easily in either. From a purely practical standpoint, an 230i is all the car you'd likely need (0-60 in 5.5 is plenty quick), but we rarely buy a car for it's practicality. So buy the one that makes you....

I like the size of the the M2 but the appearance of the M3. W/ the traffic you'll be rolling w/ the AMG's, Porsches, Hondas and Toyotas anyway.

[LLNM4]

Two members of our dutch BMW M club recently upgraded from M2 -> M3.
More power, more luxurious and 2 more doors. Can't beat that.