[ecitizen]

I know a loaded question that probably yields binary responses but can't decide between the M2 and M4. Are M2 rear seats usable at all for kids/teenagers? Any of you go from an M3/4 to an M2 and what's the verdict? What pushed you either way? Appreciate your thoughts, even if your own opinion. Thanks!

[akkando]

Originally Posted by ecitizen

I know a loaded question that probably yields binary responses but can't decide between the M2 and M4. Are M2 rear seats usable at all for kids/teenagers? Any of you go from an M3/4 to an M2 and what's the verdict? What pushed you either way? Appreciate your thoughts, even if your own opinion. Thanks!

Just for clarity, do you mean m2, m2c, or both?

[bobert]

Originally Posted by ecitizen

I know a loaded question that probably yields binary responses but can't decide between the M2 and M4. Are M2 rear seats usable at all for kids/teenagers? Any of you go from an M3/4 to an M2 and what's the verdict? What pushed you either way? Appreciate your thoughts, even if your own opinion. Thanks!

The M2 rear seats are surprisingly spacious and comfortable for anyone 5'9" or shorter - anyone taller than that will run out of headroom. Plenty of legroom and easier than I thought to get in and out back there. You could have two ppl back there on extended trips, as long as height is checked.

Didn't have an M3 but had same-size 335i M Sport before - I prefer the smaller size of the M2 as compared to 3-series/M3/M4, so that is the main thing that had me wanting an M2, along with the big fenders which look great.

[tranck]

Even if I had the $ to buy an M4 (which I don't) - I wouldn't have.
I've owned 4 M cars previously - three M3's and an e39M5 and they were all *smallish* cars.

I wanted a small M car and when I 1st saw the M2, I thought - that car has the *it* factor.

I feel very fortunate to be able to afford and especially enjoy my 2018 M2 - just a tremendous car.

[Craig335d]

Originally Posted by tranck

Even if I had the $ to buy an M4 (which I don't) - I wouldn't have.
I've owned 4 M cars previously - three M3's and an e39M5 and they were all *smallish* cars.

I wanted a small M car and when I 1st saw the M2, I thought - that car has the *it* factor.

I feel very fortunate to be able to afford and especially enjoy my 2018 M2 - just a tremendous car.

Hello from one Aberdeen to the other!

[tranck]

Originally Posted by Craig335d

Hello from one Aberdeen to the other!

Yo!

[Zabi]

I had a 135, test drove a M4 ended up buying a M2 . For me it was the size, the M4 is huge. The M2 rear seat is usable enough but the size overall is what I preferred.

[doug_999]

I think it depends on your daily drive route. Here are some facts*

1. The M2 sounds wonderful, the M4 is not that bad, but the M2 is just stunning
2. The M2 has better torque and engine response around town
3. The M4 rides better (assuming you are in a 2017 or higher)
4. The M4 has more tchotchkes (much nicer leather, HUD, cooler looking seats, etc.)
5. the M4 is faster - once it gets going.


and here is some subjective stuff
1. The seats in the M2 are more comfortable than those in the comp M4
2. I think the trunk in the M2 is smaller - a lot. (I do know the trunk in my M3 is much bigger - runs to Costco were always a bit scary in the M2)

*I'm talking about the OG M2 (2016-2018) not the 2019+ CS. I personally think the M2 CS is probably a very similar car without adjustable ride and none of the tchotchkes - that decision is easier if you ask me. But the OG M2 is a very different car than the M4 and not always in a bad way!

I personally love my M3 - I found that a 4 seater would not work for me and the ride in the M2 around town with the streets here in Chicago just wore on me. The M3 was the right car for me, but that doesn't mean I don't miss my M2.

[mr_lab_rat]

The M4 is a beautiful machine but I strongly prefer smaller cars. The rear seat is usable enough for smaller people. I'm 6'0" and I could easily do 1hr ride in the back.

[McGary911]

A friend of mine is about 6'3" and while it's a challenge to get back there, he's fine once he's in the back seats. I didn't make him sit there but he's considering getting rid of his 335 for an M2 and wanted to be sure for himself.

I could have gotten an M4, but it's a very different car; much bigger in look and feel. That's not what I was looking for. I like the size of the M2 (very close to my E46 M3) and the fact that it's a little unique. I see a dozen M3/4s for every M2 I've seen.

I chose wisely.

[termigni]

M4/M3s are dime a dozen in metro NYC area. I honestly see at least 5 F80s per day. M2 has the unique and rare factor on top of what's already being discussed here (size).

[MovingChicane]

I've had M4 and now have M2.

One of my handful of reasons for getting rid of the M4 was the back seats; don't use them (no kids; don't believe in putting adults in a 2-door) so I downsized. If you have kids who will be using the back seats, M4 all the way.

[qnet]

I really like the M4 and seriously considered buying a used one, when had my M235i. Like others, I like the size of the M2, and like the way it looks with it's stubby and aggressive style.

I didn't think the seats in the M4 were a big deal, until I sat in an M3 at the dealership were I bought my M2. I know it's not for everyone, but I like the aggressive seats of the bigger M cars. I also don't mind the way they sound.

I don't have any kids so I'm not worried about the backseats, but at 5'9" I have no problem getting back there. From reading this forum, most of the hardcore M4 guys don't want a M2 unless it's the new M2C. Having said that, I know there are a few guys on here who had a M4 and went to an OG M2. Hopefully they will chime in.

Edit: haha, someone just chimed in ^

[BM Creeper]

The M2 hips !!! I love those hips !! It is so muscular and large compared to the rest of the body.
The M4 IMO looks so close to any 4 series whereas the M2 is unmistakably different from a plain 2 series. This was the first thing I noticed when I saw it for first time.

Then there is that small size and playfulness. So wild but at the same time so secure. You can play around with it without worrying too much. It's so easy to correct any wrong-doing !! I'm driving on sport + 80% of the time, the remaining 20% one being on DSC off ! Lots of back end sliding.
One friend of mine owns a M4 and he is sometimes frightened by its power and he feels it is difficult to manage the whole lot on normal roads, in terms of power and size.
This never is a problem with the M2.

[ecitizen]

I went and test drove both today, regular M2 and a competition M4. The mistake was comparing the M4 comp to a regular M2:-). The M4 comp was a BEAST and sounded so good! The regular M2 felt a bit gutless and tame compared to it. So now I'm thinking an M2 competition may be the best of all worlds in terms of price, power, drivability, etc. What surprised me about the M2 was how smooth the power delivery was compared to a more aggressive M4. I also brought my 11 yr old and had him sit in the back of the M2 and it was surprisingly roomy, no issue (and he's a tall kid). I think I'm going to get in line for a 2019 M2 competition. Those must be monsters if it is anything like the M4 comp in a lighter package. I was thinking about European delivery but dealer said no go with M2s due to demand, although not sure why that would impact Euro pickup? The one and only thing I don't love about the M2 is the top back of it which looks a bit small in proportion to the car almost like a hard top convertible but the rear fender flares do make up for it. These M cars just put a smile on your face. I also saw an M4 competition CS which they wouldn't let me test drive and WOW.

[Who?]

Didnt really consider the m4, but i did go to the dealer to buy the m3 for the practicality. Ended up with an m2 after back to back test drives

It so nible and the power delivery on street just felt much more linear and enjoyable

With the marriage and baby coming up, this was really my last chance (for a while to come) to get a compromised car for the sake for pure joy. So no regrets here my next car will most likely be the m3 or 540i in 3 or 4 years..

[SeanWRT]

If I got to do it again and had to pick an M from F8X lineup, it'd be a M3 competition.

I've been an owner of M2 OG for the past 2 years. I put a fair amount of tasteful mods, making it significantly faster, more luxurious inside of cabin, handling better, looking nicer and best of all - 100% OEM feel retained. It's technically superior to M2C in every possible way, but the value perception got a huge hit from its replacement. M2 OG is great because it's been a heck of a car for the money, but now making it great again costs too much. And even that, you don't pay good money for a car that's considered inferior/obsolete by enthusiasts community.

M3, on the other hand, would make the peace of mind. It doesn't always get into driveway in attack mode like it's competing with all those 2 doors. And it carries family well, carries your business partner/client well, and is instantly recognizable to enthusiasts. And look the part. More importantly, it got your back as a 'all purpose car' and 'beater car' so you can move freely up for a Porsche, a proper sports car.

[DanG]

I am like a lot of the M2 owners. I just felt that the M4 was just too big and not as nimble as an M2. I recently drove an M4 and M3C at the Ridge during M Track Days. That experience reconfirmed my decision to own an M2.

[D CHOI]

As an M2 owner for 1.5 years and driven the M3/M4 on the track during M track days and on the streets I must say the M3/M4 engine power really shines especially at high speeds. The power of two turbos vs one is noticeable and the M4 really pulls hard at top end RPMs...When pushing the car you think it hit the limits but it keeps pulling and u think it's peaked out but keeps pulling more. That engine is beastly.

But personally I don't like the size of the M4 and prefer the looks and sound of the M2 so it was the perfect choice for me. In terms of power I was coming from a 2000 Civic SI with few mods so the M2 was a hell of an upgrade for me.
The M2 is a fun quick car especially in 6MT.

The rear seats aren't the most comfortable but will work especially for kids and teens.

[bobert]

Originally Posted by ecitizen

I think I'm going to get in line for a 2019 M2 competition. Those must be monsters if it is anything like the M4 comp in a lighter package.

M2 Comp isn't really lighter than an M4 - ok, allegedly a measly 25 lbs lighter but that is negligible and no human could notice from the driver's seat.

[dio]

Last February in Thermal I had an opportunity to drive most of the M line: M2, M3, M4, M5 and X5M. The consensus of my group of 8 was that the M2 gave us the most driving fun. I have to admit that all of those cars capabilities far exceeded my skills as a driver. Upon returning, I traded in my M240i for an M2, as I generally prefer smaller, more nimble cars. So far I haven't had anyone in the rear seat.

[aftercompletion]

M4 just feels like it's positioned very oddly in the BMW portfolio now that the M2 has the S55. I'm not sure who it's for; the guy who wants a slightly larger M2 with a red interior?