The BMW M2 is a high-performance version of the
BMW 2 Series
The BMW 2 Series is a range of subcompact executive cars (C-segment) manufactured by BMW since 2014. The 2 Series was created when BMW spun-off the 2-door models (coupé and convertible) of the BMW 1 Series into a separate series.
The 2 Seri ...
automobile
A car or automobile is a motor vehicle with wheels. Most definitions of ''cars'' say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people instead of goods.
The year 1886 is regarde ...
developed by
BMW's
motorsport division,
BMW M GmbH
BMW M GmbH, formerly known as BMW Motorsport GmbH, is a subsidiary of BMW AG that manufactures high-performance cars.
BMW M ("M" for "motorsport") was initially created to facilitate BMW's racing program, which was very successful in the 1960 ...
.
As the 2 Series replaced the
1 Series coupé and convertible models, the first generation M2 was marketed as the most basic M Car in the range. The M2 used the F8x chassis from the M3/M4, code name F87 and featured a more powerful and responsive, turbocharged and slightly modified
BMW N55 series engine, while its successors, the M2 Competition and M2 CS, featured a high performance twin-turbocharged engine developed by
BMW M GmbH
BMW M GmbH, formerly known as BMW Motorsport GmbH, is a subsidiary of BMW AG that manufactures high-performance cars.
BMW M ("M" for "motorsport") was initially created to facilitate BMW's racing program, which was very successful in the 1960 ...
(S55 engine); improved handling, suspension, and braking systems; aerodynamic body enhancements; interior/exterior accents with the tri-colour "M" (Motorsport) badging and increased weight. The M2 is unofficially considered as an indirect successor to the
BMW 1 Series M Coupé.
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First generation (F87; 2015–2021)
![2017 BMW M2 (F22) rear (white) 1](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/2017_BMW_M2_%28F22%29_rear_%28white%29_1.jpg)
The M2 was unveiled in ''
Need for Speed
''Need for Speed'' (''NFS'') is a racing game franchise published by Electronic Arts and currently developed by Criterion Games, the developers of ''Burnout''. The series generally centers around illicit street racing and tasks players to co ...
'' 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
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the rear wheels only. Until the late 20th century, rear-wheel drive was the most common configuration for cars.
Most rear-wheel ...
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 reinforced
pistons, 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
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 transmission.
Top speed is limited to but can be extended to with the optional M Driver's package. The M2 was used as a
safety car in the 2016
MotoGP season.
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 seven-speed M double-clutch transmission or manual 6 speed 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″ 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 370 horsepower 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
![BMW M2 Competition, Paris Motor Show 2018, IMG 0487](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/BMW_M2_Competition%2C_Paris_Motor_Show_2018%2C_IMG_0487.jpg)
The BMW M2 Competition was introduced at the 2018
Beijing Auto Show
Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, Beijing Motor Show or Auto China () is an auto show held biennially in Beijing, China since 1990. China is currently the largest auto market in the world.
2020
The 2020 Auto China show was due to open o ...
and succeeded 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
BMW M GmbH, formerly known as BMW Motorsport GmbH, is a subsidiary of BMW AG that manufactures high-performance cars.
BMW M ("M" for "motorsport") was initially created to facilitate BMW's racing program, which was very successful in the 1960 ...
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
The Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) is a global standard for determining the levels of pollutants, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of traditional and hybrid cars, as well as the range of fully electric vehicles.
The ...
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/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
Particulates – also known as atmospheric aerosol particles, atmospheric particulate matter, particulate matter (PM) or suspended particulate matter (SPM) – are microscopic particles of solid or liquid matter suspended in the air. The te ...
filter in certain
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a supranational political and economic union of member states that are located primarily in Europe. The union has a total area of and an estimated total population of about 447million. The EU has often been de ...
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 six-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.
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.
M Performance Parts
The BMW M2 can be fitted with M Performance Parts. This includes a splitter, side skirts, fenders, bonnet, boot and a spoiler.
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
The Los Angeles Auto Show is an annual auto show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in early December. The LA Auto Show is an OICA sanctioned international exhibition. It is open to the public for ten days each year, filling of exhibit s ...
. Production began in March 2020, with 2,200 units planned for North America, Europe, Asia and Mexico.
The M2 CS uses the same engine as the M2 Competition but it uses the factory ECU management as the
F82 M4 Competition package, resulting in a more powerful version of the S55 which is rated at and of torque (same torque as the other M models equipped with the S55 engine) . The 0–100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time is 4.2 seconds for six-speed manual transmission models, and 4.0 seconds for models 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 AC vents, which are standard on the M2 and M2 Competition, have been removed for some little weight reduction.
The M2 CS has been widely acclaimed in car reviews, winning the coveted Evo Car of the Year 2020 awards beating out several supercars from McLaren and Porsche.
Motor Trend
''MotorTrend'' is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, and designated the first Car of the Year, also in 1949.
Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles published ''MotorTrend'' until 1998, when it was sold to ...
's Jonny Lieberman called it the best BMW M car in 12 years.
Second generation (G87; 2023–present)
![S58 Engine-crop](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/S58_Engine-crop.jpg)
The G87 M2 was shown to the public ahead of its debut at Motorclassica in Melbourne, Australia, in October 2022. The M2 is powered by the
twin-turbo
Twin-turbo (not to be confused with a twincharger setup, which is a combination of a supercharger and a turbocharger) refers to an engine in which two turbochargers work in tandem to compress the intake fuel/air mixture (or intake air, in the case ...
3.0-litre
BMW S58
The BMW B58 is a turbocharged straight-six engine, which began production in 2015. The B58 replaced the N55 and was launched in the F30 340i.
The B58 is part of BMW's new modular engine family, each engine using a displacement of per cylinde ...
straight-six engine rated at at 6,250 rpm and between 2,600 and 5,950 rpm. It remains
rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the rear wheels only. Until the late 20th century, rear-wheel drive was the most common configuration for cars.
Most rear-wheel ...
and will be available with a 6-speed
manual or with an 8-speed
automatic. 0–100 km/h acceleration times are 4.3 seconds for manual transmission models and 4.1 seconds for automatic transmission models. Top speed is limited to but can be extended to with the optional M Driver's package.
Some markets 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 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, a lighting package which offers full-LED adaptive headlights and automatic high beams and driver assistant packages.
The car is expected to launch in April 2023.
The M2 will be offered in five colors including Zandvoort Blue which is exclusive to the G87 M2.
Motorsport
BMW M235i Racing
![BMW_M235i_Maciej_Dreszer_(MSP16)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/BMW_M235i_Maciej_Dreszer_%28MSP16%29.jpg)
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
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a automobile safety, safety anti-Skid (automobile), skid Brake, braking system used on aircraft and on land motor vehicle, vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing t ...
,
traction control
A traction control system (TCS), also known as ASR (from german: Antriebsschlupfregelung, lit=drive slippage regulation), is typically (but not necessarily) a secondary function of the electronic stability control (ESC) on production motor vehicle ...
, and
dynamic stability control. The M235i Racing uses an 8-speed
automatic transmission
An automatic transmission (sometimes abbreviated to auto or AT) is a multi-speed transmission used in internal combustion engine-based motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving ...
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
A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a type of differential that allows its two output shafts to rotate at different speeds but limits the maximum difference between the two shafts. Limited-slip differentials are often known by the generic t ...
and larger brakes and springs. The front and rear
spoilers,
diffuser
Diffuser may refer to:
Aerodynamics
* Diffuser (automotive), a shaped section of a car's underbody which improves the car's aerodynamic properties
* Part of a jet engine air intake, especially when operated at supersonic speeds
* The channel bet ...
, 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
The GT World Challenge America is a North American auto racing series launched in 1990 by the Sports Car Club of America. It has been managed by the Stephane Ratel Organisation since 2018, and has been sanctioned by the United States Auto Club si ...
.
BMW M240i Racing
![BMW M240i racing edition](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/BMW_M240i_racing_edition.jpg)
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 , but 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 beginner drivers to be involved in motorsport. 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 is being made right now 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
Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este () is a Concours d'Elegance event in Italy for classic and vintage cars. It takes place annually near the Villa d'Este hotel in Cernobbio, on the western shore of Lake Como in northern Italy. Since 2011, the e ...
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.jpg
References
{{BMW M cars
Coupés
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles
Cars introduced in 2016
Sports cars
M2