[wj100]

6 months in and I can't say I'm in love with my G87. My previous cars were Supra, Giulia QV, F82 M4 and E90 M3. Pretty sure the G87 is my least favorite of the bunch and I keep waiting for my feelings to change. My thoughts (most have already been said by many):

Pros:

• Comfortable as a daily driver
• Great tech
• S58 (>3500 RPM)

Cons:

• Default efficient setting for engine/throttle is incredibly lifeless - it should be called Eco
• Lack of torque under 3500 RPM - I sometimes like to short shift but that's not rewarding with this motor at all (I have the AT)
• Weight - those who say they don't feel the weight are nuts - this thing is heavy (I replaced the wheels with forged ones to save weight but it only did so much)
• Steering feel - been covered many times, it's pretty non-existent
• M-Mode display can't be programmed with M1/M2 buttons

Again, nothing earth shattering here but just thought it might be helpful for those doing research. Don't get me wrong, it's an extremely capable car, it just doesn't feel exciting or connected to me...

[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by wj100

6 months in and I can't say I'm in love with my G87. My previous cars were Supra, Giulia QV, F82 M4 and E90 M3. Pretty sure the G87 is my least favorite of the bunch and I keep waiting for my feelings to change. My thoughts (most have already been said by many):

Cons:

• Default efficient setting for engine/throttle is incredibly lifeless - it should be called Eco
• Lack of torque under 3500 RPM - I sometimes like to short shift but that's not rewarding with this motor at all (I have the AT)
• Weight - those who say they don't feel the weight are nuts - this thing is heavy

1. Easy fix - drive in Sport or Sport+. I actually get better mileage in those settings than efficient.

2. "Peak torque comes in at 2,650 rpm and lasts until 5,870 rpm." - bmwblog.com. IND's dyno showed the highest tq output at 3k rpm. The car has plenty of torque down low. Why would you "short shift" an auto?

3. My Z06 is ~3,200 lbs, the G87 is estimated at ~3,800 lbs. My Z has 680 bhp & the M2 rated at 453 bhp (which we know is under estimated). My M2 doesn't feel 600 lb heavier even with 200+ less hp. It's a blast to drive every day & sometimes I prefer it over the Z because the seats are better & I don't have to worry about rowing gears with the auto.

[BimmerMan33]

To the OP, would you be able to briefly compare the G87 M2 with Giulia QV & e90 M3?
I’m on my 3rd E9x & previously had a Giulia QV as well. The QV is an amazing car in so many ways, only downside to me was lack of manual transmission & I found myself way over the speed limit when driving spiritedly.. such a thing as too much power?

[wj100]

Originally Posted by BimmerMan33

To the OP, would you be able to briefly compare the G87 M2 with Giulia QV & e90 M3?
I’m on my 3rd E9x & previously had a Giulia QV as well. The QV is an amazing car in so many ways, only downside to me was lack of manual transmission & I found myself way over the speed limit when driving spiritedly.. such a thing as too much power?

My E90 ownership was a long time ago so it's a little hard to recall, but I can tell you that the QV is light on its feet in a way that defies physics given its weight. The g87 can perform no such feat. The best way I can describe it is that the QV feels completely 100% Awake and Alive while the g87 sort of feels like it's in a slumber by comparison. Hope this helps.

[BimmerMan33]

Originally Posted by wj100

My E90 ownership was a long time ago so it's a little hard to recall, but I can tell you that the QV is light on its feet in a way that defies physics given its weight. The g87 can perform no such feat. The best way I can describe it is that the QV feels completely 100% Awake and Alive while the g87 sort of feels like it's in a slumber by comparison. Hope this helps.

I do recall QV to be light & agile, both engine & chassis complimenting each other very well..
Current crop of BMW M cars some how have lost that unique feel of older BMWs, they’ve become bigger, heavier & feel disconnected..
Some say a Supra Manual is the best BMW that BMW currently makes..

[Simbachinna]

Modern BMW M cars are luxury cars first and drivers cars second. They appeal to a large number of the buying public as a result, but if you place the driving experience first, this is probably no longer the brand for you (saying this as an E90, E92, F80 and then G87 owner). The cars are extraordinarily capable but are numb, not that engaging and are a bit soulless/characterless. In a way, driving a modern M car is to me a half step to owning an EV in terms of lack of character. To be frank, my F80 was a great car but I never really drove it when I also had the E92 in the garage. I then sold it for a G87 but I never really drove it either over the E92.

The issue is that you owned both an E9X and than a QV. No modern BMW is going to replicate that feel/experience.

[Ravenseal]

Originally Posted by wj100

Cons:
(I have the AT)

Weight - those who say they don't feel the weight are nuts - this thing is heavy (I replaced the wheels with forged ones to save weight but it only did so much)

Steering feel - been covered many times, it's pretty non-existent

it just doesn't feel exciting or connected to me...

You bought an automatic with a sunroof. No one to blame but yourself.

[eluded]

I stopped reading after the word automatic.

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

You bought an automatic with a sunroof. No one to blame but yourself.

[RPM33]

Originally Posted by wj100

6 months in and I can't say I'm in love with my G87. My previous cars were Supra, Giulia QV, F82 M4 and E90 M3. Pretty sure the G87 is my least favorite of the bunch and I keep waiting for my feelings to change. My thoughts (most have already been said by many):

Pros:

• Comfortable as a daily driver
• Great tech
• S58 (>3500 RPM)

Cons:

• Default efficient setting for engine/throttle is incredibly lifeless - it should be called Eco
• Lack of torque under 3500 RPM - I sometimes like to short shift but that's not rewarding with this motor at all (I have the AT)
• Weight - those who say they don't feel the weight are nuts - this thing is heavy (I replaced the wheels with forged ones to save weight but it only did so much)
• Steering feel - been covered many times, it's pretty non-existent
• M-Mode display can't be programmed with M1/M2 buttons

Again, nothing earth shattering here but just thought it might be helpful for those doing research. Don't get me wrong, it's an extremely capable car, it just doesn't feel exciting or connected to me...

Thanks for the honest review.

[BroDoze]

So how does the Supra feel in comparison?

I’d be getting a 6MT, but how’s the torque down low and the steering feel?

[Ed_P]

OP, thanks for posting. Firsthand feedback and experience is always helpful. I'm coming off lease in 6 months and am thinking about moving from the M3 -> M2.

[Sebis]

Hmm, my 5 month experience is quite the opposite. It doesn’t hurt that I drive MT and optioned the CF roof. This car is incredible fun and for those comparing to an EV you must be driving a different car .

To address the specific complaints:
- Efficient engine mode: only use this when pulling on my inclined driveway and into the garage and maybe in stop and go traffic. My M1 is programmed with engine in Sport and I select it before even starting the engine. M2 is programmed with Sport Plus and I use it for more “spirited” driving.
- Torque: while the engine is warming up I keep the RPM under 3000 but as soon as the blue indicator is gone I take it over 3k when upshifting. I never felt the lack of torque.

For those that are on the fence about ordering the M2, couple of points:

1. If you are not getting it for racing, option the MT, it is going to be the last of its kind. If you need an automatic for daily driving, set your expectations accordingly.

2. Comfort mode is for grandma.

Cheers

P.S. I have the stock wheels but optioned the M Performance HAS.

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by MineralGreyMetallic

Newsflash everyone, the M2 is numb and lifeless.

Not mine.

Fantastic car.

One of the best cars I've owned. And it could be the best.

While not really like the other cars I've owned -- although a number have been front engine/rear wheel drive coupes -- and (some) I really liked I'm not about to mark the M2 down because the M2 isn't a duplicate of any of my other cars.

To read the "reviews" of owners that find so much to not like about the M2 suggests to me these owners didn't really have a good idea of what their car likes/needs really are.

I mean I know I could go buy say a Caddy something hotrod or a Lexus or something and while the vehicle could be a very good vehicle I could easily not like it and complain that it didn't deliver the same experience as my Hellcat, or my VW Golf TDi...

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by Simbachinna

Modern BMW M cars are luxury cars first and drivers cars second. They appeal to a large number of the buying public as a result, but if you place the driving experience first, this is probably no longer the brand for you (saying this as an E90, E92, F80 and then G87 owner). The cars are extraordinarily capable but are numb, not that engaging and are a bit soulless/characterless. In a way, driving a modern M car is to me a half step to owning an EV in terms of lack of character. To be frank, my F80 was a great car but I never really drove it when I also had the E92 in the garage. I then sold it for a G87 but I never really drove it either over the E92.

The issue is that you owned both an E9X and than a QV. No modern BMW is going to replicate that feel/experience.

Good reply. The "soulless/characterless" description is totally subjective though, but I know exactly what you mean.

My experience with BMW is limited to a 2015 M235i and a 2021 M2 Comp. Both bought new. I came into BMW from a 2005 Mustang GT, so that was a big culture shift. I finally had the "ultimate driving machine" and loved it. I learned how to do HPDE track days with the Mustang and had done 8 of them. Not an expert by any means, but I was running solo in the Intermediate run group. First time out with the M235i was somewhat disappointing. It put down better lap times than the Mustang, but it felt "sterile." I could substitute "soulless". I almost want to say the Mustang was more fun.

After 3 years, I traded the M235i for a Camaro 2SS 1LE which was an amazing track-ready car. Way more communicative than the BMW, and super easy to drive fast on track. The daily driving ergonomics finally got to me, however.

After 3 years with the Camaro, I traded it for the M2C, and am happy with it. To the point where I have a deposit on a MY2025 allocation. The M2C is not as communicative as the Camaro, but definitely more so than the M235i. And for me, I only do 1 track day per year, so it's a daily driver first and foremost, and is excellent at it.

[two_three_two]

Originally Posted by RockCrusher

Not mine.

Fantastic car.

One of the best cars I've owned. And it could be the best.

While not really like the other cars I've owned -- although a number have been front engine/rear wheel drive coupes -- and (some) I really liked I'm not about to mark the M2 down because the M2 isn't a duplicate of any of my other cars.

To read the "reviews" of owners that find so much to not like about the M2 suggests to me these owners didn't really have a good idea of what their car likes/needs really are.

I mean I know I could go buy say a Caddy something hotrod or a Lexus or something and while the vehicle could be a very good vehicle I could easily not like it and complain that it didn't deliver the same experience as my Hellcat, or my VW Golf TDi...

I think you got it. for some reason people seem to rarely have a good grasp on what their needs and likes plus what would complement their use cases. for what it is worth, i also think this may be my favorite car i have ever owned (including but not limited to W220 S55, WRX and STis, B8 S4, 6 speed acura TL, etc)

I drive backroads something like 80% of the time. my full commute, going to the gym, my inlaws, my parents, hobbies, etc. are pretty much all accessed by driving 20-40 mins on relatively uncrowded B roads. I have an (not always taken, but still) opportunity to see my shift lights in second and third gear multiple times on just my commute, let alone driving for fun or other activities. personally, i feel this car is special in an upscale way just driving around at "wife speeds", but if you dont have a usecase that allows you to let the M2's hair down on a fairly regular basis, i can see why you might be underwhelmed.

it does a decent job of being a luxury car, but if my driving patterns were mostly urban, or mostly stop and go, or on really crowded roads, I'd have just gotten a nice used S550 or LS and called it a day. however, i am relatively young and i have my whole life to putt around in luxury cars.

edit: mirror above comments about spec... mine is a low spec 6MT with CF roof

[DSTR]

Strange review. I have the AT, love driving it daily. Love the power, steering, handling and brakes. Hardly ever need come out of 'comfort'. Slow, not responsive?? Yeah-- big hell no to that. I have a superb experience. Car is crazy fun and engaging slow or fast.

You got the Auto. So...........you would be bitching about the shifter, clutch engagement etc etc for the fkn manual. As if any car is perfect. You want to feel 'connected' so until you define that the best thing might be super-glue yourself to the hood. Other than that sell it. Get something else. I have no idea what you would think of the next car that has 460hp, tons o' torque, is hardly challenged by most any other car in the price range, has quick and direct steering etc.

The M2 is the best M-car for the money spent. You need to go drive the M2 in anger where you can employ the steering, power and brakes as it was designed to be used. A quick flight here to Germany might be a good start. Spring is here summer tires are in use and its nice and you can accelerate fully in places allowed and feel this M2 alive.

Other than that you need to go back to something you had in the past apparently. You could get an Ariel Atom lol. Good luck! You just sound confused. A 10 min test drive will never be enough to evaluate any car assuming you test drove M2???? You sound like you do not know what you want and have no idea how to enjoy the M2 at all.

[Habber]

I’d never buy automatic if manual was available but I get that some people prefer it however I still don’t understand the hate for the sunroof. Its a game changer for me.

[iifymbro]

Originally Posted by Habber

I’d never buy automatic if manual was available but I get that some people prefer it however I still don’t understand the hate for the sunroof. Its a game changer for me.

paying BMW $2,600 to delete your sunroof is a interesting choice for sure

[DSTR]

Originally Posted by Habber

I’d never buy automatic if manual was available but I get that some people prefer it however I still don’t understand the hate for the sunroof. Its a game changer for me.

There should be no hate at all. The manual only tabliban crowd exhibits needless amounts.

I love my sunroof too. Open air, sun, tunes and the M2. Fkn nice drive.

[two_three_two]

Originally Posted by iifymbro

paying BMW $2,600 to delete your sunroof is a interesting choice for sure

some of us need the headroom! also, it looks sick

[JMcLellan]

I had to get the sunroof vs the carbon roof in my M2 because I needed somewhere to put my giant erection when I get excited from driving my car

[ScottyRyan2019]

No need to hate on the guy. It's his opinion which can differ from someone else's. Personally, I love the car, but with that said I've never found a car that I couldn't find a gripe with if I looked hard enough.