As the title says, I’m looking to get my first BMW and I’ve whittled it down to a manual F87 M2C. I was considering an M3/M3C but I think I like the size of the M2C more.
Coming from a FWD biased AWD Golf R, how is the transition? Is the M2C more difficult to drive and learn the mechanics of a 400+hp RWD? Is the ride more compliant?
The Golf R is an auto and I absolutely love the Golf as my daily driver. Instead of trading up for the M2C I was thinking of adding the manual M2C for a weekend car.
Is there other BMWs or other cars I should consider? I was looking at 997 911s,981 Caymans, and E92 M3s but the M2C seems to have that right blend of modern tech and raw performance.
As someone who’s owned both-- at least until last month, the f87, doesn’t ride nearly as well as the golf R . It is a much more taut, high strung, needing perfectly smooth pavement kind of beast. The spring/shock combo on the f87 isn’t great. BMW used progressive springs and they’re not quite firm enough to balance out the shock. In other words, it’s too rough of a ride on non-perfect road and then it kind of porpoises(not enough rebound) when you go over any type of significant bump/imperfection. Apparently, switching to a firmer/static rate (non-progressive) spring actually helps.
Make no mistake, it is a beast. It has a great suspension on perfect roads and the engine is sublime. The BMW has much better front grip/feedback compared to the R. I prefer the DCT in the BMW to the automatic in the golf R. It just seems like it’s better programmed. However, I had the six-speed auto in my previous GTI ( Mark 7) and it was the best transmission I’ve ever owned
Driving wise, it’s a completely different beast (it should be since the BMW was about 50% more in cost). Think of the BMW as a track toy you can use on the street when necessary. The R is safe because of the understeer. If you go too fast in the corner all you have to do is lift off. If you do that at speed in the BMW the rear wants to come around on you as the balance of the car shifts… The golf is much easier to drive fast, above 95% effort. You just point and shoot and stomp on the gas. For a rear wheel drive car, the f87 does handle quite well(understatement). You can drive using the throttle to get around corners. When it does start to get away from you it’s quite easy to modulate. However, if you’re inexperienced or the road is rough or wet, it can be quite a handful when you’re pushing it. If you drive at 85%, even in the wet, you never have to worry.
Note: I sold my BMW last month. Currently, I’m looking to purchase a BMW 240ix. My R is going away. I’m not sure whether I’m giving it to my son, or going to sell it out right. (The golf R was my daily driver and the BMW was the weekend car… I decided to consolidate.).
Take a look at the CT4 Blackwing and the BMW 240i(X). Personally, I found them both superior to the golf R and both superior to the f87 on a daily use basis when I was test driving everything last month.
Thabks for the insight! I’ve been going back and forth if I should add the m2c in addition to the golf r, or replace it.
Tough because I want a manual for the fun and an auto for the daily. Are the c8 vettes actually selling for 65k? I feel like last I looked they were way about msrp.
The ct4 blacking would be an interesting alternative. V8 manual 🔥