BMW M2 F87: The Four-Seat Firecracker That Still Makes Me Laugh Out Loud
I remember the first time I tossed a BMW M2 F87 into a tightening canyon bend. Short wheelbase, quick steering, and that thick swell of turbo torque—it felt like the car was grinning back at me. The whole idea of the M2 always appealed: compact footprint, proper rear-drive balance, and just enough practicality (four seats, a usable trunk) to justify it to your better half. And the execution? Mostly brilliant, with a few charming quirks that keep it from feeling too polished or, worse, too polite.
Design & Cabin: The BMW M2 F87 Gets the Basics Very Right
In person, the BMW M2 F87 has that squat, ready-to-pounce stance—wide fenders, a purposeful nose, and a rear track that suggests it’s been doing deadlifts. The recipe is straightforward: keep the overhangs short, the hips wide, the roofline low. It works. People turn to look, not because it’s flamboyant, but because it’s confident.
Inside, the vibe is familiar BMW: straightforward, driver-focused, and refreshingly free of gimmicks. The early cars get iDrive that’s still snappy enough today; the later ones feel properly modern. I noticed right away how easy it is to dial in driving positions, though the seat sits a touch higher than ideal if you’re used to a Cayman. Back seats? Fine for kids and flexible adults, passable for Uber runs after dinner. Trunk space handles a long weekend for two, or a track day kit if you pack sensibly.
Did you know?
- The original M2 F87 packs 365 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque (369 lb-ft on overboost) from a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six.
- 0–60 mph: about 4.5 seconds with the 6-speed manual, 4.3 with the 7-speed dual-clutch (as tested).
- EPA economy (approx.): 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway with DCT.
BMW M2 F87 Performance: Small Coupe, Big Personality
Under the hood lives BMW’s 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six, and it’s a sweetheart. There’s a muscular midrange that makes overtakes lazy-easy, and if you keep it on boil, the M2 will hustle like a much more expensive machine. I’ve run both transmissions; the 6-speed manual is more engaging and surprisingly slick, while the 7-speed dual-clutch bangs through shifts with that satisfying thwack when you’re pushing hard. Around town, I actually prefer the manual—feels more alive at normal speeds.
On real roads
- Steering: Quick ratio, decent weight. Not as talkative as an old E46, but accurate and trustworthy when you lean on it.
- Ride: Firm, sometimes busy on rough city streets. On B-roads, the body control pays you back.
- Brakes: Strong, consistent on the road. On track, they’ll want better pads and fluid—plan ahead.
- Sound: Deep, slightly synthetic growl inside, genuinely pleasing when you’re outside the car listening to a pull.
When I tried it on battered concrete, the suspension occasionally felt jittery, but it never turned harsh. On a smooth stretch, the car settles into a confident lope—like it’s daring you to go find a proper mountain pass.
Living With It: The Everyday Side of the BMW M2 F87
Daily-driver duty? It’s more livable than you’d think. The front seats are supportive without being punishing, and the cabin is quiet enough to hear your kids arguing about snacks in the back. Visibility is decent, and the compact size makes urban parking a non-event. Downsides: road roar from the performance tires (Michelin Pilot Super Sport on many cars) and an infotainment screen that can look small next to today’s billboards-on-dashboards. Personally, I’ll take the buttons and knobs.
Protecting the cabin you actually use
If you’re sliding into the car after a gym session or a muddy hike, floor protection matters. I’ve used Autowin’s custom floor mats in an M2 and appreciated the fit and cleanup. They’re tailored to the F87’s footwells, and they don’t curl or bunch up under the pedals—pet peeve of mine.
- Laser-measured fit for the BMW M2 F87
- Materials that shrug off dirt, sand, and melted snow
- Quick wipe-down cleaning—no drama
Looking to buy a set for your coupe? You can find them here. There’s a satisfaction guarantee, which takes the stress out of ordering the wrong thing.
BMW M2 F87 vs Rivals: Where It Lands
I’ve parked the M2 next to its usual sparring partners at plenty of track days and cars & coffee meets. Here’s how it stacks in the real world.
| Car | Power/Torque | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Drivetrain | What Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M2 F87 | 365 hp / 343–369 lb-ft | 4.3–4.5 s | RWD | Playful balance, compact size, manual option |
| Audi RS3 (8V) | 394 hp / 354 lb-ft | 3.7–3.9 s | AWD | Monstrous 5-cylinder, point-and-shoot traction |
| Porsche 718 Cayman S | 350 hp / 309 lb-ft | 4.1–4.4 s | RWD (mid-engine) | Steering feel, chassis precision—two seats only |
| Toyota GR Supra 3.0 | 382 hp / 368 lb-ft | 3.9–4.1 s | RWD | Smooth straight-six, slick auto, limited rear space |
Side tip
If your weekends include wet track days or snowy mountain runs, the M2’s rear-drive balance is a treat—just budget for a second set of wheels with proper winter or track rubber. It transforms the car.
Buying Used: What I’d Check on a BMW M2 F87
- Brakes and tires: Many cars see spirited use. Look for uneven tire wear and check for upgraded pads/rotors.
- Alignment: Curb kisses happen. A fresh alignment can wake up a tired-feeling car.
- DCT service: If equipped, confirm fluid service and software updates.
- Cooling/track use: Ask about track days; it’s not a problem per se, but regular fluid changes matter.
- Interior wear: Bolster scuffs and sticky buttons tell you about care level.
Verdict: Why the BMW M2 F87 Still Feels Special
The BMW M2 F87 nails a rare formula: it’s quick enough to thrill, compact enough to place perfectly on a narrow back road, and practical enough to live with. It’s not the plushest ride in town and the steering won’t write sonnets, but as a complete package—a premium sports coupe you’ll actually drive—it’s terrific. Weekend blasts, weekday commutes, Alpine ski weekends, Miami night outs. It fits.
BMW M2 F87 FAQ
Is the BMW M2 F87 reliable?
Generally solid if serviced on time. Pay attention to fluids (especially if tracked), brake wear, and tires. iDrive and electronics tend to be trouble-free.
Manual or DCT—what should I get?
The 6-speed manual is more engaging day-to-day; the 7-speed dual-clutch is quicker on paper and brilliant for track work. I lean manual unless lap times matter.
Can you daily-drive an M2 F87 year-round?
Yes. With proper winter tires, it’s totally manageable. The ride is firm but livable, cabin noise acceptable, and the size is city-friendly.
What’s the difference between M2 and M2 Competition?
The M2 Competition (still F87) arrived later with a 405-hp twin-turbo S55 engine, stiffer bits, and minor interior updates. It’s faster and sharper, but the original M2’s character is wonderfully playful.
Are custom floor mats worth it?
If you use the car daily, absolutely. The tailored fit from Autowin keeps the footwells tidy, and cleanup is quick—handy after beach days or muddy hikes.
