As good as the BMW M2 is, there are a few hardcore M enthusiasts who won’t consider it a proper M car. It doesn’t have a bespoke M engine, nor the usual M-specific cues such as unique wing mirrors and seats. Fear not, anoraks, as BMW M has listened to your cries of despair with the M2 Competition, which goes above and beyond the usual Competition Package tweaks.
For starters, the standard M2’s highly-tuned N55 engine has been replaced by a detuned version of the M3 and M4‘s S55 mill. While the 3.0 litre capacity and straight-six configuration remain, it now gets twin turbochargers instead of a single twin-scroll unit, as well as a closed-deck block for increased rigidity. It also receives High Precision Injection, Valvetronic variable valve lift and Double Vanos variable valve timing.
Other new features include a motorsport-derived oil supply system and an upgraded version of the M4 Competition Package’s cooling system, plus a new dual-branch exhaust system with active flaps to provide a distinctive exhaust note. Lastly, a particulate filter reduces fine dust emissions.
The result of all this is 410 hp between 5,250 and 7,000 rpm and 550 Nm of torque from 2,350 and 5,200 rpm – 40 hp and a whopping 85 Nm more than the regular M2. Drive gets sent to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission with a new carbon-fibre friction lining for improved shift lining, and as before there’s a rev-matching function that can be deactivated by switching off the stability control system.
Those who want to experience all the performance on offer, however, will have to opt for the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. So equipped, the M2 Competition will blitz the zero-to-100 km/h benchmark in just 4.2 seconds (4.4 seconds with the manual), 0.1 seconds faster than the M2. The M Driver Package raises the speed limiter from 250 km/h to 280 km/h.
Harnessing the extra power is a new carbon-fibre under-bonnet brace from the M3 and M4, which works with the M4’s bulkhead strut to significantly increase rigidity at the front of the car, improving steering behaviour and precision. The Dynamic Stability Control has also been recalibrated for more delicate control, improving wet weather traction and reducing traction interruption during drifting.
The already muscular design has been beefed up, incorporating a bigger, conjoined double kidney grille as well as larger air intakes with three slots along the centre inlet. A gloss black finish is applied to the grille, side gills and the quad exhaust tips, and – joy of joys – there are now dual-arm door mirrors from the M3 and M4. Completing the look are new, optional 19-inch Y-spoke forged alloys and a Competition badge at the rear. New colour options include Sunset Orange and the brand new Hockenheim Silver.
Inside, you’ll find M2 Competition door sills along with optional M Sport bucket seats with illuminated M2 badges, orange or blue perforations and stitching as well as Alcantara trim on the side bolsters. The steering wheel also finally receives M1 and M2 buttons for drivers to save their preferred settings for the powertrain, steering and stability control, while the seat belts feature M colour stitching.
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Smart $$$ is on people buying this detune M2 & retune it to M3 POWER & smoke those MF who look down on M2.
John will say preve is a better buy than M2