BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW M2 Forum > M2 vs... > Any F8X M3/M4 owners making the switch to M2 or vice versa?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-06-2016, 10:15 AM   #1
DomR
Enlisted Member
Canada
15
Rep
34
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3 Slot
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Mississauga

iTrader: (0)

Any F8X M3/M4 owners making the switch to M2 or vice versa?

Hey guys I tried doing a search but couldn't find anything. Have any of you switched from F8X M3/M4 to M2 or vice versa?

I am contemplating switching my M2 order to an M3. I previously had a 1M which I absolutely loved, but am at a dilemma as I like the additional features of the M3 but in the short drive that I had in both cars, prefer the drive of the M2. M3 are much easier to get and my local dealer is offering me a good incentive to go M3. Will likely keep my next car for 3-4 years and want to make the right choice.

Car will be my daily driver, very rarely have the need for back seats and will most likely not see more than 1-2 track days a year.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
__________________
2017 - M2 Ordered - Sept 17 Delivery
2011 - 1M VO - Gone
2004 - Mini JCW - Gone
2001.5 - B5 S4 Stage II - Gone
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2016, 10:20 AM   #2
Benzima
Colonel
Benzima's Avatar
1321
Rep
2,924
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW M2
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Montreal, CANADA

iTrader: (0)

gthal can do it. He did the M4 to M2 move
__________________
Appreciate 1
      07-06-2016, 10:23 AM   #3
Robin_NL
S0THPAW
Robin_NL's Avatar
8680
Rep
7,846
Posts

Drives: HS M2 Competition
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The Netherlands

iTrader: (0)

I don't have a truck driving license so that will be a no go

Cheers
Robin
Appreciate 5
      07-06-2016, 10:26 AM   #4
gmzanatta
Colonel
gmzanatta's Avatar
Canada
1823
Rep
2,948
Posts

Drives: LBB 6MT M2 # 660/713
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: NB

iTrader: (0)

Check out gthal review and comments here:

http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1279926
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2016, 12:35 PM   #5
gthal
Major General
gthal's Avatar
Canada
1901
Rep
5,678
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canada

iTrader: (2)

Hi DomR... as others have mentioned I recently sold my M4 (which, as you know, is identical to the M3 from a performance perspective) and bought an M2.

My review is pretty much how I feel about the two cars. Both are awesome. M3 is faster in a straight line. M2, for me anyway, is a different driving experience and I personally am very pleased with the switch. I don't get too hung up on "additional features" as long as the car I have has what I need and want and focus more on how they feel to drive. In that respect, the M2 is a pretty fun car and I really like the size/feel of it.

I think you will be happy with either... go with what your gut is telling you. You mention you preferred the drive you had in the M2... to me, that says a lot and would be what I would base my decision on. You quickly forget the lack of extra "features" of the M2 but you get to experience the drive every day (if you prefer how it drives). Waiting sucks but be careful you don't make a short term gratification decision that you regret... not that you would because the M3 is awesome... all I'm suggesting is if your gut says M2, wait it out. If it says M3, then dump the M2 order and get yourself an M3!
__________________
2020 X3 M40i | Black | Current DD
2020 C8 Corvette | Z51 | Torch Red ... built and waiting for delivery
2016 M2 | Long Beach Blue | 6MT
2015 M4 | Austin Yellow | DCT
2012 MB C63AMG | 2011 E92 M3 | 2010 E92 M3

Last edited by gthal; 07-06-2016 at 12:53 PM..
Appreciate 3
      07-06-2016, 12:48 PM   #6
jtodd_fl
2nd Asst to Dept Undersecretary
jtodd_fl's Avatar
6704
Rep
1,298
Posts

Drives: People crazy
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2015 F82 M4  [9.00]
2016 F87 M2  [0.00]
2011 E92 M3  [0.00]
The good news is, you cannot go wrong.

Pros of the M3/4:
- Power
- Creature comforts (HUD, space, higher end leather, more adjustability, etc.)
- Larger ePenis

Pros of the M2:
- Balance
- Price
- Stock exhaust sound!
- Puist cred

Seriously, for me. I don't miss any of the creature comforts when I am in the M2. HUD would be nice, but I really do not miss it. If it were me and time / money were not an issue, if you drove an M2 and loved it - get it and save the money. if you want raw power and more frills, get the M3/4. You will love either, is my prediction.

Edit: didn't see the other posts... +1 what @gthal said.
__________________
This space for rent.

Last edited by jtodd_fl; 07-06-2016 at 01:07 PM..
Appreciate 3
      07-06-2016, 12:52 PM   #7
gthal
Major General
gthal's Avatar
Canada
1901
Rep
5,678
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canada

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jtodd_fl View Post
The good news is, you cannot go wrong.

Pros of the M3/4:
- Power
- Creature comforts (HUD, space, higher end leather, more adjustability, etc.)
- Larger ePenis

Pros of the M2:
- Balance
- Price
- Puist cred

Seriously, for me. I don't miss any of the creature comforts when I am in the M2. HUD would be nice, but I really do not miss it. If it were me and time / money were not an issue, if you drove an M2 and loved it - get it and save the money. if you want raw power and more frills, get the M3/4. You will love either, is my prediction.
I'm with him

Only pro/cons I'd add would be

Pro M2
- small car feel
- better perceived responsiveness and sense of being more nimble.

Pro M3
- Maybe a slightly better highway cruiser for longer trips
- More trunk space
__________________
2020 X3 M40i | Black | Current DD
2020 C8 Corvette | Z51 | Torch Red ... built and waiting for delivery
2016 M2 | Long Beach Blue | 6MT
2015 M4 | Austin Yellow | DCT
2012 MB C63AMG | 2011 E92 M3 | 2010 E92 M3
Appreciate 2
      07-06-2016, 12:54 PM   #8
jtodd_fl
2nd Asst to Dept Undersecretary
jtodd_fl's Avatar
6704
Rep
1,298
Posts

Drives: People crazy
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2015 F82 M4  [9.00]
2016 F87 M2  [0.00]
2011 E92 M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal View Post
I'm with him

Only pro/cons I'd add would be

Pro M2
- small car feel
- better perceived responsiveness and sense of being more nimble.

Pro M3
- Maybe a slightly better highway cruiser for longer trips
- More trunk space
Heh... we have (or have had) similar cars.

2011 E9x DCT M3 ZCP in Jerez
2015 F8x DCT M4 (although mine is BSM)
2016 DCT M2 in LBB

Pretty funny.
__________________
This space for rent.
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2016, 12:58 PM   #9
gthal
Major General
gthal's Avatar
Canada
1901
Rep
5,678
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canada

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jtodd_fl View Post
Heh... we have (or have had) similar cars.

2011 E9x DCT M3 ZCP in Jerez
2015 F8x DCT M4 (although mine is BSM)
2016 DCT M2 in LBB

Pretty funny.
Clearly you made a mistake with the M4... I'm sure you meant to buy an AY one
__________________
2020 X3 M40i | Black | Current DD
2020 C8 Corvette | Z51 | Torch Red ... built and waiting for delivery
2016 M2 | Long Beach Blue | 6MT
2015 M4 | Austin Yellow | DCT
2012 MB C63AMG | 2011 E92 M3 | 2010 E92 M3
Appreciate 1
      07-06-2016, 12:59 PM   #10
jtodd_fl
2nd Asst to Dept Undersecretary
jtodd_fl's Avatar
6704
Rep
1,298
Posts

Drives: People crazy
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2015 F82 M4  [9.00]
2016 F87 M2  [0.00]
2011 E92 M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal View Post
Clearly you made a mistake with the M4... I'm sure you meant to buy an AY one
Hehe... I bought the first one in FL on launch day - it was the one they had!
__________________
This space for rent.
Appreciate 1
      07-06-2016, 02:13 PM   #11
gmzanatta
Colonel
gmzanatta's Avatar
Canada
1823
Rep
2,948
Posts

Drives: LBB 6MT M2 # 660/713
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: NB

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jtodd_fl View Post
Hehe... I bought the first one in FL on launch day - it was the one they had!
The launch M4 wasn't AY or YMB??? Blasphemy!
Appreciate 2
      07-06-2016, 02:22 PM   #12
Artemis
Moderator
Artemis's Avatar
28583
Rep
12,982
Posts

Drives: BMW M2 Competition
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin_NL View Post
I don't have a truck driving license so that will be a no go
There's a typo in your comment, Robin. Here's the basic M4 requirement.

Name:  Boat_California_Card.jpg
Views: 622
Size:  21.4 KB
__________________
///M is art Artemis
Appreciate 2
      07-06-2016, 02:30 PM   #13
Artemis
Moderator
Artemis's Avatar
28583
Rep
12,982
Posts

Drives: BMW M2 Competition
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

If you got a wife/GF and three kids, get the M3/M4:
  • M3/M4 = 5-seater
  • M2 = 4-seater
EDIT: F82 M4 = 4-seater.
__________________
///M is art Artemis

Last edited by Artemis; 07-06-2016 at 03:17 PM..
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2016, 02:47 PM   #14
jtodd_fl
2nd Asst to Dept Undersecretary
jtodd_fl's Avatar
6704
Rep
1,298
Posts

Drives: People crazy
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2015 F82 M4  [9.00]
2016 F87 M2  [0.00]
2011 E92 M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Artemis View Post
If you got a wife/GF and three kids, get the M3/M4:
  • M3/M4 = 5-seater
  • M2 = 4-seater
Or wife AND GF and only 2 kids...

Of course, to successfully pull off the wife AND GF in one car, you may need to be able to afford t a Mulsanne.
__________________
This space for rent.
Appreciate 7
koastal375.50
      07-06-2016, 02:52 PM   #15
gthal
Major General
gthal's Avatar
Canada
1901
Rep
5,678
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Canada

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Artemis View Post
If you got a wife/GF and three kids, get the M3/M4:
  • M3/M4 = 5-seater
  • M2 = 4-seater
M4 is a 4 seater

It has a plastic thingy between the seats... not sure if the M3 does too
__________________
2020 X3 M40i | Black | Current DD
2020 C8 Corvette | Z51 | Torch Red ... built and waiting for delivery
2016 M2 | Long Beach Blue | 6MT
2015 M4 | Austin Yellow | DCT
2012 MB C63AMG | 2011 E92 M3 | 2010 E92 M3
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2016, 03:11 PM   #16
Artemis
Moderator
Artemis's Avatar
28583
Rep
12,982
Posts

Drives: BMW M2 Competition
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jtodd_fl View Post
Or wife AND GF and only 2 kids...
Of course, to successfully pull off the wife AND GF in one car, you may need to be able to afford t a Mulsanne.
No-no, one cannot have the cake and eat it. Then the divorce lawyer of the wife may arrange that she takes the M3/M4 and the husband the MINI.

BUT, if the husband anticipated to a future break-up, he could have gotten the unpopular transmission: 6MT ("costs less and less prone to theft, sweetheart"). Fringe benefits of the 6MT.

Name:  DivorcePlate.jpg
Views: 404
Size:  56.8 KB
__________________
///M is art Artemis
Appreciate 1
koastal375.50
      07-06-2016, 03:16 PM   #17
Artemis
Moderator
Artemis's Avatar
28583
Rep
12,982
Posts

Drives: BMW M2 Competition
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal View Post
M4 is a 4 seater
It has a plastic thingy between the seats... not sure if the M3 does too
I stand corrected.

You're right: F80 M3 = 5-seater | F82 M2 = 4-seater.
__________________
///M is art Artemis
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2016, 04:03 PM   #18
DomR
Enlisted Member
Canada
15
Rep
34
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3 Slot
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Mississauga

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gthal View Post
Hi DomR... as others have mentioned I recently sold my M4 (which, as you know, is identical to the M3 from a performance perspective) and bought an M2.

My review is pretty much how I feel about the two cars. Both are awesome. M3 is faster in a straight line. M2, for me anyway, is a different driving experience and I personally am very pleased with the switch. I don't get too hung up on "additional features" as long as the car I have has what I need and want and focus more on how they feel to drive. In that respect, the M2 is a pretty fun car and I really like the size/feel of it.

I think you will be happy with either... go with what your gut is telling you. You mention you preferred the drive you had in the M2... to me, that says a lot and would be what I would base my decision on. You quickly forget the lack of extra "features" of the M2 but you get to experience the drive every day (if you prefer how it drives). Waiting sucks but be careful you don't make a short term gratification decision that you regret... not that you would because the M3 is awesome... all I'm suggesting is if your gut says M2, wait it out. If it says M3, then dump the M2 order and get yourself an M3!

Hey thanks for this write up, makes a lot of sense. Im going to go a drive the two of them again next week.
__________________
2017 - M2 Ordered - Sept 17 Delivery
2011 - 1M VO - Gone
2004 - Mini JCW - Gone
2001.5 - B5 S4 Stage II - Gone
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2016, 04:04 PM   #19
DomR
Enlisted Member
Canada
15
Rep
34
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3 Slot
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Mississauga

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jtodd_fl View Post
Or wife AND GF and only 2 kids...

Of course, to successfully pull off the wife AND GF in one car, you may need to be able to afford t a Mulsanne.
Haha, ill need the Mulsanne and the driver as I will have to much of a headache to drive!
__________________
2017 - M2 Ordered - Sept 17 Delivery
2011 - 1M VO - Gone
2004 - Mini JCW - Gone
2001.5 - B5 S4 Stage II - Gone
Appreciate 1
      07-06-2016, 04:05 PM   #20
DomR
Enlisted Member
Canada
15
Rep
34
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3 Slot
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Mississauga

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Artemis View Post
There's a typo in your comment, Robin. Here's the basic M4 requirement.

Attachment 1454144
haha it does feel a bit bigger!
__________________
2017 - M2 Ordered - Sept 17 Delivery
2011 - 1M VO - Gone
2004 - Mini JCW - Gone
2001.5 - B5 S4 Stage II - Gone
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2016, 09:55 PM   #21
ilovewagons
First Lieutenant
426
Rep
346
Posts

Drives: 328i F31 M-Sport EB to MG F87
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Brisbane

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jtodd_fl View Post
Pros of the M2:
- Balance
- Price
- Stock exhaust sound!
- Puist cred
You forgot FUN. The M2 is a fun, fun car to drive. That for me is the biggest selling point over the M3/4. If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I wanna have a good time.

Also, I have a wife and 3 kids. M2 is still on order. We have a second car, but even if we didn't, I'd make it work.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:35 AM.




m2
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST