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      12-07-2016, 01:25 AM   #1
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Big dilemma: F87 vs F80

Finally saw the M2 at the LA Auto Show and honestly I was blown away by the design of this car. I didn't think I would like it at all when seeing photos. Especially the front. Looked like it was punched in the mouth and had swollen lips, so to speak. lol BMW got the proportions bang on. The entire car is curvy and only the doors are truly flat. Reminds me a lot of my Exige - another curvy car. I like it so much that now I'm scratching my head that I should get this instead.

The M3 they had there too just looked bland next to the M2, if that's possible. haha

I've been reading a lot more on the F87 and nothing but praise about how it's fun to drive, best M driver's car. Which is #1 for me. Save about $25,000. No carbon roof, but you can buy one. Seems like the aftermarket is still limited. The MPE looked better on the M2 than M3. With the smaller rear the exhaust tips looked even larger. I couldn't stop staring at the M2!

Anyone else have this same dilemma?
I don't need a 4-door, no family, etc. But i do like sport/hot rod sedans. Also like the rear window shades, CCB, carbon roof, M mirrors, LCI tails, LED headlights. So, we'll see what the M2 LCI will be.

M2, I'll have to add the carbon roof and M-mirrors if they don't appear on the LCI. BMW should have the roof at least as an option. Also, no cloth seats on the M2.

Both come in Mineral gray so I'm set there.
I'll post pics from the show.
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      12-07-2016, 09:51 AM   #2
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Shay2nak,
I came out of an Exige into the f80. Obviously, they are different cars - but, I think the same can be said with the M2 vs Exige.

For me, it was an M4/M3 comparo - the rear wheel arches set me off on the F80. I just didn't find the M4 proportions appealing - it looked too stretched...didn't have the pronounced wheel arches of the F80.

I've only seen one M2 in person (blue), but I got the same feeling as the M4...eh, ok... The proportions were much better on the M2 - but, I couldn't get over some of the styling (front bumper "points", side air "vent", etc...).

I don't mean to say the M2 is ugly - but, for me, the M3 > M2 > M4. Of course, where styling is concerned....Exige > M3.

Driving characteristics - that's your call. I've yet to drive an M2. But - I'm sure it won't be like the Exige.
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      12-07-2016, 10:04 AM   #3
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I was all aboard on an F80 ZCP until my CA called me with an available allocation on the F87. I pondered it for a day, weighed the pros and cons of each, then decided on the M2.

I'm not much for "professional" reviews but there's no denying the ~100% satisfaction rate from everyone when describing their driving experiences. A personal test drive was not in the cards. I ordered sight unseen and am confident I won't be disappointed in the least. Not to mention, I saved $15k that I can use, in part, for modifications.
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      12-07-2016, 10:14 AM   #4
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IIRC the M2 is 3 inches wider than the regular 2. The M3 is slightly less but the M4 has the least difference in width over the series model.

Last edited by ClothSeats; 12-07-2016 at 10:26 AM..
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      12-08-2016, 01:45 AM   #5
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Thanks, guys.

Yeah, you definitely notice the extra 3" width between the M2 and 2 series. Same for the F80 too at least.

I've driven a 6MT F80 with MPE, will try to get one in the M2.

I don't like the side "vent" either. Wished it was more like the F80's.

M3 >= M2 > M4

Actually saw a white ZCP F80 today and didn't like it at all. Kind of surprised by my reaction to the car. lol I'll try to visit my local dealer this weekend. They've got lots of F80s and F87s.
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      12-08-2016, 08:30 AM   #6
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Honestly, there's so many factors that play into your dilemma. Would the car be a daily? Could you push it to its limits often? I chose the M2. It is my daily, and although the suspension is set in one setting, I don't find it too harsh, and I live in NYC. Im coming from a 328i, and I could easily push that car around, while merging on a highway or catching a light or something. On the contrary, I find the M2 too powerful for me to explore its limits on the street, so I drive it so calm, that I absolutely would not have needed the power of an M3/M4. So if you will daily it, and you prefer the style of the M2, then I'd say get the M2, since you wont really be exploring top end around town in it lol.
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      12-08-2016, 02:57 PM   #7
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M2 all day every day if you just want an incredible driver's car and don't need whopping power. The M3 wins if you need the space, want the techno whizbangs, or want moar powa. I also think the M2 looks leaps and bounds better visually and while the interior isn't as luxo fancy as the M3 can be, it's a great interior.

You really need to drive them both to decide though. I've driven the M2 but not the M3.
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      12-08-2016, 03:21 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shay2nak View Post
The M3 they had there too just looked bland next to the M2, if that's possible...
Yes, it's very possible. I had the same reaction when I was at the DC Auto Show. In fact a big portion of the crowd there did as well. I didn't see a single person around the M3, but saw the biggest crowds around the M2 and i8.

However, coupes generally do get more attention than sedans with the general public....nature of the beast.

The M2 was next to a ZCP M3, and the M3 just looked too sedate to me in comparison. My brother (who has a Carmine Red 991 GTS, one of the most gorgeous cars on the road) said he liked the looks of the M2 over the M3 as well.

The M3 in stock form is handsome, but at the end of the day, it is still a sedan, so it will have some conservative lines. The rear of the M3; however, is awesome looking. And it has the best rear of the three IMO (M2, M3, M4).

I had similar thoughts as you OP. But having the nicer interior, CF parts, etc was not a big deal to me, so didn't want to pay the $15000 or so extra for the privilege (on the M4). The S55 motor might be more special, but I think I'd rather pocket it because I will not get $15,000 worth of enjoyment over an M2. I'm pretty sure about that ...So, I'm going for the M2.

But hey, the big mystique of the M3 is that it's one of the best performance sedans in the world...a benchmark for a 4 door, DD, which can blow by you, while carrying 4 passengers comfortably.

Last edited by csbear; 12-08-2016 at 03:34 PM..
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      12-08-2016, 09:11 PM   #9
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If you don't need 4 doors or have family to haul around, then get the M2, simple decision to me
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      12-09-2016, 07:40 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by csbear View Post
The rear of the M3; however, is awesome looking. And it has the best rear of the three IMO (M2, M3, M4).
Agreed. It's the rear wheel arches that sets the M3 apart. There is one problem with the rear though. There's no diffuser! It transitions from the bumper to that ugly, unfinished muffler canister that is totally visible. I'm not a fan of the tail pipes either. They are too small and aren't staggered like on the M2. But at least they're real, unlike the AMG tips.
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      12-09-2016, 08:41 AM   #11
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Consensus here seems strongly in the M2 direction.... oh, look! It's an M2 forum!

I am thinking you will get feedback skewed the other way on the F80 forum.

But the consensus here gets no argument from me. M3 = more room and luxury + nicer engine, more common; M2 = more fun and connection to the road, nicer sound, nicer proportions, rarer, cheaper (unless you tart it up)
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      12-11-2016, 03:16 AM   #12
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I don't plan on keeping the car stock and the F80 with the usual exterior parts & wheels look absolutely amazing. I have yet to see a nicely done F87. The way BMW has designed the bumper has not been splitter friendly as in the M3/M4.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2M View Post
Honestly, there's so many factors that play into your dilemma. Would the car be a daily? Could you push it to its limits often? I chose the M2. It is my daily, and although the suspension is set in one setting, I don't find it too harsh, and I live in NYC. Im coming from a 328i, and I could easily push that car around, while merging on a highway or catching a light or something. On the contrary, I find the M2 too powerful for me to explore its limits on the street, so I drive it so calm, that I absolutely would not have needed the power of an M3/M4. So if you will daily it, and you prefer the style of the M2, then I'd say get the M2, since you wont really be exploring top end around town in it lol.
It's going to be a semi-DD. Still pondering to keep my current DD. I have a 60mile round trip commute and don't want to rack up miles on the ///M so I can keep it for many years. Not to mention I take back roads that include farm lands to and from work and during rainy days the car will get very dirty. Also on the way home I go through a canyon section that I haul ass on. I'm always taking turns, on ramps, off ramps, etc aggressively. So, fun factor is a must.

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Originally Posted by atxsk8r View Post
If you don't need 4 doors or have family to haul around, then get the M2, simple decision to me
You'd be correct. The answer for me is a lot more complicated than this. Now, I don't need a sedan, but I already have a 2 seat coupe. Additionally, I plan to keep the M3 (if I buy it) for many years. Like past 10, so in that time I may get married/kids.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluenose-2er View Post
Consensus here seems strongly in the M2 direction.... oh, look! It's an M2 forum!

I am thinking you will get feedback skewed the other way on the F80 forum.

But the consensus here gets no argument from me. M3 = more room and luxury + nicer engine, more common; M2 = more fun and connection to the road, nicer sound, nicer proportions, rarer, cheaper (unless you tart it up)
lol yep

Last edited by shay2nak; 12-11-2016 at 03:32 AM..
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      12-11-2016, 03:27 AM   #13
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From what I've heard, power-wise, the M2 feels pretty much the same as the M3 up to 100mph. Now if you plan on pushing well into triple digits, fun factor should be much greater on the M3. I have not driven the M3, but the M2 is plenty of fun. On corners where I fully expect my E92's rear to come out, the M2 sits like its on rails lol. I've read a lot of reviews comparing the M2/M3 and everyone pretty much sums it as the M2 being the more enjoyable, and connecting ride- and they say the M3 feels more numb, but the M3 really opens up at the higher speeds.
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      12-11-2016, 06:04 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2M View Post
From what I've heard, power-wise, the M2 feels pretty much the same as the M3 up to 100mph. Now if you plan on pushing well into triple digits, fun factor should be much greater on the M3. I have not driven the M3, but the M2 is plenty of fun. On corners where I fully expect my E92's rear to come out, the M2 sits like its on rails lol. I've read a lot of reviews comparing the M2/M3 and everyone pretty much sums it as the M2 being the more enjoyable, and connecting ride- and they say the M3 feels more numb, but the M3 really opens up at the higher speeds.
My father has a 30 Jahre M3 and it feels faster than my M2, but not in a usable way on the road. Comparing the two I would say the M2 feels a lot smaller, the M3 feels a little stiffer but it could just be the ZCP seats which are definitely harder than the M2 seats. Driving on twisty roads, I would choose the M2 just because it's so flat and does exactly what you want it to do, Where as the M3 really feels it's size, and can kick the back end out, if your heart desires, in a blink of an eye. Both are great cars, but it's really what you want the car to feel like, the M2 is a small tossable car like an E46 M3, the F80 M3 is a rocket ship of a sedan. Once I take both to the track I'll be able to judge them better, because from my experience, that's where you fall in love with the M2.
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      12-12-2016, 10:32 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SGL View Post
My father has a 30 Jahre M3 and it feels faster than my M2, but not in a usable way on the road. Comparing the two I would say the M2 feels a lot smaller, the M3 feels a little stiffer but it could just be the ZCP seats which are definitely harder than the M2 seats. Driving on twisty roads, I would choose the M2 just because it's so flat and does exactly what you want it to do, Where as the M3 really feels it's size, and can kick the back end out, if your heart desires, in a blink of an eye. Both are great cars, but it's really what you want the car to feel like, the M2 is a small tossable car like an E46 M3, the F80 M3 is a rocket ship of a sedan. Once I take both to the track I'll be able to judge them better, because from my experience, that's where you fall in love with the M2.
I have a 525rwhp M4 and I can use the power on the street. Its called throttle modulation With that said you are correct the stock M3 is faster than the M2 everywhere not just over 100. Maybe "Under 60 they feel the same" would be more true.

I agree the M2 feels smaller but IMO it doesn't really translate to the road as it weights pretty much exactly the same.

I am 1st on the list for an M2 CS but they'll need to fix the roof, interior, and give it some more weight savings before Ill actually buy it.

So to the OP if the choice is a current M2 vs M3 I take the M3 every day. Looks better, MUCH better interior even base, faster, engine feels more special, and the weight is about on par.

Last edited by dmk08; 12-12-2016 at 10:38 AM..
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      12-12-2016, 11:18 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmk08 View Post
I have a 525rwhp M4 and I can use the power on the street. Its called throttle modulation With that said you are correct the stock M3 is faster than the M2 everywhere not just over 100. Maybe "Under 60 they feel the same" would be more true.

I agree the M2 feels smaller but IMO it doesn't really translate to the road as it weights pretty much exactly the same.

I am 1st on the list for an M2 CS but they'll need to fix the roof, interior, and give it some more weight savings before Ill actually buy it.

So to the OP if the choice is a current M2 vs M3 I take the M3 every day. Looks better, MUCH better interior even base, faster, engine feels more special, and the weight is about on par.
I really like the looks of the M3. But I have driven that car, at least in F82 form, as well as an M2, and there is no doubt in my mind which I like better as a driver. The M3 is simply not what it once was, in driver feel. The M2 IS what the M3 once was--back in the E36 and E46 days, at least. Since that is what I am coming from, that is what I want again. Money or power is not an issue for me between the two cars--I have two other cars that dwarf both in power and money out the door. The M2 manages to feel much smaller and nimbler than the M3, despite a negligible weight difference. That is what I want. And it's at a VPC right now, to the dealer in three days . I will bump it up to about 400 wheel horsepower, and enjoy the hell out of it.
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      12-12-2016, 12:35 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceM View Post
I really like the looks of the M3. But I have driven that car, at least in F82 form, as well as an M2, and there is no doubt in my mind which I like better as a driver. The M3 is simply not what it once was, in driver feel. The M2 IS what the M3 once was--back in the E36 and E46 days, at least. Since that is what I am coming from, that is what I want again. Money or power is not an issue for me between the two cars--I have two other cars that dwarf both in power and money out the door. The M2 manages to feel much smaller and nimbler than the M3, despite a negligible weight difference. That is what I want. And it's at a VPC right now, to the dealer in three days . I will bump it up to about 400 wheel horsepower, and enjoy the hell out of it.
Thats your opinion I guess. I have driven both and don't agree at all. Was in line for the M2 and passed to get an M4 ZCP after owning an F80 M3 for 2 years.
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      12-12-2016, 03:26 PM   #18
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I went to the dealer yesterday to look at the M2. It's ok, I guess. I like the front but not really the profile and the rear. Something is missing in the design. As it is, it looks a little cheap to me and kind of bubble-like. The M3 has more creases at the front fender that work up to the hood that makes it look lower/flatter. The M2 doesn't have these creases, just one IIRC. I didn't like the relatively flat seats, the leg bolsters should be higher. The leather that's used is grippy and I like that. Versus the M3 whose leather seats are smooth. Interior is nice. I like the steering wheel and I can get perfect seating position. My folks seem to like it a lot more than the M3, especially the sticker prices they were seeing on some of them.

They had a Jubilee Silver M3 also. VERY nice color. Was next to Silverstone which I think is a terrible silver. Jubilee is a real silver color. A sport silver, if that makes sense. A bit dark. Dare I say similar to S2000 silverstone.

All these cars were in the lower showroom where it's not really well lit.

Last edited by shay2nak; 12-12-2016 at 03:35 PM..
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      12-13-2016, 08:26 AM   #19
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I find the M2 seats to be much more comfortable as DD seats than the ones in the M4 I drove during my road trip in Europe.
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      12-13-2016, 02:46 PM   #20
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I find the M2 seats to be much more comfortable as DD seats than the ones in the M4 I drove during my road trip in Europe.
wouldn't doubt it. They felt more plush to me than the M3's.
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      12-13-2016, 03:33 PM   #21
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wouldn't doubt it. They felt more plush to me than the M3's.
Well thats cause they are the same seats out of a base model BMW not sport seats like in an M3/M4. I have the same M2 seats in my beater X1.
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      12-13-2016, 08:55 PM   #22
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I own both. Street car I prefer the f80, track car f87 although the f80 is faster if you're a good driver, it's just harder to drive fast.

F80 has a much nicer interior/features and way more power. F87 has a linear power delivery and very neutral handling with awesome turn in.
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