Did the test drive events this week. Drove the M2 on Saturday, then drove it again on Tuesday along with the M5.
M2 Competition
Even while I was waiting for my turn, the M2 Competition's snarling, crackling exhaust certainly had my attention. BMW seems to have improved considerably on the S55 since they put it in the M3/M4.
Hopping in, it kinda hit me how many things weren't different at all from my E90 M3. The DCT stalk for example was exactly the same. Not a big deal, but it struck me that BMW's asking a lot for a parts bin car.
Getting on the drive loop I had the car in the most aggressive shift logic, sport plus for the steering, sport plus for the engine. It honestly didn't feel like overkill at all for the street, except that the interior engine noise (with the active engine note simulation) was a touch overdone. I asked them if there was any way to disable it, but apparently you can't without pulling a fuse or something.
Ride quality was reasonable for some of the broken pavement in Alexandria. Can't say it felt any rougher than my CTR in comfort mode (the CTR has adjustable shock valving). I only got to dig into the power in some short spots and I'm definitely a fan of the S55 in that car. Smooth, strong spread of torque, no flat spots that I could feel. It wasn't 'exciting' like the V8 in my M3 was, but it was pleasurable.
One thing that I can say hasn't improved much was the DCT's engagement at low speeds. It still can give you a bit of a shove or jerk while it's figuring out when to engage. I got used to it with my M3 but today if were to buy a M car I'd probably buy the manual for that reason. Then again, cracking off shifts with the DCT is fun too.
All in all I would be happy with his car, except that BMW wants too much money for it. At $45-50k, cool. At $60k+ no way. Especially with the C8 on the way and the fact that the M2's back seat isn't useful for much.
M2 Competition
Even while I was waiting for my turn, the M2 Competition's snarling, crackling exhaust certainly had my attention. BMW seems to have improved considerably on the S55 since they put it in the M3/M4.
Hopping in, it kinda hit me how many things weren't different at all from my E90 M3. The DCT stalk for example was exactly the same. Not a big deal, but it struck me that BMW's asking a lot for a parts bin car.
Getting on the drive loop I had the car in the most aggressive shift logic, sport plus for the steering, sport plus for the engine. It honestly didn't feel like overkill at all for the street, except that the interior engine noise (with the active engine note simulation) was a touch overdone. I asked them if there was any way to disable it, but apparently you can't without pulling a fuse or something.
Ride quality was reasonable for some of the broken pavement in Alexandria. Can't say it felt any rougher than my CTR in comfort mode (the CTR has adjustable shock valving). I only got to dig into the power in some short spots and I'm definitely a fan of the S55 in that car. Smooth, strong spread of torque, no flat spots that I could feel. It wasn't 'exciting' like the V8 in my M3 was, but it was pleasurable.
One thing that I can say hasn't improved much was the DCT's engagement at low speeds. It still can give you a bit of a shove or jerk while it's figuring out when to engage. I got used to it with my M3 but today if were to buy a M car I'd probably buy the manual for that reason. Then again, cracking off shifts with the DCT is fun too.
All in all I would be happy with his car, except that BMW wants too much money for it. At $45-50k, cool. At $60k+ no way. Especially with the C8 on the way and the fact that the M2's back seat isn't useful for much.
2018 Ducati Panigale V4
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com