OG BMW M2 vs 8V Audi RS3 Saloon
Discussion
I did a quick Google on this and to my surprise nothing came up, as I would have thought that others have cross-shopped these 2 cars in the past?
I've been tracking prices of M140i and mk7 Golf GTI/R prices for a while, as both strongly appeal but I hear that the chassis on the M140i is somewhat unresolved and having owned a lesser mk7 Golf, I know what a great all-rounder that car is but ultimately it's still just a 4 cylinder.
However for about 10k more, you can get an OG M2 or an 8V RS3 and with the inevitable march towards EVs and having wanted to own an Audi RS/BMW M car for about 20 years, perhaps 2023 is the time to buy before running one becomes uneconomical?
I think that I actually prefer the original M2 to the later M2 Competition. To my eyes, it looks cleaner and the N55 sounds better and should be more economical and cheaper to fix? Compared to the RS3 it seems like a bit more of a pure driver's car what with RWD and the manual option (which is the transmission that I would lean towards).
Having said that, the Ur quattro is one of my all-time favourite cars and the 5-pot in the RS3 has more power than the stock M2 and arguably sounds just as good, if not better. I'm not sure if it looks as good as the M2 and I never much cared for the rather bloated-looking Sportback but I think the saloon version does look pretty sharp. I live in quite a cool, wet part of the country, so the extra traction of the quattro system, combined with the extra practicality that comes with the 4 doors (I have a 10 and an 8 year old) and possibly a more comfortable ride and the ease-of-use of the S-Tronic transmission certainly appeals but is it less of a special car than the BMW?
So, having lusted after an E46 M3 in my early 20s and with the M2 seeming to be the closest modern equivalent to that, the heart says M2 but the head says RS3 due to the extra practicality/comfort and AWD traction. I have to say, it appears that you can get a decent manual non-Comp M2 for around 30k, which seems like a relative bargain. Surprisingly, decent RS3 saloons seem to start around 36k but I guess that's only a little bit more than a late mk7 Golf R for a 2017 car and you do get an extra cylinder, extra 100bhp and more colour options. Are the running costs of an M2/RS3 significantly more than an M140i/Golf R, as they seem like they would be more manageable than the more expensive BMW M/Audi RS cars?
Does anyone have ownership experience of both? If this was your last flourish before succumbing to an autonomous, EV crossover, which one would you go for?
I've been tracking prices of M140i and mk7 Golf GTI/R prices for a while, as both strongly appeal but I hear that the chassis on the M140i is somewhat unresolved and having owned a lesser mk7 Golf, I know what a great all-rounder that car is but ultimately it's still just a 4 cylinder.
However for about 10k more, you can get an OG M2 or an 8V RS3 and with the inevitable march towards EVs and having wanted to own an Audi RS/BMW M car for about 20 years, perhaps 2023 is the time to buy before running one becomes uneconomical?
I think that I actually prefer the original M2 to the later M2 Competition. To my eyes, it looks cleaner and the N55 sounds better and should be more economical and cheaper to fix? Compared to the RS3 it seems like a bit more of a pure driver's car what with RWD and the manual option (which is the transmission that I would lean towards).
Having said that, the Ur quattro is one of my all-time favourite cars and the 5-pot in the RS3 has more power than the stock M2 and arguably sounds just as good, if not better. I'm not sure if it looks as good as the M2 and I never much cared for the rather bloated-looking Sportback but I think the saloon version does look pretty sharp. I live in quite a cool, wet part of the country, so the extra traction of the quattro system, combined with the extra practicality that comes with the 4 doors (I have a 10 and an 8 year old) and possibly a more comfortable ride and the ease-of-use of the S-Tronic transmission certainly appeals but is it less of a special car than the BMW?
So, having lusted after an E46 M3 in my early 20s and with the M2 seeming to be the closest modern equivalent to that, the heart says M2 but the head says RS3 due to the extra practicality/comfort and AWD traction. I have to say, it appears that you can get a decent manual non-Comp M2 for around 30k, which seems like a relative bargain. Surprisingly, decent RS3 saloons seem to start around 36k but I guess that's only a little bit more than a late mk7 Golf R for a 2017 car and you do get an extra cylinder, extra 100bhp and more colour options. Are the running costs of an M2/RS3 significantly more than an M140i/Golf R, as they seem like they would be more manageable than the more expensive BMW M/Audi RS cars?
Does anyone have ownership experience of both? If this was your last flourish before succumbing to an autonomous, EV crossover, which one would you go for?
Crusoe said:
M/RS tax is real, if you are planning to keep OEM serviced you are around £1k a year more to run M2 compared to the 140i depending on mileage. More expensive consumables plus a bit more for fuel, servicing and insurance.
Thanks. Good to know. And I've been considering a car with that B58 engine for some time, as it seems to offer such a strong mix of performance, economy and character. M140i seems like such a performance bargain but it's just not a proper M car, no LSD and a so-so chassis. M240i seems like a nice modern interpretation of an E30 325i but just looks a bit ungainly, whereas the M2 looks spot on and seems to take the best bits from the M3 chassis to make it a great, not just a good car.I own a 240i and am into year 3 of ownership now, the one thing that I feel let's the 2 series down is the practicality, im 6ft4 so maybe a bit of an extreme example but there's no way even my 5 year old could sit comfortably behind my drivers seat, there is no rear leg room.
She's ok behind the passenger seat but it is a chore getting her in and out without rear doors, as a family we don't really use my car taking the wife's Mini Countryman instead.
All that being said I still love the car and the B58 engine is awesome, I love a B58 so much my next car when I change next year is likely to be a BMW 540i as its the only car under 30k which offers the practicality and really grips me.
She's ok behind the passenger seat but it is a chore getting her in and out without rear doors, as a family we don't really use my car taking the wife's Mini Countryman instead.
All that being said I still love the car and the B58 engine is awesome, I love a B58 so much my next car when I change next year is likely to be a BMW 540i as its the only car under 30k which offers the practicality and really grips me.
Crusoe said:
M/RS tax is real, if you are planning to keep OEM serviced you are around £1k a year more to run M2 compared to the 140i depending on mileage. More expensive consumables plus a bit more for fuel, servicing and insurance.
I'd concur with that.We get around 28mpg in our M140i running unleaded. The M2 is doing 19mpg and runs on super unleaded.
Insurance is notably higher that the M140i policy also, though i'm hoping thats just because i changed cars mid way through so my current company isnt likely the cheapest for M2s.
My 2018 M2 OG has a full BMWSH which i'll want to continue. I will get all the maintenance done by a local indy buy i think i'll continue the main dealer servicing.
I've run various hot hatches (A3 2.0Ts, S3s, Golf R32 supercharged etc). The last of which was a facelift 8V S3, before I bought a pre-facelift 8V RS3 a year ago.
I know my PFL RS3 isn't a saloon FL, but for what it's worth I think you'd enjoy the change. The RS3 is a very different prospect to a Golf R, albeit one that's hard to explain unless you drive one around for a bit. There are lots of details like DSG that doesn't change up automatically etc - but your best bet for finding groups of people who have gone from cars like a Golf R to RS3 is probably a Facebook owners group or audisport.net.
On running costs... In a year with my RS3, mine has needed:
- a full service with plugs, brake fluid, Haldex & MoT (£550)
- 1x tyre and 4-wheel alignment (£260)
- 1x alternator (£1,032)
All are for Audi parts used at an Audi specialist rather than a franchised dealer, because I think they tend to have more expertise (mine works on a lot of RS products). There's a PH RS3 buyer's guide so I won't repeat that, but would add that transfer boxes can have their bearings preemptively changed for under £600 if a failure (c.£3k) concerns you.
Parts prices can be more expensive for the bespoke items like brake discs (budget on £1.5-2k all round), but an air filter for example can be as low as £11 as it's shared not only with big-engined VAGs but also with some common cars like Passat TDIs. The alternator was a bit unlucky given that my car is only on 28k miles, but I suppose it is in its 7th year now and so some extended maintenance is likely. I've spent more money upgrading my car, but they're not essential costs.
I recommend seeking out a high-spec RS3 because these enhance the experience and open up the gap considerably on a Golf R-type car. When you have a car with custom paint, Super Sport seats, B&O audio, adjustable suspension, sports exhaust etc - like mine - then you really can feel the difference beyond the drivetrain.
Saloons are only available in facelift 8V form, which means you get the higher power & more tuneable alloy version of the 2.5T engine - plus the facelift styling and digital dash. I don't miss the facelift tech at all in my PFL, plus - and this is a biggie - the PFL iron block 2.5T sounds considerably better. 17-18 pre-OPF cars are great-sounding machines in isolation, less so afterwards... but both are noticeable downgrades in the noise department compared to the 2011-12 and 2015-16 RS3s.
Finally, I would add that I think this is one of your last chances to own and run an RS3 or M2 while they aren't either old or prohibitively expensive if new-ish. These sorts of semi-bespoke cars with breathtaking pace, big-engined soundtracks and practical bodyshapes are going to die off or become rarities in the new and near-new car market.
I know my PFL RS3 isn't a saloon FL, but for what it's worth I think you'd enjoy the change. The RS3 is a very different prospect to a Golf R, albeit one that's hard to explain unless you drive one around for a bit. There are lots of details like DSG that doesn't change up automatically etc - but your best bet for finding groups of people who have gone from cars like a Golf R to RS3 is probably a Facebook owners group or audisport.net.
On running costs... In a year with my RS3, mine has needed:
- a full service with plugs, brake fluid, Haldex & MoT (£550)
- 1x tyre and 4-wheel alignment (£260)
- 1x alternator (£1,032)
All are for Audi parts used at an Audi specialist rather than a franchised dealer, because I think they tend to have more expertise (mine works on a lot of RS products). There's a PH RS3 buyer's guide so I won't repeat that, but would add that transfer boxes can have their bearings preemptively changed for under £600 if a failure (c.£3k) concerns you.
Parts prices can be more expensive for the bespoke items like brake discs (budget on £1.5-2k all round), but an air filter for example can be as low as £11 as it's shared not only with big-engined VAGs but also with some common cars like Passat TDIs. The alternator was a bit unlucky given that my car is only on 28k miles, but I suppose it is in its 7th year now and so some extended maintenance is likely. I've spent more money upgrading my car, but they're not essential costs.
I recommend seeking out a high-spec RS3 because these enhance the experience and open up the gap considerably on a Golf R-type car. When you have a car with custom paint, Super Sport seats, B&O audio, adjustable suspension, sports exhaust etc - like mine - then you really can feel the difference beyond the drivetrain.
Saloons are only available in facelift 8V form, which means you get the higher power & more tuneable alloy version of the 2.5T engine - plus the facelift styling and digital dash. I don't miss the facelift tech at all in my PFL, plus - and this is a biggie - the PFL iron block 2.5T sounds considerably better. 17-18 pre-OPF cars are great-sounding machines in isolation, less so afterwards... but both are noticeable downgrades in the noise department compared to the 2011-12 and 2015-16 RS3s.
Finally, I would add that I think this is one of your last chances to own and run an RS3 or M2 while they aren't either old or prohibitively expensive if new-ish. These sorts of semi-bespoke cars with breathtaking pace, big-engined soundtracks and practical bodyshapes are going to die off or become rarities in the new and near-new car market.
I have first-hand knowledge of this, having just purchased a BMW M2 LCI DCT.
Like you, I've wanted an M car for a long time and with the threat of electric cars, now is the time to buy.
I've driven a few M140s, they're such a great package and cheaper than the M2. But they're completely different cars, the M2 feels so special to drive whereas the M140 doesn't tickle the M car feeling.
As for running costs, my M2 is doing 26-30mpg on my short commute. I imagine this will be 35mpg on a motorway drive, the 7th gear in the DCT drops the revs to just above idle at 65/70mph.
It's not all roses, this time of year is a bit sketchy in the M2. A few times now the car has snapped into a big slide, which I'm still getting familiar with.
As for repairs, don't expect a cheap car. I know this car will cost me a set of tyres every year, but I do have an Approved Used BMW warranty for peace of mind.
I haven't driven an RS3 before, so I can't comment.
I wouldn't bother with the M2 Comp, yes they're faster, but the cold start is w
k! The S55 just makes a noise, whereas the N55 sounds so bloody good.
Treat yourself, you won't regret it.
Like you, I've wanted an M car for a long time and with the threat of electric cars, now is the time to buy.
I've driven a few M140s, they're such a great package and cheaper than the M2. But they're completely different cars, the M2 feels so special to drive whereas the M140 doesn't tickle the M car feeling.
As for running costs, my M2 is doing 26-30mpg on my short commute. I imagine this will be 35mpg on a motorway drive, the 7th gear in the DCT drops the revs to just above idle at 65/70mph.
It's not all roses, this time of year is a bit sketchy in the M2. A few times now the car has snapped into a big slide, which I'm still getting familiar with.
As for repairs, don't expect a cheap car. I know this car will cost me a set of tyres every year, but I do have an Approved Used BMW warranty for peace of mind.
I haven't driven an RS3 before, so I can't comment.
I wouldn't bother with the M2 Comp, yes they're faster, but the cold start is w
k! The S55 just makes a noise, whereas the N55 sounds so bloody good. Treat yourself, you won't regret it.
Deep Thought said:
I'd concur with that.
We get around 28mpg in our M140i running unleaded. The M2 is doing 19mpg and runs on super unleaded.
Insurance is notably higher that the M140i policy also, though i'm hoping thats just because i changed cars mid way through so my current company isnt likely the cheapest for M2s.
My 2018 M2 OG has a full BMWSH which i'll want to continue. I will get all the maintenance done by a local indy buy i think i'll continue the main dealer servicing.
Thanks. That's surprising. I heard that the M2 Comp was very thirsty but with the regular M2 being N55 based, I expected it to be much better. People have reported up to 40mpg on N55/B58-engined cars, so I thought that 30-35mpg might be achievable on an M2 despite the higher state of tune. 28mpg seems pretty low on the M140i too. Is your driving a lot of urban miles or do you drive them hard?We get around 28mpg in our M140i running unleaded. The M2 is doing 19mpg and runs on super unleaded.
Insurance is notably higher that the M140i policy also, though i'm hoping thats just because i changed cars mid way through so my current company isnt likely the cheapest for M2s.
My 2018 M2 OG has a full BMWSH which i'll want to continue. I will get all the maintenance done by a local indy buy i think i'll continue the main dealer servicing.
The Cardinal said:
I've run various hot hatches (A3 2.0Ts, S3s, Golf R32 supercharged etc). The last of which was a facelift 8V S3, before I bought a pre-facelift 8V RS3 a year ago.
I know my PFL RS3 isn't a saloon FL, but for what it's worth I think you'd enjoy the change. The RS3 is a very different prospect to a Golf R, albeit one that's hard to explain unless you drive one around for a bit. There are lots of details like DSG that doesn't change up automatically etc - but your best bet for finding groups of people who have gone from cars like a Golf R to RS3 is probably a Facebook owners group or audisport.net.
On running costs... In a year with my RS3, mine has needed:
- a full service with plugs, brake fluid, Haldex & MoT (£550)
- 1x tyre and 4-wheel alignment (£260)
- 1x alternator (£1,032)
All are for Audi parts used at an Audi specialist rather than a franchised dealer, because I think they tend to have more expertise (mine works on a lot of RS products). There's a PH RS3 buyer's guide so I won't repeat that, but would add that transfer boxes can have their bearings preemptively changed for under £600 if a failure (c.£3k) concerns you.
Parts prices can be more expensive for the bespoke items like brake discs (budget on £1.5-2k all round), but an air filter for example can be as low as £11 as it's shared not only with big-engined VAGs but also with some common cars like Passat TDIs. The alternator was a bit unlucky given that my car is only on 28k miles, but I suppose it is in product.I ownear now and so some extended maintenance is likely. I've spent more money upgrading my car, but they're not essential costs.
I recommend seeking out a high-spec RS3 because these enhance the experience and open up the gap considerably on a Golf R-type car. When you have a car with custom paint, Super Sport seats, B&O audio, adjustable suspension, sports exhaust etc - like mine - then you really can feel the difference beyond the drivetrain.
Saloons are only available in facelift 8V form, which means you get the higher power & more tuneable alloy version of the 2.5T engine - plus the facelift styling and digital dash. I don't miss the facelift tech at all in my PFL, plus - and this is a biggie - the PFL iron block 2.5T sounds considerably better. 17-18 pre-OPF cars are great-sounding machines in isolation, less so afterwards... but both are noticeable downgrades in the noise department compared to the 2011-12 and 2015-16 RS3s.
Finally, I would add that I think this is one of your last chances to own and run an RS3 or M2 while they aren't either old or prohibitively expensive if new-ish. These sorts of semi-bespoke cars with breathtaking pace, big-engined soundtracks and practical bodyshapes are going to die off or become rarities in the new and near-new car market.
Thanks. A lot of useful information there. Just to point out, I haven't actually owned a mk7 Golf R (mine was a GT 1.4 TSI) but yeah, the RS3 seems a whole other level. Yours looks nice. Is that Daytona Grey? What mpg are you averaging on the RS3? Was hoping for a 30mpg+ average but the "blobeye" WRX that I owned about 10 years ago averaged low 20s with 30mpg being a best case scenario on a run.I know my PFL RS3 isn't a saloon FL, but for what it's worth I think you'd enjoy the change. The RS3 is a very different prospect to a Golf R, albeit one that's hard to explain unless you drive one around for a bit. There are lots of details like DSG that doesn't change up automatically etc - but your best bet for finding groups of people who have gone from cars like a Golf R to RS3 is probably a Facebook owners group or audisport.net.
On running costs... In a year with my RS3, mine has needed:
- a full service with plugs, brake fluid, Haldex & MoT (£550)
- 1x tyre and 4-wheel alignment (£260)
- 1x alternator (£1,032)
All are for Audi parts used at an Audi specialist rather than a franchised dealer, because I think they tend to have more expertise (mine works on a lot of RS products). There's a PH RS3 buyer's guide so I won't repeat that, but would add that transfer boxes can have their bearings preemptively changed for under £600 if a failure (c.£3k) concerns you.
Parts prices can be more expensive for the bespoke items like brake discs (budget on £1.5-2k all round), but an air filter for example can be as low as £11 as it's shared not only with big-engined VAGs but also with some common cars like Passat TDIs. The alternator was a bit unlucky given that my car is only on 28k miles, but I suppose it is in product.I ownear now and so some extended maintenance is likely. I've spent more money upgrading my car, but they're not essential costs.
I recommend seeking out a high-spec RS3 because these enhance the experience and open up the gap considerably on a Golf R-type car. When you have a car with custom paint, Super Sport seats, B&O audio, adjustable suspension, sports exhaust etc - like mine - then you really can feel the difference beyond the drivetrain.
Saloons are only available in facelift 8V form, which means you get the higher power & more tuneable alloy version of the 2.5T engine - plus the facelift styling and digital dash. I don't miss the facelift tech at all in my PFL, plus - and this is a biggie - the PFL iron block 2.5T sounds considerably better. 17-18 pre-OPF cars are great-sounding machines in isolation, less so afterwards... but both are noticeable downgrades in the noise department compared to the 2011-12 and 2015-16 RS3s.
Finally, I would add that I think this is one of your last chances to own and run an RS3 or M2 while they aren't either old or prohibitively expensive if new-ish. These sorts of semi-bespoke cars with breathtaking pace, big-engined soundtracks and practical bodyshapes are going to die off or become rarities in the new and near-new car market.
Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 10th January 16:17
I guess how important fuel economy is depends on how many miles you do, and of course it's the most visible cost, yet consider I spent more on maintenance than fuel last year. Expect 27-30mpg overall from an RS3; I can crack 40mpg on a long summer run and my lifetime average is 33mpg... but I'm an outlier. As is the paint job - I agree it looks like a grey in some photos but it's actually a green (Audi Exclusive).
You mentioned you'd been tracking Golf R prices. In all honesty my S3 was a better all-rounder than the RS3. It's better on fuel and parts costs (you did ask
). A Golf R / S3 is more under the radar and you'd be able to afford a newer one with things like the virtual dash if it's important. I can make a slightly more selfish choice at the moment, but I'd have another S3 or Golf R if I had to share cars with my wife again or was doing more miles. Only you can decide if you want the "specialness" of something like an M2, RS3.
You mentioned you'd been tracking Golf R prices. In all honesty my S3 was a better all-rounder than the RS3. It's better on fuel and parts costs (you did ask
). A Golf R / S3 is more under the radar and you'd be able to afford a newer one with things like the virtual dash if it's important. I can make a slightly more selfish choice at the moment, but I'd have another S3 or Golf R if I had to share cars with my wife again or was doing more miles. Only you can decide if you want the "specialness" of something like an M2, RS3. Crusoe said:
340i might be worth a look too, not many around but same engine in a slightly heavier but more composed chassis.
You make a good point. As I said, I've fancied something with the B58 engine for a while and often wondered what BMW would be the best home for it. I've heard that the G20 M340is are very good. Probably a better chassis than the M140i and more power than in the 540i? I think that prices start a bit higher than an OG M2 (but a bit less than RS3 saloons) but of course it's a lot newer and next gen with a nicer interior than the 1/2-Series based cars. However, it's auto and xDrive, so perhaps a bit less "pure" and this is a 2nd car, so the compact size of the M140i/M2/Golf R/RS3 really appeals for B-road blasting. The 3-Series/A4 has got quite big over the years, which is good if you want the extra space and perhaps negates the reason to step up to a 5-Series/A6 but I always thought the E30 3-Series/B5 A4 the perfect size for UK roads.In the same vein, I've always thought the Audi S4 saloon was a cool car. Often overlooked, quite understated and you don't really see much about them but a more premium interior than the RS3 and possibly a better AWD system? B9 petrol S4s are in a similar ballpark to M140is/mk7 Golf Rs price-wise but more power (not far off the RS3 really).
That being said, when I look back in 10 years time when these kind of ICE performance cars have been priced off the road, I can't help thinking that I would regret not having bought the BMW M/Audi RS product.
The Cardinal said:
I guess how important fuel economy is depends on how many miles you do, and of course it's the most visible cost, yet consider I spent more on maintenance than fuel last year. Expect 27-30mpg overall from an RS3; I can crack 40mpg on a long summer run and my lifetime average is 33mpg... but I'm an outlier. As is the paint job - I agree it looks like a grey in some photos but it's actually a green (Audi Exclusive).
You mentioned you'd been tracking Golf R prices. In all honesty my S3 was a better all-rounder than the RS3. It's better on fuel and parts costs (you did ask). A Golf R / S3 is more under the radar and you'd be able to afford a newer one with things like the virtual dash if it's important. I can make a slightly more selfish choice at the moment, but I'd have another S3 or Golf R if I had to share cars with my wife again or was doing more miles. Only you can decide if you want the "specialness" of something like an M2, RS3.
Thanks. That kind of fuel economy is perfectly acceptable. I do have a fair commute when I go in but I am able to WFH some of the time too, so it's not as much of a dealbreaker as it might have once been.You mentioned you'd been tracking Golf R prices. In all honesty my S3 was a better all-rounder than the RS3. It's better on fuel and parts costs (you did ask
). A Golf R / S3 is more under the radar and you'd be able to afford a newer one with things like the virtual dash if it's important. I can make a slightly more selfish choice at the moment, but I'd have another S3 or Golf R if I had to share cars with my wife again or was doing more miles. Only you can decide if you want the "specialness" of something like an M2, RS3. Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 10th January 16:24
Networkgeek said:
I have first-hand knowledge of this, having just purchased a BMW M2 LCI DCT.
Like you, I've wanted an M car for a long time and with the threat of electric cars, now is the time to buy.
I've driven a few M140s, they're such a great package and cheaper than the M2. But they're completely different cars, the M2 feels so special to drive whereas the M140 doesn't tickle the M car feeling.
As for running costs, my M2 is doing 26-30mpg on my short commute. I imagine this will be 35mpg on a motorway drive, the 7th gear in the DCT drops the revs to just above idle at 65/70mph.
It's not all roses, this time of year is a bit sketchy in the M2. A few times now the car has snapped into a big slide, which I'm still getting familiar with.
As for repairs, don't expect a cheap car. I know this car will cost me a set of tyres every year, but I do have an Approved Used BMW warranty for peace of mind.
I haven't driven an RS3 before, so I can't comment.
I wouldn't bother with the M2 Comp, yes they're faster, but the cold start is wk! The S55 just makes a noise, whereas the N55 sounds so bloody good.
Treat yourself, you won't regret it.
Thanks. Those fuel economy figures sound a lot more palatable, I'm guessing if I went for the manual, the fuel economy would be a bit worse?Like you, I've wanted an M car for a long time and with the threat of electric cars, now is the time to buy.
I've driven a few M140s, they're such a great package and cheaper than the M2. But they're completely different cars, the M2 feels so special to drive whereas the M140 doesn't tickle the M car feeling.
As for running costs, my M2 is doing 26-30mpg on my short commute. I imagine this will be 35mpg on a motorway drive, the 7th gear in the DCT drops the revs to just above idle at 65/70mph.
It's not all roses, this time of year is a bit sketchy in the M2. A few times now the car has snapped into a big slide, which I'm still getting familiar with.
As for repairs, don't expect a cheap car. I know this car will cost me a set of tyres every year, but I do have an Approved Used BMW warranty for peace of mind.
I haven't driven an RS3 before, so I can't comment.
I wouldn't bother with the M2 Comp, yes they're faster, but the cold start is w
k! The S55 just makes a noise, whereas the N55 sounds so bloody good. Treat yourself, you won't regret it.
I agree that the M2 Comp sounds horrible and to my eyes doesn't look as nice but I guess that BMW had to silence the critics who complained that it wasn't a proper M car because it didn't have the proper M engine and compete with the RS3 head-on for sheer pace.
I also agree that the M140is are a lot of bang-for-the-buck and a completely unique package being a RWD hatch with a 6 cylinder engine in a sea of FWD/AWD turbo 4-pot hatches but it's a completely different car to the M2 really rather than a cut-price alternative, just like a Golf R/Audi S3 isn't really a substitute for an RS3.
I went through a similar dilemma in May and went the BMW M2 LCI with DCT. I’ve driven the RS3 a lot from way back in 2015 (it was actually the first car I ever drove) but it’s not really an M2 rival.
They are polar opposites in terms of personality and I think both are brilliant but appeal to different markets.
The RS3 is brilliant but it’s very similar to all the FWD and AWD hatches in how it feels and drives. It’s like a Golf R or S3 turned up 5%. However it goes faster than anything in the real world and an M2 hasn’t a hope in keeping up and would be in a hedge if you attempted (I’m being very serious).
The M2 is a completely different proposition in that it feels very special and full of personality. It’s louder, more raw, feels better to drive and a lot more exciting. It’s very quick but BMW aren’t great at suspension and the M2 is too stiff and can bounce, if you want to drive it fast you need to focus 100% while the RS3 is fast even if your zoned out. The M2 is also a bigger car than you think it’s noticeably wide to drive on the road.
My M2 has averaged 23/24mpg and that’s not massively hooning it either. I can get 30mpg driving like a granny but I have to really try. It’s bigger inside than the m135i or m235i. I’ve had 4 adults in it all over 6ft and the boot is a good size as well. The RS3 gets a middle seat that the M2 doesn’t have and the hatchback is more practical however the saloon version is smaller than the M2 so tighter inside and smaller boot.
The RS3 is more similar to the M135/140i and 2 series equivalent than the M2 as it’s so easy to live with but it’s better than the M-lites by a mile. The M2 doesn’t really have a rival it’s more a practical sports car.
The M2 is certainly not a numbers car but there is just something about it that just makes it special and amazing fun. An RS3 will be cheaper but won’t offer the anywhere near the same amount of smiles, I’m not sure any car really can anymore certainly not at the price point and with the performance it has.
I love it but it’s certainly flawed and has annoyed me sometimes. It’s too stiff suspension wise, it’s tyre roar is loud and it’s very wide. It definitely has earned it £1900 annual insurance price as it’s a serious handful and will slide and spin. It’s also the only car I’ve drove where I’ve honestly felt like I’ve ran out of ability and I’m not in control at times. I’ve came home to the wife a few times and admitted it’s ran away from me on a certain stretch of road while FWD hot hatches wouldn’t be phased.
Driving it is just special and at times magical. I’ll love it how ever long I’ll keep it and I’m glad I’ve done the M car thing but I knew after a week that once I’ve had enough of it and sell it I’ll happily go back to a Golf GTI/R, Fiesta ST or RS3.
There is a good few YouTube videos below and the general consensus is go the M2.
https://youtu.be/PeAJ3SiDPao
https://youtu.be/YZdGvkPwsqE
Electric cars will be similar to the RS3 in the future all being quick, comfortable a practical. There weren’t be another ADHD puppy like the M2 again as even the new one is porker.
They are polar opposites in terms of personality and I think both are brilliant but appeal to different markets.
The RS3 is brilliant but it’s very similar to all the FWD and AWD hatches in how it feels and drives. It’s like a Golf R or S3 turned up 5%. However it goes faster than anything in the real world and an M2 hasn’t a hope in keeping up and would be in a hedge if you attempted (I’m being very serious).
The M2 is a completely different proposition in that it feels very special and full of personality. It’s louder, more raw, feels better to drive and a lot more exciting. It’s very quick but BMW aren’t great at suspension and the M2 is too stiff and can bounce, if you want to drive it fast you need to focus 100% while the RS3 is fast even if your zoned out. The M2 is also a bigger car than you think it’s noticeably wide to drive on the road.
My M2 has averaged 23/24mpg and that’s not massively hooning it either. I can get 30mpg driving like a granny but I have to really try. It’s bigger inside than the m135i or m235i. I’ve had 4 adults in it all over 6ft and the boot is a good size as well. The RS3 gets a middle seat that the M2 doesn’t have and the hatchback is more practical however the saloon version is smaller than the M2 so tighter inside and smaller boot.
The RS3 is more similar to the M135/140i and 2 series equivalent than the M2 as it’s so easy to live with but it’s better than the M-lites by a mile. The M2 doesn’t really have a rival it’s more a practical sports car.
The M2 is certainly not a numbers car but there is just something about it that just makes it special and amazing fun. An RS3 will be cheaper but won’t offer the anywhere near the same amount of smiles, I’m not sure any car really can anymore certainly not at the price point and with the performance it has.
I love it but it’s certainly flawed and has annoyed me sometimes. It’s too stiff suspension wise, it’s tyre roar is loud and it’s very wide. It definitely has earned it £1900 annual insurance price as it’s a serious handful and will slide and spin. It’s also the only car I’ve drove where I’ve honestly felt like I’ve ran out of ability and I’m not in control at times. I’ve came home to the wife a few times and admitted it’s ran away from me on a certain stretch of road while FWD hot hatches wouldn’t be phased.
Driving it is just special and at times magical. I’ll love it how ever long I’ll keep it and I’m glad I’ve done the M car thing but I knew after a week that once I’ve had enough of it and sell it I’ll happily go back to a Golf GTI/R, Fiesta ST or RS3.
There is a good few YouTube videos below and the general consensus is go the M2.
https://youtu.be/PeAJ3SiDPao
https://youtu.be/YZdGvkPwsqE
Electric cars will be similar to the RS3 in the future all being quick, comfortable a practical. There weren’t be another ADHD puppy like the M2 again as even the new one is porker.
Edited by CG2020UK on Tuesday 10th January 21:48
CG2020UK said:
I went through a similar dilemma in May and went the BMW M2 LCI with DCT. I’ve driven the RS3 a lot from way back in 2015 (it was actually the first car I ever drove) but it’s not really an M2 rival.
They are polar opposites in terms of personality and I think both are brilliant but appeal to different markets.
The RS3 is brilliant but it’s very similar to all the FWD and AWD hatches in how it feels and drives. It’s like a Golf R or S3 turned up 5%. However it goes faster than anything in the real world and an M2 hasn’t a hope in keeping up and would be in a hedge if you attempted (I’m being very serious).
The M2 is a completely different proposition in that it feels very special and full of personality. It’s louder, more raw, feels better to drive and a lot more exciting. It’s very quick but BMW aren’t great at suspension and the M2 is too stiff and can bounce, if you want to drive it fast you need to focus 100% while the RS3 is fast even if your zoned out. The M2 is also a bigger car than you think it’s noticeably wide to drive on the road.
My M2 has averaged 23/24mpg and that’s not massively hooning it either. I can get 30mpg driving like a granny but I have to really try. It’s bigger inside than the m135i or m235i. I’ve had 4 adults in it all over 6ft and the boot is a good size as well. The RS3 gets a middle seat that the M2 doesn’t have and the hatchback is more practical however the saloon version is smaller than the M2 so tighter inside and smaller boot.
The RS3 is more similar to the M135/140i and 2 series equivalent than the M2 as it’s so easy to live with but it’s better than the M-lites by a mile. The M2 doesn’t really have a rival it’s more a practical sports car.
The M2 is certainly not a numbers car but there is just something about it that just makes it special and amazing fun. An RS3 will be cheaper but won’t offer the anywhere near the same amount of smiles, I’m not sure any car really can anymore certainly not at the price point and with the performance it has.
I love it but it’s certainly flawed and has annoyed me sometimes. It’s too stiff suspension wise, it’s tyre roar is loud and it’s very wide. It definitely has earned it £1900 annual insurance price as it’s a serious handful and will slide and spin. It’s also the only car I’ve drove where I’ve honestly felt like I’ve ran out of ability and I’m not in control at times. I’ve came home to the wife a few times and admitted it’s ran away from me on a certain stretch of road while FWD hot hatches wouldn’t be phased.
Driving it is just special and at times magical. I’ll love it how ever long I’ll keep it and I’m glad I’ve done the M car thing but I knew after a week that once I’ve had enough of it and sell it I’ll happily go back to a Golf GTI/R, Fiesta ST or RS3.
There is a good few YouTube videos below and the general consensus is go the M2.
https://youtu.be/PeAJ3SiDPao
https://youtu.be/YZdGvkPwsqE
Good summary. I've had mine a month and am getting only 19mpg, though i do drive it hard. Its not getting any commute type runs or long runs currently.They are polar opposites in terms of personality and I think both are brilliant but appeal to different markets.
The RS3 is brilliant but it’s very similar to all the FWD and AWD hatches in how it feels and drives. It’s like a Golf R or S3 turned up 5%. However it goes faster than anything in the real world and an M2 hasn’t a hope in keeping up and would be in a hedge if you attempted (I’m being very serious).
The M2 is a completely different proposition in that it feels very special and full of personality. It’s louder, more raw, feels better to drive and a lot more exciting. It’s very quick but BMW aren’t great at suspension and the M2 is too stiff and can bounce, if you want to drive it fast you need to focus 100% while the RS3 is fast even if your zoned out. The M2 is also a bigger car than you think it’s noticeably wide to drive on the road.
My M2 has averaged 23/24mpg and that’s not massively hooning it either. I can get 30mpg driving like a granny but I have to really try. It’s bigger inside than the m135i or m235i. I’ve had 4 adults in it all over 6ft and the boot is a good size as well. The RS3 gets a middle seat that the M2 doesn’t have and the hatchback is more practical however the saloon version is smaller than the M2 so tighter inside and smaller boot.
The RS3 is more similar to the M135/140i and 2 series equivalent than the M2 as it’s so easy to live with but it’s better than the M-lites by a mile. The M2 doesn’t really have a rival it’s more a practical sports car.
The M2 is certainly not a numbers car but there is just something about it that just makes it special and amazing fun. An RS3 will be cheaper but won’t offer the anywhere near the same amount of smiles, I’m not sure any car really can anymore certainly not at the price point and with the performance it has.
I love it but it’s certainly flawed and has annoyed me sometimes. It’s too stiff suspension wise, it’s tyre roar is loud and it’s very wide. It definitely has earned it £1900 annual insurance price as it’s a serious handful and will slide and spin. It’s also the only car I’ve drove where I’ve honestly felt like I’ve ran out of ability and I’m not in control at times. I’ve came home to the wife a few times and admitted it’s ran away from me on a certain stretch of road while FWD hot hatches wouldn’t be phased.
Driving it is just special and at times magical. I’ll love it how ever long I’ll keep it and I’m glad I’ve done the M car thing but I knew after a week that once I’ve had enough of it and sell it I’ll happily go back to a Golf GTI/R, Fiesta ST or RS3.
There is a good few YouTube videos below and the general consensus is go the M2.
https://youtu.be/PeAJ3SiDPao
https://youtu.be/YZdGvkPwsqE
I found the DCT box hard to get used to compared to the ZF8 in the M140i. I'm still not fully comfortable with it but getting there. On the user groups the consensus seems to be its a manual car without a clutch pedal, so other than round town in comfort model i find myself using the paddles all the time and thats working out a lot better. I particularly like the blip on the downchanges in paddle mode. My brother who has an S3 saloon had a good run in it and once he got on to the notion of the paddles he felt it all fell in to place and he felt much more in control of it. He felt more in control of the car and more in control of the speed. Its very easy to have let it blip through the gears and suddenly you're doing 100mph.
Very capable cars. Like yourself, glad i own one, but it does have its flaws. But feels special to drive and quite magical as you say. Its quite odd as sitting in it is almost identical to the M140i. Then you start it up and move off....
Deep Thought said:
Good summary. I've had mine a month and am getting only 19mpg, though i do drive it hard. Its not getting any commute type runs or long runs currently.
I found the DCT box hard to get used to compared to the ZF8 in the M140i. I'm still not fully comfortable with it but getting there. On the user groups the consensus seems to be its a manual car without a clutch pedal, so other than round town in comfort model i find myself using the paddles all the time and thats working out a lot better. I particularly like the blip on the downchanges in paddle mode. My brother who has an S3 saloon had a good run in it and once he got on to the notion of the paddles he felt it all fell in to place and he felt much more in control of it. He felt more in control of the car and more in control of the speed. Its very easy to have let it blip through the gears and suddenly you're doing 100mph.
Very capable cars. Like yourself, glad i own one, but it does have its flaws. But feels special to drive and quite magical as you say. Its quite odd as sitting in it is almost identical to the M140i. Then you start it up and move off....
Totally agree with paddles and gearbox like yourself I have to use the paddles if driving it properly. I’d imagine your brother probably mentioned it never really settles and flows in a rhythm the way the S3 does. I found the DCT box hard to get used to compared to the ZF8 in the M140i. I'm still not fully comfortable with it but getting there. On the user groups the consensus seems to be its a manual car without a clutch pedal, so other than round town in comfort model i find myself using the paddles all the time and thats working out a lot better. I particularly like the blip on the downchanges in paddle mode. My brother who has an S3 saloon had a good run in it and once he got on to the notion of the paddles he felt it all fell in to place and he felt much more in control of it. He felt more in control of the car and more in control of the speed. Its very easy to have let it blip through the gears and suddenly you're doing 100mph.
Very capable cars. Like yourself, glad i own one, but it does have its flaws. But feels special to drive and quite magical as you say. Its quite odd as sitting in it is almost identical to the M140i. Then you start it up and move off....
Also don’t get how how on earth they came to the conclusion they should sell the car without a custom driving mode.
I think the M2s will destined to be a car with a high number of owners as people get their year or two of enjoyment out of them before then getting an easier to live with daily.
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