M2 LCI Buying Guide? (Or convince me on an M4)

M2 LCI Buying Guide? (Or convince me on an M4)

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Discussion

Jackmuirhead6

Original Poster:

27 posts

89 months

Thursday 9th July 2020
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As above, as much info on things to look out for, common problems etc..

Rchamps

55 posts

113 months

Thursday 9th July 2020
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I've had three M4s - a 2014 Manual car, a 2017 DCT and an M4CS. I've also had an M2 Comp (manual). If I was buying again I'd go for the M2.

AliMc99

174 posts

191 months

Thursday 9th July 2020
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Agree with the OP above.

I ran a 2016 M4 (DCT) for 3 years (went back a year ago). I've also extensively driven a friends M2C (manual). I much prefer the M2C to drive (interior isn't as nice though) and am now in the market for one (and that is in the context of being able to buy a brand new or delivery mileage M4 Comp for less than a new M2C).

Smuler

2,287 posts

154 months

Thursday 9th July 2020
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M2 C is much better than OG M2, but if OP is after the LCI of the latter , so 67 and 18 plates , I’d say as a buying guide : look closely at spec as standard kit was poor. Seats (poor anyway) really need lumbar , for example.
Otherwise, just chose wisely between manual and DCT. I actually feel DCT suits N55 best.

Not aware of what problems there are.

M4 has nicer interior , much better seats, driving position and S55 is a much better engine. It feels like a proper M car too.

I’d chose it over OG M2 , but not the M2 Competition as it has most of the above benefits, but in a smaller, more fun package.

If you need practicality , the M4 is limited anyway ; better the M3.


Jackmuirhead6

Original Poster:

27 posts

89 months

Friday 10th July 2020
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Thanks for all the replies. I could maybe stretch to M4 Comp money but the M2 LCI was the one that caught my eye

rassi

2,503 posts

266 months

Friday 10th July 2020
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Jackmuirhead6 said:
Thanks for all the replies. I could maybe stretch to M4 Comp money but the M2 LCI was the one that caught my eye
Still not clear if by “M2 LCI” you mean the original 370 bhp M2 or the 404 bhp M2 Competition? Between an M4 Competition and the original M2 the choice is very easy

Jackmuirhead6

Original Poster:

27 posts

89 months

Friday 10th July 2020
quotequote all
rassi said:
Jackmuirhead6 said:
Thanks for all the replies. I could maybe stretch to M4 Comp money but the M2 LCI was the one that caught my eye
Still not clear if by “M2 LCI” you mean the original 370 bhp M2 or the 404 bhp M2 Competition? Between an M4 Competition and the original M2 the choice is very easy
Original M2 with digital dash etc

Shanksy87

387 posts

137 months

Friday 10th July 2020
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I was in a similar situation to you last month.

I liked the OG M2, always have done, but the LCI interior appealed more than the original. In the low 30's its hard to look elsewhere in my view.

I also liked the M4, a guy who worked for me had a base and then a Comp version and it called to me then and more so now as I think they represent value at the moment, but it doesn't fit in my garage so that knocked that on the head.

I then looked at the M2C which offers more headroom for tuning down the line and seems to add an extra 10% over the OG M2 in several areas. When BMW came out with their 2.9% offering that was the clincher for me.


Mark83

1,285 posts

216 months

Friday 10th July 2020
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I was initially looking at M2Cs but they're quite basic as standard and needed more money spent to get one to where I want. There's a limited choice of colours and nothing was jumping out at me. I saw the discounts in Dec 19 that put a M4 Competition Pack (in my favourite colour, San Marino Blue) in the same price point. My M4 came with everything I wanted, for M2C money.

nickfrog

22,864 posts

232 months

Tuesday 14th July 2020
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Jackmuirhead6 said:
Original M2 with digital dash etc
I wouldn't rule out a pre-LCI car if they offer similar or better value, as that would increase choice. You can change the rear lights anyway (I actually prefer the pre-LCI ones).

The only other difference is the digital dash, again I prefer the original, more traditional dials than the half-way house.

My main advice beside checking the service history is to buy a car that is either under original warranty or extended Mondial warranty or AUC of course. If you buy a car with an interrupted warranty and then want to buy the Mondial policy it's almost twice as much.

As for the M4, you need to drive both as they drive surprisingly differently despite the many shared parts. I much prefer the way the M2 drives as it seems more predictable yet more nimble. But the M4 will have a better interior with better NVH and levels of comfort/refinment.

Jackmuirhead6

Original Poster:

27 posts

89 months

Friday 17th July 2020
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Drove both M2 and M4, now a deposit down on AUC M2 LCI smile

M4 Felt like a boat in comparison..

nickfrog

22,864 posts

232 months

Friday 17th July 2020
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Good move Jack - I don't really understand why there is such a difference in the way they drive despite the M2's shorter wheelbase.

cerb4.5lee

37,504 posts

195 months

Friday 17th July 2020
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Jackmuirhead6 said:
Drove both M2 and M4, now a deposit down on AUC M2 LCI smile

M4 Felt like a boat in comparison..
I thought that the M2 and M4 weigh about the same don't they? Why would the M4 feel like a boat...or am I missing something?

I really like them both(would love either) though don't get me wrong. thumbup

nickfrog

22,864 posts

232 months

Friday 17th July 2020
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Lee, the weight is quasi identical but the M2's wheelbase is a little shorter. I also think they are set up differently.

cerb4.5lee

37,504 posts

195 months

Friday 17th July 2020
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nickfrog said:
Lee, the weight is quasi identical but the M2's wheelbase is a little shorter. I also think they are set up differently.
Thanks. smile

Whohe123

353 posts

75 months

Monday 20th July 2020
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Jackmuirhead6 said:
Drove both M2 and M4, now a deposit down on AUC M2 LCI smile

M4 Felt like a boat in comparison..
Have you picked up the car yet? How are you finding it ?

Jackmuirhead6

Original Poster:

27 posts

89 months

Monday 20th July 2020
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Whohe123 said:
Jackmuirhead6 said:
Drove both M2 and M4, now a deposit down on AUC M2 LCI smile

M4 Felt like a boat in comparison..
Have you picked up the car yet? How are you finding it ?
Not yet hopefully tomorrow. Got my Exige V6 sold on Sat so just wrapping a few things up..

as7920

755 posts

216 months

Tuesday 21st July 2020
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Sold my 2018 M2 LCI DCT last week. Deposit down on 2018 M3 DCT saloon today. Pick up Friday.

M2 is a fantastic car. Looking forward to comparing how the M3 drives.

Don Phil

622 posts

204 months

Friday 31st July 2020
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Jackmuirhead6 said:
Whohe123 said:
Jackmuirhead6 said:
Drove both M2 and M4, now a deposit down on AUC M2 LCI smile

M4 Felt like a boat in comparison..
Have you picked up the car yet? How are you finding it ?
Not yet hopefully tomorrow. Got my Exige V6 sold on Sat so just wrapping a few things up..
Did you pick it up? If so what's your first impressions?

I've been going through the same thoughts as you for the past month or so.

Missed out on two m4 competition with DCT, saw a well specced manual m2 lci and thrown a deposit on it!

Coming from an M140i I'm hoping it's different enough and special enough to justify the change. Fully aware the interior is very similar, dash will be updated compared to mine and will have a bit better spec.

Not bothered about outright performance as I suspect it won't be any quicker in a straight line than the M140i, which I'm more than happy with the pace of. Hoping it just feels that bit special and more involving on a drive.

Jackmuirhead6

Original Poster:

27 posts

89 months

Saturday 1st August 2020
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I've literally just driven it once before going to sea but was for a few hours. Initially thought it has lots of torque, quite entertaining at the top end also. Having came from an Exige, a car to still be fun is the biggest challenge I faced but M2 seems to tick the box so far.

Car itself is nice inside once you forget about the seats your sitting on which are much comfier than the M4 ones also. Feels nicer finished than my S5 I had previous to Exige.

At the moment I've no concerns on my decision and I'm sure you'll love it also. My mates got a 140 also and is also seeking an M2 so keen to hear his views after he gets a shot