MCARMARKET

BMW F87 M2 Competition & CS

The M4's S55 engine dropped into the small coupe, topped by a CS with 444 hp, carbon everywhere and adaptive dampers. Many people's favourite modern M car.

BMW F87 M2 Competition & CS — 2019–2021

Replacing the N55 with the M4's S55 turned the M2 from a very good small coupe into a serious performance car. Power rose to 405 hp, the cooling package grew, and a carbon fibre strut brace appeared under the hood.

The M2 CS went further: 444 hp, adaptive M suspension, a carbon fibre bonnet, roof and splitter, optional carbon ceramic brakes and Cup 2 tires. It is the definitive small M car of the era and is already appreciating.

The S55's crank hub concern applies here as it does to the M3 and M4, and it is the one thing to plan around if you intend to add power.

Year by year

  • 2019–2020 Competition

    S55 at 405 hp with the M4's cooling and a carbon strut brace. Manual or DCT. Hockenheim Silver and Sunset Orange are signature colours.

  • 2020 CS

    444 hp, adaptive dampers, carbon bonnet, roof and splitter, Cup 2 tires, optional carbon ceramics. Approximately 2,200 built worldwide.

  • 2021 — final cars

    Last of the F87 line before the G87 replaced it. Well-equipped run-out cars.

The good and the bad

Positives

  • +S55 power in the smallest, most agile modern M body
  • +Manual gearbox available on both Competition and CS
  • +Excellent brakes; carbon ceramics available on CS
  • +Tunes to 500+ hp with straightforward modifications
  • +CS is already a recognised collectible

Negatives

  • −Crank hub concern applies to any tuned S55
  • −Firm ride on the Competition's passive suspension
  • −Interior is functional rather than luxurious
  • −CS pricing is well above the Competition
  • −Rear seat and trunk space are limited

Known faults and what they cost

  • Crank hub slippage$3,500–$6,000

    Preventive pinning is standard before adding meaningful power.

  • Charge pipe failure$300–$700

    Aluminium replacement is standard practice.

  • Cooling system components$1,000–$1,600

    Water pump and thermostat wear as on other S55 cars.

  • Carbon ceramic wear (CS)$10,000+

    If fitted, measure the discs carefully at purchase.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist

  • 01Ask directly about tune history and check for flash counter evidence
  • 02Verify charge pipe material and inspect for oil in the intake tract
  • 03On DCT cars, confirm fluid service and test slow-speed engagement
  • 04On CS cars, inspect the carbon bonnet, roof and splitter for damage
  • 05Measure carbon ceramic disc wear if fitted
  • 06Check tire dates on low-mileage cars, particularly Cup 2 equipped CS models

Modifications for longevity

  • Aluminium charge pipe

    First and cheapest preventive modification.

  • Crank hub pinning

    Do it with any tune above stock output.

  • Cooling maintenance

    Water pump and thermostat around 70–90k miles.

  • Fluid discipline

    DCT every 40k, differential every 30k, oil every 7,500 miles.

  • Walnut blasting

    Intake valve cleaning at 60–80k miles.

Modifications for performance

  1. 01Tires and brake fluid

    Cup 2 tires and high-temp fluid before any power work.

  2. 02Stage 1 tune

    470–500 hp on stock hardware.

  3. 03Downpipe, intake, intercooler

    520–550 hp with better heat management.

  4. 04Upgraded turbos

    600+ hp; requires crank hub pinning, clutch and fuel system work.

What they are worth

Manual Competitions in good colours are strong sellers. The CS has held value exceptionally well and low-mileage examples trade near or above original list.

Unmodified cars with clear service history are increasingly scarce, which makes them the ones worth chasing.

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