MCARMARKET

BMW G87 M2

The last combustion-only M2, with the M3's S58 engine, a manual gearbox and the most polarising styling in the range.

BMW G87 M2 — 2023–present

The G87 M2 takes the G80 M3's S58 engine and running gear and packages them in a shorter, narrower body. It is heavier than the F87 it replaced but substantially more capable, and it is the only current M car still available with a six-speed manual.

Its styling — flat surfaces, square arches, an angular front bumper — was criticised at launch and has won people over slowly. The interior is thoroughly modern with the curved display and full connectivity suite.

BMW has confirmed the M2 will electrify in future, which makes this the last purely combustion M2 and gives it a collector angle beyond its driving merits.

Year by year

  • 2023–2024

    Launch at 453 hp with manual or 8-speed automatic. Zandvoort Blue and Toronto Red are the signature launch colours.

  • 2025

    Output raised to 473 hp with revised calibration; interior and software updates.

  • 2025–2026 CS

    M2 CS with 523 hp, carbon roof and bonnet, 20 kg lighter, automatic only. A limited run with instant collector interest.

The good and the bad

Positives

  • +S58 power in the smallest M body — enormously fast
  • +Manual gearbox still available on the standard car
  • +10-stage M Traction Control and highly configurable chassis
  • +Strong tuning potential, 600+ hp on stock internals
  • +Likely the last combustion-only M2

Negatives

  • −Heavier than the F87 and it shows in tight corners
  • −Styling remains divisive
  • −Interior tech-heavy with fewer physical controls
  • −CS is automatic only
  • −Options push the price close to M4 territory

Known faults and what they cost

  • Early software and sensor campaignsWarranty

    Confirm all campaigns and software updates are closed out.

  • Carbon bucket seat cracking$2,000+ per seat

    Inspect the carbon shells if the optional buckets are fitted.

  • Wheel damage$1,000–$2,500

    19/20-inch staggered fitment on low-profile tires is vulnerable to potholes.

  • Brake wear from track use$1,500–$3,000 per axle

    M Compound brakes wear quickly under repeated track sessions.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist

  • 01Verify software updates and any open campaigns
  • 02Ask about tuning; the S58 is commonly flashed
  • 03Inspect carbon seats and any carbon exterior parts
  • 04Check wheels and tires for pothole and kerb damage
  • 05Confirm option content through codes rather than the advert
  • 06Look for track-day evidence in brake and tire wear

Modifications for longevity

  • Oil every 7,500 miles

    Ignore the extended service indicator on a car driven hard.

  • Cooling checks

    Annual inspection of the cooling stack, more often for track cars.

  • Transmission and differential fluid

    Every 30–40k miles despite 'lifetime' fill claims.

  • Carbon cleaning

    Walnut blasting at 60–80k miles.

  • Software currency

    Keep control module software updated at service.

Modifications for performance

  1. 01Setup and tires

    Configure traction, damping and steering; fit a serious performance tire.

  2. 02Stage 1 tune

    530–570 hp on pump fuel with stock hardware.

  3. 03Downpipe, intake, intercooler

    600–650 hp with much better heat control.

  4. 04Turbo and fuel upgrades

    700+ hp on stock internals with e85 and supporting hardware.

What they are worth

Manual cars are the enthusiast's pick and hold value better than automatics. Early depreciation on heavily optioned cars makes two-year-old examples good value.

The CS will trade in its own tier from day one. Expect the manual standard car to become the long-term collector choice as the M2 electrifies.

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