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BMW 2 Series F22 vs BMW M2 F87

BMW 2 Series

BMW 2 Series

F22 · 2014 – 2021

The first-generation 2 Series Coupé (F22), on the rear-wheel-drive F20 platform.

VS
BMW M2

BMW M2

F87 · 2016 – 2021

The first-generation M2 (F87), BMW’s compact high-performance coupé on the F22 platform.

First car
Second car
Pick this one if…

BMW 2 Series

Pick the 2 Series Coupé for a usable, daily rear-wheel-drive coupé with a strong engine range.

Best engine: The 220i (184 hp) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…

BMW M2

Pick the F87 for the purest, lightest modern M2 — N55 character or the S55 Competition, both manual/DCT and rear-drive only.

Best engine: The M2 Competition (S55, 410 hp) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide

Performance

220i · Petrol vs M2 Competition · Petrol

BMW 2 Series BMW M2
Power
184 hp
410 hp Winner
Torque
290 Nm
550 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h
7,1 s
4,2 s Winner
Top speed
232 km/h
250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight
126,9 hp/t
260,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)
140 g/km Winner
209 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)
6,5 L/100km Winner
10,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

BMW 2 Series BMW M2
Boot
390 L
390 L
Boot (seats folded)
1.200 L
1.200 L
Wheelbase
2,69 m
2,69 m Winner
Length
4,43 m
4,46 m
Ground clearance
14,0 cm
12,0 cm
Turning circle
10,9 m Winner
11,7 m
Towing capacity (braked)
1.600 kg Winner
0 kg

Powertrain & tech

BMW 2 Series BMW M2
Platform F20 (rear-wheel drive) F22 (F87, rear-wheel drive)
Drive Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive
Engine family B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · N55/B58 3.0 petrol · N47/B47 2.0 diesel N55B30 3.0 · S55 3.0 twin-turbo petrol
Transmission 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic 6-speed manual · 7-speed DCT
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Euro standard Euro 6 Euro 6
LEZ access Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW 2 Series
  • N20 timing chain and oil leaks (pre-2016)
  • N55 wastegate and oil consumption (M235i, high mileage)
  • iDrive glitches and battery drain (early cars)
BMW M2
  • N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (base M2)
  • S55 crank hub (Competition, preventive work costly)
  • Cooling system and differential seals

Pros

BMW 2 Series
  • LCI (2017) brought better B48/B58 engines and infotainment
  • M240i (B58) is the enthusiast favourite and holds value
  • Post-facelift (2017+) cars are more reliable
BMW M2
  • Competition (S55, 2018) is more free-revving and stronger
  • Sharp, communicative steering and playful rear-drive character
  • Manual gearbox and DCT available

Cons

BMW 2 Series
  • Cabriolet (F23) roof mechanism can be costly
  • N20 (pre-2016) chain wear — buy only with proof
BMW M2
  • No adaptive dampers (fixed sport setup)
  • Base N55 carries known N55 risks (oil leaks/charge pipe)

Driving experience

BMW 2 Series

Genuinely engaging, with a rear-drive balance that is rare at this size. The F22 steers quickly and talks clearly through the wheel, turns in keenly, and its tail is happy to help rotate the car under power. Rear-drive is the pure choice; xDrive adds traction but blunts some of the playfulness. The B48 four is smooth and willing, the B58 six in the M240i is strong and characterful, and the 220d is the sensible distance choice. The 8-speed automatic is quick; the manual is genuinely rewarding. It is the last true compact rear-drive BMW coupe, and it feels like it.

BMW M2

One of the most engaging modern M cars. Sharp, communicative steering, excellent balance and a playful rear-drive character. The chassis is taut and rewarding on twisty roads or track. The base M2 (N55) is responsive and characterful; the Competition (S55) is stronger, more free-revving and more aggressive. The manual gearbox is engaging; the DCT is quick and capable. Adaptive dampers are not fitted (fixed sport setup). Overall a focused, fun and involving compact sports coupé that prioritises driver involvement over pure comfort.

Belgian taxes & LEZ

Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers