BMW 2 Series F22 vs BMW M2 F87

BMW 2 Series
F22 · 2014 – 2021
The first-generation 2 Series Coupé (F22), on the rear-wheel-drive F20 platform.

BMW M2
F87 · 2016 – 2021
The first-generation M2 (F87), BMW’s compact high-performance coupé on the F22 platform.
BMW 2 Series
Pick the 2 Series Coupé for a usable, daily rear-wheel-drive coupé with a strong engine range.
BMW M2
Pick the F87 for the purest, lightest modern M2 — N55 character or the S55 Competition, both manual/DCT and rear-drive only.
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
- N20 timing chain and oil leaks (pre-2016)
- N55 wastegate and oil consumption (M235i, high mileage)
- iDrive glitches and battery drain (early cars)
- N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (base M2)
- S55 crank hub (Competition, preventive work costly)
- Cooling system and differential seals
Pros
- 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
- Competition (S55, 2018) is more free-revving and stronger
- Sharp, communicative steering and playful rear-drive character
- Manual gearbox and DCT available
Cons
- Cabriolet (F23) roof mechanism can be costly
- N20 (pre-2016) chain wear — buy only with proof
- 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
For sale at dealers
BMW 2 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment