BMW 2 Series G42 vs BMW M2 F87
BMW 2 Series
G42 · 2021 – 2026
The second-generation 2 Series Coupé (G42), on the CLAR 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 |
300 Nm
|
550 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,5 s
|
4,2 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
236 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
119,5 hp/t
|
260,3 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
150 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 |
2,74 m
Winner
|
2,69 m
|
| Length |
4,54 m
|
4,46 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,0 cm
|
12,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,1 m
Winner
|
11,7 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
Winner
|
0 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 2 Series | BMW M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel drive) | F22 (F87, rear-wheel drive) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 petrol · B47 2.0 diesel (mild-hybrid) | N55B30 3.0 · S55 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DCT |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
- Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
- Steering-related campaigns (early cars, VIN-specific)
- N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (base M2)
- S55 crank hub (Competition, preventive work costly)
- Cooling system and differential seals
Pros
- Bigger, wider and more mature than the F22
- B48/B58 are a clear reliability step over N20/N55
- M240i (B58) remains the enthusiast favourite and holds value
- Competition (S55, 2018) is more free-revving and stronger
- Sharp, communicative steering and playful rear-drive character
- Manual gearbox and DCT available
Cons
- No convertible in this generation
- No manual gearbox available
- No adaptive dampers (fixed sport setup)
- Base N55 carries known N55 risks (oil leaks/charge pipe)
Driving experience
BMW 2 Series
Bigger, heavier and more grown-up than the F22, but still rear-wheel drive. The G42 rides with better isolation, steers accurately with decent weighting, and remains balanced and adjustable through corners, if a touch less playful than before. Rear-drive is standard; xDrive on the M240i adds grip and pace. The B48 four is smooth and efficient, the B58 six in the M240i is strong and fast, and the 220d is the economical distance pick. The 8-speed automatic is excellent; there is no manual in this generation. It is a more mature, more comfortable car than the F22, with the same rear-drive character and less of the edge.
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
