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BMW 4 Series F32 vs BMW M2 F87

BMW 4 Series

BMW 4 Series

F32 · 2014 – 2020

The first-generation 4 Series Coupé (F32), on the rear-wheel-drive F30 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 4 Series

Pick the F32 for the pre-2020 4 Series Coupé with timeless lines and the eager B58 (440i) — before the G22’s controversial grille.

Best engine: The 440i (B58, LCI) — 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

420i · Petrol vs M2 Competition · Petrol

BMW 4 Series BMW M2
Power
184 hp
410 hp Winner
Torque
290 Nm
550 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h
7,3 s
4,2 s Winner
Top speed
236 km/h
250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight
120,3 hp/t
260,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)
145 g/km Winner
209 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)
6,2 L/100km Winner
10,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

BMW 4 Series BMW M2
Boot
445 L Winner
390 L
Boot (seats folded)
1.200 L
1.200 L
Wheelbase
2,81 m Winner
2,69 m
Length
4,64 m
4,46 m
Ground clearance
13,0 cm
12,0 cm
Turning circle
11,3 m Winner
11,7 m
Towing capacity (braked)
1.800 kg Winner
0 kg

Powertrain & tech

BMW 4 Series BMW M2
Platform F30/F32 (rear-wheel drive) F22 (F87, rear-wheel drive)
Drive Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive
Engine family N20/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 4 Series
  • N20 timing chain (early 420i/428i, pre-2016)
  • N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (435i)
  • Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
BMW M2
  • N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (base M2)
  • S55 crank hub (Competition, preventive work costly)
  • Cooling system and differential seals

Pros

BMW 4 Series
  • LCI (2017) brought better B48/B58 engines and iDrive
  • Timeless coupé line without the G22 grille
  • xDrive available for all-weather traction
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 4 Series
  • N20 pre-LCI engines carry timing-chain risk
  • Tight rear seats and access for this class
BMW M2
  • No adaptive dampers (fixed sport setup)
  • Base N55 carries known N55 risks (oil leaks/charge pipe)

Driving experience

BMW 4 Series

Classic BMW dynamics: precise steering, balanced chassis and strong rear-drive feel. The car is engaging on twisty roads and stable at speed. xDrive versions are more neutral and secure in poor conditions. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range. The B58 440i is the standout for character and refinement; B48 four-cylinders are smooth and responsive. Early N20 and N55 cars are also capable but feel less refined than the later B-series engines. Overall a stylish, driver-focused coupé that prioritises dynamics over pure comfort.

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