BMW 4 Series F32 vs BMW M2 F87

BMW 4 Series
F32 · 2014 – 2020
The first-generation 4 Series Coupé (F32), on the rear-wheel-drive F30 platform.

BMW M2
F87 · 2016 – 2021
The first-generation M2 (F87), BMW’s compact high-performance coupé on the F22 platform.
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.
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
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
- N20 timing chain (early 420i/428i, pre-2016)
- N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (435i)
- Cooling-system plastic parts (expansion tank/hoses)
- 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 iDrive
- Timeless coupé line without the G22 grille
- xDrive available for all-weather traction
- Competition (S55, 2018) is more free-revving and stronger
- Sharp, communicative steering and playful rear-drive character
- Manual gearbox and DCT available
Cons
- N20 pre-LCI engines carry timing-chain risk
- Tight rear seats and access for this class
- 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
For sale at dealers
BMW 4 Series
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