BMW M2 F87 vs BMW M4 G82

BMW M2
F87 · 2016 – 2021
The first-generation M2 (F87), BMW’s compact high-performance coupé on the F22 platform.

BMW M4
G82 · 2021 – 2026
The current M4 Coupé (G82), on the CLAR platform shared with the 4 Series.
BMW M2
Pick the F87 for the purest, lightest modern M2 — N55 character or the S55 Competition, both manual/DCT and rear-drive only.
BMW M4
Pick the G82 for the M4 Coupé with the S58 and optional M xDrive — quicker off the line and more secure than rear-drive-only rivals.
Performance
M2 Competition · Petrol vs M4 Competition · Petrol
| BMW M2 | BMW M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
410 hp
|
510 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
550 Nm
|
650 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
4,2 s
|
3,9 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
|
250 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
260,3 hp/t
|
283,3 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
209 g/km
Winner
|
230 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
10,5 L/100km
|
10,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW M2 | BMW M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
390 L
|
440 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
1.200 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,69 m
|
2,86 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,46 m
|
4,79 m
|
| Ground clearance |
12,0 cm
|
12,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,7 m
Winner
|
12,2 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
0 kg
|
0 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW M2 | BMW M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | F22 (F87, rear-wheel drive) | CLAR (G82, rear-wheel drive or xDrive) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | N55B30 3.0 · S55 3.0 twin-turbo petrol | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DCT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- N55 charge pipe and oil leaks (base M2)
- S55 crank hub (Competition, preventive work costly)
- Cooling system and differential seals
- IBS recalls (integrated brake system, check VIN)
- Oil-cooler/seal seepage (early cars)
- Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)
Pros
- Competition (S55, 2018) is more free-revving and stronger
- Sharp, communicative steering and playful rear-drive character
- Manual gearbox and DCT available
- S58 addressed the S55 weaknesses (crank hub/rod bearings)
- Manual (base) still available — rare among performance coupés
- xDrive versions: 0–100 in ~3.5 s
Cons
- No adaptive dampers (fixed sport setup)
- Base N55 carries known N55 risks (oil leaks/charge pipe)
- Exposed oil cooler is vulnerable to stone chips
- Brake squeal is common (bedding/pads)
Driving experience
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.
BMW M4
Powerful, refined and highly engaging. Steering is precise, body control is excellent and the car feels planted and involving. Rear-drive versions retain classic M balance and playfulness; xDrive versions are more neutral, secure and quicker off the line. Adaptive M suspension offers a wide range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual (base) is engaging; the ZF 8-speed (Competition) is quick and smooth. Overall a focused high-performance coupé that balances dynamics with modern refinement.
Belgian taxes & LEZ