[ZeroFx]

So i wanted to start a new thread with people who want to talk about cars and not brexit.

Im test driving the M2 today hopefully. Test drove the M4 cab yesterday and im not so sure about M4 coupe as i dont really think its worth the extra than the M2 at this point.

Some options on the table are: (cheapest to most expensive option)

M2 Pre LCI with super low miles, great blue paint and optioned up to the max almost. 67 plate - Blue

M2 LCI optioned up well about 1500 more than above - Generally White

M2 LCI optioned up with 10k on clock but has the Performance Exhaust system - 3500 option!

M4 Cab - 3k more than the cheapest M2. 5k miles super high options except no HK - Not Comp ed - few similar cars around this miles and options and various colours 67 plate

M4 Cab Comp Pack - runs about 5k more than cheapest M2 about 2-4k premium over standard M4. Options tend to be limited with HK missing and no HUD etc but certainly different in Comp pack. Exhaust sound is crazy when roof is down.

M2 Comp is about 7k premium over cheapest M2 on list but as the most expensive option at the moment im not seeing the extra benefit from the money.

Ive yet to seen any M4 coupes yet so ill add them when i find the good ones.

Going to be doing about 20k miles a year. 'The M2 is claimed to hold about 1200-1500 more GFV after 80k and 4 years. 14,500-16,000 but a quick AT search shows that people are selling M4's with 75k on them for 25k so im guessing this is overly cautious.

In terms of driving i know the coupes will handle better but the cab is a different world when the roof is down and massively compensates for a bit of twitch in the chassis

[GEP77]

I think you've sold yourself on the M4 Cab.

I think the best way to think about the Cabrio is that it is more a GT than a sports car.

The M2 is much more a sports car.

They are in reality totally different beasts. The M4 running costs will be somewhat higher than the M2. The Cabrio is quite a bit heavier and this will mean a fair amount more fuel over time, although on the flip side you might be more tempted to thrash the M2 about a bit more!

It's a nice position to have to choose between the two though!

[blueislander]

Baring in mind the M4 is end of life soon, what are the deals like on a brand new one?

Got to think there will be some huge discounts and it'll be optioned up how you want with no compromises.

[ZeroFx]

Originally Posted by GEP77

I think you've sold yourself on the M4 Cab.

I think the best way to think about the Cabrio is that it is more a GT than a sports car.

The M2 is much more a sports car.

They are in reality totally different beasts. The M4 running costs will be somewhat higher than the M2. The Cabrio is quite a bit heavier and this will mean a fair amount more fuel over time, although on the flip side you might be more tempted to thrash the M2 about a bit more!

It's a nice position to have to choose between the two though!

Running costs are an issue. Despite what M drivers claim about running costs being the last thing they are bothered about evidence suggests 9/10 dont do any miles in them. ideally want to be averaging about 25mpg+ for work purposes.

Downsides of the cab are going to be that its MPG will suffer, it will creek and rattle more. Its a coupe for 6 months+ of the year anyway. Doesnt look as good when roof is up and handling is somewhat compromised but that is relative.

[ZeroFx]

Originally Posted by blueislander

Baring in mind the M4 is end of life soon, what are the deals like on a brand new one?

Got to think there will be some huge discounts and it'll be optioned up how you want with no compromises.

C2C are 19% off list. you are looking around 57k for both coupe and cab. 3.9% APR

Or you can buy 1 year old with few k on clock for 40k possibly less. Plus no running in service cost at 5.5% APR

You are looking at 200-300 a month more for a new one and that is compromising options as that is one of the standard pack configs with nothing added!

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by ZeroFx

Downsides of the cab are going to be that its MPG will suffer, it will creek and rattle more. Its a coupe for 6 months+ of the year anyway. Doesnt look as good when roof is up and handling is somewhat compromised but that is relative.

All of the above, plus aren't the cab's normally a bit slower too? ... As well as being a hair dressers car. I just don't see the point of the compromise of a cab in this country... now if we were in the south of France that would be different.

[ZeroFx]

Originally Posted by Hooded

All of the above, plus aren't the cab's normally a bit slower too? ... As well as being a hair dressers car. I just don't see the point of the compromise of a cab in this country... now if we were in the south of France that would be different.

0.2 second to 62mph.

For a weekend car id agree with you as sods law says sun its out monday - friday and weekend it pisses it down. In reality if you do 20k a year and drive daily like me the roof is down a crazy amount of time. Last year i got through 2 bottles of sun cream as well as perma tanned from April till October. I had a better tan on the way to spain than everyone coming back!

[Lynxi2k]

Originally Posted by Hooded

All of the above, plus aren't the cab's normally a bit slower too? ... As well as being a hair dressers car. I just don't see the point of the compromise of a cab in this country... now if we were in the south of France that would be different.

Agree with the above, if you're are going to have the roof down the majority of the time then the cab is fine as that's when it looks great. I think the looks of the cab with the roof up is an awful compromise, but that is subjective.

M4 Vs M2 will be down to test drives and running costs, a nice dilemma to have! Good luck.

[G82Dude]

For my 2p worth... cab is a compromised car to me. Girders to strengthen car and 150Kg dumped in the boot when you put down the lid - none of which is good for balance and handling. M2 is a great car, but pre comp, not running a true M engine - M2 comp completely different beast with the full fat M engine (from M3/4, albeit detuned).

Drive them all and decide.

MPG wise - 20-30 depending (35+ on a run). Average 27 for me for life of car.

With Broadspeed for new pricing below (shows retail and discount), there's a few grand in a new M2 vs M4 coupe after discount (cab around 5). Know which one I would go for…!

Petrol Manual Competition Coupe Manual (Petrol 3.0L 410PS 2dr 227g/km) £51,030 £4,092
Petrol Auto Competition Coupe Auto (Petrol M DCT 3.0L 410PS 2dr 209g/km) £53,140 £3,219

Petrol Auto base Coupe Auto (Petrol M DCT 3.0L 431PS 2dr 213g/km) £64,290 £12,800
Petrol Manual Competition Coupe Manual (Petrol 3.0L 450PS 2dr 227g/km) £65,180 £13,785
Petrol Manual base Coupe Manual (Petrol 3.0L 431PS 2dr 227g/km) £62,180 £12,505
Petrol Auto Competition Coupe Auto (Petrol M DCT 3.0L 450PS 2dr 213g/km) £67,290 £14,080
Petrol Auto Competition Ultimate Coupe Auto (Petrol M DCT 3.0L 450PS 2dr 213g/km) £72,740 £14,843

Petrol Auto base Convertible Auto (Petrol M DCT 3.0L 431PS 2dr 218g/km) £68,510 £14,251
Petrol Manual Competition Convertible Manual (Petrol 3.0L 450PS 2dr 232g/km) £68,600 £15,124
Petrol Manual base Convertible Manual (Petrol 3.0L 431PS 2dr 233g/km) £66,400 £13,956
Petrol Auto Competition Convertible Auto (Petrol M DCT 3.0L 450PS 2dr 217g/km) £70,710 £15,419
Petrol Auto Competition Ultimate Convertible Auto (Petrol M DCT 3.0L 450PS 2dr 217g/km) £75,560 £16,098

[JustChris]

From that list I would go

Original M2 - N55 sounds better and pay to swap the seats out.

M4 Comp would be last on my list but I think first on yours.

I've owned both and M2 and the M4 an specific questions, is practicaility a concern, would you buy outright?

[ZeroFx]

Originally Posted by JustChris

From that list I would go

Original M2 - N55 sounds better and pay to swap the seats out.

M4 Comp would be last on my list but I think first on yours.

I've owned both and M2 and the M4 an specific questions, is practicaility a concern, would you buy outright?

As long as i can get a MTB in the boot with a wheel off then all 3 cars are fine. Worst case a sea sucker will be bought. Other than that 4 seats is nice but not needed most of the time.

Im sure for pure driving coupe will always beat the cab but i think this is more than off set by the dual purpose of the car. Id also question if average person will find the limit of the cab chassis versus the coupe

As with the other post above about the N55 versus the S55. Im not sure that assumption is correct at all. People prefer the old models in most of the reviews ive seen.

Im not sure how ill finance this longer term atm

[Dyl]

I'm old enough to remember when you posted this...

Originally Posted by ZeroFx

Not used finance on a car for 15 years.

Why are you bothered about the monthly costs/APRs?

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by ZeroFx

As long as i can get a MTB in the boot with a wheel off then all 3 cars are fine. Worst case a sea sucker will be bought. Other than that 4 seats is nice but not needed most of the time.

Im sure for pure driving coupe will always beat the cab but i think this is more than off set by the dual purpose of the car. Id also question if average person will find the limit of the cab chassis versus the coupe

As with the other post above about the N55 versus the S55. Im not sure that assumption is correct at all. People prefer the old models in most of the reviews ive seen.

Im not sure how ill finance this longer term atm

Re the N55 that's what I'm saying, N55 sound better (than the S55) unless you meant reviews said otherwise?

[ZeroFx]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Re the N55 that's what I'm saying, N55 sound better (than the S55) unless you meant reviews said otherwise?

Yes I was agreeing with you but the post above yours said the m4 engine was better in the comp edition

Which car did you prefer?

[Russbmw]

Talk of performance differences IMHO are irrelevant, as on UK roads I highly doubt anyone will notice any difference, as the limits of either will never really be reached anyway.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by ZeroFx

Yes I was agreeing with you but the post above yours said the m4 engine was better in the comp edition

Which car did you prefer?

Purely based on those I've owned each to about 10-15k miles of driving:-

M2 (Original Pre LCI) > M3 Comp > Early M4

[ZeroFx]

Well I just test drove the M2.

I don't think it's got a beat on an M4 of any variety. Especially the competition M4.

Foot well is narrow from the left and is obtrusive to being comfy. How a tall person would handle that I have no idea. It felt very budget inside. Manual seat adjustment I'm not used to. Dakota leather. Fake stitching on the dash. No M buttons or configurable suspension setup. Ride quality on 19 was worse than the M4 on 20. Exhaust didn't make any popping noises. Cabin feels small and the dials are small.

It felt like a budget M car. It drove like a M car though.

I'm not sure it's worth the savings

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by ZeroFx

Well I just test drove the M2.

I don't think it's got a beat on an M4 of any variety. Especially the competition M4.

Foot well is narrow from the left and is obtrusive to being comfy. How a tall person would handle that I have no idea. It felt very budget inside. Manual seat adjustment I'm not used to. Dakota leather. Fake stitching on the dash. No M buttons or configurable suspension setup. Ride quality on 19 was worse than the M4 on 20. Exhaust didn't make any popping noises. Cabin feels small and the dials are small.

It felt like a budget M car. It drove like a M car though.

I'm not sure it's worth the savings

That's its reason to exist. You'd be happier in the M4 Vert I feel. You've done the right approach though, absolutely have to test drive them.

[ZeroFx]

Originally Posted by JustChris

That's its reason to exist. You'd be happier in the M4 Vert I feel. You've done the right approach though, absolutely have to test drive them.

Yeh I think you are right. I'm going to have to blow my budget to get a comp m4 though.

Not sure the standard M4 will suffice in cab. Even though I'd save maybe 4k by going standard M4

[Soul_Glo]

The cab will be slightly slower. Always are as heavier due to the roof.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by Russbmw

Talk of performance differences IMHO are irrelevant, as on UK roads I highly doubt anyone will notice any difference, as the limits of either will never really be reached anyway.

Totally disagree.

Pretty easy to find the limits in any M car!

[Tengocity]

I do high miles in my M4. 17k miles since August last year. I drive it hard whenever I can, and averaging 24.5mpg since then. Ranging from 7mpg on track to 35mpg on a steady run. Rears will last me about 15-16k at a guess and the fronts maybe low 20s. I don't think running costs are actually all that bad given the performance. If I'm going to do that many miles I'd rather do them in this than anything else.

It's hands down the best car I've ever had and worth every penny and more over a standard F30. I like convertibles but not 4 seater ones... just too heavy and compromised. I looked at M2 but wanted more upmarket interior and HUD, better leather etc. But you've just got to drive and go with your heart.