Intro/Initial Review

iceboss23 · 09-07-2016, 06:04 PM

Hey all. New guy here on these forums. I'm coming from having a couple Audis including a 2010 S4 that I did some mods to and tracked a few times. I was also fairly active, at least for the first few years, on the Audizine forums and look forward to seeing what the BMW community is like. Please feel free to direct this newb to good sites/threads to learn about the community/tuners/reputable shops.

Intro done, I just picked up my 2016 M2 on Saturday after enduring a less than pleasant experience with the dealership waiting for the whole differential shenanigan. I will say that I am ecstatic about my color choice of BSM as they had an X5M in LBB in the showroom and I was not impressed. Too turquoise for my taste. Definitely an eye catcher but I am definitely happy with black.

Those hips tho...

Coming from a tuned S4 with Audi Drive Select (button controlled suspension) I was a little nervous about the harshness of the ride. I can safely say after taking a good 350 mile drive today that the suspension is no longer a concern. Definitely a sporty ride but even on the messed up MD and NJ roads it was no more harsh than what I'm used to and definitely livable.

The one thing I was less than impressed with was the vibration transferred through the 6mt stick. The S4 was a DCT so perhaps I've just forgotten but after maybe 20 minutes leaving my hand on the stick it had gone numb. Not a huge deal but I drive a lot and that had been kind of my default driving position so time to find a new one I guess.

As far as seat position, I cant even tell if/that it is off center as some have brought up here before.

I'm still in the break in period so haven't put it through much of a workout yet but it definitely puts a smile on my face when I do. I'm trying to get it through break in quickly so I can get to a couple track events this month.

The idrive system seems to be a lot better than the last time I tried one out before buying the Audi in 09 but there's a lot to it I'm still learning so any hints/tips on that are also welcome. I can say that the bluetooth connection to my iPhone 6S+ is really nice to have but the volume has to be turned way up which concerns me.

That's probably enough for now so TIA for any advice and I'll see you all on the road.

BurpZilla · 09-07-2016, 06:42 PM

I'm coming from a 07 Audi rs4, that thing was a beast. 4.2L NA 420hp redline around 8k. The m2 is def lighter more agile and I like the turbo feel. I do think the RS had a better stock exhaust tone though and interior for that time. But man this m2 is UNNNNNRRREEEAAALL and I agree with LBB, I went AW had black on my last car. Enjoy :0) . Break in sucks. Also any track plans? Can you track as soon as break in is done? I am going to ease her in and try going in end of winter.

Dabozo · 09-07-2016, 06:55 PM

Congrats! Almost purchased a S5 before considering an M2..glad I held out!
Great colour choice btw!

Ramos · 09-07-2016, 07:07 PM

You need to get rid of that habit. Keeping your hand on the gear lever while in gear will create pressure on the transmission and can cause damage over time.

LBBDrew · 09-07-2016, 07:09 PM

Taking delivery of my M2 in a month or so, and also coming from an S4 (2013). Was your S4 stock suspension? You mention the M2 is comfortable/livable but how would you compare to the stock S4 suspension? Cheers!

jtfields · 09-07-2016, 07:22 PM

The BSM does look nice. I don't know why, but I thought LBB was exclusive to the M2.

Ex-MINI · 09-07-2016, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramos

You need to get rid of that habit. Keeping your hand on the gear lever while in gear will create pressure on the transmission and can cause damage over time.

+1

I never knew that was not good for the transmission until I watched an episode of the Engineering Explained youtube channel. It took a long time to break that habit...

iceboss23 · 09-07-2016, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LBBDrew

Taking delivery of my M2 in a month or so, and also coming from an S4 (2013). Was your S4 stock suspension? You mention the M2 is comfortable/livable but how would you compare to the stock S4 suspension? Cheers!

Yes it was the stock ADS suspension. The ADS system had three levels of stiffness much like I assume the system in the m3/m4. It has been a month or so but I'd say the dynamic setting is very comparable to the m2 suspension while the comfort was obviously a bit softer. I never drove the S4 without ADS but I'm told it was somewhere between the dynamic and auto (mid range) setting. Bottom line is these aren't the most comfy cars for long distance driving but I just put ~6 hours in today with no issues.

iceboss23 · 09-07-2016, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurpZilla

I'm coming from a 07 Audi rs4, that thing was a beast. 4.2L NA 420hp redline around 8k. The m2 is def lighter more agile and I like the turbo feel. I do think the RS had a better stock exhaust tone though and interior for that time. But man this m2 is UNNNNNRRREEEAAALL and I agree with LBB, I went AW had black on my last car. Enjoy :0) . Break in sucks. Also any track plans? Can you track as soon as break in is done? I am going to ease her in and try going in end of winter.

From what I have read here people are tracking as soon as they get their post break in service. After all that is part of what these cars were designed for. Anyone with better info feel free to correct me.

atxsk8r · 09-07-2016, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ex-MINI

+1

I never knew that was not good for the transmission until I watched an episode of the Engineering Explained youtube channel. It took a long time to break that habit...

+2

I never did this anyways but once i found out it was bad, i was like "well snap, i was doing something right for once without knowing it"

mike@x-ph.com · 09-08-2016, 11:35 AM

Congrats on your new ride and welcome!

gmzanatta · 09-08-2016, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atxsk8r

+2

I never did this anyways but once i found out it was bad, i was like "well snap, i was doing something right for once without knowing it"

+3

Never drive with hand on the shifter, it's not good for the transmission.

And congrats on the new ride!

SoCalRob · 09-08-2016, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmzanatta

+3

Never drive with hand on the shifter, it's not good for the transmission.

And congrats on the new ride!

From day 1, I was taught to keep my hand off the shifter and my foot off the clutch, except, of course when actually changing gears. -scr

iceboss23 · 09-09-2016, 05:32 PM

So quick update after the second long (400+ mile) trip. I am surprised by how comfortable the car is. I have always heard that M cars are super stiff and punishing and while it certainly is bumpy over bridges and rough roads, for the most part it's a great ride.

Secondly, the brakes are fantastic. I haven't really pushed them hard yet but they are super grippy but still somehow very smooth. Whatever setup I had last on the S4 made my wife sick more often than not. Happy that isnt going to be the case here.

Finally got my phone hooked up properly and it is so nice to enter the 21st century and have streaming music, podcasts, pandora, laptimer... whatever.

I have noticed that there is a bit of a rattle when I hit bumps coming from the back end. Anyone else notice this?

09-07-2016, 06:04 PM	#1
iceboss23 Private 57 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 2016 M2 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	Intro/Initial Review Hey all. New guy here on these forums. I'm coming from having a couple Audis including a 2010 S4 that I did some mods to and tracked a few times. I was also fairly active, at least for the first few years, on the Audizine forums and look forward to seeing what the BMW community is like. Please feel free to direct this newb to good sites/threads to learn about the community/tuners/reputable shops. Intro done, I just picked up my 2016 M2 on Saturday after enduring a less than pleasant experience with the dealership waiting for the whole differential shenanigan. I will say that I am ecstatic about my color choice of BSM as they had an X5M in LBB in the showroom and I was not impressed. Too turquoise for my taste. Definitely an eye catcher but I am definitely happy with black. Those hips tho... Coming from a tuned S4 with Audi Drive Select (button controlled suspension) I was a little nervous about the harshness of the ride. I can safely say after taking a good 350 mile drive today that the suspension is no longer a concern. Definitely a sporty ride but even on the messed up MD and NJ roads it was no more harsh than what I'm used to and definitely livable. The one thing I was less than impressed with was the vibration transferred through the 6mt stick. The S4 was a DCT so perhaps I've just forgotten but after maybe 20 minutes leaving my hand on the stick it had gone numb. Not a huge deal but I drive a lot and that had been kind of my default driving position so time to find a new one I guess. As far as seat position, I cant even tell if/that it is off center as some have brought up here before. I'm still in the break in period so haven't put it through much of a workout yet but it definitely puts a smile on my face when I do. I'm trying to get it through break in quickly so I can get to a couple track events this month. The idrive system seems to be a lot better than the last time I tried one out before buying the Audi in 09 but there's a lot to it I'm still learning so any hints/tips on that are also welcome. I can say that the bluetooth connection to my iPhone 6S+ is really nice to have but the volume has to be turned way up which concerns me. That's probably enough for now so TIA for any advice and I'll see you all on the road.
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09-07-2016, 06:42 PM	#2
BurpZilla Avid Car Enthusiast 152 Rep 266 Posts Drives: 2017 Alpine White M2 6spd Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	I'm coming from a 07 Audi rs4, that thing was a beast. 4.2L NA 420hp redline around 8k. The m2 is def lighter more agile and I like the turbo feel. I do think the RS had a better stock exhaust tone though and interior for that time. But man this m2 is UNNNNNRRREEEAAALL and I agree with LBB, I went AW had black on my last car. Enjoy :0) . Break in sucks. Also any track plans? Can you track as soon as break in is done? I am going to ease her in and try going in end of winter.
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09-07-2016, 06:55 PM	#3
Dabozo Major 625 Rep 1,418 Posts Drives: M2 BSM MT Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Congrats! Almost purchased a S5 before considering an M2..glad I held out! Great colour choice btw!
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09-07-2016, 07:07 PM	#4
Ramos Colonel 863 Rep 2,897 Posts Drives: G20 2020 M340 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: So-Cal iTrader: (6)	You need to get rid of that habit. Keeping your hand on the gear lever while in gear will create pressure on the transmission and can cause damage over time.
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09-07-2016, 07:09 PM	#5
LBBDrew Lieutenant 336 Rep 522 Posts Drives: 2017 LBB M2 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	Taking delivery of my M2 in a month or so, and also coming from an S4 (2013). Was your S4 stock suspension? You mention the M2 is comfortable/livable but how would you compare to the stock S4 suspension? Cheers!
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09-07-2016, 07:22 PM	#6
jtfields Captain 191 Rep 616 Posts Drives: M2, X2 M35i, X6,328i,230i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW 230i [0.00] 2022 BMW X2 M35i [0.00] 2015 BMW 328i [0.00] 2008 Jeep Commander ... [0.00] 2017 BMW M2 [0.00] 1997 BMW Z3 1.9 Roa ... [0.00] 2014 BMW X6 xDrive35i [0.00]	The BSM does look nice. I don't know why, but I thought LBB was exclusive to the M2.
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09-08-2016, 11:35 AM	#11
mike@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 24292 Rep 190,975 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	Congrats on your new ride and welcome! __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
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09-09-2016, 05:32 PM	#14
iceboss23 Private 57 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 2016 M2 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	So quick update after the second long (400+ mile) trip. I am surprised by how comfortable the car is. I have always heard that M cars are super stiff and punishing and while it certainly is bumpy over bridges and rough roads, for the most part it's a great ride. Secondly, the brakes are fantastic. I haven't really pushed them hard yet but they are super grippy but still somehow very smooth. Whatever setup I had last on the S4 made my wife sick more often than not. Happy that isnt going to be the case here. Finally got my phone hooked up properly and it is so nice to enter the 21st century and have streaming music, podcasts, pandora, laptimer... whatever. I have noticed that there is a bit of a rattle when I hit bumps coming from the back end. Anyone else notice this?
	Appreciate 0 Quote