BMW M2 · F87
BMW M2 F87: the compact M car with a big personality
The first M2 brought rear-wheel drive, a turbocharged straight-six and genuinely usable size back into one package. The original, Competition and CS versions each have a different case.
8 min read · Updated September 2026
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
- Engine
- Turbocharged 3.0L inline-six
- Gearboxes
- 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT
- Competition output
- 405 hp / 406 lb-ft
The F87 M2 feels like a modern BMW distilled to the useful parts: a strong straight-six, rear-wheel drive, compact dimensions and enough cabin space to use regularly. It is quick without feeling enormous, and it communicates more through the steering wheel and seat than many newer performance cars.
There are three main versions. The original M2 uses the N55 engine and has the friendliest street personality. The 2019 M2 Competition switched to the S55-based engine with 405 horsepower, larger brakes and extra cooling. The rare CS turns everything up again, but its price usually puts it in a different conversation.
Original M2 or Competition?
The original car is often the better value and has a warmer exhaust note. The Competition feels more serious, pulls harder at higher speed and carries hardware derived from the M3 and M4. It also weighs a little more and can cost noticeably more to buy and maintain.
Both gearboxes suit the car. The manual makes ordinary drives more involving, while the dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly and works well in traffic. Buy the transmission you will enjoy rather than treating one as the only legitimate choice.
What should you inspect?
M2s invite track days and modifications, so the ownership story matters. A stock-looking car can still have a tuning history, and a careful modified car may be better than a neglected original one.
- Ask whether the engine or transmission software has ever been tuned.
- Inspect the cooling system, oil-filter housing area and underside for leaks or track damage.
- Check brake rotor condition, tire age and whether all four tires are a matched performance set.
- On manuals, listen for drivetrain clunks and test clutch engagement under load.
Who is it for?
The F87 is for someone who wants real performance without moving into a large sedan or an uncompromising two-seater. Rear seats and a usable trunk make it practical enough for a one-car enthusiast, although the ride and road noise are always present.
RevFinder verdict
RevFinder pick: an original M2 with complete service history for value and road use, or a stock M2 Competition if the extra power and cooling matter to you. Condition should beat carbon-fiber accessories every time.
This guide is educational, not a substitute for a vehicle-history report or an independent pre-purchase inspection. Specifications can vary by year, trim and market.