With the S58 six-cylnder engine from the BMW M4, the 2023 BMW M2 is hardly the baby M anymore. It’s got 453 HP, 406 LB-FT torque, a new 8-speed Steptronic automatic (or 6-speed manual) and is three-tenths quicker in the 0-60 MPH sprint than the outgoing M2. It’s also heavier. And a damn sight less pretty to look at than the first-gen M2.
The BMW M2, if you can believe it, has been around since 2016. In this short time, the M2 has amassed something of a cult following. Rear-wheel drive, inline six-cylinder motor, manual transmission, and short wheelbase – it was the modern day reincarnation of the older BMW M3 coupes, from before cars grew in size and weight.
It’s also universally regarded as part of the peak modern BMW sportscar design club. And that makes it all the more valuable, considering the love-it-or-hate-it styling on the new-generation of BMW M2. If you’ve been waiting to get an M2, you may actually find yourself better served with the previous generation car.
So, how much does a first-gen BMW M2 cost, and is it worth it?
BMW M2 Resale Values Have Held On Surprisingly Well
For about $42,000 you can find yourself the proud owner of a 2016 BMW M2 with less than 60,000 miles on the clock. Similar or better deals are to be found all over the internet. Do keep in mind that this is the pre-facelift F87 generation car. Models post 2019 were the F87 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse, or facelift in BMW-talk). The LCI models can be distinguished from the pre-facelift cars by the LED head lights and tail lights that do their bit to freshen up either end of the M2, and improve lighting.
Most of these premium cars have likely also had a host of, let’s call them value-enhancing mods, done to them. These could include the likes of the application of a paint protection film, or clear bra on the front end, a ceramic coating, premium floor mats, and other bits from the BMW M catalog. Many owners might have also modified the drivetrain, with Stage 1/Stage 2 remaps, exhausts, intakes and intercooler mods all being popular ways to give the M2 a little more mid-range punch.
This saves you the price and hassle of doing it all yourself when you go looking for a new BMW M2 instead.
What To Watch Out For When Buying A Used BMW M2
Being an enthusiast-oriented car, prospective buyers should take a close look at the service history of the vehicle to make sure it hasn’t been damaged in any way. Even better, try and buy from a real seller directly so you can meet them, instead of from a dealer. Remember, the BMW M2 would likely have attracted the kind of buyer who would be likely to track it, or even autocross in it. Any motorsport activity does put stress on the mechanicals, but then again that’s exactly what these cars were built for – to be driven hard. Do keep in mind that there’s a difference between having been driven like it was supposed to, and having been beat on at a racetrack.
That said, the N55 3.0-liter, six-cylinder in the base BMW M2 is a well-known and time-tested engine. Not too many things go wrong with it mechanically. Note, the motor in the M2 Competition and M2 CS are the higher-output S55, the predecessor to the S58 in the new BMW M2.
Things to check for in both series of engines when the car is parked include cracked coolant pipes and coolant pumps, evident from any signs of leakage or rising temperatures, bad ignition coils which can be figured out from a rough idle, or even oil leaks. A rare issue on the S55-engine cars could include a crank hub that’s on its way out, but considering it affects only a handful of cars, you should be extra careful. On a test drive, check for clutch slip or judder on the manual 'box cars. A little judder at low speeds is normal on the DCT-equipped models. Other issues include minor niggles with errant indicators, malfunctioning iDrive infotainment systems in cold weather, and not much else.
Is Buying A Used BMW M2 Worth It?
Considering prices on the 2023 BMW M2 start from $62,200 for the manual, it seems like you’re not saving ton of money by looking at an older, five or six-year old car. At the same time, that does mean more money in your pocket to modify it as you see fit. But for us the biggest advantage is that it looks a whole lot better. And that’s priceless.