BMW M2: Best Years and Years to Avoid
The M2 has earned a reputation as one of BMW's most complete modern M cars: compact, rear-drive and genuinely fun. Reliability across the range is strong, which is part of why residuals stay firm and clean cars sell fast. The few things to check are engine-specific, from the base F87's water pump to the crank-hub question on the S55 Competition and CS.
Quick answer
Best all-round buy: an F87 M2 Competition (2018-2021, S55) for the sweet spot of pace, sound and value, or the newest G87 (2023 on, S58) if you want the latest car with warranty. The M2 CS is the collector pick. Reliability is a genuine M2 strength, so buy on history and condition and expect firm prices.
G87 (2023-present) Buy
Chassis: G87
The latest M2 uses a version of the S58 twin-turbo straight six from the M3 and M4, driving the rear wheels through a manual or auto gearbox. It is a heavier, more grown-up car than the F87 but mechanically robust, and demand is high. As the newest M2 it is the safest buy for anyone who wants warranty cover and the fewest unknowns.
| Best years | Any G87 is a sound buy. The six-speed manual is the enthusiast's choice; the auto is quicker and easier in traffic. |
| Years to watch | Very early build cars for minor software and trim niggles; confirm iDrive, updates and driver assistance all work on the test drive. |
| Engines to trust | M2 (S58) |
| Engines to check | Heavily tuned S58 cars (verify tune and cooling) |
Key risks
- Plastic charge pipe can crack under boost on tuned cars; look for an uprated pipe if the car has been mapped
- It is a heavy, powerful car that gets through tyres, brakes and (on manuals) clutches; budget accordingly
- iDrive 8 software and connectivity glitches on early cars; confirm everything works
- Check for track use: heat-cycled brakes and mapped ECUs point to a hard life
- Firm residuals mean you pay close to list for clean cars, so shop on history rather than headline price
- Confirm remaining manufacturer warranty and whether any modification could affect it
- Early G87 cars have had premature manual-clutch wear and repeat front tie-rod clunking (both often warranty-fixed), plus headlight condensation and occasional iDrive glitches; check the history
- Check recall completion by VIN: the G87 falls under the wider BMW starter-motor fire-risk recall and, on cars built late 2024 to early 2025, a brake expansion-tank recall
F87 (2016-2021) Buy
Chassis: F87
The original M2 is widely regarded as a modern classic in the making, and reliability is one of its strengths. Early cars used the N55 single-turbo straight six; from 2018 the M2 Competition adopted the S55 twin-turbo (from the F80 M3), and the 2020 M2 CS is the sought-after send-off. All are strong buys with the right history.
| Best years | The M2 Competition (2018-2021, S55) is the all-round sweet spot. The M2 CS is the collector's choice and holds value strongly. Early N55 cars are the value entry point. |
| Years to watch | Early N55 base cars for water-pump and thermostat age, and any heavily tuned S55 Competition or CS for crank-hub stress. Tracked cars of any spec deserve a closer look. |
| Engines to trust | M2 Competition (S55), M2 CS (S55), M2 (N55) |
| Engines to check | N55 electric water pump / thermostat, S55 crank hub on tuned cars |
Key risks
- N55 wastegate rattle is common and usually just an annoyance rather than a failure, but have it assessed so you know what you are buying
- N55 electric water pump and thermostat are age and mileage wear items; factor a replacement into the running costs of an early car
- N55 oil leaks (valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets, oil pan) are common and often the first thing an inspection finds; budget for gasket work on higher-mileage cars
- S55 crank hub can slip on high-power or tuned Competition and CS cars; ask whether a pinned or upgraded hub has been fitted on modified examples
- S55 rod bearings (Competition and CS): less prevalent than on the older S65/S85 M engines and usually linked to oil starvation, long service intervals or cold high-rpm use rather than a universal defect, but worth checking on hard-used or long-interval cars
- Plastic charge pipe can crack under boost; an uprated pipe is a common fix
- The 7-speed DCT is generally robust and not a known M2 weak point; simply keep its fluid service up to date
- Consumables and track use: heat-cycled brakes, worn tyres and hard-used cars cost more to put right, so inspect for a hard life
The pick of the range
For most buyers the F87 M2 Competition (2018-2021, S55) is the one to target: it has the twin-turbo engine, the best all-round breadth, and strong but not stratospheric prices. If you want the newest car with warranty and the fewest unknowns, the G87 (S58) is the safe modern choice. The M2 CS is the standout collector pick and holds value accordingly. Across the range, a full service history matters more than shaving a little off the price.
What to avoid, and why
There is no M2 to outright avoid; reliability is a genuine strength of the car. The two things to watch are age-related water-pump and thermostat wear on early N55 base cars, and crank-hub stress on heavily tuned S55 Competition or CS examples. Neither is a reason to walk away from a well-kept, documented car, but both are reasons to inspect a cheap or modified one carefully and to value history over headline price.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW M2 reliable?
Yes, reliability is one of the M2's strongest points and a big reason residuals stay firm. The main checks are age-related on the early N55 cars (water pump and thermostat) and crank-hub stress on heavily tuned S55 Competition and CS cars. A standard, well-serviced M2 of any spec is a dependable buy.
Which BMW M2 should I buy: N55 or Competition?
The M2 Competition (2018-2021) uses the S55 twin-turbo engine from the F80 M3 and is widely seen as the sweet spot for pace and sound. The earlier N55 base M2 is a cheaper, still-excellent entry point. If budget allows, the Competition is the pick; if value matters most, a well-kept N55 is hard to fault.
Does the M2 Competition have crank-hub problems?
The S55 engine in the M2 Competition and CS can suffer crank-hub slip, but almost always on high-power or tuned cars rather than standard ones. On a modified example, ask whether a pinned or upgraded hub has been fitted. A standard, unmapped car is low risk, but it is still worth checking history.
What is the N55 wastegate rattle on the base M2?
It is a common noise from the turbo wastegate on the N55 engine, typically at idle or low revs. In most cases it is an annoyance rather than a sign of imminent failure, but it is worth having assessed so you understand the car's condition and can factor any work into your offer.
Is the BMW M2 a good investment?
The M2 holds value strongly for a modern performance car, and clean, low-owner examples (especially the M2 CS and well-specified Competitions) sell quickly. It is better thought of as a car that depreciates slowly than a guaranteed appreciating asset, but enthusiast demand keeps residuals firm.
Should I buy a used or new BMW M2?
A used F87 M2 Competition offers the best blend of value and character, while the newer G87 gives you the latest engineering and remaining warranty at a higher price. Both are reliable, so the decision comes down to budget and whether you prefer the lighter, rawer F87 or the faster, more grown-up G87.