2023 M2 on the way so here I am

[Allpaw]

Very keen to hear a 'real person' reviewing this. Even the paid-for/influenced reviews have not really loved it universally. Having seen it in person, my opinion has unfortunately only gotten worse on the styling, but this doesn't matter if it is an absolute blast to drive. I'd be interested to know how close your spec came to an M3/4 which (according to throttle house anyway - they are usually aligned to my views) is in another league of fun and engagement (which I'd have hoped would be in the M2's favour). That being said, reviews these days can't really be trusted and we all have preferences. When buying a car like this, it is often more head than heart and more the lovable faults/characteristics that get you (which is why Audis are always excellent yet always so boring and never really sought after used).

I doubt you will be disappointed once you're behind the wheel and even then I doubt you will find it difficult to move on if you are.

On the manual front, it has become very tiring hearing people think you aren't a purist if you don't buy a manual, while happily driving heavily damped manuals with soft clutches and (my pet hate) auto rev-match. I think going auto was the right choice and you shouldn't feel 'bad' about it. The manual hype (I am sorry to say) is dying. Anyway the "but I wish it was manual" crew just don't put their money where their mouths are when it comes to buying new or used cars. With modern powertrains, DCT and auto boxes provide not just the 'faster' experience on a track but can actually be better mated/more engaging even in the real world. Modern manual boxes are not what they used to be (or what people imagine they will be like) and this also factors into decisions of those actually in a position to buy them... Manuals IMHO are best with high revving NA motors (GT3/4, E9x etc). These are a fraction of a fraction of cars on the market today.

I will say I absolutely loved the GT4 driving experience EXCEPT the bloody auto rev match which couldn't be turned off in sport mode for some bizarre reason (at least the sales person couldn't do it). If you are not in love with your M2 then perhaps go and drive one of those.

You make a crucial point, which is that cars are a highly subjective purchase. If it was all about functional utility, then you could buy the best car for your budget using a spreadsheet. But emotional utility is at least as important, and is something that differs for every person. Hence the wide range of differing positions from reviewers - even assuming they are trying to be objective.

I also agree with your point regarding what the "purist" position. I initially chose manual because a key criteria for me is the driving experience and I thought that a manual gearbox would enhance that. But one thing that did seem universal in the reviews is that the auto is better for extracting the performance potential of the car. And that tipped the scales for me in terms of my definition of driving experience.

In regards to the GT4, funny enough I did across consider it because these are univerally reknowned as being superior drivers cars. Budget was the problem, however. I know I could possibly get used GT4, but I felt that if I was going to spend this kind of money, I wanted a new car. I like my toys new : )

Thanks for your comments, I'll post here about my experience with the M2 soon as I get a change to drive one.

 

[///Avi]

The design elements of this car are definitely a talking point. I am in the camp that does like the looks from some of the later press images released. The blue does nothing for the car in the images but the other colors do look good.

I think in general, BMW always had rubbery feeling manual gear shifts. The older M car platforms were designed with a manual in mind as the main sellers and Honda could probably still outdo them in the manual “feel” department. With the newer models I definitely think the cars with auto boxes are the lead design platform. The auto seems to be the one to get from reviews as well. While I do love a good manual gearbox I could understand how well suited the auto could be for this car. Also it probably will be a better value proposition for resale at some point.

Congrats on your decision!

Would love to hear your feedback as an actual owner of this car when it arrives.

 

[Allpaw]

The design elements of this car are definitely a talking point. I am in the camp that does like the looks from some of the later press images released. The blue does nothing for the car in the images but the other colors do look good.

I think in general, BMW always had rubbery feeling manual gear shifts. The older M car platforms were designed with a manual in mind as the main sellers and Honda could probably still outdo them in the manual “feel” department. With the newer models I definitely think the cars with auto boxes are the lead design platform. The auto seems to be the one to get from reviews as well. While I do love a good manual gearbox I could understand how well suited the auto could be for this car. Also it probably will be a better value proposition for resale at some point.

Congrats on your decision!

Would love to hear your feedback as an actual owner of this car when it arrives.

Thanks Avi, I apprecaite your feedback. I got the chance to see it in person and the noted that looks become less of a focus since the positive elements tend to balance out the "less popular" elements and one tends to conclude that the overall package is actually very pleasing. This is probably true for any car that one sees in person versus in pictures.

I was also interested in the reactions of other people at the festival (where the car was showcased) and, based on the very small sample size I encountered, all the reactions were positive. Joe public seemed impressed by the car. Ironically it tends to be mainly the hardcore BMW fans that engage in the handwringing over the looks and other details.

 

[MR_Y]

Any updates?

 

[Allpaw]

Any updates?

Yes, I'm told the ship its on arrives mid July. After that it goes for micro dotting and window tinting etc. Apparently I should be able to pick it up by end July. I see that the customers who were first to place their orders started to receive their cars about 2-3 weeks ago. I was around number 8 or so in the queue at my dealership.

 

[TBP88]

Exciting times. That new car excitement never wears off! Having just gotten my first ever new car and not being able to drive (combination of the worst flu I've ever had and horrible CT weather), I know! I'm keen to see your real-world views on this thing.

I see Chris Harris is a convert (based on his instagram posts), he likes the new M2 and I must say in the black it is slowly growing on me in a way the new M3/4 really hasn't (can't?) Fundamentally I still think it's not pretty but it has a functional butchness about it that I think *MIGHT* age well (whereas the new M3/4 simply can't be anything but bunny-toothed).

On a car like this I think the autobox option makes much more sense, it's meant to be everyday usable, not a toy. A manual is such a chore in traffic - when I drive to work I leave especially early to dodge the majority of traffic and just go to gym in the AM. Even then the 5mins of stop-start I experience is unpleasant. Up in JHB where you're exposed to more of it I'm sure the auto will serve perfectly for that.