2023 BMW M2 (6-Speed Manual) - POV First Impressions

Filmed by ‪@DailyMotor‬
MSRP: $62,200
MPG: 16 city / 24 highway
Horsepower: 453 hp @ 6,250 rpm
Engine: 3.0 L 6-cylinder
Curb weight: 3,814 lbs
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Thanks for watching!

[@whyleo-]

respect to bmw making a manual model.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

They might also come out with a manual Z4 M40i

[@Dyltheboy]

But what’s the point if it’s a trashy manual

[@mfdoom4358]

@@Dyltheboy is it really that bad everyone says its rubbery

[@Chad11491]

@@mfdoom4358nope. Unless you’re coming from a Porsche, it’s a perfectly fine manual. I’ve had plenty of other brand manual cars over the years and the manual in my G80 is direct, slightly notchy(in a good way IMO), and smooth. I honestly don’t understand the rubbery statement. There’s 0 play in the shift knob and it’s really direct. It’s not super short throws, but it’s not super long either. It’s not “rifle bolt” clicky like some short shifters I’ve had, but it’s direct, smooth, and no play. I have no complaints.

[@chamaldealwis9]

@@Chad11491 Honda manuals are superior

[@yoyo-gv8zs]

7:39 Has to be one of the most zestiest shifts i have ever seen

[@revelari5250]

😂😂

[@buffectomorph9657]

You've never driven a manual have you?

[@redvivid]

It's actually funny that the rear seat occupants (if they could fit) get buttons for climate control but the front occupants has to rely on the infotainment screen.

[@otto8228]

For some reason they seem to think that having every single feature on a screen is what we want

[@papa_pt]

some kind of funny that the last gen was smaller yet had much larger rear seats. Same with the 4 series

[@andresmattos7541]

That is German engineering for you

[@goojxue1971]

because a single screen is much cheaper than a set of buttons and instruments.

[@villusive]

tf..

[@Vosovogalsyncope]

It looks better in person! Went to check one out today, beautiful car. Dealer bumped it up to 95K.

[@noobslayer815]

95k is crazy for a smaller M4

[@alexstevens1786]

That’s nuts

[@apsreen5027]

​@Abhi Singh at that point, manual M4 makes more sense

[@albertogonzalez1746]

What state has markups like that

[@Vosovogalsyncope]

@@albertogonzalez1746 Elk Grove, CA

[@nah3193]

It's a M4 scaled down like 1%

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

It's just a little shorter, making it look less elegant but keeping the weight. Although the 4 series is so ugly in the front this looks better.

[@andrewrossnagel9433]

@@imnotusingmyrealname4566 it looks better until you see the tail lights 🤮

[@RPG2L]

Thank you, a good, balanced review. Despite this not being cut from the same cloth as its predecessor, I really like what it offers. Not everyone wants a car that is perpetually trying to kill them.

[@alpenjodel24]

The thing with modern bmws is that they get technologically so impressive and advanced, you objectively cant say bad things about their performance. But their „feel“ and the emotions just get lost more and more …

[@malcolmn.5222]

Which is crazy cause other brands can still provide the feels even with the technology. Before I spent money on this I would personally buy an older porsche 911.

[@zeroseph3717]

I doubt you have driven one if that’s your takeaway.

[@fzr1000981]

As topher like as possible at the open, even the moment of silence and hand gestures...nicely done. Rear end is just hideous no matter how many times I see it. Someone was on serious dope. I might consider it in black for a $5k discount

[@joshuato579]

I like it, underrated

[@arymonem]

Excellent daily driver, that can totally be an amazingly fun car within a split of a second! It really is a total package.

[@jayjacaty3009]

I'm starting to wonder if Charlie has some previous HPDE experience. He can really hustle that pile, and his driving technique looked / sounded on point, at least to my eye. We already know Chris knows how to wheel, but Charlie is no slouch either.

[@TheTopher]

It’s true, Charlie is no slouch! Lots of seat time, some lemons racing…it shows 👍

[@obomasinladen]

Just looks like a car dude driving cars..

[@jordanrivera5984]

sick video!

[@moeblisss12]

I instantly loved this car, the dyno numbers made my jaw hit the floor. Great job BMW!

[@hhaste]

The weight also made my jaw hit the floor

[@twobrotherscycleanda]

Rest in peace individual throttle bodies. You will be missed.

[@partypat7229]

someone one day needs to make a 6-speed manual electric car. I dont care what it takes.

[@LateNightDateNight]

The Topher sounds different and now refers to himself in the 3rd person

[@recursion.]

Get Topher back

[@romb1818]

"Jimmy likes Elaine"... for conaisseurs 🤪😁

[@TacticalToolbox]

Dang man, you really put in some mileage. I drive all those same roads.

[@fafafoly]

Man, these roads look so good to do some spirited driving on! Could you tell us where these roads actually are in Arizona? Like, where is a good entry point and how many miles can you drive like this?

[@rightwynn5164]

I love the looks and the new design but i also loved the Scion TC as a kid lol

[@BrianLouderback]

I only watch this channel for the one and only Topher. Anyone else substituting and I’m not watching.

[@frumpd63]

If I want a super fast, somewhat fugly daily driver with no steering feel I will just get a Model 3 performance. Only reason to get this car is trackwork, which will be a small fraction of buyers.

[@ericschugemporium973]

did you watch the video? there is tons of steering feel lmao. he displayed it.

[@umduduziledwaba6769]

too dope

[@ericschugemporium973]

calling it a cruiser made me relieved. I just ordered one 2 days ago and coming from an 86, I was looking for a cruiser. the 86 is tons of fun but fatiguing as a dialy

[@ChampenErbs]

I need that car!!

[@itumelengernest1173]

Wow great car

[@vladimirtalijan]

Seems like S2000 is still the best small sports car, also the most reliable :) No 0-60 can compensate for shifter feel or weight.

[@albertogonzalez1746]

I wake up. I watch.

[@rickie_don215]

The manual always gonna be more fun.

[@mattyoz0]

Apparently it's not.

[@wrblue08]

Fun is subjective. Some people could drive manuals all day. Some will hate it.

[@SN57ONE]

​@@mattyoz0 You drive a Wigo. Yeah totally

[@Stevie4171]

Not in this car it ain’t lol

[@fredericksharon7494]

TKS

[@hussamsarhan8823]

manual ❤❤❤❤❤

[@rengarnice241]

God is that thing ungly :D

[@kimchee411]

This car is for me. I want a manual small GT car with sports car capabilities and fun when called upon. I have a luxury SUV and 997 sports car that also sees track time so this slots in between nicely. Think I'll wait for LCI in 2025 but it's going to be hard!

[@persuadertron6454]

Simple, light weight, attractive... It does NONE OF THAT!

[@Missing2ndgear]

😂😂

[@Corey25]

😂

[@legacy3000]

Lmao😂

[@weirdshibainu]

I see your point , but given the safety features, emissions and mpg demands in today's market, the days of those cars are long gone

[@joshuabernardino4310]

​@@weirdshibainu Says the Civic Type R/GR Corolla at 3200 pounds and Porsche Cayman under 3000 pounds even an Audi RS3 with AWD is lighter. This thing is just as heavy as a V8 Mustang

[@zoner__]

that center splitter needs to come out just a little bit more

[@OksitusRC]

I want to see an E60 M5 video on this channel.

[@noone1704]

You're so right about the climate controls in the back that's hilarious

[@dylangrieveable]

Looks really good from the front, but the back kind of reminds me of a Honda Civic

[@primetomi1262]

Can you do Honda Prelude next?

[@j.3854]

The new M2: a rear end only Chris Bangle would be proud of.

[@Da__goat]

I'm trying to figure out what actually makes the M2/M3/M4 different to one another. They are all using the exact same engine with slightly different sized turbos to make a difference in power, but they are producing within 50bhp of each other, and the price difference between the M2 and the M4 is more than $40k, for 50bhp? The experience just seems to be the same, why bother spending all that more money for an M4 when the exact same engine exists for much less? The supra is using a similar engine and could likely easily get up to 453bhp to match the M2. The M240 is using a similar engine and could easily hit the same numbers. So I'm trying to figure out what makes each of these vehicles unique? I could see a better argument for the m4 if it was using the v8 engine from the m550 but for the same exact engine it's a tough sell

[@redvivid]

While I understand what you're saying and somewhat agree, you aren't paying just for the engine. The price of R&D, materials and labor cost to build plays a part in price differences between models.

[@igenius8167]

@@redvivid RND is shared, it is all the same like he said. Minor parts in chassis and a few other details, that's mostly it. Pricing is more related to branding, another prominent example is the S-Class which is severly overpriced, simply because it is an S-Class.

[@USERZ3RO]

when you put it like that it makes a lot of sense. you're better of getting the m2 or get the supra. depending on ur needs.

[@noodles9345]

Status man. Like with any upper tier car maker. Most people that buy these cars are older and don't do anything anyway. Its all about looking good.

[@V1perKiller]

have you looked how hideous this M2 is compared to M3/M4? BMW saved ton of money having college grads design their 2 series, hence costs less. I'd pay the extra just for the looks alone lol

[@povertyspec9651]

If an aftermarket firm could come up with nice looking front and rear bumpers.

[@prazzy4712]

sounds like the f87 comp gave you more of the fizz?

[@jamesj97370]

I don't understand how the new M2/ 2 Series is bigger than the version before, the back seats are smaller than the previous gen. I'm 6ft 1 and could sit behind myself resonably comfortably in my LCI M2.

[@joeyv6039]

Can you do a 2023 bmw 330i Xdrive with the Msport package please?

[@dfreephoto]

It’s different, reminds me of. 80’s BMW 320 series. Now I can finally afford one.

[@Erkkremlinklum]

My evo feels to heavy and it weighs little under 3400 lol all I can say is I couldn’t be more thankful for Miata’s

[@koastal312]

I went from a sti to a og m2 and the m2 feels much lighter

[@username8644]

@@koastal312 Yeah the previous gen M2s were some of the best cars ever made. Congrats on the car.

[@yuropean_eunion2133]

​​​​​​​@@username8644 eh, the f series cars including the M2 were already quite shit compared to the previous gens. A e36/E46 M3 is way better than an M2. M2 is a fuckboy car compared to an e46 M3. I've bought an E92 M3 back in 2016, no +2013 bmw, or just about any car feels like a good swap to do from that. If straight line speed was the focus for me, sure, but nah. that focus only matters to people who make a living out of drag racing and benchmark kids, a supercharger gets me a reliable 625hp and I couldn't care less that the mpg is horrible. The only good thing new cars have it going for them is shit like massage seats and nicer interiors, but that's a very minor plus.

[@kamranscent]

It reminds me of transformers movie.. the shape of car 😅

[@Glitchingskater]

Hopefully they'll make an aftermarket front bumper

[@Mr1wd]

BMW designer must love the shape of a ruler.

[@dpajc056]

Are they charging a monthly subscription fees for using the shifter?

[@Stevie4171]

Dead joke

[@FL-xc1wk]

manual porsche soon?

[@italianstallion3130]

Why cant BMW fire literally everyone in their exterior design department. Clean house and start from scratch- this is just ridiculous nonsense they are putting out the last 3-4 years (or more- but the designs today make the designs from 3-4 years ago look palatable/normal)

[@username8644]

The previous gen M2 was pretty much perfect. This thing now is hideous in every way. (Except for the MT).

[@GetNinged]

“carbon fiber roof to save about 10 pounds” like the cars not 3800 pounds anyways 🤣

[@SpidyWebs]

Really hoping these new BMW designs are like an April Fool's joke or something. How did they go from having some of the most beautiful designs in the car market to this current line up?

[@ryanb8736]

Shocked BMW never fixed their shifting linkages. They need to shorten them up.

[@sanzserif]

The manual has been an afterthought for bmw for about a decade. Great that its offered but hasnt been updated in years 😢

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

@@sanzserif That's so disappointing. Mazda makes a way better shifter then.

[@gcs8889]

@@imnotusingmyrealname4566 Without a doubt, and it's really fricken sad. I passed on an manual M4 for the same reason.

[@sanzserif]

@@imnotusingmyrealname4566 100% it does.

[@ikromjonakhmadjonov436]

How high were designers?

[@JCustom]

I keep hearing this stick shift is better than the current m3/m4. Impossible to find one to try

[@Pato-sp2pr]

"This car looks like the GTA5 version of itself." - comment from another vid.

[@Leonidae]

Oh lawd that M2 is OBESE! 3800lbs+?! Yeesh..!

[@obey2dmax]

It is ridiculously comical that in this car's 4th gear, you're around 80mph. That's very quick and fast car. 😅

[@jetro7349]

Looks like a 3D printed hot wheel

[@0R3NJ1]

The best insult I've seen of this car yet lol

[@bosslife3663]

I was told I have to wait a year for to build my own.

[@okaberintaro2411]

Still a good looking Lego imo.

[@spike6385]

These are priced fairly reasonably if you can get one for MSRP

[@khelgarironfist3301]

What is MSRP over there though? 73k euro entry price in its home country which is way too much for this imo.

[@spike6385]

@@khelgarironfist3301 start at about 62k in the states

[@ptshotsun]

How does the handling/nimbleness compare or feel vs the GR86/BRZ platform? Thanks!

[@mrwhips3623]

Uhhhhhh very different cars my guy

[@SSMATT08]

Curb weight of this M2 is 3,814lbs (fat pig). The GR86 is 2,811lbs. The numbers speak for themselves.

[@mrwhips3623]

@@SSMATT08 has double the power

[@SSMATT08]

@@mrwhips3623 isn’t the question referring to the handling/nimbleness of the two platforms?

[@applesauce2856]

Car is almost 4,000 lbs.

[@AmbitBand]

As well as every other european sports car in this range. RS3 is only 100lbs less and no manual option.

[@pol.86]

Such a shame, additional power doesn't fully make up for added weight

[@CD-kx1ef]

just like literally every other new car. Why are people acting like this is something abnormal

[@ultracellez1989]

@@AmbitBand That's actually a compliment to the RS3 as an automatic weighs more.

[@austinobambino1360]

@@CD-kx1ef Today I learned the GR86 and MX5 are 4000 lbs too

[@scottbrawley407]

2023 BMW M2 6-Speed Manual 50 Years Special Edition Coupe!

[@ahmedelzubair8935]

First! love your videos !!

[@magnesium_subsoil_94]

We're only a few years from "manual" meaning manual HVAC controls 😂

[@johnSmith-lx9nw]

I could never get over the front of that car

[@thetechlibrarian]

It weights as much as a cross over suv.

[@Shakeem]

What’s your go pro settings? It’s so clear

[@TheTopher]

The new Hero 11 is awesome

[@collinhayes9509]

For the same price I could get 991 911. Would you suggest a ten year old 911, or 2023 m2 as a daily/GT/track car? I currently have an nd2 Miata so either will be a big upgrade (GT wise)

[@wrblue08]

A 911 will give you a very different experience to complement the Miata, especially with the opposing weight distribution. An M2 is just a side step from the Miata with more power and tuning capability. I’d say if this is your first and only sports car, start with the M2. But otherwise you’d want a bit more colour to your collection.

[@collinhayes9509]

@@wrblue08 valid input. My goal is do-it all sports car, so I’d be selling the Miata for the 911/m2. A 911 has been my dream car since I can remember, but the new m2 has the nicer interior and livability. However, when people driving a 911 feels is like an extension to you, that gets me excited in a way I think the m2 never could What a first world problem to have..

[@thunderbolt2000k]

@@collinhayes9509 You wont be exited about the Porsche maintenance costs... especially on a +10year old 911. I would get the M2 and wait until you can afford a newer 911. Just my thoughts.

[@collinhayes9509]

@@thunderbolt2000k I agree, I've been doing more research and the bore scoring issue is what's keeping me away. The reason I want the 991.1, is because it's the last naturally aspirated engine you can get in a 911 (that isn't a 300k+ GT3). I'm probably going to keep my ND2 until we can see how reliable the new G platform is for M cars. Also crossing my fingers that newer 911/Caymen models depreciate more. I'm also considering an Evora, due to 2+2 seats. They are holding their value though, especially GT models

[@swamysez4542]

Get a cayman (981). I had a 981 spyder and an og M2. the difference is mindboggingly. No comparison. a CPO porsche is >>> this car. before ppl hate -- the porsche was a challenging daily after 2.5 years. Now have a 850xdrive vert which is BY FAR the best all around (lux, practicality, performance) "sports" car Ive ever owned. The AWD and rear wheel steering are phenomenal, and you get used to the crappy feedback from the steering with the "butt G meter."

[@cyronader]

analog cluster option?

[@aaditt8120]

The clutch leg goes for the break as well? PS - asking as a right hand wheel driver

[@evil-toaster8522]

Not normally. You can of course brake with the left foot as well if you like to drive more agile.

[@mitchellcobb4826]

4.9 0 to 60 11.9 quarter mile sounds like the same m2 to me

[@s.a.i.v]

A whole bunch of extra bells and whistles. Literally bellls and whistles is all i heard when the bonnet opened up

[@jackvance3958]

When the bmw is on with the carbon fiber bucket seats it won’t move the seat forward. I don’t know why this is, they claim it’s so it doesn’t accidentally crush the driver but it has a seat weight sensor so. Bmw.

[@jacebeleren429]

As a former ‘17 lbb M2 Manual owner, no thanks.

[@zero15150]

If I close my eyes it doesn’t look as bad

[@ApacheRambo]

Should make your own channel !

[@TheTopher]

youtube.com/@DailyMotor

[@JMan6271]

The car isn't broken in, shouldn't be doing 0-60s, other than that great channel and great vid

[@j.3854]

Why is a M2 as heavy as a M4?!

[@BrakRulesAll]

As if the exterior design wasn't already polarizing enough, that hideous "curved display" perched on the dash like an afterthought makes this car absolutely un-ownable for me. Currently have an F87 and I'm the type who has always liked to get the latest/greatest of a car that I really like - but this is a giant step backwards for BMW here IMHO.

[@username8644]

The previous gen M2 was the last real BMW ever made. Bmw no longer exists. Maybe the m850i is still somewhat a real BMW but at 100k is pretty pricey.

[@mordredm980]

I feel like the true BMW m car doesn’t make sense any more, at their price range there are just better, more pure drivers’ car options. I think a lot of owners of the new M cars are just using them as a daily and never track them anyway, they just happen to be able to afford a M car. I would argue that for the most part, the M performance lineup is the core of BMW right now, they are luxurious, fast, fun enough for public road, and you probably won’t care about that connection to the car that much if they aren’t the true M cars.

[@stoicllc2352]

This or a Mustang? They weigh about the same. The Mustangs independent suspension makes it an agile sports car now.

[@wackit6756]

I don’t get it….they stick the S58 in it and load it up with more weight (almost 3900 lbs!) and it’s about the same performance as the M240i for much more money! I do like the looks of the M2 better but where's the quantum leap performance?🤷‍♂️

[@scottanthony3426]

3800+ lbs???? Wow! Who do they think they are? Acura?

[@supercar2131]

What's going on with the vents in the car? Its distracting meeeeeee

[@JBOsurf]

I sat in one of these. It was manual and had the bucket seats with the stupid codpiece. Every time I pressed the clutch in, my leg rubbed against the codpiece. Absolutely useless!

[@abcdLeeXY]

Weights as much as a Toyota rav 4 with a design that only Fortnite players appreciates. “The ultimate driving machine”

[@benboat4734]

jeeez the rear end looks ridiculous

[@Sideways_Singh]

What huge joke of a car the whole point of the m2 was to go back to the real nimble BMW days with lighter weight and short wheelbase but they made it over 500lbs more and much bigger car. Now were gonna need a 0 series for a real BMW again 😂 then after they ruin that one we will need a negative 2 series

[@ultracellez1989]

😂my guy is not happy.

[@bobbybooshay5854]

😂😂😂

[@username8644]

💀💀💀💀

[@js002003]

really was disappointed in the previous gen m2 and the previous gen m3s... If this g87 is half as much of a leap forward as the g80 is from the f80, then this will be one serious contender.

[@haircafekevin]

I think gas powered cars are obsolete but I still like this and I appreciate how the manual transmission is standard.

[@mizaqenyad4269]

its going to be many decades before gas cars are obsolete, unless someone pulls out a magical new design for the batteries EVs require, and as much charging infrastructure as there are gas stations are suddenly built.

[@ericschugemporium973]

electric cars will be obsolete before. they are not the future in any way shape or form, and do more damage to the environment. we will all be using an alternative fuel source like the one Porche is producing within the next 5 years, tops.

[@haircafekevin]

@@mizaqenyad4269 It depends on where you live. If you don't live in an area with a viable infrastructure for EVs then yes, that is a valid point. If you do though then I don't see the purpose of buying a gas car unless you cannot afford an EV. EVs are just superior in every way. I think the only reason people who can buy EVs buy gas cars instead is because of politics. They see EVs as associated with left wing politics so they buy gas cars to "own the libz."

[@mizaqenyad4269]

@@haircafekevin i get where youre coming from that these cars are the way of the future, but i dont think they are superior in every way. They weigh too much, handle and brake poorly, and seriously lack power at speeds over 100mph. And even their most impressive performance statistics, their 0-60 times are easily matched my many many stock and lightly modified modern sports cars. They are only superior utilitarian wise, if you drive little enough to never have to charge it anywhere but home. They are very expensive to repair, and even basic repairs cant be done at home. I think the future will be dominated by ICEs and especially hybrid vehicles for a long time before electric is the primary choice of the masses. And i believe it will be even longer past that before electric vehicles are the primary choice commercially/ industrially.

[@hashmi1195]

BMW and Mercedes car line ups are so confusing. So many different models.

[@redvivid]

I give bmw some credit. Thier cars actually do look different model to model. All mercs look the same.

[@username8644]

It's pretty simple. The higher the number, the bigger the car. The series with an X in front are the all terrain lineup (usually SUVs / the SUV/sedan hybrid (bmw x6 for example)). Otherwise they are all sedans/coupes. Edit: if there's a d after the number model than it's a diesel, if there's an i then it's gas. If there's an m Infront of the model number like M850i than it's an "m sport" model which means it's in between an M car and a normal car. And obviously if there's just an M and a single number after it than it's the M car for that series of models. Each series has a single M car. So all the 2 series has the M2, all of the 5 series has the M5.

[@christopherwalker6056]

What were they thinking putting those 2 giant squares on each side of the front end?? That takes up all your attention when you look at the front. Looks absurd.

[@a_single_white_female]

Would be better as a hatchback

[@I53-624]

The screen is so atrocious. I can understand it a little more in the m3 and m4, but in the m2 I wish they would’ve at least left the 2022 idrive. Not much better, but the separate screen rather than the one giant one is way less hideous to me..

[@williamscoufaras7045]

Why the hell does the front of this car look like a modified version of a Nissan R32 Skyline? 😂 If you took away the divider for the kidneys, you’d see what I’m talking about!

[@romb1818]

I am curious how these huge dasboard displays will look 50 years from now on, when these cars will be Classics. 🤔🤷