BMW M2 CS Review | Is it 50% better than the M2 Competition?

[@CARmagazineTV]

So, M2 CS or Cayman GT4? Which would you buy...

[@Ansmo87]

GT4 (if you could just walk into an OPC and start speccing one!)... But given the M2 CS and GT4 start at roughly the same price, is the trickier choice one between an even cheaper M2 Competition and the relatively great value 718 GTS 4.0 which anyone can theoretically place orders for?

[@swanblake]

GT4 because light weight

[@jameswillard1]

The CS models are always poor value for money.

[@briankiro976]

I would have a GT4 if it had optional (but tiny) rear seats. I have little kids that love cars. I would have to go with the M2CS... plus the gears are still TOO LOOOONG in the GT4.... takes a bit of the fun out of the manual :( gr8 review!!!!!!!!

[@xorbitman]

Neither, I'd get the new Vette C8. Less $$$ and a full second faster plus the F51 track pack and you'll bury the CS in a heap of dust.

[@sphession]

This guy is an insanely good reviewer, I feel like I've driven the car from his review alone. This channel is underrated.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed. Plenty more videos on the way!

[@pikoulas]

True !!!!!

[@snapester]

Although Ben and Chris are excellent in print, James is a consummate presenter. His stuff is phenomenal. A worthy addition to the brilliant contributors to this august organ down the years.

[@iceberg4736]

Honestly, a round of applause for this man's reviews. Every time I watch, I truly get a sense of why his opinions are on point. What he said about the M2 CS, could also become the similar case for the upcoming M5 CS: could it be that much better than the Competition?

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed the review. 👍👍 Plenty more on the way!

[@nessuno5403]

A base, Competition and CS will now be part of all future models. The Competition and CS have lost their magic. They are ///Marketing (not ///Motorsport) products now.

[@cklam8722]

I would just keep my M2 Competition model which is a real bargain in terms of performance per pound. I would just pretend that M2 CS never exists.

[@davidoh709]

I've been pounding the table for James Dennison the reviewer since his first video review. I said he has a voice of a grizzled veteran wrapped up with a college kid's face. He's excellent from day 1 and he needs to do more videos. He is the polar opposite of that boring bald guy on Autocar. Keep up the great work!

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks David!

[@MrAchilles113]

First time I've heard of him. He's phenomenal.

[@Scott_McLeod]

i seem to remember the same reviews when BMW released the E46 M3 CSL. If you think of the CS as an investment, it makes sense.

[@93455Driver]

Great review, great editing between in car to camera audio and the voice over. The BMW steering wheels are too extreme, they need to talk to Gordon Murray about steering wheel design.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed 😊

[@Ansmo87]

I put my name down for an M2 CS a couple of years back, but in between I swapped my 2016 M2 for a 2019 M2C... I was finally offered an M2 CS build slot in August but I would have taken an unjustifiable P/X hit on the M2C and had to fork out huge chunks of money and it just didn’t seem worth it! Think the CS looks great though. This review has been a helpful appraisal of the CS and provided me some assurance I haven’t necessarily missed out!

[@CARmagazineTV]

Sounds like you made a sensible decision. M2 CS is brilliant, but then so’s the M2 Comp... Glad you enjoyed the review.

[@briankiro976]

I dont think this car justifies the jump in price from your already awesome 2019. Unless the CS is only allowed out on 70 degree sunday drives and you keep it to about 700 miles per year :)

[@ookiichinko]

Welcome back. Great review as usual. The next Jethro Bovingdon is here. (He is my fav reviewer) But I do question Jame's driving skill on the track since I haven't seen him review in those settings yet. Hope to find out soon.

[@jamesdennison9722]

Glad you enjoyed the review - thanks very much! I race MGs in my spare time, so hopefully that’ll come in handy when we *hopefully* get to do some videos on track next year.

[@ianmitchell9102]

Great review, CAR Magazine just need to do much more in the KZbin world 👍🏻

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks Ian. We've got another review going live on Friday. Keep an eye out!

[@smilepermile888]

Really appreciated this informative review. As much of a fan of BMWs I may be (including the M3 CSL and M3 CRT), the way that BMW have priced this M2 CS dangerously close to the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, makes it a really tough sell. I would say that the only logical reason why you would go for an M2 CS over the 718 Cayman GT4 would be because it simply has rear seats. If you are only allowed to have one parking bay to yourself, then the M2 CS is the one to go for BUT lets face it, if you can afford a 718 Cayman GT4, chances are that you can afford to get more than one car - so if you really care about driving, you'll appreciate the lower driving position, gearshift feel, midengined traction and naturally aspirated throttle response+free revving ability of the GT4 over the M2 CS.

[@Kelveron]

Agree that the M2 CS is a little too expensive and the GT4 is the sharper drive. However, in addition the back seats, there is the overall extra practicality and I'd say the CS is the more refined and comfortable drive, especially over longer distances. In terms of engagement and fun it gets close enough to GT4 over most public road situations to still be a fun drive. I just they'd priced it about 10k lower.

[@CARmagazineTV]

All good points you make 👌👌 Glad you enjoyed the review.

[@briankiro976]

well said! Exactly my issue. I have other vehicles and garage spaces, but I still want the 4 seater to take the family on "spirited" drives in the country to soccer practice :) i cant have both the m2 and the gt4 :( , unless i sell my lifted wrangler

[@efeefeoglu532d]

2018-bmw m2 2019-Bmw m2 competition 2020-bmw m2 cs 2021-bmw m2 gts 2022-bmw m2 gt3 rs 2023-bmw m2 tour de france M gmbh is cheating with us i think :(

[@BrendanEvan]

Hahaha 2024-bmw m2 GTR 500 LM Super Long Tail R

[@bumpinjeep]

The 21 CS is the last of the F series 2 cars. In 2022, the G series M2 cars will come out. So no, no such thing as a gts or gt whatever.

[@swanblake]

Would have loved to see this lose about 100kg for the price they are charging. Could have been perfection. Just too heavy compared to the GT4. Also this was a fantastic review. THhis guy always does such an amazing job. Greatly appreciated

[@cklam8722]

The CS is about exclusivity with more refined suspension. Comparatively, the Competition has been, and still is good value for the money with that lovable chassis. Impressive presentation with expert opinions, James. Thank you

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed! Don’t forget to subscribe and switch on notifications if you could ☺️

[@timmietz]

So, I currently own a year old M2 Comp DCT. I have an M2CS 6MT o. order. I live in the US. Here is how I see it: $9K for the carbon ceramics $8k for the for them extra CF parts (interior/exterior/body parts) $3K for the better leather and additional Alcantara $4K for the better suspension $2K for the wheels $1K for the GOLD wheels LOL $1.5K for more power $5K for exclusivity Base M2 Comp: $65K So, according to my math, we are are $98.5K I believe that the sticker on my car (Dec 2020-Jan 2021 delivery) is $94K? So, we are “within range”. No “deal” but about right.

[@briankiro976]

I have my name on waiting lists since right BEFORE the competition came out. We will see if they have enough cars to fill every list. I am at the top of two Chicagoland dealerships... but still not holding my breath :( i wont go over 90k for this.

[@timmietz]

@@briankiro976 your order should be in status 112 already if you are getting one based on what I know. All allocations were distributed between 9/1 and 10/10 based on what I was told. My car was is status 112 by 9/18.

[@timmietz]

@@briankiro976 update: just checked on my car: it is in status 182 now. Production date was 10/19/2020. Should she on the boat to the US by 11/4. Final sticker: $93,640 - all options except for the DCT.

[@briankiro976]

@@timmietz nice. Plz respond with a picture once you get it. ENJOY!!

[@OPnoobTheDH]

Thats a pretty biased justification because your assuming all those parts are worth the price tag you've associated with them. They are simply not.

[@davidhayes4814]

Rare versions of all the M cars hold their value astonishingly well, compared with standard M2s M3s etc. Maybe BMW want their slice of those residuals now.

[@speckledjim1798]

I traded a Comp in for the CS and I regret nothing. I don't feel ripped off 😂

[@esthetics4512]

How much better is it compared to your previous comp

[@speckledjim1798]

yeah i love it i'm so used to the seats and wheel now i'd hate to go back. it is about 1.5 - 2 secs lap quicker than the comp@@esthetics4512

[@tepes141]

This is clearly faster than M2C, much more practical than the Cayman GT4, with the choice of an MT too. I wouldn't say that is so bad 🤔

[@HUUUUUUUUUUUUJJJJJJIIIIIIIIII]

Love your narratives, just “ superb “ hope you are still doing well in here! ❤🎉

[@cklam8722]

Subscribed your channel which has been so helpful to thousands possible car buyers. By the way, it would be good if you could do M2 Competition, too. I believe you have many viewers out there wanting to know how is that driven like " the already brilliant M2 Competition" mentioned in your above headlines. Thank you

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@richboy900]

Channel deserves more subs

[@CARmagazineTV]

We think so!

[@mrpomm5900]

My M2 CS has the 405 horsepower engine not the 444 HP engine as advertised. BMW's official documentation (MCO/MSO) for my car shows that it came with the 405 HP engine. I contacted BMW North America on April 19,2021 about the horsepower discrepancy. They refuse to address my concerns.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Definitely worth taking that further!

[@alvinw5675]

But isn't this the last one before the turbo 4-banger AWD?

[@ItsTwigs]

No way it's that much better.... it's simply faster. Everything else is likely not noticeable. all hype. If I'm wrong I'm wrong but I doubt it.

[@jarvismroemloudpipes6113]

Nice review. This is not a 75k car, its an 81k car 🤯 because you'll just want the carbon ceramics even if only for cosmetic purposes.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks! We didn’t want to mention that but yes, you’re right about the brakes. It’s an awful lot more than the M2 Comp.

[@itnoked]

@@CARmagazineTV If it were up to me and I were spending 75k on this car, I'd get the standard brakes and add an aftermarket BBK (AP Racing Radi-CAL) saves 5-7kg per corner of unspring weight!

[@AD-mq8ny]

I have both cars. There is a big difference. Plus, limited to 400 USA and 2200 cars worldwide.

[@hwyfools]

Added a ton of F80-82 parts to the M2CS but no HUD. Yes its a minor detail but one of the F80 delights. And good grief give the thing the arm rest, yes another minor but its not a full time quest tearing up a country road.

[@bertraminc9412]

What about the S55 engine crank hub slipping issue. Has BMW dealt with that... no. Who is going to buy a 100k car only to have to spend 25k for a new engine right when the warranty runs out! Not me!

[@Ilsignoremarcopolo]

Buying a M2 Competition with all of the performance parts catalogue is the best choice to do.

[@warboyrb]

This guy is a great reviewer..subbed

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@RyanSheppard]

Great video, thanks!

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@JaisonBabuNEVrecords]

listen the fact of the matter is this car is a collectable, so considering it as a consumer car like the Cayman doesnt make sense. Also, its all sold out, so no regular consumer can buy it unless they pay more than what the sticker price is. Sometimes i dont get car reviews.

[@DreMullenMusic]

WOOOOOOOOW!!!! How about a 2017 gtr ? Same price range with 100 more hp. The rarity of the cs isn’t enough

[@nessuno5403]

It's not rare. An M3 CSL or GTS were. Orders have been cancelled worldwide once the specs and price were revealed.

[@tydeProductions]

@@nessuno5403 why because it was slower and more money than anticipated ?

[@nessuno5403]

@@tydeProductionsmainly because it's really a cosmetic update to the Competition (same engine, torque and weight) and overpriced... for the same money the Cayman GTS 4.0 and GT4 are better offerings

[@tydeProductions]

@@nessuno5403 you can get a 2nd hand r8 or amg gt for that money too v10 n v8 sounds

[@nessuno5403]

@@tydeProductions there you go... the same thing happened with the M3/M4 CS. Overpriced for what they offered.

[@danielmax3327]

BMW has to launch a Targa version of the M2

[@krasnaludek298]

Really like the color & wheels. I have a M2C in HS ... plenty fast for me; don’t see the value prop of the CS, but for those that track their car - perhaps.

[@boeingdriver29]

Like you I own one but in Sunset Orange and in Australia the CS costs near as damn it the same as an M3. I’m going to take a serious look at the new M4 when it’s available next year.

[@ziggyfreud5357]

Nice car but unfortunately a missed opportunity by BMW to produce a real niche drivers car to truly take on the Cayman GT4

[@briankiro976]

They absolutely could have made this car MEAN!!! Maybe they will make a race car version like they did the normal 2 series race car? doubt it though :(

[@joshstaub3519]

@@briankiro976 they already have, its called the m2 cs racing

[@briankiro976]

@@joshstaub3519 Sweet! I have been out of the BMW loop for a while. My cash has been making lots of other cash friends in other ventures keeping me busy but i feel i may be able to be talked into a CS racer. Looks like i did not receive an allocation for the "normal" CS.

[@alexsiniov]

People argue about this vs porsche GT4, don't even get the idea of this car. You buy this type of car for fun, you won't take participation in local amateur circuit races in 80 000$ car anyway, you buy it to have fun and emotions for evenings in the city you live and work in. How much fun you get from GT4 riding on the streets, rather than a racetrack? My 535D Stage II is faster than this tiny M car and faster than my old e39 M5, but never gives me that emotions and fun I get from manual feeling, that's what BMW is about. You need driving pleasure, drive BMW, you need pleasures with emotions - buy M car, and if you want to control that emotions and get what you want by yourself - get M car with manual ❤❤🙌🙌🙌 Compare GT4 to M2 CS with manual, DCT version has no justification to get this car...

[@CarlosOliveira-cj3iz]

Very good review...again!

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks Carlos - glad you enjoyed. Another review going live on Friday. Keep an eye out :)

[@rdvideoclips]

OK. So never mind all the gushing comments over how cute this boy is. .............Weird. But how about comparing the M2 CS vs M2 Competition, and even the standard M2, on the drag strip, autocross or track, braking test for example. And zero to 60 in 4.0 seconds? ( as published by BMW no doubt) is not fast these days. Plus BMW tends to be conservative with their published data. So how does it really compare?

[@bernardo290499111]

Great review and reviewer, cheers

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed! ☺️

[@bernardo290499111]

@@CARmagazineTV you guys should review the DCT M2 Competition against the manual, maybe comment on why and how BMW’s current manual gearbox is too rubbery and even if thats the case if it really suits the M2 better than its beastly DCT, I own a tuned M2C and would to hear it from someone who can review it properly, cheers.

[@UnoSpritz]

As an M2C owner, the only thing that interests me about the M2CS is the M striping on the headrest. Adaptive dampers would be nice, given the M2C is a stiffer ride, but not at the premium the M2CS commands (while not including an armrest).

[@alexdossor8156]

Is Quentin Wilson his dad?

[@MrAchilles113]

I had a 2016 M2. LOVED the car when wanting to drive aggressive. Hated it when I was tired and wanted to cruise. It was SO loud inside and hit low speed bumps so harshly, it never felt able to relax. I thought about sound deadening and smaller wheels to make it more livable but never got around to it. I can already hear the incredible amount of road noise in the M2 CS when he's driving it, so that hasn't changed. Still, its an epic performance vehicle.

[@briankiro976]

Man, I hope i dont sound this "old"! All kidding aside, you are right, its not a terribly comfortable car. But then again, i hope m2 buyers arent looking for a comfort first car. I hear Buick has a nice selection. :) again, just messing with u .

[@MrAchilles113]

@@briankiro976 depends on your commute n style. M2 is a weekend car or car for good roads. Not tons of traffic and potholes like in Miami. I loved it but there were times I definitely would take a nice suv. That new Bronco is looking nice. Might go a whole different direction now.

[@briankiro976]

@@MrAchilles113 Totally understand. Currwntly looking into the Macan Turbo for the Mrs. (And i can drive it sometimes) I like the new Bronco. You can not go wrong with one of those. I have a lifted wrangler currently so i am out of the market on the Bronco.

[@future62]

With all the regulations strangling cars, as well as BMW's complete reluctance to make its powerplants anything but competent, powerful and efficient, this is about the most we can expect. I think the most 2 I would buy would be an M240i with the M Performance diff. Even an M2 seems like a bit of a waste

[@supaahflyy]

Fake m vs real m is a different experience all together. Although I'm biased as I have a M4 C and whenever it's in for service they give me m40i cars ie: m340i, x3m40i etc. Completely different feeling. Yeh the engine is decent in a straight line but it's not nearly as raucous, loud, can't handle nearly as good. It comes with downsides such as poorer ride quality when you want to cruise but when you don't, then the fake m's get left behind

[@gsr2nr]

Would be such a better car if it didn’t have the dynamic suspension.

[@MrAchilles113]

how so? I WISH my 2016 M2 had the dynamic suspension. It was brilliant in my former 2016 M235i.

[@mjcro8055]

Why BMW doesn't sell this car as the M2 Competition baffles me. They should sell this car from the get go as a $65K vehicle and devour any buyers considering a Porsche Carrera S or Cayman GT4. For comparison, the Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE package can snagged for less than $50K, and is faster than a M4 GTS around the track. Heck, used BMW M4 CS's can be found for less than $60K as they depreciate like rocks. Shame on BMW, stop being a lipstick brand and actually sell what buyers want at a more valuable price point.

[@Tracertme]

Great car fro UK road and environment but given its weight I would take the original M car a 3 CS.

[@kyoshokev]

Why would u buy this at this price point at this stage in the life cycle of the M2? It's not a Ferrari where enthusiasts pay extra for the Pista or speciale version. it's gonna be major superseed in 12 months time. They should of had this 3 years ago alongside the regular M2.

[@Homerlovesbeer2]

Thank you for quoting 0-62 mph instead of 0-60 mph. Great review mate. Much enjoyed. Cheers! 👍

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed! Most acceleration times from the manufacturer are now quoted as 0-100kph, so it seems logical to do 0-62mph!

[@philippebeinaerts]

You can get a new M3 with a manual box for this money, and that has rear doors and a decent boot... But the M2 CS is rarer and will hold its value better... choices choices

[@briankiro976]

Agree, love the m3, just a little too big, not by much, but a little large. With dealer mark-ups, holding value will be even more difficult. At 82k, i think this car is a buy. If the price reaches into the 90's.... there goes some of the value.

[@stu4181]

Seems a bit too good to be true, sure the review has kept the marketing department happy though 🤣

[@arosalesmusic]

I dont know about that, the M2 CS has beat a lot of Caymens

[@ALMX5DP]

Great review! I’d like a lighter weight car myself but it seems to be a great 2+2 powerhouse.

[@FenderUsa]

we want e30 weight to return!!! we also want free hand jobs with every purchase

[@BrendanEvan]

My thoughts exactly

[@monkeyflipper]

Good review. This kid is the paperboy. Looks like he’s 12 and he can deliver.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed. 📰🗞

[@maxmaxington5873]

I’d just have a competition and save a lot of $$$

[@Jkan2001]

Majority of the gains are from the tires

[@CARmagazineTV]

Agreed. Would be interesting to try an M2 Comp on those tyres 🤔🤔

[@jplay0426]

idk at the end of the day, it's still a $80k 2 series...

[@tonwhelan]

By your logic the m5, at the end of the day, is still a $160k 5 series. They are M cars, totally different from the standard models.

[@jorgeboudet6173]

No more unnesesary noise mate. please

[@davidmc7442]

A truly special price 09:10.

[@nessuno5403]

"No holds barred M2"? No light weight (e.g. no carbon fenders available on M Performance catalogue); no engine hardware changes (and even no extra torque); recycled old alloy wheel design; heavy seats; etc.

[@Fioravanti.80]

Brilliant review.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@NedAznir]

The lightweight version of this M2 CS will be called the M2 CSL

[@porkster5924]

I’d take the Cayman GTS over this any day.

[@shaheenevans]

Great car, great spec, great Review

[@CARmagazineTV]

Agreed. Fabulous looking thing. Glad you enjoyed the review.

[@23Piccolina]

Excellent review of this car. It is not worth that kind of money, no way, I'd buy a Alfa Quadrifoglio over this. BMW made the 2-Series for China, small but powerful. I'd pass on this and buy a used M5 or something more exotic. Even a used Ferrari California over this.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed

[@banzai385]

Try it in the wet, I have ,OMG you better be on it !

[@tydeProductions]

What’s the obsession with this car? I’d just grab a hellcat, save money and leave u on the interstate

[@CARmagazineTV]

Some people like to go around corners 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@prageethathapaththu8090]

❤

[@theLEGOguy22]

Not worth the money - purely a collectors car. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio has more power, is faster, has better handling and way better driving dynamics - all in all a much better engineered car. BMW have lost the plot. I’ll never buy another one.

[@zaverdi5986]

Wait a couple of months and you will get it with a huge discount...

[@jamesrick7351]

never happened