Jason Cammisa on the BMW M2 (F87) - Vintage Motor Trend Ignition Full Episode 149

My full review on the then-new 2016 BMW M2. Crooked seats and barely defeatable auto-blipping were no match for a manual transmission, limited-slip diff and rear-wheel drive.
It got better with the M2 Competition - at least the UX did. The M2 Comp's S55 never sounded as good. And the M2 CS? Well that's a riot, too. But with a reflash (or unplugged Hall Sender) to disable auto-blip, the original M2 might be the sweet spot today.
Especially if you ignore the 1M Coupe.
===
This video was uploaded as part of Jason Cammisa's professional showreel and portfolio as a writer, on-screen talent, and precision driver.

[@patrick9316]

Who else has been binge-watching every episode every time it drops

[@Dr._Rizk]

🙋‍♂️

[@shouldigetit]

Me

[@alalal123421]

hell yeah

[@mitchellsteindler]

Everyone 😅

[@cayman9873]

I found these today.

[@CarClubTV.]

The old generation 2 series definitely looks better than the new generation...honestly

[@Lambullghini]

Newest gen BMWs look hideous. People say It will grow but I'm sorry It just won't. I've seen those Hitler's moustache kidney grills and they're terrible.

[@kayak1995]

apart of 5 and maybe x3/5 series all the other designs are a mess

[@Petrospect]

Saw the new 2 Series at BMW Welt and it looked so overdone. I hate that all the new stuff they've made now all look "better" (how much better i dunno) in dark colors because you hide all the details. If it doesn't look good in white, you have a bad design.

[@danielgladston1785]

Great video! I've owned a '16 M2 manual for 3+ years now as a daily and it's truly a fun car. However, it's flaws do eventually get to you. After driving something like a Civic Type R, the steering feel really isn't there in the BMW. It improved in the M2 Comp, but still not very communicative. The ride is also harsh (especially for NJ roads). If they spent a little more money on the damping, that could have been so much better. The brake pedal is also softer than I'd like and they do fade fairly quickly when pushed on track. It's unfortunately become a money pit now that the factory waranty is gone. No matter what, it's always something. There's no such thing as a routine service with this car. All that said, there's still a lot to love. But I'm ready for a new experience.

[@dln.sweeney]

Every older BMW looks better than the current gen except for maybe the M5

[@Blastboost86]

Owning this “real” M car now for 6 years doing Euro Delivery and 52,600 miles later, not one day of regret. This is an absolute future classic.

[@porscherain]

Cammisa is the best!!! Never stop making videos sir.

[@Motorpage256]

absolutely

[@anthonyt4981]

this review really made me get my m2 comp. this was like back in 2016 where I was a broke high school/ college student. now I am living my dream

[@oscardominguez1680]

Amazing!

[@angadwasu7084]

I so love this channel, this brings back relatively old car reviews that one can actually think about buying nowadays, along with the signature Jason Cammisa opinions

[@BMWF30-416]

So true

[@ildrichaseron]

Finally! I found this video about Jason commenting about the 2-series' crooked driver's seat! I've been looking for it for years. I've noticed it and people thought I was being crazy!!

[@billymania11]

Owner of a OG M2 w/LCI. The car looks different enough from other cars (bulging fenders, awesome exhaust) that people still comment favorably to me. Almost paid off. Dealer is offering 5k less than what I originally paid for it. So it was a good purchase.

[@yoyoman9747]

Man I remember watching every new Motor Trend episode after school years ago, it’s like I’m getting deja vu, thanks Jason

[@noahbusker2674]

Love remembering the golden age of Motor Trend

[@derbyjr]

Best looking generation of M cars

[@heemanpark]

Hi Jason, I have watched this video hundreds of times in 2016 before buying my M2 F87 2016 and even after buying it. For some reason, it was not available anymore which crushed me cause I loved how you reviewed and explained about car. Your relatioinship and banter with Randy is so funny too. There are no M2 review that is better than this one. Thanks for reposting it & thanks for reviewing my beautiful car 😍😍😍

[@Yem1983]

Jason Cammisa is the best person who advertise and reviews cars, especially my favorite ones BMW 😊

[@un1b4ll]

went from "Is this a real M car?" to "This is the best M car ever" in as long as it took to get from base, to comp, to CS.

[@HHlah]

Makes me so proud of my M2!! Love Jason!

[@Tuberuser187]

Randy Pobst, the not quite so tame racing driver! Thanks for another good upload.

[@bodhim4353]

I've been enjoying the Vintage Motor Trend vids because the really illuminate how Jason and Randy have refined their reviews and their dynamic over the years to make the extremely polished that we're seeing today.

[@landononeal8493]

can i just say thank you for not only posting these but adding hilarious descriptions as well!

[@Ghia356]

The Jason/Randy combo needs to make a comeback. They could be a two-person Top Gear.

[@jamesselvey2805]

Got one and love it

[@SilverScarletSpider]

These videos are the kind of things that probably inspired Thomas Holland and James Englesmen.

[@nf1369]

I remember watching this when it got released. My favorite scene was when you were ranting about being unable to disable the rev-matching and complained about the crooked seats.

[@thektulu28]

I've seen this in other comments, but it is worth it saying it again. Jason, you are the best!

[@pascutia]

Coming back to this with the new M2 embargo being lifted. I remember very clearly the day that this was originally posted back in 2016. I remember being so happy to hear positive feedback about it given the lackluster F80/F82.

[@seinsmeld13]

I bought one of these the other day a 2023 edition which I hope arrives within a month. I can't wait for her to arrive.🥶

[@Bmontepeque11]

To me this is the greatest M2 review out there ❤️

[@wagnerxxi]

Best car I have owned ever

[@driventogaming2879]

I agree.. I love my m2..👍

[@dBsdecibels]

Have had my 2017 OG M2 since 2020. It's been AMAZING. Most fun car I've ever had. Your biggest complaint (rev matching) can be disabled via OBD2 port. Shouldn't be necessary, but even less of a problem than it was when you made this. I don't even notice the seat alignment issue. Temp gauge and setting customization would have been nice, but not big deals, as you said. I will say though that the "fake" carbon fiber is actually REAL carbon fiber. It's just "dry" carbon fiber that hasn't been encased in the lacquer that normal glossy CF is. I see that as a perk, honestly. It's still CF, but it's not the same CF you see everywhere, it's unique and gives the interior a nice texture. Wish more cars had it! Now, do I want to trade this in for a 981 Cayman S?...that's been my debate. They both scratch different itches, but they both do what they do sooooo well. Whatever car I choose will likely be my last ICE car, and the one I keep forever. Decisions, decisions!...

[@maxfrederick7703]

I went the other way. Had a 981 CS for just under 4 years, have had my LCI M2 for 4 and a bit years now, it’s far more fun.

[@dBsdecibels]

@@maxfrederick7703 That's what I've been wondering too. The 981 is an undeniably "better" car, technically. But you have to go that much faster to really have a good time. Anything slower than that is almost boring. The M2 is wild. It has to be tamed and controlled, which is fun! And while at slower speeds. That said, it is faster in a straight line too, which is also fun.

[@maxfrederick7703]

@@dBsdecibels I went on a drive out in my m2 when it was bone stock with a supercar club (the supercar driver) and there was a GT4 behind me. We were flying through twisty roads and I thought he was taking it easy. When we stopped he asked what I’d done to it (thought it was tuned) as he couldn’t keep up! On a track would be another story.

[@micraw714]

I also went from a 981CS to an OG M2. The cayman was great but didn't have enough torque in the high elevation city I live in. It handled great, looked good, and sounded amazing though!

[@Petrospect]

"Choking on concrete" 🤣🤣🤣 Also I've seen every other review. Nobody mentioned the crooked driver's seat. Love that too

[@justinmaccreery2490]

Have to agree with Jason's gripe about auto-blipping on downshift. My M240i does that too and it would be better if it could be deactivated. Yet, the footprint size of the 2 series seems just right for canyon carving, albeit a little tall.

[@dBsdecibels]

Look into OBD2 port disabling it. I was able to disable the blipping on my 2017 M2. Really cheap, really easy.

[@abdulrahmanch7191]

I'm really enjoying these uploads lately

[@adamfrost9048]

Great blast from the past. I ended up eventually getting the M2 CS and I'll never sell it.

[@thecrazynoemad]

I thought they didn’t call the 1M the M1 because the M1 was a BMW sports car from the 80s and they didn’t wanna be confusing ppl with 2 completely different cars with the same name.

[@CT.411]

This.

[@mattlau]

Test drove both the 2017 and 2018 and there's only 1 word to describe: FUN

[@hollo500]

I got my 2017 M2 last month and it is a blast! It also came with the M-Performance steering wheel, so i get the water and oil temp right in my face.

[@lazarnedeljkovic5615]

My favorite reviewer driving my favorite car. Nice!

[@TheAlitaz69]

Awesome reviews!

[@17_wm]

I'm patiently waiting for that OG review you did on a Bentley Continental GT3-R

[@jeffrey-f]

ohhhh yea, forgot about that one

[@17_wm]

@@jeffrey-f that one is by far my favourite

[@pascutia]

I remember him praising the hydraulic steering in that car. It’s nuts how much bandwidth that platform had. Started all the way in the early 2000s with the Phaeton, and it spanned 15 years easily. And even towards the end, it was a super solid platform. They had a convertible in a H2H with the S class convertible, and they commented how there was a total lack of flex/cowl shake in it, even though it was such an old platform.

[@chadjones1266]

Thanks again

[@swiper1818]

Randy is a brilliant dude!

[@picernjm]

Love the content Jason

[@rickybobbyjr1581]

Mom!!!! I need more JC videos!

[@thehotgamers]

always awesome videos

[@friguy4444]

That was awesome!

[@Kalepsis]

I just looked at an M2 the other day while test-driving the new i4 M50. It was a 2018 model, not even a manual, with 18k miles. They're asking $65k for it. A similar M4 didn't retain nearly as much of its initial value.

[@papa_pt]

that must've been a competition at least

[@XYZ-321-1]

@@papa_pt comp started for model year 2019

[@papa_pt]

@@XYZ-321-1 dang it's very hard to believe a base M2 would ever go for so much when the M2 comp as NEW price was 65k

[@XYZ-321-1]

@@papa_pt tbh I ve never seen that high a price for a og m2, generally they go for around 50k

[@CanDriveSoon]

Ah, I miss the days of actual mechanical gauges and reasonably sized grilles

[@SolomonLi]

Now I’m just waiting for the S Coupe video to drop…

[@karimkurji2578]

Jason, awesome video. Can you do something similar with the 2022 m240x vs the current M3/4. I wonder if the m240x is actually better value per turn? What do you think?

[@evalonious]

Ok, Jason.... I'm really digging this Formula with you and Randy. Now just get "Mr. Hyphen" to narrate the episode and you literally nail the format!!! Yes! An entire show with just the 3 of you!!! Call it "8th Gear" 😅

[@narek_kona302]

I'm rewatching every video then window shopping for each car 😅

[@ps1hagrid823]

Let’s hope the m2 was BMW’s second wind and not their dying gasp

[@mrmusic1880]

Your best video ever, still team M4 but not by much!

[@MrVara411]

Fantastic car.

[@0katmandude0]

all those cost savings can also open the door for a M2 CSL or GTR... tweak a bit the door panels , hood, roof (aka make them in carbon fibre) add roll cage or not, carbon fibre the hell out of the interior, add hood venting for extra cooling, remove back seats, change wheels , add the steering, suspension and motor options etc. and voila, added price X2 :)

[@tommywang8229]

Still one of the best modern M Power car ever made

[@garyh5176]

Great video! Content like this makes me fall in love with my OG M2 all over again! (have not been driving due to COVID stuff). Only complaint is the contradiction: you don't want the car to do anything for you yet you want traction control to stay active to get rid of the auto blip?

[@qna95B]

he's saying it saves your life from accidents

[@seanisgone]

I want more cammisa and I want it now

[@georgecarlin2097]

I want more cammisa and I want it now

[@filipshulikov143]

Dream car 👏

[@rmp5s]

That rear seat entry...friggin glorious...rooooofl

[@InvestBetter.]

I just bought a 2018 model last week. Great car. Feels like a rottweiler on a leash, ready to strike

[@bella_testastretta]

get bootmod3 stage 1 it's only $500 and it will transform your car into a monster

[@Huh-jx8kd]

that's not bad

[@tanaka90]

2 a day man you're spoiling us

[@jijo666]

The stats scene of almost all of your videos makes me think it's a video game😂

[@henrymtonga6512]

Wow!

[@Nemoticon]

7:20 this is why I largely agree Cammisa on his attitude towards motoring and why I champion him as the greatest automotive journalist opinion since Clarkson, it's not popularity or entertainment, he's just right!

[@swiper1818]

As is Jason!!!

[@saskwotch19764]

At 4:30 I guess that’s what a triple turbo 6.0l V12 would sound like 😆. For the record - Awesome

[@jbstepchild]

It's crazy that the ride height is that much different

[@lakelandprof001]

What do you think of the 2022 M240i?

[@thethrottlecracker5954]

Anybody know how to get a hold of this fellow? Love to do an interview with Jason...

[@houseofno]

Two words guaranteed to draw a KZbin watch: "Jason. Camissa." Bonus. Randy Effin' Probst. LOL.

[@jonathanjmmyers]

where the icons videos at?!

[@Slowwagonftl]

OG M2 is best M2, dont @ me

[@Huh-jx8kd]

i think it'll end up being sought after even over the competition once people realize how great the Og motor is.

[@karolmaciejewski340]

I agree, OG sounds better, feels bit more raw and analogue, and lighter front is noticeable at the track.

[@Fiwek23452]

The OG m2 should have gotten the b58 engine instead of n55 but overall OG m2 is the best no doubt

[@qna95B]

true

[@boshengcao]

Awwwwww yes!

[@madjh8]

There is a New 2022 M2 and looks fantastic and perform amazing ... so M2 is back againg.

[@j.farina3467]

@jasoncamissa what do you by the “M2 is a tub”?

[@qna95B]

because it has useable rear seats, which give it a higher profile in the back, like a sedan, but still a coupe

[@The_knifeaholic]

When will you and hyphen be podcasting again?

[@edermartinez3619]

When the numbers doesn't matters

[@aconfusedazn]

It wasn’t stamped plastic but exposed carbon fiber

[@b6s4shelter]

Jason, Any chance you do a podcast beyond the odd guest appearance? A Smith and Sniff style ramble about cars....

[@RmB9104]

He does the Carmudgeon show semi regularly. Check it out.

[@b6s4shelter]

@@RmB9104 thx

[@alejandrojoyacruz]

Still waiting for the best review gt350

[@bizooty8782]

Here's the thing

[@alangil40]

"Welcome Back BMW..." Well, that didn't last too long. Sure we have the M2 CS - but who can afford one and how many are there? And yes, the new M3/M4 has some serious performance cred, though they are the size of yesteryear's M5 and pretty ugly and basically devoid of any heritage in terms of BMW styling cues. The M5 CS again is awesome, but its huge like a 7-series, no manual available and again who can afford one. That old M2 in the video might be the best modern BMW driver's car you can get (or an M2 comp). The F80 M3 with a manual is also good as an M5 sized option even though it can't put the power down and sounds not quite right, but at least it looks great. I would also consider a B58 powered 340i 6-speed manual with the M-Performance package especially if you need AWD there is an X-drive version. But for now I will hold on to my E60 and E90 M-sport manuals.

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Is this an old video?

[@porscherain]

Auto-blip was the reason I skipped the M2. Unbelievable that BMW didn’t have a Menu Setting to turn it off.

[@dBsdecibels]

OBD2 port can disable it, easily, cheaply, and reversibly.

[@markomarin3414]

Wait till he try the M2 Comp CS. It gonna blow his head off

[@Affalterbach1967]

2:55 Apex rock > apex cone

[@ZDY66666]

I've been looking at any b58 engined BMW sedans of this era but man...still kind of expensive. Looking at $35k for something with 80k km and 2017-2018 range. 2016 is only a bit cheaper for way more miles

[@djcheetah2007]

Jason is DA MAN!

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

It was either this generation of an M2 or a 997.1. I was leaning towards the baby M until I left the local mall and spotted an M2 w the driver w backwards baseball cap, sitting so low in the car I wondered how he could see out of the thing. I thought …. Ok 911. Thinking I made a mistake; she doesn’t live up to my old air cooled beasts.

[@kimchee411]

You don't like your 997? Yeah, it's a different drive than aircooled, but it's brilliant! I have a 997.1 and M2, and while I love my M2, 1,000/1,000 times I would pick the 911 if I had to choose just one to keep.

[@lucaalux]

My favorite bmw cars, F series was incredible beautiful, yep the S58 of G series is incredible.. But I can't own a car with electric parking brake and a rear caliper with single floating pot

[@frodobilbo918]

The problem is, thise few faults you described will be a real pain in the ass with time. Making a roadtrip? That seat tilted slightly towards the side if the car will be causing neck ache. Going for a fun ride in the mountains? That auto-rev-matching is gonna take away a lot of fun. I am not gonna switch off the stability controll for an extended period of time on public roads, that would be irresponsible. The oil temp gauge is missing? How will I know I can push the car now? From how it feels? The M2 feels probably good to push after the first 2min, but I shouldnt, but I don't know that I shouldnt...as it is not indicated. If I am paying a premium price, I expect these small mistakes to not exist. Period.

[@grigorioschristodoulou5229]

Apparently you can code-out the auto throttle by changing some settings via tools like bimmercode. There is no direct setting but I've seen it explained in M3/M4 forums.

[@kimchee411]

The seat angle doesn't cause neck ache at all. You don't even notice it unless you're thinking about it. -M2 owner

[@nobodyshero200]

Wow. That seat facing the wrong direction.

[@devambhagat3478]

He made bmw make the M1 and m2 buttons 😂

[@cmcc1442]

Complains about seat pointing driver toward left headlight. Follows with montage of drifts with driver looking directly over left headlight. XD

[@Fee.1]

How did you get the rights to upload this yourself?

[@itsm3th3b33]

Precision driver? Running over the apex cone? 😂

[@JasonCammisa]

Hey, I didn't hit the camera!

[@itsm3th3b33]

@@JasonCammisa 😂👍

[@katlehosphamla2174]

This guy says he doesn't want the auto blip because he wants to do everything by himself then instantly contradicts his statement

[@qna95B]

safety

[@misbahriaz4689]

bee-m-bubleo

[@acemacgruber6593]

Cost cutting on a 65k car. Hmmm.

[@yok3nny]

4 months