F87 BMW M2 (2016-2022) Buyer’s Guide

The F87-gen BMW M2 was one of the best M cars of the modern era, but does it make a compelling used buy? Let’s examine this sportscar’s strengths and weaknesses, and see what you can expect to pay for a clean example…

Despite debuting a fresh nameplate, the F87 BMW M2 was, in many ways, a throwback to somewhat simpler times. Endowed with a short wheelbase, a front-sited inline-6-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, this Leipzig-built 2-door sportscar was billed as a spiritual successor to everything from the 2002 Turbo to the not-for-Mzansi E30-gen M3 and the limited-run E82 1 Series M Coupe.

Slotting in below the increasingly complex M3 sedan (F80) and M4 coupe (F82) as the entry point to the BMW M GmbH line-up, the pleasingly compact M2 endeared itself to enthusiasts by offering more accessibility, simplicity and indeed driving purity than its larger, arguably less-characterful siblings.

*Is this one of the best M cars of the modern era? Undoubtedly.*

Based on the F22-gen 2 Series, the original M2 was effectively an M235i coupe fitted with a healthy selection of go-faster bits pulled from deep within the M parts bin. Indeed, the baby M car borrowed various elements of its suspension, steering and braking systems from the M4, while the Competition- and CS-badged models even pilfered the larger coupe’s powertrain.

The F87 BMW M2 was on the market in Mzansi for about 6 years. The 2nd-gen model (G87) replaced it locally in mid-2023, though the F87 technically exited the market at some point in the prior year.

F87 BMW M2 model line-up in South Africa

*The F87 M2 arrived in South Africa in the 2nd quarter of 2016.*

Revealed in October 2015, the BMW M2 touched down in South Africa in April 2016, with a starting price of R799 105. At launch, the local range comprised a pair of derivatives differentiated only by their cog swappers. There was a 6-speed manual gearbox, as well as a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the latter commanding a premium of around R50k.

M2 Coupe 6MT (272 kW/500 Nm)
M2 Coupe 7M-DCT (272 kW/500 Nm)

The turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 motor generated 272 kW between 5 800 and 6 000 rpm, while the peak twisting force of 500 Nm (on overboost, up from 465 Nm) was on tap from 1 300 to 4 500 rpm.

According to BMW, the manual M2 could complete the 0-100 kph sprint in 4.5 sec, while the self-shifting derivative was 2-tenths quicker to the mark. Top speed was limited to 250 kph in either case.

*Only 20 units of the M2 Edition Black Shadow came to SA.*

In April 2018, local order books for the M2 Edition Black Shadow opened, with just 20 examples set aside for South Africa. Exclusively available in a Sapphire Black metallic hue, this limited-edition variant came fitted with black 19-inch forged light alloy wheels and featured a carbon finish for the side-mirror caps and rear diffuser, as well as black-chrome trim for the dual tailpipes.

At the Festival of Motoring in late-August 2018, BMW Group South Africa debuted the M2 Competition, which replaced the standard M2 outright. The Competition-badged newcomer ditched the original model’s single-turbo N55 motor for a version of the twin-turbo S55 unit from the M4.

In M2 Competition guise, this inline-6 engine offered 302 kW (from 5 250 to 7 000 rpm) and 550 Nm (between 2 350 and 5 200 rpm), while the optional M Driver’s Package raised the top speed to 280 kph.

*The M2 Competition replaced the original M2 in Mzansi in the 3rd quarter of 2018.*

M2 Competition Coupe 6MT (302 kW/550 Nm)
M2 Competition Coupe 7M-DCT (302 kW/550 Nm)

The M2 Competition was available in both 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic guises, with respective 0-100 kph sprint times of 4.4- and 4.2 sec. BMW added a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) strut under the bonnet, while the steering system and stability control (including the active M differential) were reconfigured and larger brakes were adopted. In addition to the requisite exterior design updates, BMW made a few tweaks to the cabin, while various new options were rolled out.

Towards the end of 2020, the limited-production M2 CS arrived, assuming its position above the M2 Competition and following a similar recipe to the M3 and M4 derivatives bearing the same suffix. Just 30 units of the variant were allocated to South Africa, with 2 added to the press fleet and the remaining 28 going under the hammer at a dedicated auction event attended by BMW Group SA’s top clients.

*Only 30 examples of the M2 CS were set aside for SA.*

M2 CS Coupe 6MT (331 kW/550 Nm)
M2 CS Coupe 7M-DCT (331 kW/550 Nm)

In the M2 CS, the further-fettled S55 motor developed 331 kW and 550 Nm – peak outputs that matched those of the outgoing F82-gen M4 Competition. As such, the manual model’s 0-100 kph sprint time improved to a claimed 4.2 sec, with the dual-clutch derivative requiring just 4.0 sec to hit 3 figures from a standstill. With the M Driver’s Package fitted as standard, the top speed was governed to 280 kph.

The M2 CS featured a CFRP bonnet (complete with a menacing central air vent) and a CFRP roof, along with a model-specific front splitter, Gurney spoiler lip and rear diffuser, as well as adaptive suspension. Inside, this special model employed bucket-style M Sport seats familiar from the M4 CS and finished in a combination of Merino leather and Alcantara with red contrast stitching.

What are the F87 BMW M2’s strengths?

Terrific powertrain(s): The original M2 was one of the last models to use the N55 engine – and what a swansong it had. Arguably more characterful than the S55 mill that replaced it, the N55B30T0 motor borrowed its pistons and crankshaft main bearing shells from the M4 powerplant and utilised high-performance spark plugs with a loftier heat rating. Technical details aside, this potent single-turbo unit was a wonderfully tractable, free-revving engine that also delivered a memorable inline-6 soundtrack.

So, why did the Munich-based automaker ditch the N55 and instead employ a version of the M4’s S55 in the M2 Competition and M2 CS? Well, rumours suggest it simply would have been too costly to re-engineer the N55 to meet Europe’s then-approaching WLTP emissions standards, prompting BMW to pivot to the newer (and thus potentially more environmentally friendly) S55.

In the M2 Competition, this twin-turbo engine offered an extra 30 kW and 50 Nm over the standard M2 and borrowed its cooling system – comprising a central radiator, 2 side radiators and an additional engine oil cooler – from the M4 Competition Package. So, the hottest 2 Series finally gained a bona fide M engine, even if its soundtrack wasn’t quite as stirring as before. In addition, owing to the new engine, the Competition-badged model felt a little more like an M4 and less like the original M2…

Rear-wheel-drive dynamics: Where Audi Sport and Mercedes-AMG offered all-paw hot hatches (the RS3 Sportback and A45), BMW opted for a rear-driven sportscar with a, frankly, fabulous chassis. As a result, the M2 was far more of a driver’s car than its Neckarsulm- and Affalterbach-developed counterparts, offering precise handling, agility and – ultimately – immense driver involvement.

Though there’s some debate about whether the original M2 or the more powerful M2 Competition was twitchier at the limit, it’s worth keeping in mind both the selected traction settings and the condition of the road surface played a considerable role in any degree of tail-happiness on display. In short, though, either version could be provoked into a tyre-eroding slide.

Surprisingly well equipped: Since German automakers typically offer lengthy lists of options, it was perhaps surprising that the M2 came so well equipped from the factory. In fact, at launch, the only notable paid extras were a glass sunroof, rear parking sensors, a reverse-view camera and an upgraded infotainment system. The latter featured navigation and was made standard on the M2 Competition, which was furthermore available with optional M Sport brakes.

What are the F87 BMW M2’s weaknesses?

*The M2’s cabin looked a little, well, ordinary.*

Somewhat staid cabin: Considering the M2’s status as an M-badged machine, there’s an argument to be made that its cabin was somewhat staid. Indeed, little more than a smattering of carbon trim and Alcantara, along with subtle blue contrast stitching on the sports seats, set the interior apart from that of an ordinary 2 Series coupe.

Still, the M2 Competition gained a bit more visual flair courtesy of items such as a red start/stop button and M stripes woven into the seatbelts, while the CS featured yet more Alcantara, a carbon-fibre centre console, CFRP door pulls and bucket seats from the M4 CS (complete with red contrast stitching).

*The inside of the M2 CS was far racier.*

Fairly stiff ride: Yes, it may seem a little unfair to criticise a full-blown sportscar for its less-than-stellar ride comfort, but the M2’s short wheelbase, inherently firm suspension setup and 35-profile 19-inch tyres did it few favours in this department. Still, we should emphasise that a somewhat jarring ride on poorly finished tarmac is more a quibble than an out-and-out weakness. Also, keep in mind the M2 CS upgraded to adaptive dampers, ostensibly improving the ride quality in the aptly named “Comfort” mode.

Miscellaneous potential issues: So, what potential problems should you look out for when shopping for a used F87 BMW M2? Well, though the N55 engine is regarded as reasonably reliable (provided that it is fastidiously maintained), these motors have been known to leak oil (often courtesy of aging gaskets around the oil pan and oil-filter housing), while some have suffered from failed water pumps and malfunctioning high-pressure fuel pumps.

*The S55 had a reputation for spinning its crank hub.*

The S55 powerplant in the M2 Competition and M2 CS, meanwhile, gained a reputation for a potential crank-hub issue – though, as we pointed out in our F82 M4 Buyer’s Guide, the failure rate is likely nowhere near as high as some on the internet would have you believe. The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve system used in both the N55 and S55 has also been known to fail.

How much is a used F87 BMW M2 in SA?

*The F87 M2 was available with optional M Performance parts.*

In South Africa, all 3 versions of the F87-gen M2 shipped standard with BMW’s 5-year/100 000 km Motorplan (maintenance plan). As always, we’d strongly recommend considering only vehicles that have a full, verifiable maintenance history – and simply walking away from those that don’t.

Approximately 55% of the F87 BMW M2s listed on Cars.co.za at the time of writing were Competition-badged examples, while we discovered just a single M2 CS and a lone manual-equipped derivative (in this case, a 2018 M2 Competition). The highest indicated mileage we saw was just 85 000 km.

Below R700 000: About a quarter of listed F87 M2s were priced below R700 000 – but only just (all examples here had an asking price in the region of R699 000). We found only vehicles from the opening 2 model years in this space.
From R700 000 to R900 000: This pricing bracket housed nearly half of all listed F87 models, with the Competition derivative most prevalent. Model years ranged from 2017 to 2021, while we also found a couple of modified M2s (which we’d recommend avoiding) and the lone manual variant on the market.
R900 000 and up: Beyond the R900k mark, we saw almost exclusively Competition derivatives, along with the single CS on offer and a 2017 M2 seemingly fitted with every conceivable AC Schnitzer accoutrement. The most expensive example we discovered was the aforementioned 2021 M2 CS, which had just 1 700 km on the clock and was priced at a heady R1 749 950.

Which F87 BMW M2 derivative should I buy?

*M2 CS derivatives are unsurprisingly hard to find.*

Unless your budget allows, we can probably rule out the M2 CS. Since just 30 were brought into Mzansi, they rarely come onto the used market and, when they do, they command a significant premium. You’re likewise unlikely to find an example equipped with a manual gearbox, so it’s largely a case of choosing between the dual-clutch versions of the original M2 and the M2 Competition.

Since the respective engines in these 2 models lend them distinctly different characters, we’d suggest driving an example of each to determine exactly where your preference lies. Also, keep in mind that the M2 Competition – though perhaps a compelling middle ground between the other 2 derivatives available – will cost more than the regular M2, so your budget may well decide for you.

*Does the M2 Competition represent a compelling middle ground?*

Finally, here’s our requisite caveat about purchasing a 2nd-hand performance car: bear in mind that models such as the BMW M2 tend to be driven hard, which makes evidence of regular and fastidious maintenance all the more important. It’s a classic case of “buyer beware”.

What else might I consider instead of a BMW M2?

*The F87 M2 technically didn’t face **direct** sportscar rivals from Audi and Mercedes.*

During the M2’s tenure in South Africa’s new-vehicle market, potential buyers had a few alternatives from which to choose. The Porsche 718 Cayman – initially offered in 4-pot form before Zuffenhausen swiftly switched back to a horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine – was certainly a tempting option, though was considerably pricier than the M2.

There was also the 4-cylinder Mercedes-AMG A45 (in W176- and W177-gen form), as well as the 5-cylinder Audi RS3 Sportback (in 8V- and 8Y-series guise), but these were high-powered hot hatches rather than hardcore sportscars. The most potent versions of the since-discontinued Audi TT Mk3, too, couldn’t match the M2’s dynamic prowess.

The A90-gen Toyota GR Supra (developed alongside the G29 Z4 roadster) was another interesting competitor, as was the B58-powered BMW M240i. While this M Performance version of the F22-gen 2 Series represented a more comfortable everyday proposition than the M2, it lacked the dynamic sparkle and visual gravitas of a full-fat M car. In short, the M240i was more a quick coupe than a sportscar.

That latter description, however, certainly applied to the M2. There’s little doubt the F87 BMW M2 remains one of the very best M cars in recent memory. Though it’s too early to roll out the “modern classic” or “collector’s item” labels, these are designations this baby M will almost unquestionably receive in time.

Looking for a used BMW M2 to buy?

Find one on Cars.co.za!

Looking to sell your car? You can sell it to our dealer network here

New Haval H7 for South Africa: what to expect

The new Haval H7 is set to launch in South Africa in January 2025. Here’s a closer look at what we can expect, including likely powertrain options for the local market…

GWM South Africa plans to kick off the New Year with the launch of the new Haval H7, which is scheduled to hit the local market in January 2025 (having earlier been tipped for a 2024 arrival). So, what can we expect from this newcomer?

Well, though this SUV wears the “Big Dog” nameplate in its domestic market of China, it will be badged as the H7 here in Mzansi. This is despite GWM having earlier applied to protect the “Haval Dargo” moniker (another export name for this model) in South Africa, a trademark that was officially registered as recently as March 2024.

*The new H7 is known as the “Big Dog” in China.*

GWM first mentioned the H7 at its “Brand Renewal Conference” in February 2024. Then, during an interview conducted in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town in October 2024, Desmond Els, Sales Director at GWM SA, confirmed the “H7 is on its way and will be introduced in Q1 [2025]”.

Now the Chinese firm’s local division has commenced a social-media teaser campaign for its latest boxy SUV, while also adding a dedicated H7 page to its website (with the latter confirming a local market launch is planned for January 2025).

*The new H7 is scheduled to hit the local market in 2025’s opening month.*

Featuring a unibody configuration, the 2nd-generation Haval H7 (the first having never made it to local shores) measures 4 705 mm from nose to tail, with a wheelbase of 2 810 mm. That makes it some 52 mm longer than the closely related H6, a facelifted version of which is expected to arrive in South Africa in the 2nd quarter of 2025.

What sort of powertrains can we expect? Well, based on information released by GWM SA earlier in the year, we believe the H7 will offer a similar engine line-up to that of the H6. As such, we anticipate the H7 will be available with the automaker’s familiar turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine.

*Unlike the larger Tank 300 and Haval H9, the H7 is a unibody vehicle.*

In the current SA-spec H6, this 2.0-litre motor generates 150 kW and 320 Nm, though these peak outputs rise to 175 kW and 385 Nm in the Chinese-spec “Big Dog”. The latter furthermore upgrades from the former’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to a 9-speed item.

In addition, a hybrid option at some point seems exceedingly likely considering GWM SA currently offers a dual-powered version of each of its other nameplates (bar the Ora, which is fully electric). Again, the H7 HEV could simply inherit the H6 HEV’s powertrain, which combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol mill with hybrid gubbins, resulting in total system outputs of 179 kW and 530 Nm.

*Here’s a look at the Chinese-spec Big Dog’s interior.*

Another option, of course, is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, though this is a configuration not yet offered by GWM SA anywhere in its range – but one that is certainly in the company’s plans. In China, the Big Dog is available in a pair of PHEV configurations (each based on a 1.5-litre petrol unit), offering either 240 kW and 530 Nm (with a single electric motor on the front axle) or 278 kW and 750 Nm (with an electric motor fitted on each axle).

Expect the new H7 to be positioned above the H6, where it will likely serve as Haval’s flagship offering until the scheduled arrival of the larger H9 later in 2025. That said, the newcomer will surely be positioned below the body-on-frame Tank 300, which is incidentally in line to receive a turbodiesel engine in the opening quarter of 2025.

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