Looking to Get a BMW M2

I am looking to get a BMW M2.

Does anyone here have one and what were their experiences?

I'm not completely sold on their reliability and ongoing costs tbh. What kind of costs do you guys get with your BMW?

My other option was a Mustang for about 50 grand cheaper

Edit: I am fully self aware of my resemblance to an investment banker. I know it's a stupid decision. I just want one. Got no excuse. If our friend would like to chip in on my investment decision, I would love to hear his (probably biased) opinion

Comments

        • @brad1601: Drive safely bro.

        • @JetLi:

          I had a jumbuck a few years ago, if you can survive jumbuck ownership you can survive missing out on a few autonomous driver aids.

  • Get a manual v8 mustang spend $10k putting on headers, straight exhaust, cams, injectors, tune, lower, wheels etc.. Then just be an obnoxious anti-social prick from traffic light to traffic light and turns peoples heads whether they like it or not - WHY??? because you can !!!

    • I get you are being sarcastic but 10k wouldn't get you half the things on that list of yours lol.

      • +1

        5k+ in wheels and suspension. You are correct. Lol

    • Then just be an obnoxious anti-social prick from traffic light to traffic light

      For ExtraUltraObnoxiousness, maybe the OP should buy a SL/R 5000, might be investment potential there at the same time.

  • +9

    2008 Camry.

  • -2

    Ex-BMW 523i owner here - bought used with 90k km on the odometer (2008 model with a 2.5l engine - turbo). Had it through a novated lease so had a reasonable running fund available for maintenance.

    I had a good experience - services were about 500 AUD (2 services over a 3.5 year lease). One major issue was the lights module (EAM) failure - that was 1400 AUD from a reliable local mechanic. Occassionaly the air sensor acted up - mechanic cleaned and reset - no issues from then on.

    It was a joy to drive - although a big heavy car - once the turbo kicked in on highways - you could easily keep pace with most cars. Had better tech than my existing new car.

    If you're buying second-hand - invest in a mechanical inspection. They do a full run of the car and provide a comprehensive report. The inspection guy called me and gave an unbiased review of the car as well. Said it was good nick, probably a tad pricier than the market, but it was in good nick and said pristinely clean. Hence why I bought it.

    • +20

      So BMW never made a 2.5l turbo. Your 2008 523 was an underpowered 2.5L in-line 6, no forced induction. That turbo kicking in on the freeway? All in your head. I think that if you’re going to give car advice, and you really really don’t know your shit (even what’s under your own hood), then you should really reconsider posting.

      • -4

        Apologies.

        Car had a after-market one fitted.

        Rest is correct.

        Defer to the experts on the forum.

        Upvote for the attitude.

        • +16

          BS. No one fits a turbo to a 523i. Not even close to cost/performance benefit.

        • +4

          @Burnertoasty:

          He's a DisabledUser now. I think you just killed him. haha

        • +8

          @bobbified: Called him on his bullshit and he ejected. It does make you wonder why people lie like that. It must be pathological.

        • @Burnertoasty: he got plowed by an out of control mustang

      • +2

        I had a 6 cylinder RX3 rotary…. anyone? no?

      • Hahaha…

        We've got a 2011 325i which I believe has the same engine.

        When you smash it above 4000 RPM, you definitely feel its powerbound taking hold.

        I would say it the engine is much more pleasant than the stupid turbo spooling up in my 1.4tsi Golf!

        • What? The Golf 1.4 TSI has almost no turbo lag, the turbo kicks in from nearly idle. Whatever a powerbound is, I'm sure it's great, but with 160kw and 250nm, you aren't feeling anything taking hold. It would barely pull the skin off custard. And his had 140kw. Even worse.

        • +1

          "A turbo is God's way of saying there isn't enough cylinders"

  • +1

    My X3 runs like a dream, planning a road trip during Christmas holidays.

    • +10

      X3? That's a statement car. It says: 'I couldn't afford an X5'

      • +3

        And they both say "I have kids that play Saturday morning soccer, but I like to pretend that I still lead an interesting life"

      • It has the same engine as the X5 in a smaller body

        Some would argue it's a better car

        Those who only buy the badge would say otherwise

        • +1

          No one has ever argued that the X3 is a better car than the X5. Good to see you at least didn’t get the 2.0, $80k for plastic seats is nuts.

        • @Burnertoasty: that's fair

  • The M spec BMW's are super expensive to service. A friend of mine has an M3 and it costs him just under $3K per service. The depreciation is also higher than normal.

  • How about an Alfa Romeo 4C ? I've been racing it on GT Sport now I want one badly. Don't think the Mrs will like it as much as me though. But my Son will !!

  • all the reviews like motor trend and stuff say m2 is a real driver's car, probably better than standard mustang

    • Driver's car is a marketing term. If they are rating handling and road feel any BMW is a better drivers car than a Mustang

  • Excellent car…. Buy one if you can comfortably afford it…

  • Jealous. The m2 is very handsome. I sure wish I was in a position to be considering its relative merits.

  • -2

    Buy a manual v8 Audi R8 from UK for £42,000 (~$73,000 AUD) and import to Sydney (Taxes and compliance probably $20k AUD). Total cost approximately $93,000 AUD. You're getting a lot more car for your money.
    Plus they are likely to appreciate in value since Audi no longer offer MT.

    • You can get an R8 for only 93k? I need to look into this. Any particular agency etc to use?

      • +1

        Eh… not sure how you bring in a second hand R8 but very interested.

        Correct me if I'm wrong, but normally you can't import cars back into Australia unless it's on the SEVS Register or as personal import. Just checking out the SEVS register, the only Audi is the RS2. No mention of R8

        If you are referring to relaxation of the import rules, there's been too much political pressure; it's not going to happen anymore.

        • +1

          No, you can't, this guy is full of shit. If you could import cars from the UK, everyone would be doing it. You can pick up low milage Aston Martin DB9s for under $AUD50k there.

        • @Burnertoasty:
          Thanks for the confirmation. I thought I was missing out on a import restriction loophole.

      • Brother is currently living in the UK and looking to do something similar. Don't know agencies but something worth looking into. European cars are much much cheaper there.

        • +1

          Your brother has to own, drive, and insure the car in the UK for one year before he can bring it back here, and he has to move back here permanently too.

        • @Burnertoasty: he's an expat (born in AUS) and been living there for 2 years now. He intends to stay there for a few more years before he returns here permanently so maybe that's why he's looking to buy one now.

        • +1

          @gezza90: That is the only way to import a car from the UK (unless its a race car).

    • +3

      Plus they are likely to appreciate in value

      Quick someone tell that Westpac grad!

  • +3

    I'm looking at getting one for my next car.

    Go for it, it is the only BMW I have lusted for since the BMW E46 M3. The M2 is the true successor of the E46 M3.

    M4s now are just too big.

    • i agree. loved the e46 M3, hate the look of the e92 M3, love the M4 but its soo big & expensive. M2 is just gorgeous

      • I was lucky enough to drive both the M4 and M2 on Philip Island.

        While the M4 was slightly faster and more stable on the track, the M2 felt more fun to drive.

        The M4 felt heavy and big, it's more GT size than Sports Coupe.

        I'd take a current model M3 over the M4, I actually think the M3 (sedan) looks better than the M4 and they are identical mechanically.

        • true if you are getting a big M4 might as well get the sedan. its a bloody good looking sedan. better than then C63 imo

        • @havok44:

          C63 sounds amazing but from the back, apart from the badge and number of exhausts you can't tell that it's not a C200 with AMG Sports pack.

          There's no mistaking a 316i M Sport with an M3 due to it's fat guards and wider track.

  • I would pick the Audi RS3 without second thought. Nice looking car, better trim and layout (personal preference though), all wheel drive and RS3 has 4 doors for practicability.

  • Do it!

  • +4

    A second hand 1m is $55-70k with 20,000 kms.. I would do that instead. It will be a collectors car very soon!

    • Yep and manual as well. I think signature or "flagship" manual cars will either hold their value or eventually appreciate in value. Bought my 2004 EVO 8 MR 6sp for $28,888 (Chinese private seller) at 35xxxkm 5yrs ago and believe now it's $40k at 40xxxkm. Mint condition in white.

  • -6

    Looking for reliability? There's nothing as reliable as the new Mercedes Benz E400 Sedan. The most intelligent E-Class family of all time welcomes a powerful new member to the dynasty. The E400 Sedan model arrives this year, boasting a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine producing 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque — the same powertrain that currently drives its E400 Coupe, Cabriolet and 4MATIC Wagon cousins. Paired with the 9-G-TRONIC 9-Speed automatic transmission and DYNAMIC SELECT, it promises a bracingly smooth way to experience uncommon luxury. Naturally, the 2018 E400 Sedan continues the tradition of E-Class brilliance. Harmonizing advanced automotive intelligence with awe-inspiring interior design, its first-class furnished cabin puts our advanced vehicle systems right at your fingertips — even as its world-class innovations continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of automotive intelligence. "Car-to-X" Communication enables the E-Class to exchange information with similarly equipped vehicles — effectively allowing it to "see" around corners and through obstacles to detect potential hazards. Driver Assistance Systems — including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®, Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Change Assist — feature intelligent cruise control: They help keep you between the lines, and can even help you shift between them. Inside, the E-Class cabin provides an environment of pure comfort and responsive technology. Flowing lines and vibrant screens provide a striking visual display, while touch controls, aromatherapy and tailored seats indulge all of your senses at once. It's a vehicle that demands to be driven, and more than lives up to the dream. Look for the E400 4MATIC Sedan at your Mercedes-Benz dealership this winter, with an MSRP of $58,900

    • +2

      come on man! this is not car sales.

    • +3

      Did you copy paste that from somewhere?

      • Some reddit joke I believe

        • I bloody wish E400 4matc was $58,900. Over 130K here with on road.

          Bloody Australia Tax…

    • I like the idea of aromatherapy as a car feature

  • +6

    Buy any car just make sure you don't get insurance.

    • +4

      And then when you have an accident, be sure to come on OzB and ask about ways to get out of it…

      • +3

        That's the only way

  • +1

    M cars are great but extremely expensive to service. You're looking at at least $2000 per service if not more. So far Ive owned my 3 series for 2 years, no issues whatsoever and will probably keep it until I've got enough for a M3 or M2. My dad owned a BMW 520i for nearly 10 years before changing to a Mercedes E Class. Pretty brilliant car, no major issues, obviously servicing aint cheap vs non-luxury brands but its well worth it. If you can afford it, they're well worth the money. The M2 is going to appreciate in value in a few years time so if you can find a decent second hand one, go for it

    • Is that for servicing with BMW themselves?

  • Check if your company has a corporate program with BMW. I used the program + promo they were running at the time to get 5 years free service and roadside assist. That takes care of the 'exhorbitant M range servicing myth', which in reality is not high at all for just the service component. If you need a contact at BMW Sydney PM me. I bought my car through him when he was at another dealership. Shop around, negotiate hard, and don't take no for an answer. G'luck.

  • +2

    Just don’t…

    The car is nuff - please go for test drives among other manufactures that are in the same range and spec (i.e hyper hatch/Sportback/coupe). The m2 has lost its edge as an m spec car despite what folks say (imho). You are better off getting an Audi or Merc.

    I have an RS3 and they run the same price range - far better program on warranty and corporate deals are better; and the sound of a 5 pot just kills what the amg or the m produces (and the 0-100 if you like getting to the next set of lights quickly) - in saying that I went in as a private buyer and walked the car out the dealer with a significant discount and 5 year manufactures warranty opppsed to standard 3, and free services for 3 years. These cars (across all manufactures) don’t just walk - ask how long it’s been in the hold/garage (anything longer than 45 days and you have the upper hand in your deal). I find deals on premium cars easier to navigate (again imo from my years of moving through them).

    However; as an overall view - it’s generally the dealer that makes the experience in car services and warranties (not the manufacturer), so often you hear of bad services but remember it’s the dealer not the brand, and often it’s the dealers that are franchises.

    Also huge myth on service costs - most services are standard amongst most. It’s actually when things break out of warranty is where costs are… and you don’t have to go through dealers once your free services are up.

    • Just a note I believe Canterbury (NSW) BMW is the only factory owned servicing department in the country.

      • BMW Melbourne is 100% owned by BMW Australia (V3) in Mulgrave.

  • +6

    Tesla Model 3

    • Can't understand how anyone looking in this price range would not consider a Tesla.

      Model S starts around 100k. It's the most advanced, amazing piece of technology/engineering you can drive.

      • Way lower maintenance costs.
      • Better safety.
      • 0 to 100 in 2.7 seconds.
      • Exciting futuristic car from the guy who's taking electric to the world and humanity to Mars.
      • (If you can park it at home during the day and have a big solar system, you can even have super-low fuel costs).

      Or blow your money on some lame samey BMW hundreds of other numpties have for around the same price…

      • +8

        Mate your figures are all over the place.

        A Model S starts at about $130k on the road, before options, but you'll want autopilot and leather, so lets say $150k. That will give you a 75D, which does 0-100kmh in 4.4 seconds.

        If you want the full wammy, you need to spend $270k on a P100D, and it will run 0-100kmh in 2.5 seconds all day. I've spent a lot of time in a Tesla, they are much better value than their competition in Australia (in the US/UK they are priced equivalent to an S class, in Australia, they line up against the high end E classes), but one thing they aren't, is cheap.

        • I was basing it on carsguide.com.au, which says they start from $105k:

          https://www.carsguide.com.au/tesla/model-s/price/2017

          Is that not correct?

        • +1

          @ItsMeAgro: Maybe before tax and onroads. They also don’t make the S75 anymore, only the S75D. If you want actual pricing, go to the Tesla website, you can spec one and get the actual price including options, then order it online. One thing that Tesla doesn’t do, that all the other car makers do, is discount. You pay the same as everyone else. So as I said, the base price is about $130k depending where you live, up to ~$270k

    • I use to want a Tesla S or similar, but not very practical since I live in an apartment

      • +1

        If you're not in the penthouse, you're not exactly in the target demographic. Apartment living is hardly an issue with free supercharging though. A charge will last a week even on the cheapest model.

        • There are no superchargers in the (profanity) of australia ;)

        • +2

          @zhuang281: Well there are. All the way from Adelaide to Brisbane, and inland too. I've used them on many occasions. There are superchargers in Richmond in Melbourne, soon to be another location in Melbourne, then all the way up the Hume, and in Prymont in Sydney. There used to be some in StarCity, but they got removed because they were inconvenient.

          On this map the Red dots are superchargers and the black dots are destination chargers

          https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/findus?redirect=no#/bounds/-37.7…

          There are thousands of destination chargers.

        • -1

          @Burnertoasty:

          Lol what if say I was near alice springs

        • +1

          @zhuang281: Because that is a realistic consideration. But luckily for you, can you just charge with 3 phase at camping grounds, or worst case scenario charge from a regular 240Volt outlet at 11kmh.

          Plenty of people have done it

          https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/adelaide-to-alice.84…

  • +2

    ITT: people complaining about the cost of servicing being so high but don’t bat an eyelid when forking over $100,000+ for the car.

    It’s just the one thing I don’t understand… if you don’t like the servicing costs, then dont buy the car. But if you can afford a $100,000+ car, you have little right to bitch about servicing costs. What’s the next thread? Do I have to run it on 98RON fuel, it’s just so expensive to fill up. Will my M series run on E10? Why is insurance so expensive on my insert any high end prestige sports car and are there cheaper deals?

    Old saying… if you have to question the price, you can’t afford it.

    My advice, get something like a Kia Stinger. Goes well, gets good reviews, about 1/4 the price, much cheaper servicing costs, also you won’t look like a total pratt driving it and people won’t question your penile dimensions. Down side, no good to circlejerk off too with your corporate mates around the water cooler. Throwing your Kia keys in the wife swap party bucket amongst all the BMW, Merc and Porsche keys may not be well received. Oh, and it wouldn’t be a high yeild investment.

    • +5

      Middle class people who want to appear rich so they can look down on others while drowning in a never ending pool of debt.

      • +1

        Not everyone is trying to show off. Each person has their own interests and hobbies. I like cars

        • Nothing personal here, but one does not buy an M2 or a Mustang if they are not trying to garner attention in one way or another. That is the whole reason these cars exist. Saying something like “I bought it because I’m a driver” is like buying the biggest, most expensive house in the street just because you like “being inside”.

          I would say that there are other cars in the market that are a fraction the cost of these cars that offer a much more rewarding driving experience at the expense of being the “look at me and how much money I have” type of vehicles.

          Prestige brands exist solely for the section of population that want something that they can spend money on and use to show that they are doing well. More to them. I don’t mind. I can afford an M2 AND a Mustang but I drive a Toyota because I don’t feel the need to wear a badge that says how much I’m worth, but I understand that some do.

        • @pegaxs:

          Its more like I said in a different comment. Its a good looking car, thats why it gains attention. But i want it because it looks good to me. Would you live in the slums to save money? You'd get an at least acceptable house right? Because it meets the bare minimum standards you set your own tastes at.

          Im just saying it is a possibilty that people buy things because they like the look/use/smell of it whatever

        • +1

          oh, I agree. The M2 is an awesome looking car. That’s what makes it appealing. I like it. It is sexy. But it’s sexy for a reason. If it was a people mover van, people wouldn’t buy it for that price because it’s not appealing. BMW want you to buy it at a price they put on it. They want you to buy it because it gets attention, but they have to make it expensive to make it exclusive.

          Put it this way… if this car was $23,995 and there were thousands of them out in the wild, would it still be appealing? Would you still buy it? Most probably not. (I know you will say yes though to suit your agenda, and that’s ok.) The main reason it is appealing is because they are fairly rare “because of their price”. People look at these cars and think, “Wow! That looks expensive…” And that is the reason people buy them.

          And this isn’t the equivalent of slum vs waterfront housing. It was about display of wealth vs requirements. Do you need somewhere to live or do you need something to show up everyone else in the street for no other reason than “just because I can”.

          If you can afford it, go do it, but don’t use excuses. You don’t have to justify your purchase. Saying you’re buying the M2 because you “like cars” is a bit like me buying one of the biggest yachts in the marina because “I like boats”…

        • +2

          @pegaxs:

          I dont think most people would recognise a M2 is 100k. I know if i saw it on the street, id think oh another beemer that everyone and their mother has. Thats certainly what i thought till a few weeks ago

          Edit: I think a boat is a different story. A boat is inherently a luxury item to begin with.

        • +1

          A boat is inherently a luxury item to begin with.

          But a $100,000+ BMW sports car isn’t?

          Once you come down from your 3rd floor balcony in your waterfront villa and mingle it with the common folk, I think you will find that for most people, a car is a necessary evil and I would deem them to be luxury items for a lot of people.

          And I would put bank on it that most people would guess that your BMW M2 is a lot more expensive than their Hyundai i30. That’s BMW’s whole image. The whole, “look at me, I can afford a BMW” thing. Would you still want a similar car if it had Kia/Hyundai badges on it for the same price?

    • +4

      No, I have all the right to ask about service costs. A car does not cost what is on the invoice. A car costs what ever it takes out of your wallet. Maybe I can afford $100,000, but maybe I can't afford $100,000 + $10,000 a year. Or maybe I don't want to pay it.

      What does it matter? Why would anyone spend $110,000 when they can spend $100,000? Why would anyone spend $5 when they can spend $4? Noone here is rich enough to toss money around without due research and like it means nothing. Just because I spend $100,000, does not mean I will throw another couple grand after it like it's nothing. A fool is soon parted from their money.

      Thanks for your opinion.

    • I agree with some of what you say; but just to note:

      They (OP) may enjoy cars, and cars more specifically of this prestige and want one - recommending outside of this may not be an option/want As an example, I am of these - I don’t bat an eyelid. But appreciate the old saying - I wouldn’t buy something where I question the price/costs and incidentals that go with it, but that’s partially because I have bias with wasting my money on something I enjoy. No different to anyone doing anything else they enjoy (I am sure if an individual enjoyed a hobby enough they wouldn’t be making the purchase as an investment..).

      services costs are a myth though; Kia servicing is no less than a prestige/premium. Most services (except the guy above with an M3 for $3000 who is getting stooged, or his getting the mechanic in from Germany…), is fairly static amongst dealers. It’s the labour that kills it not the actual products. And commonly where it does blow out is if you have tuned parts and want additional spec’d oil or plugs. My car should I pay for my service is $350 an interval ($1500 major). Hardly anymore crazy compared to other manufactures, and it’s a RS.

  • +2

    I rather push a Hyundai i30 than drive a BMW M2 :)

    • +1

      because you can't drive manual? me2

      • I drive a Subaru,WRX,2015,Manual,love it :)

        • +1

          how much is insurance

        • @Oz8argain: About $900 with RACV :)

        • +1

          @Marcsie: I ran some online quotes, they are around $2000 for me :')

  • +1

    I got 5 years free service with my X5. Just gotta negotiate with the dealer.

    You buy a 100k car and you worry about a couple of grands to maintain it every year?

    • +2

      It's attitudes like this that stop you from getting a $150k car.

  • What's wrong with the Mustang?

    • Nothing. It is still my first choice, but It's still good to look around the market rather than tunnel vision one car.

      I reckon the mustang looks better than the M2

      • How about this for an option, I don't know how soon you want the car but if performance is what you are after wait 9 months and pick up a 2018 Mustang when they land here.

        They are being delivered to the dealer right now in America and the performance of the new 10 speed auto is incredible, 0-60mph in under 4 seconds. I'd consider that, you'll be saving a heap of coin over the BMW and you'll have a high tech V8 :)

        • That was actually my original plan but I've been waiting almost a year and didn't want to wait any longer

        • @zhuang281:

          Yeah I know the feeling, I was waiting too. Ended up getting a good deal on a 17 grabber blue GT so picked that up last week. I decided I'm not trying to set any 1/4 mile records so the 6sp auto will do me fine for the time being.

        • @zhuang281: Then in 2018, they'll tell ya, wait another year for the 2019 edition

    • It’s American car, not Japanese :)

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