Tag Archives: BMW M2

News

BMW charges an extra 500 euros for the manual gearbox

Automakers are trying to squeeze more money out of their customers in various ways, like BMW which has started charging extra for the manual gearbox on the BMW M2.

“The vast majority of BMW cars are now offered exclusively with an automatic transmission, as few buyers are looking for a manual transmission. It would be easier if only automatic cars came off the assembly line. Instead we have a small number of customers looking for a manual transmission in the M2 series which creates additional complications and increases costs,” said CEO at BMW M GmbH Frank van Meel.

In the UK, buyers pay an extra £545 for the manual gearbox, while in Germany it’s €500. Frank van Meel justifies this by the fact that automatic transmissions are more practical, but that the manual gearbox will remain in the offer because it is more like a matter of tradition. “A manual gearbox is slower, results in higher fuel consumption and sometimes affects the top speed, so from an engineering point of view this type of gearbox no longer really makes sense,” said van Meel. He also admits that there are still a decent number of people looking for a manual gearbox, because that’s the only way they can experience the full potential of the car.

As automakers increasingly embrace automatic transmissions, it wouldn’t be a surprise if BMW’s manual transmission surcharge system became an industry-wide practice.

Source: BMW

Tuning

Project Silver based on the BMW M2

December 2022 was the moment when BMW presented the last edition of the M2 model with ICE. We didn’t have to wait that long to see the first upgrades based on this car. The last of them is the work of the German tuner company Alpha-N Performance, which presented its latest work ‘Project Silver’ based on the new generation BMW M2.

They found inspiration in the M3 CSL (E46) and M4 CSL models, and the car is equipped with a lot of carbon components such as a trunk lid with an integrated ducktail spoiler, a front bumper with larger air flow openings for better cooling of the engine and brakes, and Öhlins adjustable suspension. It is mounted on a set of 20 and 21-inch Proline wheels.

The BMW M2 is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine with 453 hp (333 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque. The same engine powers the current M4 model. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic technology. Owners will be able to choose a six-speed manual transmission as an option. It reaches 62 mph in 3.9 seconds with the automatic transmission or 4.1 if the manual transmission is used. BMW has electronically limited the top speed to 155 mph (250 km/h), but this can be increased to 177 mph (285 km/h) with the optional M Driver’s Package.

The second version is finished in dark green, inspired by the BMW M3 GT. It is equipped with a rear spoiler, a carbon hood, an adjustable front spoiler, and air vents on the fenders, like those on racing cars. It is mounted on 20 and 21-inch Edelweiss rims. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder engine with 460 hp (338 kW).

Gallery:

Project Silver based on the BMW M2

Source: Alpha-N Performance

News, Tuning

BMW M2 upgraded by Autoid

The BMW M2 was premiered at the end of last year, and is the last one with ICE. Although owners already have several tuning options, the UK-based company Autoid has prepared a new carbon body kit for the BMW M2 (G87).

The body kit brings subtle but effective improvements to the exterior, but it also contributes to aerodynamics by increasing downforce and reducing drag. The front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper extensions with integrated wings have a “bare” carbon finish that adds to the car’s sporty appearance. Another detail is the carbon addition that visually connects the fenders and sills. Out back is a fixed rear wing that can be adjusted for road or track use. All components are light and do not add to the weight of the car.

There were no changes under the hood. The BMW M2 is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine with 453 hp (333 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque. The same engine powers the current M4 model. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic technology. Owners will be able to choose a six-speed manual transmission as an option. It reaches 62 mph in 3.9 seconds with the automatic transmission or 4.1 if the manual transmission is used. BMW has electronically limited the top speed to 155 mph (250 km/h), but this can be increased to 177 mph (285 km/h) with the optional M Driver’s Package.

Inside, M Sport seats with illuminated M logo on the headrests will provide the driver with maximum comfort. Buyers will be able to choose the M Carbon package, which offers carbon seats that are 10.8 kilograms lighter than the standard M Sport seats. Entering the vehicle, the first thing the driver will notice is the curved display on the instrument panel, with two screens of 12.3 and 14.9 inches through which the driver can adjust various vehicle systems, such as the chassis, steering, braking and M traction control .

Gallery:

BMW M2 upgraded by Autoid

Source: Autoid