[buckybadger]

Can the M2 be driven daily like a regular BMW 3 or 5 series. I mean to drive to work, to run errands, get groceries, to make short day trips (and of course to also have fun on the track).

Curious to know how much will it cost to maintain this car? How soon do we need to change the tires, brakes, fluids etc.? It's an M car so would expect to pay more in terms of maintenance.

[doug_999]

I'll let you know shortly I'm switching to it as my DD here in Chicago (with snow tires of course)

There is no charge for maintenance for the first three years - other than wipers and brakes. But that can be added $600 for the first three years, and you can even purchase a 4th year of maintenance if you like (it is on the website under build your own).

The tires, unfortunately will probably wear more than the stock 3 series tires and don't forget, you don't have a spare or run-flats. So get one of these.

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=38

Other than that, drive away!

[Shindo]

The M2 is my first M car. I used to own a 3 series E46 with a sport suspension. The M is far more driver focused and in your face. The M2 is far louder, the suspension is very firm. Its also a very wide car, which makes parking a bit more of a challenge. As a daily it works, but it isn't a non interactive experience. When I am in it I am always tempted to rev the little thing and drive it like I stole it. Its not a relaxing, docile, 5 series experience. Totally depends on what you are looking for in a car. At times I absolutely love it. In traffic there are times I wish I was driving a boring SUV. I have the 6 speed manual.

[Encinitas CA M2+M5 Owner]

The car can act as both...a beast and still you can put seats down and take it to costco..if you drive freeway, especially if you don't travel on peak hours you should take, get your cake and eat it too, these cars are made to drive, anywhere and anytime.

[msi200]

It depends.
On one hand, it has a boot, 4 seats, cupholders and more than enough equipment.
On the other hand, as mentioned above, it is noisy and the ride is on the firm side.
I'd say its OK for a DD if you drive less than 10k miles/year and don't actually need the rear seats.

[gtr]

Yes, if you don't need 4 doors. The car has an upright position like the Lancer Evolution, golf r, S4, Subaru STI and etc which I like as a daily driver. The 2017 stereo is great along with the awesome I-Drive 5.0. The front lip is actually higher than my old F80 which is more useable due to less scraping. I daily drive mine to work and back and use my Macan GTS for winter and car seats.

The M2 has a useable trunk and a great balance between daily drive and high performance sports car. Like the M3 was back in the day not too big is the M2. The current M4 I feel should be badged as a M6 CSL. Great car but I like the M2 better.

Tires will be an expense but the oversized brakes probably last twice as long as your standard 3 series.

[ParlorBoss]

I've been using it as a DD for 5 and a half months. I'm single with no kids and have a short highway commute to work, so it's been perfect for me. I usually keep it in Comfort for the commute and use Sport+ for fun on the weekends. I agree that parking can be an issue because of the width, but I'll gladly spent more time finding a spot or have a longer walk to keep it out of harm's way. The car is just too damn fun not to drive it as much as possible.

[jaykoolzboy]

It can be use as a DD if m2 is your only car.


My 2 cents after using it as DD for last 60 days (about 3500 miles in fist 2 month)

1. It's noisy, I mean very noisy, it's actually a very nice experience most of the time, but there are times I just want to be in a 5 Series or Lexus.

2. The ride is stiff and firm, my lower back and arm start to receiving some minor and mild pain lately, nothing serious but not necessarily pleasant either.

3. The seat isn't suitable for long distance comfort trips, the leather is really hard, it's designed for tracks and engaging driving.


4. It can carry 4 adults quiet easily, as long as they aren't over 6 ft tall, the back seats are surprisingly spacious.


Overall, if you only need to drive 20 - 30 miles per day, m2 can totally be used as a DD or your only car. However, if you do consistent long trips in random places, this might not be your best choice.

I am heading back to my range rover and 5 series lately and use m2 as weekend fun car and occasion daily commuter when I am in the mood.

[buckybadger]

Thanks everyone!

I might keep my 2013 Honda Accord for my DD then. I was thinking of trading-in that car or selling it privately.

I commute ~40 miles every day (Monday - Friday, round trip). I completely understand the urge to rev the engine and drive, especially when stuck in traffic. I also own a 335i and I experience somewhat the same urge. This can sometimes lead to a jerky ride in heavy traffic because as soon as you have some space to accelerate the car you end up braking soon after. So even in my 335i, the stop-n-go traffic can be annoying quite a bit and I wished I just had my Accord at that time.

[SoCalRob]

Originally Posted by doug_999

The tires, unfortunately will probably wear more than the stock 3 series tires and don't forget, you don't have a spare or run-flats. So get one of these.

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=38

Is there any reason to buy this tire repair solution rather than relying on the one BMW furnishes with the car?

Does it offer advantages?

Is the BMW-supplied solution deficient in some way?

Thanks. -scr

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by SoCalRob

Is there any reason to buy this tire repair solution rather than relying on the one BMW furnishes with the car?

Does it offer advantages?

Is the BMW-supplied solution deficient in some way?

Thanks. -scr

Well, that is a good question and I'm embarrassed to say, I forgot they did provide such a solution (my last car without run-flats/spare was a M5 and had the kit from BMW). My 650xi now has regular tires on it (the 20" RFTs were unbearable, so I bought the above).

So never mind

[SoCalRob]

Originally Posted by doug_999

Well, that is a good question and I'm embarrassed to say, I forgot they did provide such a solution (my last car without run-flats/spare was a M5 and had the kit from BMW). My 650xi now has regular tires on it (the 20" RFTs were unbearable, so I bought the above).

So never mind

No problem! I just wondered if there was a well-known reason for upgrading the kit. Thanks! -scr

[nishmaster2k]

Chicagoland M2 owner here.

The M2 is fun to drive, but I am finding that it is a bit tight and noisy. I don't have to DD it, but hopping from our 2016 A3 to the M2 can be a bit jarring. The A3 is way more comfortable in general.

There is a good amount of wind noise at speed, and non-highway city commuting is not exactly the best, as the suspension can toss you around a bit. I'd give it a 5/10 for DD'ing, with some people that are going to be totally OK with those drawbacks, and others looking for their quiet lux cabins. You will definitely know you're driving a sports car.

I DD'd my '98 E36 M3 for years, and I'd say it's about the same. Firm and noisy. I'm on the side that's totally OK with those drawbacks, though. Out of any car that I've driven over the past 10 years, it truly feels like a modern version of the E36. I just wish it had four doors!

[pit1]

All personal preference on what your level of acceptable comfort vs driving engagement for a DD. I strongly prioritize the later and willing to make some sacrifices in comfort for excitement and handling. I think the M2 provides plenty of creature comforts in a stable, pleasant cabin. My colleague daily drives a 4C, compared to that the M2 is a Cadillac.

I've had a number of previous 3ers and some Audis and X vehicles. This is my first M and my ideal daily driver. Ask me again on a winter day but for now it's the perfect balance.

As reference, my commute is about 40 miles each way, mostly highway but I take the B roads when possible. I've just under 10k on the odometer now, took delivery in May.

We frequently use the M2 on the weekends for errands, family visits or weekend trips. The kids love it (3&6). She's seen a few grocery and Home Depot runs as well.

[Smiley1175]

You'll get the full spectrum of opinions here.
I daily mine and find I jump in it because I want to.
If you're expecting Lexus quiet and comfort then no you won't enjoy it.
I've always had performance cars and the M2 is one of the easiest to live with. It does everything really well.

I'd suggest separate set of wheels/tyres for track duty, I've already worn the edges of the front after 2 track days. Car is 2 months old. I'll be replacing them with the new Michelin 4S soon as they're out, and track wheels on order.

Really depends on what you're used to, I find driving a 5 series or SUV so bland and boring and hate it. A couple of hours in the M2 is easy to travel in, anything longer and I'd take a flight.

[gtr]

Originally Posted by Smiley1175

Really depends on what you're used to, I find driving a 5 series or SUV so bland and boring and hate it. A couple of hours in the M2 is easy to travel in, anything longer and I'd take a flight.

I have a Macan GTS and either that or the Macan Turbo with performance pack is the way to go. Air shocks doesn't roll or dive and super quiet, good ride and comfortable cabin. More so than the Q5.

I was luck enough to track a GTS during a Porsche event and yes you can have fun in a SUV.

[jaykoolzboy]

Originally Posted by gtr

I have a Macan GTS and either that or the Macan Turbo with performance pack is the way to go. Air shocks doesn't roll or dive and super quiet, good ride and comfortable cabin. More so than the Q5.

I was luck enough to track a GTS during a Porsche event and yes you can have fun in a SUV.

I think Porsche just created another type of car.

RUV

Racing Utility Vehicle

or

RCUV



BTW Macan is amazing for a CUV. Now where is X1M or X2M.

[pruettfan]

I suspect the most important questions regarding the M2 as a daily driver are what does your daily drive look like and what are your expectations. It has a very firm ride so if you live somewhere with crappy roads and you want a smooth ride your not going to like it. Its an M car so its loud, if you want a car that is quiet you won't be happy. Its not the kind of car you want to drive in stop and go traffic but then again I have yet to find any car I like to drive in those conditions. I guess the point is selecting the right tool for the job. If your used to a lexus as a daily the transition to the M2 might be a bit of a shock.

I drove the M2 at the 2 day M School so my experience was limited. One of the instructors had one for 9,000 miles over the course of 3-4 months and he said he loved it but it sucked to drive a manual M2 in LA traffic. My experience with it over the 2 days leads me to believe it will fine for my needs but I will know for sure in about a week when mine arrives and becomes my daily.

Mismatched expectations are where people get disappointed, if you love a smooth, quiet ride and 4 doors or SUV space then you selected the wrong car.

[Franzino]

Originally Posted by Encinitas CA M2+M5 Owner

The car can act as both...a beast and still you can put seats down and take it to costco..if you drive freeway, especially if you don't travel on peak hours you should take, get your cake and eat it too, these cars are made to drive, anywhere and anytime.

Correct! Every "normal" BMW M-model is developed to be a daily driver.... That is the main reason why I bought my M2...to replace my e46 325i and use it everyday...winter and summer.

[Pol]

Here also, a daily driver's M2. Although most of my rides are short ones and mostly in urban situations.Therefore I chose the DCT.
And when I want it less loud, I take the Audi S5 of my wife. A good alternative, fast, more comfort en less loud.
But most of all I love the M2 because "I ///M FAN".

[SeanWRT]

If you don't have kids, any car is suitable as a daily driver.

[DivideBYZero]

Originally Posted by SeanWRT

If you don't have kids, any car is suitable as a daily driver.

No.

Driving to a meeting, in an Ariel Atom, in the rain.