[phillipwarner]

Hey, I'm currently daily driving a 2020 CLA 35 lease. It's a fun zippy little car that makes a bit of noise, but I want a car that I can build and work on for the weekends. I test drove the 2020 M340i, and I just didn't like it. The sound sounded super artificial (More than the mercedes), the steering felt heavy to the point of feeling artificial, and the car just felt heavy for me. Hope I don't catch any flack, those where just my first impressions. I want to get a second car to work on and upgrade, and the BMWs seem like a good option. For the price, are the M4 and M2 worth it over the 440 for someone who wants a car to primarily to work on? Also, I'm probably going to be buying around January, is there expected to be a extra large drop in prices with the new 4 series/M4 coming?

Also, is there a large difference between the M340i I drove and the older M4/M2/440i? Is the steering, fake sound, and driving different? I hope so.

[Slowphiveo]

Having now owned an M2 and an M4, if sound is a major factor for you, the OG M2 will be your best bet for sound. The M4 sounds OK, but the S55 engine, while an awesome performer, is just kinda ok in the sound department. The N55 in the OG M2 doesn't have the chops to support the mods the S55 does but it does sound glorious, especially with exhaust mods. Also the OG M2 can be found at very reasonable prices right now. If I was going to make a dedicated track toy...that would be my choice. I cant really offer a suggestion about the M340i as I havent driven one...but all newer BMWs have piped in sound with ASD.

[phillipwarner]

When you say OG M2? Do you just mean the non-competition like 2015 model? I'm planning on getting an AWE exhaust anyways. How about the 440? What's your opinion there?

[Slowphiveo]

Originally Posted by phillipwarner

When you say OG M2? Do you just mean the non-competition like 2015 model? I'm planning on getting an AWE exhaust anyways. How about the 440? What's your opinion there?

2016 to 2018...after that it got the s55 engine. I havent driven the 440 so can't really give you a comparison. All newer BMWs have ASD (piped in fake engine noise). The 2016 to 2018 M2 has the best sound of all the cars you were considering, but not as good a performer as the later M2 comp.

[6speed_M2]

Personally I've never been a fan on the current and last gen 3/4 series cars. I feel like they're just missing a lot especially in the looks/suspension department. Steering feel being one of many issues.

I know the M4 has different steering "options". Automotive reviewers have stated the steering feel is different in the base M4 vs the competition pack. My assumption is it's all in the tuning at that point, both cars have the same chops overall.

Having driven a 2015 M3 and my 2017 M2 the steering did feel different. Regardless, I would do M or anything in your situation & worry about those little details later.

As far as what's the better car between the M4 vs both versions of the M2, it's a tough call. Assuming it's the M4 vs the OG M2, the engine/interior are the big differences.

The M4 will make more power with less work and have a better interior (seats, leather quality, heads up display) and at this point I'm sure they're more affordable. I think the more "fun" project would be the M2 because it's smaller, lighter, and the N55 does sound great but from my experience you will need a turbo swap to get to the power levels I'd aim for (450-550hp).

A nice option would be an M4 with catless downpipes and a tune! It'd save you money and you could still go all out and customize it to your liking. The OG M2 would need some more love to get to that same place power wise, gearing it towards being more of a "build". I think spending $1000 on the M4 for 500hp is all the build most of us need, with that said I went with the M2 myself. The S55 sounds terrible imo

[phillipwarner]

I got what you mean. I can't do a catless because I'm in California, but I think you're right. How about the 440?

[Slowphiveo]

Originally Posted by phillipwarner

I got what you mean. I can't do a catless because I'm in California, but I think you're right. How about the 440?

I think your best bet is to drive the car. Sounds and road feel, etc are all subjective. What I think sounds great, you may think sounds like a bunch of rocks tumbling around a cement mixer.

[Slowphiveo]

FWIW...this is my old OG M2, with nothing more than a fabspeed sport cat DP and their muffler bypass. No tune.

[phillipwarner]

No dealer near me with it in stock...

[phillipwarner]

scary

[BigHunk]

M4 is your car, which you'll find out when you test drive it. M2 interior is much smaller and cheaper. Weight about same.
There are excellent deals on M4 CS.

[kingikra]

I have no idea how are the 340/440 compares to m3/m4 but my driving instructor told me that whatever guys tried to do in order to improve the handling of the 235/240, they couldn't reach the M2 handling.

[TemjinX2]

just get a M car...the M cars have more road presence. for the money used m4s give better value but i like the handling and looks of the m2 better