There’s always pressure when BMW releases a new M2. The F87-generation M2 and M2 Competition earned a cult following for being the last of the small, analog-feeling M cars. No hybrid assistance. No over-the-top styling. Just a turbo inline-six, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission. It was compact, raw, and playful. So when the G87 M2 launched, people had one question:
Does it live up to the legend?
Let’s break it down. Engineering meets emotion in this comparison of the F87 vs G87 M2 — and how the new car refines the recipe while staying true to its roots.
🔧 Powertrain: From S55 to S58
F87 M2 Competition:
-
Engine: 3.0L S55 Twin-Turbo Inline-Six
-
Output: 405 hp / 406 lb-ft
-
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT
G87 M2:
-
Engine: 3.0L S58 Twin-Turbo Inline-Six (same base as M3/M4)
-
Output: 453 hp / 406 lb-ft
-
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed ZF auto
On paper, it’s a step up. The G87’s S58 engine is more capable across the board. It pulls harder up top, breathes better thanks to larger turbos, and benefits from newer cooling strategies. The redline hits a crisp 7200 rpm. While the DCT is gone, the ZF 8-speed auto makes up for it with lightning-fast shifts and better daily drivability.
But perhaps more important is how the power feels. The G87 M2 delivers boost in a more refined, progressive manner, with stronger midrange and high-rpm punch. The S55 was grunty but could feel a bit harsh and peaky. The S58 just feels more resolved — especially with some aftermarket support.
🏍️ Chassis & Suspension: Bigger, But Better?
Yes, the G87 is larger — 4.1 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and around 200 lbs heavier. But that extra size brought with it an entirely new chassis and suspension setup.
F87:
-
Shorter wheelbase
-
M3/M4-derived front and rear axles
-
Passive suspension (base), Adaptive on CS
G87:
-
Uses the full G8x M3/M4 suspension architecture
-
Adaptive M Suspension standard
-
Wider front and rear tracks for better stability
The result? More grip, more confidence, and way more adjustability. The G87 flows better through high-speed corners and feels more planted mid-corner. Steering feel is more linear, and body control is tighter thanks to BMW's adaptive dampers. While the F87 felt wild and playful, the G87 dials up the precision without losing the tail-happy attitude when provoked.
⚡️ Electronics & Drivability
F87 purists loved the simplicity. No adjustable traction maps or drift analyzers. The G87, on the other hand, brings the tech arsenal:
-
M Drive Modes with 10-stage traction control
-
M Drift Analyzer
-
Customizable throttle, steering, and suspension maps
Some may call it overkill, but it adds layers to the experience. You can dial the car in for different scenarios: daily commute, twisty canyon blast, or track day. And while the interface has more menus, the configurability gives the driver total control.
🎨 Styling: The Love-Hate Transition
The F87’s design was tight, classic, and muscular. The G87? Bold, squared-off, and unapologetically modern.
Highlights:
-
Wider fender flares and a more aggressive stance
-
Vertical kidney grilles (less controversial here than on the G80 M3)
-
Squared-off rear bumper and taillight treatment
While the design split opinions initially, seeing the G87 in person changes minds. It’s low, wide, and looks purpose-built. The added aggression matches the car’s capability, especially in darker colours with carbon accents.
🚗 Top 5 Mods to Unleash the G87 M2
Stock, the G87 is a beast. But a few targeted upgrades can turn it into a genuine weapon.
1. Cold Air Intake Systems
The stock intake on the G87 M2 is competent but leaves room for improvement, especially when aiming to enhance airflow and engine acoustics. Upgrading to a high-performance cold air intake can significantly transform the driving experience.
One standout option is the Mishimoto Performance Air Intake Kit for the BMW G8X M2/M3/M4.
This kit is engineered to reduce air intake restriction by 13% on the driver-side and 22.8% on the passenger-side intake tracts, allowing the S58 engine to breathe more freely. The result is improved throttle response and a more aggressive induction note, especially noticeable as you climb through the revs.
2. Exhaust Systems
The factory exhaust on the G87 M2 is functional but leaves enthusiasts craving a more exhilarating auditory experience. Upgrading to a high-performance exhaust system can significantly enhance both the sound and performance of your M2.
A standout option is the AWE Tuning 23-24 BMW G87 M2 SwitchPath Edition Exhaust with Diamond Black Tips.
This system is meticulously engineered to provide a dynamic driving experience, allowing you to switch between refined and aggressive exhaust tones seamlessly.
Key Features:
-
Dual 3-inch T304L Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures durability and optimal exhaust flow.
-
Precision X-Pipe Design: Smooths out the S58 engine's exhaust pulses, eliminating rasp and enhancing the exhaust note.
-
Valved SwitchPath™ Muffler: Allows for on-the-fly adjustments between quiet and aggressive sound profiles, utilizing factory valve controls without the need for additional remotes.
-
Quad 4.5-inch Double-Walled, Slash-Cut Tips: Available in a sleek diamond black finish, adding a distinctive aesthetic to the rear of the vehicle.
-
Drone-Canceling 180 Technology®: Eliminates cabin drone, ensuring a comfortable driving experience at all speeds.
-
Direct Bolt-On Installation: Designed to fit seamlessly with the factory mid-section, making installation straightforward.
This exhaust system not only enhances the auditory presence of your M2 but also contributes to performance gains, with reported increases of up to 3 horsepower and 4 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. Whether you're navigating city streets or pushing the limits on the track, the AWE SwitchPath Exhaust delivers a versatile and exhilarating driving experience.
3. Custom ECU Tuning
The S58 is a powerhouse with tons of untapped potential. While we don’t offer plug-and-play modules, we strongly recommend working with a reputable tuner for a custom ECU calibration.
A custom tune allows your M2 to maximize gains from any hardware upgrades — whether it’s an intake, downpipe, or upgraded intercooler. Expect sharper throttle response, improved power delivery, and significant increases in both horsepower and torque, all while maintaining drivability.
For those chasing lap times or just wanting a more urgent, tailored feel to the drivetrain, a custom tune is a cornerstone mod that brings everything together.
4. Suspension Upgrades
The G87 M2's factory suspension is commendable, offering a balance between daily comfort and spirited driving. However, for enthusiasts aiming to extract the utmost performance and adaptability from their vehicle, an advanced suspension system becomes essential.
Enter the KW Variant 4 (V4) Coilover Kit for the BMW G87 M2.
This state-of-the-art suspension setup is designed for those who demand precision, adjustability, and performance, both on the street and the track.
Key Features:
-
Triple Adjustable Dampers: The V4 system offers independent adjustments for:
-
Rebound Damping: 16 precise clicks to fine-tune the balance between comfort and control.
-
Low-Speed Compression: 6 clicks to adjust body roll and pitch during gentle maneuvers.
-
High-Speed Compression: 14 clicks to manage impacts from bumps and rapid suspension movements.
-
-
Stainless Steel Construction: Ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, maintaining performance over time.
-
Height Adjustability: Allows for a tailored stance and optimized center of gravity, enhancing handling dynamics.
The KW V4 Coilover Kit is not just about lowering your M2; it's about refining its behavior to match your driving style. Whether you're navigating tight corners on a mountain pass or pushing the limits on a racetrack, this suspension system provides the feedback and control needed for confidence-inspiring performance.
Installation is straightforward, and the system is compatible with the G87 M2's existing electronic systems, ensuring seamless integration. With the KW V4 Coilover Kit, your M2 transforms into a more agile, responsive, and exhilarating machine.
5. Upgraded Charge Cooler
The S58 engine in the G87 M2 is a powerhouse, but like all turbocharged engines, it benefits significantly from efficient charge air cooling. High intake temperatures can lead to reduced performance and potential engine stress, especially during spirited driving or track sessions.
To address this, consider upgrading to the Mishimoto Performance Intercooler – BMW G87 M2.
This intercooler is engineered to provide superior cooling efficiency, ensuring consistent performance under demanding conditions.
Key Features:
-
Robust Bar-and-Plate Core: Designed to handle high boost pressures, ensuring durability and optimal heat dissipation.
-
Enhanced Cooling Efficiency: Significantly reduces intake air temperatures, promoting better combustion and increased power output.
-
Direct Fitment: Specifically designed for the G87 M2, ensuring a seamless installation without the need for extensive modifications.
-
High-Quality Construction: Crafted with precision to meet the demands of high-performance applications.
Upgrading to this performance intercooler not only enhances power delivery but also contributes to the longevity of your engine by maintaining optimal operating temperatures. It's an essential modification for those looking to push their G87 M2 to its full potential.
Final Verdict: F87 vs G87
If the F87 M2 was the raw, youthful troublemaker, the G87 is the grown-up assassin — more refined, more capable, and surprisingly just as engaging. It trades a bit of analog feel for outright performance and adjustability.
Purists may still hold a soft spot for the F87's simplicity, but the G87 is the future of the compact M car: faster, smarter, and still rear-wheel drive with a manual option.
And yes — with the right mods? It absolutely lives up to the name.
If you're ready to make your G87 truly your own, REVRUNNERS has the parts and know-how to guide your build from fast to unforgettable.
