Thanks for watching our review of the 2023 BMW M2 manual. If you're as excited about driving as we are, be sure to check out our merch store at brianmakse.myspreadshop.com for exclusive gear and accessories. From t-shirts and hats to mugs and phone cases, we've got everything you need to show off your love for driving. Don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe to our channel for more reviews and adventures. See you on the road!
My tushy is just fine, it’s my decrepit jacked up back that’s been through a few surgeries that’s had me out of the work force for 5 years that I focus on. I can’t imagine it’s any stiffer than my M2CS. I can certainly appreciate the performance from this new M2, it’s the Lego look that I’m not particularly fond of. It is growing on me a little though. I’ve heard and watched so many reviews on this car, generally it seems most are impressed with it. Thanks for sharing with us Brian.
Hi Brian, I’m cross shopping this against 2025 m440i. Do you think the M2 could perform well as a daily driver during a cold/snowy Canadian winter with a good set of winter tires? I’d prefer an M2 manual (same $ as m440i) but not if it couldn’t handle the winter. Current car is a 2012 Mazdaspeed3.
Brian - love the review. I would appreciate your thoughts on spacers and it’s impact on the suspension or other parts of the car. Love the stance it provides but not at the expense of a ruined driving experience.
Great question and glad you enjoyed the episode. Don’t mess with the oem set up unless you’re going with tested and proven aftermarket pieces. Spacers are purely aesthetic and will make no difference in performance on the road (anyone who says they improve handling won’t have data to back it up). You have to be especially careful with them because if they fail you’ll be headed for a wreck and only buy the highest quality if you choose to go that route.
Same here. Came this close to ordering the M2 but ordered the Supra 6MT instead and have had it for 5 months. Pros and cons to both but the shifter in the Supra is excellent and all the reviews on youtube are not hype. I chose the Supra because the markup on the M2 was gonna take my budget above $70k and the Supra 6MT was $60k or under if you look hard enough. The Supra aftermarket parts like exhaust,downpipe, tune, etc is more affordable in the Supra than upgrading the M2 and it's S58. Motor to motor, the S58>B58. The last thing I didn't like about the M2 was it's weight being almost like it bigger brother M4. The Supra 6MT stock has been dynod at 397-400HP and becuase of how light it is, it honestly flies. If you want comfort, luxury, and bigger motor, go with the M2. If you want to feel like you are in a cockpit or driving a racecar, get the Supra which is not meant for heavy guys or people well over 6 fee tall. Supra is not comfortable if you are a big guy or very tall person.
@@chrisginoc how is the ride quality in the Supra? Answer like you are responding to someone who has serious back issues. I would appreciate the feedback.
The M4 is nice but substantially more money. The supra may handle a little better because it’s lighter, but it’s dated with a dated engine. The s58 in the M2 is just an all around better motor. You also get a lot more luxury from the M2 than the supra. The Mach 1 isn’t really in the same class as the others. It’s a plastic muscle car with lousy handling. All that being said, I can see why people would pick the supra. It just depends on what you’re looking for and your budget.
@@bluegrypmach 1 lousy handling?? That car is almost ready made package for racetrack with luxuries as diff cooling found in racing cars and, twice as thick tires compared to supra (305 section front and 315 rear), aero dowforace numbers any bmw car can only dream about (not even talking about Toyota).
Thanks for stopping by, Sam! Depends which factors you prioritize, big daddy! I'm digging this one for now. I'd love to try the Mach 1, but have some quality street seat time with the Supra manual coming up soon. Even so, I think the rear seat and trunk space of the M2 would win me over.
@@skrypka Look at the reviews my man. The new M2 out handles the outgoing CS handily and that CS out handles the mach 1 without question. But perhaps my wording was harsh. It’s still plastic trash but its not a “lousy” handler. It just doesn’t compete with the M2.
Thanks. Missed your videos. This is similar to a C8 Z51 inba few ways - price wise (10k less), great damping, artifical/numb but direct steering and really a 2 seater. Which one would you enjoy on a mountain road more?
The V8 of the C8 is intoxicating and seductive...but I need a manual for a canyon carver. There's a GM corporate stooge somewhere responsible for that egregious oversight.
Thank you so much for the review. I have one on order, its almost definitely going to be a 2024 model. I was a little skeptical on the manual "feel" compared to say the Supra which I just drove and it was terrific. Hopefully, BMW borrowed some tips from the toyota engineers for this manual.
The good news is that this manual is much better than the M3/M4 manual and more like the Supra. (I've been told that some UA-cam reviewers have opined that it's below average, but they couldn't tell you the difference between understeer and oversteer, so take whatever they say with a grain of salt.)
Driver's package is great but it requires CF roof. The speed limiter is moot. I specd mine without the CF roof, CF Trim, Lighting Package, Shadowline Package, Wireless Device Charging, Live Cockpit Pro with HUD, Alcantara Armrest, and CF Trunk Lip. Done my mods on my own and it was great fun but I just want to drive and not mess with it.
BMW changed nothing for the shifter, it is exactly as it was in that M4, so I am very surprised that it suddenly feels so well-sorted. How does it compare to Camaro Tremek or the Type R shifter ?
@@BrianMakse Brian, definitely not knocking your review. I thought it was great but there were several reviews that called that shifter spongy and an afterthought. Off the top of my head i can’t recall which ones but i’ve seen it in more than one place. I wonder if some people just parrot what they see elsewhere and it’s just gotten a bad reputation that way. I haven’t gotten mine yet so I can’t make an informed decision myself. But I was pleased to hear you like the manual. Gives me hope that I made the right call in getting it on my build.
Great review. One thing, I have a M240 & there is absolutely no way any adult let alone two could fit in the back of my car unless I wanted to torture them..
I'm not sure about this year but all previous years, the manual feel had a lot to be desired....it's too "rubber bandy" and doesn't feel good shifting. I think I am just spoiled with sticks from porsche, honda and tremec...
That big Samsung TV in your face on the dash is not appealing to me at all and I never thought of the previous M2 design as beautiful but it really is by comparison to this Dodge truck looking front and super weird looking rear.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think you can get adaptive cruise in any manual car from any brand ( the sad thing that there is not a lot of them left). I’m really interested in this car but interest rates are so high now so car payments are skyrocketing
@@BrianMakse :D This is exactly what it feels like till brake flood boils on a race track without any warning and brake pedal dives to the bottom. I guess this is what bmw wanted to do since people wanted to have finally have "good brakes" in an m car, i.e. sharp and responsive brake pedal with false perception of confidence.
With this type of latest tech people tracking their newest m cars will have to upgrade to best possible brake fluid, cooling, endurance brake pads (if not full aftermarket bbk) and 🙏 that brakes will handle the heat.
If that’s a real problem, the quality aftermarket shops will have a solution. At my home track, I hardly use the brakes and it’s a stonking fast place.
@@BrianMakse Of course, there will be a solution. Just nowadays everything is becoming so synthetic. Anyway, we still have F8x M4 M2 which is great platform not so well appreciated by road drivers but phantastic base for motorsport builds.
![[UA] NAVI vs MOUZ | BO5 | IEM Rio 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CMBYk0cbGoA/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for watching our review of the 2023 BMW M2 manual. If you're as excited about driving as we are, be sure to check out our merch store at brianmakse.myspreadshop.com for exclusive gear and accessories. From t-shirts and hats to mugs and phone cases, we've got everything you need to show off your love for driving. Don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe to our channel for more reviews and adventures. See you on the road!
My tushy is just fine, it’s my decrepit jacked up back that’s been through a few surgeries that’s had me out of the work force for 5 years that I focus on. I can’t imagine it’s any stiffer than my M2CS. I can certainly appreciate the performance from this new M2, it’s the Lego look that I’m not particularly fond of. It is growing on me a little though. I’ve heard and watched so many reviews on this car, generally it seems most are impressed with it. Thanks for sharing with us Brian.
Carbon roof is essential bruv.. looks so cool
Excellent review! Bought one, and just can’t get enough of how amazing this car drives, how comfortable it rides, and how practical it is!
Couldn't agree more!
I've ordered one. Can't wait for her to arrive. Cheers mate.🥶
Me too! The wait is killing me.
Congrats! It's worth the wait!
I LOVE that the steering column is so adjustable; at 6'6", that amount of telescope is welcomed and necessary.
Thanks for putting this together!
Happy to oblige. You’d fit perfectly in this M2!
Hi Brian, I’m cross shopping this against 2025 m440i. Do you think the M2 could perform well as a daily driver during a cold/snowy Canadian winter with a good set of winter tires? I’d prefer an M2 manual (same $ as m440i) but not if it couldn’t handle the winter. Current car is a 2012 Mazdaspeed3.
Brian - love the review. I would appreciate your thoughts on spacers and it’s impact on the suspension or other parts of the car. Love the stance it provides but not at the expense of a ruined driving experience.
Great question and glad you enjoyed the episode. Don’t mess with the oem set up unless you’re going with tested and proven aftermarket pieces. Spacers are purely aesthetic and will make no difference in performance on the road (anyone who says they improve handling won’t have data to back it up). You have to be especially careful with them because if they fail you’ll be headed for a wreck and only buy the highest quality if you choose to go that route.
Came super close to ordering a G87 M2, but chose the GR Supra MT instead.
No hate but why? What drove you one way vs the other?
Excellent choice. Played with one on the track a few months ago. Wicked fun and more presence than any BMW. The shifter may be better in the Supra.
Same here. Came this close to ordering the M2 but ordered the Supra 6MT instead and have had it for 5 months. Pros and cons to both but the shifter in the Supra is excellent and all the reviews on youtube are not hype. I chose the Supra because the markup on the M2 was gonna take my budget above $70k and the Supra 6MT was $60k or under if you look hard enough. The Supra aftermarket parts like exhaust,downpipe, tune, etc is more affordable in the Supra than upgrading the M2 and it's S58. Motor to motor, the S58>B58. The last thing I didn't like about the M2 was it's weight being almost like it bigger brother M4. The Supra 6MT stock has been dynod at 397-400HP and becuase of how light it is, it honestly flies. If you want comfort, luxury, and bigger motor, go with the M2. If you want to feel like you are in a cockpit or driving a racecar, get the Supra which is not meant for heavy guys or people well over 6 fee tall. Supra is not comfortable if you are a big guy or very tall person.
@@chrisginoc how is the ride quality in the Supra? Answer like you are responding to someone who has serious back issues. I would appreciate the feedback.
@@mikeh.748 Stay away from the Supra 6MT if you have back issues. M2 is a most comfortable ride. Your back will thank you.
Love the video. After driving this, the M4 manual or Mach 1 are a better deal. Or even the 6MT Supra. Heavy and expensive. Happy Father’s Day. 🎉
The M4 is nice but substantially more money. The supra may handle a little better because it’s lighter, but it’s dated with a dated engine. The s58 in the M2 is just an all around better motor. You also get a lot more luxury from the M2 than the supra. The Mach 1 isn’t really in the same class as the others. It’s a plastic muscle car with lousy handling. All that being said, I can see why people would pick the supra. It just depends on what you’re looking for and your budget.
@@bluegrypmach 1 lousy handling?? That car is almost ready made package for racetrack with luxuries as diff cooling found in racing cars and, twice as thick tires compared to supra (305 section front and 315 rear), aero dowforace numbers any bmw car can only dream about (not even talking about Toyota).
@@bluegryp mach 1 lousy? Now I know you know very little about cars.
Thanks for stopping by, Sam!
Depends which factors you prioritize, big daddy! I'm digging this one for now. I'd love to try the Mach 1, but have some quality street seat time with the Supra manual coming up soon. Even so, I think the rear seat and trunk space of the M2 would win me over.
@@skrypka Look at the reviews my man. The new M2 out handles the outgoing CS handily and that CS out handles the mach 1 without question. But perhaps my wording was harsh. It’s still plastic trash but its not a “lousy” handler. It just doesn’t compete with the M2.
Great as always 🎉 I hope the runors are true that Toyota may be able to get this version of the S58 for a GRMN Supra.
Thanks. Missed your videos. This is similar to a C8 Z51 inba few ways - price wise (10k less), great damping, artifical/numb but direct steering and really a 2 seater. Which one would you enjoy on a mountain road more?
The V8 of the C8 is intoxicating and seductive...but I need a manual for a canyon carver. There's a GM corporate stooge somewhere responsible for that egregious oversight.
Thank you so much for the review. I have one on order, its almost definitely going to be a 2024 model. I was a little skeptical on the manual "feel" compared to say the Supra which I just drove and it was terrific. Hopefully, BMW borrowed some tips from the toyota engineers for this manual.
The good news is that this manual is much better than the M3/M4 manual and more like the Supra.
(I've been told that some UA-cam reviewers have opined that it's below average, but they couldn't tell you the difference between understeer and oversteer, so take whatever they say with a grain of salt.)
@@BrianMakse Thank you Brian. This is very welcoming news.
Nice review. Have to agree it is a great driving car with lots of performance for the money. Auto for me however, but nice to have choices. Thanks.
Driver's package is great but it requires CF roof. The speed limiter is moot. I specd mine without the CF roof, CF Trim, Lighting Package, Shadowline Package, Wireless Device Charging, Live Cockpit Pro with HUD, Alcantara Armrest, and CF Trunk Lip. Done my mods on my own and it was great fun but I just want to drive and not mess with it.
It’s quite the car out of the box. No genuine need to fettle with it. Enjoy!
Can not wait to pick up on saturday 9th sad to see my rs focus go had from 2017
Congrats! Great choice!
BMW changed nothing for the shifter, it is exactly as it was in that M4, so I am very surprised that it suddenly feels so well-sorted.
How does it compare to Camaro Tremek or the Type R shifter ?
It isn’t the same as the early production M4 I drove. The Tremec is one of the best rwd shifters and the Type R is one of the best in fwd.
Of course they did. Us owners know they did.
I was thinking the same thing. The consensus from other reviewers seems to be that the shifter is not great in this car.
@@bluegryp Do tell! Which ones?
@@BrianMakse Brian, definitely not knocking your review. I thought it was great but there were several reviews that called that shifter spongy and an afterthought. Off the top of my head i can’t recall which ones but i’ve seen it in more than one place. I wonder if some people just parrot what they see elsewhere and it’s just gotten a bad reputation that way. I haven’t gotten mine yet so I can’t make an informed decision myself. But I was pleased to hear you like the manual. Gives me hope that I made the right call in getting it on my build.
Great review. One thing, I have a M240 & there is absolutely no way any adult let alone two could fit in the back of my car unless I wanted to torture them..
I can sit there comfortably behind my seating position.
Great informative review!
Thanks for watching!
Solid review, except you wouldn't add active cruise control because you can't get it with a manual.
I would. BMW refuses to.
I'm not sure about this year but all previous years, the manual feel had a lot to be desired....it's too "rubber bandy" and doesn't feel good shifting. I think I am just spoiled with sticks from porsche, honda and tremec...
This is an all new car.
good sportscar for a fair price in the USA, maybe a little bit to heavy. Unfortunately cost the car in Germany $ 100k.
That big Samsung TV in your face on the dash is not appealing to me at all and I never thought of the previous M2 design as beautiful but it really is by comparison to this Dodge truck looking front and super weird looking rear.
You earned a new sub, sir. Loving my copy of the M2.
Welcome aboard!
Also, I sure wish I could register on your forum, but the registration page appears to be broken.
Can't have adaptive cruise with the manual.
If that’s true, that’s product planning failure, not a technological one.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think you can get adaptive cruise in any manual car from any brand ( the sad thing that there is not a lot of them left). I’m really interested in this car but interest rates are so high now so car payments are skyrocketing
That used to be true, several manuals can be had with adaptive cruise.
@@BrianMakse I am not aware of any and I think the reason is because the car can’t shift on its own. Certainly manuals has traditional cruise.
@@kpiskin I have driven them.
Hideous, I'm sorry. Seeing it in real life didn't help much, either. Gimme the 2016-18 OG M2 any day.
Brake by wire is major major disappointment in this car. Otherwise, was really promising, but unrealized opportunity by bmw.
Braking is fantastic.
@@BrianMakse :D This is exactly what it feels like till brake flood boils on a race track without any warning and brake pedal dives to the bottom. I guess this is what bmw wanted to do since people wanted to have finally have "good brakes" in an m car, i.e. sharp and responsive brake pedal with false perception of confidence.
With this type of latest tech people tracking their newest m cars will have to upgrade to best possible brake fluid, cooling, endurance brake pads (if not full aftermarket bbk) and 🙏 that brakes will handle the heat.
If that’s a real problem, the quality aftermarket shops will have a solution. At my home track, I hardly use the brakes and it’s a stonking fast place.
@@BrianMakse Of course, there will be a solution. Just nowadays everything is becoming so synthetic. Anyway, we still have F8x M4 M2 which is great platform not so well appreciated by road drivers but phantastic base for motorsport builds.