2005 BMW 2 Series + M2 Coupe

Read my newest post about the 2006 4-series coupe. With pictures!

I was home over the weekend and picked up a copy of the latest Automobile Magazine, and what did I find on the cover?? A brand new bimmer due to come out in a few years — the new 2 series coupe.

Normally I wouldn't be so excited, but BMW executives seem to be finally "getting" a concept that I have had a problem with for a really long time, namely, what people in my market segment want to buy. My 2001 Civic is getting older, and in probably two to three more years, I'll need a replacement vehicle. I want something small and sporty (at least 180 horsepower), a nice manual transmission, and either two- or four-doors. Unfortunately, I haven't had a lot of luck finding that car in my price range — between $23k and $27k.

I test drove a new Mazda 3 and wasn't that impressed, even after driving the larger engine model. I think I'm spoiled after Heather arranged for my test drive of a 330i Sedan and a Z4 3.0i while down at her house in VA, so not many cars will be "as good" anymore — until I read the specs on this beauty.

The new 2 series is the coupe version of the 1 series coming out soon in Europe and Japan. BMW is apparently switching their naming conventions around, and have even numbered series models being the coupe versions (2 series, the new 4 series coming out soon, and the 6 series), while the odd number models have 4 doors. Finally some rhyme to their reason ;)

So anyway, Automobile Magazine reports that BMW is targeting the "upper portion of the lower midrange market segment" (or something to that effect) of vehicles. I'm not sure what it means, but the 2 series is reported to start around $23k for the baseline 4 cylinder, move up to $26k for an inline 6 (or turbocharged 4), and then top out around $32k for the new M2. The M2 model is rumored to have a 300 horsepower inline-6 cylinder engine, which fits in nicely with the new 400 hp engine for the new M5 and the 500 hp engine for the M6 — all coming out late next year.

I'm really looking forward to driving one when they come out, and who knows, maybe one of the new 2005 2 series cars will be the next one I buy.

Comments

[Heather]

Mwahaha, my evil plan is working... I told you that once you drove a bimmer you'd never look back. ;)

[Honus]

My only gripe: A supercharged 4? Why? Leave that garbage for neons. They should just jump up to a higher displacement v-6, or maybe an I-6. My old I-6 had torque out the wazoo. That could have moved my old house. And if BMW wants ride quality and fun in driving, a higher torqued v6 or I6 is going to be more fun than a souped up 4 banger.

[Honus]

PS: I dig the headlights though.

[Mike]

Yeah, I thought that was strange until they said the super-4 would be good for 200 horsepower! I'm not sure where they're pulling those figures from, but for the US market, I think BMW would do well to keep the I-6 in all of their 2 series engine lineups — unless it boosts the price, then I guess a super 4 would be okay.

[Brian Z Jones]

The article said a turbocharged 4-cyl., not a super-charged 4-cyl. And there is a difference - the expression of which is torque. Turbocharged engines have crazy torque. Think VW/Audi 1.8T, Chrysler 2.4L (as in the referenced SRT-4 Neon), and the EVO8 & WRX/STi engines - those are very torquey. Not to mention the 850lb.-ft. of torque from the Chrysler ME-Four-Twelve concept (four turbochargers). And the tuning available with turbocharged vehicles is amazing.

FYI, from the article (likely engine choices):

220i: 2.0L 150hp I4 and turbo 2.0L 200hp I4
230i: 3.0L 225hp I6 or 225i: turbo 2.5L 250hp I6
M2: 3.0L 300hp I6

The price-point is key for me. I'd opt for the 2.0L turboed 4-cyl., given a fair margin under the more expensive 3.0L I6 version - to save money for simple tuning which will no doubt out-do the normal I6 (being only a 25hp difference, which is nothing in a turbo car - even the 300hp of the M2 is well within grasp, probably with more torque). The turbo 2.5L I6 sounds like the engine I'd choose, given the chance. Also, to the above: I can't think of any current BMW V6s, as their 6-cyl. are inline - notable for their balanced smoothness over a V6 (it is a Bimmer, after all).

-bZj

[Heather]

Brian's right, every BMW engine is an inline-6. It produces more torque, technical horsepower numbers are far below actual output, and they make the most enveloping, gorgeous engine growl in the market. For my money, it competes even with Maserati's engines, but at a fraction of the price. I didn't think the Maserati was any better than any modern BMW. In fact, it seemed rougher and it was so loud I couldn't hear the people in the backseat. Maybe that's a good thing for some people, but I don't like to be deaf while I'm driving.

[Mike]

Thanks Brian! I read the article a few days before I posted, so I knew I was bound to get a few facts and figures mixed up.

I'll be going for the turbocharged I4 as well if I had to make my choice, for the exact same reasons as you stated.

[G]

Mike - ran across your blog while surfing for pictures of the M2 to show a colleague. It definitely looks like a superb addition to the BMW fleet and hasn't been mangled by their current styling boss Chris Bangle. The lines are a clear evolution of the breed, reminding me of my '76 2002 (albeit with decidedly better wheels and fuel injection!)

Heather - definitely agree with your take on BMW's I-6s - inifinitely smoother than the V-6 junk in the marketplace. My parents had a 3.5 litre turbocharged 745i back in the 80s (German model never officially imported here) that packed 252BHP and 310lbs/ft of torque with an exhaust note that I am convinced (though it may be nostalgia fogging my memory) sounded nicer than the somewhat muffled 4.4 litre V-8 in my 540i. I'm not, however, sure that I would complain if someone offered me a new Maserati in its stead... I agree, though, that it's hard to switch once bitten by the Bayerische bug. I've been contemplating a new X-type or C-class, but nothing feels quite like a Bimmer.

Honus - don't discount BMW 4 cylinders. The old M3 put out over 80BHP per litre, in a 2.3 litre engine. Admittedly they're rev happy and are most fun above 4000 RPM, but wonderfully flexible engines that work really well.

Great blog, incidentally - I enjoyed visiting.
Cheers

[Edge]

It is vital for the continutation of BMW that it pushes downwards into the entry-level luxury compact segment. Without a doubt, they make excellent sedans and coupes in the higher price ranges, but few can afford such prestige. The growing number of somewhat affluent teens and young adults demands the introduction of smaller and cheaper, yet still high quality and relativeley 'comfortable' automobiles. The introduction of the twenty thousand or so dollar 1-series sedans and the twenty-five thousand or so 2-series sportscars are perfect in overcoming other semi-luxury subcompact market leades, such as the Audi A4 and soon to be introduced A3, the Mercedes Kompressor sedans and the possible A-class, as well as the reliable Lexus IS300 and ES330. The future of luxurious transportation- for all of the automotive community- may rely on the success of such relatively affordable cars.

[liem]

too sweet to b true

[Andy]

I too, had a raised-eyebrow reaction to the article in Automobile. Nice, probably the cleanest Bangle-ized design to date (6 is pretty decent too). In the latest Car and Driver, the euro spec 1 is featured, with clear shots of the interior and dash. Nothing too extreme, but definately modern, following the same theme BMW has been applying to its interiors lately. The picture in C&D shows iDrive on the console, so I guess that answers the question of whether BMW will be incorporating that newfangled thing in all its cars or not. I'm hoping for the inline-six, which would make this car downright quick for its size. The M2 would just be plain sick. I officially dont like the hatchbacks much, tho; the lumpy roofline doesnt even come close to emanating a feeling of performance, and the windshield isnt raked back far enough. I guess thats fine for europe, which seems to be ate up with hatchbacks. Regardless, that sedan in Automobile, which so far is the only set of photographs I have seen, is a smart, clean design, and if that's what we end up with, I'll take mine with a 6-speed.

[Joe]

I,m 6-3, so the best news for me is that the coming 4 may be roomy enough to consider. I agree that the 6 looks nice for a Bangle, but I sat in one and there be NO headroom. Thank God they let you order most bimmers without the roof window.

As for the new 2, I wish I was 6-0. The 2002 is still the best twisty road driving car in my memory.

[Chris]

Wassup man I picked up the same mag the other day and I was pleasantly surprised I was looking to buy a used 3 series coupe but when I saw the 2 series I said to myself I can wait another year. The price looks good as well as the engine options.

P.S. I think your making a good decision on the bimmer

[Mike]

Thanks guys, yeah I'm really excited about the 2 series too!

[Roy]

This M2 is sick! If I could force myself to do it, I might even postpone my planned purchase of a used 3 for this. It might just end up being my trade in though...

Nice site; thanks for posting the pics!

[Mark]

Great info. I was wondering about the new M2, and having a close friend who works for BMW HQ, I've been getting some more insider info! Once I have it all together, i'll let you know the inside scoop. I have a 2003 A4 1.8T right now, and I had a 95 M3 (dinan'd). I want the balance, something not over the top super car, but also a daily driver since I drive from San franciso, 40 miles to work. Although the A4 is purely amazing on the snow (better than 2 suv'd i've had), I just miss the BMW feel, you can't describe it!

More info later!

-mk

[groupw]

My best friend has a 1989 318i Club Sport. As the 3-series grew larger than the 5's of not-so-long-ago, I had given up on finding a new interpretation of that car of his. When I read that the new 2 (which appears quite handsome to me..)would be similar to his 318i in size--with minimal driver aids--and a more reasonable price, I can't wait for this to come out!

[JB]

Finally BMW builds a car that might get me out of my E30 M3. The current 3 series is a nice car, but too big, too heavy. I agree that the styling of this car is the best evolution of the Bangle motif. Looks new and fresh without so much of the "what the hell IS that?", at least for me. Should be under 3000lbs, and 300+ hp? Sick indeed... I've already got a deposit down at the dealer.

[Andy]

This new BMW 2 sounds great! I own a fully restored 2002 tii, from looks alone this car looks set to continue on the 2's lines. As for the M2 the information I have read is that the engine is a 2.5 straight 6 with about 240bhp.

[Kendahl]

The promise of the 2 series is that it could be smaller, lighter, simpler and cheaper than even a stripped 325. I just hope BMW delivers on that promise.

The 318, BMW's last try at an affordable model, was not the way to go. In a lot of ways, it was just an underpowered 325.

I understand the US market will only get six cylinder 2s. This is probably a good idea since, to get reasonable performance from a 150 hp four, the weight could not exceed 2,500 lbs. I don't see how BMW could get the weight down this far.

I used to have a 2002. The only power item was the brakes. Steering, windows, locks, sunroof and seats were all hand operated. ABS and traction control hadn't been invented yet. Although AC was an available option, my car, which I bought used, didn't have it. In contrast, traction control and automatic climate control were standard on the 318.

For me, a perfect 2 series coupe would match my 2002 with the addition of AC, high intensity headlights and power steering. It's not that I object to all the power options; I just don't want to pay more than $100 or tolerate more than a 50 lb weight penalty to get them.

[Mike]

Well said, Kendahl. The AC option would be a necessity for me... my current car doesn't have air conditioning and with 1+ hour commutes to and from work in the heat of a Virginia summer, it's almost too much to bear!

Can't wait to see the 2 on a dealer lot... :)

[Adam]

Words can not describe the beauty of this car. I was waiting with my girlfriend at the Toyota dealership when I eyed the cover of Automobile magazine. Simply unbelieveable!!! This is one the best looking cars I have ever seen. The best part is that it's affordable. BMW has hit the nail on the head with this one!!!! WOW!!!!

[scottb]

Didn't see the article... Could there be a 4wd version for those of us in the snowbelt? I drive a leased 325xi wagon now... want a coupe or convertible next time around.

[Shaylor]

Love your blog, Mike - very classy. To settle the turbocharge issue, here's a little blurb straight off of BMW's web site:

"No charging and no turbos: the secret of M Power is high-revving, naturally aspirated engines. For over 20 years BMW M has been true to this principle. It is technology which is also applied to Formula One racing: High engine speeds in conjunction with respective gear ratios generate maximum thrust. The new M3 exemplifies the thrill of this principle, exploiting an enormous engine speed range: from 1,000 to 8,000 rpm."

To summarize: BMW will NEVER go turbo, regardless of whatever any speculative magazine might say, not even in the M2. Speaking of which, I am joining the ranks of people who vow to make that bimmer their own. I just hope I have the money when the time comes!

[David]

I disagree with the term never. The original BMW 745i had a turbo, as well as the 2002 tii Turbo. While they have been quite successful building normally aspirated engines for a number of years, if the HP/weight requirements warrant a turbo, I am sure they will consider it.