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.

[hale]

no it means that no M series will ever have a turbo. If you had looked hard enough it mentions several times "M".

I just saw a video eariler of a SRT-4 hitting 500hp to the wheels..don't say a built 4banger can't get good numbers with a turbo...however, I'd agree the Inline 6 turbo would be better, can you say "Supra"?

[Bogz]

First off...
the labeling of BMWs makes complete sense. the first number is the series, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc. The next to numbers 25, 30, 32, etc. is the Liter size of the engine. The letters are what tells of whether its a coupe, sedan, convertible, etc.

Andy, I stand 6'2" and my three series has more than enough room and the seat is no where near all the way back. I don't think the 2 series will be a tight squeeze...my understanding is that they are just making the back seat a little bit smaller with minimal cuts in the front passenger compartment.

And about turbos and superchargers... if u dont know how a turbo works it uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine and build psi that blows into the engine, as exhaust pressure rises with rising rpms, the concentration of air forced into the engine rises, which is why a significant jump in hp and torque occurs, usually after 3000 rpm. the downfall to turbos other than engine wear and tuning, is the fact that most drivers have trouble adjusting to the "turbo lag" and then sudden "boost" and often loose the back end in a drift resulting in an unfortunate destruction of a powerful vehicle.

p.s. im selling my bmw when the m2 comes out if any ones interested.

[Brian]

Wish BMW were offering a hatchback version of the 2. This would really give the Acura RSX a real run for it's money and a true competitor.

The hatch would be the same form factor as the coupe, just with a lift up above the rear window. Mazda did this with the Mazda6. You have to look pretty close at a Mazda6 hatchback to tell if it's a hatchback model. The cargo capacity of the Mazda6 hatch is amazing, just a couple cubic feet smaller than the wagon, but looks just like the sedan. The disguised hatchback idea has merits for the
BMW 2.

The BMW 1 hatchback I've seen looks like shoe with 5 doors. A confused Civic hatchback. No style. No deal. Leave it in Europe.

[john dacosta]

hello im intrested in looking into the bmw m2 series please send me info

thankyou
john da costa

[Tony]

Hey, I can't wait until the M2 comes out... I am selling my VW the day it hits the dealerships... unfortunately that won't be for a while. When do you think we will actually be able to get one?

When it comes to turbos, I agree that BMW will never turbocharge any of its M engines.

[gordon whittington]

re bmw m2
i have reg plate for sale M2 PEG
any interest?

[greg]

Not sure if this is appropriate, I will leave that up to you.

Factory service manuals and CD's for BMW, Porsche, Audi, VW, Mini, Rover, others at 30-40% off list price!

http://stores.ebay.com/Sterling-Service-Manuals

All new, direct from Bentley Publishers.

Thanks,

Greg

[Pegasus]

Yeah, when is the M2 exactly coming out?
Other sites say 3/4 of 2005.
I've been searching for more info, but there seems to not much available. What I want to know is, is it really coming to the US???

[Pegasus]

More pics of M2 and 2-series:
http://forums.autoweek.com/thread.jspa?forumID=31&threadID=10283&messageID=201855

[Booger]

Someone mentioned a v6 in a BMW??? Isn't that blasphemy?

[Booger]

Don't be fooled by number designation on the back of your BMW. A 545i has a 4.4l v8. The old E38 740i had a 4.0l v8 until 1999 when it was changed to a 4.4l v8 but still retained the "40" I believe the 535d also has a 3.0l diesel.

[jcs]

I have a 1991 318is. I find the M42 4 cylinder a delightful and sophisticated little engine, with useful power and good economy in the bargin. This engine, with 170,000 miles, still gets 38 1/2 mpg on the hwy and 30 in town, and is a lot of fun to drive! For those of you who seem to be in love with maximum power, perhaps you should consider the current rise in fuel prices as only the beginning. I think it is wise, and socially responsible for BMW and other manufacturers to consider performance AND fuel efficiency. Performance concentrated in suspension design is not only fun, it actually translates into safety on the road. Besides, off the track where can you legally and safely use the prodigious power of BMW's larger engines? The real joy of BMW's are their sophisticated handling on the road. My 318 cost about 22 thou. (with AC and limited slip) when new. If the new 2 Series, with 4 cyl. comes in at that price, then I will certainly consider it a truly useful, efficient, and fun vehicle, and BUY it.

[j]

when is this car going to come out?

[Hilgo]

A up-date

BMW doesn't use turbo's on petrol engines, only on diesel. There won't be a 4 serie, and the m2 is the 1 serie, but they didn't want to use the legendary name of the m1, so they called the m version of the 1 serie m2.

[lou]

when is it to coming to us

[pedro]

well, hello. Loved the 2 series pics. Is it really going to be produced and if so, when will it be available?. I am the proud owner of a 1996 Z3 (not the best ride but a piece to keep for life) and currently hoping to get a salary raise to get the 4 series next year. To complete the family my wife would love to get herself a 2 series. Great site :-)

[Ajit]

Is this going to be a RWD car? I hope not FWD.

[ChrisV]

Yes, pedro, this will be RWD.

As for a turbo 4, sounds like BMW would rather compromise on what would be appropriate for that car in order to retain an IMAGE of what an M series should be to rather closed minded US BMW fans. The original M3 has an N/A 4 cyl, and as was mentioned, the original 2002 Turbo (which is a legendary car, BTW) as well as many racing BMWs of the era, were turbocharged, and very successful. A shorter 4 cyl with turbo could be lighter, better packaged, better balanced, and put out more than adequte power at a good price point, reviving the legend of the 2002 Turbo. Only a fairly young BMW fan with no memory would assume that only a large I6 would be appropriate in such a small, light car. A turbo 2 liter could easily make 250-300 hp over a wide rpm range, and still be completely true to BMW heritage. As well as being better balanced and easier to package in the car than the I6.

I'm looking forward to the 2 series in the US, and if BMW won't make one, I'll find a way of making a fast, turbo 4 cyl version (or buying one from someplace like Dinan).

[Matt Volander]

Greaaat looking car, I would love to get a ride in that. Pimp me?

[Steve Shearer]

I'm soooo tired of ignorant people moaning about a silly turbo. A turbo produces excessive underhood temperatures which boils the polymers out of plastic parts...causing them to become brittle and weak. And theres a ton of plastic under the hood in current cars. The excess heat also causes fissures in metal parts, like the cylinder head...especially around valve guides causing premature failure. A L6 is just so much smoother and refined. A 4 cyl turbo can be very fast but the higher output per displacement causes an engine to wear out quickly. Thats why all these fast Subarus and Mitsubishis are junk at 50-60 thousand miles. L6 is simply a superior balance of power, smoothness, longevity, and economy. If you want a turbo, go rent the fast and furious, hang out with the ricers, and stay out of the BMW forums.

[Andrew]

Could we hear from the guy with the friend @ BMW again? He seemed to have some insider information. The only thing we have actually seen from BMW is the “I wanna sell a RWD Mazda3” 5 door. All of the pic and renderings are great but let’s got some solid info if we can.

[ChrisV]

Steve, if you think turbo 4s are only for the FnF crowd, youre exactly the kind of closed minded "enthusiast" I was talking about. And it seems you're spitting on the heritage of the 2002 turbo and the E30 M3 (which was a high revving DOHC 4). Part of the reason BMWs have gotten so g'damn porky lately is that BMW lost the way when they decided big 6 cyl engines were the only way to go. Lightweight 4's made the 2002 and E30 M3 so much fun and balanced. The 2002 Turbo is a legend. I'm in my 40s and I loved those cars (and have had a few perforamnce 4 cyl BMWs). The 2 series should be a return to those performance roots, not a porky, overweight "compact" that has a too-long I6 stuffed in there so that clueless BMW fans can feel smugly superior in cylinder count.

Turbos melting plastic parts? Don't use so much plastic covering. Junk after 60k miles? Even Dodge gets turbo 4s to last longer than that at relatively high power levels (I know a number of people with 60k miles on 220 hp GT Cruisers and higher hp Neon SRT-4s that use them hard in SCCA events).

A smaller, lighter turbo 4 could be as reliable as the 6, while providing similar power outputs and a shorter engine that fits better in the engine compartment without compromising agile handling or adding a bunch of weight. And it would be very true to it's BMW heritage.

[giandandrea]

porcoddio giandandrea frocio di merda, omosessuale ottoinculo, ebreo cananeo,

[Nick]

I tune cars and let me say this, as far as modification for power goes, a turbocharged 4 is WAY more versitile then an N/A 6. if the car comes turbo'd it already has MAP sensors and stuff for turbo upgrades, also to make more HP all you have to do is turn up the boost and keep enough fuel flowing to not lean out. on the other hand an I6 with aftermarket turbos would decimate all. it would be a gentleman's supra-killer

[Jose]

Anyone know where else i can find information on
the 2 Series above i've tried researching but found nothing.I even inquired with BMW reps at a car convention earlier this year with only negative responses.

[Homar]

I just want to say that my boy just picked up the 2006 M5 white with red interior first one to get one in NEW YORK besides the dealership owners who have them on display and that the car has 500hp not 400hp...

[Steve Shearer]

I'm surprised this news hasn't traveled around quicker but BMW charman Helmut Panke supposedly said the 1 series is coming to the US, just not in hatchback form. This is according to leftlanenews.com as of 11/11/05. That being said, Turbos are still garbage. Since ChrisV did not understand my point about excessive heat, I'll clarify it. The excessive underhood temperatures created by a turbo boils the polymers out of plastic, which are the flex agents. Think about a 15 year old cracked dried dashboard....that's what the excessive heat will do to underhood plastic parts. Make them more brittle so they will crack and fail. I did not say "melt" as you have misinterpreted. And the metal parts do undergo more heat stress. You also seem to think there is some great history of BMW using Turbos, which there has not been. Sure, back when Nixon was president there was the 2002Tii, but that was because there was no 4 valve per cylinder heads with variable valve timing, no computer controlled high energy ignition, no direct fuel injection, or the slew of other technical developments over the last 30 years that make a turbo completely unnecessary. 30 years ago, about the only way to wake up a small 4 cylinder was by slapping on a turbo. Anything that is considered a 3 series...E21, E30, E36, E46 has never seen a turbo, so there's no great BMW turbo legacy to be seen, just a few odd examples from a technically primitave era. There is new talk of the 335i with a turbo L6, and that's fine if you want it, so why would you not want a turbo L6 instead?

[Andre]

I want an M2 like on the pics with 300hp and LSD and without a turbo

This car screams for a high rev 4cil. or 6cil. engine.

If they can get 300hp from 4cil high revver it will be fantastic otherwise a lightweight 6banger than i am pleased too

[James Jackson]

Apprently this bmw has a quad turbo, flat 16 cyl.

pumping out 2554HP!

0-100 in 2.1 sec
0-300 in 7.5 sec

[Lawrence]

So, is it coming out or not?

Series 1 hatchback is already out for awhile.

It's high time Series 2 came out.

It is already 2006 and I can't wait ...

[Liverun]

Hey, thanks for posting the lates pics of the 2 series. I think it looks great enough to think about taking out a second college loan.
Regarding the turbos, the wonderful engineers at BMW have already figured out a way to deal with turbo lag and the sudden rush of power, the installation of two turbos, one for low revs till the second turbo kicks in (eliminating lag) just as in the 535d.

[texasbmwnut]

SHAZAAM!!!! this car is one of the coolest and sleekest lines to ever come from the guys in Germany, next to the Z$ Coupe, that is!!! I sincerely hope that BMW is seriously considering releasing this vehicle to the american automotive market, because it will sell faster than ipods, i promise.

[Lawrence]

So fellows,

Is it coming out or not? 1 series hardtop coupe is the way to go .... I will be needing it when I make my transition to private banking ..... Let me know!

[Romeo]

This car is never coming out. I gave up.