Most of my BMW friends think that the BMW M model that is a must-buy future collectible in the modern era is the 1M. I used to think the same but my mind was changed from the moment I first drove the M2 CS. At the time it was one of the very best BMWs I had ever driven — and I still do. People immediately compared the M2 CS to the almost mythic 1M and said it was a return to form for the company (which it definitely was). The F87 M2 CS is an alternative is for those of you who really love BMW M cars. In fact, I would recommend buying one now before everyone else figures it out. Our Pick of the Day is one of these very special BMW M models, a 2020 BMW M2 CS listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Bellevue, Washington.
I first drove the BMW M2 CS during a single press event — BMW Test Fest held at Monticello (New York) Motorsports Park — during the pandemic. This was a socially distanced event where we tested a number of new BMWs that did not receive traditional press launches due to the circumstances of the time. The M2 CS was the most remarkable car of the mix, which also included the F10 M5 Competition. The M2 CS had great looks and many unique options, including the cutaway sport seats, special paint color, plus offered spectacular performance. This was the last special model for the outgoing 2 Series coupe, and to say that it was sent off with a bang is an understatement. The Bimmer covered the 60 mph sprint in 3.4 seconds, the quarter-mile in 11.7 seconds, ran up to an electronically limited 174 mph, and offered incredible handling with 1.02 g of lateral grip with the suspension in full M mode. This M2 was also the last of this generation to be built in Leipzig, Germany, with the next-generation 2 Series being built in Mexico. This single fact may be something that adds to the allure of the first-generation M2 CS as a future collectible.
This 48,521-mile M2 CS is painted in the special hue of Misano Blue Metallic and is powered by the BMW S55 engine (just like the M2 Competition) but has the Competition package ECU map from the F82 M4, which gives the M2 CS 444 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The look under the hood with the massive carbon fiber strut brace is pure BMW goodness.
The M2 CS included M Performance brakes from the M2 Competition, but this specific example features the M-Carbon Ceramic ones. Other performance features include adaptive M suspension (something not included in the standard M2 and M2 Competition), 19-inch Forged Y-spoke Style 763M wheels with High-Gloss Jet Black finish, electronic locking differential, forged aluminum wheel hubs and control arms, and a carbon-fiber transmission tunnel. The hood, roof and aerodynamic aids are all made of BMWs carbon-fiber composite. In addition, the M2 CS also features an active dual-branch exhaust system with electronically-controlled exhaust valves and a pair of twin-exhaust pipes with engraved “///M” logos. The exhaust sound can be controlled via the M Engine Dynamics switch in the center console.
The interior is also quite special and features cutaway M Competition Sports Seats covered in Anthracite leather and Alcantara with contrasting Fire Red stitching (complemented by contrast-stitched Alcantara on the steering wheel and dash). The console is also carbon-fiber. The central armrest and rear air vents, normally standard on the M2 and M2 Competition, have been removed for weight reduction.
When new, magazines raved about the M2 CS. Motor Trend magazine called it “not only the best M2 ever but possibly the best M car of all time.” Car and Driver magazine called it “one of the last true BMWs, and BMW’s defining car.”
Having driven the M2 CS on that weird COVID-era test fest, I would agree. That event was the only manufacturer test trip I took during 2020, but the M2 CS was such an amazing car it more than made up for the lack of events for the year. Not only did the M2 CS slay other BMWs on the track, but it also was able to easily transition to the rougher routes around the facility. If you want to own one performance car that you can both daily drive and take to track days, the M2 CS is that car. Think of it as a Porsche Cayman GT4 but with two extra seats (not to mention it’s rarer) and you will understand what the M2 CS is all about. This is a high-performance car that does not force you to make compromises, always delivering in every way.
How rare are these cars? Sadly, BMW built the F87 M2 CS only for 2020, so it is harder to find than your average BMW M2 or Cayman GT4. During that single model year, BMW built a total of 2,281 M2 CSs, with the US receiving only 621. The best description I can give of how the M2 CS drives is to imagine a E46 M3 with more than 100 more horsepower and a chassis engineered by the factory to perfectly cope with that added power. The M2 CS marked the end of an era of the classic BMW M sports coupe. I’m calling the asking price of $73,950 for this 2020 BMW M2 CS a bargain. In the conclusion of its 2020 M2 CS road test, Motor Trend magazine stated, “2020 BMW M2 CS is the best sports car Bavaria has built in more than a decade — and maybe ever.”
My take for you is to ignore all the hype around the 1M and buy the better M — if there was ever a case of “buy this car right now or pay more later,” the 2020 M2 CS is it. It is truly one of the most legendary M cars.
Click here to view the Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
