[Mark's M]

As the title suggests, anyone know how far along the M2 really is (aside from the obvious in the proto and earlier mule pics)? Curious for feedback from anyone with engineering experience or insight into the process. Is the car now locked in in terms of design, specs, options, etc? Specific example...we've not seen a CF roof yet either by design (they'll spring it on us) or omission (because it's too late to engineer this feature in, or too costly to engineer in).

Any thoughts??

[BMW F22]

Who knows for sure at this point besides maybe Scott. We'll just have to wait and see.

[JustChris]

All speculation unfortunately Mark. We will really just have to wait and see, likely major items are locked in yes, there's a lot align for production and tooling etc and orders to suppliers. I can't recall when/if the CF roof was revealed on other Ms in the liefecycle or if it was just at the concept launch.

[BMW F22]

Technically 8 months now since we are in March. I am sure they have a few more months to iron out all the details.

[Artemis]

Only BMW knows, so it's all speculation for us now. Expect more news during the forthcoming weeks and months.

Here's my guess.

If BMW currently develops - or plans to develop - an M2 GTS/CSL (no confirmation though), it wouldn't come as a surprise that some features which could in principle feature on the base M2 - either stock or optional - might be 'reserved' for a more track-oriented, lower weight, M2 GTS/CSL (for example more CF parts, ceramic brakes, roll cage, race seats, etc.). This not only to set the M2 GTS/CSL more apart from the base M2, but also for weight reduction purposes.

I doubt that, as we speak, essential changes will still be made to the 2015 base M2 prototypes (engine, suspension, etc.). As the car is scheduled to go into production this November, and will be presented earlier, we may reasonably assume that the car is currently heading into its final winter testing and fine-tuning stage. Springtime will include further testing and fine-tuning.

Let's not forget that, apart from the vehicle development itself, the release of a new vehicle involves a lot more than designing, engineering and road testing (final drawings, approval, crash tests, parts identification, contracts with parts suppliers, preparing production lines, preparing manuals, technical training and guidelines, preparing option packages and pricing, preparing press materials, photo shoots, etc.).

Nevertheless, also during a late stage, non-fundamental changes can still be implemented. For example, one of the final tweaks to the unusually fast developed 1M (basic idea in Summer 2009 - production in Spring 2011), consisted of implementing the ActiveE headlights (featuring the Life Cycle Impulse LED stripe/eyebrow). During the 1M teaser presentation at Oktoberfest 2010 (August 2010), the 1M on display still did not feature that change, but a subtle change was announced (without specifying that it concerned the headlights) ("Some minor detail in the revealed area of the [1M] will be changed. Bimmerfile suggests it's related to the headlights" - http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=424637). None of the 1M spy shots I know of, featured 1M side mirrors, 1M headlights and 1M tail lights.

I expect the M2 to also get hallmark ///M side mirrors and ///M alloys, and maybe also double slat kidney grilles.

[Denk]

I've got a crystal ball and take paypal.

Patience grasshopper...as much as that sucks.

[Mark's M]

Originally Posted by Denk

I've got a crystal ball and take paypal.

Patience grasshopper...as much as that sucks.

Yup...lol.

Artemis...thanks, interesting 1M info as to what came later on in the development cycle and made it to production.

[x5mad]

Oops, replied to wrong post

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by Artemis

I doubt that, as we speak, essential changes will still be made to the 2015 base M2 prototypes (engine, suspension, etc.). As the car is scheduled to go into production this November, and will be presented earlier, we may reasonably assume that the car is currently heading into its final winter testing and fine-tuning stage. Springtime will include further testing and fine-tuning.

I agree with this as it is my sentiment as well. I imagine that we are close to seeing the final car. Things like CF roof or non-essential items could still change but I believe that the car is almost production ready.

[gaijin]

Soon, very soon.....

[Mark's M]

Well I hope they build in Blind Spot Assist - across the whole 2 line and just not this car. I just realized today that it hasn't ever been available for the 2 series. That's just ridiculous. I've had it in the last 7 or so of my vehicles and while I seldom use it/need it, it's nice to have a 2nd set of eyes looking over your shoulder, especially at highway speeds. Versus the life-saving "park assist" option that they do offer...to help us all out with those hazardous 5km/hr maneuvers in the Walmart parking lot. WTF is BMW thinking? To be honest, Blind Spot Assist has helped me out a few times over the years. I don't expect "park assist" would be able to do the same and if it did, I'd be too embarrassed to admit it. WTF is BMW thinking? Sorry, said that already. I really hope it's on the '16 options list for the entire 2 series, not just the M2.

Yes, this was a rant. It's ended now.

[BMW F22]

^ it is like Apple vs Samsung. Apple, a positioned as a luxury brand like BMW, is focused on different things than Samsung. As such, they are slow when it comes to making features standard.

[Reedomn]

Originally Posted by Mark's M

Well I hope they build in Blind Spot Assist - across the whole 2 line and just not this car. I just realized today that it hasn't ever been available for the 2 series. That's just ridiculous. I've had it in the last 7 or so of my vehicles and while I seldom use it/need it, it's nice to have a 2nd set of eyes looking over your shoulder, especially at highway speeds. Versus the life-saving "park assist" option that they do offer...to help us all out with those hazardous 5km/hr maneuvers in the Walmart parking lot. WTF is BMW thinking? To be honest, Blind Spot Assist has helped me out a few times over the years. I don't expect "park assist" would be able to do the same and if it did, I'd be too embarrassed to admit it. WTF is BMW thinking? Sorry, said that already. I really hope it's on the '16 options list for the entire 2 series, not just the M2.

Yes, this was a rant. It's ended now.

Umm....I am totally confused by this? Did I miss something?...are we still talking about the M2?...I am hoping the less the better.....

[Bemo]

Originally Posted by Reedomn

Umm....I am totally confused by this? Did I miss something?...are we still talking about the M2?...I am hoping the less the better.....

I disagree in that we should have the optional equipment available for the ///M2 vs. being able to get a stripped down version. I need the creature comforts in DD mode...who cares that the car may be 5 seconds slower around the track...

[Mark's M]

Originally Posted by Bemo

I disagree in that we should have the optional equipment available for the ///M2 vs. being able to get a stripped down version. I need the creature comforts in DD mode...who cares that the car may be 5 seconds slower around the track...

Agree completely. Don't want it, don't order it. Bemo, you probably meant to say ".05 seconds slower" or thereabouts. You'd need the weight of another car on the roof of an M to slow it down by 5 seconds lol.

And c'mon Reedomn How many grams or ounces would "Blindspot Assist" add to the car? Let's be realistic please, it's not like BMW is hiding a pair of Panavision cameras somewhere under the metal or in the mirrors to achieve what BA does.

[Wilson]

As much as I hate to say it, but anyone who is holding out for a CF roof needs to accept that there wont be one on the 'standard' M2.

There would have already been a mule with one on it before now, its far too late in the development cycle to throw one on now.

If you want a CF roof, you better pray for a GTS version in 2 - 3 years time.

[W///]

Originally Posted by Mark's M

Well I hope they build in Blind Spot Assist - across the whole 2 line and just not this car. I just realized today that it hasn't ever been available for the 2 series. That's just ridiculous. I've had it in the last 7 or so of my vehicles and while I seldom use it/need it, it's nice to have a 2nd set of eyes looking over your shoulder, especially at highway speeds. Versus the life-saving "park assist" option that they do offer...to help us all out with those hazardous 5km/hr maneuvers in the Walmart parking lot. WTF is BMW thinking? To be honest, Blind Spot Assist has helped me out a few times over the years. I don't expect "park assist" would be able to do the same and if it did, I'd be too embarrassed to admit it. WTF is BMW thinking? Sorry, said that already. I really hope it's on the '16 options list for the entire 2 series, not just the M2.

Yes, this was a rant. It's ended now.

While I agree that it should be an option and let people choose (I'd skip), if your mirrors are set properly, there's really no need for it. My 2 cents

And yes, I think everything is locked in. It's already March. There's going to be nothing that drastically different than we've seen on some of these test cars (the proper ones, not the M235i racing wannabes)

[DVC]

Originally Posted by Bemo

I disagree in that we should have the optional equipment available for the ///M2 vs. being able to get a stripped down version. I need the creature comforts in DD mode...who cares that the car may be 5 seconds slower around the track...

I care. Not because I will race it (anytime soon, at least). But I do plan to drive the snot out of it on a track regularly. (and 5 seconds is a really long time... lol) What's wrong with having equipment optional?

Originally Posted by Wilson

As much as I hate to say it, but anyone who is holding out for a CF roof needs to accept that there wont be one on the 'standard' M2.

I am still holding out hope for a CF roof. I think it would be a mistake for BMW to skip this... it would signify both a concerted effort to "down-market" the M2 from the M3/4, and a total fail on taking weight savings seriously - which should be, more so than on any other they've built in recent history, a focal point on the M2.
This would make me seriously question the performance standards to which they designed this car overall.

[Mark's M]

Originally Posted by DVC

I am still holding out hope for a CF roof. I think it would be a mistake for BMW to skip this... it would signify both a concerted effort to "down-market" the M2 from the M3/4, and a total fail on taking weight savings seriously with this car - which should be, more so than on any other they've built in recent history, a focal point on the M2.
This would make me seriously question the performance standards to which they designed this car overall.

This^^^^^

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by DVC

I care. Not because I will race it (anytime soon, at least). But I do plan to drive the snot out of it on a track regularly. (and 5 seconds is a really long time... lol) What's wrong with having equipment optional?




I am still holding out hope for a CF roof. I think it would be a mistake for BMW to skip this... it would signify both a concerted effort to "down-market" the M2 from the M3/4, and a total fail on taking weight savings seriously with this car - which should be, more so than on any other they've built in recent history, a focal point on the M2.
This would make me seriously question the performance standards to which they designed this car overall.

Yup agreed.

[Bemo]

Originally Posted by Mark's M

Agree completely. Don't want it, don't order it. Bemo, you probably meant to say ".05 seconds slower" or thereabouts. You'd need the weight of another car on the roof of an M to slow it down by 5 seconds lol.

And c'mon Reedomn How many grams or ounces would "Blindspot Assist" add to the car? Let's be realistic please, it's not like BMW is hiding a pair of Panavision cameras somewhere under the metal or in the mirrors to achieve what BA does.

Agreed, it should be an option, as all other gizmos, if folks want them.
An ///M2 will be neither the cheapest, nor the fastest way to go around a track. It's a compromise no matter how it will be sliced, therefore there isn't a need for either extreme to be available over the other...

[Reedomn]

Originally Posted by Bemo

Agreed, it should be an option, as all other gizmos, if folks want them.
An ///M2 will be neither the cheapest, nor the fastest way to go around a track. It's a compromise no matter how it will be sliced, therefore there isn't a need for either extreme to be available over the other...

Dang......I didn't know M stood for mediocre .......