BMW F87 Buyer Guide: M2 (2016-2021)
The F87 M2 is the compact rear-wheel-drive M-car coupe, sold in the UK from 2016 to 2021. Spiritual successor to the 1M Coupe (E82). Two engine generations: N55 single-turbo in the original M2 (2016-2018) and S55 twin-turbo in M2 Competition and M2 CS (2018-2021). Manual or DCT. Genuinely enthusiast-loved; M2 CS is firmly investment territory.
Quick verdict
The F87 M2 is the most enthusiast-loved modern BMW M-car. Original M2 (N55) at £25,000-£32,000; M2 Competition (S55) at £38,000-£48,000; M2 CS at £65,000+. Original M2 wastegate rattle is cosmetic; M2 Competition / CS share the F80 M3 / F82 M4 rod-bearing preventative requirement. Aluminium charge pipe upgrade is universal. Smallest and lightest of the modern M-cars.
What is the BMW F87?
Most F87 M2 cars in UK classifieds are 2017 to 2019 examples split between original M2 (N55) and M2 Competition (S55). The N55-engined original M2 is the value purist pick; the S55-engined Competition is the more powerful pick with the rod-bearing preventative requirement. M2 CS (2020-2021, ~2,200 units globally) is firmly investment. Smallest M-car body of this generation.
Compact RWD M-car coupe; spiritual successor to the 1M Coupe (E82). Two engine generations: N55 in original M2 (2016-2018) and S55 in M2 Competition and M2 CS (2018-2021). The enthusiast UK M-car pick at sensible money; M2 CS is firmly investment territory.
| Series | M2 |
|---|---|
| Body style | Coupe (M car) |
| Generation | 1 |
| UK production years | 2016 to 2021 |
| Predecessor | 1M Coupe (E82) |
| Successor | G87 M2 |
| LCI (facelift) year | 2018 |
| Related chassis | F22 (Standard 2 Series Coupe (mechanically related)) |
| Length / Width / Wheelbase | 4468 / 1854 / 2693 mm |
Pre-LCI vs LCI: what changed
BMW launched the F87 M2 in March 2016 with the N55 engine (spiritual 1M Coupe successor). M2 Competition launched July 2018 with the S55 engine (de-tuned M3 / M4 unit, 410 bhp). M2 CS (2020-2021) is the final F87 special: S55 at 444 bhp, CFRP bonnet, roof, splitter, semi-slick tyres. Production ended 2021; G87 M2 succeeded it from 2023.
Engines and which to choose
Original M2 (N55, 2016-2018) for the purist value pick: single-turbo, lighter, simpler service profile (no rod-bearing requirement). M2 Competition (S55, 2018-2021) for the M3-engine experience in a smaller body, with the rod-bearing preventative service. M2 CS for investment.
| Badge | Engine | Years | Power | Fuel | ULEZ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2 (F87) | N55 |
2016-2018 | 365 bhp | petrol | Yes | Original M2; N55 single-turbo I6; manual or DCT; the purist pick |
| M2 Competition (F87) | S55 |
2018-2021 | 410 bhp | petrol | Yes | S55 twin-turbo (de-tuned from M3/M4); 19 bhp more than original M2 |
| M2 CS (F87) | S55 |
2020-2021 | 444 bhp | petrol | Yes | Final F87 special; CFRP bonnet/roof/spoiler; semi-slicks; ~2,200 units globally |
Engine codes link to the dedicated reliability guide where one exists. Codes without a guide link to the chassis × engine reference until the engine page is published.
ULEZ status by year and engine
All F87 M2 variants are Euro 6 from launch and ULEZ-compliant.
Common F87-specific problems
Chassis-level failure modes only: body, electrics, infotainment, suspension, ancillaries. Engine-specific faults (timing chain, EGR, DPF) live on the engine guides linked above.
| Failure mode | Severity | Frequency | Typical onset | UK repair range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S55 rod bearing wear (M2 Competition / M2 CS only) | Catastrophic | Common | 40 to 100k mi | £1,500 to £2,500 |
| OEM plastic charge pipe (all F87 M2 variants) | Moderate | Very common | 20 to 80k mi | £120 to £350 |
| Wastegate rattle (original M2 N55 only) | Mild | Common | 30 to 80k mi | £200 to £800 |
| Valve cover gasket leak | Moderate | Common | 50 to 120k mi | £300 to £500 |
| DCT clutch pack wear (DCT cars only) | Moderate | Uncommon | 60 to 120k mi | £2,500 to £4,000 |
| Electric water pump failure | Moderate | Common | 60 to 100k mi | £500 to £700 |
S55 rod bearing wear (M2 Competition / M2 CS only)
- Knocking from bottom end under load
- Metallic shavings in oil
What to do about it: Mandatory rod bearing replacement at 50-70k miles on S55 cars. £1,500-£2,500 at M-specialist.
If ignored: Bearing failure: engine rebuild £8,000+.
UK repair exposure: £1,500 to £2,500.
Recall / TSB: BMW updated rod bearing specification.
Additional notes: Only applies to S55-engined cars (M2 Competition, M2 CS). Original M2 with N55 doesn't have this issue.
OEM plastic charge pipe (all F87 M2 variants)
- Sudden boost loss
- Limp mode
- P0299
What to do about it: Aluminium aftermarket upgrade essentially mandatory across all M2 variants. £120-£300.
If ignored: Limp mode under boost.
UK repair exposure: £120 to £350.
Additional notes: Universal M2 community upgrade.
Wastegate rattle (original M2 N55 only)
- Metallic rattle on cold start
What to do about it: Replace actuator if rattle becomes constant; £200-£800 specialist work.
If ignored: Eventually actuator failure.
UK repair exposure: £200 to £800.
Recall / TSB: BMW technical bulletins on N55 wastegate noise.
Additional notes: Specific to N55-engined original M2. S55 cars (Comp / CS) don't have this pattern.
Valve cover gasket leak
- Oil weep along valve cover
- Oil in spark-plug wells
What to do about it: Replace gasket; £300-£500 fitted.
If ignored: Coil damage; misfire codes.
UK repair exposure: £300 to £500.
DCT clutch pack wear (DCT cars only)
- Jerky low-speed engagement
- Slipping under load
What to do about it: DCT clutch pack replacement £2,500-£4,000.
If ignored: Transmission replacement £6,000+.
UK repair exposure: £2,500 to £4,000.
Electric water pump failure
- Coolant warning
- Overheating
What to do about it: Replace pump and thermostat at 80k miles.
If ignored: Head gasket damage.
UK repair exposure: £500 to £700.
MOT advisory patterns
Typical MOT advisories aggregated across UK F30 records. Not all will be present on any given car, but at 80,000+ miles you should expect at least two from this list:
- Brake disc and pad wear (M-car compounds)
- Tyre tread (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Cup 2 on CS)
- Anti-roll bar drop links
- Front splitter scuff damage
UK trim levels
The UK trim ladder for the F87, in roughly ascending order of equipment and used premium.
| Trim | Description |
|---|---|
| M2 (original) | 2016-2018; N55 365 bhp; manual or DCT. The purist pick. |
| M2 Competition | 2018-2021; S55 410 bhp (de-tuned M3 engine); manual or DCT; M Sport Differential standard. |
| M2 CS | 2020-2021; S55 444 bhp; CFRP bonnet, roof, spoiler; semi-slick tyres; ~2,200 units globally. |
Options worth chasing
The factory options below add measurable used premium or change the ownership experience meaningfully.
| Option | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Manual or DCT | Manual is the enthusiast pick (small premium); DCT is the everyday-driver pick. |
| Carbon ceramic brakes (M2 CS) | Optional on CS; £3,000+ used premium. |
| Semi-slick Michelin Cup 2 tyres (M2 CS) | Standard on CS. Distinctive sidewall pattern; verify present. |
| M Performance Parts | Carbon front splitter, spoiler. Hold value if documented. |
| Adaptive M Suspension | Standard on Comp; option on standard M2. |
| M Sport Differential | Standard on Comp and CS. |
| Harman Kardon hi-fi | Audible upgrade; £400-£600 premium. |
UK market pricing (2026)
| Example car | Indicative price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 F87 M2 (original), 50,000 miles, manual | £25,000 to £32,000 | Original N55 M2; purist's pick. |
| 2017 F87 M2 DCT, 40,000 miles | £26,000 to £33,000 | DCT N55. |
| 2019 F87 M2 Competition, 40,000 miles | £38,000 to £48,000 | S55-engined M2; popular enthusiast spec. |
| 2020 F87 M2 CS, 15,000 miles | £65,000 to £80,000 | Final F87 special; ~2,200 globally; appreciating. |
| 2021 F87 M2 CS, 8,000 miles (cherry) | £78,000 to £100,000 | Low-mileage CS approaching investment territory. |
Price ranges are indicative UK figures for 2026 based on common AutoTrader listings. Real prices vary by region, history, and condition. View live AutoTrader listings for this chassis →
Pre-purchase checklist (F87-specific)
Add these F87-specific checks on top of our generic UK used-BMW inspection checklist:
- On Competition / CS: demand S55 rod bearing receipts; mandatory M-car preventative.
- On all F87s: confirm aluminium charge pipe upgrade fitted.
- On original M2 (N55): listen for wastegate rattle on cold start. Cosmetic but worsening rattle is £200-£800.
- Test rear windows (same coupe-specific regulator pattern as F22).
- On DCT cars: test low-speed engagement.
- On M2 CS: verify CFRP components original; semi-slick tyres present.
- Inspect for track-day modifications without supporting service.
- Verify M Sport Differential present and engaging cleanly.
Buy, negotiate, or walk away
Buy
Original M2: full BMW service history, aluminium charge pipe fitted, modest wastegate rattle on cold start. Competition / CS: rod bearing receipts at 50-70k, charge pipe upgrade, full M-specialist service. CS with full originality.
Negotiate
OEM plastic charge pipe still fitted (£120-£350). S55 cars without rod bearing receipts past 60k. Loud or constant wastegate rattle on N55 (£200-£800). Valve cover gasket weep on S55.
Walk away
S55 cars with no rod bearing service past 80k. CS / Competition with modifications and no documentation. Salvage or write-off on HPI.
Long-term ownership verdict
Original M2 (N55) is the simpler long-term ownership: no rod-bearing requirement, calmer service profile, 200,000+ miles realistic. M2 Competition (S55) shares the F80 M3 / F82 M4 maintenance picture: mandatory rod bearings, charge pipe, valve cover gasket. M2 CS is firmly an investment-grade special with future-classic potential.
Related chassis
The F87 shares its platform with related body styles and performance variants. Each is a different car with different fault patterns and a different used market.
Bimmer.AI is designed to help you identify BMW-specific buyer risks before you travel, negotiate, or pay for an inspection. It does not replace a physical inspection by a qualified mechanic, a legal vehicle-history check (e.g. HPI Check), or independent verification of finance, stolen, or write-off status. Repair-cost ranges are indicative UK figures that vary by region, specialist, parts supply, and labour rates.
Check a specific F87 listing
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Run a Bimmer.AI buyer report →Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW F87 M2 reliable?
Original M2 (N55): yes, calmer than M3 / M4 because of single-turbo and no rod-bearing requirement. M2 Competition / CS (S55): yes with rod-bearing preventative service. Charge pipe upgrade is universal. With service items addressed, 200,000+ miles is realistic.
Original M2 or M2 Competition?
Original M2 (N55, 2016-2018) for the purist value pick: lighter, simpler engine, no rod-bearing maintenance. M2 Competition (S55, 2018-2021) for more power (410 vs 365 bhp), F80 / F82 M3 / M4 engine character, but requires £1,500-£2,500 rod-bearing preventative at 50-70k miles.
Is the F87 M2 ULEZ-compliant?
Yes. All F87 M2 variants are Euro 6 from launch.
What's the M2 CS?
Final F87 M2 special edition (2020-2021, ~2,200 units globally): 444 bhp S55, CFRP bonnet / roof / splitter, semi-slick Michelin Cup 2 tyres standard, M Sport seats with red stitching. Used 2026 prices: £65,000-£100,000, appreciating slowly. Future classic.
Manual or DCT F87 M2?
Manual is the enthusiast pick; small premium over DCT. DCT is the everyday-driver pick with track-day shifting. Manual M2s are slightly rarer in UK.
F87 M2 or F22 M240i?
M2 (any variant) is a full M-car with M-specific suspension, brakes, differentials, and engine internals. M240i (B58 in F22) is M Performance, faster on paper but lacks the M-car focus. M2 commands a £6,000+ premium for the M-car experience.
F87 M2 or G87 M2 (current)?
F87 (2016-2021) for the cheaper, smaller, more purist M2. G87 (2023+) for the modern M2 with S58 engine and current iDrive but bigger body and controversial design. F87 in 2026 is £25,000-£100,000; G87 is £55,000-£75,000.
How long will an F87 M2 last?
200,000+ miles with documented servicing. Original M2 is simpler long-term; Competition / CS need the S55 rod-bearing preventative service.