BMW M2 CS F87

BMW M2 CS F87

The BMW M2 CS arrived in 2020 as the swan song of the F87 M2 generation, and it immediately established itself as one of the finest driver's cars BMW has produced in decades. Where the standard M2 and M2 Competition had already earned praise for their engaging dynamics and manageable proportions, the CS took the formula to its logical extreme with more power, less weight, and the kind of single-minded focus on driving purity that enthusiasts had been craving from Munich.

At the heart of the M2 CS sat the S55 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, the same unit found in the M3 and M4. In this application it produced 444 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, a substantial increase over the M2 Competition's 405 horsepower. The engine was a jewel, combining the turbocharged torque curve that modern driving demands with a willingness to rev and a characterful snarl that recalled BMW's naturally aspirated heritage. Power delivery was strong from below 3,000 rpm and built relentlessly to the 7,600 rpm redline.

Buyers could choose between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The manual was the enthusiast's choice, offering a mechanical, precise shift action that perfectly complemented the car's driver-focused character. The DCT was faster by the numbers and offered launch control capability, but the manual car is widely expected to be the more collectible variant. Either way, power was sent exclusively to the rear wheels through an active M differential that could distribute torque between the rear wheels for optimal traction and stability.

Weight reduction was pursued with genuine commitment. The roof was carbon fiber reinforced plastic, saving weight at the highest point of the car and lowering the center of gravity. The hood was also CFRP, and the front splitter, rear diffuser, and adjustable rear wing were all carbon fiber components. Inside, the lightweight sport seats and reduced sound deadening contributed to a total weight saving of approximately 45 kilograms compared to the M2 Competition.

The chassis received comprehensive attention. Adaptive M suspension with specially calibrated dampers provided a wider dynamic range between comfort and sport settings. The brakes were upgraded with larger rotors and more aggressive pad compounds, delivering powerful, fade-resistant stopping power suitable for sustained track use. The M Sport exhaust system provided a more vocal soundtrack, particularly with the exhaust flap fully open in Sport Plus mode.

The M2 CS was visually distinguished by its exposed carbon fiber hood with a visible weave pattern, a pronounced rear wing, and unique 763M forged wheels in either matte gold or black. The interior featured M Sport seats with illuminated CS badging, Alcantara trim on the steering wheel and center console, and a simplified control layout that reflected the car's purpose.

With only approximately 2,200 units produced worldwide, the M2 CS was significantly rarer than either the standard M2 or M2 Competition. Allocation was tightly controlled, and many markets received fewer cars than customer demand warranted. This scarcity, combined with the car's exceptional driving qualities and its status as the final naturally aspirated-era M2 (in the sense that it used the last of BMW's pre-electrified inline-six architecture), has driven values well above the original MSRP on the secondary market.

The M2 CS distilled the essence of what made BMW M cars special — rear-wheel drive, a brilliant inline-six, compact dimensions, and uncompromising focus on driver engagement. In an era of increasingly large, heavy, and electronically mediated performance cars, the M2 CS reminded the world that BMW could still build a truly visceral sports car when it chose to.