Driving the best BMW M cars ever: Track Test by Steve Sutcliffe [Auto Express]

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by KevinC

What really frosts my gonads about the crappy EPS is that BMW has had 19 years - 19 YEARS! - to figure it out. Pretty sure the first EPS car was the 2003 Z4. All these years later, they still can't get it right? The M division refused to allow EPS on the E85/E86 Z4M. Wise decision. Of course that didn't last long and soon M cars were infected with it too.

They had problems with that set up as well. Re-calls and all. Thing is , BMW relies on ZF to some degree and there are packaging issue s which are unique to all automakers (ex, Porsche is mid/rear engine vs BMW front engine)

[OSee]

Originally Posted by DarkstarZero

Agreed. They missed the one that got all those Car of the Year awards.

The OG M2 won multiple awards. The CS won one.

[F87EVO]

Originally Posted by OSee

The OG M2 won multiple awards. The CS won one.

[JLS_397K]

Originally Posted by ASAP

Everyone thinks the m5 and m6 w s85s are the greatest thing ever until they actually own and love w one. BMW never built this car w long term intention... bcuz a high revving v10 is not a good idea for a street car... in effect u see exactly 0 around today.

I've own a 2006 for the past 8 Years. Bought it from Anthony Esposito who currently is a director for Hagerty videos with Jason Cammisa. I have tracked it. Spun the rod bearings, overhauled motor through Troy Jeup. replaced the SMG pump. They can be kept up and enjoyed.

Its also the one in this film...
https://youtu.be/QL1k8USiO9o

I've seen at least three in my city within Los Angeles. The problem is you get these young guys thinking its a cheap 500HP car like an Dodge SRT, yet come to find out it doesn't accept McDonald wages to maintain. Got to live within your means and know what you are buying.

the Audi Group - Lamborghini has kept it alive for all these years.

[eeghie]

Originally Posted by DanG

I am also one that wonders how the 1M made the list but no F87 M2s. I would take my M2 over a 1M every day of the week.

Have you driven an 1M? The hydraulic steering supposedly is superior to F8x Chris Harris seems to think so. I wouldn’t turn down driving a M2CS, im sure it’s quicker, but i’d expect the 1M still to be more fun to drive.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by eeghie

Have you driven an 1M? The hydraulic steering supposedly is superior to F8x Chris Harris seems to think so. I wouldn’t turn down driving a M2CS, im sure it’s quicker, but i’d expect the 1M still to be more fun to drive.

I have owned BMWs since 1972 and have driven lots of hydraulic BMWs. I have more road feel on my M2 than I have had on any other BMW I have owned. May be my tires, wider wheels, and added stress bar which all improved the road feel.

[clutchdj]

Great video.

[BimmerMat135]

Originally Posted by eeghie

Have you driven an 1M? The hydraulic steering supposedly is superior to F8x Chris Harris seems to think so. I wouldn’t turn down driving a M2CS, im sure it’s quicker, but i’d expect the 1M still to be more fun to drive.

Chris Harris is not alone.

And finally for Steve he really seem to love the 1M 3:04

[JMD]

Originally Posted by Mani59

His reaction while driving the E60 ///M5 almost made me puke! Yet,...it was faster than every car he drove before it! Clearly, he didn't take the time to setup the SMG trans for the type of driving he's doing!

[10"]

Originally Posted by DanG

I have owned BMWs since 1972 and have driven lots of hydraulic BMWs. I have more road feel on my M2 than I have had on any other BMW I have owned. May be my tires, wider wheels, and added stress bar which all improved the road feel.

Nah—-I've driven multiple M2s and own a 1M. There is really no comparison between the steering feel of a 1M and an M2. It's night and day different.

The M2 is a nice car, but not nearly as engaging or as fun to drive. I think it's great that BMW made it, but it was a more refined and mass produced car and it feels like that. The 1M feels very unique and strange and fascinating to drive because it feels like a wacky science project—which it sort of was!

The steering in the 1M is tight and full of feel mated to a relatively small car with stiff suspension. something that just cannot be replicated by any EPS system—it was a different era.