[bmwstephen]

just a random question but for those who have came from e36/e92 m3s with stock suspension, how does the OG M2's compare in terms of daily driving?

I am familiar with what people have been saying as "harsh" for the stock OG setup but it is all relative. I am more interested in how it harsh it is compared to previous generation Ms since those are the platforms I own.

[Westersund]

I find it perfectly acceptable! The biggest issue contributing to the harshness is the 19" wheels with low side wall tires.

[DanG]

I don’t find it harsh at all. Comparable with other M cars that I have owned.

[///393]

Drove a pals E92 M3 back to back when mine was still on stock suspension and the damping of the M2 stock is far more harsh over rough cracks in the tarmac and even road markers between lanes.

I used to intentionally dodge them because of how much the suspension crashed over them stock but with upgraded dampers in street settings it’s far more compliant.

The E92 M3 didn’t demonstrate this same behavior fwiw and it’s been attributed to the excessive rebound of the stock damper from what I’ve read on the interwebz.

[bmwstephen]

Originally Posted by wilson kop

Drove a pals E92 M3 back to back when mine was still on stock suspension and the damping of the M2 stock is far more harsh over rough cracks in the tarmac and even road markers between lanes.

I used to intentionally dodge them because of how much the suspension crashed over them stock but with upgraded dampers in street settings it’s far more compliant.

The E92 M3 didn’t demonstrate this same behavior fwiw and it’s been attributed to the excessive rebound of the stock damper from what I’ve read on the interwebz.

was that an e92 m3 with EDC or just the regular shock/spring setup?

[///393]

Originally Posted by bmwstephen

was that an e92 m3 with EDC or just the regular shock/spring setup?

Non-adjustable. No EDC. That E92 M3 is incredibly capable on stock suspension for what it’s worth. He’s running silly times on the stock bits with just a sway bar upgrade as far as suspension is concerned.

[chris719]

It’s more harsh. It’s firmer than my Z4M was.

[RenatoNYC]

Definitely feels harsher than the F80 M3… which makes me wonder if the OG M2 setup becomes even more apparent due to the normal seats — same as my wife’s X1 😆

My car still has the original tires (LCI came with Contis) which are getting louder and feel harsher than ever after 5 years. I imagine a new set of Pilot Sports will attenuate that feeling.

[David.m]

Originally Posted by RenatoNYC

Definitely feels harsher than the F80 M3… which makes me wonder if the OG M2 setup becomes even more apparent due to the normal seats — same as my wife’s X1 😆

My car still has the original tires (LCI came with Contis) which are getting louder and feel harsher than ever after 5 years. I imagine a new set of Pilot Sports will attenuate that feeling.

Thinks it's more to do with the shorter wheelbase and seat closer to rear axle (compared to F80). The rear shocks in particular have very little compression travel before the large bump stops come into play, I was told (by someone who tarmac rallied their M2C) that even hard cornering on a smooth track surface would have the car on the bumpstops. Doesn't leave much suspension to handle poor/undulating roads, no doubt why coilovers (I have Ohlins) with stiffer springs give a firmer ride at carpark speeds but a smoother/more compliant ride at normal/faster speed.

[fleetfoot]

My M2’s suspension with Eibach springs was uncomfortably stiff as a daily until I swapped for 18” wheels. Now I think it’s perfect. It’s only moderately more stiff than my e92 328i m-sport with m3 control arms/bushings and multiple other poly bushings.

I do find that the m2 exhaust is boomier, even with active sound disabled. My heavily modified 328i is more fun and relaxing to drive around town. The m2 is happiest on the track and in the mountains.

[RenatoNYC]

Interesting idea on the wheelbase and sitting position. Makes sense.

All and all I don’t mind the OEM suspension at all (I’m 53 with a relatively healthy back), but I don’t commute on it either. I find it hard but not harsh, maybe excessively firm but not punishing. Definitely rewarding at higher speeds on twisties.

The idea of going with 18s” is enticing too. Will try to learn more about that setup (tire size, spacers)… prolly looks hot!

[fleetfoot]

18x9.5" Apex EC-7 w/ 5mm spacers up front and -2.8/-1.8 degrees of camber front/rear. No fitment issues.

[///393]

Originally Posted by fleetfoot

18x9.5" Apex EC-7 w/ 5mm spacers up front and -2.8/-1.8 degrees of camber front/rear. No fitment issues.

What tire sizes and offset are we looking at? +28 and +40?

[3LiterBeater]

When I first got my M2, I felt it was very jolting/ aggressive and didn’t fully appreciate the car.

I’ve since upgraded suspension and some bushings, spring rates around 450f/800r, among other things.

My buddy got a brand new bone stock M2 and man… what a car. It’s amazing how good it really is without much compromise. I miss it for the long trips.

I do have some regrets but the payout when I track it is justified.

[fleetfoot]

ET28 running 265 tires. It's one of the recommended setups in a great guide from Apex:
https://support.apexraceparts.com/hc...-Fitment-Guide

[RenatoNYC]

I only got mine a month ago… today I did a NY-Boston-NY trip in one swoop. LOVE the suspension as is for highway driving. Super compliant, just firm enough and tuned to my taste.

PS: obligatory pitstop photo 😁

[JustAWhisper]

Having driven an E36, owned an E46, driven an E92, and owned a F87 M2, I can say without a doubt that each generation of M car is stiffer and harsher riding than it's predecessor.

This largely comes down to steadily increasing spring rates each generation, probably to keep up with increasing grip of tires.

I don't find the M2 to be excessively harsh, but it's definitely stiff. It's still acceptable and it keeps body roll in control much better than my old E46, which rolled like a boat on stock suspension when driving aggressively with high performance tires.