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AUTO REVIEW
Most of the credit for all that driving sweet- will care. Still, we’re talking about a car that trol (ugh no), frontal collision warning and
ness goes to numerous M3/M4 chassis and costs almost $60,000, so it’s worth noting mitigation (no), and a lane departure
suspension components the M2 gets, as well that buyers should focus on the driving ex- warning system (never).
as its 245 mm front and 265 mm rear high cellence of these cars, because the mono-
performance tires (mounted on 19” wheels). chromatic black plasticky cabins are The BMW M2 is an excellent driver's car
Of course, a muscular 3.0 twin-scroll tur- uninspiring, as are the tight confines that that enthusiasts will enjoy for years, assum-
bocharged inline six-cylinder engine that pro- made me, at 6’2”, feel a little claustrophobic. ing they’re lucky enough to find one or don’t
duces 365 HP doesn’t hurt either, as a 4.0 mind waiting. It’s a reincarnated E46 M3,
second zero-to-60 time attests. All M2s come with pretty much every- but probably better. Is it small and does it
thing you want including the aforemen- have an average interior? Yes, but when you
Design-wise, the M2 is basically a stan- tioned 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, start the engine and drive it you won’t care.
dard issue 2-series coupe with numerous automatic wipers, keyless ignition and entry, At all. And that’s what matters.
aerodynamic add-ons to the body which give leather upholstery, 10-way power (heated)
the M2 more downforce at speed. Not inci- front sport seats, driver memory settings, If you’re in the market for this kind of ve-
dentally, those changes to the bodywork also iDrive infotainment — now actually pretty hicle, call Phil Hornbeak at 210-301-4367.
give the M2 a menacing look that the more good and easy to use — satnav, Bluetooth
pedestrian 228i — and even the M235i — phone and audio connectivity, and a 12- Steve Schutz, MD, is a
just can’t match. (Prominent M2 badges on speaker Harman Kardon audio system with board-certified gastroenterolo-
the front grille and rear trunk lid let other satellite radio and a USB input. gist who lived in San Antonio
drivers know that this is a special car.) in the 1990s when he was sta-
The optional Executive package adds a tioned here in the U.S. Air Force. He has been
Inside, the M2 is not as special as the heated steering wheel (yes), rearview cam- writing auto reviews for San Antonio Medicine
M3/M4 — or even the significantly cheaper era (sure, why not), rear parking sensors since 1995.
320i, for that matter — not that enthusiasts (no), automatic high-beam headlight con-
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