BMW M2 vs M4: Which M Car Is the Better Buy?

Comparison

F82/F83 M4

n=153 sold12-mo -3.8%

Avg Price

$48k

Range

$24k – $92k

Avg Mileage

42,292

Manual Premium

-14%

Avg Bids

33

F87 M2

n=145 sold12-mo +5.6%

Avg Price

$49k

Range

$31k – $81k

Avg Mileage

27,824

Manual Premium

+17%

Avg Bids

30

G82/G83 M4

n=50 sold12-mo -36.0%

Avg Price

$92k

Range

$54k – $135k

Avg Mileage

15,890

Manual Premium

-36%

Avg Bids

36

G87 M2

n=29 sold12-mo +3.2%

Avg Price

$68k

Range

$58k – $99k

Avg Mileage

5,298

Manual Premium

-10%

Avg Bids

26

How to Choose

• Size preference: the M2 is compact and direct. The M4 has more room and a longer wheelbase.
• Both share engines within their generation: F87 M2 Comp has the F82 M4's S55, G87 M2 has the G82 M4's S58.
• The M2 has held value better relative to its original price, helped by lower production and enthusiast demand. Over the last 12 months the F87 M2 moved +5.6% and the F82/F83 M4 -3.8%.
• For track use, the M2's shorter wheelbase and lighter weight give it an edge on technical circuits.
• The M4 is the better grand tourer with more refinement, space, and tech at highway speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the M2 better than the M4?

For pure driving engagement, yes. The M2 is smaller, lighter, and more tossable. The M4 is faster in a straight line and more comfortable for longer trips. They share the same engine within each generation, so the difference is chassis character.

Which BMW M car holds its value best?

Of these two, the M2 holds value better relative to its original price, thanks to lower production and enthusiast demand. The limited M2 CS and M4 GTS are the cars collectors chase, and they sell well above regular M2s and M4s. Manual F87 M2s also tend to sell above DCT cars.

Is the M2 Competition the same engine as the M4?

Yes. The F87 M2 Competition (2019-2021) uses the S55 twin-turbo inline-6 from the F82 M4, detuned from 425hp to 405hp. The earlier F87 M2 (2016-2018) used the N55 single-turbo which is a different engine.

Should I get a manual or DCT M2/M4?

It depends on the generation. Manual F87 M2s tend to sell above DCT cars. On the M4, the most expensive versions (the F82 GTS and CS, and the G82 Competition and CSL in the US) came only with the DCT or automatic, so two-pedal M4s often average more. The DCT (F-series) and automatic (G-series) shift faster and are better for commuting. If you track the car or value driver engagement, get the manual.

How much does a BMW M2 cost?

In our data an F87 M2 (2016-2021, including the Competition) averages $49K, with most selling between $30K and $81K. A G87 M2 (2023 on) averages $68K. Base N55 cars sit toward the bottom of the F87 range, and the limited M2 CS sells well above a regular M2.