2017 BMW M2

As the last of the single-turbo, non-particulate-filtered M cars, the original M2 is already being viewed as a modern classic in the making — and low mileage, unmodified examples are becoming increasingly hard to find.

This one has covered just 40,890 miles from new and the enthusiast owner has just had BMW give it a full check over. It features:

• Full service history and a recent major service at BMW

• Interior is upgraded with carbon gear knob, carbon handbrake, carbon LED steering wheel with carbon paddle shifters. 

• Red M2 M Power Button, note:- LED steering wheel can be changed with modes (Temp, Rev etc). 

• Sports Dial and Apple Play Stereo. 

• LED changeable lights in footwell. 

• Exterior and carbonfibre duct tail spoiler, private number plate:- M2 PWU. 

• New discs, pads all round last year (BMW genuine vented brakes). 

• Carbonfibre side skirts, door mirrors, rear F1 spoiler with F1 brake light. 

• Custom rear LED brake lights with optional display. 

• Carbonfibre front spoiler and canards to aid with aero dynamics. 

• Adjustable B/C springs all round. 

• BMW genuine alloys painted in glass black, all locking wheel nuts. 

• Engine: strut brace for better handling, performance air filter and intake with Airtech upgraded intercooler.

Finished in Mineral Grey metallic, this M2 looks to be in superb overall condition, reflecting both its low mileage and careful ownership. The paintwork retains a deep, uniform gloss across all panels, with no noticeable imperfections, blemishes or signs of previous rectification. It’s a colour that suits the car particularly well, emphasising the crisp lines of the bodywork while lending a degree of subtlety to the M2’s otherwise assertive presence.

The distinctive M2 styling features are all present and correct, from the flared arches and sculpted sills to the large lower grilles and aerodynamic rear bumper with integrated diffuser. All panel gaps appear consistent and tight, and shut lines are clean. There’s no visible evidence of corrosion, stone-chipping or previous cosmetic damage.

The signature quad exhaust tailpipes are clean and evenly spaced within the rear valance, with no signs of carbon buildup or heat discolouration. Elsewhere, trim pieces, badging and exterior plastics are in similarly good order, as are the light lenses, which remain clear and free from hazing or damage.

The car sits on black-finished BMW M-Sport alloy wheels, their open-spoke design revealing the M-specification braking system with blue calipers. The wheels are in excellent condition with no kerbing or lacquer issues noted. They are shod in a matching set of Michelin Pilot Sport tyres — 265/35 R19 at the rear — all of which show plenty of remaining tread.

Overall, the exterior of this M2 gives every impression of a car that’s been kept garaged, properly maintained and used sparingly. Its paint finish and detailing remain crisp and consistent, with the kind of minor wear and patina expected of a car with just 40,000 miles under its belt. As modern performance cars go, it’s a striking yet compact package, and remains one of the most visually resolved designs from BMW’s M Division in recent years.

The interior of the M2 is a driver-focused space that combines typical BMW ergonomics with subtle sporting enhancements. This example is trimmed in black Dakota leather throughout, with the upholstery presenting in excellent condition, in keeping with the car’s low mileage and evident care. Both front seats are deeply bolstered and supportive, offering ample adjustment and comfort for longer journeys while still keeping the driver well anchored during more enthusiastic driving.

The leather remains supple with no significant wear to note on the seat bolsters, and the rear seats appear scarcely used. Stitching is uniform and intact throughout, and the carpets and door trims are similarly clean and well kept.

As standard the M2 was equipped with a number of subtle upgrades over the regular 2 Series interior, most notably the carbonfibre trim elements which run across the dash, centre console and door panels. These are all in excellent condition, with no scratches, fading or lifting observed. 

The M2’s straightforward dashboard layout places key controls within easy reach, and the high-resolution iDrive screen sits prominently atop the centre stack. 

All instruments function as they should, with no warning lights displayed (except a service due light – easy to reset) and clear, easily legible dials. The overall presentation inside the cabin is exactly what you’d hope for in a carefully used, enthusiast owned M2.

Lifting the bonnet reveals a clean and largely standard engine bay, housing BMW’s acclaimed 3-litre turbocharged straight-six. Designated the N55, this powerplant was developed to deliver the kind of flexible, muscular performance expected of an M-car, while still offering day-to-day usability and a degree of mechanical simplicity compared to the more highly strung units used elsewhere in the M range.

This particular engine bay presents in good overall condition, showing no signs of neglect or heavy use. The inner wings, bulkhead and underside of the bonnet are all clean and free from corrosion, damage or staining. Some of the plated components show the light surface tarnishing that’s to be expected of an eight-year-old car, but there’s no indication of any leaks or inappropriate repairs. Pipework, plastic trims and fluid reservoirs all appear in good order and correctly secured.

Aside from a couple of subtle upgrades, the setup is entirely standard. An Ultra Racing front strut brace spans the engine bay, bolting securely between the suspension turrets to improve chassis stiffness and steering response. A high-performance air filter has also been installed — a modest and reversible enhancement that may improve induction sound and throttle response, but otherwise leaves the engine bay unaltered.

The factory ECU and turbocharger setup all remain in place, but the intercooler has been uprated to an Airtech part for improved charge cooling. All visible wiring, brackets and fixings appear intact and undisturbed.

In all the engine bay gives every impression of a well-kept car that’s been driven appropriately and maintained with care. With its smooth power delivery and strong reputation for reliability, the N55 engine is well suited to the compact, rear-drive M2 — and examples like this are increasingly sought after by enthusiasts.

The cars comes with a full service history and the owner tells us that both manufacturer recalls pertaining to this model have been carried out by BMW Northampton. He says:

'Northampton BMW had the car as it did not seem to be running correctly so I had them give it a once over. You can see from the bill they found a couple of things that needed replacing, which I got them to do at the same time as the recalls on the car. Which were a new airbag and a bracket in the boot. 

The service was then carried out by SES motorsport with plugs, filter and oil and a brand new catalytic converter as it had a race straight through exhaust which would not pass the MoT. It’s now been done properly and is all legal.

The car also has protective film over the front to protect the paint. The car is now how it should be and the great thing is BMW has been all over it to make sure it is in great condition for new owner.’

A modern classic in the making – and a low mileage example from an owner who has spent a lot of time and money getting it just right.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £23,000 - £28,000. And it's No Reserve!

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.