Is the BMW M2 CS a six-figure experience?

A recent turn in one has me pondering BMW M2 CS values. Going for well above their original MSRP, is the premium worth it over a regular M2?

bmw-m2-cs-values

60% of you think the Signal Green M8 is worth the premium, and that has me thinking about experience. After all, it’s why we drive a car like a bright green M8. So I pick another M car – BMW M2 CS values are through the roof.

Is it worth it?

The 2020 BMW M2 CS 6-Speed vs the 2018 BMW M2

bmw-m2-cs

See the CS listing here

See the M2 listing here

I just took a spin in an M2 CS, and spoiler alert – it’s the best F-chassis car BMW ever made. The why is a story for another day, but the how, as in how you obtain one, is what I’d like to know now.

BMW made 2,200 M2 CSs– worldwide. Just 500 landed on our shores, and with an MSRP of $83,000, it was by far the most expensive M2 made at the time. Though BMW made an M3 and M4 CS as well, those aren’t nearly as coveted.

bmw-m2-cs-interior
Special trim is inside as well.

You could get the CS with either a manual or DCT, and it was available in just four colors. The car included all of the F87 M2’s greatest hits, from bigger brakes and the S55, to seats from the M3 and plenty of carbon fiber.

But you know what? BMW is fresh out of F87s, leaving the used market the only place to get one. The financial gap between a regular M2 and a CS has only grown over the years, and you can grab some with the N55 for less than $30,000. I could find CS examples that sold for $80,000 more.

m2-carbon-fiber-roof
This carbon fiber weave is unique to the CS.

Chances are, if you’re in the market for a CS, you don’t want a regular M2. But this is Talk Me Out Of It, so…

The 2020 BMW M2 CS 6-Speed

2020-m2-cs
The 2020 M2 CS. Photo: Bring a Trailer

Let’s start with the big boy:

  • Just 285 total miles
  • Clean CarFax
  • Misano Blue over Black leather (every CS had the same interior)
  • Six-speed manual
  • The all-important Gold 19″ Style 763M Alloy Wheels. Gold is better.
  • Every CS gets a carbon fiber roof and interior trim, and that infamous armrest delete, the only M2 to feature these.
  • Current bid: $85,550
m2-cs-backroad
Best when used on back roads.

I think this car has a weird history – two owners who leased and never ever drove the car? With no return on the investment (and no driving joy), what’s the point? I digress. The example I drove was a DCT, and I think I’d prefer it over a manual. But with market value, perception is always worth more, and so this six-speed should fetch a premium price.

BMW M2 CS values are through the roof. Here’s one for $113k, which is a high mark, but others hover around $90-100k. These do not depreciate, so don’t go looking for a discount. A few might still even have factory warranty left.

Now I did say it’s the best F-chassis car BMW made, but is it that good?

The 2018 BMW M2

2018-bmw-m2
The 2018 BMW M2. Photo: Cars & Bids

An argument could be made that any BMW LCI is really just some lipstick on a current model, but with the M2, you know it’s much more.

  • 69,000 miles
  • Alpine White over black leather
  • DCT
  • California car since new, and a clean CarFax
  • No mods
  • Needs new tires, curbed wheels, wear and tear on the typical interior points.
  • N55 power, with “just” 365 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque.

“Yea, okay Mike, how about no?”

m2-sunset-track-line
I still love the original, especially for that price.

I get it, but I bet this car goes for less than that $30k mark. And if you think about this car as a blank canvas, you can turn it into something special for far less than a CS. You have an $80k mod budget with this baby.

Did I talk you out of it?

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