16th January 26. M2
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
No, not another trip to Essex down the estuary motorway towards Rochester.
Today was driving the car that, money no object I would probably choose over anything else an older edition BMW M2 with a manual gearbox too. Perfection!!
I had collected it last night. It was dark and wet so no opinion was formed, other than how it just felt, If you've read my previous entry about a drive from Sicily. You'll know I have a 1996 BMW 328i convertible.
Getting into this 2019 BMW M2 in the dark it felt exactly the same. The feel of the gear stick, the steering wheel, the position of the seat in relation to the dashboard and the simplicity of the dashboard was incredible. It obviously wasn't overloaded with too much tech. Now don't get me wrong. I like tech. But I don't like the kind of tech that takes away the ability to drive normally. Like lane departure warnings. Lane keep, automated braking. Or anything like that. And this car had none of it and it certainly looked the part and I haven't quite taken in the shape of the new one yet. It just looks too aggressive to me. I prefer the understated original BMW M concept, of the car being understated. Looking like a normal 2 series coupe to most people. Until you see the slightly flared arches, wider wheels and the slightly more aggressive stance on the road.
This is the the model I would prefer. No frills, no X-Drive to spoil the fun and keep the back end in check. Just 405 BHP driving the back wheels from that glorious 3.0 straight six twin turbo. Not too much noise from the exhaust system. But you know just how much power this car creates to propel it from standstill to
60 mph in four seconds. No need to be faster than that. This is a modern enough, old school BMW. And reminds me so much of driving my 1996 328i manual.
You're probably going want to know how it accelerates, handles on the limit etc.
I'm sorry but my respect for the new owner and the car is only in my care until it's delivered safely. Means I drove it from Aylesbury to Pocklington near York, never going beyond 3000 revs per minute.
It's the job. Professionalism and responsibility means more to me and our business than ragging someone's new car. Who's just laid out a lot of money and expects his car to be looked after. Anyone working in the business for us, doing this would find it's their last job.
That's not to say I can't tell you how blisteringly fast the car is.
The buyer kindly offered to drop me at the station and it was a good 20 minutes journey through some lovely Yorkshire twisty roads.
He was a good driver and gave it some and the car simply launched around and out of corners. The roads were slippery and wet and I felt the traction control kicking in many times. Even on the straights.
You could feel this car is a serious track weapon. The customer was a Porsche fan and had owned many of ti. But he was very impressed on the first drive.
We arrived at the station and I waved goodbye to the M2. But knowing how little he paid for it. This is a bargain and a future classic and I am seriously thinking about finding one, but in a different colour than black.
The day wasn't finished. But I think this car deserves a post to itself.
When I collected the car someone at the dealership said he thought it was too "twitchy" knowing he was just a typical type who can talk a good fight. I gave him an analogy that I thought suited. I said
"Have you ever played golf with professional golf clubs" he didn't get it.
What I mean was. Professional golf clubs are built to the exacting standard of the player. Tighter tolerances, stiffer shafts etc. I've tried. I couldn't hit a ball properly for anything.
This car is like that. It doesn't suffer fools.
Having said that. I still want one.
Second job of the day to follow. But today's was the M2's day. I would have done this job for nothing. But I got paid for it. Is life any better.
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