BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW M2 Forum > BMW M2 Competition Model > M2 vs M2 Competition /// N55 vs S55

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-09-2017, 02:28 PM   #1
BurpZilla
Avid Car Enthusiast
BurpZilla's Avatar
United_States
152
Rep
266
Posts

Drives: 2017 Alpine White M2 6spd
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

M2 vs M2 Competition /// N55 vs S55

Whats up B-Crew! This topic has come up several times but I wanted to shed it in a slightly different light..

What is everyone's thought with the M2 N55 vs M2 S55?
-- do you think the remaining M2 models will all be S55'ed until the next gen?
-- would that mean the N55 engines models will hold their value more?

Me personally...yes S55 has more power..but the N55 throws down that power so much more smoothly. And one can't argue that the sound from the N55 is just MUCH MUCH better than the S55. Also..there will prob be a significant MSRP increase with the M2 CS..is it worth it? My guestimate is 64k.

Just seeing what yall think about this :-)
__________________
History will never be forgotten
1992 Red Acura Legend 4dr, 2003 Daytona Blue Nissan, 350z 6spd, 2007 Black Audi B7 RS4 6spd
Current Girlfriends
Alpine White BMW M2 6spd; 2015 Arctic White Yukon XL Denali
Appreciate 3
      12-09-2017, 03:22 PM   #2
Chako
Banned
105
Rep
280
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Canada

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BurpZilla View Post
Whats up B-Crew! This topic has come up several times but I wanted to shed it in a slightly different light..

What is everyone's thought with the M2 N55 vs M2 S55?
-- do you think the remaining M2 models will all be S55'ed until the next gen?
-- would that mean the N55 engines models will hold their value more?

Me personally...yes S55 has more power..but the N55 throws down that power so much more smoothly. And one can't argue that the sound from the N55 is just MUCH MUCH better than the S55. Also..there will prob be a significant MSRP increase with the M2 CS..is it worth it? My guestimate is 64k.

Just seeing what yall think about this :-)
The M2 chassis with upgraded engine (even with worse sound), and optional brake and seat upgrades has the chance to be a modern classic and a fantastic car. That being said there's no way it will be that close to the M3 in price (or more) unless it's a true CS model with pretty much all of the performance options standard (rather than the 'Competition' that's been rumoured). It still has a more budget interior, non-adaptive suspension, no carbon roof, etc. that come standard on the F80/82.

If it's a direct replacement car for the M2 with similar volume (like the rumoured Competition), ~$60k would fit the current M hierarchy. If it's a full & more limited CS model then it's harder to say but $65-75k would make sense depending on the final specs and equipment.

The current M2 is a great car and will probably become an even better bargain once the S55 M2 comes out as long as there's appreciable volume of it produced.
Appreciate 1
filet.M2c782.50
      12-09-2017, 05:49 PM   #3
Bluenose-2er
Captain
Bluenose-2er's Avatar
565
Rep
787
Posts

Drives: 2017 LBB 6MT M2
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Halifax

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BurpZilla View Post
Whats up B-Crew! This topic has come up several times but I wanted to shed it in a slightly different light..

What is everyone's thought with the M2 N55 vs M2 S55?
-- do you think the remaining M2 models will all be S55'ed until the next gen?
-- would that mean the N55 engines models will hold their value more?

Me personally...yes S55 has more power..but the N55 throws down that power so much more smoothly. And one can't argue that the sound from the N55 is just MUCH MUCH better than the S55. Also..there will prob be a significant MSRP increase with the M2 CS..is it worth it? My guestimate is 64k.

Just seeing what yall think about this :-)
I think the pricing of the M2 Comp is up in the air... as the numerous back and forth on this site (including mine) attests. Many discussion of the relative merits of higher versus lower pricing. Bottom line... If the U.S. M2 Comp is >$60K (base) then I think it will not impact the resale of the original M2 much. If it is <$60K it will likely have an negative impact on the original M2 resale.

I have begun to wonder if they want to move the M2 up the price scale to give some separation from the M240i. If so, it should fall in the middle... that is... between the $45K M240i base price and the $68K base M4. Given that with the S55 it will be pretty much the M4 except smaller (a plus) and lacking the dynamic suspension and CF roof (minuses)... I would put it closer to that end of the gap and think $60K is the right spot... probably a bit higher when you add the MY price hike from those 2018 prices. So your $64K looks OK to me... maybe slightly high.

To the engine... I have posted here that the N55 is all you need for (legal) street driving (and sounds glorious). S55 is more robust for track and would be faster for (illegal) street driving. If they abandon the N55 and only offer the S55 M2 Comp in 2019+ (and do not undercut the original M2 with a nominal hike as noted abve) I think the original M2 will keep its value very well.
Appreciate 2
MINI135i139.00
filet.M2c782.50
      12-09-2017, 05:57 PM   #4
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluenose-2er View Post
I think the pricing of the M2 Comp is up in the air... as the numerous back and forth on this site (including mine) attests. Many discussion of the relative merits of higher versus lower pricing. Bottom line... If the U.S. M2 Comp is >$60K (base) then I think it will not impact the resale of the original M2 much. If it is <$60K it will likely have an negative impact on the original M2 resale.

I have begun to wonder if they want to move the M2 up the price scale to give some separation from the M240i. If so, it should fall in the middle... that is... between the $45K M240i base price and the $68K base M4. Given that with the S55 it will be pretty much the M4 except smaller (a plus) and lacking the dynamic suspension and CF roof (minuses)... I would put it closer to that end of the gap and think $60K is the right spot... probably a bit higher when you add the MY price hike from those 2018 prices. So your $64K looks OK to me... maybe slightly high.

To the engine... I have posted here that the N55 is all you need for (legal) street driving (and sounds glorious). S55 is more robust for track and would be faster for (illegal) street driving. If they abandon the N55 and only offer the S55 M2 Comp in 2019+ (and do not undercut the original M2 with a nominal hike as noted abve) I think the original M2 will keep its value very well.
Very interesting point about the M240 that I haven't heard yet on the forums. I think you might be right. Since, right now, there the "why wouldn't you just get an M2" argument when you option up an M240 to an M2 level. I think in Canada the price difference was about $2K and the financing rates were the same. So this makes total sense.

- S55 is a better motor according to numbers and fans, but is not good for all situations. It's peakier and lags more at low RPMs. Sounds like crap. If what you're interested in is resale or tunability, the S55 will be the motor to get. If you prefer more streetability, the N55 with a DP is probably better. IMO S55 makes no sense for the street and isn't even tuned for it.

- Yep it'll probably be the motor that stays in the car till next gen.

- The N55 M2 will definitely suffer resale wise
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2017, 10:59 AM   #5
dcmac
Lieutenant
dcmac's Avatar
439
Rep
468
Posts

Drives: '18 LCI M2
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Denver, CO

iTrader: (0)

I ordered an M2 a few weeks ago knowing full well the next iteration will likely have the S55.

I wanted the N55 sound, price and street driveability... and I think no matter what happens with future models, my car will still be sought after on the used market for years to come - by buyers just like me looking for an incredible deal/package for the price.

I really think the N55 M2 is a special car that will go down as a classic, regardless of what M2 iterations will supersede it.
Appreciate 14
devo755.00
S1monQc223.50
seis-speed2426.00
mssVT98137.00
AlexCirci496.50
Fangi021.00
krizze924.00
SoCalRob281.00
tranck499.00
ried791.50
      12-10-2017, 01:05 PM   #6
devo
Colonel
United_States
755
Rep
2,736
Posts

Drives: Bimmers & Porsches
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Atlanta

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dcmac View Post
I ordered an M2 a few weeks ago knowing full well the next iteration will likely have the S55.

I wanted the N55 sound, price and street driveability... and I think no matter what happens with future models, my car will still be sought after on the used market for years to come - by buyers just like me looking for an incredible deal/package for the price.

I really think the N55 M2 is a special car that will go down as a classic, regardless of what M2 iterations will supersede it.
I would tend to agree with this given the S55 M2 will likely base 8-9% higher, imo. I took delivery of mine about two months ago, knowing the S55 was coming. I use it as my dd. Good sound and lots of fun.

i.e:

S55 speculatively bases at $58,500 +/-

2018 N55 base is $53,500

All else being equal, many will still buy the latter if the latter can be bought for < $50k. Many buyers is this price range are sensitive to a $10k +/- delta. For me a 7-8% depreciation over a brief period of time is not bad at all. This assumes one paid MSRP for the 2018. If the '18 was bought for less all the better. Previous model years will suffer slightly more. However, I believe that's where a base will form. At some price point one will not be able to find a used car equal of this caliber; hence where the foundation will form which will sustain some type of decent pricing imo.
__________________
'19 M2C HS, 6-Spd, Slick Top, MComp Wheels
'18 GT3 White, 6-Spd, Buckets, PCCBs

Last edited by devo; 12-10-2017 at 01:25 PM..
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2017, 04:12 PM   #7
akkando
Major General
akkando's Avatar
5860
Rep
6,631
Posts

Drives: 17 M2 DCT LBB,11 e90 M3 ZCP IB
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by devo View Post
I would tend to agree with this given the S55 M2 will likely base 8-9% higher, imo. I took delivery of mine about two months ago, knowing the S55 was coming. I use it as my dd. Good sound and lots of fun.

i.e:

S55 speculatively bases at $58,500 +/-

2018 N55 base is $53,500

All else being equal, many will still buy the latter if the latter can be bought for < $50k. Many buyers is this price range are sensitive to a $10k +/- delta. For me a 7-8% depreciation over a brief period of time is not bad at all. This assumes one paid MSRP for the 2018. If the '18 was bought for less all the better. Previous model years will suffer slightly more. However, I believe that's where a base will form. At some price point one will not be able to find a used car equal of this caliber; hence where the foundation will form which will sustain some type of decent pricing imo.

If I had to bet your pricing is spot on.
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2017, 07:07 PM   #8
chris719
Major General
7273
Rep
7,252
Posts

Drives: '08 M Roadster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

I have driven both and I don't care about the sound difference, I would rather have the S55. If the premium is more than $5k though I really don't know if it's worth it.
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2017, 07:11 PM   #9
CosmosMpower
Brigadier General
CosmosMpower's Avatar
2049
Rep
3,714
Posts

Drives: F87c, GT3, MK7 GTI
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Frisco, TX

iTrader: (1)

58k it'd be a no brainer to buy a S55 powered M2. My guess is low 60's MSRP
Appreciate 1
filet.M2c782.50
      12-10-2017, 07:13 PM   #10
tke743
Major
tke743's Avatar
United_States
739
Rep
1,066
Posts

Drives: LBB M2 Comp
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Massachusetts

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris719 View Post
I have driven both and I don't care about the sound difference, I would rather have the S55. If the premium is more than $5k though I really don't know if it's worth it.
I’ve owned both and I just want the better (and lower) seats.

From M school; Instructor - “Please adjust your seat so you are are about 4 inches from the roof. Ian, just try to fit in the car.“
__________________
Formerly - "That Guy" in the purple BMW

Last edited by tke743; 12-10-2017 at 07:50 PM..
Appreciate 1
seis-speed2426.00
      12-10-2017, 07:24 PM   #11
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris719 View Post
I have driven both and I don't care about the sound difference, I would rather have the S55. If the premium is more than $5k though I really don't know if it's worth it.
If it's M seats, mirrors, and motor then there is basically no way you could do this yourself for less.
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2017, 07:33 PM   #12
six-n-twins53
Amateur Tattoo Artist
809
Rep
700
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3 zcp
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (1)

At 55k I'm an m2 buyer. At 65k+ I'm an m4 buyer. A 60k+ m2 is not on my radar regardless of what engine or add ons it has. I really like my n55 m2, but if an s55 were an option for a few grand more, I'd be in. The more goodies, weight and trinkets you add to an m2, the less m2 it becomes. My last car was an m5 so I appreciate the aspect of fast and nice. I specifically chose the m2 for its character.
Appreciate 4
ORIGIN M.3159.50
jdarwin601.50
mssVT98137.00
      12-11-2017, 12:26 AM   #13
ORIGIN M.
Banned
3160
Rep
9,134
Posts

Drives: ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Hemisphere

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by six-n-twins53 View Post
At 55k I'm an m2 buyer. At 65k+ I'm an m4 buyer. A 60k+ m2 is not on my radar regardless of what engine or add ons it has. I really like my n55 m2, but if an s55 were an option for a few grand more, I'd be in. The more goodies, weight and trinkets you add to an m2, the less m2 it becomes. My last car was an m5 so I appreciate the aspect of fast and nice. I specifically chose the m2 for its character.
The current car has so much character it's hard to imagine it being much better overall.
Appreciate 1
jdarwin601.50
      12-11-2017, 04:06 AM   #14
No Boost
enthusiasm > practicality
No Boost's Avatar
United_States
4019
Rep
2,247
Posts

Drives: 987 CS | G35x
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Chester County, PA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
There are exhaust sound threads being created on a seemingly daily basis over on the M3/4 board. Owners are constantly trying to justify and sugarcoat things. Adding MPE to ZCP appears to be the new, best solution in "fixing" the undesirable sound, that is until others chime in by stating "no, it still sounds like shit".

Once the M2 gets the S55, the car will lose an endearing quality and a pissing match will ensue. My popcorn will be at the ready.
__________________
FSI 3.8L Stg II|6MT|SOUL|IPD+GT3 TB|Numeric Racing|KW|Tarett|Rennline|Raceseng|APEX|Recaro|7.3 lb/hp
VQ35HR|5AT|Stillen|FI|UpRev tune 8k rpm|TransGo|Hotchkis|Whiteline|H&R|Z1|Corbeau|R1 Concepts|10 lb/hp
Left lane campers, GTFO!
Appreciate 2
jdarwin601.50
      12-11-2017, 06:45 AM   #15
Archie Bunker
Private First Class
165
Rep
99
Posts

Drives: M2
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: DFW

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stage IV View Post
There are exhaust sound threads being created on a seemingly daily basis over on the M3/4 board. Owners are constantly trying to justify and sugarcoat things. Adding MPE to ZCP appears to be the new, best solution in "fixing" the undesirable sound, that is until others chime in by stating "no, it still sounds like shit".

Once the M2 gets the S55, the car will lose an endearing quality and a pissing match will ensue. My popcorn will be at the ready.
Agreed. I wouldn’t upgrade to an S55 if it were no charge.
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2017, 07:16 AM   #16
doug_999
Brigadier General
doug_999's Avatar
2539
Rep
3,967
Posts

Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Did everyone here seem to forget about the B58? Why would BMW not just drop that in for the regular car? The S55 is a bunch more money and if that goes in the non CS car, the price will reflect it.
__________________
2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio
2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual
2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2017, 07:37 AM   #17
Archie Bunker
Private First Class
165
Rep
99
Posts

Drives: M2
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: DFW

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by doug_999 View Post
Did everyone here seem to forget about the B58? Why would BMW not just drop that in for the regular car? The S55 is a bunch more money and if that goes in the non CS car, the price will reflect it.
The internet is full of big dreamers.
Appreciate 1
Aronis2267.00
      12-11-2017, 08:43 AM   #18
chris719
Major General
7273
Rep
7,252
Posts

Drives: '08 M Roadster
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Archie Bunker View Post
Agreed. I wouldn’t upgrade to an S55 if it were no charge.
Have you driven both? S55 is notably superior. I own neither, btw. Only an N55 owner would say that the S55 is worse...

Sound is subjective and the ZCP sounds pretty good. Neither one sounds as good as the S54, S65, or S85 anyway so you might as well get the better engine.
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2017, 08:45 AM   #19
doug_999
Brigadier General
doug_999's Avatar
2539
Rep
3,967
Posts

Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Archie Bunker View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by doug_999 View Post
Did everyone here seem to forget about the B58? Why would BMW not just drop that in for the regular car? The S55 is a bunch more money and if that goes in the non CS car, the price will reflect it.
The internet is full of big dreamers.
And what makes this a dream?
__________________
2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio
2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual
2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2017, 10:15 AM   #20
alscks0414
Major
alscks0414's Avatar
Canada
689
Rep
1,339
Posts

Drives: MY18 X3 M40i, MY18 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris719 View Post
Have you driven both? S55 is notably superior. I own neither, btw. Only an N55 owner would say that the S55 is worse...

Sound is subjective and the ZCP sounds pretty good. Neither one sounds as good as the S54, S65, or S85 anyway so you might as well get the better engine.
I have owned MY14 F30 M3 non-Competition, and now having the delivery of MY18 F87 M2 which is about to get delivered to my dealer today and will be ready for me within a week after parts installed.

S55 is a definitely better engine, no doubt about it. Just the sound is not as one could expect and have to agree N55 has better sound. M2 owners can say N55 is just enough for the street and will just be sufficient unless you are on track. Well, that it partially right and partially wrong. S55 pulls a lot better and it is more capable for further tuning as well. Of course, it is price that will define if one will take superior S55 over N55 in their car if choice is given.
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2017, 10:25 AM   #21
Archie Bunker
Private First Class
165
Rep
99
Posts

Drives: M2
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: DFW

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by doug_999 View Post
And what makes this a dream?
Sorry, I was chiming in and referring to all that think BMW will just stuff the biggest engine they can in the M2 and continue selling it for $50k.
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2017, 10:39 AM   #22
OG///M
Always +10MPH
OG///M's Avatar
United_States
1002
Rep
626
Posts

Drives: 6MT
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: DTX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris719 View Post
Have you driven both? S55 is notably superior. I own neither, btw. Only an N55 owner would say that the S55 is worse...

Sound is subjective and the ZCP sounds pretty good. Neither one sounds as good as the S54, S65, or S85 anyway so you might as well get the better engine.
Superior in what way? HP/TQ? Power delivery? Reliability? Sound? It's all subjectively depending on what you value.
But let's assume it's an overall superior engine in your eyes, it doesn't automatically mean it's right for the balance of the car.

I can honestly say if the M2 originally came with a S55, I'd still own it for the chassis but I will be spending most of my ownership swapping exhausts trying to remedy the sound...
That was one of the main reasons I couldn't get myself to go for the M4, other than size.
Appreciate 3
ORIGIN M.3159.50
stefan2346.50
963mw331.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:07 PM.




m2
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST