F87 · M2

What the F87 Chassis Is

The BMW F87 is the chassis code for the first-generation M2, a compact two-door M coupe produced from 2016 to 2021. Built on the shortened rear-drive platform shared with the 2 Series (F22), the F87 was engineered by BMW M as a spiritual successor to the beloved 1M Coupe. Its short wheelbase, wide track, and aggressively flared fenders gave it the kind of playful, tossable character that many enthusiasts felt larger M cars had grown away from. You can confirm any F87's exact build details using our VIN decoder.

The Models & Body Styles

The F87 lineup was tightly focused, offered exclusively as a coupe across three US-market variants:

• M2 Coupe — the original launch model, balancing everyday usability with genuine M performance.
• M2 Competition Coupe — introduced later with a more potent engine and sharpened chassis tuning.
• M2 CS — the sendoff special, the most powerful and hardcore version, with carbon-fiber components and adaptive suspension.

Every F87 kept the formula pure: two doors, four seats, rear-wheel drive, and a driver-focused cockpit. It's a lineage worth appreciating through the lens of BMW's M DNA.

Engines & Drivetrains

The F87 evolved through its production run. The original M2 Coupe used a turbocharged inline-six derived from BMW's mainstream engine family, while the Competition and CS models adopted a version of the S55-based twin-turbo six shared with the larger M3 and M4 of the period, delivering a substantial jump in output and top-end urgency. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual gearbox—a major draw for purists—or a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic. Rear-wheel drive was standard across the board, reinforcing the F87's reputation as a genuine driver's car.

Owning & Buying an F87

The F87 has already become a modern-classic favorite, and clean examples—especially manual Competition and CS cars—command strong money. Key ownership considerations include tire and brake wear from spirited driving, careful inspection of any track-used cars, and confirming service history on turbocharged examples. Enthusiasts cross-shopping BMW's broader performance history often look back at earlier M and luxury coupes such as the E63 and E64, but the F87 stands apart for its compact size and immediacy.

Notable Strengths & Weak Points

Strengths: compact dimensions, sharp steering, available manual, potent turbocharged power, and strong collectibility—particularly the limited-run CS. Watch for: higher-mileage or track-abused cars, tire and consumable costs, and the price premium on desirable specs. Overall, the F87 M2 is widely regarded as one of the most engaging M cars of its generation and a benchmark compact performance coupe.