Audi RS 5 vs. BMW M2: Complete comparison 2026

The Audi RS 5 represents a sophisticated combination of crushing performance, everyday usability, and the confidence of quattro all-wheel drive in an elegant body. Against it stands the BMW M2, a compact and purist coupe focused on the most intense driving experience possible, thanks to its classic rear-wheel-drive layout. In our comparison, we'll look at the key differences to help you decide which of these German sports cars is right for you.

Exterior Dimensions: GT vs. Pocket Rocket

It's clear from the first glance that the Audi RS 5 and BMW M2 are aimed at different audiences, and their exterior dimensions only confirm this. The Audi RS 5 is a significantly larger car in every respect, falling into the Gran Turismo category. In contrast, the BMW M2 stays true to the philosophy of a compact sports coupe that relies on agility and minimal exterior dimensions.

The most significant difference is in length. At 4723 mm, the Audi RS 5 Coupé is more than 14 centimetres longer than the BMW M2 (4580 mm). The Sportback variant increases this difference even further, outgrowing the M2 by more than 20 centimetres. In practice, this means the Audi has a more majestic presence on the road, and its longer wheelbase promises better stability at high speeds. The BMW, on the other hand, benefits from easier manoeuvrability in city traffic and simpler parking.

The width offers an interesting comparison. Although the Audi is larger overall, the BMW M2, at 1887 mm, is a noticeable 2 centimetres wider than the RS 5 (1866 mm). This dimension, combined with the shorter body, gives the M2 an extremely muscular and aggressive stance. The Audi RS 5, in contrast, is more elegantly shaped, and its proportions are more in line with a fast touring car than a track weapon. The choice, therefore, is between elegance and raw power expressed through design.

Key Dimensions Comparison

Boot Volume and Practicality

Although the size of the luggage compartment is not a primary criterion for sports cars like the Audi RS 5 and BMW M2, differences in practicality can be decisive for many buyers. This is where the different philosophies of the two brands are fully revealed. While the BMW M2 is an uncompromising driver-focused coupe, the Audi RS 5 also offers a more practical Sportback variant that will appeal to those who don't want to sacrifice everyday usability for performance.

The BMW M2, in both its F87 generation (produced until 2020) and the newer G87 (from 2023), offers a consistent boot volume of 390 litres. This figure is perfectly adequate for a two-door coupe and is easily sufficient for a weekend's shopping or luggage for two on holiday. Against it stands the Audi RS 5 Coupé (F5 generation after the 2020 facelift), which provides a slightly more generous 410 litres. While this small difference isn't dramatic, it does represent a few extra bags.

However, the real difference in practicality comes with the Audi RS 5 in the Sportback version. Thanks to its five-door liftback body, it offers an excellent 465 litres in its standard configuration. This is a value comparable to compact estate cars. Furthermore, folding down the rear seats creates a space of up to 1280 litres, making the RS 5 Sportback a surprisingly versatile car, capable of transporting even bulkier cargo. For families or sports-minded individuals who need to carry skis or other equipment, this variant is the clear choice.

Towing Ability: A Different Discipline for Sports Cars

If towing capacity is a key criterion for you when choosing a car, then the battle between the Audi RS 5 and the BMW M2 will be decided very quickly. Neither of these high-performance sports models is primarily designed for towing trailers, and the manufacturers do not officially state any values for a tow hitch. This is quite common in this category, as these are cars focused on maximum driving dynamics, low weight, and optimal aerodynamics, which would be compromised by the installation of a tow hitch.

While it is possible to count on a trailer with the standard versions of the Audi A5 or BMW 2 Series model lines, this option is not offered from the factory for the top RS and M variants. Their construction, including the placement of the exhaust system and cooling elements, simply does not account for a tow hitch. For buyers, this sends a clear message: if you need to transport anything behind your car, you will have to look for another type of vehicle, for example in the performance SUV category, such as the Audi SQ5 or BMW X3 M40i, which combine sporty performance with practicality.

Engine Comparison: V6 Power vs. Inline-Six

The Audi RS 5 and BMW M2 approach high performance from completely different philosophical directions, which is most evident in their engines and drivetrains. While Audi relies on a sophisticated turbocharged V6 engine and quattro all-wheel drive for maximum traction in all conditions, BMW remains true to its tradition of inline-six engines and rear-wheel drive, which driving purists will especially appreciate. The choice between these two cars is therefore not just a question of performance, but also of preferred driving character – a lightning-fast and stable GT, or a raw and agile sports coupe.

Audi RS 5: Dominance with a V6 Engine and Quattro Drive

The current generation (F5) of the Audi RS 5 offers a single, yet exceptionally potent, engine option. Under the bonnet is a twin-turbocharged 2.9 TFSI V6, developed in collaboration with Porsche. This power unit delivers 331 kW (450 hp) and, most notably, a massive 600 Nm of torque, available across a wide rev range. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and the legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system. As a result, the RS 5 offers phenomenal acceleration from a standstill (0-100 km/h in approx. 3.9 seconds) and unwavering stability, even on wet or otherwise slippery surfaces. for the driver, this means easily accessible and safely delivered performance in almost any circumstance.

BMW M2: A Celebration of the Inline-Six and Rear-Wheel Drive

The BMW M2 is much more diverse in its engine offerings, reflecting its evolution. Older, but still very relevant on the used car market, the M2 Competition and M2 CS models (F87 generation) use the S55 engine – a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six that also powered the larger M3 and M4 models. The new M2 generation (G87) comes with the even more modern S58 engine, again shared with the current M3/M4.

The key difference compared to the Audi is the rear-wheel-drive-only layout and, crucially, the availability of a six-speed manual transmission in all variants, which is a deciding factor for many enthusiasts. Although a fast eight-speed M Steptronic automatic is also available, the option of manual shifting makes the M2 a much more interactive machine. Power ranges from 302 kW (410 hp) in the Competition version to 338 kW (460 hp) in the new G87 generation.

Verdict for Different Types of Drivers:

• For the driver seeking maximum all-weather performance: The Audi RS 5 is the clear choice. Its all-wheel drive and high torque make it an incredibly fast and confident car for daily use and long journeys.
• For the driving purist: The BMW M2 is unbeatable. The combination of a powerful engine, rear-wheel drive, and the option of a manual gearbox offers a much rawer and more entertaining driving experience.
• For collectors and weekend drivers: The limited-edition BMW M2 CS (F87) offers the same power as the RS 5, but in a lighter, more agile package focused on track driving.

Choosing the right engine is key to long-term satisfaction with your car. In the following lines, we will present the recommended engine options for the Audi RS 5 and BMW M2, selected based on their performance, real-world fuel consumption, reliability, and owner experiences. Although both cars offer breathtaking performance, their characters differ fundamentally – Audi bets on sophisticated power and all-wheel drive, while BMW delivers a purist driving experience with rear-wheel drive.

For the Audi RS 5, we recommend: 2.9 TFSI V6 (331 kW)

For the F5 generation, which is the most common on the used car market (from 2017 onwards), the only choice is also the best one. The 2.9 TFSI V6 twin-turbo engine, developed in collaboration with Porsche, is a masterpiece of modern engineering. It replaced the older naturally aspirated V8 and brought not only the same 331 kW (450 hp) of power but, more importantly, a massive 600 Nm of torque available across a wide rev range (1900–5000 rpm).

In practice, this translates to stunning flexibility and pull in any situation, whether cruising on the motorway or dynamically navigating corners. Thanks to the quattro all-wheel-drive system, power delivery to the road is flawless, and the car feels incredibly stable and confident even in adverse conditions. Real-world fuel consumption is around 10-11 litres per 100 km with a normal driving style, but can easily exceed 15 litres during spirited driving. The engine is generally considered reliable, but like any modern direct-injection unit, it can be prone to carbon build-up, especially with frequent short trips. It is therefore ideal for drivers who will regularly stretch the car's legs on longer journeys and treat it to high-quality fuel and regular servicing. It's a great choice for those looking for an extremely fast and capable GT for everyday use.

For the BMW M2, we recommend: 3.0 R6 Twin-Turbo S55 (302 kW)

In the case of the BMW M2, we will focus on the F87 generation, specifically the Competition and CS versions produced from 2018. These received the "full-fat" S55 engine from the larger M3/M4, unlike the earlier M2 version with the N55 engine. This twin-turbocharged inline-six is a true icon, offering 302 kW (410 hp) in the Competition version and up to 331 kW (450 hp) in the limited-edition CS.

The S55 engine is known for its explosive power delivery at high revs and sharp throttle response, making it a true sports powerplant. Its character is rawer and more communicative than the engine in the RS 5. Thanks to its rear-wheel-drive-only layout and compact dimensions, the M2 Competition is an immensely fun and agile machine that demands more concentration from the driver but rewards with a pure driving experience. Real-world fuel consumption is in a similar range to the Audi, around 11 litres during calm driving. In terms of reliability, the S55 engine is proven, but it is crucial to adhere to oil change intervals and carefully warm up the engine before dynamic driving. It is the ideal choice for enthusiastic drivers who prioritise playfulness, precise handling, and a mechanical feel from the steering over absolute speed in all conditions.

Real-World Consumption: A Battle of Noble Six-Cylinders

For sports cars, the official fuel consumption figures are more of a theoretical exercise. The engine's real appetite is only revealed in actual operation and by the driving style of the owner, who typically doesn't buy such a car for economical driving. To get the most accurate picture, we compared data from real drivers, primarily from the German portal Spritmonitor.de, which collects consumption data from thousands of motorists. We focused on the generations relevant to the nearly-new used car market, namely the Audi RS 5 F5 generation (from 2017) and the BMW M2 Competition F87 generation (2018-2021).

Both cars use turbocharged six-cylinder engines, but with different concepts. Audi relies on a 2.9 TFSI V6, while BMW uses the S55 inline-three-litre. Despite similar performance, their real-world consumption differs slightly, reflecting not only the engine technology but also the overall tuning of the car – the RS 5 as a fast GT and the M2 as an uncompromising sports machine.

As the data from owners shows, the Audi RS 5 is slightly more economical in the real world. The average consumption most often ranges between 10 and 11.5 litres per 100 km. Thanks to its quattro all-wheel drive and its character as more of a grand tourer, its consumption does not increase dramatically even during brisker driving over longer distances. On the contrary, at a calm motorway pace, it is possible to get close to figures below 10 l/100 km.

The BMW M2 Competition is a different story. Its inline-six engine demands an average of 10.5 to 12.6 litres, with the upper limit being nothing unusual during sporty driving. The car's character, with its rear-wheel drive and sharper tuning, simply tempts the driver to use its full potential, which is logically reflected in the consumption. Especially in city traffic or on country roads where the driver enjoys the chassis's agility, the engine's appetite grows more steeply than the Audi's.

In the end, neither of these cars is intended for penny-pinchers. However, if fuel consumption is at least a marginally important factor for you, the Audi RS 5 offers a slight advantage. Its ability to be a relatively frugal companion on long journeys makes it a more versatile car. The consumption of the BMW M2 Competition is a direct reflection of its puristic and playful character. Thus, fuel consumption will probably not be the deciding factor when choosing between these two icons, but it is good to know that their different philosophies are evident in this area as well.

Used Car Price Comparison: Premium Coupés with Different Price Tags

When considering the purchase of a used Audi RS 5 or BMW M2, price plays a key role. Although both models fall into the category of high-performance premium cars, their price points on the used car market differ, reflecting their original focus and market position.

Audi RS 5: Higher Entry Costs for More Comfort

The Audi RS 5, whether in the Coupé or the five-door Sportback variant, generally occupies a higher price bracket. For models from 2020 to 2022, prices on the Czech market and in the surrounding area typically range from €60,000 to €78,000.

The price is primarily influenced by the year of manufacture, mileage, and level of equipment. Models with lower mileage and extensive optional equipment, such as a carbon-ceramic brake system or exclusive design packages, will naturally be at the upper end of this range. The Sportback variant is often slightly more expensive due to its greater practicality.

BMW M2 Competition: A More Affordable Ticket to the World of "M"

The BMW M2, especially in the sought-after Competition version, represents a more affordable path to a pure sports experience for many drivers. Used cars from 2020 to 2021 can be found on the market in a price range of approximately from €49,000 to €62,000.

Similar to the Audi, the price here also increases with lower mileage and a more attractive specification. The rarer and more collectible M2 CS version sells for significantly higher amounts, often exceeding the €82,000 mark, thus forming a separate category. However, standard M2 Competition models remain a more affordable alternative to the RS 5.

Summary of Key Points

In conclusion, the Audi RS 5 maintains its position as a more expensive and complex car even when used, while the BMW M2 Competition offers a more focused sports car experience for a noticeably lower purchase price. The choice will therefore depend on the buyer's priorities – whether they prefer the everyday usability and luxury of the Audi, or the rawer and more affordable driving experience of the BMW.

Safety and Euro NCAP: Stars with an Asterisk

When evaluating safety, at first glance, the Audi RS 5 seems to have the upper hand. Its rating is derived from the standard Audi A5 model, which received a full five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests. However, there is crucial context: this rating dates back to 2015, when testing protocols were significantly less stringent than they are today. Although results like 89% for adult occupant protection and 87% for child occupant protection were top-tier at the time, the car would most likely not achieve five stars today, mainly due to its older assistance systems.

On the other hand, there is the BMW M2. This model wasn't tested directly either, but its rating is based on the BMW 2 Series Coupé, which underwent Euro NCAP crash tests in 2022. The result was four stars. While this may seem like a worse result, it's important to realize that the tests were conducted under much stricter and more modern regulations. These place a greater emphasis on active safety assistants and the protection of vulnerable road users. The lower scores in the safety assist (64%) and vulnerable road user protection (67%) categories indicate weaker areas, but overall occupant protection remains at a high level.

As a result, we have a showdown between an older five-star rating and a newer four-star one. Although the Audi nominally has one more star, the newer and stricter test of the BMW provides a more relevant picture of its active and passive safety levels by current standards. For a buyer who emphasizes the latest assistance technologies, the BMW M2 might paradoxically represent the safer choice, as its rating better reflects modern safety demands.

Both models offer more than just basic equipment, and each has its own unique approach to added value.

Audi RS 5: Sophisticated Technology and Everyday Usability

The Audi RS 5 focuses on combining breathtaking performance with advanced technologies and comfort for daily driving. It is a car that can be both a civilized companion and an uncompromising sports machine.

• Quattro all-wheel drive with sport differential: The heart of the RS 5 is the legendary quattro all-wheel drive, which sends 60% of the torque to the rear axle as standard. Combined with the optional rear sport differential, the system can actively distribute power between the rear wheels, significantly improving cornering agility and reducing understeer.
• Audi Virtual Cockpit with RS display: The fully digital instrument cluster offers special RS modes that display key information such as tire pressure, torque, power, oil temperature, and G-forces. This allows the driver to have a perfect overview of the car's status during sporty driving.
• RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC): The optional DRC suspension uses steel springs and three-stage adjustable dampers that are diagonally linked by oil lines. This system minimizes body roll during cornering, braking, and acceleration, ensuring exceptional stability and grip.
• Ceramic brakes: For those who plan to use the car to its full potential, Audi offers optional ceramic brakes. Not only are they significantly lighter than steel brakes, but they also resist fading better during repeated, intense braking, which is crucial on a racetrack, for example.

BMW M2: Pure Driving Pleasure and Mechanical Perfection

The BMW M2 is the essence of what fans of the brand love: compact dimensions, rear-wheel drive, and an engine with immense character. It is a car focused primarily on the driver and their experience behind the wheel.

• Classic rear-wheel drive: Unlike the RS 5, the M2 relies on a traditional rear-wheel-drive concept. This gives it a playful and agile character that experienced drivers seeking a pure and unfiltered driving experience will particularly appreciate.
• Active M Differential: Standard equipment on every M2 is the Active M Differential on the rear axle. It can seamlessly vary the locking effect from 0 to 100%, optimizing traction when exiting corners and allowing for controlled drifts.
• Manual transmission option: At a time when manual transmissions are becoming a rarity, BMW still offers the M2 with a six-speed manual. This is a huge draw for purists who want absolute control over the car.
• M-specific steering wheel buttons: The M2's steering wheel is equipped with two red "M1" and "M2" buttons, which allow the driver to save their preferred settings for the engine, suspension, steering, and transmission. With a single press, the car can be instantly switched from a comfortable mode to the sharpest sport mode.

Audi RS 5

Advantages:

• Versatility and year-round usability: Thanks to its quattro all-wheel drive, the RS 5 offers excellent traction and confidence in all conditions, making it a great car for daily driving.
• High-quality and comfortable interior: The cabin boasts luxurious materials, first-class workmanship, and modern technologies like the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which make even long journeys pleasant.
• Powerful engine and stunning acceleration: The twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 450 horsepower provides massive pull and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds.
• Practicality of the Sportback body style: The Sportback variant adds a great deal of practicality to the performance, thanks to its five-door body and spacious luggage compartment.
• Refined and comfortable suspension: Despite its sporty focus, the RS 5 with adaptive dampers offers a surprisingly comfortable ride that won't tire you out even during normal use.

Disadvantages:

• Less engaging driving experience: Compared to its direct competitors, the driving experience can feel less emotional and more sterile, with less feedback from the steering.
• Higher weight: The all-wheel drive and luxury equipment contribute to a higher weight, which slightly limits agility in sharp corners compared to lighter rivals.
• Muted sound: For some enthusiasts, the engine and exhaust sound is too refined and lacks the drama and characteristic rawness of sports cars.
• Higher purchase price and costs: As a premium, high-performance car, the RS 5 is more expensive to buy and to service and maintain subsequently.

BMW M2

Advantages:

• Pure and fun driving experience: Thanks to its rear-wheel drive, compact dimensions, and superbly tuned chassis, the M2 offers one of the most fun and engaging driving experiences in its class.
• Powerful and characterful engine: The turbocharged inline-six engine (in newer versions, the S55 from the M3/M4) is a gem with instant throttle response, tremendous power, and a great sound.
• Manual gearbox option: For purists and driving enthusiasts, the availability of a precise six-speed manual transmission is a key advantage.
• Agility and willingness to turn: The short wheelbase and low weight give the car incredible agility and a willingness to change direction, which you'll especially appreciate on winding country roads.
• Attractive price-to-performance ratio: Compared to other "M" cars and premium competitors, the M2 Competition offers an exceptional amount of performance and fun for a relatively more affordable price.

Disadvantages:

• Hard and uncompromising chassis: The ride is very stiff, which is great on the track, but can be uncomfortably bumpy for daily use on lower-quality roads.
• Simpler and less premium interior: Compared to the Audi, the interior of the older generation 2 Series feels cheaper, with the use of harder plastics and less emphasis on luxury.
• Limited practicality: The rear seats are more for emergencies, and the luggage compartment is significantly smaller than in the RS 5 Sportback, which limits its everyday usability.
• Potential reliability issues: The N55 engine (in the first M2s) is known for issues with cracking charge pipes, while with the S55 engine, there have been discussions regarding the crankshaft hub.

Based on our own CarAudit inspections, failure rate statistics from partners, and feedback from owners, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that used car buyers should watch out for. Neither of these sports cars is flawless, but the nature of their problems differs significantly.

Audi RS 5 (F5 generation, from 2017)

The Audi RS 5 is generally considered a reliable car, but its complex technology requires careful and regular maintenance. Most reported problems are related to its high-performance character.

Engine and Drivetrain

• Carbon deposits: Like many modern direct-injection engines, the 2.9 V6 TFSI can suffer from carbon buildup on the intake valves. This manifests as a rougher engine running, poorer throttle response, and a gradual loss of power. Preventive cleaning (decarbonization) is recommended approximately every 60,000 to 80,000 km.
• Turbocharger issues: Although not a widespread problem, some cars, especially those frequently pushed to their limits, may experience turbocharger wear or issues with their regulation (wastegate). Listen for whistling sounds during acceleration, which could indicate a leak or damage.
• Timing chain tensioners: Rarely, a rattling sound may occur on a cold start, signaling wear of the hydraulic timing chain tensioners. If the sound does not disappear quickly, a service check is necessary.
• Transmission: The eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission from ZF is considered very robust and more reliable than the S tronic dual-clutch transmissions in previous generations. Occasionally, software issues may cause confused shifting, but this is usually resolved with a software update.

Chassis and Brakes

• Rapid brake wear: Due to the car's high performance and weight, the brake discs and pads wear out more quickly, especially with sporty driving. The optional ceramic brakes have a much longer lifespan, but their replacement is extremely expensive. A thorough technical inspection of the car should reveal the condition of the brakes.

Electronics

• Minor electrical faults: Owners occasionally report minor issues with electronics, such as sensor malfunctions (e.g., parking assistant), the infotainment system, or keyless entry. These are usually easily solvable minor issues.

Summary for Audi RS 5: The problems are generally minor and often related to operational wear and tear on a high-performance car. The key to trouble-free ownership is consistent and timely maintenance, especially concerning the engine and brakes.

BMW M2 (F87 generation, 2016–2021)

The BMW M2 is mechanically simpler than the RS 5, but it has several well-known weak spots to focus on when buying. Reliability also differs between the original version with the N55 engine and the later M2 Competition with the S55 engine.

Engine (N55 in M2 and S55 in M2 Competition)

• Oil leaks (both engines): A very common problem is oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and the oil filter housing gasket. This is a common fault on many BMW engines, and the repair is not too expensive, but it needs to be caught early.
• Cracking Charge Pipe (N55 engine): The original plastic pipe between the turbocharger and the throttle body is a known weakness. It becomes brittle with age and heat and can crack, causing a sudden loss of power. Many owners preventively replace it with a more durable aluminum one.
• Water pump failure (N55 engine): The electric water pump can fail without warning, which can lead to the engine overheating. Replacing it preventively after 100,000 km is a sensible investment.
• Crank Hub issue (S55 engine): This is the most discussed, although relatively rare, problem with the S55 engine (M2 Competition). The crank hub can spin, which throws off the engine timing and can lead to serious engine damage. The risk is higher in cars with increased performance. For a stock car with a clear history, the risk is small.
• Ignition coils and spark plugs (both engines): For smooth operation, both engines require regular replacement of spark plugs and ignition coils, which can fail and cause misfires.

Chassis and Electronics

• Taillights (early 2016 models): The first model years of the M2 had a problem with the grounding of the taillights, which could burn out and cause them to stop working.
• Differential: Some owners have reported minor oil leaks from the differential seals, which is good to check during a physical inspection of a used car.

Summary for the BMW M2: The M2 has several well-documented and community-addressed weaknesses, especially with the N55 engine (oil leaks, charge pipe). However, despite these known issues, it is considered a robust and reliable sports car with proper care. For the Competition version, it is crucial to check the car's history due to the potential risk with the crank hub.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key, and this is doubly true for high-performance machines. Here are a few specific points to focus on with these two models, as even a minor defect can easily turn into an extremely expensive repair.

When choosing an Audi RS 5

• Tiptronic transmission: The eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF is generally reliable but is sensitive to regular oil changes. During a test drive, try the manual mode and watch whether the gearbox shifts smoothly and without delay, both up and down. Any jerking, especially during calm driving or downshifting when approaching an intersection, may signal wear in the mechatronics.
• Engine and turbos: The twin-turbocharged 2.9 TFSI V6 is a gem, but check for any oil leaks, especially around the valve covers and turbochargers. After the engine has warmed up, listen for any unusual clicking or knocking sounds. Uneven idling may indicate a problem with the injectors or the formation of carbon deposits, which is a more common phenomenon in direct-injection engines.
• Brakes and chassis: Check the condition of the massive brake discs. Their surface should not be warped, and there should not be too large a groove on the edge indicating wear – their replacement is very expensive. When driving over bumps, listen for any knocking from the axles, which would indicate play in the control arms. A physical inspection of a used car will also reveal incipient wear.
• Audi Virtual Cockpit and MMI: Take the time to thoroughly examine the onboard electronics. Click through all the functions of the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Make sure the displays have no dead pixels, the system does not freeze, and all functions, including navigation and phone connection, work flawlessly. Diagnosing these systems can be complex and expensive.

When choosing a BMW M2 Competition

• S55 engine and Crank Hub: The heart of the M2 Competition is the S55 engine from the M4, which is fantastic but has one known weakness – the so-called "crank hub." This is the central hub of the crankshaft, which on some units, especially modified ones, can spin and cause fatal engine damage. The prevention is a costly installation of an upgraded part. Listen for any unusual noises and have the car checked by a specialist who focuses on BMW M cars. A comprehensive vehicle check is an absolute must here.
• M-DCT transmission: The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission must shift lightning-fast and sharply, but also smoothly when starting off. Try slow driving in traffic as well as hard acceleration. Any jerking, hesitation when starting off, or thuds during shifting can indicate worn clutches or a problem with the control unit (mechatronics), which are repairs costing thousands.
• Differential and rear axle: The Active M differential is the key to the fun driving characteristics. In an empty parking lot, try to slowly make a sharp turn with the wheels fully turned to both sides. Any humming, binding, or loud clicking from the rear axle could mean a problem with the differential or its mounting.
• Cooling system: High performance produces a huge amount of heat. Check the condition of the radiators, especially the low one in the front bumper, which is prone to damage from stones. Make sure there is enough coolant in the system and that there are no signs of leaks under the car. Overheating the S55 engine would have fatal consequences.

Sources: ADAC, mdcr.cz, svetmotoru.cz, autoservis.cz, autoweb.cz, autowork.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.