Cars

Project Car / Weekend Fun Car

BMW (OG) F87 M2 DCT 

Long Beach Blue (2016 October Build)

OG (Original Generation)

Built for spontaneous sprints and sharp bends. An extreme driving experience that you won’t forget in a hurry. Exceptional dynamics and the incomparable agility of the rear-wheel drive ensure sporty handling with racing-track DNA. Distinctive sound included. The BMW M2 Coupé is truly an ///M car.

Reasons for not getting a manual (put money where my mouth is)

1. No LBB OG F87 Manual (non Pure version) on market when I was actively hunting. Pure version doesn't even have power seat adjustment.

2. Some non-Pure Manual OG M2 existed but came with a sunroof, seriously!? It's ~25kg over the driver's head, for what? Raise the centre of gravity to ruin the handling? Doesn't make sense on M2, yes, it does make sense on a more mature and luxurious F80 / F82.

3. In comparison with a good 3 pedals stick shift car (NC2 & ND MX-5/Miata), the RHD version's 3 pedals offset to the right way too much, the accelerate pedal is almost at the door, and too close to the brake pedal! Just utterly disappointing setup.

4. Manual gearbox shifting feel is rubbery, not as good as a much cheaper (still offer 90% of the fun) ND MX-5. What's worse, the rev matching (autoblip) when downshift can't be disabled without coding (reference: How to turn off Rev Matching without side effects)

5. The DCT (automated manual) on the other hand, is decent with 7 gears (good for highway cruising), snappy shift (clunky while at low speed though, especially city traffic in between gear 1 and 2, bad bad bad - one has to understand how DCT works, the action / intention before shifting is key to shift right), love the raw mechanical clunks & clanks. 

6. Can't let go a mint condition LBB OG M2 DCT, almost new, with PPF, just grab it at the bargain price.

N55B30T0 cold start

• cold start sound track (recorded in garage)

• with FTP Motorsport turbo inlet / boost / charge pipes fitted
  2nd cold start after moving out of garage to the driveway
  driveway cold start short version

List of mods

• Cosmetic: gloss black grille surrounds

• FTP Motorsport charge pipe

• FTP Motorsport boost pipe

• FTP Motorsport intake pipe (turbo inlet pipe)

mods to be done

• Turner Titanium Magnetic Oil Drain Plug (M12x1.5) Review by @F87Source

• Turner Titanium Magnetic DCT Oil Drain Plug (M24x1.5)

• Turner Titanium Magnetic Differential Drain Plug (M22x1.5)

• Rein Aluminum Coolant Hose (AKA Micky Mouse) Flange: Rein CHC0609. Review by @F87Source

• Malo Industries Crank Seal Protection Kit. Review by @F87Source for N55

• FMIC - Front Mounted Intercooler (CSF 8115 High Performance Intercooler VRSF Competition HD or Wagner Competition EVO1)

• F87 M2 Catch Can Kit

• Turner Motorsport baffled Oil Catch Can

• bootmod3 stage 1, optionally a custom tune (if FMIC is upgraded)

• Alumnimium micky mouse flange

• Coolant return hose (additional backup)

Specification

• • Model: BMW F87 M2 (OG F87)

  • Engine: Inline 6 cylinder (straight 6) N55B30T0 hardened with S55 parts, new intake and exhaust
    Parts from S55
    -  crankshaft (bearing?)
    -  valvetronic (variable valve lift system)
    -  fuel injectors
    - pistons
    - oil pan
    - additonal cooling (for DCT gearbox)

  • Power: 272kW (370hp) @ 6500rpm

  • Torque: 465Nm (with 5s extra 35Nm Overboost) @ 1400-5560rpm

  • capacity 2979cc

  • engine oil: 6.5L

  • Transmission: 7 Speed M DCT with Drivelogic (technically corresponds to F82 M4's DCT)

  • Steering: Electronic Assisted Steering with M Servotronic (adopted from F82 M4)

  • variable steering ratio implemented thru the stroke-dependent gear geometry of the rack

  • Behaviour: around the centre position of the steering gear, the steering system behaves accurately with steady directional stability; as the steering angle moves away from the centre position, the ratio becomes increasingly more direct

  • NOTE: rack ration increase by 8% after every 1/8 of a steering wheel revolution (45 degrees)

  • Chassis and suspension: based on the technology of F80 M3 / F82 M4

  • Suspensions: Lightweight front (two-joint spring-strut) and rear axle (five-arm)

  • Wheelbase: 2693mm

  • Driven wheels: RWD + Active M Differential (from F10 M5)

  • Brakes: M compound brakes (based on M compound brake from the F80/F82)

  • front: 4 pistons, fixed caliper | brake disc 380mmx30mm

  • rear: 2 pistons, fixed caliper | brake disc 370mmx24mm

  • parking brake: mechanical

  • Wheels: 19" Light Alloy Wheels Double-Spoke Style 437 M | front -> 19x9.0 (front) 245/35/R19 | rear -> 19x10.0 265/35/R19

  • Tyres: Michelin Pilot Super Sport (PSS) 245/35/R19 (front) + 265/35/R19 (rear) / Pilot Sport 4 S (replacement)

Currently owning / previously owned

Project Car

2016 F87 M2 + 7 Speed M DCT RWD (Long Beach Blue)

Tasks: Reliability mods, all commonly known weakness / point of failures taken care of. 

Goal: Seamlessly switching from a street car to a track car vice versa. Use it as car / ICE / mechanic literacy education along the path, with some DIY and research / RTFM with the combo: RealOEM, newTIS, Bimmerpost and YouTube.

Daily / Family People Mover

2023 CX-5 (KF) G25 + 6AT Touring AWD (Eternal Blue)

CX-5

• Skyactiv-G 2.5L NA

• 6AT (one of the best 6AT of all time)

• AWD (i-Activ AWD, with GVC Plus)

• OE tyres: Yohohama Geolandar G98 225/65/R17

Fully loaded with active safety equipment like: HUD, BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring), Lane Keeping Assistance, Lane Departure Warning, (safety gears, AWD for wet and slippery road conditions, long trips), Smart Braking, etc.

Utility Car

2011 (GH2) Mazda6 Touring Hatch I4 2.5L + 5AT FWD (Sunlight Silver)

One has never driven a Mazda6 would be surprised by how good the car handles (bad NVH, though).

The power of a Mazda6 / Atenza hatch: you'll be amaze how much goodies can be loaded into the car with back seat row folded down. Sequential multi-point Injection (MPI - Port Injection) and NA makes it the ideal for ad-hoc random short trips where the engine may not even get a chance to reach its optimal operating temperature (some mechanic sympathy required).

The Mazda6 (Atenza) Hatch

• Engine: MZR L5-VE

• Transmission: 5AT (5 Speed AT / FS5A-EL from Jatco)

• Hatch

• Double-wishbone front suspension + multi-link rear suspension

• Tyres: Potenza Adrenalin RE003 215/50/R17 (average wet grip, poor wear, no more), now Nankang NS-20 Nobel Sport 215/50/R17 XL 95V

MZR L5-VE

• L - L family engine

• 5 - 2.5L / 2488cc

• V - S-VT Variable valve timing

• E - sequential multi-point injection / Electronic fuel injection (MPI)

Skyactiv-G 2.5L share the same engine block with MZR, same bore, same stroke ;-)

New cars combo to replace OG F87 M2, or compliment M2 without getting rid of it

• 2012-2017 (Ideally 2014 onwards) Suzuki Swift Sport - Blue

• NC2 Mazda MX-5 (Miata) - Competition Yellow

• ND2 Mazda MX-5

Owned but sold

• 2015 BMW X3 20d xDrive 8 Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP) + M Sport Package (Carbon Black)

• 2008 Ford Focus ZETEC I4 2.0L + 5 Speed Manual (Black Sapphire)
  FoMoCo car, with the 2.0 Duratec (Duratec-HE), which is a Ford branded 2.0 MZR

Car of interest

5 key elements

• • 6 Speed Manual Transmission (Dual Clutch Transmission is acceptable but not preferred)

  • RWD with rear LSD

  • Short wheelbase (1 Series M Coupe / M2 sized)

  • Lightweight (<1500kg)

  • Last but NOT least, relatively good looking (subjective -> e.g. 1 Series M Coupe, OG F87 M2, etc.), classy interior is bonus.

Nissan 370Z Manual (pre-owned, 1 owner)

Why I want own 370Z?

• VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 245kW/363Nm - best NA V6 engine (never owned a V6 before)

• 6 Speed Manual (auto-blip which can be turned off)

• RWD with Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD)

• Hydraulic power steering (Vehicle speed sensitive)

• Driveshaft - Carbon-fibre composite

• Exterior design

• Room for modification

• Price (A$ 25k - 30k)

• Reliability

Mazda MX-5 (NC2) Coupe (hardtop)

• • Engine:  MZR S-VT inline-4 2.0L NA (118kW @ 6700rpm /188Nm @ 5000rpm)

  • Transmission: 6 Speed Manual + RWD + Rear LSD

  • RX-8 DNA (architecture) based redevelopment (differentiator from NA NB)

Small, good looking, fun, reliable nugget

2012-2017 Suzuki Swift Sport

• M16A engine

• 6 speed manual

• ~1000kg

Good looking, yet comfortable family sedan with performance and luxurious touch & details, reliable

2013-2020 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport

Recommended Used Cars

3rd Gen Mazda 6 Wagon (non Diesel)

Kia Stinger GT

3rd Gen Lexus IS 350 F Sport (White or Blue) 2GR 3.5L V6 + 8AT

Honda Accord Euro

Honda Accord V6L

2012 - 2017 Suzuki Swift Sport 1.6L + 6MT

MK7.5 Golf GTI (with front LSD) Manual or DSG

Mazda CX-5

Mazda3 MPS (AKA Mazdaspeed 3) hatch

• MZR DISI (L3-VDT) 2.3 Turbocharged

• 6 Speed manual

• FWD with LSD

i30 N Performance (used) - performance blue

• Fun driving machine, close to ///M made by ex-///M boss

• Engine: G4KH 2.0T 202kW/353Nm + 6MT

Honda Accord Euro (Acura TSX for ANZ market)

• K24Z3 + 5AT

Golf R MK6 Manual (Blue)

• CDLF/CDLC from EA113 2.0T + 6MT
  Just like the size, proportion and overall package, especially the design of tail light and rear centre dual exhaust

List of Favourite Cars

• Kia Stinger GT (perfect balance between performance, comfort, look & feel, practicality, price...)
  Large Sport Sedan / Hatch (liftback)

• Suzuki Swift Sport (2012-2017) Manual M16A + 6MT

• Ford Fiesta ST

• Nissan 370Z Manual

• Mazda MX-5 Inline 4 cyliner 2.0L (new engine new tune) + 6MT + RWD with LSD

• Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0T + 6MT + FWD with LSD (performance blue)

• Toyota 86 manual / Subaru BRZ manual

• Nissan S15 200SX (Silvia)

• Subaru (22B) WRX STi

• Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio

• Porsche 911 GT3

• Porsche 911 R (manual ONLY - not realistic)

• Porsche Cayman GT4 (manual but no handbrake...)

• Porsche 911 GT3 RS

• Porsche 911 Carrera S (Manual or PDK)

• BMW M2 Manual or DCT (classic BMW look, best proportion, classy in long beach blue)

• BMW M4 / M3 Competition (Manual or DCT)

• BMW Z4 M (S54B32 + 6 Speed Manual Transmission + RWD)

• Ferrari 458 Speciale

• Ferrari 488 GTB

• Acura Integra Type S

Cars I have test driven so far

• WRX CVT (intended to test drive manual but not available)

• ND MX-5 6 Speed Manual RWD

• Toyota 86 GTS 6 Speed Manual RWD (with rear mechanical LSD)

• Mercedes-Benz W204 C200 (1.8T) RWD - courtesy car - crap!!!

• Subaru Levorg GT-S (FA20 DIT + CVT + VTD)

• 2018 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport (CVT) - no birds 2000km+ trip (good, positive, buy over Mazda3!)

Yet to be tested

• • Ford Fiesta ST 1.6T Manual

  • Kia Stinger GT (replacement for GH Mazda6 Touring Hatch)

  • Hyundai i30 N Performance

  • Golf R (MK7.5)

  • BMW M2 Manual

• • BMW M235i / M240i

  • Porsche 718 Cayman S

  • Porsche Cayman GT4 (Manual ONLY)

  • Porsche 911 Carrera S Manual 

  • Mazda MX-5 RF Manual

  • Nissan 370Z VQ37 + 6 Speed Manual

  • Focus RS (Manual ONLY ;-)

  • Subaru WRX STI

  • Honda Civic Type R (FK8, fastest FWD hot hatch on the ring)

  • Honda Civic Type R EP3 (K20A) / Integra Type R (B18C7)

  • Honda S2000 (F20C) expensive...

  • AMG A 45 4MATIC (want to feel the M133 beast)

  • AMG C 43 Coupe

  • Porsche 718 Cayman S / or pre-owned old Cayman S

  • Audi S3 / RS3

  • Alfa Romeo 4C

  • EVO X Final Edition

  • Ford Mustang V8

  • Mazda3 Touring

  • Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio

  • 2019 Mazda6 Wagon (2.5L Skyactiv with cycline de-activation, and the 2.5T version)

  • Suzuki Swift Sport AZG416; 2012–2017

----------Warning nanny cars below----------

• Prado VX (KDSS) 2.8 turbo diesel 7-seater nanny car

• Mazda CX-9

• BMW X2 - tested (X2 20i sDrive)

• BMW X3 (G01) - tested (G01 X3 20d xDrive)

  • Kia Carnival

SAV/SUV (NO, NO, NO)

• Toyota C-HR (Coupe High Rider) Hybrid (small SUV) for city (stop-start, short distance) commute A$40k+ is a joke

• Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DiD (147kW/441Nm) + 5 Speed Automatic (Auto Sports Mode)

• Super Select 4WD II + Rear differential lock (7 seats)

• Mercedes-Benz G 500 and G 63 AMG (legendary SUV, personal favourite)

• BMW X5 M50d xDrive

• Engine: N57S - M Performance TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder in-line diesel engine

• BMW X5 M

• Tesla Model X P90D

• Pre-owned Porsche Macan S / GTS

• 3.0L Twin turbo V6 Engine 265kW @ 6000rpm / 500Nm @ 1650-4000rpm

• 7 Speed Porsche PDK Transmission + AWD

• Power Steering Plus (variable steering) + Air suspension including PASM + PTV (Torque Vectoring) Plus

• BMW X5 30d xDrive M Sport Package

• Audi Q5 2.0TFSI quattro

• Audi SQ5 V6TDI quattro

Sedan / Hatchback / Coupe

• BMW F87 M2 (or M2 CSL with S55?) (below A$100k this is probably my current favourite with enough power and right size, proportion) - alpine/mineral white or long beach blue only

• N55 hardened with S55 parts, new intake and exhaust

• 272kW / 465Nm (with 35Nm Overboost)

• 6 Speed Manual or 7 Speed M DCT with Drivelogic

• M Servotronic

• Rear wheel drive + Active M Differential

• Light weight front (two-joint spring-strut) and rear axle (five-arm)

• M compound brakes

Porsche 911 Carrera S manual / 911 R

BMW F80 M3 / F82 M4 (a bit pricey and too big for me, looks better than M2 though)

Pre-owned Nissan 370Z VQ37 + RWD

• VQ37-VHR 245kW/363Nm + 7 Speed Automatic / 6 Speed Manual with Viscous LSD (rear)

Focus RS 2.3T EcoBoost (257kW/440Nm) + 6 Speed Manual

• Performance AWD with Launch Control

• Selectable Drive modes (including Drift Mode!)

• Driver Selectable Sport Suspension with Adjustable Dampers

• Made in Germany - a bit too pricey for the Ford badge (cannot justify...)

Pre-owned (2009-2012) Audi S4 (B8)

• V6 3.0L TFSI Supercharged 245kW/440Nm

• 7 Speed S tronic - Dual Clutch Transmission

• Driveline: quattro permanent all-wheel drive

• Dynamic Steering

• Adaptive Dampers

• quattro sports differentials

Toyota 86 FA20 Boxer + RWD manual / Subaru BRZ FA20 Boxer + RWD Manual (basically the same thing with different brands)

Mazda MX-5 RF (hardtop) 2.0L + 6 Speed Manual RWD

Subaru WRX STI (my current favorite sports car, waiting for engine upgrade)

• Turbocharged horizontally-opposed Boxer Engine EJ257 2.5L (DOHC with dual AVCS) - Hopefully this will be replaced by new engines

• 6 Speed Manual (Parallel Linkage)

• Symmetrical AWD - DCCD

• Differentials: Front LSD -> Helical Limited-Slip | Rear LSD -> Torsen Limited-Slip

• BBS Forged Wheels + Brembo Performance Brakes

Subaru WRX Premium Sedan (Manual)

• 2.0L Direct Injection Turbocharged Boxer (FA20 DIT) + 6 Speed Manual + AWD

• 197kW@5600rpm / 350Nm@2400-5200rpm

• AWD: Central Diff with a Viscous Limited Slip Diff + Rear Limited Slip Diff (Torsen)

• With practicality -> 60/40 split folding rear seats

• NOTE: COBB Tuning Kit is a MUST (AccessPort), ADM models may have to go with ECUTek equivalent - ECUTek Power Kit - XA Kit (Stage 1)

• Subaru WRX Premium (Sport Lineartronic) CVT + VTD AWD with SI-Drive + EyeSight v3 (family car)

• NOTE: CVT is a compromise for the family, no one wants to drive a manual but me...

Used Ford Mondeo Mk4 XR5 Turbo inline-5 with 6MT (hatch)

• Engine: Volvo T5 B5254T3

• 6 Speed Manual Transmission

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR 2.0L MIVEC (intercooled turbocharged) + 5 Speed Manual with clutch control interlock + 4WD (front helical LSD + S-AWC advanced all-wheel control) -> discontinued...

Ford Focus ST 2.0T EcoBoost I-4 (184kW | 360Nm) + 6 Speed Manual + Tangerine Scream (color)

Ford Mustang V8 5.0L (stupid muscle car...)

Ford Focus XR5 Turbo T5 (L5 2.5L Turbo) + 6 Speed Manual +(Made in Germany)  AKA Focus ST
Engine: Volvo T5 B5254T3
6 Speed Manual Transmission

Pre-owned BMW E92 M3 (once a dream car)

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0LCRD Turbo Diesel with 8 Speed AT 4x4 (Quadra-Trac II / Quadra-Drive II active Full-time 4WD) Poor quality + reliability

VM Golf R MK7.5 (2017 upgrade with front LSD, Manual or DSG both acceptable)

Audi A4 2.0TFSI + 6 Speed Manual + Quattro

Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo (L6 4.0L Turbo) + ZR 6 Speed Automatic with Sequential Sports Shift + RWD (most affordable RWD which can achieve 0-100km/h within 5s)