With the CS+ Handling Pack from Suspension Secrets, you can achieve handling performance superior to that of the new range-topping CS model with your regular M2. From our experience developing BMW G87 M2 suspension upgrades, we can say the two most effective changes you can make are front camber plates and adjustable rear toe arms.
Read on to find out how they transform the handling of BMW’s M Powered coupe…
Costing a shade over £92,000 in the UK, the brand new BMW M2 CS is not what you’d call cheap. Retailing at over 20 grand more than the standard M2, you’d think the CS stands head and shoulders above its brother when it comes to technical prowess.
But that’s not necessarily the case.
Granted, the M2 CS’s twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine has an extra 50hp compared to the regular M2 (530hp vs 480hp), as well as a few exterior tweaks and a sprinkling of motorsport-derived goodness in the cabin (bucket seats, carbon trim and CS badges). There’s a 19-/20-inch front/rear wheel setup too.
Big Potential
However, changes to the CS suspension and supporting electronics are surprisingly limited in scope. This means the dynamic issues we’ve found affecting the stock M2 – understeer at higher speeds, a lack of steering feel, and poor rear traction – largely remain on the CS version.
The new CS sits just 8mm lower than the stock M2, which doesn’t have the sportiest of road stances in our opinion. And the springs and dampers on the CS although recalibrated are fundamentally unchanged. The anti-roll bars remain M2 spec, too.
CS+ Handling Pack 1 (Fast Road)
This presents an interesting situation for owners of stock M2s because, due to the CS model’s minimal chassis changes, achieving CS levels of handling performance is not only entirely possible – but with the right BMW G87 M2 suspension upgrades, unlocking even greater dynamic ability than the near £100,000 range-topper is within reach.
Our Suspension Secrets Front Camber & Caster Plates and Rear Toe Arms make up the CS+ Handling Pack 1 (Fast Road) and, thanks to their massively increased range of adjustability over the factory components, your M2 can achieve superior suspension settings that deliver an entirely new level of handling performance.
G87 M2 Upgrades
By fitting camber plates to your M2, it’s possible to dial more negative camber into the front axle. More negative camber increases mid-corner grip, reduces understeer and improves tyre wear during fast driving. Suspension Secrets’ G87 M2 camber plates also have fixed caster angle machined into them, which enhances communication felt through the steering wheel.
Installing adjustable rear toe arms on your M2 is a great way to increase traction and stability. Our arms offer a much greater range of adjustment than the OEM arms, benefiting final setup and handling performance. Suspension Secrets’ M2 rear toe arms also feature solid rose joints that don’t flex during hard driving, unlike the standard rubber components, meaning increased precision and predictability.
Final Thoughts on BMW G87 M2 Upgrades
Thanks to our cost-effective CS+ Handling Pack 1 (Fast Road), it’s possible for owners of the BMW G87 M2 to unlock handling performance that shades even the range-topping CS model.
Find out more about the CS+ Handling Pack 1 (Fast Road) for the BMW G87 M2 here or watch the video below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What suspension changes does the BMW M2 CS actually get?
Compared to the standard BMW M2, the BMW M2 CS sits around 8mm lower and features revised tuning for the adaptive dampers and chassis control systems. However, the core suspension hardware remains largely unchanged.
Does the BMW M2 CS have different anti-roll bars?
No. The road-going M2 CS retains the same anti-roll bars as the standard M2. BMW’s focus for the CS is on calibration rather than revised roll-bar hardware.
Can a standard G87 M2 handle better than an M2 CS?
Yes. Because the CS receives only limited suspension hardware changes, a standard G87 M2 fitted with the right components and correctly set up can achieve – and in some areas exceed – the handling performance of the M2 CS.
What handling limitations does the stock G87 M2 have?
In factory form, the G87 M2 can suffer from front-end understeer at higher speeds, muted steering feel and reduced rear traction under hard driving. These characteristics largely carry over to the CS due to the shared suspension architecture.
Is upgrading suspension a cost-effective alternative to buying an M2 CS?
For many owners, yes. Targeted suspension upgrades can address the M2’s dynamic limitations directly and offer significant handling improvements at a fraction of the cost difference between a standard M2 and an M2 CS.
