BMW M2 (G87) drift with exhaust pops: G42 body, S58 power

BMW M2: mechanical breakdown

Pops, crackles and a drift in 11 seconds

Eleven seconds, captioned "Pushing the New BMW M2 to the Limit". The evidence names two events: pops and crackles, and a drift. Both fit the layout of the G87. It is rear-wheel drive, and the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six sends 453 hp and 550 Nm to the rear axle only, so a drift is a matter of the rear tyres being overpowered. The pops and crackles are the exhaust of that same S58, the engine shared with the G80 M3 and G82 M4. The caption lists no modifications.

G42 body, G80 M3 running gear

Underneath, the G87 is a G42 2 Series Coupe that borrows much of its running gear from the G80 M3. That explains the hardware: M3 components carried by a smaller body, with the S58 up front and drive to the rear wheels through either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed torque-converter automatic. No dual-clutch is offered. The cost is mass. Kerb weight is the most common owner and press complaint, measured against the F87 it replaced. The 453 hp and 4.1 s to 100 km/h are quick, but the car carries the extra weight in every corner, and that is where the older, lighter car is still preferred.

Tune first, then downpipes and exhaust

Software comes first. An ECU tune on the S58 gives large power and torque gains with no hardware change, at the price of warranty cover and extra stress on the gearbox and driveline. Downpipes add volume and, combined with a tune, further power. In many regions they bring emissions and road-legality problems. A full aftermarket exhaust gives more volume and character than the stock system, with drone at cruise and the cost of the system as the trade-off. Cabin sound is augmented through the speakers on the G87, so the change an owner hears from the seat can differ from what is heard outside.