R44's creative director, Dylan, has owned this 2020 BMW F87 M2 Competition for over 3 years now. It has certainly earned its place within the fleet, acting as a test bed for countless products and brands over the years.
Dylan has toyed with the idea of replacing it over the last year or so, and that may still happen. But he wanted to feel like he truly reached the car's potential before moving it on.
So, a few months ago, he made the decision to take the car to the next level with some new mods, a new colour, his favourite wheel design and a brand new carbon fibre aero package from the guys at MHC LDN.
"Because I did not think my car was in a finished state for the entire time I had it, I wanted it to have one more look before I got rid of it. I couldn't be happier with my decision. I still think my next car will be an F Series because I don't think anything else can beat it."
That probably tells you everything you need to know about the F87 M2 Competition. Nearly a decade after its launch, it's still one of the best driver's cars BMW has produced in recent years. Compact, analogue by modern standards, powered by the legendary S55 engine and just as enjoyable on a B-road as it is on a track day.
The Ultimate Clubsport BMW F87 M2
When it comes to the F8X platform as a whole, we see most owners choosing to go down the clubsport or track route over power. We set out to turn Dylan’s M2 into the ultimate Clubsport BMW - meaning we aimed to improve engagement, feedback and handling without completely compromising driveability.
And we achieved just that.
A Fresh Look
After 3 years of the car staying Long Beach Blue (a gorgeous colour), Dylan wanted to switch things up with an Era Green wrap from Inozetek’s Super Gloss range. Not only does this Porsche-inspired colour suit the car down to a T, but the Inozetek vinyl looks remarkably like paint with no orange peel effect at all - it’s staggering. Inozetek vinyl can be very difficult to work with due to its thickness, but our good friend Jakethewrapper is extremely talented and experienced, so it came out perfect.
Interestingly, it wasn't a last-minute decision.
"It started off from our previous sales manager’s G42 M240i. Ever since we built that car, I've always told myself that would be the colour I'd wrap my car. Obviously, it's an old colour. It's nothing new, but I don't really see it on too many cars. In person, I was mind-blown by how good it looks in both the sun and the shade. It's probably been my biggest question, message and engagement since I built it."
Introducing the MHC LDN GTX Aero Programme
We've fitted countless splitters, side skirts and diffusers to BMWs over the years. The new MHC LDN GTX Aero Programme feels different.
Rather than designing a collection of individual styling parts, MHC developed the GTX range as a complete aero system for the F8X platform. Every component was engineered using full 3D scanning, CAD design and extensive prototype testing before production began.
The result is a package that feels cohesive rather than pieced together.
Dylan's car showcases what we expect will become the most popular configuration: the Core Upper Pieces. That includes the GTX Front Splitter Upper Section, GTX Side Skirts and GTX Rear Diffuser Upper Section.
It's the ideal balance for a daily-driven Clubsport build.
You retain the aggressive styling and premium pre-preg carbon fibre finish without sacrificing the practicality that comes with running the full track package.
However, Dylan loves the racecar look.
"I always knew I was going to run the full track aero package from GTX. The GTX range, I just thought, was important to showcase to people that you don't need the full-fat GTX kit for it to look good. I think it looks amazing now."
That said, Dylan admits there's one part he'd probably add if he built the car again.
"I think the only thing I should have done is the undertray and the three-piece diffuser because the wing is so aggressive. I think it needs that to tie in. But with a Performance style spoiler, CS style spoiler or even a ducktail spoiler, the street package from the GTX range is all you need."
The best thing is that owners can start with the upper sections before adding the adjustable lower splitter and carbon fibre rear undertray later. Every component is also available individually, making it easy to build the car at your own pace.
Whether you choose the Core Upper Pieces or the complete track-focused package, every part is manufactured from genuine 100% pre-preg carbon fibre, finished in a deep UV-resistant gloss lacquer and backed by MHC LDN's renowned fitment standards.
The GTX Aero Programme is available not only for the BMW F87 M2 Competition, but also for the original F87 M2 and the entire F8X M3 and M4 range.
BMW M2 CS Racing Rear Wing
Another noticeable change is at the rear.
After running an AC Schnitzer rear wing for around three years, Dylan made the switch to the Genuine BMW M2 CS Racing rear wing.
It's not because the AC Schnitzer wing wasn't good. Quite the opposite.
"I bought a full AC Schnitzer car originally, which was quite a cool thing to do. I ran it for three years. I had very mixed opinions on it, but I grew to love it."
"I saw the CS Racing wing on a few road cars recently, and I just knew that was the wing to have. It's a genuine part, it's of great quality, and it has some function with it being a CS Racing wing."
Combined with the new GTX front-end, it completely changes the proportions of the car, giving it a much more purposeful Clubsport appearance.
The Return of the T-D6Es
If there's one modification that surprised us, it was Dylan’s choice of wheels. Rather than trying something completely different, Dylan went back to the Titan7 TD-6E forged wheels he ran a year or so ago. I guess sometimes you don't realise how much you miss something until it's gone…
"Ever since I took them off my car, I've missed them. I loved them."
Although he'd enjoyed running Titan7 TM20s, the TD-6E always felt more individual.
"I feel like this year, across a lot of wheel brands, there is a very similar style wheel going around. There are not so many people running a TD6 Jap-style looking wheel at the moment in the scene."
This time, they're finished in Machine Black.
"It's easier to maintain and a bit more subtle. I feel like the wheels suit my build because it's a bit busier now, so having a more subtle wheel makes sense."
Sometimes the best modification isn't the newest one, it's going back to that modification you loved and just changed for the sake of it.
Improvements to the Handling
Underneath, the M2 received some fresh suspension components.
Dylan replaced his 6-year-old AC Schnitzer coilovers for a fresh set of MOTON 1-Way coilovers with a true rear coilover conversion. They're undoubtedly more focused than a conventional spring setup, but that's exactly the point. Included with the kit are the adjustable top mounts + the car has upgraded front control arm bushes and rear toe arms from Suspension Secrets for the added adjustability. This allowed GeobyLuke to work his magic dialling in the perfect alignment and geometry setup for a fast-road & track car (check the camber…).
"It's not anywhere near as soft as maybe an Eibach spring or especially the OEM suspension, but I feel like you have to remove a bit of the comfort to go about three times faster in a corner."
Every modification asks for a small compromise in one area to deliver a much bigger reward somewhere else. The result is a car that still works every day but comes alive when the road opens up.
Core Clubsport Modifications Retained
Despite all the new additions, Dylan kept some of the tried and tested components. From the Eventuri carbon fibre intake system and CSF Radiators cooling package to the Remus OPF-back exhaust system, all the way to the finer details like his grey anodised Goldenwrench Supply engine cap cover set.
Dylan’s running the ultimate Clubsport braking setup for the F8X platform. EBC 2-piece discs, EBC RP-X pads on the front & BlueStuff pads on the rear. We always recommend a slightly less aggressive pad on the rear due to BMW’s ABS system chewing up your disc at the rear when you run a very aggressive pad.
Supporting this setup is MOTUL RBF660 brake fluid and HEL braided brake lines front & rear.
Interior Touches
Ergonomically, BMWs are already very good out of the box, but the car has some nice visual and functional upgrades on the interior to improve driver engagement and give the cabin a more special feel.
The highlight is the SHFT full alcantara steering wheel with LED display paired with a set of JQ Werks Madtrace magnetic paddle shifters. The wheel and paddles are the primary touch points, so upgrading them makes a huge difference. Combined with some upgraded carbon trims, the interior now matches the Clubsport vibe.
Favourite Modification?
After everything that's changed, asking Dylan to pick a favourite modification isn't easy.
"Obviously, it's a very hard one. The bonnet was a cool mod because I've always wanted one, but I think it has to be between the wheels, the wing and the front splitter. I think I have to say the GTX front splitter."
The GTX programme represents the latest chapter in the evolution of the car, and arguably the modification that ties everything else together.
The car has plenty of other upgrades we haven’t covered in detail. To see all the modifications, check out the full build page & mods list here.
