Best Aftermarket Parts for BMW M2 F87: Top 10 Upgrades Ranked

The F87 M2: The Last Pure M Car of Its Generation

The F87 M2 ran from 2016 to 2021 with two distinct engine variants: the early S55-based detuned unit in the standard M2 (370hp), and the proper S55 engine in the M2 Competition (405hp) from 2019 onward. The M2 CS in 2020 pushed to 444hp with suspension, aero, and chassis upgrades.

All three variants are highly tuneable. The F87 has one of the strongest aftermarket catalogs of any M car because the S55 platform is shared with the F80 M3 and F82 M4. Parts cross over frequently, and the tuning community is well-established.

Here are the top 10 upgrades for the F87 M2, ranked by impact.

1. Exhaust System (Biggest Impact)

The F87's S55 exhaust is one of the most significant improvements you can make. The stock system is heavily muffled. An aftermarket catback transforms the character of the car -- the S55 has a naturally aggressive inline-six sound signature that the stock system suppresses entirely.

The CenCal F8X Valved Stainless Catback fits the F87 M2 Competition directly. Valved setup means you keep daily driveability while getting the S55 sound when you want it.

2. ECU Tune

The S55 responds dramatically to ECU tuning. The factory calibration is conservative across the rev range. A proper tune from Bootmod3, MHD, or a custom dyno file from a reputable shop opens up ignition timing, boost pressure, and fuel delivery. Stage 1 tunes (no supporting mods) add 40-60whp. Stage 2 with supporting hardware adds 70-90whp.

3. Downpipes

The S55 runs two turbos with two downpipes. Stock units are restrictive at high boost. Aftermarket catless or high-flow cat downpipes reduce backpressure and unlock more of what a tune can do. Power gains from downpipes alone are modest -- paired with a tune, the effect is significant.

4. Coilovers

The F87 factory adaptive suspension is good. For regular track days or autocross, proper coilovers from KW V3 or V4, Ohlins Road and Track, or MCS RR2 give you adjustability the stock dampers don't offer. You can set ride height, spring rate, and damping to match driving style and application.

5. Wheels

Factory F87 wheels are heavy. A flow-formed or forged replacement in the correct 5x120 bolt pattern drops meaningful unsprung mass. F87 M2 spec: 5x120 PCD, 66.9mm hub bore. Sizes: 19x9.5 front, 20x10 rear for Competition. BBS FI-R and Apex Arc-8 are top choices here.

6. Intercooler

The F87's stock intercooler is a common restriction when pushing power beyond Stage 2. Heat soak is real on the S55 under extended hard use. An upgraded front-mount intercooler from Burger Motorsports, CSF, or Mishimoto keeps intake temperatures consistent across more demanding conditions.

7. Brake Upgrade

Track sessions will fade factory F87 brakes. Pad upgrade to Ferodo DS3000 or Pagid RS29 is the first step. Then brake fluid to Motul RBF600 or Castrol SRF. For serious track use, look at big brake kits from AP Racing or Brembo that use the F87 caliper brackets.

8. Intake

An aftermarket intake on the S55 adds sound (you can hear the turbo spool) and modest airflow improvement. Burger Motorsports JB4 and Eventuri are popular choices for the F87. Keep in mind the S55 uses dual turbos that are cooled by their own intercooler -- intake work alone doesn't transform the power output the way exhaust and tune do.

9. Carbon Fiber Exterior Parts

The F87 has a relatively small carbon catalog compared to the G8X. Mirror caps, spoiler lip, and front splitter lip are the main factory-style options. Dry carbon mirror caps are the most popular and most affordable entry point.

10. Alignment and Chassis Setup

Not a "part" exactly, but a proper alignment is often overlooked. The F87 responds well to more front negative camber -- around -2.0 to -2.5 degrees improves cornering grip significantly without destroying tire wear on the street. Rear camber up to -1.5 degrees helps the rear end stay planted through sweepers.

Where to Start

Exhaust and tune is the foundation. Do that before touching anything else. The difference between a stock S55 and a tuned S55 with a proper exhaust is night and day in character, sound, and feel. Everything else builds on top of that.

Explore the BMW exhaust collection for F8X-compatible systems and the carbon fiber collection for exterior upgrade options.