G87 M2 First Mods: 7 Upgrades Every New Owner Should Consider

You just picked up a G87 M2. Congrats. Genuinely one of the best driver's cars BMW has made in years, and you already know it's not going to stay stock for long.

The S58 under the hood has serious potential. The platform is still relatively new, but the mod scene is already moving fast. Whether you want it louder, faster, or just looking sharper, there's a clear starting point.

Here are 7 G87 M2 first mods worth your attention, ranked roughly by impact and where most owners start.

1. Exhaust: The Mod That Changes Everything

If you've only done one thing to a car before, make it the exhaust. The G87 comes with a decent factory setup, but the stock exhaust muffles what the S58 actually sounds like. Once you open it up, the car feels different. It sounds like what it is: a 453hp inline-six with a twin-scroll turbo.

The two most popular starting points are a catback or an axle-back, depending on how aggressive you want to go.

The CC Stainless Valved Catback starts at $1,849 and gives you that full-system tone with valve control so you're not annoying your neighbors every morning. Want to cut weight and go louder? The CC Titanium Valved Catback is $2,649.99 and the titanium is genuinely the move if you care about weight savings and long-term durability.

Not ready to commit to a full catback? The CC Axle-Back at $1,429.99 is a solid entry point. Less involved install, still a massive improvement over stock.

We filmed the full exhaust install at the shop. If you want to see exactly how the CC catback goes on, this is it:

Browse the full G87 M2 exhaust lineup here: CenCal G87 M2 Collection.

2. Downpipes: Unlock What the S58 Is Hiding

The factory downpipes are the single biggest restriction between you and what the S58 can actually do. Swapping them out is one of the highest-impact mods on the platform, especially if you're planning to tune.

The CC Catless Downpipes come in at $499.99 in standard silver raw finish, or $629.99 in black ceramic coated. The ceramic coating isn't just aesthetics either; it holds up significantly better under sustained heat.

One thing to be straight about: catless downpipes will trigger a CEL without a tune. Plan on pairing them with a proper ECU map and you're good. If you're not tuning yet, catted high-flow downpipes are the smarter move for now.

3. ECU Tune: The Biggest Bang for Your Dollar

The G87 M2 responds extremely well to a tune. BMW leaves a lot on the table from the factory, and a proper ECU flash can unlock serious gains in power, throttle response, and overall driveability. Especially once you have downpipes in.

CenCal offers the BMW FEMTO DME Unlock Service at $1,050, which opens the door to full ECU calibration on your S58. This is the foundation for everything else performance-related. If you're building the car with more power in mind, this needs to happen.

4. Midpipe: Tone Shaping Without a Full Catback

If you already have a catback or you want to build your exhaust setup in stages, the midpipe is worth considering on its own. The CC S58 Single Midpipe starts at $849 in standard, or $1,349 in the resonated version if you want a slightly more controlled sound character.

The resonated version takes some edge off the rasp at cruise while keeping the good stuff at full throttle. Personal preference, but worth knowing the option exists.

5. Carbon Fiber Charge Cooler Tank Cap Cover

Quick wins matter. Not every mod has to cost two grand or take a weekend. Once you pop the hood of a G87, the engine bay is already impressive, and a few targeted carbon pieces make it look like the car means business.

The BMW Carbon Fiber Charge Cooler Tank Cap Cover is $64.95 and fits cleanly over the stock coolant tank cap. Here's what it looks like:

And here's the detail shot up close:

6. Carbon Fiber Oil Cap Cover

Same idea, different spot in the engine bay. The BMW Carbon Fiber Competition Oil Cap Cover is also $64.95 and pairs well with the charge cooler cap. Do both at once and the engine bay starts looking like a cohesive build instead of a stock car with one accessory thrown on.

7. Carbon Fiber Exhaust Tips

If you're running the stock exhaust for now but want to change the rear end look, carbon fiber tips are a practical option. The CC Carbon Fiber Exhaust Tips are $399.99 and make a real visual difference at the back of the car. They also hold up to heat better than you'd expect for a tip-level upgrade.

Not a substitute for a real catback, but a legitimate upgrade if you're staging the build over time.

Where to Start If You're Overwhelmed

If you're staring at this list trying to figure out where to put your first dollar, here's the honest answer: exhaust first, tune second. Those two do more for the driving experience than anything else on this list. Everything else fills in from there.

The G87 M2 is already a great car. The mods just make it yours.

---

FAQ: G87 M2 First Mods

Will aftermarket mods void my BMW warranty?

Not across the board. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, BMW can only deny warranty coverage for issues directly caused by the aftermarket part. A catback exhaust, for example, carries essentially zero warranty risk. Catless downpipes are a gray area specifically on emissions-related warranty claims. Know the distinction and mod accordingly.

Do catless downpipes require a tune on the G87?

Yes. Running catless downpipes without a tune will trigger a check engine light. If you're going catless, plan the tune at the same time. Catted high-flow downpipes typically do not trigger a CEL and are a better option if you're not ready to tune yet.

What's the difference between the CC Stainless and CC Titanium Catback?

Both are valved, both sound excellent. The stainless catback starts at $1,849. The titanium is $2,649.99 and saves meaningful weight while offering better long-term corrosion resistance. If weight and longevity matter to you, the titanium is worth the step up.

Does the G87 M2 have an OPF (Otto Particle Filter)?

US-spec G87 M2 cars do not have the OPF. That's a Euro-spec issue. Don't let forum posts from UK or European owners confuse the fitment picture for US buyers.

Is the axle-back a good starting point before a full catback?

Yes. The CC Axle-Back at $1,429.99 is a legitimate upgrade with a less involved install. It's a good entry point if you want the sound improvement without committing to a full system immediately. You can always build from there.

---

Ready to start building? Check out the full CenCal G87 M2 parts collection and see what's in stock. Questions about fitment or what to run first? Reach out, we're happy to help you figure out the right build order for your goals.