2018: Development and initial production year introducing M2 Competition as enhanced performance variant replacing original N55-powered M2 specification in response to European Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure emissions regulations requiring comprehensive powertrain updates for continued market availability. Official presentation occurred April 2018 at Beijing Auto Show revealing S55 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine transplant from F80 M3 and F82 M4 producing 405 horsepower and 406 pound-feet torque representing substantial 40-horsepower increase versus outgoing N55 configuration. Production commenced July 2018 at BMW's Leipzig manufacturing facility with initial customer deliveries beginning autumn 2018 supporting late model year availability. Engineering rationale centered on consolidating M division's powertrain development resources around proven S55 architecture rather than investing substantial capital updating aging N55 single-turbo engine meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards while simultaneously addressing enthusiast community demands for authentic M-developed powerplant versus N55's shared application across non-M BMW product lineup. Initial market reception praised performance improvements, enhanced exhaust note from twin-turbo configuration and active valve system, and improved throttle response characteristics, though some enthusiasts lamented N55's simplicity and single-turbo tuning potential versus S55's complex twin-turbo architecture requiring substantial investment achieving comparable power gains through aftermarket modifications.
2019: First full production year maintaining 2018-introduced specification without significant mechanical or aesthetic updates as BMW M GmbH focused development resources toward next-generation G87 M2 platform and expanding M product portfolio including X3 M and X4 M performance SUV variants. Model year characterized by refined production processes, mature supply chain optimization, and expanded global distribution supporting strong sales volumes across North American, European, and Asian markets. Competition participation increased with customer entries across time attack events, club racing series, and professional drift competition establishing M2 Competition as capable motorsport platform benefiting from S55 engine's proven durability record accumulated through F80 M3 and F82 M4 racing applications. Aftermarket development accelerated with tuning specialists including Dinan, Bootmod3, and European Auto Source releasing comprehensive ECU calibration packages achieving 450-500 horsepower output levels through modified turbocharger boost pressures, fuel mapping optimization, and exhaust system upgrades, while suspension manufacturers developed application-specific coilover systems, sway bar packages, and camber adjustment solutions supporting track day enthusiasts seeking improved handling performance beyond factory M adaptive damper specification. Used market values remained strong reflecting limited depreciation typical of M car ownership experience and consistent demand from enthusiast buyers seeking compact performance coupe alternative to larger M3/M4 siblings.
2020: Continuation production year maintaining proven 2018-specification mechanical components as BMW prepared comprehensive G87-generation replacement introducing updated S58 inline-six engine, revised chassis architecture, and modern technology integration. Model year represented peak refinement of F87 M2 Competition platform with accumulated production experience ensuring optimal build quality and component reliability. COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global manufacturing operations temporarily halting Leipzig plant production during spring 2020 lockdown periods, while supply chain constraints affected delivery timelines creating extended wait periods for customer orders. Market dynamics shifted toward increased enthusiast vehicle demand as pandemic-related restrictions limited entertainment and travel options redirecting discretionary spending toward automotive purchases, creating strong used market pricing and limited new vehicle inventory availability. Final-year awareness began circulating within enthusiast communities generating collector interest for low-mileage manual transmission examples anticipated to appreciate as final compact M car generation before inevitable automotive industry progression toward electrification and autonomous driving technologies.
2021: Final production year concluding F87 M2 Competition lifecycle before G87-generation replacement introduction featuring updated S58 inline-six producing 453 horsepower, revised platform architecture, and comprehensive technology updates addressing evolving market expectations. Model year featured no mechanical updates maintaining 2018-introduced S55 powertrain and chassis specification through production conclusion, while limited special editions in certain markets commemorated F87 generation's departure with unique paint colors, interior trim combinations, and commemorative badging. Production ceased preparing Leipzig facility retooling for G87 manufacturing infrastructure requiring updated assembly processes accommodating next-generation platform differences. Final-year examples commanded strong transaction prices from enthusiasts recognizing conclusion of N55/S55-powered compact M car era and anticipating long-term collector appreciation similar to previous-generation 1M Coupe experiencing substantial value increases post-production. Legacy established F87 M2 Competition as definitive compact M car combining accessible dimensions, engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics, potent turbocharged performance, and daily driver practicality without exotic maintenance costs or impractical packaging compromises, while contemporary used market values range $45,000-$65,000 with manual transmission variants commanding $5,000-$10,000 premium reflecting enthusiast preference and limited production allocation historically underrepresented in M car lineup favoring dual-clutch transmission convenience.