What is it?
Lichfield’s package of upgrades for the BMW M2 is so expertly judged and so brilliantly executed that this now feels like the car the M2 should have been all along.
That’s not to say BMW missed the mark with its smallest M-car. In fact, even in standard guise, the pumped-up two-door is a really entertaining machine. But the engine is short on character and on yumpy, cresting roads, the suspension just doesn’t keep the mass of the body under tight enough control.
Fling an M2 along a moorland road at speed and on more than one occasion you’ll feel the rear end go light over an undulation as it continues to rise skywards, making you worry for an instant that it might drag you off the road entirely. It’s heart-stopping stuff.
Litchfield is the Gloucestershire tuning company that’s perhaps best known for its Nissan GT-R upgrades. Nowadays, though, the company modifies everything from Porsches and Ferraris to Audis and, of course, BMW Ms.
Litchfield’s M2 upgrade package includes an ECU remap and bigger intercooler to lift power from 370 to 420bhp, a titanium AkrapoviÄ cat back exhaust system and adjustable AST suspension. The kit also includes a set of 10mm spacers that help to fill the wheel arches and make the most of the modest drop in ride height.
Running a little lower to the ground and with its wheels squeezed out slightly, the M2 looks better than ever.
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Should you buy one ?
Is the manufacturers warranty void ? Concerning the Litchfield Audi RS3 2018, you said - upgrades like this one will void your manufacturer warranty. If you’re very protective of your warranty, then, perhaps it’d be best to let it expire before you pay Litchfield a visit.
Amazing
Couple of questions,
1. Does choosing the suspension mods alone invaliate a BMW warranty?
2. How can a few thousand of suspension be so much better than what BMW chose for their car? Are the components inherently better or is this AST system tunes for UK roads whereas BMW has to send the car out to all markets?
Either way, Litchfield are getting some very good press at the moment.
Ooh the price....!
You pay your money you made your choice, it just seems a lot for a few tenths here and there, and where’s that going to matter...?
A very good point, well made.
In consideration of the M2, M2 Competition, M2 Litchfield et al and including the above well made point, who really needs 'em?.
The stock M240I coupe (340hp), with Sport automatic gearbox covers the not so relevant 0-60mph in 4.6s, costs around £37K, less discount, even less at 12 months as an approved used car. In day to day driving, what use the other cars, only truly being wallet emptiers and ludicrous bar stool talking head boasters material.