The S58 twin-turbo I6 engine from BMW’s M division is widely recognized as being underrated. BMW states that the G87-generation M2 produces 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet (550 Nm) of torque, but dyno testing indicates that these numbers are closer to what the car delivers at the wheels.
For instance, in a recent video, a black-painted M2 with minimal modifications achieved impressive results on Vivid Racing’s Mustang Dynamometer. With only a cat-back exhaust and upgraded wheels, the car registered 472 horsepower and 437 pound-feet (592 Nm) of torque at the wheels.
These baseline figures are already remarkable, but there’s potential for even more performance without any mechanical upgrades. The G87-specific VR Tuned ECU Tuning Box Kit V2 promises up to an additional 90 horsepower and 90 pound-feet of torque for just $750 with free shipping. This piggyback system offers up to seven different ECU maps.
With 91 octane fuel, the M2 can produce an astounding 508 horsepower and 479 pound-feet (649 Nm) of torque in the Level 5 setting. Switching to Level 6 yields even higher numbers, with the dyno graph showing 522 horsepower and 485 pound-feet (nearly 658 Nm) at the rear wheels.
Given the propensity for heat soak, upgrading the S58’s cooling system becomes essential. The engine requires HT-12 coolant, costing around $30 per gallon, and BMW recommends Longlife-01 FE SAE 0W-30 synthetic oil with a capacity of 7 liters (7.4 quarts) for lubrication.
The S58 engine, shared with models like the M3, M4, X3 M, and X4 M, is derived from the B58 found in other BMW vehicles like the M340i and M440i.
Featuring mono-scroll turbochargers and Mahle forged aluminum pistons with an anti-friction coating, this 3.0-liter I6 engine is capable of up to 553 horsepower and 479 pound-feet (650 Nm) of torque in certain configurations.
Looking ahead to the 2025 model, BMW might enhance the M2’s performance, with production anticipated to commence in August 2024. Alongside potential power upgrades, the G87 model may feature new wheel designs and paint colors, including Sao Paulo Yellow, Skyscraper Gray, Mineral Red, and Portimao Blue.
The 2026 model year could introduce a performance-oriented variant like the M2 CS, although it remains uncertain whether it will be rear-wheel drive or equipped with M xDrive.
There’s speculation about M xDrive becoming available for the M2 in 2026, considering the significant performance gains seen in models like the M3 and M4. T
his advancement could enhance both straight-line acceleration and cornering capabilities, making it more of a question of when rather than if M xDrive will be introduced to the M2 lineup.