Tuning · BMW M2 (N55) (F87 pre-LCI)
M2 (N55)
N55
The original F87 M2 with the N55, the precursor to the M2 Comp. Hand-calibrated from Stage 1 through to hybrid and big-turbo builds.
Engine
N55
Stock
365 bhp · 500 Nm
Stage 3 ceiling
365 bhp
About this tune
The F87 pre-LCI M2 (2016-2018) is the original M2, BMW's N55 single-turbo straight-six dropped into the smallest M-body of its generation. Stock is 365 bhp / 500 Nm in M-Performance trim, sent rear-wheel through the 7-speed M-DCT or 6-speed manual. RWD only. Replaced in 2018 by the S55-engined M2 Competition, but the N55 M2 remains one of the most-loved analogue M cars, and shares its tuning hardware ceiling with every other N55 chassis.
BMW M2 (N55) tuning
Before the S55-powered Competition arrived, the M2 meant this: the pre-LCI F87 of 2016-2018, with BMW's N55 straight-six in the smallest M body of its era. It has aged into one of the most-loved analogue M cars — compact, rear-driven, offered with a proper 6-speed manual or the 7-speed M-DCT — and owners tune it because the factory 365 bhp was never the chassis's limit.
BMW already gave the N55 M2 an M Performance state of tune at 365 bhp and 500 Nm, so Samuel's Stage 1 focuses on calibration quality as much as headline power, moving the car to 380 bhp and 500 Nm with sharper response throughout the rev range. Stage 2 hardware — downpipe, intake or panel filter and intercooler — unlocks 420 bhp and 550 Nm, and Stage 2+ with the B58 TU fuel pump reaches 440 bhp and 600 Nm.
For F87s that go further, hybrid turbo builds carry the original M2 towards a 700 bhp ceiling, each one calibrated bespoke around the declared hardware. The process never requires the car to leave your driveway: Samuel writes the file, sends it to your bootmod3, MHD or MG Flasher account within 24 hours, and supplies the stock calibration so the M2 can be returned to factory before a service or sale.
Configurator
Build your M2 (N55) tune
Choose your stage — Stage 1, Stage 2 or Stage 3 — add the options that fit your car, and send the full build to Samuel for a custom remote remap. He'll quote, schedule, and personally calibrate within 24 hours of confirmation.
Add a stage or add-on
£0
Engine guide
BMW M2 N55 tuning, stages, hardware and what to expect from the F87 pre-LCI
The F87 pre-LCI M2 (2016-2018) is the original M2, the N55-engined hot coupe that came before the S55-engined M2 Competition. From the factory, BMW set the pre-LCI M2 N55 at 365 bhp / 500 Nm with BMW's M-Performance trim, the most aggressive factory N55 calibration in the lineup. BMW M2 N55 tuning with Samuel works on the same MEVD17 DME and supports the same hardware ceiling as every other N55 chassis, the underlying engine is identical to the one in the 335i, M135i and M235i, just with a more aggressive factory map. M-Performance variant Stage 1 and Stage 2 figures are pending Samuel's M2-N55-specific calibration brief; the hardware ceiling is the same as the rest of the N55 family.
Stage 1
Stock turbo power gains
No hardware required. The MEVD17 DME is flashed via the OBD port. BMW M2 N55 Stage 1 unlocks substantial additional power from the OEM hardware, the gain over the 365 bhp factory baseline is smaller than on the equivalent 335i Stage 1 (which starts from 302 bhp), because BMW already pushed the M2 N55 harder at factory. The M2 N55 chip tuning starting point, specific power figures pending Samuel's M-Performance brief.
Every M2 N55 tune Samuel produces is calibrated individually for the specific car, fuel grade and installed hardware, not a base map loaded and left. BMW M2 N55 tuning done correctly accounts for the F87 pre-LCI chassis behaviour, the M-DCT or manual gearbox calibration, and UK fuel quality; the map is reviewed against your data logs after the first flash and revised before sign-off.
Compatibility
Platform and hardware compatibility
Bootmod3 (BM3)
Full N55 support across every chassis in the family (M135i, M235i, 335i, 435i, 535i, 135i, X3 / Z4 35i, M2 N55). MEVD17 DME OBD flashing, realtime monitoring via the BM3 app. One of the most mature N55 tuning platforms.
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MHD
Full N55 support, historically the dominant platform on the N55 before BM3 caught up. Suitable for Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 2+. Excellent data-logging toolset.
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MG Flasher
Full N55 support. Clean interface and reliable flash process on the MEVD17 DME. A common alternative to BM3 / MHD for owners who prefer the MG ecosystem.
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xHP Flashtool
Compatible with the ZF 8HP gearbox fitted to F-series N55 cars (M135i, M235i, 335i F30, 435i, 535i, X3 35i F25). Strongly recommended at Stage 2 and above. E-series N55 cars (135i E82, 335i E90 / E92 / E93, Z4 35i E89) use the ZF 6HP automatic or a 6-speed manual, xHP does not cover those gearboxes in the same way.
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ECU: MEVD17.2 DME across most N55 production. Accessible via OBD port for Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 2+; bench-flash only required for some Stage 3 hybrid setups.
M2 (N55) specs & stage targets
BMW M2 (N55) tuning at a glance
- Engine
- N55
- Body styles
- F87 Coupe
- Chassis codes
- F87 pre-LCI
- Production
- 2016–2021
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- Gearbox
- 7-speed DCT or 6-speed manual
- Stock output
- 365 bhp · 500 Nm
- Tuning ceiling
- ~700 bhp on the right hardware
| Stage | Target |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 380 bhp · 500 Nm |
| Stage 2 | 420 bhp · 550 Nm |
| Stage 2+ | 440 bhp · 600 Nm |
| Stage 3, Hybrid Turbo | Up to 800 bhp depending on spec |
| Stage 3, Big Turbo Kit | Up to 800 bhp depending on spec |
FAQ
M2 (N55) tuning — frequently asked questions
Yes, though the point is not the headline figure. Stage 1 moves the F87 from 365 bhp and 500 Nm to 380 bhp and 500 Nm, but the bigger change is how the power is delivered — crisper throttle, stronger mid-range and a calibration written for your exact car and fuel instead of BMW's worldwide compromise. At £400 it is the cheapest meaningful upgrade the N55 M2 can receive.
The engine targets are the same for both, and Samuel accounts for which gearbox the car has when the file is built. The 6-speed manual gives you direct control of what the clutch sees; the 7-speed M-DCT manages torque during shifts just as it does from the factory. State your transmission when ordering and it is factored in from the start.
The original M2's ceiling is around 700 bhp on the right spec. A hybrid turbo with downpipe, intake, intercooler and the B58 TU fuel pump is the first step past Stage 2+, and a full-frame turbo kit with port injection and an uprated low-pressure pump is what reaches the top of the range. Each file at this level is calibrated bespoke against your declared hardware.
If the car still carries a BMW or extended warranty, a tune can give the dealer grounds to refuse a related claim, so weigh it honestly. Samuel's calibrations stay inside the N55's mechanical tolerances, and because the supplied stock file can be flashed back before any dealer visit, most pre-LCI M2 owners — whose cars are now past factory cover anyway — consider the risk manageable.
All three that Samuel delivers to: bootmod3, MHD and MG Flasher fully support the F87's DME. MHD is particularly well established on the N55 generation, with logging that makes remote datalog reviews straightforward. Pick whichever suits your phone and budget — the calibration quality is identical because Samuel writes the map, not the app.
Keep exploring
Keep exploring M2 (N55) tuning
Other N55 models we tune: M235i, M135i, 135i, 335i, 335i (E90), 435i.
Engine guide
N55 tuning
Every N55 BMW we calibrate, with the full Stage 1, 2 and 3 breakdown for the engine.
Learn moreStages
Stage 1 & Stage 2 explained
What separates Stage 1 from Stage 2 on the M2 (N55), the real-world gains and the hardware each one needs.
Learn morePricing
How tuning is priced
How the licence, off-the-shelf maps and custom calibration are priced. We quote your exact spec, never a fixed menu.
Learn moreGuide
What is bootmod3?
New to remote flashing? A plain-English explainer on the platform and how a custom map reaches your car.
Learn more