After generous offers from both industry connections and followers we instead opted to purchase a new G87 M2. Big thank you to Bilia BMW in Gothenburg for sending 2 of their salespeople to literally drive the car across the country and have it delivered at our doorstep within days, amazing service and a lifesaver since we needed the car as soon as possible.
This solution is very compact and efficient, but also very interconnected and "sensitive" when it comes to heat transfer. Improving just one part of the circuit might just move the heat to the next radiator rather than getting rid of it. This forces us to consider the whole system as no chain is stronger than its weakest link. We also have to keep in mind that the M2 is the weakest of its S58 siblings, it comes with 460 hp while the range topping M4 CSL pushes 550 hp out of the same engine, in other words we need to aim for a solution that's a considerable improvement regardless of trim/model.
Intercooler / Intake manifold
Our manifold features a Bar&Plate design air-water core, which incorporates densely stacked cooling fins, offering great heat transfer. The core is precisely 127 mm (5 inches) thick, maximizing its effectiveness for this specific application. The core is remarkably 62% larger than stock! Both the air and water fins characteristics have undergone careful evaluation to achieve the ideal balance between optimal cooling and airflow.
Air Intake System
As replacement for the stock plastic intake pipes, we designed large, smooth carbon fiber tubes. These begin with a diameter of 105mm (4.1 inches) at the air filter end and taper down to 3.25 inches, matching our custom turbo inlets. Attached to the carbon tubes is our large, custom-designed air filter. This filter features a densely woven cotton gauze, ensuring clean airflow. Designed for durability and efficiency, the filter is washable and reusable, promoting optimal performance and an extended service life.
Our design distinguishes itself as we've taken the additional step of developing custom turbo inlets that replace the OE's restrictive plastic inlets. The original inlets feature connection sizes of only 61mm and 72mm. In contrast, our custom aluminum casting turbo inlets has significantly larger 83mm connections.
Our charge pipe system is 15 % less restrictive than the stock version, significantly improving flow and power potential. By replacing the fragile plastic with robust cast aluminum Y-pipe which greatly enhancing durability and preventing costly failures. The design features optimized transitions to minimize restrictions and improve airflow. We use CNC-machined turbo and throttle adapters to guarantee a leak-free operation, and a larger throttle body quick-disconnect to match the throttle's internal diameter. For added functionality, our charge pipe includes two 1/8 NPT ports for methanol injection or boost pressure sensors, with plugs provided for those who opt not to use these features. Testing shows our charge pipe achieves a flow of 960 CFM @ 150mbar (2.17psi), offering a significant improvement over the OEM's 835 CFM.
Radiators
The S58 engine features a cooling system with three frontal radiators, one large central radiator and two smaller auxiliary radiators located in front of each wheel. Fortunately, the design space available for the auxiliary radiators allows for both increased frontal surface area and core thickness on both sides of the car. The OE radiator is identical for both sides, and our do88 Performance Radiators are designed to be drop-in replacements for both left and right sides.
The front intercooler radiator upgrade began with a total overhaul, prioritizing durability and performance. By eliminating plastic components in favor of sturdy aluminum for the end tanks, the core, and CNC-machined ports, and ensuring everything is TIG-welded, our cooler provides durability and long-term performance. The introduction of a Quad pass design improves cooling, with the coolant passing through the cooler's core four times for maximum efficiency. We managed to increase the core volume by 39% and the external tube area by 9%, while simultaneously integrating a Quad pass flow for the coolant.
Oil Coolers
The S58 engine features an engine oil cooler that is mounted horizontally beneath the front central radiators. The original uses a Tube & Fin core, which can easily get damaged by stone chips or other road debris. Because of its design and location, it's not rare for the oil cooler to start leaking from accumulated damage. Our design increases the active cooling area (+14%) and core volume by 57% compared to the original oil cooler. While the robust Bar & Plate core will withstand road debris and stone chips much better.
There's also a transmission oil cooler which we've improved, increasing its volume by 71% and the cooling surface area by 50% while maintaining similar oil pressures is the result. We also upgraded the tubes with harmonica tubes featuring internal channels, ensuring optimal cooling efficiency. It also increases the system's cooling capacity with a 42% (8,5 dl vs 6 dl) rise in oil volume. Our cooler uses a dual-pass design which means the fluid stays in the cooler for longer, ensuring more heat is dissipated.
Ever since we developed our S55 range of products it was clear that we wanted to tackle the next generation as well. Then the S58 cars launched and we were happy too see that is was more of a refined S55, rather than a brand new concept. After receiving our M2 we quickly realized that this would be a challenge, the amount of parts, pipes, cables and brackets that BMW have managed to stuff into the front of this car is staggering to say the least. More generally it seems that the M2 has gone from being a standalone smaller, nimbler M-car to an "M4 Compact". It's considerably heavier and feels a lot more planted than the previous F87. Whether that's an improvement or disappointment is in the eyes of the beholder.
In terms of development we've finally expanded our BMW M-selection to the current generation of M2/M3/M4 which feels like a natural progression and good step for us to take in terms of BMW products. Despite the tricky platform we've managed to develop considerable performance improvements all around that help bring these cars to the next level in terms of performance, durability and design without sacrificing functionality, that's the do88 way!