Modern BMW M: the build shortlist
G80, G82, G87 and the turbo M cars that belong at the center of the scene.
By TUNERS Staff · 5 picks
How we ranked them
Ranked for a complete street-build concept: proportions, drivetrain character and room for personal expression. Practicality breaks the tie between the G80 and G82.
The order reflects TUNERS’ editorial judgment. Sources below support model facts and development history; they do not endorse the ranking.
BMW M3 (G80)
The complete modern M build
The wide sedan gets our first pick because it makes an ambitious build usable beyond the weekend. Keep a coherent wheel, ride-height and aero theme; the four-door shape already supplies the attitude.
BMW M4 (G82)
The coupe statement
Choose the G82 when the silhouette matters most. Its long doors and broad rear quarters give a restrained wheel-and-aero package room to work, with manual rear-drive and automatic Competition variants offering distinct starting points.
BMW M2 (G87)
Compact proportions, serious presence
The squared arches give the M2 a different visual vocabulary from the M3 and M4. We rank it third for the owner who wants a compact-looking coupe and would build around its shape before chasing output.
BMW M3 (F80)
The previous generation still belongs
The F80 earns its place with a crisp sedan outline and turbocharged straight-six identity. A focused build can feel complete with thoughtful wheels, paint and trim; it does not need to imitate a G80.
BMW M2 Competition (F87)
The smaller turbo M alternative
The F87 brings a rounded, muscular shape to a list led by angular G-series cars. We would keep its short-coupe proportions central to the brief rather than turn it into a miniature M4.