The BMW F87 M2 CS arrived as the pinnacle of the M2 lineup — a limited-production, track-honed version of an already excellent driver car. With carbon fiber roof, carbon fiber front splitter, gold wheels, and a tuned suspension, the M2 CS defined what a focused, weight-optimized M car should be. You can build your own F87 M2 to CS-inspired specification with the right carbon fiber upgrades. Here is how.
What the Factory M2 CS Did with Carbon Fiber
The factory M2 CS used carbon fiber in key high-impact locations: the roof panel, the front splitter, and the hood vent surrounds. These choices were not arbitrary - they targeted the heaviest exterior panels and the most aerodynamically significant surfaces. BMW removed approximately 55 lbs from the M2 CS compared to the standard M2 Competition through these and other lightweight measures.
Building Your CS-Inspired F87 M2
Step 1: Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
The M2 CS front splitter is one of the most visually distinctive elements of the car. An aftermarket carbon fiber front splitter for the F87 M2 replicates this look and delivers genuine front downforce. Look for a splitter that matches the M2 front bumper geometry - the wide front fascia of the F87 gives the splitter excellent visual presence from every approach angle.
Step 2: Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps
The M2 CS used carbon fiber mirror caps as a standard feature. These are one of the most accessible upgrades on the F87 platform - tool-free installation, immediate visual impact, and a direct callback to the factory CS specification.
Step 3: Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
Complete the rear end with a carbon fiber diffuser that references the M2 CS rear aero treatment. The F87 quad exhaust layout provides excellent visual framing for an aftermarket carbon diffuser. Choose a design with integrated fins for maximum visual and aerodynamic effect.
Step 4: Carbon Fiber Hood Vent Surrounds
One of the most visually distinctive details of the M2 CS is the hood vent treatment. Carbon fiber hood vent surrounds or a full vented carbon hood bring this CS-specific element to your F87 build.
Step 5: Carbon Fiber Trunk Lid
A carbon fiber trunk lid is one of the most significant weight reduction upgrades available for the F87 M2. The M2 CS used a carbon trunk lid to remove weight from the tail of the car. An aftermarket carbon trunk lid with integrated spoiler replicates this and gives the rear of the car a motorsport-quality finish.
Weight Reduction Target
A full CS-inspired carbon exterior package on an F87 M2 - hood, trunk, front splitter, diffuser, mirror caps - can realistically remove 35-50 lbs from the car. On a platform that weighs 3,450 lbs, that is a meaningful reduction that improves both performance and the subjective feel of the car.
Color Pairing for the CS Build
The factory M2 CS was offered in Long Beach Blue, Hockenheim Silver, Alpine White, and Black Sapphire. Carbon fiber upgrades work on all these colors, but the contrast is most striking on Alpine White and Hockenheim Silver where the dark carbon weave creates maximum visual drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between the M2 and M2 Competition front bumper that affects splitter fitment? Yes. The M2 Competition front bumper has a slightly different lower profile than the standard M2. Always specify whether you have the standard M2 or M2 Competition when ordering front splitter or lip parts.
Can I add M2 CS gold wheels to complete the build? Yes - BBS makes the factory CS wheel in the correct specification, and several aftermarket suppliers offer gold center-lock style wheels that reference the CS. The combination of gold wheels and carbon exterior is the definitive CS-inspired build.
How close can I get to actual M2 CS performance with aftermarket carbon parts? Very close aerodynamically. The carbon parts deliver essentially the same downforce and weight reduction as the factory CS parts. The CS also includes suspension and engine tuning that carbon parts cannot replicate, but the chassis and aero performance are achievable.
Build your CS-inspired F87 M2 with Trofeo Composites carbon fiber