The Smoking Tire Podcast – "M2 CS Review; A Bad Car that Changed History?"

Hosts: Matt Farah, Zack Klapman
Date: April 9, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode is a packed, freewheeling conversation where Matt and Zack cover everything from their deep-dive street and track review of the new BMW M2 CS, to updates on Matt’s ongoing Countach and Mercedes E500 Cabriolet projects, and a lively discussion on dyno testing, industry news, and listener Q&A. The show covers what makes a “bad car that changed history,” explores the nuances of BMW’s latest hardcore coupe, and digs into quirky personal car builds—all with the duo’s signature humor and sharp insight.

Key Segments & Discussions

1. Personal Updates: Matt’s Projects

Timestamps: 00:47–03:59, 38:29–48:26

• Countach Suspension Refresh:

  • The six shock absorbers, which are notoriously tricky and unique to the Countach, have been shipped off for rebuilding.
  • “The good news is my bill was much, much smaller this month.” (40:56 – Matt Farah)
  • Some mechanical holdups (like a custom hub tool breaking), but optimism remains high.

• Mercedes E500 Cabriolet Project:

  • Hand-crafted, molded steel fenders are in progress for true E500 widebody authenticity.
  • Special mention of interior plans: sourcing deal on fabric, weighing Recaro seats vs. refurbishing OEM with Mercedes kits for Matt’s back comfort.
  • “What did Sean say? Super Sprint makes the exhaust.” (44:14 – Matt Farah)
  • Powertrain: Acquired a donor 2002 E55 AMG for its M113 engine and five-speed auto. All drivetrain, brakes, and pedal box will be transplanted.
  • Ongoing debate over doing a body-color grille—lots of web searching and design iterations live on the show.

2. Dyno Testing Deep Dive

Timestamps: 05:18–19:36

• Insight from Matt’s Recent Road & Track Article:
  • Did a multi-shop dyno shootout: the same car on four different dynos, showing a horsepower spread of up to 100hp on identical pulls, mainly due to correction factors and machine differences.
  • Weather correction factors can dramatically change numbers, leading to potential manipulation—though most shops seem honest about their machines’ quirks.
  • “He gave me four dyno sheets that showed four different numbers…you can use four different weather correction factors and output four completely different numbers on the same pull.” (07:10 – Matt Farah)
  • All-wheel drive dynos now essential for modern performance cars.
  • Conclusion: Use the same dyno before and after mods for meaningful results.

3. BMW M2 CS Review — Street & Track

Timestamps: 19:36–38:29

Looks and Quality

• Hosts both agree it’s visually superior to the regular M2—better paint, wheels, carbon trunk, and spoilers.
• “The whole front end of the car is way better than a regular M2.” (21:41 – Matt Farah)
• Optional $9k ceramic brakes are lauded for performance.

Ride and Driving Dynamics

• Suspension/damper tuning is outstanding: compliant on-road, superb control on-track.
• “I wish this is how a new GT3 felt!” (22:16 – Zach Klapman)
• The breadth between comfort and Sport+ is well-judged; comfort mode is never sloppy.

Transmission & Powertrain

• 8-speed auto is functional but uninspiring compared to DCTs; manual is only available on the base M2.
• “The transmission gets the job done, but not in a way that excites me.” (25:32 – Matt Farah)

On the Street

• Tremendous canyon car—huge power and confidence-inspiring chassis (with the proper settings).
• Seats are supportive for spirited driving, but entry/exit and daily comfort are a chore.
• “Going to the grocery store is real stupid [with those seats].” (27:37 – Matt Farah)

On Track – Main Insights

• Disappoints relative to expectations:
  • Pervasive understeer on entry, with a tendency to suddenly transition into snap oversteer on corner exit with traction control disengaged.
  • Hard to hold consistent slides; less fun versus manual M2 or older M2 CS.
  • Steering heavily criticized: numb, too thick wheel, not much feedback.
• “Every corner, really, when I started to push this car and started to go quick, it pushed all the way to the apex of every corner. And then as soon as I started to get back on, the gas just switched from push to snap oversteer.” (30:34 – Matt Farah)
• “There was never a way to really initiate a slide on entry.” (33:00 – Matt Farah)
• Comparison to previous-gen M2 CS: last-gen was more fun, could be had with a manual, and better-looking.

Value Judgement

• At $108,000 (with ceramics), hosts struggle to see the value over the regular M2 (which can be had with a manual, still extremely capable, and $30k+ cheaper).
• “Other than the dampers and the ceramic brakes, I can’t really say that it was $30,000 better than an M2.” (28:24 – Matt Farah)
• Both would choose the base manual M2 for real-world, fun-focused use.

4. Listener Q&A and Interactive Segments

Timestamps: 55:34–106:11

Highlights:

• Dream Car Destinations: Where would hosts want their own cars to end up if sold? (e.g. Matt’s Countach should stay in LA, Delica fits Nantucket, POW in Monaco, etc.)
• Fuel Price Spikes:
  • Positive: Might spur downsizing, better fuel economy, or EV/hybrid adoption.
  • Negative: Less affordable for those with razor-thin budgets, disproportionate societal harm.
  • “EVs—I have been pretty well convinced that EVs in general are a good idea. And so our government’s decision to abandon all support for EVs is fucking insane.” (70:33 – Matt Farah)
• Cars That Changed History for the Worse:
  • Ford Explorer (ushered in the SUV era) and Hummer H2 as candidates for “bad car that changed history.”
  • “The Ford Explorer pretty much created what the modern SUV is…” (76:22 – Matt Farah)
• Daily Quietness: Recommendations for compact, exceptionally quiet cars (Volvo XC40, Prius with Dynamat, Lincoln Corsair, etc.)
• Q: Car one mod away from greatness?
  • Many modern performance cars would be perfect with more steering feel.
• Long-Distance Bucket List Trips: Driving a BRZ from Dallas to the Arctic Ocean? Both hosts: “Epic, absolutely do it, just not in winter.”
• Quirks from Listener Cars: Matt’s Countach has a mirror perfect for “coke use” (per 1980s context, not personal use), and the POW’s hammock-back/tailgate gets a shout-out.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

“The hosts of the show enjoy talking about cars, but what they really love is a good project, a bad seat, and a car that snaps from understeer to snap oversteer in a heartbeat.” (26:12 – Matt Farah, paraphrasing the show’s dynamic)

“Every corner, really, when I started to push this car and started to go quick, it pushed all the way to the apex…the gas just switched from push to snap oversteer.” (30:34 – Matt Farah on M2 CS’s dynamic flaws)

“Going to the grocery store is real stupid [with those seats].” (27:37 – Matt Farah, on how the hardcore seats work in daily use)

“The Ford Explorer pretty much created what the modern SUV is.” (76:22 – Matt Farah)

“If you want to see what America will be in 20 years, look at Miami. Miami is America in 20 years.” (as quoted by Matt, referencing Billy Corben, 88:45)

Final Observations & Tone

• The hosts balance sharp technical knowledge with accessible, bantering dialogue.
• Criticisms are direct (“Transmission gets the job done, but not in a way that excites me”; “Steering’s numb…that’s a BMW problem.”).
• Personal project updates give connection and context for the broader car enthusiast community.
• Listener Q&A is lively and at times hilarious, with tangents into pop culture, taste, and practicality.
• The episode closes with appreciation for their supporters and an invitation to enter a Turbo S giveaway.

Section Timestamps

• 00:47–03:59: Friendship banter and personal project updates
• 05:18–19:36: Dyno testing and Road & Track article discussion
• 19:36–38:29: In-depth BMW M2 CS review (street and track)
• 38:29–48:26: Further project car updates (Countach, E500 Cabrio)
• 55:34–106:11: Listener questions, broader industry debates, and offbeat car culture discussion

This episode is a must-listen for BMW fans, project car nuts, and anyone curious about the sometimes weird, frequently hilarious edges of the automotive zeitgeist.