Jordan from RK Tunes' 740HP BMW G87 M2 Drift Car
When BMW introduced the G87 M2, enthusiasts were divided. Some loved its bold styling, while others questioned whether it could live up to the legendary M cars that came before it. Jordan from RK Tunes saw something different—a platform with incredible performance potential that could become the perfect modern drift car while still being comfortable enough to drive every day.
On this episode of Behind the Build, Jordan walks us through his unique 2024 BMW M2, explaining how a salvaged sports car became a 740-wheel-horsepower drift machine without sacrificing the features that make it enjoyable on the street.
From Salvage Auction to Dream Build
Unlike most new M2 owners, Jordan didn't drive his car straight off the dealership lot. After selling his beloved F80 M3 drift car, he planned to purchase a brand-new M2, but the numbers simply didn't work out.
Instead, he found a wrecked 2024 BMW M2 online for around $30,000 after it had sustained significant front-end damage in a collision. While rebuilding a salvage vehicle isn't always the easiest route, it allowed Jordan to get into BMW's newest performance platform at a much lower cost.
Looking back, he admits the process wasn't as simple as expected. Waiting months for replacement body panels, sourcing parts from overseas, and navigating inspections meant the project took far longer than anticipated. Although the savings were real, Jordan says he'd think twice before taking the salvage route again.
A Drift Car That Still Feels Like a New BMW
One of the most impressive aspects of this build is what hasn't been removed.
Many drift cars lose their air conditioning, factory interior, and everyday drivability in pursuit of performance. Jordan intentionally went the opposite direction.
His goal was simple:
A drift car that still has air conditioning, modern technology, factory comfort, and can be driven hundreds of miles without hesitation.
That philosophy is what makes this M2 stand out. It looks aggressive, slides effortlessly, and still retains the refinement expected from a modern BMW.
Suspension Built for Sideways Driving
The suspension modifications are surprisingly modest considering how capable the car is.
The front of the M2 features:
- Wisefab angle kit
- BC Racing coilovers
- Heavy-duty underbody protection
The rear suspension remains mostly factory, although Jordan plans to install additional Wisefab rear components in the future to further improve the car's handling characteristics during drifting.
Rather than completely reinventing the chassis, the focus has been on maximizing steering angle and maintaining reliability.
740 Wheel Horsepower from the S58
Power comes from BMW's impressive S58 twin-turbocharged inline-six.
While the engine itself remains internally stock, the supporting modifications transform its performance.
Current upgrades include:
- RK Tunes custom Tune
- MHD Flex Fuel system
- Front-mounted RK Tunes intake system
- Wagner intake/intercooler
- E50 ethanol blend
The result is approximately 740 wheel horsepower, giving the nearly 3,800-pound M2 enough power to break traction while remaining surprisingly manageable on track.
As the founder of RK Tunes, Jordan naturally tuned the car himself, drawing from years of experience calibrating BMW platforms ranging from classic E36s to some of the fastest modern S58-powered cars in the world.
OEM+ Styling with Custom Touches
Although the performance upgrades are impressive, the car's appearance is what immediately grabs attention.
Instead of relying on expensive carbon fiber body kits, Jordan mixed affordable aftermarket parts with custom ideas to create an OEM+ look that feels unique without appearing overdone.
Some highlights include:
- White color-matched accents throughout the car
- Gram Lights 18-inch
- Budget front lip that can easily be replaced after drifting
- Custom Evo-style rear wing
- Carbon bucket seats
- Carbon roof
One of the more interesting parts of the project is that Jordan actually commissioned digital renderings before purchasing exterior components. Seeing different wheel, lip, and wing combinations digitally helped him visualize the finished product before spending money on physical parts.
Interior: Almost Completely Factory
Open the door, and the cabin looks remarkably stock.
The factory digital displays, premium materials, climate control, and BMW technology remain intact.
The primary modification is a hydraulic DriftTec handbrake featuring a removable carbon fiber handle, designed to blend into the factory interior while adding the functionality needed for drifting.
Otherwise, the cabin remains exactly what you'd expect from a modern M2—comfortable enough for daily driving and long road trips.
Affordable Performance Upgrades
Despite producing over 700 wheel horsepower, Jordan points out that the build wasn't outrageously expensive.
Excluding the cost of purchasing the vehicle itself, the major performance upgrades—including suspension, intake components, cooling protection, and tuning—come in at well under $10,000.
It's proof that modern BMW performance can be dramatically improved without requiring a six-figure budget.
Built to Drive
Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of Jordan's M2 is that it isn't a garage queen.
After filming, he planned to load spare drift tires into the trunk, spend the day sliding the car on track, and then drive it roughly 15 hours back home to New York.
That combination of comfort, reliability, and performance perfectly captures the philosophy behind the build.
Final Thoughts
Jordan's BMW G87 M2 demonstrates what's possible when modern technology meets practical performance upgrades.
Rather than building an all-out competition drift car, he created something far more relatable—a comfortable street car capable of producing 740 wheel horsepower, tackling drift events, and then driving home with the air conditioning running.
It's a build that embraces BMW's newest generation while proving that performance doesn't have to come at the expense of everyday usability.
For enthusiasts interested in modern BMW tuning, this M2 offers a compelling blueprint: keep what makes the car enjoyable, upgrade what matters, and build something you'll actually want to drive.