EVN Ring Rentals is located in the heart of a small village called Nürburg. To car enthusiasts this is the most famous village on planet earth. Whether you're cruising down Hauptstraße or parked at the iconic ED Tankstelle along Döttingher Höhe - the place is special.
Frank Thind created EVN Ring Rentals in 2018 and changed the car rental game. He is unlike anybody I have ever met in my life. His cars are set up to perform on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a way that I struggle to put into words. He doesn't cut corners. Safety for customers is where he excels as a businessman.
Since 2022 I only drive EVN cars alongside the odd vehicle testing laps. This review is about the BMW M2 Clubsport that recently grabbed my attention after taking it out on track. To be completely honest - I have hardly driven this car but am glad I've gotten into it now.
Frank Thind created EVN Ring Rentals in 2018 and changed the car rental game. He is unlike anybody I have ever met in my life. His cars are set up to perform on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a way that I struggle to put into words. He doesn't cut corners. Safety for customers is where he excels as a businessman.
Since 2022 I only drive EVN cars alongside the odd vehicle testing laps. This review is about the BMW M2 Clubsport that recently grabbed my attention after taking it out on track. To be completely honest - I have hardly driven this car but am glad I've gotten into it now.
Generally I only drive the Porsche on track because it does 100% of what I expect a car to do. Sadly a lot of modern cars have lost the connection between the gas pedal and engine response. VW are guilty of this. Their cars still function and perform, but it is unnatural. BMW switched from Bosch ECU's in the late E36's to Siemens ECU's. Sometimes the power disappears with no explanation or fault code. Golf MK4/5/6 GTi have Bosch ECU's. The Golf 7 GTi has Siemens instead of Bosch and it does the exact same thing.
The BMW M2 is nothing like a modern car. BMW have managed to retain the feeling that they have been consistently famous for - apart from the E46, which is a horror movie on four wheels. A boat with no direction. The E46 is as embarrassing to BMW as the MK4 Golf is to Volkswagen.
The modern BMW's have Bosch ECU's now and they work perfectly. Audi/Volkswagen will only give you a Bosch ECU if you buy the most expensive model such as Porsche 911 GT3, Audi RS3/TTRS, Golf 8 R and so on. Siemens must be more financially viable but at a cost to the driving experience in my opinion.
There is an extremely fast driver called Yannick Margraff who drives under 7 min 20 seconds in his Golf 7 GTi, and we spoke at length about the throttle being weird in these cars. He has since sold it and bought an older Scirocco with a Bosch ECU. I haven't heard him complain since.
The BMW M2 is nothing like a modern car. BMW have managed to retain the feeling that they have been consistently famous for - apart from the E46, which is a horror movie on four wheels. A boat with no direction. The E46 is as embarrassing to BMW as the MK4 Golf is to Volkswagen.
The modern BMW's have Bosch ECU's now and they work perfectly. Audi/Volkswagen will only give you a Bosch ECU if you buy the most expensive model such as Porsche 911 GT3, Audi RS3/TTRS, Golf 8 R and so on. Siemens must be more financially viable but at a cost to the driving experience in my opinion.
There is an extremely fast driver called Yannick Margraff who drives under 7 min 20 seconds in his Golf 7 GTi, and we spoke at length about the throttle being weird in these cars. He has since sold it and bought an older Scirocco with a Bosch ECU. I haven't heard him complain since.
I wouldn't recommend inexperienced drivers do this, but putting this car in Sport Plus and switching off DSC makes it drive like an old E36 Compact. It does everything that I want and this is true for the F-Series platform. They really got it right.
Frankfurt BMW told me the reason for the wide hips at the rear is because they had no other way to fit the F80 M3 rear axle to it. The design had to be revisited, and they literally dragged two triangular shapes outward until it looked beautiful. The design sketches I was shown are godlike. They knew the aerodynamics were very close to perfect during software simulation. The final product is aerodynamically within 1-1.5% of their prediction. This is possibly the best BMW they have ever made. Ever.
When I visit a main dealer in Germany, they speak about their cars as extensions of the self. Because when you drive a car spiritedly it becomes an extension of you. With spirited driving in mind, we should all make the effort to take driving and driver safety more seriously. Car crashes shouldn't really ever happen. I think most car accidents are nothing more than ego colliding with the reality of nature in the physical realm.
Frankfurt BMW told me the reason for the wide hips at the rear is because they had no other way to fit the F80 M3 rear axle to it. The design had to be revisited, and they literally dragged two triangular shapes outward until it looked beautiful. The design sketches I was shown are godlike. They knew the aerodynamics were very close to perfect during software simulation. The final product is aerodynamically within 1-1.5% of their prediction. This is possibly the best BMW they have ever made. Ever.
When I visit a main dealer in Germany, they speak about their cars as extensions of the self. Because when you drive a car spiritedly it becomes an extension of you. With spirited driving in mind, we should all make the effort to take driving and driver safety more seriously. Car crashes shouldn't really ever happen. I think most car accidents are nothing more than ego colliding with the reality of nature in the physical realm.
The setup on this car is race ready. I could use this for GLP qualifying next season but would rather use the Stage 2 Ibiza for that. I do have a few co-drivers in mind but it isn't a confirmed decision yet. If I do I will try to complete all three GLP events to get my RCN license. To drive professionally at the Nürburgring you have to drive three consistent GLP stints to move onto RCN. After this it is NLS (formerly known as VLN), and the highest tier is the 24 Hour Race which happens once a year at the ring.
This is actually a good time somebody spoke about the famous Nürburgring 'personalities' who have accident after accident on this racetrack and call themselves coaches, taxi drivers, and racing professionals.
They are none of the above. They are a bad example of how to drive what is the most beautiful stretch of tarmac on this planet, and are an embarrassment to the Nürburgring community. Their goal doesn't seem to be that of safety.
I say this because I respect the track and am grateful to be here every summer. I consider myself part of the community whether I speak to locals or not. I have been here long enough, and my track record is clean.
Why would I go out and keep pushing until I fly into a barrier? That to me seems ignorant and egotistical.
We need to look at this objectively then decide who is actually good for this place, and who promotes safety over speed on the Nordschleife.
I have proven my track knowledge consistently while promoting a high standard of track etiquette. All we have to do is drive within our ability and have fun. There is nothing to prove in an accident other than money out of the bank and/or rinsing a credit card then opening a new account. And I haven't got time for of all that now I'm old. I turned forty this year - still look peng doe.
This is actually a good time somebody spoke about the famous Nürburgring 'personalities' who have accident after accident on this racetrack and call themselves coaches, taxi drivers, and racing professionals.
They are none of the above. They are a bad example of how to drive what is the most beautiful stretch of tarmac on this planet, and are an embarrassment to the Nürburgring community. Their goal doesn't seem to be that of safety.
I say this because I respect the track and am grateful to be here every summer. I consider myself part of the community whether I speak to locals or not. I have been here long enough, and my track record is clean.
Why would I go out and keep pushing until I fly into a barrier? That to me seems ignorant and egotistical.
We need to look at this objectively then decide who is actually good for this place, and who promotes safety over speed on the Nordschleife.
I have proven my track knowledge consistently while promoting a high standard of track etiquette. All we have to do is drive within our ability and have fun. There is nothing to prove in an accident other than money out of the bank and/or rinsing a credit card then opening a new account. And I haven't got time for of all that now I'm old. I turned forty this year - still look peng doe.
If you want to tackle the Nürburgring it makes sense to start with a vehicle that is built and prepared for 20 kilometers of abuse, lap after lap. The 'majority' of cars that visit from England (not all) are normal street cars, with a set of coilovers with a worse than factory setup. Generally when I test cars from the UK there is always something that needs repair.
James Walsh from Suffolk is an exception. He's different. He really should live in Germany because he is that strict with not only the car and maintenance, but the SETUP so that it gets around the track safely. Every one of his cars that I have driven in England or at the Nürburgring has been exceptional.
This is also where dedicated rental companies come in..
We have cars ready for newbies, all the way up to high speed cars for racing drivers who regularly visit the track. We also have a lot of group bookings, who will take 3-4 cars for an entire Saturday and return having driven 20+ laps in each car. These are dedicated drivers but they do not want to spend money modifying a car then driving it all the way here without insurance (UK cars are not insured).
We also get a lot of customers from the US, Israel, Scandinavia and I've met people from all over the world. The majority of fast drivers are from the aforementioned counties. However people from Denmark, Sweden and Norway are exceptional drivers - even without previous track knowledge.
Flying to Köln/Bonn and getting a taxi or rental car makes a lot more sense. You can do it in a day from nearly every country across Europe. I used to collect friends from the airport around 0800-0900 then have a nice walk around a local city. Enjoy the day out and go to a restaurant, do some sightseeing etc.
Later in the day we visit the Nürburgring manufacturer area in Meuspath, go into the Nürburgring Boulevard where there is a cinema, go karting, loads of souvenir shops and also simulators - then join the racers on track from 1700. After an hour of lapping we are done.
I used to collect friends and run them back to the airport the same day, and they'd be back home (Ipswich/Lowestoft) around 2200 UK time! In 2016 I did exactly the same every Saturday when I lived in Chester. I would arrive home latest 2300 but had Sunday to tidy the apartment, get food shopping, see friends and enjoy what is still one of the most beautiful and clean locations in England.
Everybody should visit Chester at some point in their life. There was a spate of young guys turning up in the city wearing tracksuit joggers and the police (along with others) removed them. They really have their own standards there and I have to respect it. It has to stay clean at all costs, like what the 'elders' do in North Norfolk. Nelson's County will never look like Luton. Norfolk is well protected and I love that.
We also get a lot of customers from the US, Israel, Scandinavia and I've met people from all over the world. The majority of fast drivers are from the aforementioned counties. However people from Denmark, Sweden and Norway are exceptional drivers - even without previous track knowledge.
Flying to Köln/Bonn and getting a taxi or rental car makes a lot more sense. You can do it in a day from nearly every country across Europe. I used to collect friends from the airport around 0800-0900 then have a nice walk around a local city. Enjoy the day out and go to a restaurant, do some sightseeing etc.
Later in the day we visit the Nürburgring manufacturer area in Meuspath, go into the Nürburgring Boulevard where there is a cinema, go karting, loads of souvenir shops and also simulators - then join the racers on track from 1700. After an hour of lapping we are done.
I used to collect friends and run them back to the airport the same day, and they'd be back home (Ipswich/Lowestoft) around 2200 UK time! In 2016 I did exactly the same every Saturday when I lived in Chester. I would arrive home latest 2300 but had Sunday to tidy the apartment, get food shopping, see friends and enjoy what is still one of the most beautiful and clean locations in England.
Everybody should visit Chester at some point in their life. There was a spate of young guys turning up in the city wearing tracksuit joggers and the police (along with others) removed them. They really have their own standards there and I have to respect it. It has to stay clean at all costs, like what the 'elders' do in North Norfolk. Nelson's County will never look like Luton. Norfolk is well protected and I love that.
Now, what is it like to drive this car? I have driven less than ten laps in total, with my recent laps driven during a busy weekend, with another single lap recently.
This car drives like a dream. I'll have to take it out again this week for a couple of laps. It does what I want it to do. Just like the 911 and E92 M3 that we have here at EVN Ring Rentals.
It is a joy to drive. It resonates and I don't have to think about how the grip level, or whether it is going to annoy me. It really does just work. Let us get on with the review..
The Chassis
The chassis is 100% perfect and without flaw. I really understand now why so many people own them as purpose built tools at the ring. It is tight and poised. Whatever I think, it does. Even when I smash full throttle and the ass wants to step out it is under my control. Like an Exx chassis.
The turning angle feels at home. I don't have to worry if something will go wrong, but that is largely down to the EVN Ring Rentals setup. Frank is meticulous, and cars are often sent back if they are not to his liking. This is where EVN differs from other garages.
I won't go off on another rant, but I have seen some terrible examples of vehicle maintenance at the Nürburgring. I really do like the EVN approach because there are no errors. Frank really is the best person I have met out here.
The Body
The design of this car is beautiful. I think it is the best coupe design since the BMW M4 came out. I always loved the BMW M4 and still do, but the M2 is definitely more popular among the Nürburgring community.
Sleek lines, mixed with its modern design make for a car that not only looks good, but performs at every speed imaginable. It is quite possibly the best looking vehicle to have left the factory. Ever.
I really love the look of this car and when I had a leasing contract on a Golf GTi out here in Germany, I did consider the M2 as an option. 420€ per month isn't bad considering what you get.
The Throttle
For a completely stock motor with no tuning... I love it. It reminds me of the E92 335i when it was first released. Albeit with problems such as the injectors failing, the turbo wastegate dying whenever it felt like, plus other electronical issues - the drive was phenomenal.
Part of the F-Series driving so well and not having these faults could be due to the fact BMW switched from Siemens back to Bosch in the modern cars. You get what you pay for, and cutting corners has proven catastrophic for many late E Series owners up to the F Series platform.
The feedback and feeling from the gas pedal is 100% perfect and without fault. I love how they drive once tuned - my Stage 1 software takes the standard 370hp and 500NM up to around 420hp and a solid 600NM.
I also offer services such as rear 02 sensor delete, speed limit removal (VMAX) and basic coding for things such as the seatbelt and start stop which can be annoying on track with a race harness - not to mention a hot engine turning itself off for no reason..
The Exhaust
A lot of people complain about the exhaust tone in stock cars, but the same men suffer from anxiety and other mental health problems too. I think it makes a nice sound when cruising, but I can't remember what it sounds like at full throttle.
I must be able to hear it though, because I always change gears 1000RPM under the red. This is something I do in every car where possible - with respect to the motor. For reference I have never bought a performance or sports exhaust for any vehicle I have owned. I could never see the point.
It's a nice car, it makes a nice sound when I start the engine and cruise around. I love that it isn't intrusive. Some people like to make loud noises when they drive, but I think it is insecurity. That said, Akrapovich exhaust systems do sound beautiful - but I still wouldn't buy one. It isn't age - I have always avoided loud cars unless its a Porsche, Lamborghini or Ferrari.
This car drives like a dream. I'll have to take it out again this week for a couple of laps. It does what I want it to do. Just like the 911 and E92 M3 that we have here at EVN Ring Rentals.
It is a joy to drive. It resonates and I don't have to think about how the grip level, or whether it is going to annoy me. It really does just work. Let us get on with the review..
The Chassis
The chassis is 100% perfect and without flaw. I really understand now why so many people own them as purpose built tools at the ring. It is tight and poised. Whatever I think, it does. Even when I smash full throttle and the ass wants to step out it is under my control. Like an Exx chassis.
The turning angle feels at home. I don't have to worry if something will go wrong, but that is largely down to the EVN Ring Rentals setup. Frank is meticulous, and cars are often sent back if they are not to his liking. This is where EVN differs from other garages.
I won't go off on another rant, but I have seen some terrible examples of vehicle maintenance at the Nürburgring. I really do like the EVN approach because there are no errors. Frank really is the best person I have met out here.
The Body
The design of this car is beautiful. I think it is the best coupe design since the BMW M4 came out. I always loved the BMW M4 and still do, but the M2 is definitely more popular among the Nürburgring community.
Sleek lines, mixed with its modern design make for a car that not only looks good, but performs at every speed imaginable. It is quite possibly the best looking vehicle to have left the factory. Ever.
I really love the look of this car and when I had a leasing contract on a Golf GTi out here in Germany, I did consider the M2 as an option. 420€ per month isn't bad considering what you get.
The Throttle
For a completely stock motor with no tuning... I love it. It reminds me of the E92 335i when it was first released. Albeit with problems such as the injectors failing, the turbo wastegate dying whenever it felt like, plus other electronical issues - the drive was phenomenal.
Part of the F-Series driving so well and not having these faults could be due to the fact BMW switched from Siemens back to Bosch in the modern cars. You get what you pay for, and cutting corners has proven catastrophic for many late E Series owners up to the F Series platform.
The feedback and feeling from the gas pedal is 100% perfect and without fault. I love how they drive once tuned - my Stage 1 software takes the standard 370hp and 500NM up to around 420hp and a solid 600NM.
I also offer services such as rear 02 sensor delete, speed limit removal (VMAX) and basic coding for things such as the seatbelt and start stop which can be annoying on track with a race harness - not to mention a hot engine turning itself off for no reason..
The Exhaust
A lot of people complain about the exhaust tone in stock cars, but the same men suffer from anxiety and other mental health problems too. I think it makes a nice sound when cruising, but I can't remember what it sounds like at full throttle.
I must be able to hear it though, because I always change gears 1000RPM under the red. This is something I do in every car where possible - with respect to the motor. For reference I have never bought a performance or sports exhaust for any vehicle I have owned. I could never see the point.
It's a nice car, it makes a nice sound when I start the engine and cruise around. I love that it isn't intrusive. Some people like to make loud noises when they drive, but I think it is insecurity. That said, Akrapovich exhaust systems do sound beautiful - but I still wouldn't buy one. It isn't age - I have always avoided loud cars unless its a Porsche, Lamborghini or Ferrari.
Well that was the review. I had fun and if the weather is good this evening I'll take the M2 out for a fun lap. This is another car in the EVN fleet that customers love, lap after lap. It is a solid example of what a fully prepared ring tool should be, and I am proud to be part of this journey with Frank and his family.
Should anybody want to get in contact with me, there is an instagram link at the top of this web page. Thank you for reading and drive safe!
Nicholas
Should anybody want to get in contact with me, there is an instagram link at the top of this web page. Thank you for reading and drive safe!
Nicholas