[msej449]

Over here in the UK the majority of 2 Series I see are the 6-cylinder versions of M235i and M240i. I asked my dealer about this and he said this was a reasonable reflection of actual sales. I also went for the M235i after driving both it and the 4-cyl. He also said that a lot of customers come in looking for an M2 then after test drives, opt for the M-Lite (especially since some dealers like mine will add the cosmetic bits and LSD at near cost price).

So it's interesting to speculate as to why this is so here, when there's a 12%-15% price premium for the 6-Cyl and premium petrol is £1.30/L (£4.92/US Gallon, $6.65/USG).

For me, the reasons were that (a) I felt the M235i handled better overall (whatever R&T belatedly invented just to be different) and (b) if I wanted to be sensible I'd buy a Toyota. For me, spending all that on a BMW and not going for the best engine made no sense.

This isn't to say that all the other options in the range are somehow inferior. Of course, they're not, just that they were for me.

Generally here, people don't seem to mod as much as in the US, and there's usually a big insurance hike if you do. So perhaps also the buying strategy is more likely to be to get a stock car that's as close to your expectations (and budget) as possible, without mods. But the main discussion of models here is between the M2 and the M-Lites. In terms of both what is the better DD and whether there's any point in buying an M-Lite and tying to retro-fit what is standard on an M2.

[mcompact]

Originally Posted by msej449

Over here in the UK the majority of 2 Series I see are the 6-cylinder versions of M235i and M240i. I asked my dealer about this and he said this was a reasonable reflection of actual sales. I also went for the M235i after driving both it and the 4-cyl. He also said that a lot of customers come in looking for an M2 then after test drives, opt for the M-Lite (especially since some dealers like mine will add the cosmetic bits and LSD at near cost price).

So it's interesting to speculate as to why this is so here, when there's a 12%-15% price premium for the 6-Cyl and premium petrol is £1.30/L (£4.92/US Gallon, $6.65/USG).

For me, the reasons were that (a) I felt the M235i handled better overall (whatever R&T belatedly invented just to be different) and (b) if I wanted to be sensible I'd buy a Toyota. For me, spending all that on a BMW and not going for the best engine made no sense.

This isn't to say that all the other options in the range are somehow inferior. Of course, they're not, just that they were for me.

Generally here, people don't seem to mod as much as in the US, and there's usually a big insurance hike if you do. So perhaps also the buying strategy is more likely to be to get a stock car that's as close to your expectations (and budget) as possible, without mods. But the main discussion of models here is between the M2 and the M-Lites. In terms of both what is the better DD and whether there's any point in buying an M-Lite and tying to retro-fit what is standard on an M2.

Your thoughts on the M240i vs. M2 pretty much mirror mine. That said, if I wanted a manual I'd go with an M2, but for two pedal driving I'd take the M240i. I much prefer the ZF 8HP to the DCT gearbox.
I still like my M235i; all I plan to do is fit the LSD and a mild tune- after that I think I'll be happy for a long time to come.

[mleskovar]

My wife is the primary driver of our 230i. Previously she had a 128i. The S2 has a much more comfortable ride and power characteristics around town. That's 98% of her travel. The four has more rated hp than the six did but is peakier (probably due to the turbos). When she puts the 230i into 'Sport' mode she said it reminds her of the 128i with the snappy shifts. I'm not a 4 pot fan but I like the 230i. It has none of the idle shaking, noise, and lack of low rpm grunt usually associated with the fours (probably due to the long stroke).

[Clear_Blue22]

I’ve owned my 230i for nearly 5 months now as my daily driver. I researched extensively between the 230 and the 240 and test drove both before ordering my 230. The difference in power is there but it’s almost negligible. However the difference in handling I have to say was much snappier in the 230. I chose the 230 for the same reason I chose the R1 over the faster K1 or 1000R... handling. Also saving about 7k over the 240 by only purchasing the M performance package and heated seats made that a no brainer