[daniel.99]

I can't find any f82s that fit my needs (low ish milage nice spec) except for a Frozen black m4 pre lci (not a fan of the headlights). On the other hand, I see a nice spec M240i every couple of days for a good price. My only reason for not getting an f82 is the shady dealer and the frozen paint (idk how I would deal with swirls/scratches). I also would love to have the peace of mind that the b58 offers but it seems like it would be a bit underpowered in comparison even with a tune. thx Edit: budget is 30-35K firm

[F22Cam]

I think the f82 is the better car overall.

But I see how in your case a clean m240 might be the better option, and will be a much newer car.

As a M235 owner I love the chassis and im sure with the B58 you won’t be dissapointed in the car.

This is my first BMW and only my 2nd car but I do find myself wanting a real M car for many reasons.

[Nickies]

All is a question of taste and what you really want. The M4 is noticeably larger and more expensive to own. The 240 lci is attractive to those who want a small and balanced GT tourer and the improvements that have been done are significant in my opinion.

If you can find a fully loaded 2019 -2021 M240i with a good maintenance record, you would not be disappointed. I am at 56K with all the option packages and it has been absolutely flawless in everyway from new.

[M3SQRD]

I own a ‘16 f82 and an ‘18 f22 m240ix. The f22 is a great car with excellent power but its steering and stock suspension are way too isolating compared to the f82. The AT8 is inferior in every possible way compared to a DCT. My f22 and f82 have the same MCS 2WR suspension setup except for spring rates. The f22 is my wife’s DD so we have F/R 500/800 lbf/in (divorced rear) with 100 psi remote reservoir pressure whereas the f82 has F/R 700/1100 lbf/in (divorced rear) with 125/175 psi street/track remote reservoir pressure. 500/800 rates are by no means soft but the car has a far superior ride quality and level of performance over stock. F82 is similar but has better/faster turn-in and transitions to the f22. You definitely feel the difference in spring rate it the f82 is still amazingly compliant. EPS tuning, especially with GTS coding, is far superior to the f22 EPS tuning with the biggest being steering feel. The sound of the b58 is far superior to the f82 which sounds like two 3-cylinder engines fighting each other. My biggest complaint about the f22 is its weight considering it’s the size of an e46 M3. If it weighed less, it would be a much better car overall - handling, braking and accelerating/decelerating compared to the f82.

They are both great cars in their own right but the f82 is far superior and that would be my pick if I had to choose one.

[Dom147]

for me the choice is in the engine. I'd rather have a b58 rather than an S55.

I agree tremendously that the suspension components are nowhere near the M cars, but it's so much easier (and less expensive) to catch up on suspension rather than swapping an engine. Solid subframe bushings, lsd, coilovers, LCA's, and you're already most of the way there if not better for handling. I suppose the only thing you'll never catch up in is the fender width

[morphomeman]

OP: age matters! You will be getting a car that is five years younger with the 240. Also, we know from places like Consumer Reports that the build quality on BMWs has been improving on a pretty steep curve in the last decade. Finally, the cost of maintenance on an older true M car and the risk of catastrophic failure will be much higher.
But if what you are looking for is glamour, then pure M is what you want.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by Dom147

for me the choice is in the engine. I'd rather have a b58 rather than an S55.

I agree tremendously that the suspension components are nowhere near the M cars, but it's so much easier (and less expensive) to catch up on suspension rather than swapping an engine. Solid subframe bushings, lsd, coilovers, LCA's, and you're already most of the way there if not better for handling. I suppose the only thing you'll never catch up in is the fender width

Why do you prefer the b58 over the s55? S55 is a far superior engine with an overblown SCH concern. I’ve been tracking my f82 for eight years, four on a GTS level engine tune, without a SCH. If you plan on running > 600 whp or lbf-ft torque then a SCH makes sense but reasonable power/torque increases a SCH is not a major concern. Driving the s55 and b58 back to back, the s55 is a superior engine but the b58 only has superior sound.

[M3SQRD]

Originally Posted by morphomeman

OP: age matters! You will be getting a car that is five years younger with the 240. Also, we know from places like Consumer Reports that the build quality on BMWs has been improving on a pretty steep curve in the last decade. Finally, the cost of maintenance on an older true M car and the risk of catastrophic failure will be much higher.
But if what you are looking for is glamour, then pure M is what you want.

Risk of catastrophic failure - where is this coming from? My highly tracked ‘16 f82 for the past eight years, has only required fluid and spark plug changes. Our ‘16 f82 is better built than our f22 m240ix. No comparison.

[ajbM4cab]

Own both F83 M4 cab and M240i cab.
Obviously convertibles but a similar comparison can be made.
Both 2019 post LCI.
Both very different but equally entertaining for different reasons.
Both loaded spec.
Physical size is obviously a difference between a 2 and 4 series. However we are mostly talking about comfortable space as they are both essentially a 2+2 coupe/cab.
The M4 retains that rawness as with a true M car. With the DCT gearbox and S55 engine feeling a little more hardcore.
The M240i feels slick and polished. From the ZF gearbox to the noticeably smoother B58.
Both sound totally different too. Personally prefer the slick ZF8 gearbox and sound of the B58. Also own an S58 X4M and there is a closer comparison there too with the same ZF box and exhaust tone.
Couple of examples to back this:
When engaging gearbox the DCT needs a fair bit of throttle to get going. Whereas with the ZF in the M240i you are on the brakes holding it back. It wants to go. Feels like it’s on the front foot and the DCT sits on the back foot.
Minor one but when engaging reverse the ZF is instant. The DCT takes a second or two to engage. Frustrating when doing a multi point turn.
However the DCT is truly built as a manual.
Owners will know of the jerky offset in sport plus when you need to blip the throttle first to pre engage first gear.
The S55 has a sound all of its own. The M240i keeps a hold of that famed BMW straight 6 sound. Reminds me of my E30 m sports back in the day.

M4 does feel special with more smiles per miles. However the M240i rewards with a wraparound feel if that makes sense. Almost gocart like which makes the M4 feel on the larger side.

The power delivery is different. The B58 feels better in the low down torque. To me they both reward performance wise as a daily. To track them is not in my interest but I would imagine the M4 would be a clear winner.
The B58 is however massively tuneable to put it equal with the M4. A simple stage 1 would probably make them a neat match.
If you are UK based then both RWD. Otherwise the M240i is available as Xdrive elsewhere.

I am sure you will enjoy either car.
I always say if you where in either car and the other pulled up alongside you at the lights, would you want to swop.
Ultimately that’s your decision.

I am lucky to have both.
But if it was one only then I would have to take the M4 and rid myself of the M4 ‘M car’ itch.

Any questions please ask.

[Nickies]

As somebody very well said ......

" The M240i feels slick and polished. From the ZF gearbox to the noticeably smoother B58."

This is the reason I like it and keep it stock just for the fun of a daily driver.