[bimmerfile]

OP:
Since you are prepared to wait 'til close to year end for the M3, then you should be comparing the M3 to the upcoming 2018 facelifted (aka LCI) M240 as you would have the 2018 M240i at the same time (or earlier) as the M3.
So choice is a 3 yr old M3 with close to 20K Kms OR a new 2018 M240i at the same cost.
Makes the cheese a bit more binding, n'est pas?

[M235iguy]

since you have kids, M3

[M3PGH]

one big difference is power in reference to winter driving.I owned an M3 and drove it occasionally in winter weather. This thing has a lot of power and torque, so it is much more dicey to drive than M240i with less power and torque, even with proper winter tires

[amw896]

I love my 235i dearly but damn, if I had a choice it would be m3 all day!

[cohenfive]

I would always get the m car if it has been well cared for and has the equipment you want on it. I really like my m235i, but the m3 is just a different class of car.

[Luftwaffe1O1]

M3

[harma24]

I don't know why everyone is advising you to take the M3 simply because you have kids. I have two 4 year olds. The doors on the 2-series are so wide it makes it very easy to get them in and out of the back; it's just as easy for me to get them in and out of my M240 as it is my minivan. It's actually easier than it is to get them in and out of my wife's Toyota Corolla. The narrow rear doors require an awkward contortion to reach in the Corolla; I can't step in like I do in my 240.


That being said, it's a tough call. Personally, I'd take the M240. You can't legally use all of the power / speed of either of these cars on public roads and either way you have more power than 95% of the cars out there, so that's essentially a non-factor unless you plan on spending a lot of time on the track. With the 240, you'll get it exactly as you want it; I can't say enough about that. But, the M3 has far more prestige if that's important to you.

[3.0L]

I think the OP is pretty fortunate to be considering any BMW during the child rearing part of life. I couldn't afford one until after my 2 kids were out of college.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by harma24

I don't know why everyone is advising you to take the M3 simply because you have kids. I have two 4 year olds. The doors on the 2-series are so wide it makes it very easy to get them in and out of the back; it's just as easy for me to get them in and out of my M240 as it is my minivan. It's actually easier than it is to get them in and out of my wife's Toyota Corolla. The narrow rear doors require an awkward contortion to reach in the Corolla; I can't step in like I do in my 240.


That being said, it's a tough call. Personally, I'd take the M240. You can't legally use all of the power / speed of either of these cars on public roads and either way you have more power than 95% of the cars out there, so that's essentially a non-factor unless you plan on spending a lot of time on the track. With the 240, you'll get it exactly as you want it; I can't say enough about that. But, the M3 has far more prestige if that's important to you.

You definitely need sub 4 seconds 0-60 to get to the head of the pick up line at school. Anything else junior will be mocked for having the dad with the slow car.

[3.0L]

I'd go with M240i simply because its brand new. Meaning, no one has ever farted in the seats or flipped their boogers on the carpet. I'll skip comment about the possible things that might have gone on in the back seat.

There's nothing like a brand new, pristine clean car!

[Marmugmotleocay]

Funny! I agree.

Originally Posted by 3.0L

I'd go with M240i simply because its brand new. Meaning, no one has ever farted in the seats or flipped their boogers on the carpet. I'll skip comment about the possible things that might have gone on in the back seat.

There's nothing like a brand new, pristine clean car!

[mjdott]

Thanks everyone - lots of good input. 3.0L I agree with you I am very fortunate/appreciate that I can do this during my children-at-home years.

The back seat issue with a 2-dor car is becoming less of a problem I think My GTI was 2-door, along with the BRZ of course, and those were a hassle with really young kids who needed help buckling up etc. Now they can get in/out of a 2-door car themselves. Not saying a 4-door car isn't more convenient because it is, but it isn't quite the difference it used to be.

[Luftwaffe1O1]

Originally Posted by mjdott

Thanks everyone - lots of good input. 3.0L I agree with you I am very fortunate/appreciate that I can do this during my children-at-home years.

The back seat issue with a 2-dor car is becoming less of a problem I think My GTI was 2-door, along with the BRZ of course, and those were a hassle with really young kids who needed help buckling up etc. Now they can get in/out of a 2-door car themselves. Not saying a 4-door car isn't more convenient because it is, but it isn't quite the difference it used to be.

Mine had nothing to do with 4 doors vs 2 haha, Having driven the M240 at the autocross event at the BMW performance center right after we got to drive the M3 a few laps around the track... M3 all the way. The m3 is just so much more of a raw car. I love my 2 series and all, but the M3 is a very different animal. Plus nicer interior materials in my opinion.

There are a few cheapo things/ plastic bits in the 2 that get annoying over time.

[yaymitch]

I have both cars. It's really what you prefer to daily drive. I love the M3 and am much more emotionally attached to it. It has more personality and is a more flexible car. 4 doors and size are nice, plus it is awesome on the highway and longer trips. Yes, it's a bit stiffer but not by much. I bought the M240i because I wanted something to drive around town that was smaller, smoother, and a bit more economical. It's an awesome car and the B58 is a fantastic engine with gobs of torque but it just doesn't have the power that the S55 has. The handling is night and day. The M3 handles much better, not near as floaty. Plus, the M3 has more options for settings if you get the active suspension. I don't like that the M240i won't let you adjust the firmness of the steering when you change it to sport and sport plus. The steering is way too stiff IMO in sport plus. Having the new idrive in the M240 is cool though. Both cars are awesome and it just comes down to which one you'll want to step into every day. If it were me and you really want an M car, I would wait and get a new one and order it exactly as you want it and enjoy the whole ownership experience from day 1. You have the benefit of being able to do that with the M240 and that's half the fun of buying a car, especially a BMW. From picking all the options you want, to following it being built, then impatiently waiting while it makes its way to the dealer to the day you pick it up and drive it off the lot. Also, the painful process through the break-in period waiting for the time you can floor it and feel the power... that's all fun.

[mjdott]

Hi all,
a bit of a delay in my outcome but wanted to let you guys/gals know that I have put an order in for an M240i. Very excited. I didn't really have to decide on the M3 in the end as the friend as decided to keep it (as he should!) so I didn't hesitate to put an order in for the 240. Very excited - I am getting a 6spd with the tech package, mineral white with the Coral Red.

As some of you suggested it is great to be able to spec it exactly as I wanted and now the long wait begins. It's a June production so will have it to enjoy for August at least.

Cheers

[USA-RET]

Originally Posted by mjdott

Hi all,
a bit of a delay in my outcome but wanted to let you guys/gals know that I have put an order in for an M240i. Very excited. I didn't really have to decide on the M3 in the end as the friend as decided to keep it (as he should!) so I didn't hesitate to put an order in for the 240. Very excited - I am getting a 6spd with the tech package, mineral white with the Coral Red.

As some of you suggested it is great to be able to spec it exactly as I wanted and now the long wait begins. It's a June production so will have it to enjoy for August at least.

Cheers

Congrats on your choice. You are going to love the car.

[Dylan86]

Congrats, if you prefer two door cars, you won't be disappointed!

D

[F22ACE]

m3. i like the m235 (fake M), but m3

[aerostar]

M3.

I have a 235i and I've driven a M3.

M3 all the way.

[marcthedark]

Hmm tough call as the M3 is barely run in ....

M240i > brand new with warranty and way fast enough for me
M3 > biggest depriciation already over so in 3 years the residual is better / true M car with higher running costs etc. but the true M car feeling

Flip a coin!