[mkrawec]

I'm going to make a decision between two cars this weekend assuming they're both still available. Both cars are about $46.5K before tax and fees. I'm going to purchase with my own financing. Both cars are new.

2018 230i convertible 8AT gray/black top

premium package
driver assistance
park distance control
black grills
carplay
adaptive led headlights
msport package
leather
HK sound system

2017 m240i convertible 8AT mineral white/brown top

premium package
driving assistance
driver assistance plus
park distance control
xenon headlights
carplay
leather
HK sound system

I've driven both models and the 230 would more than meet my performance needs but there's something about the sound of the 6 cylinder. I like the 2018 updates (LED, iDrive 6.0). The 240 will probably hold its value a little better but I save money on gas, maintenance, and insurance maybe with the 230. These cars are several hours away from me so maybe seeing them will help me decide. Let me know which way you would lean.

Thanks,

[PDXF22]

1 model year, iDrive 6, black grills and adaptive led headlights are really the only thing you'd get with the 230 over the 240 for the same price if I'm reading that right. Sounds to me like the 240 is a no-brainer. If you're buying a manual, the 240 will hold its value much better in the end. But value isn't everything to everyone. Which do you like driving more?

[tennisfreak]

240 is the easy and only choice

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by tennisfreak

240 is the easy and only choice

...unless it isn't!

There will always be two camps on engine size, and you will hear from the "bigger is better" one always.

OTOH, I prefer less weight up front and yes, I can feel the handling/steering difference. I also agree that the 230 is plenty fast for daily driving (convertible not going to a track, right?). The 230 is a year newer and the adaptive headlamps are very useful. From my recollection of content, I personally place no value on Drive Assistance Plus. I don't know what role exterior/interior color are playing here...are they the same, by some chance? If acceptable, I would take the 230i, much as I ordered the predecessor 228i when given the decision opportunity.

[p912guy]

I had same choice a few years ago, 16' M235i Vert with MP Exhaust, Rear Diffuser, Black Grills and Side Decal and 6MT or 17' 228i Vert 8AT for about the same price. I had been planning on going 228i with MSport, MAdaptive Suspension and ended up with the M235i instead and have never looked back. Looks like they are really interested in moving the 2017 240 based on the price so help them out - you'll be glad you did.

[aozer]

i went from a 228i to 235i, would never go back to the 4 cyl.

[overcoil]

I just saw pass me a 230 convertible in light blue with a dark top. Wasn’t M-sport pkg because it had fogs and silver trim in lower ducts, and the car was great looking - looked special.

[Lucky13]

I would immediately say the M240 because it looks like a much deeper discount. For comparison my dealer is dumping a loaded 2017 230 MSport conv sticker over $51K for $44K and a loaded 2017 M240 sticker over $57K for $50K. Check it out on the BMWof Columbia website if your interested in at least giving yourself a reference point.

[phantomcoupe]

M240! You will never regret more power, ever.

6MT FTW!

[BEM-S4]

I'd say the 240 would 100% hold its value better, but that brown top is tough. Might have a harder time moving it when you're ready.

[123Britt]

With a convertible I would want a light color interior.
.
240i -- all day unless the 230i had a manual.

[Scadam]

M240I all day

[MetalMK]

The 230i should be a LCI car. Because you said the 230i already meets your performance needs so it really depends on whether you like the new headlights and taillights and the new interior or not.

[Maynard]

I'm also a big fan of the lighter 228/230, especially in that color - Hp is cool for onramps, but I think you will seldom really have any other chances to fully use it on the street; lighter and more nimble is, however, always a plus - moreso with the msport. Another BIG factor is how many 'test drive miles' on that 240 (those would be expected to be the harshest of use, nothing like proper break-in miles)? And it is in a rather 'special' color combo - (you didn't note interiors, which could also be a factor). Resale will depend heavily upon condition and age - that brown top (much harder to keep looking un-stained and nice) and an extra year older will really hurt there. But in the end, it really is all down to what you want and enjoy most, so don't put too much stock in anything but that.

[xantdieselx]

I say go with the M240. Not once have I said to myself "I wish I bought a 228 instead". Yes, the 230 is rightfully quick but the 240 is on another level. Yes you can tune the 230 but I would rather have the extra power with a factory warranty. Just my .02.

[19bis]

Man, that's a tough one. I'm really happy with my LCI 230i, no regrets not going for a 240i. Of course, the c. 10k difference in price made that decision easier. For the same price, the 240i is mighty tempting.

I'd want to see them before making a final choice. Are they hours away in the same direction?

[samej]

I went from a 6 to a BMW 4 then back to a 6. Reading the OP's note about loving the 6 - personally features over engine was the wrong decision for me. I would take a stripper BMW with a 6 over a loaded with a 4 anytime after my misstep.

[mkrawec]

Both are black Dakota

[mkrawec]

Same dealership so I’ll see them together

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by samej

I would take a stripper BMW with a 6 over a loaded with a 4 anytime....

Completely respect that, but great example of why these kinds of requests for opinions can't really help with the fundamental decision for the OP. My choice in configuring my order was diametrically opposite to your priorities, neither objectively right nor wrong, of course. OP must realize their own personal preferences regardless of how many forum members feel one way or the other. If OP takes a quiet moment, one of those cars is calling his name more than the other...go with your gut!

[mkrawec]

The 2017 240 is new and not a demo. All of a sudden a bunch of brand new 2017 240s have shown up at SF bay area dealerships

[mkrawec]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Completely respect that, but great example of why these kinds of requests for opinions can't really help with the fundamental decision for the OP. My choice in configuring my order was diametrically opposite to your priorities, neither objectively right nor wrong, of course. OP must realize their own personal preferences regardless of how many forum members feel one way or the other. If OP takes a quiet moment, one of those cars is calling his name more than the other...go with your gut!

True I need to make the decision but the feedback received from this thread helps a lot.