06-05-2018, 10:28 PM | #1 |
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m240i break in complete - some random thoughts
I recently hit 1200 miles with my m240i, and here is what I've learned:
1. This engine is mad. I did not know what the 7k rpm redline sounded like, but I do now. 2. The car pulls so hard to redline, and to be honest, it's a bit scary to drive. The rear end is way too unstable and the car just dances side to side as I try to maintain a straight line during acceleration. Absolutely needs the M Performance limited-slip differential. It's really kind of silly that BMW didn't include it in the stock configuration for safety reasons, if nothing else. 3. I'm starting to think twice about my decision to go with the m240i over the 230i. Okay, not really since I will be taking it on track and will be getting the LSD ultimately, but I can TOTALLY understand now why someone would go with a 230i over the m240i for street-only use. It's just the smarter choice if you aren't going to bother with the LSD. Even on track, the m240i's power advantage on the straights will be negated without it. 4. I'm just glad I have another DD, because I'd be getting tickets left and right if I drove this thing every day. After taking 2nd gear to redline and immediately letting off after shifting into 3rd, I glanced down and saw the speedo dropping back down past the 70mph mark. I immediately stabbed the brakes and swung a right because I was so nervous a cop might have seen! LOL! 5. I now need to convince my wife that another 2-door BMW (RWD 230i or 430i) w/ the 8-speed auto is a practical DD replacement for my Volvo XC70 here in the Midwest. Think that's about it for now...
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06-05-2018, 11:15 PM | #2 |
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Glad you seem to like it. I am equally impressed with my M235i. Top down, moving through the gears of the 6MT, snaking along desolate country roads is an absolutely sublime experience. I originally thought I'd be satisfied with a 228 / 230 with the 8 AT, and I probably would have been "satisfied", but I sure am glad I chose my M235 instead.
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06-11-2018, 09:54 AM | #3 |
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Congrats on getting it through break-in and resisting the temptation to ignore the recommendations in the owner's manual. I know that wasn't easy! I believe in going by the manufacturer's guidelines as well. If nothing else, you have that peace of mind that you did what was recommended.
It seems it took 5 months to complete the break-in - is that correct?! What are doing, keeping it for the next guy? As far as being almost uncontrollable during acceleration, are you talking about with the "nannies" off? To me, LSD or no, the traction control and stability control should be keeping things safe enough, unless you turned everything off purposefully. One of my main complaints with this car was that it was not wild enough. I had to work at it just to get the rear to slide out or to get some decent wheel spin on a hard 1-2 shift. In comparison, 2nd gear wheelspin in cars like Camaros and Mustangs is fundamental, even with all driving aids on. I think once you get that thing on the track, you will utilize every bit of power that it has. You won't be saying the power is negated because it's hard to control, that's for sure. But I do agree on one point - the LSD should have been standard equipment.
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06-11-2018, 10:29 AM | #4 |
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Which tires do you have on the car? Assuming they're the MPSS tires, they can get a bit greasy in really hot summer temps. They're super grippy in the 65 to 80 degree range though. Below 50 and they're hockey pucks.
But yes, I totally understand what you're saying about the rear end sliding side to side on hard acceleration. In most cases, 1st gear is pretty worthless on full throttle. In 2nd, I see a descent amount of spin, especially as the turbo really goes full tilt. In an NA car, you usually get spin on the initial punch. With these I6 turbos, the spin (at least in my car) is more apparent as the boost builds. It's not uncommon for my M235 to be spinning the tires a bit from 4500-6500rpms. Even then though, it's manageable. And yes, the MP LSD makes a HUGE difference in managing spin and control. See my recent review of the LSD install after over 2 years of ownership. It's like adding a ton of weight over the axle and much wider tires. The difference in traction and control is immense. The car feels abundantly more stable. I drive almost entirely in DSC Off and have no concerns. The rear is so much easier to control when the tires are spinning. 1st gear traction is also significantly better and I use quite a bit more throttle and launch a lot harder. Lastly, you'll get use to the power. The car will also eventually turn you into a BMW prick when it comes to driving on the highway. The stability of the car at high speeds and its ability to generate speed will make you drive fast. Promise.
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06-11-2018, 12:02 PM | #5 |
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Lastly, you'll get use to the power. The car will also eventually turn you into a BMW prick when it comes to driving on the highway. The stability of the car at high speeds and its ability to generate speed will make you drive fast. Promise.
I have to wholeheartedly agree with this statement. I feel like giving myself the one finger salute for the way I have been forced to drive this little muscle car. Its way to easy to get into "go to jail" territory if you are not watchful of the speedometer. |
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06-11-2018, 12:38 PM | #6 |
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Replacing 240/w 230
Getting a 230i won’t help. I’ve had mine for a year and been pulled over three times. Let go once and tickets other two times. I’m retired so don’t even drive daily to work.
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06-11-2018, 01:07 PM | #7 |
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The M240i is a great car!
230i with Dinan worked out for me as a fun DD. Tried the M2 for a few months, but thought it was not the best DD for my commute. |
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06-11-2018, 04:03 PM | #8 | |
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As for the nannies being on or off, I was mainly referring to my experience when accelerating in 70-80 degree weather while in Sport+ (Dynamic Traction Control active). Sport+ allows more power to make it to the wheels i.e. more wheel spin and sideways action. The open diff very obviously causes a sketchy ride when getting on the throttle hard or accelerating briskly on bumpier roads while in Sport+. I know when DTC is active, DSC is still supposed to catch me when I overdo it, but I simply don't trust it enough for public roads and therefore I end up lifting off the throttle instead of enjoying everything the B58 has to offer. In Comfort or Sport mode where the nannies are fully on, it is leaving too much power on the table as DSC intervenes. I'm all for a wild ride, but I'd like for any and all sideways action to be induced by me and not by an unintentional 1-wheel burnout. The LSD is the only way I'm going to get the predictability and maximum power delivery I am after.
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06-11-2018, 05:54 PM | #10 | |
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Interestingly enough, I just installed my new wheels the other day wrapped in Pilot Sport 4S rubber. 255 in the rear and wow, do they make a difference in grip! I only put ~5 miles on them though as I've decided to sell them to fund the LSD, which I feel is a more pressing need at the moment. I was still curious and wanted to make sure they fit properly without any rubbing, noises, etc. They ended up fitting flawlessly with no issues, and once the oil temp was up, I gave it a couple of hard pulls to see what the tires did. The performance difference they made was huge and quite unexpected compared to the MPSS. The road was even damp and the tires were obviously not worn in enough yet, but they stuck under hard throttle and surprised me quite a bit. The ride was more supple and quieter as well compared to MPSS. Michelin has a winner, I think.
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06-11-2018, 06:03 PM | #11 | |
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Or maybe you're trying to provoke oversteer from well below the traction limit. Can't say I would ever try that, or imagine why I would want to do that.
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06-11-2018, 06:07 PM | #12 |
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Those skinny little tires at the back really let the car down, it should have come with an LSD and been shod with 275s... but BMW clearly didn't want it outperforming the Civic M2
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06-11-2018, 06:38 PM | #13 |
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I got stopped for the first time ever after getting mine. Cop asked "what was that", I responded "just me being stupid". Let me off with a warning.
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06-11-2018, 08:36 PM | #14 | |
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06-11-2018, 08:55 PM | #15 | |
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06-11-2018, 09:45 PM | #16 | |
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06-11-2018, 09:46 PM | #17 |
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I promise you, adding the LSD feels like adding wider tires out back. I used to complain about the 245s all the time because of the traction issues. With the LSD, there is still some spin, but not near as bad and there's a lot more forward momentum.
I do plan on going with the MP4S next year as my MPSS tires will be done in the fall. |
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06-11-2018, 09:48 PM | #18 |
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That is the issue - I am not trying to provoke oversteer at all. I am simply trying to keep it in a straight line while accelerating under WOT. Do not want the unpredictable oversteer when I'm just keeping the wheel straight.
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06-11-2018, 10:24 PM | #19 | |
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I guess I would never think of going to WOT in the M240i just for the fun of it because the acceleration is so pathetic compared to my bikes. To me the throttle is mainly another, more fun way of steering the car.
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06-12-2018, 08:39 PM | #20 | |
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I responded by saying that I don't drive more aggressively per-se, but with the extra acceleration, I just get through the 1st gap faster, which puts me in a position to find the next gap sooner (and the gap after that, and the gap after that...)
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06-13-2018, 05:41 AM | #21 |
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Now if only I could figure out what WOT stood for. A quick search tells me that it is World of Tanks!! Or maybe an alternate spelling of 'what', usually British. I will go with World of Tanks. The imagine of BMW pricks in tanks tooling down the highway weaving in and out at breakneck speed yelling 'wot' is not comforting at any hour of the day, but especially not early in the morning.
First rule of good writing: obscure abbreviations are a a red flag of prickery. |
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