[WildWest]

Hi all, Newbie here (if you don’t count my one and only previous BMW, a 1600 –shoulda got a 2002).

Contemplating getting either a new M240i or a used M235i or M240i.
I want to avoid problem engines (like the timing chain issue on the on the N20 engine). So if I go used what years 235s or 240s should I consider buying. (Cant’ buy the M2, because of the climate I have to have AWD and have to get automatic so wifey can drive it). I know buying new gets everything on the car I want but wouldn't mind saving $10k to $20k or more.

I have already ruled out the 2018 model year because Consumer Reports lists the 2018 2 series as the "worst used car."

The most important question I need answered is what model years 2 series with the 6 cylinder engine I should consider and which to avoid to get the best, most reliable car.

Thanks in advance for your help and thoughts.

[p912guy]

Used M235i or M240i or new M240i are all great choices. It really comes down to cost versus your willingness to drive a previously owned car versus new, your desire to take what you can find in the PO market versus ordering new, and of course your desire for a lower entry price point versus a discounted new car. Only you know the answers to those questions. There is no doubt you can save significant dollars with a relatively low mileage PO or even Certified PO car versus new. If saving money is more a factor, I'd go look at PO or CPO cars and drive a few and see what you think. You may find those cars suit your needs and desires perfectly or you may decide I love the car but I just have to get a new one. Good luck with your search and decision making.

[MassNerd]

If you can find a MY19 M240i (now last year's model) on the lots, you may find new isn't much more than used.

Examples, both $50K, one new one used:
https://cargur.us/sQwVX
https://cargur.us/sQx0D

[zentanker]

Originally Posted by WildWest

I have already ruled out the 2018 model year because Consumer Reports lists the 2018 2 series as the "worst used car."
68:

Where'd you see that? This is what I see on consumer reports:

By Jon Linkov
Last updated: February 22, 2018
Worst Used Cars
Listed alphabetically by make and model, these 108 vehicles have records of much-worse-than-average reliability, based on subscriber responses to our Annual Auto Survey.

BMW
MODEL YEAR(S) TO AVOID
1 Series 2009, 2011, 2013
3 Series 2008, 2011
5 Series 2009-2011
X3 2008, 2011-2012, 2017
X5 2011-2013


404: 2 series not found

[celsdogg]

I'd personally get a 235.

BMW has some timing chain issues throughout it's history so the N20 problems weren't a surprise to me. time will tell if the B58 has these issues, but as of now, if keeping it long term, I'd prefer to have the chain in front. on top of that, the N55 has had nearly 10 years of refinement, so hopefully no surprises.

[WildWest]

Originally Posted by zentanker

Where'd you see that? This is what I see on consumer reports:

By Jon Linkov
Last updated: February 22, 2018
Worst Used Cars
Listed alphabetically by make and model, these 108 vehicles have records of much-worse-than-average reliability, based on subscriber responses to our Annual Auto Survey.

BMW
MODEL YEAR(S) TO AVOID
1 Series 2009, 2011, 2013
3 Series 2008, 2011
5 Series 2009-2011
X3 2008, 2011-2012, 2017
X5 2011-2013


404: 2 series not found

Check out Page 83 of the April 2019 edition of CR under worst used cars. They are referring to a list of 136 vehicles that have a record of much worse than average reliability according to their Auto Survey

[WildWest]

Originally Posted by MassNerd

If you can find a MY19 M240i (now last year's model) on the lots, you may find new isn't much more than used.

Examples, both $50K, one new one used:
https://cargur.us/sQwVX
https://cargur.us/sQx0D

Hi,
Don't understand about you saying this 2019 is last years model.
Thanks for enlightening me, if you would.

[goover]

Originally Posted by WildWest

Hi all, Newbie here (if you don’t count my one and only previous BMW, a 1600 –shoulda got a 2002).

Contemplating getting either a new M240i or a used M235i or M240i.
I want to avoid problem engines (like the timing chain issue on the on the N20 engine). So if I go used what years 235s or 240s should I consider buying. (Cant’ buy the M2, because of the climate I have to have AWD and have to get automatic so wifey can drive it). I know buying new gets everything on the car I want but wouldn't mind saving $10k to $20k or more.

I have already ruled out the 2018 model year because Consumer Reports lists the 2018 2 series as the "worst used car."

The most important question I need answered is what model years 2 series with the 6 cylinder engine I should consider and which to avoid to get the best, most reliable car.

Thanks in advance for your help and thoughts.

I did notice the 2018 2 series got a bad rating. As a 2018 230i owner I laughed as the 2017 got a high rating. The only thing that changed was new gauges and power passenger seat, along with LEDs. Mechanically the cars are the same.

I think it's laughable of them to make that rating on the 2018s.

[morphomeman]

CR ratings are based entirely on the annual reports of their members. With lower-sales-number vehicles, they tend to be less reliable. When they have very few reports, they simply don't report anything. I guess they have enough stats on the 2 to give some results, but they are not truly indicative.
There are better indices out there, like J. D. Power.
On the bright side, the 2 has gotten some of their highest initial marks every year since its release. Those are based on testing of new vehicles.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by goover

I think it's laughable of them to make that rating on the 2018s.

The ratings are based upon what CR's subscribers report to them in their auto ownership surveys. As such, they do reflect a certain reality, if not what we on this forum are pretty sure is a comprehensive and totally accurate one.

I too saw CR's results (I'm a subscriber), and I put it down to them not having received very many survey results for the 2018s. They may have received only just enough to qualify the series for inclusion in the annual report.

I expect the 2018s to be rated higher in the next edition of CR's report.

[goover]

Originally Posted by dradernh

The ratings are based upon what CR's subscribers report to them in their auto ownership surveys. As such, they do reflect a certain reality, if not what we on this forum are pretty sure is a comprehensive and totally accurate one.

I too saw CR's results (I'm a subscriber), and I put it down to them not having received very many survey results for the 2018s. They may have received only just enough to qualify the series for inclusion in the annual report.

I expect the 2018s to be rated higher in the next edition of CR's report.

Very good points, indeed sir.

[zentanker]

Originally Posted by WildWest

Check out Page 83 of the April 2019 edition of CR under worst used cars. They are referring to a list of 136 vehicles that have a record of much worse than average reliability according to their Auto Survey

I'm not going to pay money to learn about the reliability of a car I do not own and have no plans to buy.

Seriously though, I appreciate the information and I will trust your response as being true. Thank you.

[MassNerd]

Originally Posted by WildWest

Hi,
Don't understand about you saying this 2019 is last years model.
Thanks for enlightening me, if you would.

MY2019 production has already ended and people are expecting deliveries of their MY2020 2-series in May:
https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1570747

I''m guessing this is why there currently are incentives on MY2019 2-series that can get you 15%+ off MSRP if you negotiate with your dealer.

[junior1954]

Originally Posted by WildWest

Hi all, Newbie here (if you don’t count my one and only previous BMW, a 1600 –shoulda got a 2002).

Contemplating getting either a new M240i or a used M235i or M240i.
I want to avoid problem engines (like the timing chain issue on the on the N20 engine). So if I go used what years 235s or 240s should I consider buying. (Cant’ buy the M2, because of the climate I have to have AWD and have to get automatic so wifey can drive it). I know buying new gets everything on the car I want but wouldn't mind saving $10k to $20k or more.

I have already ruled out the 2018 model year because Consumer Reports lists the 2018 2 series as the "worst used car."

The most important question I need answered is what model years 2 series with the 6 cylinder engine I should consider and which to avoid to get the best, most reliable car.

Thanks in advance for your help and thoughts.

I own a '19 M240ix that's been flawless. I owned a 2017 M240ix that had an AC problem that was fixed-the only problem I had and fixed under warranty.

I also subscribe to Consumer Reports but won't be renewing. One of their "10 Best Used SUV's" is the Subaru Forrester, a vehicle that Subaru recently settled a class action law suit over for excess oil consumption. I question CR's objectivity.

I would consider asking a seasoned BMW mechanic to get an accurate assessment. I consider the M240i an extremely reliable vehicle and enjoy mine immensely! An iteration of its' B58 engine is powering the new Toyota Supra and Lexus is considering using the B58 as well.

[CP911]

How in the world would CR rate the MY2018 as the "worst used car?" Seems totally bogus IMO, especially considering MY2017 was the first year the M240i was released. I remember some kind of turbo/intake issue being reported in a few MY2017 vehicles, but nothing carrying over into MY2018.

Aren't these the reports that take any and all owner complaints into consideration i.e. stupid things that people bring their car back to the dealership for like having trouble with using infotainment features? Also, if I recall, there was a major software recall/update that put new MY2018 deliveries on hold until they were updated and "fixed" for liability reasons. My 2018 M240i was put on delivery hold until the software was updated. Could this be affecting the surveys as well? At any rate, my 2018 has been solid and I doubt this report is accurate to any degree. The 2-series has been touted as one of the most reliable cars out there since its release. Very few complaints around here other than a few owners complaining about mysterious rattling noises. Most of those have been traced to interior audio speaker locations and I believe exhaust rattles as well from loose mounting brackets.

As for M235i vs. M240i, I say M240i all the way. The power delivery, immense and immediate torque, and sound of the B58 is incredible. Well worth the additional cost over the M235i, IMHO. Only thing that scares me a bit is the engine-out VANOS rebuild, but with Toyota having a big helping hand in developing this engine, I trust this will be a non-issue until a very high mileage is reached.

Best of luck in finding the right car for your needs!

[falkdal]

Not to hijack this thread (it's a related question) but I'm looking at a '15 235i convertible (list price $27k), a '16 235i CPO convertible (list price $34), and a '17 240i CPO/dealer courtesy car for $37. All have 14-18k miles (even the '15) and similar option packages (pretty much all the available packages, not 100% sure on the HK radio).

Would you pay $10k extra to have the '17 over the '15? I feel like with these prices the '16 is too high, I'd just get the '17 if it's between those two. But the '15 is a beautiful mineral white on coral red, I just love the way it looks, and I think it's unlikely it would cost me $10k in repairs that the newer car's warranty would've covered, especially with only 14k on the clock.

Thoughts?

[ehjhey]

I'm sorry, but am I missing something here? The only differences between the 2018 and 2017 are the LCI updates to the interior/exterior. I might be biased as I have a 2018 m240, but I really can't see that rating being based on engine troubles.

At the end of the day, it's your money, but if you want the updated interior, you have a choice of a used 2018 or a new 2019. I personally wouldn't let what is likely a small sample size prevent me from saving 10k on a car I want and know will be reliable based on countless other ownership opinions/reviews I've read online.

[USA-RET]

Originally Posted by WildWest

Hi all, Newbie here (if you don’t count my one and only previous BMW, a 1600 –shoulda got a 2002).

Contemplating getting either a new M240i or a used M235i or M240i.
I want to avoid problem engines (like the timing chain issue on the on the N20 engine). So if I go used what years 235s or 240s should I consider buying. (Cant’ buy the M2, because of the climate I have to have AWD and have to get automatic so wifey can drive it). I know buying new gets everything on the car I want but wouldn't mind saving $10k to $20k or more.

I have already ruled out the 2018 model year because Consumer Reports lists the 2018 2 series as the "worst used car."

The most important question I need answered is what model years 2 series with the 6 cylinder engine I should consider and which to avoid to get the best, most reliable car.

Thanks in advance for your help and thoughts.

Honestly, all the 2 series cars are good. I'd be more concerned with service history and repair records than whether the car is a 2016-2017-2018 or 2019.

Buying new (if you can afford it), get the latest and greatest.

Like all things man-made, there will be instances where one specimen may have continuing problems while the majority have nothing of note to report.

If I were shopping and could get a really good deal on a new 2018 M240i that checked all or most of my boxes, I'd not hesitate.

Generally, I order all my cars. When I'm paying $40-$50-$60K, I want exactly what I want and not have to settle on a color or a missing option I really want. For me, the biggest deal was the moon-roof delete.

I'd use J.D. Power over CR everyday of the week. As an old subscriber, I have to believe there is a bias in their reports and recommendations. More than once I've seen appliances where one has the highest rating in all categories and CR recommends a different one.

[MassNerd]

Some of the math I used when making the new decision:
The average depreciation for these cars from 0-100,000 miles is between $0.20-0.25 per mile.
Decide how much new is worth to you. If someone offered you a used car with 100 miles that was a model year older (so practically new). How much is the newness factor worth? Would you value that at $1000? $2000? more? For a lower mileage driver, maybe the extra year of warranty comes into play.. And as someone pointed out, you may want to pick your exact options and colors. Decide up front how much you'd pay for that privilege and take the emotion out of the decision.

Lastly when comparing cars not fully optioned out: remember that with the newer model years, things that were previously optional are now standard. Make sure you're doing an apples to apples comparison when comparing pricing.

[Maynard]

I'd throw in that you may have been scared off of the n20 and the 228/230 via the same unreliable and limited data that holds a 2018 as 'worst'. The 'timing chain issue' wasn't exactly a bloodbath, and it has been corrected long ago, and that was on the N20, not the current B46. The key lesson here is that under warranty is much better than out of warranty; no amount of crystal-ballling can really tell what is coming for the B46/58 models. You might find a new 230 is quite a car for a lot less money, and it would be brand new (so you get the warranty, service, and longevity if you don't abuse it). That 6 is a beautiful motor, but you'll seldom really get to fully use that extra HP unless you get out on track (and the only significant difference is the extra cylinders, so essentially the same durability between the models). If a primary concern is going to be financial, you owe it to yourself to check them out (last I checked it was about a $12-14k difference betw 230 and 240, and that would buy a LOT of after-warranty repair work).

[USA-RET]

Originally Posted by Maynard

I'd throw in that you may have been scared off of the n20 and the 228/230 via the same unreliable and limited data that holds a 2018 as 'worst'. The 'timing chain issue' wasn't exactly a bloodbath, and it has been corrected long ago, and that was on the N20, not the current B46. The key lesson here is that under warranty is much better than out of warranty; no amount of crystal-ballling can really tell what is coming for the B46/58 models. You might find a new 230 is quite a car for a lot less money, and it would be brand new (so you get the warranty, service, and longevity if you don't abuse it). That 6 is a beautiful motor, but you'll seldom really get to fully use that extra HP unless you get out on track (and the only significant difference is the extra cylinders, so essentially the same durability between the models). If a primary concern is going to be financial, you owe it to yourself to check them out (last I checked it was about a $12-14k difference betw 230 and 240, and that would buy a LOT of after-warranty repair work).

Cannot disagree with anything stated above.

230 is a very nice car indeed. 0-60 in 5.5 is very respectable and more than anyone is likely to need. MPG's are better, and some claim the lighter weight up front makes the car handle better (don't know about this, but have not heard any negatives to a lighter weight front end).

M240i is a great car. Near M car performance for a low entry price. W/ a bit of tuning and you'll at least keep up a stock "M" on the street for way less money.

All depends on what you want. If you have the extra cash and like the idea of having a "sleeper" that can run with the "big boys" (even if you you rarely or never use it). M240i is an excellent choice.

On a more practical side, if you want a car that is for all intents dimension-ally, and interior-wise the same as an M240i w/ respectable performance for considerably less money, I'd get the 230 a serious look.

When I examine the way I drive my M240i, I could easily get by w/ a 230 and never feel like I'm missing anything. On the other hand, for me, it's nice to know with a tuner and a few upgrades I can surprise more than a few Muscle/sports car owners. Again, this is more coffee shop talk than real world practice.

Something to be said for 4 year full warranty and service included.

Sharpen your pencil and do some figuring.

[sethwas]

funny how this one's different:

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/ratings...s-convertibles