[StephGOD]

Pretty much the same numbers as the 2014 M235i they tested.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ic-test-review

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by HeyMoe53

I'm looking to replace my 128 next spring, and I was debating between the 230 and the 240. I've kind of been leaning towards the 240, and this kind of nudges me a little more in that direction. I don't plan to go to a track, but I do like to drive the back roads in my area. The 240 seems well-suited for that.

I would like that the interior not be tomb-like, so I am debating Coral Red, to go with Mineral White or Alpine White.

I've seen a few white verts with the red - very nice. And I don't even like white cars.

[DF]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I've seen a few white verts with the red - very nice. And I don't even like white cars.

Me too. White is not my jam. But with the red and a few tweaks it looks good

[matthibodeau]

Originally Posted by mwickens

Full review: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...-tested-review

“The M240i’s greatest achievement is that it doesn’t feel like a compromise next to the M2, but rather makes its own case as a more usable and more comfortable alternative for less money. If you plan to spend many weekends working out at a racetrack, by all means stretch for the M2. If you’re just looking for a lively driving companion for daily commutes and weekend getaways, the M240i is the better M car for that job.”

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 4.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 10.3 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 18.3 sec
Zero to 150 mph: 27.8 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.2 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.7 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.7 sec @ 111 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 155 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.94 g

For comparison this is the M235i Instrument test:

Manual
Zero to 60 mph: 4.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.7 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 20.7 sec
Zero to 150 mph: 31.5 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.8 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 6.8 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 6.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.4 sec @ 106 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 153 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.92 g

Automatic
Zero to 60 mph: 4.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 10.8 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 19.6 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.1 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.9 sec @ 109 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 153 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.94 g

[DF]

Seems like the b58 should be a bit quicker than the n55. Impressive none the less.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by StephGOD

Pretty much the same numbers as the 2014 M235i they tested.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ic-test-review

0.2 seconds and 2mph in the 1/4 mile (12.9@109mph vs 12.7@111mph) indicates that the B58 is putting down about 15-20whp/wtq more than the N55, which is in line with what dyno numbers are showing for B58's. It's progress. These are also turbo cars. If you want more power, it's easy to find it. Stock for stock, the M240 will be the quicker/faster car. Beyond that, the sky's the limit for either motor.

[XutvJet]

And just so I can feel better about my "slowly" M235 6MT , this is the best instrumented test of a M235 6MT thus far:

Zero to 60 mph: 4.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.2 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.4 sec @ 107 mph


Where the 6MT cars suffer the most is in 0-40mph performance. With an auto, you can build boost for the launch. With a manual, you can't. It's far easier to bog or roast the tires on launch with a 6MT. If all you care about are 1/4 mile time, then simply strap on a set of 8" wide slicks, rev up to 5000rpms, and do a quick clutch slip launch. The 6MT car will easily go upper 12s@108-109mph with added traction and ability to launch far harder to overcome the lack of an on-boost launch.

[HeyMoe53]

BEM and DF--I work as a part-time tennis pro, as a "retirement job." This summer, one of my lessons showed up in a new, pearl-white Z06 Corvette, with red and black interior. I still can't get that image out of my head.

Though, Black Sapphire would be the fall-back positon. Yes, I can keep it clean. I keep my blue 128 looking nice enough that neighbors sometimes ask if I would do a (paid) detailing job on their vehicle.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by DF

Me too. White is not my jam. But with the red and a few tweaks it looks good

I wouldn't drive one but I must admit with the black grilles and wheels the white looked pretty awesome with the red interior. That said I think the black top helps a lot (at least if you don't love white cars).

[raysspl]

If you're buying a new M240i, chances are, you can afford the M2. The price point difference between the two is a fairly weak argument to me

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by raysspl

If you're buying a new M240i, chances are, you can afford the M2. The price point difference between the two is a fairly weak argument to me

For many if not most of us, it's more of a question of value rather than affordability. I suspect that many of us could 'afford' an M4 or an M6 or a new 7-series if we actually wanted one of those cars. Just because you have money doesn't mean that you want to spend it unnecessarily. The question of M2 vs M240 is whether the difference in price is worth it to you personally.

It depends a lot on how you option the cars and how you plan to use them. If I were to spec out an m2, I'd add the exec package (because I like a backup camera) and DCT (because I prefer automatics). Okay, so I'm up to a car with an MSRP of around $57K. I did Euro delivery of my '15 M235 (with an 8AT and a backup camera, among other options) for just under $40K. So, right off the bat, for me, there would likely be a $17K difference. Someone might say, 'You could ED an M2 and shave off a couple thousand.' Maybe, maybe not. Even if that were possible, the difference would still be $14k. Would I get $14k more enjoyment out of an M2 than my car? Well, I haven't driven an M2 yet, but I doubt it. I don't track, and, from what I understand, in normal driving conditions there's not a huge difference in performance.

[Colomba]

Mine is scheduled for delivery W03, he who waits...

[Germanauto]

Maybe, just maybe, they found it boring aesthetically because they got your run of the mill white outside with black inside and aluminum trim. Every vehicle, no matter the manufacturer, would feel like sh*t with such a combination. I'm amazed people pay money for it. Clearly they do because every car in the inventory at every luxury maker's dealerships is equipped with these plain jane color combinations.

Personally, I would go with Estoril blue/brown or a white/black outside on red/brown interior. Top it off with some classy wood.

Anyhow, this car looks impressive but a well-equipped ///M2 is just a few grand more. Only downside of the ///M2 is being forced to get the ugly cave-like black interior.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by HeyMoe53

BEM and DF--I work as a part-time tennis pro, as a "retirement job." This summer, one of my lessons showed up in a new, pearl-white Z06 Corvette, with red and black interior. I still can't get that image out of my head.

Though, Black Sapphire would be the fall-back positon. Yes, I can keep it clean. I keep my blue 128 looking nice enough that neighbors sometimes ask if I would do a (paid) detailing job on their vehicle.

I have the black sapphire with red leather on my m235 vert and saddle leather on the sport wagon I bought dad. The black sapphire is absolutely stunning. Here's a pic I took of my car delivery next to a white one.

[SeanWRT]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

I'm still trying to choose between the M240 and 440 for my next car and this review did not make my decision any easier

Since 440 is on the table, M4 it is and in few years be done with BMW and move on to P car.

In my case, m2 would be my last BMW no doubt, unless there is a next gen RWD m2.

[JV973]

Damn m240i or 440 with the MPPSK for me next year, not an easy choice. M2 hell of car, I would get it if they had more available like that.

[SeanWRT]

IMHO, such comparison review should be done with 2 cars driven back to back.

Most of things are very well said except that I really doubt m240 feel any lighter than m2 under whatever chassis load, if my back to back driving experience of 235 and m2 is any indication.

Light is a close thing to agile and responsive, I thought C/D mistook it for comfort when exaggerating m240's daily driveability.

Though I am biased of course.

[krhodes1]

Originally Posted by MikeT

For many if not most of us, it's more of a question of value rather than affordability. I suspect that many of us could 'afford' an M4 or an M6 or a new 7-series if we actually wanted one of those cars. Just because you have money doesn't mean that you want to spend it unnecessarily. The question of M2 vs M240 is whether the difference in price is worth it to you personally.

It depends a lot on how you option the cars and how you plan to use them. If I were to spec out an m2, I'd add the exec package (because I like a backup camera) and DCT (because I prefer automatics). Okay, so I'm up to a car with an MSRP of around $57K. I did Euro delivery of my '15 M235 (with an 8AT and a backup camera, among other options) for just under $40K. So, right off the bat, for me, there would likely be a $17K difference. Someone might say, 'You could ED an M2 and shave off a couple thousand.' Maybe, maybe not. Even if that were possible, the difference would still be $14k. Would I get $14k more enjoyment out of an M2 than my car? Well, I haven't driven an M2 yet, but I doubt it. I don't track, and, from what I understand, in normal driving conditions there's not a huge difference in performance.

For me, even if they were the same price I would still not get the M2, having driven one. It's just too darned uncomfortable on the street, too loud both sonically and visually, just too much muchness all around. And the "any color you want as long as it is black" interior is a total deal killer as well. The M2 is a track rat car, and I don't track.

[Dylan86]

My "Indie" BMW tech, who's been BMW Master Certified for some time, truly thinks that the M235i/240i is a breed of an "M" car, to a degree. He simply said BMW doesn't make M models without them being special or different to some effect (unlike a 235i with M package, which is usually just cosmetic). He said this car is a "special breed, and we're lucky to even have the option to have such a model loaded this way from the factory (adaptive M suspension, Brembo brakes, yada yada yada)". Branding is a big part of it, and this is still the only BMW M***i model in existence (to the best of my knowledge) so it is unique in it's own way.. There is the 335i/435i with MSport package etc, but it's not the same thing, in his opinion. The fact that BMW branded the car with an M first, means something, somewhere on the line..

I told him that I don't like to speak "M" language with the car because I feel it's not a full on M model and I don't want to seem like a poser. His response was " that's foolish, but this is the only model of it's kind, and it's going to get some push back from the M community". He owns two e46 M3's one is a vert for his wife and the other is a prepped track car, fwiw..

So many opinions.. I'm taking my badges off of the back, sick of explaining this shit to everyone around my neck of the woods (rare BMW sightings lol).

D

[Hrothgar]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Only downside of the ///M2 is being forced to get the ugly cave-like black interior.

The "ugly cave-like black interior" is the only interior I would ever want to own in any car. To each his own.

[DF]

Originally Posted by raysspl

If you're buying a new M240i, chances are, you can afford the M2. The price point difference between the two is a fairly weak argument to me

Well no. I don't want an m2. Second at least here in ca the mark ups are between 10k and as high as 40k.

[wanofakind01]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

I'm still trying to choose between the M240 and 440 for my next car and this review did not make my decision any easier

i was in the same situation 2 years ago...was originally in the market for the 435 6MT...had a few hours to kill before picking up my wife and happened to randomly stroll into a bmw dealership...didnt even know what an m235 was but they happened to have it in a 6MT. it was game over. i drove a 435 right after and it felt like a boat.

i second the suggestion of you driving them both back-to-back