M240 VS M235, which one?

amurk13 · 08-11-2018, 05:23 PM

Hey guys, new member here. So I am going to be picking up a new car next spring (2019) and i know for a fact that it will be either the 240i or the 235i, I just cant decide which one. I realize that I will be saving quite a few $ financing a 2015 or 2016 235 over the new 240 models but I am hearing mixed reviews. I am not sure of the major changes between the n55 and b58 aside from slight performance gains, especially in the higher km (100kph+). To me, performance will be a huge deciding factor so i will be putting a couple $ into taking it up to the 380-400hp range.

My question is this, which model would you guys recommend? Is it worth spending the extra $ on the 240 or should i save myself the hassle due to the possible minimal differences between the two and get the 235.

Thanks !

Kolyan2k · 08-11-2018, 07:47 PM

Not sure which one is more tunable, probably n55

M235ForNow · 08-11-2018, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amurk13

Hey guys, new member here. So I am going to be picking up a new car next spring (2019) and i know for a fact that it will be either the 240i or the 235i, I just cant decide which one. I realize that I will be saving quite a few $ financing a 2015 or 2016 235 over the new 240 models but I am hearing mixed reviews. I am not sure of the major changes between the n55 and b58 aside from slight performance gains, especially in the higher km (100kph+). To me, performance will be a huge deciding factor so i will be putting a couple $ into taking it up to the 380-400hp range.

My question is this, which model would you guys recommend? Is it worth spending the extra $ on the 240 or should i save myself the hassle due to the possible minimal differences between the two and get the 235.

Thanks !

Why not ask a tuner, who would have a much better understanding of the two engines and how they'll respond, given that it's his (or her) business.

maxi235 · 08-11-2018, 10:37 PM

This should help

...

Pray for Mojo · 08-12-2018, 12:01 AM

N55 is more tunable now, but rumours of B58 flash tunes coming soon.

Dj_Quik · 08-12-2018, 12:45 AM

Based on reviews, the gains arent minimal. The reviews say the performance between the two is substantially better in the m240 with the b58 being the superior motor. N55 is more tunable right now but the potential gains are bigger in the b58 especially with flash tuning available now.

3rdcoast228i · 08-12-2018, 07:11 AM

Look for what mods you want to do and see what is available for both. Also do some reading in the tuning sub forums to get an idea of what can be done with each.

That said, I always feel better about tuning a car that has little to no warranty left, so I would pick the older model if that was my goal. Plus I feel like the n55 has been around long enough that the modding community has worked out alot of the little bugs that can happen when you start modding stuff. You also probably have a bigger community of people with first hand knowledge of the n55.

123Britt · 08-12-2018, 07:11 AM

BMW switched to he B58 because the N55 had reached its reliable tuning plateau.

That being said - when I test drove a M240i I could not tell the difference between it and a mild tuned (30Hp) N55.

.

A JB4+ with an intake and exhaust would beat a stock B58.

If given a choice --- B58 without a doubt but for those who currently own an N55 -- not worth the trade-in cost.

I am a stock N55 guy & love it everyday. I know how to work on it and what to expect unlike the B58 where the engine has to be removed to replace a VANOS .

Lew Carrum · 08-12-2018, 10:28 AM

It all depends on the price differences on which cars you go to see, if you can get a low mile fully loaded 235 at a significantly cheaper price then go for it.

baege · 08-13-2018, 07:38 AM

the b58 is a peach...its not just about power
eager to rev, less turbo lag than rhe n55, so buttery smooth

for what its worth: i test drove an m235i 3 years ago and didnt buy it

test drove rhe m240i and bought it

WolfGTI · 08-13-2018, 08:30 AM

Comparing a stock motor with a modified (even mildly) motor is apples to oranges.
I chose to wait for the 240i because of the newer motor. I have nothing against the N55 they are great motors. But I preferred to get a car with a motor that wasn't end of life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123Britt

BMW switched to he B58 because the N55 had reached its reliable tuning plateau.

That being said - when I test drove a M240i I could not tell the difference between it and a mild tuned (30Hp) N55.

.

A JB4+ with an intake and exhaust would beat a stock B58.

If given a choice --- B58 without a doubt but for those who currently own an N55 -- not worth the trade-in cost.

I am a stock N55 guy & love it everyday. I know how to work on it and what to expect unlike the B58 where the engine has to be removed to replace a VANOS .

dsmclone · 08-13-2018, 09:34 AM

I tend to prefer motors that are near the end of their life with known reliability. The N55 is a proven engine. If there was some huge performance gain it may be a different story but everything I've seen shows that the performance is nearly identical.

Tpeterson · 08-13-2018, 09:57 AM

^^^ I think it's always better to buy an end of life cycle engine. All the bugs and reliability issues should have been worked out. New engine, new issues. Manufacturers don't seem to do enough testing before putting the cars into production.As Mike Miller says the beta testing is done in the dealers service bays.

XutvJet · 08-13-2018, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsmclone

I tend to prefer motors that are near the end of their life with known reliability. The N55 is a proven engine. If there was some huge performance gain it may be a different story but everything I've seen shows that the performance is nearly identical.

The B58 is a very strong performer. It takes a basic $200-300 piggyback tuner (i.e., JB+ or Dinan Sport) attached to the N55 to match the power to the wheels of the B58. The N55 is a tried and true motor. It addressed all the issues that plagued the N54, in a sense keeping things quite simple in design and execution. The B58 is more technologically advanced with its air to water intercooling, larger turbo, slightly less lag, and stronger closed deck design (though I'd argue that the open deck N54/N55 is plenty strong). The B58 has more power across the whole powerband and can carry power to 7,000rpms whereas the N55 looses power above 6,300rpms.

The B58 is more advanced, but also FAR more complicated. The motor was introduced a few years back and it's been reliable, but some of its designs are rather spooky from a long term reliability standpoint. The spooky things to me are the rear mounted timing chain (BMW did this years ago and it was a disaster), rear mounted VANOs (very difficult to service now), and all the extra systems necessary to support the air/water intercooling. The N55 is basic in comparison and should be much easier to maintain.

The N55 feels more willing to rev and has a more aggressive feel/sound and is more like the naturally aspirated BMW motors of the past.

In terms of performance and power gains, the motors are pretty equal. It's easier/cheaper to gain power with the B58, but the N55 can be right there with it for a little more money.

aerobod · 08-13-2018, 10:50 AM

The B58 (and other "B" series modular engines) is really the first clean sheet 6-cylinder engine design BMW has done since the late 1970s, the N55 is the last mainstream derivative traced back until at least the M50 engines of 1990.

Having had 5 of the 6-cylinder BMW engines in naturally aspirated and turbo form, my opinion is the B58 is the most significant step, especially in incremental fuel economy over its predecessors and the overall feeling of well integrated systems, compared with more of an add-on feel of the N54 turbo systems from our 135i.

tennisfreak · 08-13-2018, 11:04 AM

M240i all the way.

Dylan86 · 08-13-2018, 12:05 PM

Seeing as there essentially the same car, one with newer "tech"..

Up to the purchaser to decide what brings more "value", to them. A 20-40% discount on MSRP due to CPO or Pre-Owned purchase, or 5-10% more power stock/stock.

I don't see the B58 as an advantage over an N55, but that's a subjective topic, really. I don't want liquid intercooling and added weight up front from said feature.. As well, the N55 sounds much better than the B58, which is another subjective reason, for me to stick with the m235.

To go from 235-240, unless leasing, is a silly move, imo. 235-M2/M2C, I get it.. But buying new, you only have one option right now, so what is truly "best" for you, will be solely the OP's decision. I'd take the savings, do a few harmonious modifications to the N55 and be done with it. But that's just me

D

p912guy · 08-13-2018, 04:13 PM

I love all the threads asking which XYZ is better. 228/230 or 235/240? N55 or B58? If you pay much attention to most recommendations in these threads, the recommendation follows very closely with what the respondent has in their own garage. I don't think there is a B58 guy or gal recommending the N55 or vice versa. As others have pointed out there are pros and cons both ways, but I think both motors are pretty darn good and have proven reliability. Likewise, I think the 228/230 or the 235/240 are also equally good choices, just as the 6 MT or the 8 AT are. In my mind, all flavors of the 2 Series are equally tasty, but then again, I like both chocolate and vanilla.

BEM-S4 · 08-13-2018, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p912guy

I love all the threads asking which XYZ is better. 228/230 or 235/240? N55 or B58? If you pay much attention to most recommendations in these threads, the recommendation follows very closely with what the respondent has in their own garage. I don't think there is a B58 guy or gal recommending the N55 or vice versa. As others have pointed out there are pros and cons both ways, but I think both motors are pretty darn good and have proven reliability. Likewise, I think the 228/230 or the 235/240 are also equally good choices, just as the 6 MT or the 8 AT are. In my mind, all flavors of the 2 Series are equally tasty, but then again, I like both chocolate and vanilla.

I have an N55 and I'll tell you if you don't have a car yet get the newer engine - it was in the F30s for a couple of years before it hit the F22s and nothing horrible has happened. If you have an N55 like I do I would agree with others that it's not worth the $ to change.

Sportstick · 08-13-2018, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p912guy

I love all the threads asking which XYZ is better. 228/230 or 235/240? N55 or B58? If you pay much attention to most recommendations in these threads, the recommendation follows very closely with what the respondent has in their own garage. I don't think there is a B58 guy or gal recommending the N55 or vice versa. As others have pointed out there are pros and cons both ways, but I think both motors are pretty darn good and have proven reliability. Likewise, I think the 228/230 or the 235/240 are also equally good choices, just as the 6 MT or the 8 AT are. In my mind, all flavors of the 2 Series are equally tasty, but then again, I like both chocolate and vanilla.

I was with you all the way to the last line. We all know/should know chocolate is the only true flavor!

kivyee · 08-13-2018, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123Britt

BMW switched to he B58 because the N55 had reached its reliable tuning plateau.

I don't know if I agree with that - the M2 has the same motor and is making more power than the B58...so if they wanted to they certainly could have carried on with the N55 for at least one more model year. (another 20+hp

)

To the OP, given that you are planning on modding the car, and you don't have crazy HP goals, get the cheaper car and spend the money on mods. And a "rainy day" fund for repairs. As another poster said, no point getting a warrantied car and modding it to risk warranty denial...

aerobod · 08-13-2018, 10:31 PM

If you look at BMWs intentions for engine output, the power class designation gives a clue to what will happen on the B58 engine in the future from a power output perspective.

On the N55 engine “M” (middle), “O” (upper) and “T” (top) designations were used with the following top power and torque outputs in each class:
N55B30M0 - 225kW/400Nm (302bhp)
N55B30O0 - 240kW/450Nm (322bhp)
N55B30T0 - 272kW/500Nm (365bhp)

So far the top power and torque outputs for the B58 engines released and announced are:
B58B30M0 - 265kW/500Nm (355bhp)
B58B30O1 - 285KW/500Nm (382bhp)

So for the “M” designated engines, the B58 has 40kW (18%) more power than the N55 and for the “O” designated engines the B58 has 45kW (19%) more power than the N55. This could imply a “T” designated B58 engine would have a nominal 320kW (430bhp) rating as specified from the factory.

08-11-2018, 05:23 PM	#1
amurk13 Registered 9 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 240i Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	M240 VS M235, which one? Hey guys, new member here. So I am going to be picking up a new car next spring (2019) and i know for a fact that it will be either the 240i or the 235i, I just cant decide which one. I realize that I will be saving quite a few $ financing a 2015 or 2016 235 over the new 240 models but I am hearing mixed reviews. I am not sure of the major changes between the n55 and b58 aside from slight performance gains, especially in the higher km (100kph+). To me, performance will be a huge deciding factor so i will be putting a couple $ into taking it up to the 380-400hp range. My question is this, which model would you guys recommend? Is it worth spending the extra $ on the 240 or should i save myself the hassle due to the possible minimal differences between the two and get the 235. Thanks !
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08-11-2018, 07:47 PM	#2
Kolyan2k Major General 922 Rep 5,538 Posts Drives: 2006 S2000 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (1)	Not sure which one is more tunable, probably n55
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08-11-2018, 10:37 PM	#4
maxi235 New Member 3 Rep 12 Posts Drives: m235i xdrive Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: :) iTrader: (0)	This should help ...
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08-12-2018, 12:01 AM	#5
Pray for Mojo Major 430 Rep 1,115 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i & 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	N55 is more tunable now, but rumours of B58 flash tunes coming soon.
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08-12-2018, 12:45 AM	#6
Dj_Quik Second Lieutenant 120 Rep 259 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Delta, BC iTrader: (1)	Based on reviews, the gains arent minimal. The reviews say the performance between the two is substantially better in the m240 with the b58 being the superior motor. N55 is more tunable right now but the potential gains are bigger in the b58 especially with flash tuning available now.
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08-12-2018, 07:11 AM	#7
3rdcoast228i Captain 225 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 2016 228i Msport Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Look for what mods you want to do and see what is available for both. Also do some reading in the tuning sub forums to get an idea of what can be done with each. That said, I always feel better about tuning a car that has little to no warranty left, so I would pick the older model if that was my goal. Plus I feel like the n55 has been around long enough that the modding community has worked out alot of the little bugs that can happen when you start modding stuff. You also probably have a bigger community of people with first hand knowledge of the n55.
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08-12-2018, 07:11 AM	#8
123Britt Captain 289 Rep 864 Posts Drives: 15 M235i AT Join Date: May 2008 Location: Madison, Alabama iTrader: (0)	B58 ~ Potent Beast BMW switched to he B58 because the N55 had reached its reliable tuning plateau. That being said - when I test drove a M240i I could not tell the difference between it and a mild tuned (30Hp) N55. . A JB4+ with an intake and exhaust would beat a stock B58. If given a choice --- B58 without a doubt but for those who currently own an N55 -- not worth the trade-in cost. I am a stock N55 guy & love it everyday. I know how to work on it and what to expect unlike the B58 where the engine has to be removed to replace a VANOS .
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08-12-2018, 10:28 AM	#9
Lew Carrum Private First Class 32 Rep 143 Posts Drives: M 240 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Swansea iTrader: (0)	It all depends on the price differences on which cars you go to see, if you can get a low mile fully loaded 235 at a significantly cheaper price then go for it.
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08-13-2018, 07:38 AM	#10
baege Lieutenant Colonel 1332 Rep 1,600 Posts Drives: 2022 Cayman GTS 4.0 6MT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	the b58 is a peach...its not just about power eager to rev, less turbo lag than rhe n55, so buttery smooth for what its worth: i test drove an m235i 3 years ago and didnt buy it test drove rhe m240i and bought it
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08-13-2018, 09:34 AM	#12
dsmclone Private 33 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2015 M235i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	I tend to prefer motors that are near the end of their life with known reliability. The N55 is a proven engine. If there was some huge performance gain it may be a different story but everything I've seen shows that the performance is nearly identical.
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08-13-2018, 09:57 AM	#13
Tpeterson Lieutenant 157 Rep 580 Posts Drives: 228i MSport/THP/MT/ Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Eagan Mn iTrader: (0)	^^^ I think it's always better to buy an end of life cycle engine. All the bugs and reliability issues should have been worked out. New engine, new issues. Manufacturers don't seem to do enough testing before putting the cars into production.As Mike Miller says the beta testing is done in the dealers service bays.
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08-13-2018, 10:50 AM	#15
aerobod Car Geek 3623 Rep 3,591 Posts Drives: Caterham R500, M2-G87, Macan S Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	The B58 (and other "B" series modular engines) is really the first clean sheet 6-cylinder engine design BMW has done since the late 1970s, the N55 is the last mainstream derivative traced back until at least the M50 engines of 1990. Having had 5 of the 6-cylinder BMW engines in naturally aspirated and turbo form, my opinion is the B58 is the most significant step, especially in incremental fuel economy over its predecessors and the overall feeling of well integrated systems, compared with more of an add-on feel of the N54 turbo systems from our 135i.
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08-13-2018, 11:04 AM	#16
tennisfreak Second Lieutenant 201 Rep 296 Posts Drives: M240i Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: DFW iTrader: (0)	M240i all the way.
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08-13-2018, 12:05 PM	#17
Dylan86 Colonel 1330 Rep 2,214 Posts Drives: F15d msport, F22 m235i Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	Seeing as there essentially the same car, one with newer "tech".. Up to the purchaser to decide what brings more "value", to them. A 20-40% discount on MSRP due to CPO or Pre-Owned purchase, or 5-10% more power stock/stock. I don't see the B58 as an advantage over an N55, but that's a subjective topic, really. I don't want liquid intercooling and added weight up front from said feature.. As well, the N55 sounds much better than the B58, which is another subjective reason, for me to stick with the m235. To go from 235-240, unless leasing, is a silly move, imo. 235-M2/M2C, I get it.. But buying new, you only have one option right now, so what is truly "best" for you, will be solely the OP's decision. I'd take the savings, do a few harmonious modifications to the N55 and be done with it. But that's just me D __________________ My F22 Road/Track Build
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08-13-2018, 04:13 PM	#18
p912guy Captain 373 Rep 702 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i Convertible Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: The Ville iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW M235i Conv ... [0.00]	I love all the threads asking which XYZ is better. 228/230 or 235/240? N55 or B58? If you pay much attention to most recommendations in these threads, the recommendation follows very closely with what the respondent has in their own garage. I don't think there is a B58 guy or gal recommending the N55 or vice versa. As others have pointed out there are pros and cons both ways, but I think both motors are pretty darn good and have proven reliability. Likewise, I think the 228/230 or the 235/240 are also equally good choices, just as the 6 MT or the 8 AT are. In my mind, all flavors of the 2 Series are equally tasty, but then again, I like both chocolate and vanilla. __________________ 16 BMW M235i Alpine White Convertible / MT (Daily Driver) 16 Audi Q5 3.0T (Wife's Daily Driver) 66 Porsche 912 (Project) 17 GMC Canyon Denali Long Bed 4x4 (Tailgatin, Haulin & Towin) various 'one design' sailboats / stinky hockey gear Last edited by p912guy; 08-13-2018 at 04:32 PM..
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08-13-2018, 10:31 PM	#22
aerobod Car Geek 3623 Rep 3,591 Posts Drives: Caterham R500, M2-G87, Macan S Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	If you look at BMWs intentions for engine output, the power class designation gives a clue to what will happen on the B58 engine in the future from a power output perspective. On the N55 engine “M” (middle), “O” (upper) and “T” (top) designations were used with the following top power and torque outputs in each class: N55B30M0 - 225kW/400Nm (302bhp) N55B30O0 - 240kW/450Nm (322bhp) N55B30T0 - 272kW/500Nm (365bhp) So far the top power and torque outputs for the B58 engines released and announced are: B58B30M0 - 265kW/500Nm (355bhp) B58B30O1 - 285KW/500Nm (382bhp) So for the “M” designated engines, the B58 has 40kW (18%) more power than the N55 and for the “O” designated engines the B58 has 45kW (19%) more power than the N55. This could imply a “T” designated B58 engine would have a nominal 320kW (430bhp) rating as specified from the factory.
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