M235i or 240i

[Jamescrs]

Having spent ages mulling over what car to buy next and looking at everything from a Z4M to an E92 M3 and Porsche Cayman's in etween I have decided to be (slightly) sensible and I have pretty much decided on a BMW 2 series Coupe, I can't stretch to an M2 with my budget limiting myself to £20k max.

I'm pretty much decided on the M240i but looking on the approved used listings price wise there is not a lot between the 240i and the 235i (6pot twin turbo) not the newer 4 pot engines. Is there any real benefit in the 240i over the 235i or the other way around?

I'm favouring the manual over the automatic (personal preference) but are there any other must have options? I have seen mention of Pro Nav and HK stereo upgrades?

Many thanks

[rassi]

The B58 in the 240i is very sweet with a very large tuning potential - it is a current engine, and as a platform you cannot go wrong with it, also very strong internals. If there is little difference price-wise, it should be a no brainer.

[Jamescrs]

rassi said:

The B58 in the 240i is very sweet with a very large tuning potential - it is a current engine, and as a platform you cannot go wrong with it, also very strong internals. If there is little difference price-wise, it should be a no brainer.

Thanks I think I'm leaning towards the 240i there doesn't appear to be any massive flaws to worry about that I can find from my google searching, I think if I did buy the 235 I would probably wish I'd bought the 240, both are within budget, theres maybe a couple of thousand difference in prices generally but both are within the budget

[TheGreatDane]

IIRC the M235i uses the N55 albeit updated from its previous iteration, so its a bit more reliable than it used to be but its a no brainer - B58 all day

[Polite M135 driver]

I have a M140i now and previously had an M135i (6 pot 2wd version). Not much in it but I prefer the engine in the M135i. Felt keener and more exciting at the top end and the power built through the rev range more enjoyably. The M140i engine (sorry dunno the designation) is noticeably torquier but little point in extending through the rev range with it. If the m135 delivers its power like a piece of spaghetti then the M140i is like a dumpling. If you see what I mean. But like I said, not much in it.

[Court_S]

I don’t think there’s a lot in it personally and would focus on finding a good car with a decent history and the options / spec you want.

I think the N55 has a slightly nicer tone but the B58 still sounds great and mine seems pretty happy revving to the redline. The ease of tuning is why I’d focus more on condition / history given the ease that people chuck on an JB4 fir more power etc. With them being affordable, I imagine there plenty that have had a hard life.

Option wise, I’d want the pro nav because the larger screen looms better and gives a bit of extra functionality like split screen. The smaller screen in early cars with the insets either side looks pants. HK speakers aren’t worth it, not great but a damn site better than the base ones. On none shadow edition cars, cruise and rear parking sensors were options. I like my heated seats.

[Court_S]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Off the top of my head, I’m pretty sure if you press the option button at the back of the idrive wheel, the very first option is split screen. Tick it by pressing down for on the idrive wheel.

[Polite M135 driver]

if you get one without pro nav a strip of electrical tape running across the windscreen from top-to-bottom, about in line with the passenger seat, gives you that split screen look for pennies. just as useful too.

[Jamescrs]

Thanks for all the inputs, I've arranged to go and test drive an approved used 240i on Saturday morning so looking forward to that.
My only concern is it has the Oyster coloured leather interior which whilst it looks great (in my opinion) I am slightly concerned about how clean it will stay but forums online seem to suggest it is easy to clean if kept up with.

This is the car i'm going to view

https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202007211512742...

[Superlightdaa]

I would also consider taking whatever variant you purchase straight to Birds to get at a minimum their LSD fitted. Reputedly first class and was high on my list for my old M135i if I hadn't chopped it in. HK sound would be on my list of must haves.

[Smuler]

Jamescrs said:

Thanks for all the inputs, I've arranged to go and test drive an approved used 240i on Saturday morning so looking forward to that.
My only concern is it has the Oyster coloured leather interior which whilst it looks great (in my opinion) I am slightly concerned about how clean it will stay but forums online seem to suggest it is easy to clean if kept up with.

This is the car i'm going to view

https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202007211512742...

It says it has Run Flat Tires. I thought standard was Michelin Pilot Sports, so maybe this was an option the owner added? S/he has de-badged and it's a very under the radar color. Sort of fits a daily driver application.

Not sure if it's on 18s that the ride will be uncomfortable (RFTS are , on 19s without comfort suspension) but I can't see them adding any value to a fast coupe. And in my experience they'll detract from the handling.

Maybe bear that in mind.

[liner33]

I prefer the sound of the n55 but mine is a weekend car and only driven for fun, if I was to buy one as a daily I would buy the 240, not the convertable though. I would also try and get the best tech in the car, performance wise there is little in it and both can reliably run north of 400hp if you so wish, the rest of the car is largely the same

Pro nav and HK sound a must, zf8 , passive suspension rather than active would be my preference

Had mine 2 years next month and would only change for the M2 Comp or possibly M4, i miss having a reverse camera and apple car play but thats all

[Jamescrs]

Smuler said:

It says it has Run Flat Tires. I thought standard was Michelin Pilot Sports, so maybe this was an option the owner added? S/he has de-badged and it's a very under the radar color. Sort of fits a daily driver application.

Not sure if it's on 18s that the ride will be uncomfortable (RFTS are , on 19s without comfort suspension) but I can't see them adding any value to a fast coupe. And in my experience they'll detract from the handling.

Maybe bear that in mind.

Thanks for the comments, the colour would have been my favoured choice had I ordered one from new so very happy with the colour, I am thinking of asking the dealership to reinstate the rear boot badge, will ponder that a bit further before the weekend.

[liner33]

Jamescrs said:

Thanks for the comments, the colour would have been my favoured choice had I ordered one from new so very happy with the colour, I am thinking of asking the dealership to reinstate the rear boot badge, will ponder that a bit further before the weekend.

Looks like standard nav, no cruise control and pretty basic to be fair, although I like the colour combo

I think you could do much much better than that for £18k

FWIW I think the M240 came with rft and the m235 with mpss

[DeWar]

This post is not intended to be influential and it sounds like you've made up your mind. However the OP struck a chord with me so I thought I'd offer an alternative, informed view.

I have owned an M240i from new for 3 years (though soon to be getting rid) and have previously owned an E86 Z4C (non-M, sadly). I traded the Zed for the M-Lite in order to try to have the best of both worlds - to be able to get the kid in the back but also have some fun when driving just myself. In truth I regret selling the Z4. I could get a baby seat in the front of that anyway and for family duty the wife has a more practical option. With hindsight I should have either stuck with what I had, gone all-in and bought an M2 which is better sorted dynamically or traded up/added a properly practical car that is rapid or otherwise a little bit special (which I will be doing now).

The M240i is a good car and it is rapid, but it isn't special dynamically (though admittedly mine is stock) it isn't special to look at and has a pleasant but unremarkable interior. The Z4 was flawed but it looks great, handles better and it feels special because you simply don't see many coupe's on the road. Since you mentioned it was on your list, I'd be looking at a tidy Z4M which just about comes in on budget.

liner33 said:

FWIW I think the M240 came with rft and the m235 with mpss

I believe run-flats were an option but mine came with MPSS from the factory.

Edited by DeWar on Wednesday 2nd September 13:10

[Court_S]

The Oyster leather will be fine. I had Dakota lemon in my 330 and that still looked perfect after 90k and a baby / toddler.

RFT’s were an option (god knows why anyone would select them).

It’s got the basic nav but being a post September 15 car it doesn’t have the awful inserts to reduce the screen size.

I agree to an extent with Dewar. They’re very much a compromise car so as long as you accept that you shouldn’t do too disappointed. People often criticise the handling and it’s not perfect but I’ve not found it to be anywhere near as bad as the internet would have you believe

Edited by Court_S on Wednesday 2nd September 22:41

[liner33]

Apparently a pair of £40 rear dampers is a massive improvement, personally I went the Bilstien route with mine and I have no issues with the handling or ride

If the budget is a firm £18k I cant help think a well specced low mileage 235i would be a better bet than a basic 240

[Jamescrs]

Thanks for all the posts and comments, I did end up buying the M240i I linked above and having had it a week i'm loving it so far, I think i'll probably get normal tyres when the run flats are due replacement but otherwise very happy.

I don't feel like i'm missing out on anything tech wise with the car, i'm not overly bothered about loads of tech and it has what I need with hands free and bluetooth connectivity for streaming music.

Sat Nav seems fine but i'm sure i'll quickly revert back to using Waze as I always have done.

The only thing missing which I would like is Cruise Control but muy research on other forums seems to show it's a fairly simple retrofit by replacing the buttons on the steering wheel and having it coded in so I may do that at some point, or maybe not as I'll probably use it once in a blue moon in reality.

Anyway wanted to provide some closure to the thread as so many of topics like this never get an update.

[Bonzo1930]

Strangely I'm having the same dilemma decided it's time to change my 2011 C250 coupe not a massive fan of the new shape c class coupe or the engine options so think a M235 or 240 would be ideal especially as it will fit in my garage, in my case I want an auto something mint and low mileage, looking at the approved used 20k is the starting point with cars around 4 to 5 years old but add another 5k and you start to find stuff only a year old not sure which way to go as it's going to be my weekend toy can I justify the money would be interested to see what everyone thinks

[Smuler]

I assume as with other cars discussed (e.g. 340i) prices are high , so you’re £20k would have gone further in late 2019 , aka lower miles etc.
If you can get a mint lower miler for that money , no brainer . But if they are average , I’d spend the extra as not only is it nicer to have better example , but some of the costs will “come back” due to more warranty , longer lead time to replace consumables.
If market crashes , you’ll have a more desirable car if you want to sell ; if prices remain high yours will too.

My concept of a weekend car is very different but the B58 is great