Discussion
This might be moved to 'Car Buying', but I really hope not as I'd prefer answers from people who're 'M' experts.
Having been looking at M4s and C63s for a while, my head has been turned by the M2. But then I looked at the M240i. Every review I've read on line says there's really not much to choose between these two, which I find hard to believe. Every 'Full Fat' M car I've ever driven has felt miles ahead of its nearest non-M equivalent.
The question to the 'M' specialists: How much better is the M2 than the M240i? The M240i has massive appeal because it looks just like any other 2 series, reducing the changes of random scrotes trying to steal it, either by following me home or breaking in to the house to steal the keys. But, it's not a full fat 'M' car. Most of my previous cars have been Porsches (currently have a Boxster S), so a little worried that the 240i won't be as good to drive.
What's the opinion on here of these two cars??
Having been looking at M4s and C63s for a while, my head has been turned by the M2. But then I looked at the M240i. Every review I've read on line says there's really not much to choose between these two, which I find hard to believe. Every 'Full Fat' M car I've ever driven has felt miles ahead of its nearest non-M equivalent.
The question to the 'M' specialists: How much better is the M2 than the M240i? The M240i has massive appeal because it looks just like any other 2 series, reducing the changes of random scrotes trying to steal it, either by following me home or breaking in to the house to steal the keys. But, it's not a full fat 'M' car. Most of my previous cars have been Porsches (currently have a Boxster S), so a little worried that the 240i won't be as good to drive.
What's the opinion on here of these two cars??
In straight line performance, probably not much in it between the 340 bhp M240i and the OG M2 370 bhp, but a different story with the M2C 410 bhp. Could you make it to an M2C?
Also, the M cars are about the entire package, suspension, LSD, balance, brakes, etc so performance even if similar will still have the M2 coming out top.
Also, the M cars are about the entire package, suspension, LSD, balance, brakes, etc so performance even if similar will still have the M2 coming out top.
After a Porsche, pretty much all F-gen BMWs are going to feel heavy, tall and lack steering feel.
But they may feel more modern, torquey and be better equipped.
I've not tried a M240i but I did have an M135i, and 2 x e92 M3's.
The difference in the driving experiences were chalk and cheese. The M-lite cars are very mainstream cars with slightly fettled suspension and bigger engines. Sports cars (or even hot hatches) they are not.
M-cars feel massively better resolved and much more hardcore. There's a certain aggression and directness to the way they drive which puts them miles above an M-lite, even if the performance figures look very close.
But even so, they are not purpose-built sports cars like the Boxster. They're still fighting against their dimensions, centre of gravity etc.
But they may feel more modern, torquey and be better equipped.
I've not tried a M240i but I did have an M135i, and 2 x e92 M3's.
The difference in the driving experiences were chalk and cheese. The M-lite cars are very mainstream cars with slightly fettled suspension and bigger engines. Sports cars (or even hot hatches) they are not.
M-cars feel massively better resolved and much more hardcore. There's a certain aggression and directness to the way they drive which puts them miles above an M-lite, even if the performance figures look very close.
But even so, they are not purpose-built sports cars like the Boxster. They're still fighting against their dimensions, centre of gravity etc.
This is pretty much confirming what I thought. I know that neither will drive anywhere like the 987S, but I'll be able to get the kids in the back. I've noticed when I'm driving the Boxster that I look up (a long way) to people driving any 2 series, so I know it's going to feel tall and bulky by comparison.
M2C is certainly an option. Will have to try to get my hands on one and see.
M2C is certainly an option. Will have to try to get my hands on one and see.
I have had 986, 987 and M135i LCI.
For me the driving experience of the M2 is far closer to the Porsche than to the MLite's in terms of set up, direction change and neutrality.
I actually prefer the M2 to the Porsches overall. But that's mainly because front engine works better for me. The Porsches were probably more capable and "purer" but the very low polar moment of inertia makes the cars surprisingly inert, almost fool proof (which I appreciate they are not but their limits are simply too high, even on track).
The M2C is 55kgs heavier than the M2 and probably £8k more. A £30k AUC M2 is superb value for money IMO and will probably lose less while not having to go through the Porsche warranty experience thing.
But crucially I put 3m60 long pieces of timber earlier this week in the car and they were only sticking out by a foot so that's conclusive evidence of the BMWs superiority.
For me the driving experience of the M2 is far closer to the Porsche than to the MLite's in terms of set up, direction change and neutrality.
I actually prefer the M2 to the Porsches overall. But that's mainly because front engine works better for me. The Porsches were probably more capable and "purer" but the very low polar moment of inertia makes the cars surprisingly inert, almost fool proof (which I appreciate they are not but their limits are simply too high, even on track).
The M2C is 55kgs heavier than the M2 and probably £8k more. A £30k AUC M2 is superb value for money IMO and will probably lose less while not having to go through the Porsche warranty experience thing.
But crucially I put 3m60 long pieces of timber earlier this week in the car and they were only sticking out by a foot so that's conclusive evidence of the BMWs superiority.
Edited by nickfrog on Tuesday 20th October 15:44
I went from a 987 Cayman to a m240i as I needed something more suited to a daily commute, aside from straight line pace the Cayman was a much better drivers car. To be honest, I regretted not getting the M2, it would have cost more but I suspect worth it. Probably no quicker than the m240i, but the better suspension/handling etc. The m240i just felt like a very fast 2 series, and a long way from an involving sports car,
I’ve got a 911 991.2 GTS and I go for the keys to the m2 (manual) more often as it’s fun and chuckable. 240i is as fast pretty much but it’s not as hard core as the m2. There is a difference in feel, m2 is quite hard and less forgiving hence, for me, more interesting and more of a challenge to drive quickly.
Currently thinking that I might just keep my 987S, and get an M240i daily, followed by upgrading the M240i with a Quaiffe LSD to improve the handling.
The real appeal for me about the M240i is that once you remove the badges it looks like any other 2 series and is less likely to attract attention. I much prefer to be unnoticeable when driving - daily is currently a nice bland grey E Class.
As you can tell, I'm being indecisive which is unusual for me.
The real appeal for me about the M240i is that once you remove the badges it looks like any other 2 series and is less likely to attract attention. I much prefer to be unnoticeable when driving - daily is currently a nice bland grey E Class.
As you can tell, I'm being indecisive which is unusual for me.
zedstar said:
I had an M135i and then after a couple of other cars I now have an M2C.
It's a little better than a 240i, but a little better in every way, and quite honestly it adds up to a lot - get one if you can they are great!
Similarly I had a 135i before the 1M was launched, when I got the 1M it was a far better package in every way.It's a little better than a 240i, but a little better in every way, and quite honestly it adds up to a lot - get one if you can they are great!
Magnum 475 said:
Currently thinking that I might just keep my 987S, and get an M240i daily, followed by upgrading the M240i with a Quaiffe LSD to improve the handling.
The real appeal for me about the M240i is that once you remove the badges it looks like any other 2 series and is less likely to attract attention. I much prefer to be unnoticeable when driving - daily is currently a nice bland grey E Class.
As you can tell, I'm being indecisive which is unusual for me.
Personally I think that's not a great combo. The Porker will highlight everything that's 'bad' about the M240i - dead steering, taller, control of its mass and the pogo-effect on undulating B-roads. The open diff issue is a bit of a red herring in road use imho.The real appeal for me about the M240i is that once you remove the badges it looks like any other 2 series and is less likely to attract attention. I much prefer to be unnoticeable when driving - daily is currently a nice bland grey E Class.
As you can tell, I'm being indecisive which is unusual for me.
I think you'd have to spend an awful lot of money on an M-lite for it to give anywhere near the composure and feedback that you've already got in the 987S.
I suggest you go drive one, but don't be seduced by the performance and noise - they are a dominant feature of the car and on short acquaintance can really mask the actual shortcomings elsewhere in the package.
Then try an M2 and you'll see what we're all on about in terms of that M-car special-ness. They're nigh-on totally different from behind the wheel.
Magnum 475 said:
The M240i has massive appeal because it looks just like any other 2 series, reducing the changes of random scrotes trying to steal it, either by following me home or breaking in to the house to steal the keys.
The people who steal these cars know what they are - M2 or M-lite. Don’t think that a M240i is below their radar. Just make sure you park the car on the road or in a garage, not on the drive.I went from an m135i to an M2 (non comp)
My main reason for the switch was I use the car for road trips, blasts and Ring trips.
The m135i would be pushed beyond where it was comfortable to be on these journeys.
If you are mostly looking at it being a fast road toy then definitely consider an m240i.
However if you are looking for that extra edge you will find it in the full fat M car.
I wince a bit on long journeys in the M2 where the m135i would quietly swallow the journey whole
but once I arrive at the destination in the M2 all is forgiven.
Plus when you open the garage door those big arches and proportions always make you smile !
My main reason for the switch was I use the car for road trips, blasts and Ring trips.
The m135i would be pushed beyond where it was comfortable to be on these journeys.
If you are mostly looking at it being a fast road toy then definitely consider an m240i.
However if you are looking for that extra edge you will find it in the full fat M car.
I wince a bit on long journeys in the M2 where the m135i would quietly swallow the journey whole
but once I arrive at the destination in the M2 all is forgiven.
Plus when you open the garage door those big arches and proportions always make you smile !
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff