Considering an M240i - any info?

Considering an M240i - any info?

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FLGirl

Original Poster:

1,177 posts

190 months

Friday 24th January 2020
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I’m fairly sure I’m sold on the M240i as my next car, and have spotted one to view next week.

They are obviously relatively new so the reliability reports are so far good with various forums saying the engine should be a good one longer term (ie quite different from the 335i engine, for example).

Does anyone here own one and have any info to share about them, any common issues to look for etc?

It would be my only car although I don’t actually need much practicality or to worry about MPG. Assuming I gel with it, I’d look to keep it for at least 2-3 years.

If it matters, the car I want to view is a 2016 with around 18k miles. Too new to bother with a BMW warranty?

Any input appreciated! smile

Deep Thought

35,724 posts

196 months

Friday 24th January 2020
quotequote all
FLGirl said:
I’m fairly sure I’m sold on the M240i as my next car, and have spotted one to view next week.

They are obviously relatively new so the reliability reports are so far good with various forums saying the engine should be a good one longer term (ie quite different from the 335i engine, for example).

Does anyone here own one and have any info to share about them, any common issues to look for etc?

It would be my only car although I don’t actually need much practicality or to worry about MPG. Assuming I gel with it, I’d look to keep it for at least 2-3 years.

If it matters, the car I want to view is a 2016 with around 18k miles. Too new to bother with a BMW warranty?

Any input appreciated! smile
We've a 2019 M140i which is pretty much the hatchback variant.

Great car, very drivable - happy to tootle around town @ 20mph, and just as happy having a blast out on the open road.

We've getting around 30mpg in ours.

RE: the warranty. Cant make your decision for you, but i know that with our previous car - an A45 - theres not a pups chance we'd have run it outside of a Mercedes warranty / extended warranty, but we'd be happy to run the M140i without extending it.


Down on the Farm

207 posts

52 months

Friday 24th January 2020
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Hi FLGirl,

There is some good discussion on M140/M240 a few pages down in this BMW General section under topic heading "M140 questions". This should give you a good flavour of the issues you should at least consider when looking at the M240i.

DOTF

Should have added to watch out for the increased annual VED (luxury tax) if considering younger than April 2017 as it shoots up considerably.

Also worth checking out cost of extended BMW warranty.

On my X1 it was equivalent cost to a few hours in the workshop, plus it added roadside recovery.

My M240i is still in original 3 year warranty so I have not checked out the extended cost.

Any specific questions - give us a shout.


Edited by Down on the Farm on Friday 24th January 09:53

Court_S

12,764 posts

176 months

Friday 24th January 2020
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Good little cars - the 240 is supposed to ride / handle a bit better than the 140 (which I have).

The engine suits the ZF8 autobox really well in my opinion. Cars pre July 2018 escape the PPF so sound better. Running costs seem pretty good given the performance available; I've averaged 30.8mpg since June, three years servicing was £299, VED is £145 a year, tyres are about £140 a corner etc.

It's worth listening out for a rattle from the exhaust; it did seem relatively common at one point with a fair few people getting an MPE as a free upgrade.

LocoBlade

7,621 posts

255 months

Friday 24th January 2020
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I've got a 2017 M240i auto just coming up to 3 years old and love it, it does about 10k a year mostly on A roads doing the commute to work and it's been reliable and very economical for the performance available.

There doesnt seem to be any big issues with the B58 engine or that age of 1/2 series in general. As mentioned the exhaust flaps often rattle at cold startup which is an annoyance rather than anything else and can sometimes be fixed simply by unbolting the actuator and tightening up the spring. The auto boxes can occasionally become whiney especially in 2nd gear and/or reverse which on a very small amount of cars is really intrusive, although again the box doesn't seem to ever fail. Babybmw is the best forum resource for knowledge if you do decide to buy one.

FLGirl

Original Poster:

1,177 posts

190 months

Saturday 25th January 2020
quotequote all
Thanks all smile

That all sounds pretty good to me and reflects what I’ve read. The car I’m looking at is a ZF8 gearbox. I’ve heard it really suits the car so I may have to stop being a die hard manual fan!

Extended warranty being quoted as £645/year which seems pretty reasonable. I already pay the highest rate VED so no worries there.

Appreciate the input especially details on what the car’s like to drive and own. I’m hoping it’s the right combination of power and handling once I try one. From watching reviews and drive tests it appears to tick all the boxes so now it’s just a case of getting out for a test drive biggrin Looks like I’ll call that dealer today to arrange!

BFleming

3,589 posts

142 months

Saturday 25th January 2020
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I've played with a few M240i's recently, here's my view...
Do it! You're right to be looking at automatics, it really suits the engine. For some reason Cruise Control isn't standard on UK cars, it can be retrofitted (but not by BMW - I did one this morning, you need the switches & a little bit of coding, all done in under an hour). The standard cars have a LIM (speed limiter) button on the LHS of the steering wheel, cars with cruise have, well, some cruise control buttons as well as the LIM button.

FLGirl

Original Poster:

1,177 posts

190 months

Saturday 25th January 2020
quotequote all
thumbup

Thanks, echoes my feelings. I generally have no use for cruise control. My current car is the second I’ve owned to actually have it. I’ve used it once in 8 months!


BFleming

3,589 posts

142 months

Saturday 25th January 2020
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No worries - some people do use cruise, some don't.

Court_S

12,764 posts

176 months

Saturday 25th January 2020
quotequote all
Cruise was a must for me but I have a reasonable motorway commute and I’m lazy!

Pro nav was the other one for me especially on older cars that had the slightly raised inserts either side for the smaller screen.

mr sagman

1,718 posts

235 months

Saturday 25th January 2020
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Check out the Joe Achilles comparison M240 v M2 on Youtube if you haven't already.. really good insight into the car, Joe really knows his cars and he loves the 240, I'm pondering over changing my 340 for an M2 but everytime I drive it I can't see the point in any more power (maybe I'm getting old) but the 140 /240/340 cars really punch above their weight imo, also if your purchase is built pre June 18 you can retro fit the genuine BMW MPPSK kit which increases the torque and BHP and gives the car an even more sensational sound in Sport /Sport plus modes (also won't affect warranty as its a BMW part) now available for around £850, was originally a £2500 upgrade, best money I've ever spent, good luck in your search you won't be disappointed.

Court_S

12,764 posts

176 months

Sunday 26th January 2020
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mr sagman said:
Check out the Joe Achilles comparison M240 v M2 on Youtube if you haven't already.. really good insight into the car, Joe really knows his cars and he loves the 240, I'm pondering over changing my 340 for an M2 but everytime I drive it I can't see the point in any more power (maybe I'm getting old) but the 140 /240/340 cars really punch above their weight imo, also if your purchase is built pre June 18 you can retro fit the genuine BMW MPPSK kit which increases the torque and BHP and gives the car an even more sensational sound in Sport /Sport plus modes (also won't affect warranty as its a BMW part) now available for around £850, was originally a £2500 upgrade, best money I've ever spent, good luck in your search you won't be disappointed.
Was that kit available for the smaller cars? I know you could get it fir the 3 series, but I wasn’t aware that you could for the two series. I thought you were restricted to just the M Performance exhaust.

FLGirl

Original Poster:

1,177 posts

190 months

Sunday 26th January 2020
quotequote all
mr sagman said:
Check out the Joe Achilles comparison M240 v M2 on Youtube if you haven't already.. really good insight into the car, Joe really knows his cars and he loves the 240, I'm pondering over changing my 340 for an M2 but everytime I drive it I can't see the point in any more power (maybe I'm getting old) but the 140 /240/340 cars really punch above their weight imo, also if your purchase is built pre June 18 you can retro fit the genuine BMW MPPSK kit which increases the torque and BHP and gives the car an even more sensational sound in Sport /Sport plus modes (also won't affect warranty as its a BMW part) now available for around £850, was originally a £2500 upgrade, best money I've ever spent, good luck in your search you won't be disappointed.
I watched an excellent Car Throttle review of the 240 where they loved it and made a similar comparison with the M2.
The kit sounds like an excellent and reasonably priced upgrade, thank you!

JackReacher

2,118 posts

214 months

Sunday 26th January 2020
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There is a lot of love for the m140 and m240 on the internet and youtube influencers, but I'd urge you to think carefully and make sure you have a really good extended test drive. It's easy to get suckered into the monster engine and straight line pace, which is fantastic, but there are real weaknesses as well.

It does depend on your expected use, and as all round daily it makes a lot of sense. But it really isn't the sort of car to take for a weekend blast. That all round ability it too weighted on the daily aspect, with not enough fun at the weekend.

I like my manual m240i, but as you can tell from the above I wouldn't choose it again. I'd rather have the latest Type R or a hot Megane which may not be quite as good on the commute (and look terrible in the case of the Honda), but a much better weekend option. If you don't need rear seats. have a shortish commute, and are happy to have a slightly older car, there are much better options out there like a 987.2 cayman. Or if you really like the look, stretch a little to an early M2.


MWM3

1,759 posts

121 months

Sunday 26th January 2020
quotequote all
mr sagman said:
Check out the Joe Achilles comparison M240 v M2 on Youtube if you haven't already.. really good insight into the car, Joe really knows his cars and he loves the 240, I'm pondering over changing my 340 for an M2 but everytime I drive it I can't see the point in any more power (maybe I'm getting old) but the 140 /240/340 cars really punch above their weight imo, also if your purchase is built pre June 18 you can retro fit the genuine BMW MPPSK kit which increases the torque and BHP and gives the car an even more sensational sound in Sport /Sport plus modes (also won't affect warranty as its a BMW part) now available for around £850, was originally a £2500 upgrade, best money I've ever spent, good luck in your search you won't be disappointed.
Had a M240i as a loaner when my M2 was in for a service on Thursday this week. The only similarities are the straight line speed. I was actually quite disappointed with how soft and wobbly the 240 was. The steering had no feedback and the brakes felt like a sponge compared to my car. Peolle rave about the Zf box but not as intuitive or nice as tge DCT.

If you can stretch to an M2 do it! Its night and day between the two cars and the M2 can do all the day to day stuff perfectly well but when you want to 'drive' there is only one real option here.

Driver101

14,376 posts

120 months

Sunday 26th January 2020
quotequote all
mr sagman said:
Check out the Joe Achilles comparison M240 v M2 on Youtube if you haven't already.. really good insight into the car, Joe really knows his cars and he loves the 240, I'm pondering over changing my 340 for an M2 but everytime I drive it I can't see the point in any more power (maybe I'm getting old) but the 140 /240/340 cars really punch above their weight imo, also if your purchase is built pre June 18 you can retro fit the genuine BMW MPPSK kit which increases the torque and BHP and gives the car an even more sensational sound in Sport /Sport plus modes (also won't affect warranty as its a BMW part) now available for around £850, was originally a £2500 upgrade, best money I've ever spent, good luck in your search you won't be disappointed.
The issue with Joe is the clique he's part of. His views aren't impartial as he's promoting cars and companies for his own gain.

Be careful what M140i/240i you buy. Far too many have been abused badly in their early life. There is plenty out there so you can be choosy.

BMW's insured warranty is usually reasonably priced and well worth it. Their cover and service is good.

Sticks.

8,706 posts

250 months

Sunday 26th January 2020
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I had a M235i after reading lots of rave reviews, and a decent, I thought, test. It's a nice car. I eventually got rid mainly because of the jiggly ride and poor grip. I was in a M140 att he weekend with adaptive ride, much the same. Others don't mind it but there are lots of threads on replacing suspension parts to tackle the ride issue. Trim was cheap and I didn't like the ZF8. Smooth, but in every day driving, constantly changing. I prefer the DGS's 6.

So I'd say get an extended test.

Driver101

14,376 posts

120 months

Sunday 26th January 2020
quotequote all
Sticks. said:
I had a M235i after reading lots of rave reviews, and a decent, I thought, test. It's a nice car. I eventually got rid mainly because of the jiggly ride and poor grip. I was in a M140 att he weekend with adaptive ride, much the same. Others don't mind it but there are lots of threads on replacing suspension parts to tackle the ride issue. Trim was cheap and I didn't like the ZF8. Smooth, but in every day driving, constantly changing. I prefer the DGS's 6.

So I'd say get an extended test.
They are good everyday cars. I'm the opposite in where the ZF8 is much better than DSG boxes. The gearbox does adapt to your driving.

Given the massive discounts on the 1 and 2 series they have been made to a price point. You are getting a 3 litre 6 cylinder engine at this price point compromises have to be made somewhere.

They do need suspension work and an LSD if handling is the top priority.

Court_S

12,764 posts

176 months

Sunday 26th January 2020
quotequote all
Sticks. said:
I had a M235i after reading lots of rave reviews, and a decent, I thought, test. It's a nice car. I eventually got rid mainly because of the jiggly ride and poor grip. I was in a M140 att he weekend with adaptive ride, much the same. Others don't mind it but there are lots of threads on replacing suspension parts to tackle the ride issue. Trim was cheap and I didn't like the ZF8. Smooth, but in every day driving, constantly changing. I prefer the DGS's 6.

So I'd say get an extended test.
I much much prefer the ZF8 to ant of the DSG cars I’ve driven (both the six and seven).

They do jiggle a bit, but they’re not that bad. As for the grip, the throttle isn’t an on / off switch and I’ve generally found it fine over the winter. I’ve had a few ‘moments’ but I had those in my previous 325 and 330.

Court_S

12,764 posts

176 months

Sunday 26th January 2020
quotequote all
JackReacher said:
There is a lot of love for the m140 and m240 on the internet and youtube influencers, but I'd urge you to think carefully and make sure you have a really good extended test drive. It's easy to get suckered into the monster engine and straight line pace, which is fantastic, but there are real weaknesses as well.

It does depend on your expected use, and as all round daily it makes a lot of sense. But it really isn't the sort of car to take for a weekend blast. That all round ability it too weighted on the daily aspect, with not enough fun at the weekend.

I like my manual m240i, but as you can tell from the above I wouldn't choose it again. I'd rather have the latest Type R or a hot Megane which may not be quite as good on the commute (and look terrible in the case of the Honda), but a much better weekend option. If you don't need rear seats. have a shortish commute, and are happy to have a slightly older car, there are much better options out there like a 987.2 cayman. Or if you really like the look, stretch a little to an early M2.
Isn’t that the same for many of these cars? I doubt many people find themselves getting excited over a Golf R or an S3 (I certainly didn’t). I’m fine with it doing the boring stuff well, because most of my driving is commuting, taking the boy to rugby etc.

The original M2 is pretty compelling now as a used buy. The cheapest AUC was £27k...a lot of car for the money. I think an M2 will be my next car.