Megane RS250 - what are we thinking?

[P1H]

Hi All,

I've had an BMW E92 330i for 15 months. I'm not sure when I'll be looking to change, but a RS250 keeps tempting me.

I'd certainly opt for a cup version, am I correct in thinking that red brake calipers and grooved discs mean it is a cup? What paperwork likely to come with the car would detail this? Are there any other 'give aways'?

The options I'd be looking for: black paint, recaros, sports monitor, 18" wheels. Is there anything else?

My commute is circa 10 miles of B roads, but I often make longer journeys on weekends, how is the comfort long distance?

Is there anything else I need to know? Am I being an idiot? Will I instantly turn into a reprobate?

Cheers

[ant leigh]

Had a 265 cup for a year until it was stolen :-(
No problem with long runs, did a full driving tour of Scotland in it. Suspension/ride is very firm on the 19" options (which I had) but the 18" are better. My son has a 275 on 18" wheels with a cup chassis and it's a superior ride and better handling.

Edit to add
An absolute blast to drive :-)

[C.A.R.]

Whilst I've only ever been in the driving seat of a lowly 320d I can appreciate that the e92 is quite a grown-up car and the hot hatch thing must be quite alluring. It would probably be quite a lot quicker on most given routes, at the cost of refinement and comfort I expect.

Can you get a test drive in one locally?

[Regiment]

My 250Cup was the best car I've ever driven, definitely regret getting rid of it.

Definitely pick 18" wheels over 19", ride is fine and did 250miles non-stop with ease...something I struggle to do in my little 1.2 Clio .

[CraigV6]

Brilliant cars.

[Dan911]

Great car... Had mine mapped to 290, was epic.

[P1H]

C.A.R. said:

Whilst I've only ever been in the driving seat of a lowly 320d I can appreciate that the e92 is quite a grown-up car and the hot hatch thing must be quite alluring. It would probably be quite a lot quicker on most given routes, at the cost of refinement and comfort I expect.

Can you get a test drive in one locally?

I certainly need to test one but there aren't any trade cup spec cars anywhere near me unfortunately.

You are right, before the 330i, I had a Honda Civic Type R. Whilst I believe the 330i has been better in every measurable way, there is something appealing about the the idea of a hot hatch. This plus the reported handling/speed of the RS250 and the cracking reviews, makes it quite appealing.

[matt50]

I test drove a 325i and 330i and in the end opted for my 250, which I now love. IMO the BMWs were simply too grown up and didn't feel as special as the Renault, ironically.

Grooved brake discs are the big giveaway, yes. My head keeps telling me to sell mine as my commute is now 20 miles down rural roads...but then my heart tells me to keep it as that's exactly what the car is for. Test drive one - you won't be disappointed. The grip and performance is something you never tire of. Good luck.

[P1H]

matt50 said:

I test drove a 325i and 330i and in the end opted for my 250, which I now love. IMO the BMWs were simply too grown up and didn't feel as special as the Renault, ironically.

Grooved brake discs are the big giveaway, yes. My head keeps telling me to sell mine as my commute is now 20 miles down rural roads...but then my heart tells me to keep it as that's exactly what the car is for. Test drive one - you won't be disappointed. The grip and performance is something you never tire of. Good luck.

This is just the issue. The engine is incredible and I love the way the 330i drives, but it is missing some sort of 'fun factor' the Megane might offer. My main concern is that in a year or two time I'll want to be back in the 330i.

Thanks for the feedback all.

[lewisf182]

If you love the engine, but want a bit more fun factor and hot hatchery, why not just make a move to a 130i?Granted it probably isn't as fun to drive or as fast point to point, but would be a nice halfway house between the two and alleviate any fear you'll regret your choice to sell the 330?