Discussion
Only you can really answer that after driving them both back to back.
The 240 won’t be far behind at all in a straight line, but they don’t have the handling of a proper M car. In fact, they’re pretty soft and woolly for the performance on offer but are still a very good road car. Only you can decide if the M2 is with the extra buying costs insurance, servicing etc.
The 240 won’t be far behind at all in a straight line, but they don’t have the handling of a proper M car. In fact, they’re pretty soft and woolly for the performance on offer but are still a very good road car. Only you can decide if the M2 is with the extra buying costs insurance, servicing etc.
An interesting question and one I recently answered by buying a M240i Convertible...
Mainly because my missus was very keen on getting a convertible but also because I found the M2 to be quite stiff and loud and I wasn't sure I would make enough use of the additional performance often enough to make putting up with the stiffness every day, and the additional £15k+, worth while. As an everyday car with sufficient potential performance to be fun (for me at least) the M240i was ideal.
Edited to add that the price difference is closer to £20k given the deals available on the M240i at present... so Ang might get a Cooper S instead of her Clio soon!
Mainly because my missus was very keen on getting a convertible but also because I found the M2 to be quite stiff and loud and I wasn't sure I would make enough use of the additional performance often enough to make putting up with the stiffness every day, and the additional £15k+, worth while. As an everyday car with sufficient potential performance to be fun (for me at least) the M240i was ideal.
Edited to add that the price difference is closer to £20k given the deals available on the M240i at present... so Ang might get a Cooper S instead of her Clio soon!
Edited by timbo999 on Thursday 30th May 12:46
It also depends on your use. Will it be a higher mileage daily and used mainly on town roads and dual carriageways or is it more of a weekend car spending more time on b roads and lanes?
If it's a daily, the 240i is softer and more easy to live with while still be rapid enough to dispatch most things on an overtake. In fact, on a rolling road straight line acceleration test, there's very little in it performance wise. If it's more for fun and used on back roads a lot, the M2 will be way more focused and fun.
All that said, I don't think the M2 is a bad daily. It has enough comfort and toys to keep you going but the ride will be stiffer and less comfortable than the softer 240i. It also looks so much nicer than the 240i which will be a factor.
I should qualify, I have an M135i at the minute (not too dissimilar to the 240i) and I'm looking into possible leasing an M2 next year but haven't driven one yet. I do < £8k per year and my commute isn't long enough to worry about comfort.
If it's a daily, the 240i is softer and more easy to live with while still be rapid enough to dispatch most things on an overtake. In fact, on a rolling road straight line acceleration test, there's very little in it performance wise. If it's more for fun and used on back roads a lot, the M2 will be way more focused and fun.
All that said, I don't think the M2 is a bad daily. It has enough comfort and toys to keep you going but the ride will be stiffer and less comfortable than the softer 240i. It also looks so much nicer than the 240i which will be a factor.
I should qualify, I have an M135i at the minute (not too dissimilar to the 240i) and I'm looking into possible leasing an M2 next year but haven't driven one yet. I do < £8k per year and my commute isn't long enough to worry about comfort.
Thanks all.
It will be a daily driver, mostly to and from the train station via a mix of dual carriageway and some more interesting roads.
There will be the occasional weekend use but we have 2 toddlers, so are often in the larger car (Disco sport).
I've driven the M2 on a test drive, thought it was incredible. Sounds like it's worth also assessing the M240i. I've also seen some particularly good deals on this one.
It will be a daily driver, mostly to and from the train station via a mix of dual carriageway and some more interesting roads.
There will be the occasional weekend use but we have 2 toddlers, so are often in the larger car (Disco sport).
I've driven the M2 on a test drive, thought it was incredible. Sounds like it's worth also assessing the M240i. I've also seen some particularly good deals on this one.
JackReacher said:
I find my m240i too soft and woolly. Its quick in a straight line and fine on the motorway, but not interesting enough on a good B road. It's just a 2 series with a big engine. I've not driven an M2 but suspect the more advanced suspension and wider track make a big difference.
I agree but don't ... I have an M240i convertible which is too soft and has probably more power than the suspension set up can take - which is exactly why it is amusing on a B road. You have to work and concentrate more than, say, an M2 ... and time has shown me that is actually more fun that something which is clinical and rock hard !That said I do look at the M2 Comp ... and oddly an X3 M40i as a replacement for my M240i Convertible
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