11-11-2021, 08:22 PM | #1 |
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M240i Pics and Test Drive Impressions [from M2 Competition owner]
Thanks to ihbase, I got the heads up that the local dealer got their demo M240i xDrive. I drove down in my M2C to check it out.
My initial thoughts are that the G42 M240i is fantastic. While not a proper replacement for the M2 Comp (though I'd take it over an OG M2 instantly for the B58 alone), it's absolutely a driver's car. "Fun daily" is how I'd describe it. And, for me, it blows away the F22 cars. The powertrain is excellent, especially for a car of this class. It's quite strong down low. In fact, it feels as fast or faster than the M2C for quick pulls to about 4500RPM. For a daily use car, I prefer how this B58-powered car delivers power over the M2C's delivery. The exhaust sounds great; typical B58 mix of smoothness and aggressiveness with a nice bit of "flavor" in the form of little pops and burbles. Sounds better than my M2C. The ZF8 is decently aggressive while delivering the usual refinement in normal driving. It shifts hard, decisively, and fast. It feels like a meaningful improvement over the F22 (it's been a while since I've driven one). I didn't miss my M2C's DCT, though my test drive was at 5/10ths with "break-in" RPM shift points. Steering is very precise. The car certainly has Gxx DNA, which to me means direct and predictable controls with unobtrusive assistance. When pushing the car a bit, the steering sharpens and stiffens up (not sure whether this is a variable steering thing). Not a ton of "feel", but I had no issues determining the amount of steering to dial in to make the desired maneuvers. Handling and grip are quite good. I was impressed given that my test drive was completely in the wet with leaves everywhere. You can really push this car and it'll hold the line. That combined with the B58 power make this a really fun "7/10ths" car. Between the steering and handling, the weight is well masked. The suspension is softer than the M2's, so you can feel the chassis move around in the rear more than in an M2 in similar conditions. The suspension softness is largely why this car will probably not be a replacement for those who use their M2s the way they're meant to be used. On the other hand, those tired of the M2's harsh ride will likely be fine with the trade off as the M240i handles road imperfections significantly better. The interior is a massive improvement. In fact, the immediate impression I got was that it was practically the same as that in my old G82 6MT, minus a bit of CF. Same digital cockpit (with non-M graphics), same big iDrive touchscreen, similar center stack design, and similar materials deployed. I had no issue with the quality of the Sensatec seats, and I may actually prefer them for their wear characteristics and lower cost. I love the way this car looks. The whole package works. Wide fenders, aggressive hood, strong beltline, Hofmeister kink. No issues with the triangles; they look great with the non-Shadowline trim. The single corona headlights look great and less awkward than the initial photos suggested (they have the usual BMW "angry/devious" shape). The rear looks fine in person, and even looks quite aggressive from some angles to me (straight on from behind). No issues with the taillights. My impression is that the M240i looks like a full M car. It looks more special than I expected, especially in Black. It seems most want to compare this car with the M2C. I think the old M235i/240i are the correct cars to pit against this one. This car is way better than the F22 for me. It feels like a surprisingly high quality product given the pricing and positioning within the product line. It's the best deal on the market for a fun, usable daily car; it checks every box for me. It even gets 30+mpg when driven sanely. I think BMW will sell a ton of them. And, as ihbase mentioned, this car is a fabulous base for the next M2. Assuming the driving experience holds up at faster speeds, I give the G42 M240i a very hearty thumbs up. |
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11-11-2021, 08:37 PM | #2 |
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A few more shots.
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11-11-2021, 08:51 PM | #3 |
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Thank you for the review and the great pics. Even though i'll be in the market for the G7 M2, it's nice to finally read/see some reviews of the m240i in comparison to the previous gens.
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11-11-2021, 10:45 PM | #4 |
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Wow, this sure is a glowing review of the new 2 Series; thx so much for posting
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11-11-2021, 11:04 PM | #5 |
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Thanks for sharing!
I hope to drive one next week and agree this car will be a big hit. |
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11-12-2021, 01:30 AM | #6 |
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Nice write-up! No doubt about the chassis improvement over the old platform, it looks very promising for the next M2.
However, it definitely deserves wider rear wheels. |
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11-12-2021, 10:48 AM | #7 |
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Thanks for your pics & review! Every little bit of new, and positive, info just makes me more excited to get my car. In pics, the M240i looks good in BSM, a lot better than I'd have guessed honestly. Seems like the new M2 will be a monster!
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11-12-2021, 10:50 AM | #8 |
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My dealer got a m240i in today. Going to go check it out tomorrow. Hopefully mine is in next week!
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11-12-2021, 11:24 AM | #9 |
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I test drove one yesterday. Seems like a nice car. Drives like a M340i with a small back seat. It’s going to be popular once people realize it’s $6 or 7 thousand cheaper than a comparable M340i.
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11-12-2021, 12:42 PM | #10 |
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Awesome. I dont recall the rear end and fenders of the F22 being so aggressively wide. Wonder how wide the rear of the G87 will be.
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11-12-2021, 01:16 PM | #12 |
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yes gang, the G42 is much more aggressive looking vs. the Prior 2 Series Generation. Makes my recently sold 2018 230i w/M Sports pkg. vehicle look like a wimp. My new M240 will have the 255/35/19 rear wheels so should look great
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11-12-2021, 01:54 PM | #14 |
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And thanks to Portland BMW for making the car available. Every transaction I have with that dealer has been a positive experience.
I have encountered terrific staff in parts, service, and sales. -Michael edit to add: 02M3ForMe provided some great photos. |
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11-12-2021, 02:05 PM | #15 |
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You won't notice a ton of difference wirh ZF8 vs DCT under normal conditions, other than the downshifts. At redline upshifts, the DCT shines with its seamless shifts whereas ZF8 has small but distinct lag from each shift made, even with the very responsive B58 engine.
I thought the previous gen M240i was about 80% good as the F87, and the last 20% came from the brute S55 combined with DCT. Good to know that this gen is promising as well, I hope they give the finishing touches that an M2 deserves.
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11-12-2021, 02:29 PM | #17 |
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I value customer reviews like this tremendously, because it comes from the intended target market. These days, auto journalists are nothing more than reflections of personal tastes and preferences with no understanding/caring for market research.
All that just to say I enjoyed reading your thoughts. |
11-12-2021, 02:31 PM | #18 |
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Can you share some feedback on how it compares to M340I? Steering, feeling more nimble, etc?
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11-12-2021, 03:05 PM | #19 |
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It certainly looks more aggressive than the F22 M235i/M240i. I can see this being a great upgrade from that car. The G87 is shaping to be a great M2 with such good bones to build on.
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11-12-2021, 05:10 PM | #21 | |
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Quote:
I do give credit to BMW Portland for giving me the push I needed to just give a private party sale a try. I put my personal feelings to the side and just put in my order with them for an M240i, week 50. Really looking forward to getting my G42! |
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11-12-2021, 05:25 PM | #22 |
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Except the new BRZ has a great looking rear end and this.....does not.
I don't doubt at all that this probably drives better than the F22. Everyone I know who owned an E82 135i and moved up to F22 M235i (or F30 340i like I did) immediately regretted the 'upgrade' and we couldn't wait to get rid of those newer cars. The latest G cars feel pretty great in both everyday driving and more spirited conditions. My one main gripe against G series non-M cars is the steering feel which is definitely better than equivalent F chassis vehicles. |
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