[Rx-7ames]

For me, I'm choosing an "M lite" version almost every time,and that's because of the transmission. I really don't like the driving qualities of the M3/4 or x3/4 M, particularly at slow speeds like in a parking lot. The damn cars just aren't smooth or graceful going slow.

That all changed the first time I drove a manual M4. At that point I knew I needed a manual M2. If it weren't for this single experience I would be buying an M240. My choice of the M2 has nothing to do with the performance of an M2 over an M240. It has everything to do with how good the manual feels over the automatic.

[ronin13013]

You assume 99% of people couldn't tell the difference between an M240 and M2 to justify M240 purchase over an M2. What kind of argument is that? I have seen too many people come on an M2 forum to debate M240 vs M2 or to justify purchasing an M240 over M2. Maybe we do need our own forum.

Originally Posted by heelsmj

It really amazes me how many people on this forum can’t fathom someone using a car in different way or liking different thigns from them. Did it ever occur to you that I actually prefer the M light version? I couldn’t care less about the “M status” I choose a car based on my needs and wants. I didn’t pick the M240 because I couldn’t afford the M2 I picked it becausse for my needs it is a better car for me. You are making a strawman argument. I never said M cars aren’t necessary and I never said they the M light cars where 90% of an M car. I said 99% of people wouldn’t notice the difference between the M240 and the M2 aside from on a track, and that is a fact., Like I said, there is a reason they sell more than one flavor of ice cream. People want different things. You are assuming I am ignorant of the facts and I must not know what I am talking about if I dont prefer the full M car. Have you ever considered the fact that people have different needs and wants in a car?

[zero21]

Originally Posted by T_U_D

Let’s call spade a spade. No one in their right mind will want to frequently track a G87 as she is a fairly hefty pig. If one is a track rat, the the G87 will not be the constant weapon of choice.

I went on a mission to prove this comment wrong, only to realize that even 2023 GT3s and Caymans with PDK are 3200lbs all in. Kudos to Porsche.

However, people are frequently tracking G80s and 82s. So...

[T_U_D]

Originally Posted by ronin13013

I hated when BMW started the M "light" thing! They knew that purchasers who wont or cant commit to what a full M car is but want that M status could buy in. That's ok but next thing you know those same people are telling you why full M cars are no longer necessary because they are getting 90% of what an M car is...yeah ok. Keep believing that. I wont even explain the difference.

Agreed.

The M brand as a whole has become extremely diluted. A very large percentage of the general public believe that a “M Lite” is a full-fledged M car. “It has factory M badges.”

Edit, If the M240 was offered with a manual that would be the route I would go. It is all anyone really needs. I would sell a ton of them too!

[donm527]

Maybe they had no choice? You have Audi with their S line that fills a niche between the A and RS. BMW had to respond?

Maybe BMW should have chosen another letter than "M" for their "lite" models... BMW 240S??

I would love me some S58 in manual but for me at that price point I'm not sure. Not comparing apples to apples but strictly on price point for me there would be other cars in that range I'd prefer... M340i, RS3, S4? As the price goes up, other needs and features come into play.

But for $50k range, M240i with B58 works for me even though I have to give up manual. Monster straight line performance. And a few clicks off the higher performance competitors like an RS3 while offering a comfortable ride for daily. Can't get into a B58 for anything under 60 except with the M240i.

If they only offered a B58 M240i in manual for $50k... that would be a special car... to me.

Originally Posted by ronin13013

I hated when BMW started the M "light" thing! They knew that purchasers who wont or cant commit to what a full M car is but want that M status could buy in. That's ok but next thing you know those same people are telling you why full M cars are no longer necessary because they are getting 90% of what an M car is...yeah ok. Keep believing that. I wont even explain the difference.

[AWcoupe]

“Different strokes for different folks” we used to say. I’m having a problem staying under 75 mph in the 240. This baby just wants to go. Plenty of car for me as a daily. I can’t imagine what kind of trouble I’d get myself into driving an M machine. Different animals for sure!

[T_U_D]

Originally Posted by zero21

I went on a mission to prove this comment wrong, only to realize that even 2023 GT3s and Caymans with PDK are 3200lbs all in. Kudos to Porsche.

However, people are frequently tracking G80s and 82s. So...

That was a waste of your time.

The harsh reality is the G87 is pushing 2 Tons. Oink, oink.

It does not really matter if other individuals are tracking G8X. Besides the point. The car is fat and weight is always the enemy even with high displacement. A diehard track enthusiast will not want a G8X solely for that purpose. At least not a proficient one.

[FryCookOnVenus]

Originally Posted by ronin13013

I hated when BMW started the M "light" thing! They knew that purchasers who wont or cant commit to what a full M car is but want that M status could buy in. That's ok but next thing you know those same people are telling you why full M cars are no longer necessary because they are getting 90% of what an M car is...yeah ok. Keep believing that. I wont even explain the difference.

You're projecting a lot of motivations onto buyers of M-Light cars without evidence, but more importantly, why do you care?

Even if what you wrote is 100% true about 100% of owners, how does that affect you? Are you worried that people making those claims will diminish YOUR status as an M owner?

[eddj]

Originally Posted by ronin13013

You assume 99% of people couldn't tell the difference between an M240 and M2 to justify M240 purchase over an M2. What kind of argument is that? I have seen too many people come on an M2 forum to debate M240 vs M2 or to justify purchasing an M240 over M2. Maybe we do need our own forum.

when these new B58s will be unlock able, you will easily have your M car and even more than that just on stock engine.

you have your M sport differential and Adaptive M suspension on your "M lite" so you will just need a good engine tune since their curb weights are now the same.
Only extra thing I would say is that I will only miss the much better brakes from the G87 compared to those M Sport ones.

[ronin13013]

He "assumed" what 99% of people could discern just to make a M240 vs M2 comparison. This is a perfect example! I simply commented on the discourse that you see in the BMW community since the advent of "M Lite" situation. I buy these cars simply to enjoy them, not a status whore. The M3 vs M340 or M2 vs M240 that the M lite owners bring up is a little annoying.

Originally Posted by FryCookOnVenus

You're projecting a lot of motivations onto buyers of M-Light cars without evidence, but more importantly, why do you care?

Even if what you wrote is 100% true about 100% of owners, how does that affect you? Are you worried that people making those claims will diminish YOUR status as an M owner?

[Ghostrider.1127]

You missed some good M140iX across the pond.

[jri_21]

Originally Posted by jri_21

You can always get the M2 and do your
mods…I really think that it’s just a matter of time before someone like Vorsteiner/Adro/R44 comes up with a different front.
OR…the performance might be superlative and people will just overlook the front (or it just grows on you) like what happened with the G8x’s.
Anyhow…is never a good idea to go for the first run of a new car, the M240 has been around already.
Good luck and whatever you get…ENJOY IT!!!
😈

BTW…it started:

[Albator_IIII]

Originally Posted by JustinHEMI

S58 is going to go down in history as one of the greatest engines BMW ever produced.

I hope you are right. However, turbo engines don't have the same longevity as NA engines.

[Ghostrider.1127]

Originally Posted by eddj

when these new B58s will be unlock able,

https://femtool.com/ my Z4M40i is already unlocked....

[zero21]

Originally Posted by jri_21

BTW…it started:

Good grief - I like the direction they were going with that front lip integration but it's way too aggressive for me. Let's not get started on the wing...haha

Never heard of MTC until now, thank you for sharing.

[heelsmj]

Originally Posted by ronin13013

You assume 99% of people couldn't tell the difference between an M240 and M2 to justify M240 purchase over an M2. What kind of argument is that? I have seen too many people come on an M2 forum to debate M240 vs M2 or to justify purchasing an M240 over M2. Maybe we do need our own forum.

Did you actually read anything I wrote before you replied? . No one is trying to “justify” anything. That is in fact the exact opposite of anything I am saying. I’ll say it again. There is a reason there is more than one flavor of ice cream.

I chose to get the M230 I don’t care or need to justify that to anyone.

This is a forum. I was having a nice discussion with others on the topic.

I am not going to make the same points again that you obviously didn’t read the first time however again you are making a strawman argument against points I didn’t make.

[ronin13013]

Oh I did actually read how you "agonized" over your choice
and finally came to your conclusion. If circumstances permit You should try and own a full M car one day. Even an old one then maybe you get it.

Originally Posted by heelsmj

Did you actually read anything I wrote before you replied? . No one is trying to “justify” anything. That is in fact the exact opposite of anything I am saying. I’ll say it again. There is a reason there is more than one flavor of ice cream.

I chose to get the M230 I don’t care or need to justify that to anyone.

This is a forum. I was having a nice discussion with others on the topic.

I am not going to make the same points again that you obviously didn’t read the first time however again you are making a strawman argument against points I didn’t make.

[baron95]

Originally Posted by zero21

Have you driven a car with an S58 engine? A lot of people here will totally disagree with this opinion on the jump from 340 to M3, or 240 to M2.

M340i to M3 can be a jump from 382HP to 543HP (CS).

The max jump from M240i to M2 is from 382HP to 453HP.

In fact the M240i xDrive will likely out accelerate the M2 from 0 to road legal speed limits, which is what most people can experience. Same is not true on M3, because xDrive is available.

I do track the cars often, so the main attraction of the M2 is the better tires and brakes, but if I didn't track, there will be little to push me to M2.

[zero21]

Originally Posted by baron95

M340i to M3 can be a jump from 382HP to 543HP (CS).

The max jump from M240i to M2 is from 382HP to 453HP.

In fact the M240i xDrive will likely out accelerate the M2 from 0 to road legal speed limits, which is what most people can experience. Same is not true on M3, because xDrive is available.

I do track the cars often, so the main attraction of the M2 is the better tires and brakes, but if I didn't track, there will be little to push me to M2.

Beyond that, no way BMW is stupid enough to let that car take the new M2 automatic to 60mph. I can definitely understand the manual version being on par or a little slower, but quoted times from BMW 0 to 60 already has the xDrive .2 behind.

I think 240i owners have a case of wishful thinking.

[Albator_IIII]

Originally Posted by baron95

M340i to M3 can be a jump from 382HP to 543HP (CS).

The max jump from M240i to M2 is from 382HP to 453HP.

In fact the M240i xDrive will likely out accelerate the M2 from 0 to road legal speed limits, which is what most people can experience. Same is not true on M3, because xDrive is available.

I do track the cars often, so the main attraction of the M2 is the better tires and brakes, but if I didn't track, there will be little to push me to M2.

There is a noticeable difference in chassis dynamics. If you cannot tell, then I am jealous as if that were the case for me, it would be an easier decision to forego the M variant.

Not trying to be an elitist prick. This is me and I am sure others will concur. The difference in the "butt dyno" and I am not talking about strict power can be substantial but also depends on the driver.

[DSTR]

Originally Posted by T_U_D

Let’s call spade a spade. No one in their right mind will want to frequently track a G87 as she is a fairly hefty pig. If one is a track rat, the G87 will not be the favored weapon of choice.

Fun on the track yes for one's occasion. For frequent track rat service there are some great options. I was a Lotus hound for years and for good reason

Also why the Emira i4 model is next.

[baron95]

Originally Posted by zero21

Beyond that, no way BMW is stupid enough to let that car take the new M2 automatic to 60mph. I can definitely understand the manual version being on par or a little slower, but quoted times from BMW 0 to 60 already has the xDrive .2 behind.

I think 240i owners have a case of wishful thinking.

As one who could care less about 0-60 times, I think you are in for a surprise.

The M240ixDrive with ZTK option (must have option with bigger summer tires and brakes) will easily dispatch the manual M2, and likely dispatch the M2 auto to 60MPH on the street (i.e. unprepared surface).

What BMW puts in their little performance summary box is just marketing numbers to keep the hierarchy going.

I'm going for the M2, but my decision is get the M2 now or wait 1 model year to see if an M2C materializes. It rubs me the wrong way that BMW is holding the S58 in the M2 back to such an extent.