[jbazz]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

At just about 700 miles, it was time for a road trip. We drove over 500 miles drove from northern NJ down I-81 and eventually to some of the Blue Ridge Parkway. On I-81, I was challenged by a white modified E90 which was fun, no, he could not catch me. We stopped at a motorcycle cabin rental place, on a farm right off the BRP. Through light rain, the mountain B-roads began to get more fun from here, dramatic banking, elevation changes, hairpin turns, all the good stuff. Except for a pot hole that resulted in a sidewall bubble on the front right.

Back on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Home base for the trip was the town of Asheville NC, great food, and live music. Once the weather had cleared, we got out early and headed 2 hours west towards the Tail of the Dragon, and the many other fun roads along the North Carolina / Tennessee border.

The M240i devours miles on the highway. In Eco mode we saw 35mpg driving around 80mph in hilly terrain. The ride quality and seating for two is very comfortable. I appreciate the exhaust valve closed, in the non-sport modes and the HK stereo. For a trip like this I do wish I had the auto cruise control. Passing on the highway is just effortless.

In the wet or damp twisty roads, the M240 xdrive is a grip monster. My car has the Pirelli P-zero non-RF summer tires. At no point did I slide or slip when pushing through the mountain roads in sport+.

We hit the Tail of the Dragon mid week when the roads dried up, and did one back and forth run. I pushed the car as hard as I could thought the tight 318 turns, and honestly got a new respect for this car. Accelerating hard out of the hilly turns, made the 225 fronts squeal, but at no point was I feeling the car out of sorts. Left traction and stability control on, and I never got the back end to move too much. I appreciated the steering more now for its speed and precision. Finally, I was moderately hard on the brakes, as I was sprinting between each set of turns. Yes, there is a little soft initial pedal feel, but that also allows you to lightly scrub speed. When pressed harder, the brakes work quite well even after repeated used. The tire temps got up to about 126F, air temp was about 72.

Overall, it was quite an amazing trip, over 2,200 miles now. This car can take you anywhere is comfort, safety, and speed. The driving dynamics are also great when on the fun roads. As a result of trying to achieve a balanced vehicle, the driver is little more isolated, and the car a bit heavier that a true sports car. But you also appreciate these same traits when used as your daily driver.

[tubingchamp]

Great post

I found the same on my longer trips (haven't done more than a 250KM trip so far).

I also kind of wish I had adaptive cruise, but it's not really too big of a deal.

Coming from a previous gen m240i, this car really is much more refined. I enjoy it a lot more (especially the highway cruising characteristics).

[Lord Two Hats]

Excellent report! My fiancée and I are planning a trip from NY down to Georgia once ours gets in.

[mechman]

Nice!!

Here is another fellow Thundernight at TOD

[BobHen]

Been driving my 2022 M240i for about a month. I have Continental Extreme non RFs on my M240i.

Everything you say: unlimited power, damp roads don’t matter, steering precision, brakes are fine, fantastic driving dynamics, ride quality and seat comfort, grip/cornering monster, etc. is absolutely right on the money – especially for a daily!

I’m in PA and most of our roads are also rather poor. I’ve had pothole/sidewall blowouts on other cars. In many areas, the roads are really a disgrace.

Speed, comfort and great handling dynamics, especially on fun roads – so true!

Good luck with yours.

Bob

[Lenny33]

Nice! Is the skirt lettering something you got as official m parts? Just wondering where I might get

[jbazz]

Originally Posted by Lenny33

Nice! Is the skirt lettering something you got as official m parts? Just wondering where I might get

Here you go Lenny33

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...bC1sNi1nYXM%3D

Originally Posted by BobHen

Been driving my 2022 M240i for about a month. I have Continental Extreme non RFs on my M240i.

Everything you say: unlimited power, damp roads don’t matter, steering precision, brakes are fine, fantastic driving dynamics, ride quality and seat comfort, grip/cornering monster, etc. is absolutely right on the money – especially for a daily!

I’m in PA and most of our roads are also rather poor. I’ve had pothole/sidewall blowouts on other cars. In many areas, the roads are really a disgrace.

Speed, comfort and great handling dynamics, especially on fun roads – so true!

Good luck with yours.

Bob

Thanks Bob - what size tires did you go with? I am going to put winters/ all seasons on the OEM wheels, and get a square sports setup. Sidewall damage is a common problem, the roads around here are no better...

[Lenny33]

Great thanks

[BobHen]

Originally Posted by jbazz

Here you go Lenny33

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...bC1sNi1nYXM%3D





Thanks Bob - what size tires did you go with? I am going to put winters/ all seasons on the OEM wheels, and get a square sports setup. Sidewall damage is a common problem, the roads around here are no better...

225/40ZR19 Continental ExtremeContact DW/S06 (non-run flat all season performance). All season for the weather here in PA.

I really like these.

If you get a sidewall blowout, run flats won’t save you. At least with the non-run flats a simple nail puncture can be plugged. I just purchased a flat tire repair kit and tossed it in the trunk. The non-run flats ride better as well.

Bob

[Lenny33]

Just wondering if that piece was easy to install? Ready to buy but not handy so wanted to check first. Thanks

[jwr0721]

Driving the BRP in my 2010 135i today. Having lunch in Asheville right now.

[conradb58]

Currently also on a road trip all over Germany !! Will report back with some nice photos. I'm so happy everyone is enjoying their cars.

[dct203]

Is that tanzanite blue? Looks gorgeous

[NYAWE60]

That is a sharp looking automobile my friend. The car sounds phenomenal.

[TheStanman]

Sounds like a great trip. You're spot on regarding the trade-offs. Car might not be quite as pure of a driver's car, but it makes for a more luxurious and enjoyable daily.

I just wish it maintained previous gen's rear seat space and the weight gain was just slightly less (RWD model will help some). Then I think it'd be the perfect update.

[jri_21]

Excellent report, beautiful ride!
Glad that you enjoyed your road trip…

[cfm56d7b]

Trip report worth duplicating as soon as possible. Thanks for sharing!

[bimmerlover]

Excellent post. And a great trip idea!
Hopefully mine will be here shortly and will take almost same car except with the
Brake/Oil cooler package and the Michelin Pilot Sport tires. We have very nice terrain for a similar experience in the Ozark Mountains of NW Arkansas

[DFW_M]

Great write up OP and great looking car.
Thanks for it posting the pics of the rear end

[jbazz]

Here are a few action shots, where you can see the suspension working hard on the TOD (not quite Auto-X hard but the best I can offer )

[jbazz]

Originally Posted by Lenny33

Just wondering if that piece was easy to install? Ready to buy but not handy so wanted to check first. Thanks

Pretty easy, but I have some experience applying graphics a few times before. they are long pieces, just take your time and align them before pressing firmly into place. A detailer would probably not charge much if you wanted to have it professionally done too.

[Lenny33]

Great thank you. Worth a shot