[alan7467]

Originally Posted by cjh

A majority of owners on this forum seem to be M240i owners, who do have amazing cars that are worthy of their praise. But as someone who has a lot of seat time in an M340i and who has test driven two M240s before buying my 230i, the 230i is way underrated and lives in the shadows of its more powerful sibling. It's such a playful car that strikes a great balance of power and handling. No, it definitely won't beat an M240 in any race, nor will it sound as good, but it also is by no means a car that feels slow or lacking excitement. I pretty much had my mind made up on an M240 until I test drove a 230 that happened to be on the lot in the spec I was otherwise looking for, which I ended up going home with. It also was $44K after options and sips gas...it almost feels economical.

Quite different cars and driving experiences, neither is bad.

Is your 230i RWD? Were the M240's xDrive? I've heard great things about the balance and cornering feel of the 230 in RWD. What I'm trying to figure out is if it's the reduction in weight and/or the RWD. I suppose the fixed suspension could really change the feel as well.

[donm527]

I wish there were reviews on the M240i RWD. Be nice if someone can do a comparison with the XDrive version.

For me, it's not 230i vs M240i. Right now my decision is narrowing down between RWD or $2000+ for XDrive.

I was thinking 230i earlier cause it's cheaper but they break down options more than on the 240 and by the time you have a 230 with enough options to make sure you have some of the same M options that are standard on the 240, you are in the $48K range already and rather spec a RWD M240i with a few options to go $52K.

Originally Posted by alan7467

Is your 230i RWD? Were the M240's xDrive? I've heard great things about the balance and cornering feel of the 230 in RWD. What I'm trying to figure out is if it's the reduction in weight and/or the RWD. I suppose the fixed suspension could really change the feel as well.

[alan7467]

Originally Posted by donm527

I wish there were reviews on the M240i RWD. Be nice if someone can do a comparison with the XDrive version.

For me, it's not 230i vs M240i. Right now my decision is narrowing down between RWD or $2000+ for XDrive.

I was thinking 230i earlier cause it's cheaper but they break down options more than on the 240 and by the time you have a 230 with enough options to make sure you have some of the same M options that are standard on the 240, you are in the $48K range already and rather spec a RWD M240i with a few options to go $52K.

At this stage I've driven both a G42 M240i xDrive and a 2021 Supra. I found the M240 very disconnected in its driving experience. It was very comfortable and fast, but masked it's speed more than I'd like. The Supra was certainly more engaging, but still felt rather disconnected, and it too masked it's speed.

Both of those experiences have opened me up to the idea of checking out the 230i. I don't necessarily care about outright straight line performance, but something quicker than the Miatas I've owned would certainly be nice (not exactly a tall order, haha).

Best of luck in your decision making process. Depending on what you're after I think this is an excellent platform to get into for the price.

[inc235]

Originally Posted by Dinosoar

I have a 230 MSport and L-O-V-E that car. In short, I chose better handling over better speed. Saved a ton a cash too, but that was less my purpose, though still cool.

While I am sure the M240 handles well as a street car, no way in can move and stop better than a 230 MSport just based on the comparative weights. I did down-content my order, and left off the roof, and installed lighter wheels. I also recognize that the handling differences are only really a thing closer to each car's limit...something not recommended on the street, IMO. Nonetheless, I feel the 230's handling is more usable to me than all that power. I don't track my BMW, so, there's that.

I did notice, that the 2023 230 while still available with the M Sport equipment, no longer has the M Sport brakes. No bueno!

Not trying to offend you, but I've found C&D results for m240xi appears to match/beat 230i (namely 70-0 mph, 100-0mph, and 300ft skidpad results).
So your statement maybe tire/brake dependent.
I know, m240xi is 323lbs heavier LOL.

So, at the expense of more consumables, it will not feel like a pig when comparing vs 230i.
If you feel m240xi is a pig, and considering 230i, you are looking at wrong car as it is not a light car at 3500lbs!

[Dinosoar]

No, not offended. Appreciate the data too. First things, though, I don't feel the M240x is a pig...it is a pig.

I agree the numbers are close, but they had very different front tires (225s to 245s, and Pirellis to Pilot 4S)...so key for those breaking tests...moreover, the x-drive's engine braking (so present in Sport mode) is far more effective too.

I agree that 3500lbs is heavy for a sport coupe too, but in the end, I stand by my opinion that the 230 is a better handling car than the M240x...even if it is close. For my specific build, I didn't get any luxury bits and deleted the sunroof, so I may likely have a car at least 50lbs lighter than this demonstrated delta.

Nice, post, even if I disagree with your basic premise that they're so close it doesn't really matter. Us Bimmer Drivers can be very particular...my particularity is less quickness and more vehicle dynamics, so I'm a 230 driver for the time being.

PS: What is up with that new M2 having a similar curb weight to an M240Xdrive??? No, won't compare my 230 to an M2, but that s##t is heavy!

[MPR]

Its only a pig on paper, it does not feel heavy at all while driving. The B58 engine has plenty power to move the weight.

[inc235]

Originally Posted by Dinosoar

No, not offended. Appreciate the data too. First things, though, I don't feel the M240x is a pig...it is a pig.

I agree the numbers are close, but they had very different front tires (225s to 245s, and Pirellis to Pilot 4S)...so key for those breaking tests...moreover, the x-drive's engine braking (so present in Sport mode) is far more effective too.

I agree that 3500lbs is heavy for a sport coupe too, but in the end, I stand by my opinion that the 230 is a better handling car than the M240x...even if it is close. For my specific build, I didn't get any luxury bits and deleted the sunroof, so I may likely have a car at least 50lbs lighter than this demonstrated delta.

Nice, post, even if I disagree with your basic premise that they're so close it doesn't really matter. Us Bimmer Drivers can be very particular...my particularity is less quickness and more vehicle dynamics, so I'm a 230 driver for the time being.

PS: What is up with that new M2 having a similar curb weight to an M240Xdrive??? No, won't compare my 230 to an M2, but that s##t is heavy!

Yeah I agree modern BMWs are all heavy AF... LOL
Zupra 2.0 at slightly less than 3200lb would be a better choice in terms of sportiness, if anyone is willing to sacrifice some practicality.

Originally Posted by MPR

Its only a pig on paper, it does not feel heavy at all while driving. The B58 engine has plenty power to move the weight.

Yes it sure doesn't feel heavy. lb/hp is actually decent.

230i RWD = 13.8lb/hp, AWD = 14.3lb/hp
m240i RWD = 9.8lb/hp, AWD = 10.1lb/hp
Zupra 2.0 = 12.5lb/hp
GR86 = 12.4lb/hp

[Hap]

Originally Posted by cjh

A majority of owners on this forum seem to be M240i owners, who do have amazing cars that are worthy of their praise. But as someone who has a lot of seat time in an M340i and who has test driven two M240s before buying my 230i, the 230i is way underrated and lives in the shadows of its more powerful sibling. It's such a playful car that strikes a great balance of power and handling. No, it definitely won't beat an M240 in any race, nor will it sound as good, but it also is by no means a car that feels slow or lacking excitement. I pretty much had my mind made up on an M240 until I test drove a 230 that happened to be on the lot in the spec I was otherwise looking for, which I ended up going home with. It also was $44K after options and sips gas...it almost feels economical.

Quite different cars and driving experiences, neither is bad.

Your photo of Thunder night is very nice. Could be on a BMW sales brochure. Nice to see there are other 2 series in Michigan. I never see any !

hap

[donm527]

This article says both coops deliver driving Purity and performance.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2022...s-cons-review/

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by MPR

Its only a pig on paper, it does not feel heavy at all while driving. The B58 engine has plenty power to move the weight.

Exactly! The SS 1LE is also a pig on paper, but try to beat it on the track. A well engineered car knows what to do with its weight, but you'll never confuse it for a Miata with proper coilovers.

[Dinosoar]

Originally Posted by MPR

Its only a pig on paper, it does not feel heavy at all while driving. The B58 engine has plenty power to move the weight.

No doubt at all that the engine is more than enough, but I am talking about handing which is everything else.

I feel, especially with the xdrive, that the understeer is too much...or more than I'd like. Sure, anyone can just add sticky 255s up front to dial that out, but when you do that to a 230 RWD (like I did) you get not only higher lateral grip, but a faster turn-in rate too...for either the M240 or the 230. One of those will have a better turn-in than the other. Higher thresholds are good, but there's a lot more to handling than basic thresholds...like how quick it'll take a set, how linear, how predictable the handing remains, and if it'll overheat after heavy use. The latter is more of a track problem, but you know what I mean.

For the record, I ain't knocking the M240. The I-6 is one of my favorite motors ever, and BMWs B58/S58 are atop that pile! I am just saying the 230 has got some real benefits, that's all.

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by Dinosoar

No doubt at all that the engine is more than enough, but I am talking about handing which is everything else.

I feel, especially with the xdrive, that the understeer is too much...or more than I'd like. Sure, anyone can just add sticky 255s up front to dial that out, but when you do that to a 230 RWD (like I did) you get not only higher lateral grip, but a faster turn-in rate too...for either the M240 or the 230. One of those will have a better turn-in than the other. Higher thresholds are good, but there's a lot more to handling than basic thresholds...like how quick it'll take a set, how linear, how predictable the handing remains, and if it'll overheat after heavy use. The latter is more of a track problem, but you know what I mean.

For the record, I ain't knocking the M240. The I-6 is one of my favorite motors ever, and BMWs B58/S58 are atop that pile! I am just saying the 230 has got some real benefits, that's all.

At the end of the day both the 230 and 240 are grand tourers, and both handle exceptionally well in that role. If someone wants to dominate roads like the Tail of the Dragon they will do it in either a GT3 or a Miata with Ohlins and sticky 245's.

As a sidebar, here's a picture of my son talking to his friend at The Dragon (we did a Miata trip from TX right before he left for bootcamp - mine is the black one and my son is the one standing). The friend is a local and I asked him if anyone can keep up and he said only another local that drives a silver GT3. Right before this picture I tried putting a gap on him when he caught up with us and I almost crashed - it was an eye opener!

Anyway, sorry for digressing...just strolling down memory lane.

[Saturns]

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

At the end of the day both the 230 and 240 are grand tourers, and both handle exceptionally well in that role. If someone wants to dominate roads like the Tail of the Dragon they will do it in either a GT3 or a Miata with Ohlins and sticky 245's.

As a sidebar, here's a picture of my son talking to his friend at The Dragon (we did a Miata trip from TX right before he left for bootcamp - mine is the black one and my son is the one standing). The friend is a local and I asked him if anyone can keep up and he said only another local that drives a silver GT3. Right before this picture I tried putting a gap on him when he caught up with us and I almost crashed - it was an eye opener!

Anyway, sorry for digressing...just strolling down memory lane.

Was at the Tail too last summer. Super busy and many not so great drivers not staying within their lane but a great time nonetheless.
Back of Dragon was way more crazy and fun and challenging.

[Saturns]

230i is a great car. Linear power. Light on the turns. A bit quiet engine. But to me was a little low on power. The m235i Gran coupe fwd bias xdrive was even more fun and a crotch rocket (albeit mini jwc in disguise)
M240i suited my needs more. Again it comes down to each individuals needs, likes, expectation and budget. Either car is amazingly balanced car and feels like a bmw vs. the m235i GC which in itself was a great car but felt odd with fwd torque pull and torque steer. I didn't mind its looks either vs some other comments. My wife loved it.

[HNSKP]

Originally Posted by Dinosoar

I feel, especially with the xdrive, that the understeer is too much...or more than I'd like. Sure, anyone can just add sticky 255s up front to dial that out, but when you do that to a 230 RWD (like I did) you get not only higher lateral grip, but a faster turn-in rate too...for either the M240 or the 230. One of those will have a better turn-in than the other. Higher thresholds are good, but there's a lot more to handling than basic thresholds...like how quick it'll take a set, how linear, how predictable the handing remains, and if it'll overheat after heavy use. The latter is more of a track problem, but you know what I mean.

Just got back from BMW Performance Center West where I autocrossed the 240 xdrive, Z4 40i and F87C among other cars. I felt initial turn-in was ok but suffered from terrible midcorner understeer at 8/10s that can’t be corrected with throttle. Bigger front tires and negative camber would make it much more competitive. In comparison, the Z4 and F87C felt much better balanced and tossable. For reference: DSC on and same Continental tires on all cars.

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by HNSKP

Just got back from BMW Performance Center West where I autocrossed the 240 xdrive, Z4 40i and F87C among other cars. I felt initial turn-in was ok but suffered from terrible midcorner understeer at 8/10s that can’t be corrected with throttle. Bigger front tires and negative camber would make it much more competitive. In comparison, the Z4 and F87C felt much better balanced and tossable. For reference: DSC on and same Continental tires on all cars.

I scratch my head at people tracking the 240, especially on tight technical courses.

[Saturns]

Let me leave this right here...

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by Saturns

Let me leave this right here...

That's a good video, and Misha is one of the Ring's top gods, but hardly a tight technical course like we predominately see in the States.

[Skeeter44]

Coming from a E92 328xi to a new 230i I agonized over this decision but was not going to spend much over $50K and did not want AWD so ended up with the 230i

The car rides better, handles better, is significantly faster with better brakes and gas mileage. My car has the M Sport Pkg and Dynamic Handling. Ofc the 240i is probably awesome but I am very happy so far.

[Evilmoretea]

So I went 230i in the end.

There was a very attractively prices M240i with 5k miles available but I also got a good discount on the 230i and I wanted the new car feeling with no mileage and longer warranty as the M240i was old.

In terms of performance the 230i M sport is perfect for me, I’m coming from a fiat 500! I’m definitely an enthusiast and i kart. But still the 230i is plenty powerful. I’m my m240i test drives I couldn’t get the full range of the power without speeding excessively.

Finally the only “regret” I have about the M240i is the fact that it’s the “top of the Range, has the M badge and sounds a bit better. However even the sound is bad here in the UK due to OPF filters.

So in the end, when I’m sat in the car park next to an old gen, louder M240i I do feel a bit jealous. But the driving experience of the 230i is perfect.

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by Evilmoretea

So I went 230i in the end.

There was a very attractively prices M240i with 5k miles available but I also got a good discount on the 230i and I wanted the new car feeling with no mileage and longer warranty as the M240i was old.

In terms of performance the 230i M sport is perfect for me, I’m coming from a fiat 500! I’m definitely an enthusiast and i kart. But still the 230i is plenty powerful. I’m my m240i test drives I couldn’t get the full range of the power without speeding excessively.

Finally the only “regret” I have about the M240i is the fact that it’s the “top of the Range, has the M badge and sounds a bit better. However even the sound is bad here in the UK due to OPF filters.

So in the end, when I’m sat in the car park next to an old gen, louder M240i I do feel a bit jealous. But the driving experience of the 230i is perfect.

After owning the M240i for about a 1/2 year I will say, which I never thought I'd say, there's something to be said about driving a slower performance car. The speed comes so easy with the M240i that city speed limits come and go so quick and effortless that sometimes I find myself wishing I had to work a little harder.

[Cwatt79]

I agree 100% that the 230i is the perfect level of performance for everyday driving. I consider myself a mild enthusiast, although I don't do any type of track driving with my personal car. When I've owned more powerful cars in the past, I felt like they're "chomping at the bit" and could never truly be unleashed on everyday drives, at least at a risk level I'm comfortable with. It's always annoyed me to no end.

It's how I realized that I need to buy an appropriate car for the job - I don't want the biggest engine just for the sake of it. I want the engine that gives me the most fun on my monotonous half hour commute and while running errands - 99% of how time in my car is spent. Enough power to have fun, that you can reasonably wring out on public roads without too much risk of hurting someone or going to jail. Hell, even the 230i is almost too much. I can't tell you how many times I've merged on to the interstate and looked down and thought, "dang, I'm already at 80, and I was just starting to have fun."

Suspension/handling, however, is something I prioritize. The 230i with the M Sport goods fits the bill perfectly. I only wish it still offered the Dynamic Handling package for the M Sport differential. I'm thankful I was at least able to find one with the Shadowline package for the good brakes.

P.S. I'll admit that my stated opinions don't stop me from feeling a little badge envy when I see an M or M-Lite car.