[baege]

Hey folks

so I am leaning towards moving into a one car does it all for all.

I am thinking the g42 m240i is that car for me.

I have considered several other cars but keeping back to the M240i.

Here's why I am considering it over the following:

M2 Comp DCT: rougher ride, older so won't offer the same longevity, doesn't offer the awd capability
Lexus IS 500: 8 speed can't compare to the ZF for directness and immediacy of paddles (I love manual so I need at least a responsive paddle), no awd
G87 M2: I prefer the low end torque of the B58 for an everyday car and again the AWD that works for the climate I am in
S5 sportback: lacks the BMW DNA in handling, just don't think it will be as fun, but to be fair I haven't driven one

would appreciate people's thoughts on these comparisons, did you cross shop these other cars and come to similar conclusions?

[Pentland]

You seem to be coming back to AWD “for the climate you’re in”.
XDrive won’t help you much in snow. It will help you get the power down and it will help you say out hedges. Personally I like to be in a different kind of bush after a drive.

My line of thinking for the cars in your selection.
M2 - any kind, expensive to run, harsh ride for the city I’m in, how much for <0.5 0-60 improvement? (Note different pricing in the good of US of A.)
S5 - have a word. Driven by angry small people.
Don’t like Toyotas either.

[XC3LLR8]

Sounds like AWD is a priority. I don't need to tell you AWD makes a HUGE difference in the snow, especially with winter tires. There's a reason Subaru's are the official car of every location that has harsh winters.

I knew the G87 was coming out and I could've easily waited, or even traded, once it did. However, I'm so over the track-oriented car scene. I love low-end torque, but not enough to buy an EV. Around town the G42 is going to be as quick, and sometimes quicker than the M2. If you need a little more simply add a JB4 and xHP Flashtool, maybe even a DP, and try out that combo leaving a light while in Sport Plus! Low 3's is enough to make some passengers feel a little nauseous, including my wife who made me promise no more launches with her in the car.

The other cars I considered was the new Golf R, but that was only because I didn't know anything about the G42 at the time. After seeing one in person I was glad it never happened. The other I was on the fence about was the new RS3. However, the FWD bias was probably the biggest thing that turned me off.

If you're going to hit the track, or plan to heavily mod for high speeds, go with the M2. If you want a damn fast car that's a joy to daily drive, great on road trips, and will actually leave you staring at the green traffic light ahead and willing it to turn red, then the M240i should leave you satisfied.

[aiursblade]

As someone who has driven an S5 sport back almost as much as I have my M240i now, your analysis is absolutely correct. The S5 is a great car, super comfortable and imo looks great, but it is not as engaging as the M240. The M240i feels much faster and takes turns more aggressively, without loosing dailyable comfort. If you don’t need the space of the sport back (there is a ton in there) then I’d go for the M240.

[Pentland]

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

Sounds like AWD is a priority. I don't need to tell you AWD makes a HUGE difference in the snow, especially with winter tires.

Tyres will make the biggest difference and it’s naive to suggest x drive makes a huge difference even if you put it in capital letters. It will get you going but in snow you need control and stopping ability.

Also remember xdrive is not a user controllable AWD, you can’t lock the diff for example.

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by Pentland

Tyres will make the biggest difference and it’s naive to suggest x drive makes a huge difference even if you put it in capital letters. It will get you going but in snow you need control and stopping ability.

Also remember xdrive is not a user controllable AWD, you can’t lock the diff for example.

"Tires" (not tyres) will absolutely make the biggest difference. But if you stop to consider the geography that often comes with snowy regions, then perhaps it's not so naive to put HUGE in all caps. If you've never experienced an AWD car with winter tires taking-off up a steep hill, then you should try it sometime. Starting is 1/3 of the stopping and controlling equation.

And locking the diff is irrelevant unless you're climbing Engineer's Pass outside Ouray, CO in the winter. That's not what these cars are about. Although, I did venture up part of Imogene Pass in my STi.

[Pentland]

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

"Tires" (not tyres) will absolutely make the biggest difference.

It’s tyres and I’ll not debate that further from a native of a country that’s at least 2/3rds younger than buildings in my city.

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

If you've never experienced an AWD car with winter tires taking-off up a steep hill, then you should try it sometime.

I’m not going to rise to that immature condescending comment.

[RICH S202]

I was all set to order an RS3 until i was told i would be waiting about a year and a half for delivery. So i went with the next obvious choice, an M240i 😃

[LivingInSalt]

Originally Posted by Pentland

You seem to be coming back to AWD “for the climate you’re in”.
XDrive won’t help you much in snow. It will help you get the power down and it will help you say out hedges. Personally I like to be in a different kind of bush after a drive.

My line of thinking for the cars in your selection.
M2 - any kind, expensive to run, harsh ride for the city I’m in, how much for <0.5 0-60 improvement? (Note different pricing in the good of US of A.)
S5 - have a word. Driven by angry small people.
Don’t like Toyotas either.

Haha, you get it guys? This person LOVES having SEX with women!

[Ricochet48]

I would go G42 with xDrive in Toronto (similar weather to city, Chicago).

Yes tires are the most important, but I would still want AWD and winter tires for max performance (and then swap to a nice summer setup).

[applecst]

I was in a similar boat myself. There's simply not that many choices in this sector. IMHO, S5, m440i, or m4 they are too big for my use case. Don't really need that much space. RS3 is very tempting but I just hate sedan lol. I would've probably gotten the rs3 if we have that hatch back option here. Let's face it, rs3 is in the next league with m2. But the sedan body style was a deal breaker for me. Now There's the new m2 g87. Styling wise it has a lot of common designs as the m240i which I like but the current mark up on this car is not not justifiable. Would love to have the real M badge but it's more of an ego thing and the feeling of owning a true M car. Practically m240i is plenty enough for me. That being said I think m240i is the sweet spot in this league. At the end of the day it's your choice. 🙌

[Pentland]

Originally Posted by LivingInSalt

Haha, you get it guys? This person LOVES having SEX with women!

I bet you laugh 3 times at every joke.
Once when it’s told, once when it’s explained to you and once when you get it.

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by Pentland

I bet you laugh 3 times at every joke.
Once when it’s told, once when it’s explained to you and once when you get it.

It used to annoy me when I'd see you replied to a comment, because you're that grumpy ol' mate sitting in the corner in the back of a dark room.

Now it entertains me when I see you replied to a comment, because you're that grumpy ol' mate sitting in the corner in the back of a dark room.

[Pentland]

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

It used to annoy me when I'd see you replied to a comment, because you're that grumpy ol' mate sitting in the corner in the back of a dark room.

Now it entertains me when I see you replied to a comment, because you're that grumpy ol' mate sitting in the corner in the back of a dark room.

You know me so well. You’re so right as usual. Clown.

[zipstic]

There aren't too many cars that directly compete with the M240 X-Drive. The "competitors" seem to be in a different class or price bracket.

2 Door Coupes (most would consider these cars up a class)
-M440 X-Drive
-S5 Coupe
-Mercedes C43 AMG Coupe
-Porsche 718 (RWD only)
-Supra (RWD only)

4 Door
-RS3
-Mercedes CLA AMG 45
-Golf R

Other cars that don't make the list based on size or price
-M4
-Z4
-TTS
-370Z
-Lexus RC(F)

The RS3 is tempting, but the M240i X-Drive at ~$10k less is a better value in my opinion. (Let alone the fact that it's difficult to find or order an RS3.)

[Ricochet48]

Originally Posted by zipstic

There aren't too many cars that directly compete with the M240 X-Drive. The "competitors" seem to be in a different class or price bracket.

2 Door Coupes (most would consider these cars up a class)
-M440 X-Drive
-S5 Coupe
-Mercedes C43 AMG Coupe
-Porsche 718 (RWD only)
-Supra (RWD only)

4 Door
-RS3
-Mercedes CLA AMG 45
-Golf R

Other cars that don't make the list based on size or price
-M4
-Z4
-TTS
-370Z
-Lexus RC(F)

The RS3 is tempting, but the M240i X-Drive at ~$10k less is a better value in my opinion. (Let alone the fact that it's difficult to find or order an RS3.)

The coupe is unfortunately dead in the USA, especially one with a decent back seat. The M240i is in a very small niche class. The new Mercedes CLE is in it too, but will be much more expensive.

If I didn't need a backseat I would look at the Supra or Z in a 6MT. If I had more cash, I would go the Porsche route.

In terms of 4 doors, the RS3 is more on the level of the M2 (in terms of price and performance). I would MUCH prefer the hatch version, but that's never coming stateside. The M240i stomps the S3 and CLA45 though imo. It's wild, but the Integra is technically $51K and at the same level if you don't need AWD and must have a 6MT.

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by zipstic

The RS3 is tempting, but the M240i X-Drive at ~$10k less is a better value in my opinion. (Let alone the fact that it's difficult to find or order an RS3.)

I had my name on a RS3 at MSRP and then the dealership just went quiet. Figured they no longer wanted to sell for MSRP?

Months go by and I get a call asking if I'm still interested. By now I had the M240. Then months later I get another call telling me they have one for sale if I'm interested. I was surprised it wasn't spoken for.

[advr6]

The M240i a great daily driver and we can't get the current RS3 in Canada. Comfortable with great fuel economy on the highway yet fast with good handling on a back road.

I had mine out in a major snowstorm and rainstorms and the x-drive is great. This is with dedicated winter wheels and tires.

Then only gripe I have is the lack of steering feel. You probably want to keep your GTS if that matters to you ...

[KO7]

I could be in-between going with the M240i, or the Integra Type S. I love a good manual, but I’ve driven Honda manuals for most of my life and am nearing the point where some days I just want a high performance, fast automatic after a long work day. The B58 engine and availability of a sunroof are also huge pluses for me with the M240i over the ITS. Also really like the Thundernight Metallic colour.

Price delta is around $13k CAD here in Canada with the minimum options I’d “need” on the M240i. I figure if I really miss rowing my own, I could pick up a used Miata down the road.

Would love a G87 M2 but it’s overkill for my driving usage and ability, and it’s about another $15k+ more expensive over the M240i.

[dy444]

I've had my 240 for 3 weeks now. I had an F82 M4 before. I thought this was going to be a bit of a comedown but it really isn't.

In UK real world driving (ie not track) there is no discernable difference to me in usable performance or handling. It's more sure footed, it feels more nimble despite its weight, the ride is less fidgety and the fuel consumption is way better. Yes the steering is a tad more vague than the M4 which bothers some people a lot but I'm not really noticing that now I've got used to it.

Unless you have a genuine need for the additional performance of the M2 or care a lot about what you're seen driving then imo the 240 is both practical and ideal for sporty real world driving.

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by dy444

Unless you have a genuine need for the additional performance of the M2 or care a lot about what you’re seen driving then imo the 240 is both practical and ideal for sporty real world driving.

That could go two different ways with new M2.

[danallxt]

Having grown up and worked in extreme northern Wisconsin i do know a bit about driving in snow/icy conditions. You would have residential streets that would not see bare pavement for 3 months (temps not getting above freezing). When i first started driving (mid 60's) all ya had mostly was rear wheel drive (actually 1 wheel drive), but ya learned to drive with it as that's all most passenger cars were. Folks that drove a lot then would put winter tires all around as they realized ya needed front traction for turning. Then in later years i acquired my first front wheel drive (French Renault), what a revelation, awesome in the snow comparatively.
Now ya got all-wheel drive variations. Anyone telling me all-wheel drive ain't any good in the snow....well...it doesn't deserve a response.
But most importantly, especially for ice, is the proper tire. I would probably prefer a front wheel drive only with correct winter tires vs an all wheel drive with summer tires only any day. There are tires designed for deep snow and others specialize more for icy conditions.

Best of all, all-wheel drive with proper winter tires. With the 240x you will be limited in deep snow basically by the low ground clearance as snow piles up and compacts under your car leaving ya basically high sided.