Test Drive: 2018 BMW M240i

No shortage of models to choose from in the BMW family... overwhelming, some might say.
Graeme checks out the M240i to find out if it’s all M or just a good compromise when it comes to price (relatively speaking) and performance over its siblings.
For more stories about the BMW 2 Serires, hit the link - www.guideautoweb.com/en/makes...
To watch all our most up to date content, check out our TV show schedule - www.guideautoweb.com/en/motor...
Check out our website for full episodes from our archives, more full segments, articles and more - www.guideautoweb.com/en/video...
Check out our Facebook - / motoringtv.ca
Check out our Twitter - / motoringtv
Make sure to subscribe and like if you enjoyed this content! - bit.ly/2yoEX4r
(The segment originally aired on Motoring TV 2016 Episode #6)

[@Retrox1989]

"And it does not have blind spot monitoring" That shake of the head was hilarious.

[@marcvandeneynden]

I own a M240ix with automatic gear box. Every second I spent in this car is 100% total fun and a through unique driver experience. Try one and you will judge by yourself. The performance is absolutely impressive up to the point that it is rather difficult to exploit the potential of this car on normal roads.The M-performance exhaust adds even more fun.

[@lblesbowden6748]

Marc Vanden Eynden I am picking up my new 2018 M240i xdrive this Friday at my local BMW dealership and cannot wait. This car is so impressive with near limitless potential. My permagrin commences on 16 Mar 2018! Let the fun begin....:)

[@marcvandeneynden]

You will not be disappointed. Make sure you stay under 3500 RPM during the first 1200km :)

[@kdabbey]

The manual says 5000 RPM, not 3500

[@mbmpablo3631]

So what do you think about the car after some months of driving?

[@RaffyUkon]

@@mbmpablo3631 Yeah I am curious too.

[@haldymowski427]

Just had M performance exhaust installed on my 2020 M240xi. Love it! Love this car!❤️

[@TheMarkcu24]

It comes with blind spot monitoring, it's called side view and rear view mirrors and road awareness.

[@haslettworm1644]

Well said!

[@mathieucossette9019]

Ok, you convinced me to buy an automatic one! Thanks all the great details! If I win loto-max, I'll get one!

[@-Munditimum-]

You mentioned the genesis coupe as one of the competitors? You realise that production of it stopped in 2016??

[@ShogunsDojo]

What is going on with the fitment of that car

[@hanwagu9967]

Seriously? Blind spot detection is an issue? Let me see, does the MSRP $70,910 2018 Cayman S with PDK or the MSRP $54,900 2018 Audi RS3 have blind spot detection? So, the MSRP $47,450 2018 M240i xdrive doesn't have blind spot detection on base model, and that is somehow an issue? Actually, for MSRP $500, you can get Driving Assistance Package vs Audi $1500 vs Porsche $700 for LCA.

[@mastertoxophilite]

Agreed. At first I thought it would be a problem but the visibility is so good, you don't need it anyway.

[@NoWay23548]

I love how this car has "Suspenders". You can't be too careful. :)

[@charkycat]

safety is a priority but if you can't drive a small car safely without a blind spot monitoring feature. you shouldn't be driving. this is a fun car to drive.

[@connerflick3127]

From music to cars, Mercedes-Benz USA debuted a new television ad to mark the launch of its all-new C230 sports coupe. The television spot will run during programs including West Wing, Frasier, Friends, NYPD Blue, Good Morning America, Spin City and the Tonight Show. The spot will also air on national cable networks including VH1 and Comedy Central.

[@babajungLA]

Secret - The M240i Xdrive with Auto will get from 0-60 MPH in 4.2 seconds according to BMW, many auto mags have run 4.0 flat...if 4.6 wasn't quick enough.

[@BalleKLorin-sk8qg]

from a dead stop or tight corners the xdrive is superior, but for driving feel and rolling acceleration the sdrive rules.

[@DANNY40379]

@@BalleKLorin-sk8qg xdrive for nordic countries is a must

[@butt5810]

i love those wheels!!

[@christianfriedrichs]

Yeah! What are these?

[@richardchampagne4395]

Wish you reviewed the M2 too

[@Mazda6B6]

looks like it.

[@seang2822]

Are the tires spaced to make it look wider? It looks non standard in the video

[@eloneatmyshorts]

Sean G I wholly agree. Out looks like the offsets are pushed so the wheels stick out beyond the fenders with wider width wheel/tire combo. Either this is fitted for Australian market or it's a non standard setup on this car. Either way, it looks odd.

[@seang2822]

BodegaBay doubt if is Aus Standard

[@robrobinson5296]

This is not an Australian model. It's left hand drive for a start. Australian models have 18 inch 436M wheels like the rest of the world. The wheels on this test car look plain wrong.

[@cLRYY]

Has spacers on it.

[@michaelanderson7708]

Its on spacers, looks good

[@yahtadi5152]

I even dont know what the hell is blindspot monitoring

[@cLRYY]

3:51 seriously, who holds the steering wheel like that?

[@stevew145]

cLeaRLyyy you don’t hold your wheel at 11 and 1?! Lol can’t be very preside holding it like that. I feel like you wouldn’t get much control.

[@defyyourlogic487]

You don't need blind spot monitoring, because this thing doesn't have much of a blind spot at all.

[@justinmaccreery2490]

This is true. If you're in the habit of looking behind you over your left shoulder (in the US; right in right hand drive cars), you'll have full visibility. There is no blind spot IF you always look

[@Perpetuum_1502]

I own this car as 2017 model and it's xDrive version. Now my question to you guys is what wheels and tires the car used for the review had. Also the stance looks wider than normal so I wonder if there were some wheel spacers used on that car. Thanks

[@dann3410]

This thing has aftermarket wheel spacers?

[@vinnievanveen2736]

the fronts were bit wide right !!

[@BIOHAZARDXXXX]

I've never seen someone so disappointed by such a benign problem. Why do you even need blind spot monitoring?

[@BalleKLorin-sk8qg]

those weels got the wrong et for bmw Fx cars. It is for F3x.

[@Happyclapper]

I think he had something else on his mind at 3.02, lol.

[@Nickodarius]

The manual may be slower but is the better choice.

[@germanengineering204]

The manual in this car ain't the greatest while the ZF 8speed is great, and paddle shifting in this car is really good!

[@sbabinie]

Yeah, I don't know about those listed negatives. The thing that is really keeping me back from the M240i is the open differential. An LSD would make this a no-brainer for me.

[@MultiTheRaptor]

You can order one at a BMW dealership and you get a warranty for it. You can also opt for the LSD while specing it out.

[@haslettworm1644]

Add one for $2.5K!!!!

[@justinmaccreery2490]

@@haslettworm1644 And, that's why I don't have one. Frankly, the cornering feel with the car is fantastic even without one. But it would be awesome to get one and compare the feel. Maybe next year...

[@ashneel]

Surely the offset if the wheels ain't stock..

[@BalleKLorin-sk8qg]

Its the m4 winter wheels.

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

Blindside monitoring? I keep my head on a swivel.

[@solarflare1008]

Better fuel economy with the automatic rather than the manual? Far and away the majority of old BMW on the roads are manual, not the automatic....

[@samwan4957]

This is 2018, not 2000. Its been a long time coming, modern day automatics are better than manuals. This is fact and yes it saves gas. Not surprising.

[@andrewkavadas6669]

I have the manual. M performance Pack. I have owned over 50 cars in my 40 years of driving. This car is what BMW used to build only waaaaaaay better. Getting this car in an automatic is just a complete waste of a proper driver's car in my honest opinion. This car is indeed very fast but it is more about handling and astounding balance and grip.... not drag racing. The chassis is perfection. Don't get me wrong it is plenty fast in a straight line in fact I did humble a young fool in an (automatic) Mustang GT just the other day. Simply put, I enjoy the art of actual driving. To me that means the manual and ONLY the manual transmission. Traction control off. Rev matching off. It means down shifting using engine braking into a tight corner, selecting the correct gear, and exiting said corner at maximum velocity. Absolute pure heaven in this ultimate driving machine. Good old heel n toe. Paddle shifting with a computer handling everything else is not what I consider driving a car. It is following the car around. Also your brakes will last much much longer. I can easily put my seat belt on. Heads up displays are generally annoying in my experience (unless you are piloting an F-16). This car has more than enough luxury, comfort and convenience features for my tastes.....besides you add weight with too many bloated fat cat features. I don't miss blind spot monitoring. The M240i is a well designed vehicle with proper sight lines and I have a functioning human brain with my "head on a swivel" so I can see obstacles and avoid them! What a concept! So yes in a 0-60 run the automatic is a thinly sliced hair faster...but when the empty twisty canyon/mountain/country/urban/ road lies before you...you will be filled with buyer's remorse for not opting for the proper gearbox for this magnificent beast. THE MANUAL.

[@SimoneLOrso]

Tyres and wheels ? They're not stock... Too large for the chassis... 🤔

[@justinmaccreery2490]

They looked like snow-tires. The Michelin Super-Sports were stock here in the US in 2018

[@wardpr68]

Blind spot monitoring is for people who don't know how to drive, let's be honest.

[@samwan4957]

Have a M240xi and been driving it for over a year. I generally drive too fast for anyome to be in my blind spot tbh. But yes that is very true.

[@tongsun3136]

Sam Wan same here ，got the convertible version m240

[@SergeiFedorov77]

Yes, so true. But is is a good thing because there are plenty of people out there who need and should have it.

[@acroracing]

It's for blind people.. people with eyes can check for themselves.

[@ninpohimiko]

2018 MCLAREN 720S BASE PRICE $489,000 / AS TESTED $549,000 PLUS / MINUS ▲ Exhilarating performance ▲ Breathtaking handling + Awesome exhaust note _ ▼ No rear seats ▼ No blind spot monitoring 4.0L V8 710 HP / 568 lb-ft

[@FunFearParity]

Only the manual gearbox will give you the ultimate driving pleasure on the bendy roads, even though it might not be the smoothest box ever. But let's face it : with an automatic gearbox you are never in full control when things gets tricky. And if fuel economy is your top priority then get an 220d. Also I have never missed the blind spot monitoring once.

[@bobstarr]

fun, when the gear changing is done with the paddles you can completely control it without computer override. it will bounce off the red line until you shift up, but it will shift down before a stall. What more do you want?

[@tluehrig]

That's not true, FunFearParity... I own the M140i with the sport automatic and I can assure you, that you always have full control. Let's face it: You don't have a clue!

[@FunFearParity]

I owned a couple of powerful cars with DCT before, but in the end i ended up using the manual mode, cuz only I can see what comes ahead of me and the computer can't do that kind of anticipation. I was happy I could get M240i with a manual still (and a mechanical handbrake!) Ah well, I guess it's like arguing about iOS or Android. Both have their pros and cons, but with the latter I feel more involved and and more in control. I suppose you own a iPhone ;-)

[@bobstarr]

true, true, iphone vs samsung...i'm in the market... here is what i noticed going from manual to auto...the manual feels faster because i'm doing something while the car switches gears and spools up. in the auto i'm waiting while the gear changes so i notice the one second delay. this is just at the beginning of a pass while the car gears down. once it's up and revving the gears snap and it's ok, but that initial delay feels kind of weird.

[@tluehrig]

No, I own an android device... You can use autoshift and also the manual mode - you said it yourself. So why the manual? The automatic shifts faster than you can do it manually and it has 8 gears (last gear is overdrive). So it's even faster and uses less fuel. No reason for a manual. And bob starr: Which delay? Delay was in the past. The sport automatic does nothing you you have to wait for.

[@ELGlueckert]

It feels like Graeme Fletcher is Canada's version of John Davis from Motorweek but I think he's a bit better than John.

[@nz7555]

Wtf is with tyres??

[@3piridacius806]

9.6l for 100km, check the bort computer please :D

[@jamesrogulski5676]

"Does not have blind spot monitoring" (shakes his head). You should know that -- when you properly adjust your side view mirrors -- there is no blind spot. SMH.

[@hrcanda]

What’s up with those wheels? Too wide

[@jluuhalo1286]

no way those are stock

[@TTRAXX]

Hector Rodriguez agreed. Not so much too wide as too much poke because of the offset. I think they are mounted with winter tires btw, so likely not the correct OE size

[@hanwagu9967]

what do you mean too wide? those are stock 18"

[@hanwagu9967]

if assumption winter tires then not being correct OE size, then it would actually be smaller 17" not the stock 18". But those rims are stock 18".

[@NoWay23548]

Yeah, must have either wrong ET or too wide spacers.

[@jamesdaggett20]

This car is wasted with an automatic transmission. Being 2 tenths of a second faster to 60 isn't as important as the engagement the manual trans gives you, IMO.

[@germanengineering204]

I hear ya but the paddle shifting is really fun, and it's close to a half second difference 0to 60 actually ! I had a manual in my last ride for many years, and honestly this transmission works well, and I'm glad I bought it in auto no regrets.

[@justinmaccreery2490]

It took me over a month to find a new M240i with a manual in the Washington DC area (where there are like 5 BMW dealers) in 2017. But the search was totally worth it. It might not get off the line as quick, but it's so rewarding to row through your own gears. The only disadvantage is the auto-blip cannot be turned off and now, my heel-toe is out of practice. Oh well, maybe a 718 GTS next year will get me all the heel-toe practice needed (if they're still selling them)

[@Macaroni646]

If you're too lazy to do a blindspot check, you shouldn't be on the road. The reliance on technology is depressing.

[@albertoleonetti3378]

👌👋👋🎼🎶🇦🇷🥂

[@hotrod135thefirst]

The wheels look too small for the body,

[@samsara3694]

Yeh, I think it's made worse by having a lot of metal over the D post to the stumpy rear. I'm not into modding cars or adding go faster bits but the first thing I did was put 19 inch wheels on. Mind you, on stock suspension it still sits a bit high (even if not aiming for a street look). On another matter, I think the review over-eggs how the car handles. It;s okay, but the car is a fun GT, not a performance car (which is fine in my book).

[@jdcramirez1930]

still not an authentic M vehicle.

[@BalleKLorin-sk8qg]

The very first (after the icon M1)car to come out of BMW Motorsport GmbH was actually 1979 E12 M535i, so BMW has some roots to support the re-launch of the M-performance line, to slot right under the more track focus`d M cars. That some folks put there nose up in the sky because its not a "real" M, points to their lack of understanding or to justify their purchase of their expensive M car.

[@defyyourlogic487]

Noone says this is an M car. Why is it so hard for people to understand the M performance lineup?

[@chasing3suns]

Saying that the automatic is the better choice earned you the automatic dislike!👎

[@brianvanfrank574]

A drivers car, and he's an enthusiast who would choose an automatic? Shame on him

[@firstlast84]

Brian van Frank different strokes for different folkes. I love driving a manual more often than not, but there are days where I'd rather have an automatic.

[@8teate]

Such an American comment