The BMW M140i's ACHILLES' heel...

[@louisscott6214]

I swapped an m140i for Mégane 275 trophy...As much as I enjoyed the engine of the BM and the build quality, not to mention rwd. I didn't forsee the swap but once I had driven the megane, with the steering feel and chassis so unbelievably captivating it had to be done. If you are ever in Scotland - more than happy for you to take a spin!

[@MarkCup70]

Thanks Louis! I drove a Megane 275 (might have been a 250/265, they're all kind of the same!) for the first time recently and immediately thought "yep, this is a HOT hatch!". The owner has recently swapped it for an M135i though, such is the draw of a capable all rounder.

[@greymark420]

This is why i enjoy my FK8 so much. It feels planted, take a corner the car just does not wander. Hit the accelerator and rocket through the corner. It gives the driver bags of confidence and to top it of, the gearbox is sublime mechanical short. It really feels the car was made for twisty, sharp corners and when ever i experience those kind of roads, it puts a smile on my face. Rev matching is just a bonus.

[@Saavvvv]

Come on Mark. Let's get on to the next chapter with this car and give it a stage 1 tune. The engine is begging for it and you know that the LSD is too! I doubt I'm alone in wanting to see you use your car on track with a bit more grunt!

[@MarkCup70]

I'm 50/50 on more power. I think yes, why not, and then I just think...why? It has plenty already to make use of the LSD and I think it's got just about the right power for the chassis. As is often the case if I upped the power I'd probably then find other aspects of the car really lacking, and that's a very slippery slope to be on. Having said that...with that glorious B58, it does seem kind of rude not to do it, at some point......

[@Saavvvv]

@@MarkCup70 Yeah, to be fair the stage 1 is very mild anyway.. I'd see it as making full use of what you've got rather than finding areas lacking. People take these engines to crazy power, but obviously you can't use that on the road and some might argue it's a bit pointless. Stage 1, in my opinion, would be the ideal fast road option where you can still grab the car by the scruff of the neck without it getting crazy.

[@anthonypeet7613]

@@MarkCup70 how would mods effect insurance? I have done some quotes on a 140i shadow I'm 51 ( feels old when I see it written) and they seem to be coming around £500 fully comp. I have a clean licence no points or claims. When I put any mod on the quote it jumps £300 even if its brakes or suspension which may even make the car safer. I'm guessing if the mods are M performance stuff like LSD or exhaust you would not need to declare them as you can have them as an option?

[@MarkCup70]

@@anthonypeet7613 I'm not sure about with other insurers, but I'm with BMW Insurance and my LSD makes no change whatsoever to the premium because, as you say, it's an optional BMW part. I think the same applies with the M Perf exhaust as well. Try BMW for a quote...you have to be at least 25 years old (or it may even be 30) so for us in our age group, they're pretty good. Mine for the year, and with only a compulsory excess of £85 (no voluntary), the premium is less than £300!

[@anthonypeet7613]

@@MarkCup70 I did an online quote and it came in at around 700. I have clean license no points or accident claims. I'm 50years and a bit old. Maybe a call when I buy( after all this is over) may reduce price from them. From what I read the BMW thing does seem a bit hit and miss. 300 though is around 200 less than my best one. Maybe area plays a part. Cheers stay safe. All best Tony.

[@jamesreilly8455]

Think you've hit the nail on its head here Mark. I've recently got rid of the run flats and the handling has drastically improved. The car seems to squat down and grip beautifully out of corners. I'm looking forward now to explore its limits. Handles so much better.

[@Jrv200008]

What tires did you get? I'm still on my RFTs and they are awful.

[@jamesreilly8455]

Goodyear Eagle F1 super sports. Sorry for the late response 🤦‍♂️

[@mso8190]

This is the problem with many new BMWs. They feel quite numb but handle perfectly fine. The problem stems from the steering which doesn't offer much feel and feedback. I think Ford have engineered fantastic feel from the steering, pedals and gear lever which is why they are so satisfying to drive.

[@MarkCup70]

They have! Both my Fiesta ST and Focus RS had a really positive and sharp front end. The M140i does as well, but you have tolearn to trust it a whole load more.

[@mrjamesmay3548]

Completely agree! It’s can handle it just doesn’t inspire confidence. You just need lots of brave to realise how good it is 👍

[@pieterjordaan3989]

Agreed, I had a suzuki swift with 215s all around with bc coilovers and that feels really direct and planted but could never go through a corner as fast my 140i

[@kpmgjackson]

So spot on Mark. Guess that’s because people won’t pay that money to get a stripped out kind of car. Even speaking of the steering feel it actually is really good on dsc off. Only missing part out of factory is an lsd

[@MarkCup70]

If you like being a bit of a hooligan I can't recommend the LSD highly enough. If not though, it has questionable value.

[@Ollie_5]

Hi Mark, did you ever consider fitting the Birds B series sport suspension to your m140i when you had it? Aside from the LSD, the kit was was labelled as the “compulsory” upgrade. Have it fitted to my manual 2017 M240i LCI and the car is much more positive with steering input and it now breathes with the road. I wonder if it would have changed your perception at all?

[@fms.365]

Nice video... 🙏 I actually do enjoy the 140i. It's forever been a pleasure to drive like no other

[@daysofgrace2934]

TBH the same thing between my 987.2 Boxster & E87 120d. I found 1M front & rear tension struts, rear subframe bushes helped. It's the rose joints & firmer bushes of the 1M that provide the missing, I also changed the tyres to 18 inch Goodyear F1 Super Sports. I have sacrificed comfort a bit, I also have the Bilstein B12 kit for better feel & handling...

[@johncollins392]

Thanks for the info!,thinking of one for next car,though had doubts as regards the ultimate handling!,but as an 8/10ths driver I feel the car will be more than fine!.

[@anthonypeet7613]

Been watching your Mi40i stuff Mark. Very informative. I only signed up to youtube so I can comment. Hoping to get my own next year. Its giving me something to watch while I'm off work with all this lockdown going on. Cheers Tony

[@MarkCup70]

Thanks Anthony, glad I could help 👍

[@keithw4920]

Agree 100%. It hangs on but it doesn't give me the confidence somehow. It just feels odd and stressed when over 75%. But on that note, I didn't buy this car to be a corner carver but I wanted a mini-GT, torquey engine with smooth ZF box. In that respect it failed me because the ride at higher speeds is just too harsh even in comfort mode. I know its a shortish hatch but the Golf R on a similar wheelbase does the ride comfort thing much much better.

[@MarkCup70]

Passive or adaptive dampers? I find on adaptive it strikes a good balance of soft and smooth or firm and (a little bit more) connected.

[@keithw4920]

@@MarkCup70 Adaptive and as I mentioned, always in Comfort. Sport is just too damn choppy. The only time I liked it in Sport was when there were 5 passengers in the car and I felt that Comfort became too soft.

[@hl236]

K Wang I ditched my adaptive suspension for a passive setup and the car is now sublime.

[@richardc6884]

Agree 100%. A big part of the vague or floaty feel is the dampers. The adaptive aren’t great. I had a scirocco r with adaptives that were excellent. The adaptives in my m5 are excellent too. The ones in the 140 just have poor valving which is why they feel too floaty in comfort but too harsh in sport without that nice feeling of stability and stiffness you’d expect. The other big factor is the open diff. These cars have so much low down torque and short ratios, you probably don’t realize just how much the car is cutting power (and braking rear wheels) to manage wheel spin. At low speed the car very easily turns the tyres at fairly modest throttle openings. When you get an lsd you notice the car feels more planted even herb dsc on. It’s because with the diff the dsc isn’t having to cut power as much or as early. With the open diff turning dsc off doesn’t help much as the car just lights up the inside wheel at the slightest hint of throttle.

[@floras7826]

@@richardc6884isn’t this problem w too much torque without a diff solved by xdrive, i know u dont have it in the uk but every car here in sweden has xdrive so it will feel safer and handle the power better right?

[@andrewf7822]

I own a 140 3dr auto 2018. 100% agree with your comments. Came from a E90 M3. Does not feel as planted as M3 but will do what you ask of it if you give it a chance. Performance wise the M3 would not see where the 140 went. Awesome torque.

[@chaseperfectiondetailing5745]

Hi Mark. Just wondering if you race with all nanny’s off or just some? I’ve tried traction off on mine and it’s a nightmare to hold on to.

[@rogermanvell4693]

Excellent video so how can feel be improved ? M4 lca's, bilstein kit ?

[@MarkCup70]

All those things can improve the feel but at what cost? That's the thing for me. I like that the M140i can feel just as sedate as a normal 1 series when you want it, but you can still easily turn the pace right up to 11

[@richard1441]

I great and honest opinion, I was going for the 35i but now can’t wait to get the 40i Thank you

[@rossbethell4187]

The Skyline wasn’t efficient with its fluidity of driving in conjunction with being rattled by the presence of another in its mirrors. When you know that you should be pulling away from something lesser rated, lesser priced and less loud, and you’re not, you can get a bit messy and end up out driving yourself. Good laps though, using the car and it’s dynamic range fully, good bit of foot work. By the way, with left foot braking, does it drop onto base boost as soon as you’re trail braking?

[@stephenthomas5737]

I cant say I agree with what you say Mark, but I always find your vlogs interesting. Is that the sum total of your driving experience only going back to 2003 because mine goes back 30 years prior to that with a much larger and diverse selection of vehicle. ?

[@MarkCup70]

I've been driving since 1988 Stephen, but only had a Triumph Toledo, Fiesta 1.1L, and Peugeot 306 TD up until 2003. That's when I discovered the true joy of driving when I got the Clio 172 Cup. From that point onwards I've been bitten...and have tried to learn and improve ever since.

[@2candan1]

The only thing I’d complain about on the road (not tracked mine yet) with mine is the lack of steering feel. I think that’s where all off the vagueness/lack of sharpness comes from for me. The steering is really accurate and the car turns in well, it just doesn’t feel as alive as you expect. The brake pedal feel is also a little vague but I don’t mind that as much, especially not in normal driving. Neither of these things makes me love it any less

[@richierich9761]

Yep same with my 235i, I thought that this is what Mark would discuss, the steering is vague and disconnected almost especially when you drive a "proper" M car (Only driven the M4 though) , the M2 is far from perfect either of course

[@MarkCup70]

I don't have too much of an issue with the steering myself...it's not the most feelsome rack, but there's enough info coming through, just, to tell what's going on up front.

[@samellio]

Spot on with your opinion of handling. When are you going to Bedford?

[@MarkCup70]

Monday 27th Sam 👍

[@Mpower-hz4gk]

Throw fresh pads on for Bedford, fluid as well if its not that recent. Totally agree with your comments about these cars, they don't dance about like a Fiesta/Focus but can be made to hustle very nicely when required.

[@MarkCup70]

Front pads are fairly recent as is the brake fluid. I'll be rolling as it is (apart from some new tyres) when Bedford comes around.

[@garystratton8731]

This is interesting as I am considering a BMW 140i at the moment as a daily. I own a mint 2002 STI Subaru with 30k miles. It's garaged and used as a weekend toy. But due to lack of use I considered selling it and my current Diesel daily and buying one car that's a good combination, fun and fast. My choices are Golf R, S3, New Civic Type R, 370z or BMW 140i. Coming from a 4wd STI and the fact we live in Britain hence the rain. My question is just how twitchy is the 140i and can you drive it quick in the wet. Also have you driven any of my other options and what advise can you give me. Thanks👍

[@Stubs66]

Great channel 👍

[@paulw5822]

You mention how great the M2 is any many of your videos, are you going to post a review and driving experence at some point? After a brief test drive, I initially found similar issues to those you criticise your 140 for.

[@MarkCup70]

If someone rocks up and throws me their keys I'd happily drive and make a video on it...but I suspect I'd find it a similar experience to yours. I drove Jeff's manual M4 and he drove my 140...I got out underwhelmed and he got out buzzing. Go figure LOL

[@Mac_F87]

MarkCup70 I test drove an 18 plate M3 CP the other week, really wasn’t blown away to honest. Didn’t feel like it had 450ps, maybe the smooth power delivery due to being twin turbo, I don’t know. I have more fun driving my missus M135i, all be it hers is a stage 2 PWG car, still has decent grunt.

[@markbroadheaf1593]

It's nothing to do with bump stops, though it will sit down at the back in hard directions changes. Damper/shocks are crude. I keep saying it but change the suspension even before LSD. Without incriminating myself, there is a section of very fast, well sited corners on a very quick ( and generally quiet ) B road. With the standard suspension there was a vagueness, the car just wouldn't sit. With the uprated suspension the car just hunkers down and gives you the confidence to keep it pinned. In addition it no longer crashes into manhole covers and smaller potholes. The difference is there all the time. The brakes are still marginal though, even on he road.

[@supercharged5653]

out of interest, what spring/damper setup are you running?

[@markbroadheaf1593]

@@supercharged5653 Bilstein B14 kit

[@MarkCup70]

@@markbroadheaf1593 I've been in a 140 on a Bilstein setup and it was remarkable how it changed the car...it was like being in comfort and sport+ at the same time if that makes any sense?

[@markbroadheaf1593]

@@MarkCup70 Haven't driven the Adaptive set up. The PSS 14 is adjustable for height, though this won't affect the ride unless its slammed. The difference is the quality of the damping, though it's never going to be a limo. Modern performance cars have worse rides than older stuff - Weight, low profiles to blame mostly I guess. looking at 997's at mo. Hydraulic rack and enough power ( just ).

[@MarkCup70]

@@markbroadheaf1593 Ooh, 997, nice! I had to have a bit more practicality myself much as I tried convincing myself that they do in fact have back seats 😂 Maybe one day, just for that NA engine if nothing else!

[@peterwatson9047]

I've got a lesser car of that platform (230i, m sport trim level suspension, non adaptive, also lacks variable sport steering option. 250bhp 4 pot RWD manual) I came to a similar conclusion to you with my car which is a bit softer sprung and has very thin ARBs. Initial impression when I got it was it lacks the steering feel and 'sporty' responsiveness. But before long I realised it gives you a very nice amount of information through the chassis and seat, you can feel just how much each tyre is loading up mid corner and when each tyre tread is reaching its limits. I found it very neutral and easy to handle. I've done four track days and after the first one I've turned dsc completely off for the whole day and simply built my speed starting off easy. Tyres, for reference, have been the factory fitted conti sport contact 5 ssr run flats then michellin pilot sport 4 (non s) since then. I'd even go so far as to say if I turn up a bassy tune on the stereo whilst driving (so that the car and seat is vibrating-it has HK) the car feels more vague and less involving to drive! 😂

[@MarkCup70]

That's not a lesser car Peter! Slower, maybe, but less power can often make a car far more rewarding to drive as you have to work at it. This is why I love my Pug 107 so much. I agree pretty much word for word with what you say about the feel of the car though...it is there, you just have to tune into it.

[@peterwatson9047]

Hi Mark, thanks for the reply. The power and torque level do make mine more of a nine or ten tenths car, I see it as an RWD golf GTI alternative. I think the level of damping control isn't great at ten tenths but I don't really go there on the public road so has only been more noticeable on track, particularly the long high speed curves at Thruxton. I understand Goodwood has similar fast curves. I have posted up a couple of track on-board footage vids by the way, Pembrey with an amateur racing driver and Bedford with me.

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

Nice video Mark. Talking of Achilles. Joe Achillies has a set of M140 wheels wrapped in Cup 2’s for sale! Might want to have a look! Cheers Oliver

[@MarkCup70]

If I had space and the funds, maybe, but I have a shed almost completely full of spare tyres right now I need to get rid of first 👍

[@Evaldeciever]

Hi Mark, just wanted a bit of advice really, my 140 is due some new tyres soon & I would be interested what you would recommend as you seem to know your stuff on the car & do a fair bit of track driving, just had a Quaife diff fitted so any input you could give me would be much appreciated, many thanks 👍🏼

[@MarkCup70]

My next video is addressing exactly this Ben. I'm sat right now having a coffee while my new tyres are being fitted... 👍

[@Evaldeciever]

Ok thanks for the reply, look forward to it 👍🏻

[@boomerang2]

8:29 love that pic of the 172 cup Mark. Great cars (my ownership all too brief).

[@MarkCup70]

It was one week old when I took that picture, just after its first hand wash in December 2003! Of every car I've ever owned that's the one I'd have back in a heartbeat. Sniff.

[@boomerang2]

@@MarkCup70 did the fiesta st run it a close 2nd? Or a more modern equivalent?

[@MarkCup70]

It's very much the modern equivalent in my opinion.

[@TeamZSsx]

@@MarkCup70 have you seen all those Clio cups "on the limiter" have got for sale? You could relive the glory days on Cliosport 🤣 even I could be tempted by one with the specs available.

[@bananamontana3956]

Had a 182 myself with coils, and PS3s etc. Honestly one of the best things I've ever driven on a twisty b road in Scotland. Never ever did anything other than hold the line no matter how hard you pushed it

[@peterrosscochrane]

Hi Mark, great channel - particular hats off to the level of detail you include across your videos from your data logging, days of ownership, mileage etc, which wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I for one am glad you include it! Anyway, when you talk about the feel of the car being its Achilles heel, how does this compare to the other cars you’ve owned or driven in terms of their feel? Have you ever driven a MINI JCW? I’d love to get your take on one of those specifically in terms of its ‘feel’. (Before I get slated by others I’m not comparing the JCW to an M140i! I’m aware they are very different cars but I just wanted to ask about it the JCW as it’s a fun car that’s attainable for me)

[@MarkCup70]

Thanks Peter. I've never driven a Mini (apart from an old skool one in 1988 🤣) but I expect it would be similar to my Clios or Fiesta ST. They're on a different level entirely as a "driver's" car. That's not to say the 140 is bad, it just has compromises.

[@peterrosscochrane]

MarkCup70 thanks Mark, I appreciate the response. Good luck with the channel going forward 👍🏻

[@Ilovemycar0788]

Totally agree with all your views and statements in this video Mark. Especially the one about the car not making one feel inspired and therefore not the faith of its capabilities (or words to that effect). Not heard this before from any M140i owner, but having one myself is exactly how I feel about it! Having said that in the last few days of this awful spell of weather, in safe areas (no other cars around ) I have given the car some real stick at all the various settings; with the traction control ‘on’ it is unbelievable on wet roads, it bites at the last minute and feels as if it would be very difficult to loose it. Love the M2, but to be honest could not warrant spending circa 20k for not a great deal more all round. These cars have exceptional power, more than what you could ever use on normal roads / traffic. The only place you could ever identify real differences for albeit ‘longer periods’ would be on track. Keep the vids coming, makes me want to get out in it at this time of night!! but I’ll wait til the morning, maybe a little jaunt down to Goodwood see what’s happening.

[@MarkCup70]

That's the thing with the M2, 100% more money for about 10% more car. I'd love one but just can't justify it!

[@ShogunsDojo]

Excellent job chasing that GTR. Perhaps that driver was not as skilled as yourself but to catch a car of that performance requires real skill and car control, especially as your car was rear driven. I think the M Performance cars are criticised because they’re not as stiff, connected or as direct as an M car but they do actually handle and the increased compliance on the road helps them find additional grip. Moreover in isolation The M Performance cars are set up quite aggressively in terms of their suspension calibration and to a lesser extent so are the M Sport cars with firmer rides and improved body control. People don’t realise that rear drive cars with a near 50/50 weight distribution don’t go about cornering like a front drive vehicle; they don’t attack the apex in the same way. It’s not better or worse, just different. I’ve seen videos of a F80 M3 trying to chase a M240i and both drivers were very experienced, the more forgiving nature of the M240i allowed its driver to push on a little more on the road, while it never out ran the M3 it couldn’t be caught by the M3 either. Track would be a different story though.

[@MarkCup70]

Nailed it! They're a different drive for sure. I'm almost 20k miles in now and still learning about it with every single drive.

[@eddb2994]

I would look and see if you can get any form of ePas map... apparently the m2 really benefits (steering feel wise) from the later lci or even m4 gts mapping

[@MarkCup70]

You can remap/reprogram the steering? I've not heard of that before.

[@eddb2994]

MarkCup70 I know with the m2 you can as it’s an epas system (i’d imagine this is the same) and supposedly the latest istep update (can do it yourself with a usb or pay a dealer £150 odd) makes a huge change in terms of steering feel... and if you want more than you can supposedly code in the m4 gts steering! Haven’t felt it myself but from the sounds of it, it isn’t just extra artificial weighting and actually helps with feel

[@MarkCup70]

@@eddb2994 Nice, thank you. I'll bear this in mind for the future 👍

[@kevinparadisdrummer]

I 100% agree with you, but I have Xdrive (and far less experience than you). I first was a bit concerned by front grip. I did no have enough experience with the car before it was time for winter tyres, and with these tyres, I was able to loose front grip a bit too easily in my opinion. It wasn't reacting quickly enough too. Rear was super solid even with DSC off (of course xdrive help...). Now, I have summer tyre back, and well... the grip is insane. Change of directions are precise and quick, front and rear grip very good and when it slides from somewhere, it is progressive. I still have runflat. However, it indeed doesn't put you in confidence immediatly. I still can tell that I don't trust the car at its full potential. Maybe the car is not providing enough feedback ? BUT ALSO, to me, the worst problem are the brakes. They do brake quiet well, but the feel of the pedal is aweful, and they still scare me at the moment. In the end, I was able to get used to this level of engine power quickly, but I'm not used to the grip and the braking at all. Anyway, thank you for this video !

[@figuwolf7227]

Very well explained sir! Greetings from Austria 🇦🇹 🍻☀️🇦🇹

[@sparkyt6497]

Well put I would say what date are you at Bedford love to come and watch if possible

[@MarkCup70]

27th Sparky.

[@DjNikGnashers]

Another great video Mark, I'm still saving and hope to have my M140i around August :)

[@DjNikGnashers]

Such a shame you got rid of yours Mark. I have enjoyed mine now for 18 months, and upped the power to 455bhp/634nm it's a very wild, and hard to tame, beasty. I love it.

[@raveutcars]

My issue with standard (also adaptive here) dampers wasn't handling but ride. It sucked. Compared to the R26 megane I came from it was just downright awful. Jiggling around on the motorway, and when conditions, visibility, traffic etc. allowed could not even hope to compete on an alpine road or bumpy b-road like that old Megane. So ditched adaptive and went for passive bilsteins. Now it rides better, even handles better as well. Less snap oversteer thanks to more rebound control at the rear to boot. Can also put in a thumbs up for a tune. Its such a grin machine with over 400bhp. Bilsteins are so cheap, just go for it! You can actually use sport chassis and DSC off on the road without knocking your teeth out :)

[@MarkCup70]

I don't find the standard adaptive setup that compromised ride wise, it just lacks a little focus. It'll never compare to or compete with an R26 though, they're a proper road weapon!

[@328irossi]

So mark,.....why did you not get an M2 then?

[@MarkCup70]

Too much moolah (I wanted a straight swap to get out of my failing Focus RS quickly!) and I also need the practicality of the 1 series hatchback for now. In a few years when my daughters have flown the nest, maybe...

[@Flow-iu7mk]

Bilstein B16’s have transformed my 340i and I suspect it would be similar on this. Now mine handles significantly better, but importantly - it also feels like it handles well too!

[@Flow-iu7mk]

The B16’s also improved traction immeasurably, that was before I added an lsd.

[@MarkCup70]

@@Flow-iu7mk I can believe that. I had a ride in a 140 on Bilsteins and they transformed the car for the better.

[@simont4708]

I craved feel and brought an M2

[@MarkCup70]

Good choice! I would love one if it were the same money and had a hatchback.

[@brianjackson7499]

After buying a new 140i in May 2017, it was time for a change this year and a used M2/M4 was the logical upgrade. Got to say that the M2 is a great car but nothing outwardly special over the 140i. The M4 was to big for everyday road use Needless to say, I’ve upgraded to a later Shadow 140i with better spec. I’ve owned 40 plus cars and my E46 M3 is probably the best of them all but the 140 is massively underrated even with its ‘faults’.

[@MarkCup70]

The E46 M3 is something I'd love to have a go in, that engine, oh that engine. Six ITBs, there's not much finer. Sadly when they were around and available they were well out of my league. Now, as you say, I've got something with just about the same pace that does close to 40mpg on a run and, fuel aside, costs not much more to run as a daily than my Ford C-Max!

[@THEG12EG]

Can’t the feel be changed with the geometry

[@Zadster]

From what I have seen, the car seems to float and the body generates a pendulum effect, almost like the rubber isolation bushes are degraded, but even when new. Uprated poly type bushes would probably help.

[@MarkCup70]

@@Zadster I feel no pendulum effect...I've heard bushes can tighten things up but and increase in NVH would concern me.

[@jonfoz1379]

In my opinion,the floating is from the front end under hard acceleration.The rear I found was pretty stable and predictable.

[@joeb5924]

In fairness I'd agree with this video. Having previously owned Focus STs that I could throw into any corner with confidence I'm yet to find this eith my m140i. I've owned the car 9 months and think it's awesome dont get me wrong, but I've not yet had the confidence to push it as hard as I would have done in my STs. This may partly be down to being RWD and in the wet with my Michelin super sports its kicked out a relatively low speeds so has probably put a sense of doubt in my mind but it may also be that therea very little feeling from the steering wheel to understand what's going on when turning into corners. I may need to get it out on some open roads / track to be a le to push it as to give me confidence going forward

[@NickG24]

Joe Beddoe agreed, it’s probably largely down to being rwd. With FWD and 4WD cars you can pretty much throw into any corner - you know what’s going to happen and it’s easy to deal with it, easy to drive them quickly. You can’t do that with any rwd car, let alone with this much power and torque. Is it the first RWD you’ve owned? I’m on my 10th, it’s a different way of driving but you can generally get around a corner as fast or faster, which is probably why most race cars are RWD. One set to put the power down and the other to steer.

[@joeb5924]

@@NickG24 yeah mate it's the first one I've ever had so it's taking some getting used to when pushing it every day driving is fine , apart from the wet roads 😂

[@NickG24]

Joe Beddoe yeah, does take a lot of getting used to and I had some scary moments in my first couple of rwds, some more in the latest as you get over confident 🙈 ... go steady. I’ve not driven an M140 with the LSD as mine was on a 2 year lease, but I’ve now got a Mustang with mechanical LSD - when the back end breaks away it’s very controllable. If it is anything to go by I’d thoroughly recommend upgrading the diff if you see yourself keeping yours for a long time.

[@MarkCup70]

@@joeb5924 The wet roads are fun! That's where this car most comes alive, I like that you have to be careful with it.

[@joeb5924]

@@MarkCup70 I do but not at 6am on my way to work 😂😂👍

[@simonh870]

The fact that these don't inspire as much confidence is probably why so few get wrapped around trees in contrast to rivals like the Golf R.

[@NickG24]

Suppose I can agree with this. M140 isn’t too hardcore, it’s immediately clear from its understated looks. Think some of the other hot hatches will have a harsher ride for their feeling more connected. Regarding handling though, agreed, had 5 BMWs and they’ve all handled well whether it be an M3 or a 120 diesel. yes, have certainly driven / owned cars that have more feel but that does come with other compromises.

[@chimps4gimps]

Just looks like you’re a much better driver than the GTR 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@sammc37]

In the dry fantastic cars the wet 👎 Like Most BMWs tbh M140i are a great car Good video

[@andrewbutler9804]

A great analogy, Mark. 95% of my driving is town/motorways and therefore I find it very easy to forget just how well the car rewards a good push every now and again. I sometimes wonder why on Earth I bought such a car considering the type of driving I do, but it's that rare occasion when I push on that my soft, pliant and comfortable GT car becomes a sports car - one that rewards the hard work the driver puts in. After 10k of road miles in mine, I realise that ultimately, the best thing about the M140i, is the fact it can mile munch any type of road as comfortably as a 320d, but come alive when you want it to. Me personally, I'd take the added driver comfort and ease of driving when I just want to get home at night in what I'd lose in hard rides and fingertip feel.

[@MarkCup70]

Your second paragraph...nailed it. Right there. It's such a good package.

[@grahamhaynes7658]

R35 driver isn't a patch on you,obviously.

[@Toby_the_Glen]

Well, perhaps. But that's not a definate indication of a difference in performance. This is the huge difference between 'track days' and 'racing', track day guys don't have to try every lap; there's no 'winner' on a track day in reality?

[@philiphawkins4684]

Which dampers are you on, standard or adaptive?

[@MarkCup70]

I have the adaptive dampers Philip.

[@philiphawkins4684]

@@MarkCup70 are you on stock springs, I'm considering getting rid of the adaptive and fitting a set of Bilstein B14. The dampers really do suck.

[@MarkCup70]

@@philiphawkins4684 Stock everything here Philip. I wouldn't say the dampers suck...but agreed, they could be better.

[@JonesyRF57]

mark, what day are you going to bedford with other 140 owners? i myself have an m135 (63plate) and wouldnt mind tagging along. keep the vids coming :)

[@MarkCup70]

Thanks Andrew 👍 27th btw.

[@andy00grant]

Although I'm still getting to grips with my m140i as its substantially more powerful then any car I've owned also first rear driven and first auto. I find that one of its weakest points are the brakes as I dont find there is a lot of feel to them. But I've also never driven it in the dry as the weather has been miserable.

[@MarkCup70]

I find the brakes feel OK, it's got a nice progressive pedal, I can hold them, howling, right on the threshold of the ABS triggering. Only for a few times though before they start grumbling a bit.

[@Padrone5763]

What are you going to buy next Mark ?

[@MarkCup70]

Honestly? Nothing. I can't think of a single thing I'd want to change this car for. As an overall package I think it's almost unbeatable.

[@Padrone5763]

@@MarkCup70 Ah wasn't expecting you to say that ... good !

[@fezhoult4134]

Love the videos👍 I hope that's not your fuel light that's on mark 🙈

[@MarkCup70]

I run it down to sero miles on every tank! The light you saw was the TC/DSC off warning.

[@allanlai_]

Can you point to anything specific that makes this car not feel as special as the other cars you’ve previously owned?

[@MarkCup70]

To sum it up in one word...connection. As a driver it feels not a great deal different to driving my Ford C-Max. It does what I want it to when I give it inputs and it does it well. In my previous cars I mentioned, I felt more a part of the car, part the drivetrain and chassis, myself.

[@michaelheathcote9488]

It is compromised by track width and tyre width for the power of the car, and suspension configuration. As well as owning the M140i I also have a '02 Maserati Coupe. Front engine, rear wheel drive. Paper figures performance is very similar, however when I drive the Maser, which has no stability control just basic traction control, it is so much better in feel and handling. It does also have the advantage of coil overs and double wishbones on each corner. I've also driven the Maser on track and been driven around track by a professional racing driver in my Maser, and you just can't compare between the M140i and the Maser. The M140i is however still very good as a daily driver, the purchase cost, running cost, road performance, takes some beating. There is so much more than simply performance figures. I have also owned a Lotus Elise, the handling and feel is simply on another level, even if the paper performance figures are poor in comparison. So for me, adding more performance to the M140i by adding more power, is simply just for pub bragging rights!

[@MarkCup70]

The Maserati sounds lovely. Agree about the power thing, I'm 50/50 on that most of the time. I think "why not?", immediately followed by "why?" 😂

[@uptheduffagain]

It's achilles heel is the owner and the way he keeps TWITCHING THE BLOODY STEERING WHEEL 😉

[@GrahamReid34]

Why does it matter?? 🤷🏼‍♂️🥴

[@MarkCup70]

Whatever I may or may not do behind the wheel, it works for me. As said in the video, demonstrably so.

[@paulcoyle9844]

Go back and watch the track vid, left foot braking, rev matching and double declutching. Mark knows how to drive

[@uptheduffagain]

@@paulcoyle9844 why do i need to go back and watch the video? can't you see by the winking face at the end that i'm just having a bit of a laugh and not being serious or nasty (plus i never said he couldn't drive) ,people get so touchy in the comments section of these videos and take things way too serious.

[@paulcoyle9844]

Internet brings out the worst in folk, I didn't see it was an in- joke.

[@richardc6884]

Very well summed up and I agree completely. I see so many pontificating about how 140’s don’t ‘handle’ with little idea of what they’re actually talking about. They handle pretty well and have a pretty good inherrent chassis balance. What they don’t have is good feel/feedback and that is compounded by the factory alignment settings. Their outright pace is hampered a little by the narrow track width and relatively narrow tyres and of course the lack of lsd. The feeling of excessive pitch is not helped by the factory damper valving sither (and yes I have the adaptive). Combined with that of course is the suspension components filled with lots of soft rubber bushes where m cars would have stiffer bushes, ball joints or just solid mounts instead. To me the first thing they need is the lsd. That transformed the car for me and made it more fun. It also addresses part of the vague handling feel as the rear end becomes much more predictable and actually possible to drive it productively on the throttle. As far as more power goes I agree they have plenty of power for the chassis. As you point out often when you up the power it just sees you hit some other limitation (possibly brakes, tyre/wheel size, cooling system etc). Then begins a cycle of constant ‘upgrades’... Most of the issues with feel in the 140 can be solved with the lsd and basic bilstein b14 kit, couple that with a more aggressive alignment (possibly add some m4 lower control arms to gain some caster, negative camber and a small increase in front track width). At that point they start to feel much sharper and inspire more confidence.

[@MrFabioSsousa]

478 days, 3 track days... o.O

[@cheukinator]

It's imprecise and 'soft' nature does not inspire confidence. Mark has obviously learnt to live with this and master the car regardless so I guess confidence is restored. Mines on passive and not driven an adaptive. Much different?

[@hl236]

The adaptive suspension is great for cruising but not good for spirited driving unless you set he suspension to sport on a super smooth track or stretch of road. I removed my adaptive suspension after 3 months and would do it all over again. My AF suspension is more comfortable, planted and on twisty b-roads communicates compression, body roll and body movements in a more engaging way. Some of these were cancelled out by the adaptive dampers. The car feels considerably more emotional rewarding to drive while steering feels sharper. Overall the car is now as sorted as a Supra.

[@cheukinator]

@@hl236 is that a full spring and damper? Lowered at all?

[@douglaspuglas6888]

M140'S Achilles heel !!!! Rain.

[@MarkCup70]

Nope, completely wrong, that's when they come alive!

[@douglaspuglas6888]

@@MarkCup70 Maybe for fun but not racing?

[@douglaspuglas6888]

I had a 2017 one no doubting its fast but personally I prefer the S3 4wd

[@MarkCup70]

Fun is all I'm looking for in a car...I'm never going to take it racing for real, and it can hold its own on a track just fine.

[@band1t620]

1000% true this! With all the mods I've done to my 140 I believe I eliminated that thing If you'd want to drive it, see for yourself let me know when youre going to bedford track and hopefully I can join you if im free :)

[@MarkCup70]

We're there on 27th 👍

[@band1t620]

@@MarkCup70 What website you booked with? msvt and javelin dont have that date Or they sold out by now :( If thats the case, maybe another time :)

[@MarkCup70]

@@band1t620 It was booked direct with MSVT. Full GT circuit.

[@rogercollins8396]

Steering wheel twitching seems to get your view across!!!!!!!!!!

[@paulaspinall7596]

Good video Mark, typical English weather....

[@MarkCup70]

Dennis the menace...

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

While your point about road performance not being entirely relevant within legal limits is appreciated, I would argue that lapping Goodwood is not something that is going to expose the dynamic limits of a car on track. I had a few days at Oulton and Cadwell in my 140 and it was a mess, at circuits like that an M2 is much much the superior car.

[@carllynch8798]

A well driven GTR is seriously quick and capable the person in that GTR isn’t very confident or just driving within there comfortable limit. Try a different track rather then Goodwood like Cadwell or Donington.

[@MarkCup70]

A nice idea but they're too far away Carl, I'm long since done with trawling across half the country for trackdays.

[@carllynch8798]

MarkCup70 now Spa is worth the journey ! I’ve been to 10 different tracks in the uk and also Spa and Nurburgring ! . Road trip a few days away then a track day nothing gets better ! I haven’t done Goodwood but will be this year

[@crocoman776]

Sorry mate. We’ve reached the end. You’ve ripped the proverbial out of these videos now. Good luck for the future though👍

[@MarkCup70]

Thanks for watching anyway. I'll continue exploring and vlogging my ownership regardless, it makes me think about things and seek to understand.

[@imtunechilg]

Lol mate im very sure that GTR didn’t even acknowledge you on the track😂 your living in a dream

[@MarkCup70]

I'm not dreaming, it's all right there in the video clip. He was pushing hard enough to make a mistake, I was pushing hard enough to catch him. Which bit of that doesn't work for you?

[@stuee_mk1stuee_mk169]

Mark come on mate, you seem a great guy and your videos are both interesting and informative, but get in the real world, the cars are poles apart. It was your superior driving that enabled you to pass, not the m140i being quicker than a gtr around a track. 🤣

[@MarkCup70]

I don't think I ever said the two cars are even remotely comparable...I agree completely, they are leagues apart!

[@toftebyelektronikvhenrikto2930]

BMW is good. Most cars in this level is good. So I am searching fun to drive wit thrust in. Theirs is so importen her! My Ford Focus RS 2017 + tun, is a dream on Michelin Cup 2. On Michelin sport + the car is doing understearing. My next car looks like it will bee a Tesla 3 Performance. Its run on another level. I am so much impressed. I only has to charge at home every night. I lost passion for petrol cars because I by 2 new engen last yer ! They even not try to make good strong cars any longer, They tel me at Ford dealer, I have to slow down for not to overdriv my car. But Tesla can drift as vel.

[@MarkCup70]

I can imagine on Cup2 tyres the Focus RS would be a weapon! Tesla? Very nice, I could get along just fine with one of those.

[@vladraduandrei5227]

Teslas are for pussies not real drivers,learn to fucking write.