The BMW M240i - The Cheap Finance is Over, The Hype is Gone - But is it STILL That Good?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@shirleyhibbs5879]

Where is this car now, we bought it from new, my husband misses it a lot. He would be interested in seeing it again as it’s had some things added to it. He likes to keep his cars as good as they were from new. He would love to see it again.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@shirleyhibbs5879 email me on [e-mail] I can put you in touch with the current owner

[@shirleyhibbs5879]

That is our old car we bought from new. My husband looked after it and was sold in condition as if it was off the production line. It’s made his day seeing it and cared for.

[@duffydon1741]

Who cares?

[@Czeslaw_cn4tv]

​@@duffydon1741me, now shut up.

[@duffydon1741]

@@Czeslaw_cn4tv whats that noise?!

[@MIK23458]

@@duffydon1741I do. Now bore off 🔔end.

[@duffydon1741]

@@MIK23458 you go back to your Peugeot!

[@mountain_walker]

In 2018, I had a new M140i on PCP. £500 down, £379 a month. Crazy. I was 27 and my insurance was £550 a year too. Better times. We knew we had it good then too.

[@BS-ge4ne]

What'd the insurance now?

[@mountain_walker]

@@BS-ge4ne I sold that M140i in Dec of 2019. Upgraded to an M2 Comp for £3k down and £489 a month. That was only £100 more a year to insure than the M140i. Sold that in 2021 when prices went mental - for more than list. Walked away quids up.

[@MCorrigan]

Imagine you took that £489 a month and invested it. You may well be rich now. People are staying poor in a 9-5 job for a fast car. Crazy!

[@jamrah8713]

@@MCorriganstupid argument

[@SeanWithaFada]

@@MCorrigan for people who love driving, it's worth it. there's more to life than perfectly managing your finances.

[@1210mk5g]

I've owned a 140i with Birds suspenion and an M preformace LSD from new, best car i've ever owned. Has been 100% faultless and with the exception of insurance cheap to run.

[@polopowered]

Cool Story Bro

[@amapolishplummer]

Is it on sale on Auto Trader by any chance?

[@stu4181]

Not sure why your getting smart ass comments in reply. Birds basically did what bmw should have done to the m140 but didn’t want it encroaching on the full fat m cars. I tested an m140 stock and was surprised it wasn’t as exciting as I was expecting, sharper suspension and i may have gone for it

[@polopowered]

Amazing.

[@Thuds593]

Rather get a 335d with remap

[@chaosoath1355]

One thing reviewers always miss when they talk about the OG M2 that Irks me is the N55 in the OG M2 is a bespoke N55. Forged Crank , S55 Rods, S55 Pistons , Iron Cylinder liners and a second oil pickup pump to avoid Oil Starvation at track.

[@stef1833]

Haven’t watched the entirety of the video, but the M240i has a different engine and is not a real M product. After driving M440 and M850 was completely underwhelmed. The M4 and M8 were different beasts altogether. I am guessing it would be the same for this car.

[@MrCaterhamr500]

What on earth is ‘OG’?

[@beardedtit7692]

@@MrCaterhamr500Original Gangster. Slang for original.

[@chaosoath1355]

@@MrCaterhamr500 OG M2 is the original M2. That is what it is called by the community.

[@redpacg5128]

@@MrCaterhamr500 means original

[@markrhoden68]

And all the good things you said about the gearbox and engine are the reason I sold my m135i xdrive after only 18 months to get back to the B58 and ZF

[@ScottZ370]

Insurance has killed the value of these cars although, it stops proper spanners buying them now.

[@alancrisp1582]

Insurance ?. In my country New Zealand. Having vehicle insurance is not a legal ⚖ requirement. Some motorists have it , many more people do not !...

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Insurance has shown the true value and liability of these cars.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

@@alancrisp1582 Is " many more people " Kiwi code for scumbag?

[@SJ-gv1yj]

@@alancrisp1582 🥺

[@Fc-cb3tn]

@@alancrisp1582in the UK it is, driving without it can land you in jail, and in recent years they’ve kept adding the premium despite you not making any claims and try their best to snake out of paying when someone runs into you

[@theoutsider6191]

Test drove one today, and i concur, it is wicked quick. I owned an e46 M3 for a while back in the mid late 2000s and loved that car. More than a whiff of that one in here. Thing about the e46 M3 was the faster you drove it, the better it handled and felt. What a machine.

[@TheLambeh]

I've had an M240i for 4 years now and the insurance has just sky rocketed. I can only assume a lot of 135/140/235/240s have been smashed into walls or other cars. I do really enjoy the car and I've only had a few minor issues - both brake clusters replaced under warranty and both window regulators snapped which I replaced myself. I've not made any modifications and I won't be planning to, as others have said they are VERY difficult to cover under insurance if you tell them you've modified it. A note on the difficult handling in the wet - the Michelin Pilot Super Sports are the sole cause of this, they are absolutely brilliant in warm, dry conditions but anything less than that they are miserable. I've slipped on wet cobbles, lost traction in puddles etc. In the winter I run Michelin Cross Climate 2 tyres that get me through absolutely everything, including snow, and in the summer I use Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres which are slightly lest responsive than the Super Sports but provide much more confidence in wet or cold weather.

[@pistonburner6448]

If you want absolutely terrific tires in the wet (and very good on the dry, just can't quite hold up with the extreme heat build-up on trackdays): Continental SportContact are the choice.

[@pistonburner6448]

Any car will lose traction on any tires. "Losing traction" or "slipping" is not a sign of bad tires or a bad car.

[@polopowered]

Cool Story Bro

[@robinclaidlaw]

@@pistonburner6448You don’t think that the ease with which the car loses traction is one of the (most important) aspects of the difference between a good tyre and a bad one?

[@pistonburner6448]

@@robinclaidlaw There was no mention of the ease, only of losing traction.

[@mishalchotai4721]

Brilliant review, Jay. I had a 135i back in 2016. (Last of) she was amazing. Who else has been auto trader while watching 😂

[@d_mac3233]

Usually pause after the first few minutes then have a quick scan on Autotrader before watching the rest of the video 😂

[@thebingaling1105]

I’ve had my 440i for 3 years and still not bored. The B58 is amazing. Stage 1 + XHP Stage 3 @ 430bhp is enough for me, especially with no LSD.

[@AnnoyedGlobe-sf9yo]

Had a 2016 M140i in early 2017 a few months after it came out before every Tom Dick and Harry oversaturated the roads with them, elite engine and car.

[@zaink7037]

Yeah i noticed these are becoming quite common now. I wonder what insurance is like as people tell me its high due to young people losing control of them

[@duffydon1741]

The purpose for BMW was to make business, never sure why people wanted to make these seem like Rolls Royces, BMW will make a 1M if they want to make limited numbers, SMH

[@ReeceT20]

I've had my manual M240i for 3 years, adjustable bilsteins fitted, 450hp upgraded brakes and other things and I still love it Funnily enough I did offer it to jay for review

[@alimehrozi2828]

Has it been reliable?

[@ukwan]

​@@alimehrozi2828he's had it for three years. You don't need to ask a car enthusiast that if he's had it that long. It's been reliable.

[@AGM240i]

A have M240i with manual too. Mhd stage 2+ good car, but its far from full M car.

[@ReeceT20]

​@@alimehrozi2828 Never missed a beat

[@ReeceT20]

​@@AGM240iI still can't get insured on basically any M car at 24, although somehow a W204 C63 is cheaper to insure than mine 👀

[@tomlloyd921]

I have an e82 135i with the N55 and dct and it’s really incredible I love it, so easy to drive and the steering feel is amazing

[@DjNikGnashers]

Bought a 2 year old M140i, completely mint and standard. Took it to 455bhp, 634nm, had the ZF8 flashed with XHP3, upgraded the brakes, and much more. It was a missile in a straight line, and very comfortable as a daily. I just felt it lacked that 'special' feeling, it was a bit uncomposed when pushing on (rear end wiggle, pogo dampers), and the steering was a bit numb. I now have an OG M2, which is actually slower in a straight line, but oh boy, it is levels above in every other way. I feel like every drive is special.

[@polopowered]

Cool Story Bro

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@polopowered Rinsed, cheesy, outdated trolling attempt bro.

[@polopowered]

@@DjNikGnashers I love Cheese.

[@polopowered]

@@DjNikGnashers YUM YUM

[@polopowered]

Well, your car is still a shitter. Spending all that money on a crappy BMW. Jokes on you...

[@elliotwilkie6721]

I've got Michelin Pilot Sport 5s on my M140i and they grip for days in the dry and are very good in the wet, so may solve the narrower tyre issue somewhat. Otherwise I absolutely love it!

[@polopowered]

Cool Story Bro

[@TheMrrigma]

Exactly the same here. PS5 is a brilliant tyre and sorts out all the cold / wet traction “issues”. I quite enjoyed the original MPSS in those conditions however, they were highly amusing ;).

[@baronvonhoughton]

I've got one in black with carbon pack, upgraded factory wheels that look so much better. Remap to over 400, switchable exhaust. And it's damn near perfect. Especially for the money. Nothing can touch it in the price bracket. Super reliable all rounder, looks epic and ridiculously fast. And still averages 33mpg!

[@polopowered]

Cool Story Bro

[@samgoodway5244]

Still running a 2016 235i. 82k put on it and never missed a beat. Being unmarked means I still have endless fun v bigger stuff who give me the 'its still next to' shocked glance across after leaving the lights.

[@TheOrangeEliseCup250]

I understand why Morgan Motor Company installed the BMW B58 engine under the Plus Six bay

[@MM-xr6tz]

Had 2 M135i's. One manual, one auto. Both sorted by Birds (mandatory). Incredible cars for the money. Could get two road bikes in the back, comfy, quick and fun to drive. Cheap to buy and sensible costs to run. 👍

[@polopowered]

Cool Story Bro

[@MM-xr6tz]

@@polopowered Thanks mate 👍

[@heikola]

Thanks for the video. Bought a used m240i convertible in 2021 and never regretted it. Goes very well on the autobahn.

[@SparkingZeroMedia]

i have a m235i and i went for the 255 tires with stock rims and they fit perfectly and with that little change the car gave me a lot more confidence when i get on it

[@Richjtj]

People give the 140i's and 240i's stick as certain owners run out of talent. In terms of performance, character, value, reliability, usability, noise and looks I'm confident there is nothing close. The let down is the suspension, but a gap has to be left for the 'M' variants. The big question is can you throw enough money at it to sort the suspension/handling to an 'M' car equivalent? Very hard to say- Current M2 Comp owner, ex m240i and M140i owner.

[@wngmartin]

Buy KW variant 3 coil overs, install KW variant 3 coil overs on M240i along with some poly bushings. Voila, you now have M2 handling, 450 horsepower and xDrive for 3.3 second 0-60 runs.

[@dwarfshortage244]

I had a M240i for 12 months and loved the engine and performance of the thing, but the steering and controls were completely dead. Great fun in a straight line, less so on the B roads and twisty A roads.

[@patrickbateman7122]

I drove an og M2 and felt the same. I then tested an M140i and that was definitely a straight line machine. Whoever says they're a drivers car is talking bs!!

[@dwarfshortage244]

@@patrickbateman7122 agreed! They’re a far cry from the 90s ultimate driving machines.

[@neil5242]

Absolute bollocks, since most people don't know how to corner quickly​@@patrickbateman7122

[@patrickbateman7122]

@@dwarfshortage244 so sad BMW became the victim of their own success when it comes to analogue drivers cars 😔

[@surgedidit]

@@patrickbateman7122 Any better with suspension upgrades and LSD you think? 🤔

[@TheGatMan91]

As others have said - the M240i values are largely down to the fact insurance has absolutely skyrocketed (I’m aware it’s gone up across the board, but these have been particularly hard), and by all accounts it’s primarily because of the factors you mentioned in the video. Good value/finance deals, tuneability and a very wayward open rear diff - this sat it perfectly in the crosshairs of the yob brigade. 19 year olds still living at home and coming from a 1 litre Corsa (limited edition, of course) found themselves able to step up by a few hundred horsepower, and for the reasons above frequently found themselves backwards in a ditch. Insurance costs have therefore gone into orbit due to crash stats - and the culprit cars are mostly still for sale around the midlands… Something else of note is the ST180>M240i>Aston progression - it’s the exact same journey I made. The 240 was a great car but not practical enough for a daily yet also not fun enough to be a toy, it sat as a kind of mediocre half-way house. Sold it when prices went nuts in early ‘22 for the same as I’d bought it for two years earlier, bought a Golf to rattle around in and then got myself a Vantage… which to come full circle is ENTIRELY your fault, Mr Emm.

[@Tibialstone7]

Whats the Vantage like to drive? Absolutely dream car mate, nice work!!

[@TheGatMan91]

@@Tibialstone7 thanks mate! Dream car for me too - purchase was definitely helped by the inflated prices of nearly new stuff a couple of years back. I’d all but paid off the 240 so the man maths kicked in! 😂 The Vantage is hard work. Everything about it is heavy - it’s noisy, not that comfortable (not actually that quick either), the satnav is outdated, the cup holders are in THE most stupid place known to man, it drinks like a fish and as an actual mode of transportation it’s ostensibly crap… but I absolutely couldn’t care less. Every drive is an event and it’s just hilarious when the valves open in the exhaust. I can see it being a keeper! Also (weirdly about half an hour before I got this notification) I’ve booked it in for a twin plate clutch/lightened flywheel and 200cell cats at Bamford 😬

[@Tibialstone7]

@@TheGatMan91 This was so helpful to know, thank you mate! I know exactly what you mean, when I test drove an Aston Vantage ZF, driving being an ‘event’ was definitely the feeling I had too. It put such a massive smile on my face. It sounds like you worked your arse off to get there, so hats off to you! I’m only at the beginning of my journey, and I’m torn between an M2 and m240i or even a 3 series. As someone who is in their late 20s, would you say it’s better to progress gradually into 200-300 HP cars before going all out? My biggest worry is I’ll be in my 30s and I won’t have time or being able to prioritise a fun car (once you have kids etc)! Thanks again mate, hope the work on the Aston goes well, it’s gonna be even more of an animal to drive! 👍

[@TheGatMan91]

@@Tibialstone7 yep - mine is one of the early 4.3’s and if you hunt around you can get a good bargain at the minute as the market for the £30k-ish sports car has fallen out of its arse recently. Would get a pre-purchase inspection from a reputable specialist first though as these cars are getting older and can harbour some unseen (and expensive!) issues. Same with 911s etc. Cheers fella, combination of hard work and fluke!! 😂 haha. You definitely need to get used to how different cars deliver power - the Aston is 385bhp but likely around half the torque of something like an M2/240 due to the lack of a turbo. I’m 33 and bought the 240 when I was 28, so I’d say there’s no time like the present if you’re in a situation where you’re financially stable enough to have a toy. As I said above though, an M2 is much more of a toy than a 240, so if it’s a second car I’d go for the M2, if it’s a daily then a 240 is a good compromise. Drive a few, see what you think and take it from there! (But report back if/when you buy something!!) Hope so!! I plan a few OEM+ modifications as and when bits wear out, I’m really not a fan of things like the CTR “special editions 🙄🙄”… I plan on a trip to Aston Installations to get CarPlay fitted, but other than that I’m pretty happy as-is.

[@Tibialstone7]

@@TheGatMan91 Again, super helpful, thanks mate! I will definitely get an AA inspection or something of the like before I bite the bullet. Mate that's amazing, not everyone gets to drive a James Bond car!! 😁😁 That's solid advice. I will definitely let you know! I was so close to biting the bullet on the new M2, but I couldn't quite get over the appearance of it, so now I'm looking at other options. I will be financing/leasing, but I'm worried it'll screw me over in getting a house one day. It's a hard balance to get right so you are responsible, but still have fun whilst you're young 🤣 Ahh CarPlay is a must, plus you are adding so much value to it (if) you do ever sell down the line!

[@adventtrooper]

Still a good looking coupé. Goodness knows what's happened over the last few years; exteriors are influenced by shock and awe and controls designed by teams with more experience of gacha games than driving. Beware of that rear end though, lively is an understatement as a neighbour found out one wet night in his 135i that ended upside down on the opposite side of barrier on a dual carriageway.

[@Biscuits645]

I drove the M140I last year and that car blew my mind. What a machine. I haven't driven a car since that has grabbed my attention like that one did. I need to own one.

[@ZDY66666]

This previous gen m240i and previous gen 540i are the best modern day looking bmws

[@lolmeercatz10]

Very interesting, I haven't owned them myself but I reckon the pick of the bunch is still the standard M2 with the N55, the S55 in the comp is great but riddled with problems, I think the N55 is the perfect engine for the platform and is strong and reliable so pair that with the M2 chassis and set up you have one hell of a usable performance car. £22k ballpark for a nice M2 now which isa lot more than this of course but wow what a lot of car for the money!

[@defyyourlogic487]

Yeah the N55 car is the most balanced as it’s what engine the M2 was developed for after all, by definition it’s the truest form of the M2 against what morons on the internet say.

[@mazboengineer]

I bought a F21 M135i new in 2016, £362 down and £362 a month. Took it to Santa Pod & Nürb. Amazing amount of fun for the money.

[@clm7169]

I have had my M135i since 201,7 and once in a while think what do I replace it with. It’s practical, fast when you want it to, enough creature comforts, sounds good, I think still looks good. I call it my multi tool of a car. What more do you need for an everyday car that you can have fun in. Until something better comes along (unlikely) I will hang on to it.

[@Mike-sg9tl]

Had a M140i as project car, to essentially see how ridiculous I could make it. Great fun! Loved it, wish I never sold it. Limited slip dif and upgraded fuel pump are essential on these. The ZF gearbox is very reliable but a little slow on the shifts. Mapping the gearbox is a good shout too 👍

[@pgr3290]

They're missiles. Performance bargains. Add a locking diff for £1500 and a simple map to the engine and they are so much fun to hoon around. Capable of scaring much more expensive equipment due to 400 horsepower and modest kerb weights. ZF8 transmission is fast and smooth. B58 engine is tough and tunes up superbly. The N55 engine not quite as good but still excellent and arguably sounds a lot better. You can't lose.

[@stevenf9298]

You mean an LSD? Also, where you getting one for £1500? Looking into buying one of these

[@pgr3290]

@@stevenf9298 An LSD is THE MAIN MOD that everyone should buy for these besides a straight map. An LSD changes the way car grips and goes dramatically versus the open diff. You'll get pushed out of corners properly instead of jiggling about with inside wheel spin and the rear brakes (e diff) trying to settle the car. It'll slide about gracefully and controllably which is tricky with the open diff. The two main LSD options are the BMW M Performance one or the Quaife. Shop around quite a few places sell them. Good ways to find a bit of money off are joining car club group buys or sometimes holiday sales offers which are pretty common. I paid £1300 for one although that was a few years back with a group buy.

[@polopowered]

Cool Story Bro

[@FragEightyfive]

I had been looking at the 240 and now the new M2.... I really wish the 1-series came to the US, available with an S54 or the new S58. Those engine choices would really make it two different cars.

[@dadcars]

I’ve long thought these were a sweet spot bang for buck performance BMW, very practical too!

[@bgolledge502]

I do miss that sound of those engines, as all the new ones are 4 pots

[@ethanwaterfield3830]

The latest M240i is still a B58.

[@imBriz]

all 240is are i6's

[@Kacpa2]

​@@imBriz A turbo inline 6, only on top version. Before you could havvehad 1 series and 2 series with inline 6 and manual in lower trim versions

[@markgt894]

Engine doesn’t sound great. You need a naturally aspirated V8,V10 or V12.

[@darkblueturbo]

Yes. Just bought an m140 and loving it!!!

[@markgt894]

Meh they’re pretty forgettable cars

[@torquesteer2657]

Brill! I’m picking one up on Tuesday! Can’t wait!

[@darkblueturbo]

You will love it!

[@barfmeister8509]

Had a 2017 m240 and threw on a set of AC Schnitzer 19”AC1 rims and ACS suspension. It was good, fast but it never felt quite as fun as my 46m3🤷🏻‍♂️ ran it a couple of years and accidentally found myself with a M2c. Many mods later, ACS coil overs, billet bushes and full suspension secrets rear arm package I’m still craving for my m3. The M2c is a big step up on performance and handling compared to m240 but the B58 is right up there with the best modern engines and for me is sweeter than the S55

[@duncangilson9642]

I originally fitted slightly lower Eibach progressive springs to my M140, which were a big improvement, and more recently added Bilstein dampers, which have transformed the ride - it could be the only car you'd ever need ...!

[@vollcare4076]

Eibach rear pro kit springs are linear

[@AndyfromSurrey]

I had a manual M140i a couple of years ago and didn’t really like it! The engine was outstanding, it sounded awesome & was bloody fast. But, the suspension was horrible & I found the drivers seat very uncomfortable to. Thankfully I was able to sell it back to the dealer I bought it from after 15 months for £2.5k more than I paid for it due by buying it when prices low, more luck than judgement there 😂.

[@Jam3sA]

Sold my M235i for a GR86. Not regretting my decision. The 2 series seemed to age its interior touch points (steering wheel rim & controls, gearknob) very quickly (in comparison to an E46), and while it is overall faster than the Toyota, the traction, suspension & too longer gearing make the Toyota better at sensible speeds. Yes, there's way more rear seat & boot space in the BMW, but my wallet's appreciating better real-world fuel economy

[@polopowered]

Excellent choice. The Germans don't know what they are doing anymore.

[@nahnatsnotme937]

Just a simple remap 430bhp was a little rocket miss my m140i but only because the ZF gearbox is smoother in traffic than my current OG m2 DCT. Looks & sound no comparison 👏🏽

[@TimChump]

For the money you can’t beat the old m240.

[@polopowered]

I'm sure you can beat it for the money.

[@mattpashley5493]

How let everyone know

[@mattpashley5493]

Coz I'm sure u can't

[@TimChump]

@@polopowered please let us know, I’d genuinely like to know how you can beat the b58 for the same money

[@polopowered]

It's a BMW. The most overrated vehicle brand like EVER!!! Over to you Douchebags to find something that can beat it for the money. I am not going to converse with you anymore now. Byeee.

[@Yhyujss]

Bmw gave it a amazing engine and transmissions then wrapped it up in a 118i with a terrible chassis and suspension and if that wasn't bad enough it came with an open diff with my m140i did the lsd, h&r spring & b8, 15mm spaces under body brace, rear subframe bushes, front control arm bushes, front strut brace. For me handling come first especially for these cars so when I add the power it can handle it and put it to the road . I've had so many cars in my life but this is the only one that puts a big smile on my face when I get into it. This one will be missed when I finally have to part with it.

[@DontPanicDear]

Yup! Totally vanilla chassis1 The E series was the same. I spent loads ‘fixing’ or rather finishing my 130 and 135i. They were then epic. I missed the F series altogether, as I just didn’t have the appetite to start the same process a third time! Three Cayman GTS later, I needed back seats, so I’m in a G42 240i and it’s great from the box (still had ACS fettle it a bit though) I like the sound of yours, apart from the spacers. Cosmetics aside, it’ll be better without them 🤓

[@adamkightley]

I remember finance offers of £399 down and £399 a month.

[@polopowered]

Lol whatever. That's Aygo style PCP.

[@Mark-uw9kz]

@@polopowered no, its correct, paid £350/pm for my m135i in 2016 factory order.

[@polopowered]

@@Mark-uw9kz well that was a gift...

[@ukwan]

BMW finance deals were absolutely insane back then.

[@roadreg1820]

The M140i and M240i were incredible performance value, and they are still are today. Great video!

[@M135iboost]

Having bought a 2016 M135i manual during Covid with its unbelievable inflated price, the only thing I would replace it with is an M140i. Bang for buck great cars.

[@dereksmith6126]

I've owned a M240i since November 2018. I made sure to go for the lighter oyster leather interior which brightens the inside considerably as I've never been a fan of the austere black interiors. Once purchased I thought the handling was not quite right, therefore I had the Motech "Stance" fitted along with Bilstein shocks. That sorted it out. Yes, I also had it wrapped in a dark green/black flip and although the wrap is 5 years old, pretty much perfect. It's a brilliant car and for £20k less than the M2 at the time a massive bargain.

[@brianiswrong]

I would imagine a change of car from a fiesta ST to this bmw must feel quite the upgrade.

[@baronxsa]

Definitely not in terms of handling and ability to have fun at lower speeds. It's an autobahn cruiser essentially

[@SplatterRaptor]

Had a 135 LCI for 18 months. Great all round car, but the lack of diff, awful primary ride and dreadful manual box eventually led to me selling it. Went to a 981 cayman after that and I then understood what a sporty manual gearbox should feel like. Still love these, but without mods they were very flawed cars.

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

I’ve actually had 3 of these cars over the years; the first an early M235i which I loved and regrettably sold far too quickly, that one got to an indicated 165mph on the German autobahn between Munich and Stuttgart (literally right off the end of the speedo which goes to 155mph), then an early M240i which I kept over 4 years before realising they were soon to be replaced (and its replacement would most likely be ugly) and so contacted my BMW dealer to get what I was told was the last orange M240i still available to buy new in the country back in 2021, a car I still have today and, barring an apocalypse, I intend keeping as long as I possibly can. Yes, there’s the odd thing that could be improved, but as you say Jay and I think, as a package and for what they cost, they’re really hard to beat for someone like me who wants something sporty without being too crazy, fast yet not ruinous to run either fuel consumption or servicing, is reliable, really nice and easy to drive, not too big and looks decent. The engine is the highlight; it’s truly magnificent, closely followed by the transmission. I often think a smaller BMW coupé is just perfect and this demonstrates that. A real Goldilocks car for me, not too much, not too little, just right for the road. I absolutely love mine and, if it’s been a few days since I’ve driven it, a few yards down the road reminds me why I do love it. A final thought, sorry this is long, but adaptive suspension is well worth looking out for if buying one. My car has it and it makes quite a difference in comfort mode on our appalling roads. The dampers react quicker to sharp ridges etc in the road too, so it’s possible to carry more speed and remain comfortable.

[@polopowered]

Cool Story Bro

[@BionicRusty]

Awesome video. 👍 So tempting as a trade-in of my S212 ‘Retirement car’. My brother has an M135i and it’s incredible. A perfect mix of performance but with have an eye on frugality. I really like that. 😁

[@stupidmonkez]

I had a M235i that I recently replaced with a new GR86. Car was good and did a lot well but I do think the car was a little too soft to be anything too special. If you really want a sportscar this isn’t it but it is just a great daily driver comfy GT.

[@MohsinWadee]

Two things: 1. At the time several tests proved the M240i to be quicker than the M2 0-60! 2. Toyota also forced changes on this engine by BMW to ensure greater reliability!

[@karlfontanari2169]

Great review as usual, I had a 235i and upgraded to the then new M2 and now have a Z4 M40i and it is the best BMW to me although not practical for some

[@ThexMJT]

Still wish I never sold my M135i, best car i've ever owned.

[@Ripperx121]

So my first BMW was the 3 series E46. I didn't really love the way it looked. I really liked the E36 but did decide on the E46. I thought it looked bubbly. Fast forward to last fall I got a 2023 M240i xDrive. I thought it looked like an alien that Disney made. It's funny how us BMW people hate the changes and then buy them. The more I looked at in the driveway the more I liked it. Haha I live in New England so I need xDrive. I love this car. Such a great drive train. It's a tank in the snow. Actually I think it is only a couple inches smaller than me E92. The car pulls I am in my mid 50's so I am probably not going to mod it much. It needs exhaust and maybe a small tune. Honestly the car can still make me say "Holy shit"! Great video I still love the old ones too. Oh! The screens I now like. But no shifter is as you guys would say "Daffed". Am I using that right? 😀

[@MuscleBandit]

"Daft" or Darft in the south and daffed up north for reference! Thanks for the feedback.

[@kraken2109]

Probably worth mentioning is the reason they're cheap now is all the 20 year old lads in Birmingham crashed them so the insurance has skyrocketed over the last few years

[@1666matt]

James you're normally bang on, but I find the rear of these and the 1 series oscillates, on faster corners, rather disconcerting. Apparently M4 rear arms sort it out 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@defyyourlogic487]

I have an OG M2 and came from a 240i and tbh sinking 5k into a 240i and you’ll have a funner car. I only got rid of it due to high mileage and wanting a canyon carver (plus the looks), so if you aren’t looking for big power the M2 is still the better car in every way.

[@THEG12EG]

M2 worth it for the arches alone.. you need some M2/m4 comp seats tho

[@defyyourlogic487]

@@THEG12EG Yeah the base seats blow, I would’ve gotten a comp if I was tuning/tracking but weekend canyon carving is about the extent of it and a stock 240 fell flat for me (still can definitely keep up outside its price range with some PS4S all around. It’s a great car for the price). But right now coil overs/exhaust/intake is all I’m really planning.

[@oli_I_7_I]

I bought one late 2019 when I was 21 (67 reg with 12k miles on it) £2k down, £310 a month. Unbelievable car, insurance started at £1.5k and crept down to just under £1k on second year of ownership so not crazy. Sold it during Covid after 2 years and 12k miles for £26.5k (£2.5k more than bought for) to same dealer I bought it from

[@Calm_wisdom]

What did you replace it with?

[@3ducs]

I would NEVER complain about a smaller screen! Giant TVs in cars are ugly and distracting.

[@luther_pm5746]

Had to do a double take when I saw the thumbnail, looks exactly like my 2018 6mt I picked up last December. Loving it so far, but at low speed wish I had that Zf. That being said, on a nice b-road, the manual is also a joy :)

[@Griffinnn89]

I had an M135i. Got an 8k dealer deposit contribution and it was 347 a month. Take me back!

[@PatsEmptyGarage]

I have a 2022 540i xdrive M sport waggon. Best car I have ever owned, it literally does it all. Though im looking forward to tuning it once the warranty has expired.

[@lukegodfrey9391]

I’ve tuned mine with a gentle map and it really wakes the car up, well worth it. The version of the B58 in the 5 is a bit understated compared to in the m1/2/3/440i’s.

[@PatsEmptyGarage]

@lukegodfrey9391 Tell me more about your map. Where did it come from, and how has it livened the engine?

[@lukegodfrey9391]

@@PatsEmptyGarage Mine was done by a BMW specialist in the UK who build nordschleife track cars. I’d recommend staying away from dedicated tuning companies who advertise drastic torque gains as it changes the characteristic of the car too much and you end up with something that isn’t particularly pleasant to daily drive. If you wanted something snatchy and savage just PX for an M5. Mine is at 410 bhp and 435 lb-ft now, up from 335bhp and 332 lb-ft with very similar power curves and delivery. Basically, everything has been enhanced by 20% everywhere and the car feels the same, very smooth and grunty, just a lot more urgent. One thing to be aware of is after MY18 (Might be later) the ECU’s are bench locked and can’t be tapped into. They need to be sent off somewhere in Europe to be unlocked and it’s quite expensive. Mine didn’t need it, but if it did I argue it’s not worth the cost if you’re only after a simple remap. Unless it can be done local to you nowadays of course.

[@izuaff04]

only car you ever need

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

🤣

[@joelbrown2782]

That M240i in the video is likely pushing nearly 450bhp, Stage 1 on the B58 can range from 420bhp to 450bhp. I had an M140i, brought it in 2022, and liked the engine and gearbox are brilliant. I wasn't a fan of the interior. I might buy one again as a weekend toy, but recently left my job and pursuing new avenues. Small note on these, beware every BMW up to the 4 Series like a steering rack. High mileage B58 engines like to lose coolant at high mileage for some reason. The VANOS system, there is solenoid which fails on this generation of engine.

[@TrulyUniqueOne]

The one worry I have with these and the m140i is someone taking it on a 3 year pcp deal ragging it to death and not looking after it then when its passed on you've got a car that will be very problematic

[@CallumRoberts17]

I’ve had a few of these cars and covered around 170,000 miles in them (and a lot of fuel!) Early M135i, m235i, m140 etc. excellent cars, especially with the b58 but they’re flawed in many ways as far as a performance car goes. Steering, chassis, suspension and brakes let them down. Fast on road, awful on track.

[@ScrotieHongKong]

Hmmm fond memories of my old 140i 👍 wife hated it though

[@dp2901]

We can probably thank these fantastic 2-series releases to the success of the 1M. It’s too bad BMW lost the way.

[@Gustavo__157]

Owned a 135i and ur making me wanna trade the Golf R for a 240i now 😂😂

[@lukegodfrey9391]

Do it mate, they’re so much more special.

[@Falco_e46]

do it

[@SUSSYMEMES]

I have a 225d. I absolutely love it. I've come in to some money and want to upgrade. Weighing up between a m240i and an m2 competition. Tough choice. both fantastic packages

[@leemace9638]

Didn’t know there was such a thing as cheap finance

[@JL-km8vj]

Paying cash can be expensive when you can invest at a higher rate than finance available as has been for the past 10+ years. No one gets rich by paying cash for depreciating assets.

[@R03333]

Not anymore unfortunately 🙃

[@Matthew-ll9ke]

There was back when these were new

[@markbiggart1265]

I would much rather the peace of mind of cash sitting in my savings or mortgage offset account and borrowing to buy a car and dealing with a monthly payment. Plus some of the lease deals used to cost less than cash, and the risk is with the finance company.

[@1210mk5g]

I had a GR yaris on 0% interest. Finance doesn't get much cheaper than that.

[@m5nut]

I love my manual 3dr 140i. Yes the suspension isn't great, but that can be fixed. My main issue is being broken into twice, in an attempt to swipe the keys. 😠😠

[@Steven-p4j]

You and Number 27 always cheer me up, thank you.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

We are happy to help

[@JacK-yr8ri]

I had a grey m240 in that exact spec from new, i do miss it! Have an s3 8Y now but it just didnt give me the same feelings that did.

[@patrickol4300]

Good looking motor, good performance. Wise buy.

[@EhM-xt7pl]

One of my favourite cars, ever

[@Teddybearr1889]

Great video. Currently weighing up a 240 or an M2. A remapped 240 and save 10 k sounds the better option

[@NomadJRG]

Depends what you will be doing with it. As a daily it's more suitable than an M2 but if you wanted to do some track work the M2 is vastly better.

[@hughjones3163]

Wow pretty cool how it all comes together

[@optidalfprime3904]

Man, I wish. That car is 30k Euros in the used Market in germany with around 80k Kilometers and basically only the cabrio version exists. Also only automatic trans.

[@22xplod]

Exceptional review. Great car.

[@jamesroberts2503]

Brilliant review!

[@Ukgyt99]

Insurance fd me with mine they stopped covering tuned ones so i had to sell prices dropped too its a good time to get one excluding insurance of course.

[@alancrisp1582]

Insurance ?. In my country New Zealand car 🚙 insurance is not a legal ⚖ requirement. Some motorists have it , many more do not !...

[@Ukgyt99]

@@alancrisp1582 you live in a nice country Insurance here is very expensive and a legal requirment.

[@tomcollins4374]

Great video as ever. I am very close to buying one of these or a 370z for a second car, yet to drive both and I am an ex BMW guy…. Should be interesting as both offer fun in a differing way…

[@polopowered]

An ex BMW Guy? Haha.

[@MrCdt]

Jayemm would love to see you do a review on a convertible version of one of these to see what you think compared to the coupe

[@Jakes_Cars]

I wanted one of these but the insurance is ridiculous, well over £2500 a year and I’m 26, So looking at E92 M3’s instead as the insurance is less than half 😎

[@surgedidit]

The E92 M3 is a great choice!

[@simont4708]

always liked my m140 but lacked steering feel compared to the M2

[@lawrenceconway8601]

Thanks for the video :)

[@MotechPerformance]

Great cars ! still a good looking little car

[@Baconfish]

I've always thought the 2 series is really strangely proportioned; the three box shape makes it look like a weirdly truncated saloon. It's like they got to the B pillar and gave up. I will freely admit that BMWs aren't really my thing, but I feel like it'd look much better if they'd made it a fastback. This applies to the newer one too.

[@neil5242]

I own an M140I and have done so for 4 years. It is stock bar the M Performance exhaust (preventative, since the factory butterfly valves can fail). If you want to know anything about the car that isn't covered in the video, let me know. In summary, it is the best car I've ever owned. Faultless ownership experience. Without wanting to sound like a noob, I'm a decent driver, and you need to know what you're doing behind the wheel before you send it in one of these. It won't save you like an R, RS3, S4, etc. Learn to corner properly, and it'll reward you infinitely.

[@vollcare4076]

Are you really sure Toyota developed the B58 (together with BMW) already in 2013-2014 (B58 was launched 2015) ? 5:06 I‘m not so sure

[@Jackjhumphries7]

This is the one car I regret not buying ,even now I get tempted. The dated interior is still a negative but I still think this is perfectly preportioned BMW

[@mattb4353]

You need one in your life Jay. Just do the suspension mods. 😁

[@joebrown8886]

Well, that's set me off looking at a 2 series as my car! 🙂

[@eric-wb7gj]

TY J! 🙏🙏

[@r-rtz]

If Mike Brewer and Elvis had a child ... would be this one

[@51madmitch]

Looks fabulous and 2 door coupe perfect, and a good size, before BMW managed to ruin most of their range, over size and over weight.