What To Buy, What To Skip | 2023 BMW 230i/M240i Buyers Guide

If you're considering BMW's smallest 2+2 coupe, watch this video for how much it'll set you back, what options I recommend and what options you should just forget about.
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[@rembo183]

Excellent summary of the 2 series and the competition. I like the base 230i best as it’s got everything I need or want in a luxury compact coupe for a fair price, as long as you go easy on options. I’d get one without the performance options and keep it at about $40k. Very nice car at MSRP.

[@Andrew-he4cu]

2:48 The Dynamic Handling Pkg requires the addition of M Sport, which in turn mandates a $600 19" wheel option. So in reality, the $1900 Dynamic Handling Pkg is a $5850 option ($1900 + $3350 + $600). BMW knows what they're doing; i.e. squeezing as much money as they can out of you.

[@postalpancho]

You could just buy a base 230i and add an aftermarket LSD, but It wouldn’t be as good as the M sport suspension upgrade with an ELSD.

[@porfiriato84]

So can I just get the M sport package without Dynamic Handling?

[@postalpancho]

@@porfiriato84 you can get the M sport package without having to buy the dynamic handling ELSD. Unless you plan on hitting up an Autocross or track day then the ELSD is not very useful.

[@porfiriato84]

@@postalpancho thanks 🙏🏼

[@kylinwx]

I don't see the dynamic handling pkg any more

[@seugene7040]

Bought the 2022 230 last December @$40,395. Zero complaints, minus no wireless charger.

[@josephcitizen4195]

Manual transmission is the "only way to go". Give it a break mate. FYI, both the 230 and the 240 are available with *the* best 8 speed ZF auto trans on the planet. Better 0-60 times and better mpg are included at no extra charge. I get that manual trans are more fun to drive, I've got one, but I get really tired of reviewers and YT car bros thinking it should be the only option or autos are not allowed in their space. It's become the truck nuts or car reviewers these days. /rant over I love the 230i, probably the best daily driver out there. Thanks Alex. Keep it up!

[@JohnJohnson-dv1ds]

Just took delivery of my new 2023 230i. What a fantastic car.

[@maximus9401]

I wish this video came out a week ago. Just placed an order for a 230i a few days ago

[@jimmyccee1083]

I ordered a 22, they canceled it. They gave me the 2033, but options were different. Bought the IDrive version of the 230i. Brooklyn Grey, Shadowline Package, Premium Package, M Sport, Harmon Kardon, M Double Spoke Wheels.

[@porfiriato84]

Dang so 11 year waiting period huh...

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

I find the Mustang comparison interesting, in part because I just saw a 4 series at the track this weekend, and I think the profile is so similar to the new Mustang's profile. From a styling perspective, I prefer the 2 series from the previous generation. Really had that well-proportioned compact old-school 3 series (or even 2002) vibe that seemed more sculpted and cohesive than the newer gen that has more sharp creases.

[@Toymonkeyjr]

Agreed the previous gen 2 series is superior, looks way better like an old 3 series coupe

[@Jacobk66]

Have a 230i AWD M Sport on order. My logic was it’s $10,000 cheaper than the like 4 Series Coupe.

[@rembo183]

The 2022 BMW 230 only comes with rear wheel drive in the coupe. The M 240i has the X or AWD. ITS $10k more starting at about $47k.

[@user-sq6nu3rv1m]

Great video. Really appreciated the overview and comparison of available options. That is something a lot of reviews seem to gloss over.

[@galaman12001]

Shouldn’t you wait to pair up the RS3 against the forthcoming M2 ? A3/230i S3/M240i RS3/M2 I’d take the 230i and the M240i over the A3 and S3 hands down, and based on the M240i performance the M2 should be nothing short of phenomenal. That said, the RS3 is also a fantastic car.

[@Toymonkeyjr]

I'd take the a3 save money and mod it to make crazy power, or I'd take the rs3 and have a blast with the new awd system. If I wanted a 2 series I'd get an og m2, these newer ones just aren't performance coupes anymore, just a smaller b58 with similar weight. The fun driving characteristic of the old 2 series is gone. Nothing more then a size difference and certain features between this and the 4 series nowadays. They're trying to sell more, by making the car more friendly to the average driver, faster, and not as challenging(yet rewarding) to drive. competing directly with the Audi's now. the previous F generation didn't even compete with audis' because one was a daily, and the other was a track car for the street.

[@theequalizer2727]

@@Toymonkeyjr VW/Audi not reliable compared to BMW 6 cylinder cars

[@Toymonkeyjr]

@@theequalizer2727 Depends, if you're meticulous about maintenance, then yes regarding engine life the 6 cylinders last longer. But generally you end up paying for more bmw repairs in the long run, other then engine issues. Reliable yes, expensive also yes. Considering that most newer luxury car purchases keep the same car for the average of tow years, they usually won't run into reliability problems.

[@thermionic8530]

Alex, as usual, good job. Me, I would go for the 240i over the Audi. VW/Audi has left a sour taste in my mouth from the past. I've never owned a BMW before, but I have always admired the 2-Series. I would want the 240i, rear drive.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

They added a RWD only M240i version? I thought it was AWD only?

[@icanmanifest]

They did.

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

AWD was only at launch. They’ve always said RWD would launch later

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

1:46 automatic is the only option, no manual, right?

[@Ethan7s]

Yeah, huge slip there by Alex.

[@the_jarmel]

GREAT JOB ALEX ... HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY EVERYONE

[@bikingmoments]

Although not ‘pure’ or ‘classic RWD’, 4-door S3/RS4 are indeed much more practical and easy to drive both fun and safely on street.

[@victorpirsoul3979]

Great overview and comparisons. However, why was the Audi A5 / S5 / R5 not included since it's still a 2-door coupe?

[@MegaRetr]

1:46 automatic is the only option, no manual why? thanks

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Best value regarding german cars.

[@postalpancho]

I ordered a 230i M sport back in March that hasn’t arrived yet. Glad you compared it to the Camaro but you can also compare it to an automatic gr86. At the moment I keep seeing GR86 go for over $35k, many even well over 40k with dealership mark ups. That’s actually what I originally wanted but I figured if they wanted to charge me so much I might as well get my money’s worth and get a BMW. Also once you consider a 1LE V6 tack package Camaro is about $45k, then $43k 230i m sport with dynamic handling starts to make a lot more sense.

[@forty-second]

Francisco, did you pay dealer markup on the car

[@jimmyccee1083]

I have a 23 on order. 1500 below MSRP

[@postalpancho]

@@forty-second no, dealership are not getting allocations unless they have a buyers. So if you get a signed buyers order at an agreed upon price then they must honor the agreement when the car arrives.

[@postalpancho]

@@jimmyccee1083 No, I am going to happily pay MSRP. If you love sports cars then you need show manufacturers that sports cars are still profitable products. I understand not wanting to get ripped off but if these cars fail to be profitable for dealerships then cars will continue to get boring. Sounds crazy, I know but that is why I have happily paid MSRP for every sports car I have ever owned. I never have and never will pay for a mark up but I happily pay MSRP.

[@jimmyccee1083]

I have never ever paid MSRP for any vehicle, let alone a dealer mark up. Dealers are making record profits and soon, car buying will be through internet only, a non negotiated price, and dealers will only be there for service. Crazy world

[@inspector4133]

RS3. No doubt. In every metric (except price), among these cars, it's obvously the best. However, for the pricepoint, my next car will actually be an S5 though. The camaro isn't even in the same class as these cars.

[@porfiriato84]

Savagegeese wasnt too impressed w rs3

[@inspector4133]

@@porfiriato84 I'm not a youtube reviewer, and I don't follow savage geese, but I DID have an RS3 for a day as a loaner. I was extremely impressed. My comparison was my A3 daily driver. If not for the gas mileage, I'd probably be thinking about an RS3 or RS4 as my next.

[@turbota899]

Aight, have a good weekend.

[@williamholleman8673]

Can I save money on the BMW M240i going through COSTCO auto buying program?

[@GAD30R]

Great overview. Thanks!

[@garyclark6747]

I’m with you on the RS3 but I love the dual screen Apple CarPlay‼️

[@faautobahna9416]

thanks

[@comfortlivinghh]

great analysis!

[@richardbanat7260]

Good morning I ordered my 2023 230ixdrive in July… any idea when they will be coming out? My dealer doesn’t even know yet for sure… Thanks

[@DartonTodd]

I might order one tomorrow :)

[@Tymonisthename]

Really struggling to choose between a 240i or take the plunge and wait for an RS3

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

I still think the LT1 Camaro for 35K is a no brainer if you genuinely want an enthusiasts car that’s drives and feels better than every single car mentioned in this video. Standard V8, LSD, brembo front brakes, 20in wheels, Tremec 6 speed, launch control, decent tech is hard to pass up. The Alpha platform is just superior, plain and simple. The handling with summer tires is impossible to beat for the price and the feedback from the car is top notch. Obviously if you care about the interior and luxury, the Americans are probably not want you want. But you’d be paying 50% more for those vehicles.

[@TheRidersChoice]

Ya but I don’t want to sit in a plastic penalty box that I can’t see out of just for the sake of too much engine shoved into a mediocre platform.

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

@@TheRidersChoice that 'mediocre' platform competes with supercars of yesterdays. An M2 CS laid down 7:42 at the Nürburgring while this 'mediocre' platform could lay down 7:16. The Germans have absolutely zero cars that can touch the Alpha platform for under 100k, and its not even close. A Cayman GT4 RS is slower, and the 140K M4 CSL is a fraction of a second quicker. Also its okay, I don't want to drive unreliable penalty boxes that lose half their value in a few years and are a nightmare to maintain. I mean if are into slow cars, might as well get a rav4 and save some money...

[@postalpancho]

Superior? No, it’s just cheaper. For $35k LT1 you get the crappy brakes, crappy tires, you get the plane rental car interior, you don’t get added cooling for track days, you don’t get sport tuned suspension, you get old tech, you get the bare bones of a Camaro. You only get a V8 for that money. You would not be nearly as quick as you think you would. You’d have great top end but you aren’t going to handle anywhere near as good as the BMW. If you equip the Camaro with all the track goodies you are going to need to hit the track it is going to be well beyond $40k. For a 1LE V6 you are spending about $45k and well over $50k for a V8. So no, you are just wrong. Also unless you are buying used ain’t no way in hell you finding a base LT1 for $35k.

[@Goldensunflower7]

Έχω την έκδοση 220i M sport σε blue M portimao χρώμα. Απλά εξαιρετικό σε όλα. Αν μπορείτε βάλτε ελληνικά στους υπότιτλους!

[@BDFLFUN2]

I am unable to find the M Sport package as an option for the 2023 230i on the BMW USA site. I only see Convenience and Premium packages. Can't seem to get it to show up even when messing with the configurator. Did they discontinue it in 2023 or recently due to part shortages? Any tips on how to find it?

[@vaasavkumar7772]

Was having the same concern. They actually still have it, but the only way is to go to a local bmw dealership where they can order it for you. Weird, but still possible to get.

[@Jpvashon]

You can access it by adding the 19” wheels

[@geneforte9038]

2023's have awd available on the 230i.

[@aluisious]

Manual transmission is the only way to go?

[@tomcrosson1328]

I’ve already sat down at BMW about ordering an M240 but I found the residual value low and it didn’t seem to lease well. I didn’t order it (however if they had one on the lot I’m sure I would have purchased it)

[@brianb7844]

Nothing leases well in this current environment.

[@Ryan_Mooney]

The RS3 is only good for the motor, you don't get what you pay for in the rest of the car.

[@damilolaakanni]

I thought the 230i and 240i are only available with the automatic transmission. Did they ditch that for 2023?

[@M1911jln]

You are correct, automatic only.

[@kylinwx]

how about a3?

[@ltkwok]

BMW makes so many models, how do they make sure the quality is any good. It typically takes 3 model years to work out all the bugs. With so many models, there must mountains of stuff that breaks in BMWs. I wouldn’t own a BMW beyond the warrantee period.

[@tomcrosson1328]

That’s why you lease it.

[@user-ti2xi9bd4u]

I hate my life, I bought 2022 230i idrive7 last month. And now just found out there’s 2023 idrive8 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@pr0craztinazn]

Surprised you didn’t compare it against the Supra.

[@Pahang.bend17]

Driver mod needed

[@dg7438]

Cars have gotten soo expensive, while our wallets are shrinking. :/ You are the best reviewer...bar none!

[@danielwatts9803]

THE 2 SERIES ABSOLUTELY NEEDS A STICK OPTION!!! HOW COULD BMW JUST IGNORE THS, SMH' . . .

[@avery4528]

I don't really like these segment vehicles. The BMW is the most compelling and it's not all that compelling. Personal property tax is less for the first $20,000 of a vehicle. Have a couple Honda's or Toyota's and get a GR86. If the BMW was more compact and cheaper with the limited slip differential there could be a case for it to combine the sports car aspect with a sedan. But, I'd rather have an Accord and GR86 instead of vanilla chocolate swirl. I'd be interested in that package for $5,000 less. I think the GR Corolla will be at the price range I'm looking at if cars actually sold at MSRP. At least with a GR86 I know prices will stabilize in a couple years as it's not a limited run vehicle.

[@porfiriato84]

You made no sense at all. All over the place.

[@jim99west46]

Please .... A moon roof is a fixed pane. A sunroof actually slides open. Ty.

[@fireteam_]

The build and price for the Honda Accord has a "one touch sliding moonroof," they used to mean different things but in the last 15 years or so they're pretty much identical.

[@jim99west46]

@@fireteam_ Honda copywriting people need to learn a few things

[@texasyank48]

Wrong

[@markmiller3279]

That was not the original distinction at all. Back in the 1960s-70s the early sunroofs were painted metal panels that slid open. Then a company (Lincoln?) introduced a glass one and called it a moonroof. Within a few years all that were available were moonroofs, though people continued to call them sunroofs. Only in recent years have giant panoramic ones that don't open become common. By original, Seventies usage they would all be moonroofs, because they're clear, not metal.

[@geneforte9038]

U can get the sunroof delete.

[@sizakelecomfortmtshweni9530]

I'd take the 2017 BMW M140i for performance and practicality Or even the current M135i, there's a facelift being tested...

[@NS416]

Are u from Europe?

[@tomcrosson1328]

I have a 2017 M240 for sale if you are interested 😂

[@sizakelecomfortmtshweni9530]

@@NS416 Nope, South Africa

[@sizakelecomfortmtshweni9530]

@@tomcrosson1328 Like I said... I don't ride in 2 doors

[@marktierney2986]

Saw a review the other day on utube on the M140i. If you like the styling ? , then you can really get a Wolf in Sheep’s clothing. That same B58 motor but with 5 doors and a compact size and price. The model show was a 2017 black on black. It looked very sweet.

[@doolittlegeorge]

Still trying to charge a subscription fee for heated seats?

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

When are you renaming the channel since I don’t always get Alex on autos

[@faygox955]

Nissan Z it's manual, already won. I'm not 80 years old enough to need an automatic transmission.

[@TorgoLives]

Exactly as it should be. You youngsters should be driving sticks! 😄Keep the manual transmissions alive! Me, I drove them for 30+ years and have a bad knee, so it's automatic time!

[@Yksisuuntainen]

I definitely think they should always be an option, but I hate driving them in stop-and-go traffic. I encounter a ton of that on my daily commute and I can only afford one car, so it would be the auto for me, unfortunately.

[@TorgoLives]

@@Yksisuuntainen Yep, driving a stick in stop and go traffic every day is a pain for sure.

[@faygox955]

I will never say that there should not be automatic versions, in my opinion there should be 2 transmissions in all versions of all vehicles. Because the knee problem that I read from one of the comments, could even be something else like someone who has lost a leg, so I think it is excellent that there are automatic versions from the beginning of the range, but I would like to have a manual version throughout the range. Whatever the vehicle is. A few weeks ago the Porsche Sport Classic was launched, and most reviewers complained that there was no automatic version of it. I wish they would do the same for all vehicles that do not offer a manual transmission.

[@tomcrosson1328]

You can even get a REAL sports car in a manual these days anymore.

[@b286guy]

More “preimum” interior! 😮

[@gregkramer5588]

Wow, the options kill you on these!

[@zeljkothegreekserb]

Considering this is the ugliest thing BMW ever made, including the e46 Compact, just skip it regardless of the engine, don't buy it and give BMW incentive to produce more such monstrosities.

[@wowyummyyy]

👍👍👍👍👍👍 😍😍😍😍😍 💕💞💕💞💕

[@jma7889]

The video is not relevant. Within the next 12 month, the availability of this car is close to NONE.

[@jimmyccee1083]

Nope, it’s a great seller

[@markmiller3279]

That's true of most new models. Is Alex just supposed to stop reviewing everything?

[@punch_dance]

I just ordered one a couple weeks ago, it's being delivered December 2022. The availability is there.

[@porfiriato84]

@@punch_dance what packages did you add on?

[@jocu475]

Uh there’s no manual transmission ??????

[@jocu475]

There’s no manual transmission and there’s no m sport package wtf is this guy talking about