[tahoma19]

I’m in the market to replace my current work car, had an opportunity to test drive an M240 and I really did enjoy it. But the current lease deals on the i4 are compelling. Anyone go through this dilemma and end up picking the i4?

[jpuffmasterpuffpuffpuff69]

I've driven the 2 series a few times. It's compelling as an M car but only so-so as a 240. The M50 is a rocket but not as agile. Quite different. Having gone EV, I'll never buy another ICE vehicle.

[srbs73]

I found myself in the same position this time last year. My finance on my M340i Touring was coming to an end and considered downsizing to the M240i. It was nice, more sporty and better sound from the exhaust but the back seats were pretty cramped.

When it came to monthly figures, I could get an i4 M50 through my company car scheme which worked out about 70% of the cost of the M240i private finance.

Glad I went with the i4, as space wise, it's not much smaller than the M340i Touring, but is lightning fast when you want it, but stick it in eco pro and it's a nice relaxing drive.

[tahoma19]

Originally Posted by srbs73

I found myself in the same position this time last year. My finance on my M340i Touring was coming to an end and considered downsizing to the M240i. It was nice, more sporty and better sound from the exhaust but the back seats were pretty cramped.

When it came to monthly figures, I could get an i4 M50 through my company car scheme which worked out about 70% of the cost of the M240i private finance.

Glad I went with the i4, as space wise, it's not much smaller than the M340i Touring, but is lightning fast when you want it, but stick it in eco pro and it's a nice relaxing drive.

Thank you for sharing your perspective. I’m going to give the i4 a drive to see if it scratches the itch.

[tahoma19]

Originally Posted by jpuffmasterpuffpuffpuff69

I've driven the 2 series a few times. It's compelling as an M car but only so-so as a 240. The M50 is a rocket but not as agile. Quite different. Having gone EV, I'll never buy another ICE vehicle.

Do you miss the sound of the ICE at all? How did you feel the throttle response was calibrated for the i4?

[jpuffmasterpuffpuffpuff69]

We own two ICE cars, and they're just loud. I don't miss the sound at all when I'm driving an EV. At the recent two days I spent driving M cars on a track, the sound of the engines was totally unimportant as I was focused on driving, not engine sound.

Throttle response with all EVs is much better than with any ICE. It's like driving a manual car with the gear always in the power band.

Floor an M2, M3, or M4 from a stop? Wait for it... wait for it... wait for it... GO! The same in corners unless you get the gear perfectly.

Floor an i4 or i5 from a stop? W-GO! Cornering? W-GO!

[techwhiz1]

Originally Posted by jpuffmasterpuffpuffpuff69

We own two ICE cars, and they're just loud. I don't miss the sound at all when I'm driving an EV. At the recent two days I spent driving M cars on a track, the sound of the engines was totally unimportant as I was focused on driving, not engine sound.

Throttle response with all EVs is much better than with any ICE. It's like driving a manual car with the gear always in the power band.

Floor an M2, M3, or M4 from a stop? Wait for it... wait for it... wait for it... GO! The same in corners unless you get the gear perfectly.

Floor an i4 or i5 from a stop? W-GO! Cornering? W-GO!

I love my i4 M50.
That being said, I'm buying an M2 6SP.

Cars are completely different and you really can't compare them.

I want one of the last MT BMWs that will be available for nostalgia. It's not quicker than the i4. It's definitely not a better road car. It's only a better track car because EV's just can't be charged fast enough when doing a track day.

So the M240 is much like the M2. Visceral feel, can do a track day, but isn't a better overall car than an i4.

[Otto Bon Jovi]

I have a 2024 M2 ZF8 and we are currently driving an i4 M50 as a loaner. She absolutely loves the M50! Although the M2 is an absolute riot to drive and it's a much more driver engagement car, there is something to be said for the drive ability of the M50. Just pin it and go! lol. Very quiet, comfy and quick!

[techwhiz1]

Originally Posted by ScottyRyan2019

I have a 2024 M2 ZF8 and we are currently driving an i4 M50 as a loaner. She absolutely loves the M50! Although the M2 is an absolute riot to drive and it's a much more driver engagement car, there is something to be said for the drive ability of the M50. Just pin it and go! lol. Very quiet, comfy and quick!

The M50 is definitely a highway cruiser and monster. Deceptively fast and quiet.

My sons love my M50 but we test drove a M3 6SP and they love the visceral feel of an ICE M car. Hard to compare. Different cars for different purposes. I'm fortunate that I'm going to own an i4 M50 and M2.

[Otto Bon Jovi]

Originally Posted by techwhiz1

The M50 is definitely a highway cruiser and monster. Deceptively fast and quiet.

My sons love my M50 but we test drove a M3 6SP and they love the visceral feel of an ICE M car. Hard to compare. Different cars for different purposes. I'm fortunate that I'm going to own an i4 M50 and M2.

That just happens to be the two cars we will have. 2024 M2 ZF8 and the 2025 i4 M50.

[jpuffmasterpuffpuffpuff69]

I'd certainly not kick an M2 out of bed, but I know if I had one in the garage, I'd still gravitate towards the i4 for daily driving. On track? Of course the M2 is better. I think it's been over a week since I've driven the FRS...

[techwhiz1]

Originally Posted by jpuffmasterpuffpuffpuff69

I'd certainly not kick an M2 out of bed, but I know if I had one in the garage, I'd still gravitate towards the i4 for daily driving. On track? Of course the M2 is better. I think it's been over a week since I've driven the FRS...

My plan is to have the M2 as a weekend car. I had an E90 335 that was supposed to be that, but it met a horrible ending.

[MurphM240i]

I waited a bit to reply to this post so that I could have some proper time with the i4M50.

I previously had a 2023 M240i (and a 2020 M2 Competition) prior to getting my 2025 i4M50.

I'll start by saying they're completely different cars—from size, handling, acceleration to fuel (obviously) and looks.

Performance: Let's get this out of the way first. I find the i4 to have a significant advantage here. The M240i is fun and quick but the acceleration of the i4 is insane. The power delivery is immediate and neck snapping. In contrast, the M240i has significant turbo lag which takes some time getting used to. Because of this, I'm not sure I cared for the power delivery. Once spooled, it is very quick though (probably faster than my M2).

The handling is where I'm really surprised, considering the weight contrast between the two. Someone above claimed the M240 is more agile. I couldn't disagree more. The body roll makes the car feel much heavier than the i4—couple that with the turbo lag, it just doesn't instill the confidence I get with the i4 going through the curves. The i4 leans into the curves with much more precision and agility. The lower center of gravity really shines here with minimal body roll. I think this is why I didn't fall in love with the M240, having come from an M2 Comp. The i4 makes up for those handling woes and shines in the twisties.

Fit and Finish: Has to go to the i4. This is obvious since it is a 4 series. I won't drag on with this.

Looks: I have to give the nod to the M240 here. That car is just sexy and turns heads. The i4 is a pretty car but I do feel it gets kinda lost in the shuffle of every other car on the road.

Nuances and conveniences: Here's where it comes down to preference and what suits your day-to-day life. Electric vs ICE. I never take road trips so the anxiety of trying to plan charging isn't an issue for me but I could understand how this could be a deciding factor for some. The lack of infrastructure is an issue. I work from home so charging really isn't a big deal for me. It works with my lifestyle. Also, I thought sound was going to be an issue but I actually love the Iconic Sounds in the i4. Some will definitely miss the sound of an ICE car (I do a little) so I can see this being a deciding factor as well.

Conclusion: The performance and fun factor go to the i4. Practicality also goes to the i4 as well—it can be a beast one minute or a luxury cruiser the next with a beautifully smooth ride. Looks go to the M240i and I'll also give it a cool factor nod because the b58 sounds amazing.

[tahoma19]

Originally Posted by MurphM240i

I waited a bit to reply to this post so that I could have some proper time with the i4M50.

I previously had a 2023 M240i (and a 2020 M2 Competition) prior to getting my 2025 i4M50.

I'll start by saying they're completely different cars—from size, handling, acceleration to fuel (obviously) and looks.

Performance: Let's get this out of the way first. I find the i4 to have a significant advantage here. The M240i is fun and quick but the acceleration of the i4 is insane. The power delivery is immediate and neck snapping. In contrast, the M240i has significant turbo lag which takes some time getting used to. Because of this, I'm not sure I cared for the power delivery. Once spooled, it is very quick though (probably faster than my M2).

The handling is where I'm really surprised, considering the weight contrast between the two. Someone above claimed the M240 is more agile. I couldn't disagree more. The body roll makes the car feel much heavier than the i4—couple that with the turbo lag, it just doesn't instill the confidence I get with the i4 going through the curves. The i4 leans into the curves with much more precision and agility. The lower center of gravity really shines here with minimal body roll. I think this is why I didn't fall in love with the M240, having come from an M2 Comp. The i4 makes up for those handling woes and shines in the twisties.

Fit and Finish: Has to go to the i4. This is obvious since it is a 4 series. I won't drag on with this.

Looks: I have to give the nod to the M240 here. That car is just sexy and turns heads. The i4 is a pretty car but I do feel it gets kinda lost in the shuffle of every other car on the road.

Nuances and conveniences: Here's where it comes down to preference and what suits your day-to-day life. Electric vs ICE. I never take road trips so the anxiety of trying to plan charging isn't an issue for me but I could understand how this could be a deciding factor for some. The lack of infrastructure is an issue. I work from home so charging really isn't a big deal for me. It works with my lifestyle. Also, I thought sound was going to be an issue but I actually love the Iconic Sounds in the i4. Some will definitely miss the sound of an ICE car (I do a little) so I can see this being a deciding factor as well.

Conclusion: The performance and fun factor go to the i4. Practicality also goes to the i4 as well—it can be a beast one minute or a luxury cruiser the next with a beautifully smooth ride. Looks go to the M240i and I'll also give it a cool factor nod because the b58 sounds amazing.

Thank you for taking time to type out such a detailed reply. I greatly appreciate it. It seems the i4 is definitely the technical better car. I wish it had a body language similar to the ICE variants but that’s just where BMW is at right now. God how I wish the i8 design language had made it down.

And it’s definitely the looks and the sound of the M2/M240 that get an emotional response out of me. I think I need to go test drive them back to back.

Not too concerned out the road tripping because we got an X7 coming in soon. This is just a “me” car.

[ohyabber]

Depending how long you keep your cars, residual value may factor in to your decision. All electric cars seem to take an enormous hit in the first several years with I4/I5s being no exception. Used M cars seem to fair best, especially if they’re a 6M variant. M240/M340 tend to fall somewhere in between the two.

[Otto Bon Jovi]

After switching between the M2 and M50 for the past 1.5 months I'm still in the camp that the M2 is overall a much more engaging car to drive. And, from a 30 roll it is quicker than the M50 is. The advantage to the M50 is AWD and zero lag off the line but get the M2 rolling and advantage goes to the M2. As for handling, the M2 will eat the M50's lunch through the twisties. Not saying the M50 doesn't handle well, it does. The M2 is just better.

But, there are times when I want to just loose myself in driving and music without fiddle fucking around. Those are the times the M50 shines. Quiet, quick, comfy, excellent sound system, and I love the energy recovery system. I run the dynos in notch 2 and seldom use the brakes during normal driving.

The M50 is a good looking car, but the M2 is sexy. And I get far more compliments on the M2 than the M50.

I'm glad we added an EV to the family, but I can't say I'll never have an ICE car. There is just something about a more engaging driving experience to me as I love to drive. A modern day BMW ICE car is a modding dream. Takes very little to bringing a modern turbo M car to supercar performance. Down pipes, tune, on 93 and you are 650 HP land...add E and an intake you are 750 HP land.

Both great cars, one is just more so. 👍

[tahoma19]

Originally Posted by ScottyRyan2019

After switching between the M2 and M50 for the past 1.5 months I'm still in the camp that the M2 is overall a much more engaging car to drive. And, from a 30 roll it is quicker than the M50 is. The advantage to the M50 is AWD and zero lag off the line but get the M2 rolling and advantage goes to the M2. As for handling, the M2 will eat the M50's lunch through the twisties. Not saying the M50 doesn't handle well, it does. The M2 is just better.

But, there are times when I want to just loose myself in driving and music without fiddle fucking around. Those are the times the M50 shines. Quiet, quick, comfy, excellent sound system, and I love the energy recovery system. I run the dynos in notch 2 and seldom use the brakes during normal driving.

The M50 is a good looking car, but the M2 is sexy. And I get far more compliments on the M2 than the M50.

I'm glad we added an EV to the family, but I can't say I'll never have an ICE car. There is just something about a more engaging driving experience to me as I love to drive. A modern day BMW ICE car is a modding dream. Takes very little to bringing a modern turbo M car to supercar performance. Down pipes, tune, on 93 and you are 650 HP land...add E and an intake you are 750 HP land.

Both great cars, one is just more so. 👍

Thank you for sharing your experience with both of these wonderful cars. Got me leaning back towards the M2 again, especially with the rumored x drive variant.

[Otto Bon Jovi]

Originally Posted by tahoma19

Thank you for sharing your experience with both of these wonderful cars. Got me leaning back towards the M2 again, especially with the rumored x drive variant.

If I don't go M3 I'm all over an M2 xDrive.

[koopa]

A bit long of a long-winded response here from me, but I did consider both along with several other cars. I had a C7 Corvette that I sold a few years ago and wanted to pick up an M240i, but due to supply constraints they were basically impossible to find around here. I ended up getting an M340i that was mostly well spec'd except it was missing adaptive suspension. As it turns out, that was an important option and I started to sour on the car after a while as it was just too stiff all the time. I did a drive event in the summer of 23 where I drove both the M3C xDrive and an i4 M50 and got fixated on the M3, which had the character that was missing from the M340i and surprisingly the comfort as well. I started shopping for a G80 and the complete lack of depreciation steered me to some other cars. I had stumbled upon a nearly perfect spec M240i at a really solid price so I went that route and it addressed most of the problems I had with the M340i. At the time, the best deal on an i4 M50 I could find out here was 8% off MSRP.

I love my M240i. Going from a G20 M340i to a G42 M240i felt more like moving back into the right size car. If you don't need backseats, the M240i is plenty practical with a lot of storage space considering the size of the thing. The backseats are big enough to use in a pinch for short trips around town, but you wouldn’t want anyone back there for too long. My first BMW was an E90 335i and the G42 is basically the same size. It's also a great looking car and I get a lot of comments on it. It's quick, gets excellent fuel economy, and is surprisingly comfortable. It also has a lot more character than the M340i imo, the exhausts snaps and cracks and the backend is more playful due to the shorter wheelbase. You need the ZTK if you get one, it feels a little under-tired without it. I will say overall and this is just my opinion, but as someone who had both an M240i and an M340i, the M240i feels more like an M car than the M340i. I haven’t driven the M2 yet but I imagine that is basically perfect for a modern do-it-all sports coupe and I’m pretty sure I’ll be buying an M2 xDrive in 2026.

It just depends on what you're looking for. I own 3 vehicles so having 1 of them be an EV would be ideal, but I wouldn't have one as an only car. I enjoyed my brief test drive in an i4 M50 but it doesn’t have the character of an ICE car and driving it and the M3 back-to-back really showcases that. If budget allows, you could consider an i4 M50 and maybe a cheaper weekend sports car so you can scratch both itches, because there is definitely a lot of personality in ICE vehicles that you lose going full EV. If I would have just waited a few more years and dealt with the pain of daily driving the C7 in the winter, I would have kept it as my weekend/summer car and leased an i4 M50 for daily duties.

I see you're in the PNW too, I just got an email ad from BMW Portland yesterday that they have 15% off MSRP of all in stock BEV's. I might have went that route if that deal was available at the time.

[tahoma19]

Originally Posted by koopa

A bit long of a long-winded response here from me, but I did consider both along with several other cars. I had a C7 Corvette that I sold a few years ago and wanted to pick up an M240i, but due to supply constraints they were basically impossible to find around here. I ended up getting an M340i that was mostly well spec'd except it was missing adaptive suspension. As it turns out, that was an important option and I started to sour on the car after a while as it was just too stiff all the time. I did a drive event in the summer of 23 where I drove both the M3C xDrive and an i4 M50 and got fixated on the M3, which had the character that was missing from the M340i and surprisingly the comfort as well. I started shopping for a G80 and the complete lack of depreciation steered me to some other cars. I had stumbled upon a nearly perfect spec M240i at a really solid price so I went that route and it addressed most of the problems I had with the M340i. At the time, the best deal on an i4 M50 I could find out here was 8% off MSRP.

I love my M240i. Going from a G20 M340i to a G42 M240i felt more like moving back into the right size car. If you don't need backseats, the M240i is plenty practical with a lot of storage space considering the size of the thing. The backseats are big enough to use in a pinch for short trips around town, but you wouldn’t want anyone back there for too long. My first BMW was an E90 335i and the G42 is basically the same size. It's also a great looking car and I get a lot of comments on it. It's quick, gets excellent fuel economy, and is surprisingly comfortable. It also has a lot more character than the M340i imo, the exhausts snaps and cracks and the backend is more playful due to the shorter wheelbase. You need the ZTK if you get one, it feels a little under-tired without it. I will say overall and this is just my opinion, but as someone who had both an M240i and an M340i, the M240i feels more like an M car than the M340i. I haven’t driven the M2 yet but I imagine that is basically perfect for a modern do-it-all sports coupe and I’m pretty sure I’ll be buying an M2 xDrive in 2026.

It just depends on what you're looking for. I own 3 vehicles so having 1 of them be an EV would be ideal, but I wouldn't have one as an only car. I enjoyed my brief test drive in an i4 M50 but it doesn’t have the character of an ICE car and driving it and the M3 back-to-back really showcases that. If budget allows, you could consider an i4 M50 and maybe a cheaper weekend sports car so you can scratch both itches, because there is definitely a lot of personality in ICE vehicles that you lose going full EV. If I would have just waited a few more years and dealt with the pain of daily driving the C7 in the winter, I would have kept it as my weekend/summer car and leased an i4 M50 for daily duties.

I see you're in the PNW too, I just got an email ad from BMW Portland yesterday that they have 15% off MSRP of all in stock BEV's. I might have went that route if that deal was available at the time.

I rather appreciate your very thoughtful response. I definitely agree that ICE cars, particularly the M series, having more soul. The EVs bring their own party tricks far as the fun element goes and may be the more practical choice. The more I deliberate this and receive input from the folks here, the more it becomes apparent that the ideal situation is to have both. Now to convince my better half that we need an M2 in the garage along with an EV, the iX might fit the bill.

[Fish Fingers]

I always read of people missing the 'character' of ICE cars compared to EV's.

Personally, I just don't miss it at all (even my 6MT M2) as long as you have one of the very few interesting EV's (eg i4 M50).

I love the silent efficiency of an EV and the instant torque. It makes ICE cars appear pretty redundant and very inefficient to me personally.

What people consider 'character' I just see as 'pollution' - noise and air.

What I do miss is the lighter weight of a performance ICE car.

[jpuffmasterpuffpuffpuff69]

Been driving the FRS as the wife's car will be in the shop until Monday, and she can't drive a stick. I much look forward to getting back in my i4. The FRS is fun in many ways, but it's slower, louder, and less comfortable.