[Seagull]

Hmmmm

Why not consider the 340i or the 240i when it comes out? In a sense, will the m2 be obsoleted by this? Or at least will some of the shine from the M2 will be diminished by this?

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1191782

Q: What are the expected gains for the 340i MPPK (ECU + Exhaust)?
A: We're not ready to share final numbers, but expect it to be around 360hp (going from 240kw to 265kw), and 369 lb-ft (going from 450Nm to 500Nm).

[py0413]

Because the M car isn't only just about power output?

[Adem1534]

Because the M240i nor the 340i will get the M3/4 suspension?

[Seagull]

Those are good answers. I asked this question as a self-check for others.

But for me the answer is this. Choose the M2 because of:
1) the wheelbase of the M2
2) the suspension of the M2
3) the fact that it's an M "tuned" engine regardless of the HP/Tq. My hope is that the throttle response and characteristics of the engine are suitably "M" in the M2. So even if the numbers of the M240i etc surpass the M2, the personality of the M240i's engine will be more pedestrian. Which means perhaps better for everyday use, but worse for track use.

[moldcad]

As a "self-check" for others, this question doesn't bring any more to the table than the one which has already been discussed: why get M2 and not just tune the M235i today, without waiting? The output of 360 hp is so easily within reach with this proven N55 engine (I'm going to get a tune for mine, but only after my warranty expires as - after many trials of various piggy-boxes on my late 528xi - this time it will be nothing short of a full ECU re-flash to some 400 hp). My only problem is those thinny rubbers...

[MikeRR]

Originally Posted by Seagull

Hmmmm

Why not consider the 340i or the 240i when it comes out? In a sense, will the m2 be obsoleted by this? Or at least will some of the shine from the M2 will be diminished by this?

Because even a M235i feels more "sporty" than the 340i to me.
The 340i is fast but it does not feel like a "sportscar". As said it's not only about power output.

[Nahlem]

The M235i or future M240i is also tuned by the M boys/girls but not to that extreme extent that the M2 is.Almost every aspect of the M235i is not a BMW "Standard" thing it is tuned by the M division but not as much as the M2 is and therefor its called M235i and not M2

Cause if the M boys/girls were only to work exclusively with the "M" cars they would have gone bankrupt by now. Then you have the standard cars for example the 2 series you have 218i, 220i, 228i, Those haven't been tuned by "M". But with M135/M235/M550D all of those they have been tuned by "M" division but are not full blooded "M" cars.

So there is a lot of stuff to consider when buying either the M235i/M240i or the M2.
You can either go full "M" and get the different body kit wider tiers better looking rims a bit sportier engine, sportier exhaust system and those stuff.

Or you can go somewhere in between not fully hardcore "M" and go for M235i/M240i and have comfort and sport in one and the same package with cheaper insurance cost and stuff. But not to be fooled they are good sports car they have been tuned by "M" division but they are not full blooded "M" cars. So you don't have that super sport suspension, you don't get those wider tires from factory (You can add them later on probably), You don't get super sport "M" brakes that will snap your neck off.

Or you can go all standard 2 Series 228i with more comfort then sport. And ofc you can add the "M-Sport" body kit and the "M-Brakes", "M-Suspension" to make it feel more sportier but by then you could jump for a few extra bucks pay for M235i/M240i and get a car that has been tuned by "M" division from start and rather then adding extra stuff to make it feel sportier Witch will probably cost more. Or you can go as i stated before "Full M" but then the price is a big matter.

Remember if it has an "M" before its model name like M235i it probably has been tuned by "M" division but is not hardcore "M" and therefore not classified as the real "M" models. Thats probably the best explanation i can give for this subject.

228i Standard Car
228i M-Sport (M kit for sportier feel but engine and stuff probably hasn't been tuned by M division)

M235i M-Tuned car from start with sportier suspension,brakes,wheels etc... But not hardcore M

M2 The real M with all parts revised by the ///M Team therefor called a real M-Car

M2 CSL (Future) The real M with a death wish to kill anyone who sits in it :-)

[Yellowflash21]

Generally M models, are made for track use, and they're comfortable to be used as DD.

If you don't plan to go on a track, and you don't need things like M suspension, M differential, bigger M breaks, stronger engine with better cooling and etc. Then M135/235 is the right model for you.

I compared stock M135 AT with my previous car which was f30 328ix AT with piggy back, and 135 felt just minimal stronger. The 135i handling was for a class better compared to ix, and I did enjoy it.

In the end, you have to be honest with yourself why do want to go from 3 series back to 2 series coup or.

If 3 series is to big for you, and you don't use the backseats that much, then go for it.

If you're looking for a performance upgrade compared to 335i. I would honestly skip 340i, and add a little bit extra cash and order an Alpina B3 instead.

[G8rGrl]

The M240i will have the new engine and has more customizable non-performance options.

The 340i with MPPK has the new engine, LSD, exhaust, etc. and has more customizable non-performance options.

The M2 has a modified old engine with some "S" parts. Not an "S" engine like the other M cars. The M2 has 2 options: exterior color and transmission. The M2 has bold, aggressive styling.

I am interested to see the base price for these cars because IMHO they are a close comparison and deciding between the 3 deserves some thought. What's the difference in the 3 base prices and what are we getting for that price difference?

People already love taking the M235i to the track. So it's a personal choice: M2 because it meets the minimum for being an M car, it has an M suspension, and it looks aggressive OR 340i/240i that are almost the same, with a new engine but with 3 less M badges than the M2. (That was a joke about the M badges...but not really.)

[Reid]

Originally Posted by Yellowflash21

Generally M models, are made for track use, and they're comfortable to be used as DD.

This.

For track use, it's best to start with a M car.

[Bemo]

Well since we are checking ourselves, I will get a lightly used E92 any day of the week, before spending the same amount or more on a new M2. There!

[IEDEI]

the 340 is made of the same 'soft and fluffy' mold that he 235 is made of. It can't be compared to the M2.....the M2 will be focused and direct whereas the 340, like the 335 before it....is ordinary in its setup and details.

People should really stop comparing cars by using only HP numbers....it's ridiculous. It's only ONE characteristic...

You can buy 2 packages of cheese that both weigh 5.5 oz.....but that doesn't tell you anything about the flavour, texture, aging, development, softness/firmness, details, etc..

[IS3andME]

Originally Posted by Seagull

Those are good answers. I asked this question as a self-check for others.

But for me the answer is this. Choose the M2 because of:
1) the wheelbase of the M2
2) the suspension of the M2
3) the fact that it's an M "tuned" engine regardless of the HP/Tq. My hope is that the throttle response and characteristics of the engine are suitably "M" in the M2. So even if the numbers of the M240i etc surpass the M2, the personality of the M240i's engine will be more pedestrian. Which means perhaps better for everyday use, but worse for track use.

I believe the B58 engine in the 240i/340i is listed at 330 hp. So, how would a MPPK give it about 35 more hp?

[G8rGrl]

Originally Posted by IS3andME

I believe the B58 engine in the 240i/340i is listed at 330 hp. So, how would a MPPK give it about 35 more hp?

Q: What are the details on the 340i M Performance Power Kit (MPPK)?
A: It should be available by beginning-mid of December. The power kit now only comes bundled with the M Performance Exhaust since they work in tandem. The stock exhaust has too much back pressure to work with the higher flow of the new power kit, so the 340i M Performance Exhaust has reduced back pressure to work with the remapped ECU of the power kit.

There's two ways to increase power - intake more air, or reduce back pressure allowing for faster air exit. With the previous MPPK (for the N55 engine) we went the route of more air intake, but for the 340i (B58 engine) we modified the the exhaust system to reduce back pressure and allow the air to exit the car faster, which together with the modified ECU, results in more power.

Q: What are the expected gains for the 340i MPPK (ECU + Exhaust)?
A: We're not ready to share final numbers, but expect it to be around 360hp (going from 240kw to 265kw), and 369 lb-ft (going from 450Nm to 500Nm).

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1191782

[jc9elfer]

too Big and too many doors...no comparison to the M2 in the looks category.

[jc9elfer]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

the 340 is made of the same 'soft and fluffy' mold that he 235 is made of. It can't be compared to the M2.....the M2 will be focused and direct whereas the 340, like the 335 before it....is ordinary in its setup and details.

People should really stop comparing cars by using only HP numbers....it's ridiculous. It's only ONE characteristic...

You can buy 2 packages of cheese that both weigh 5.5 oz.....but that doesn't tell you anything about the flavour, texture, aging, development, softness/firmness, details, etc..

I love the cheese analogy!

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

the 340 is made of the same 'soft and fluffy' mold that he 235 is made of. It can't be compared to the M2.....the M2 will be focused and direct whereas the 340, like the 335 before it....is ordinary in its setup and details.

People should really stop comparing cars by using only HP numbers....it's ridiculous. It's only ONE characteristic...

You can buy 2 packages of cheese that both weigh 5.5 oz.....but that doesn't tell you anything about the flavour, texture, aging, development, softness/firmness, details, etc..

may I add a glass of wine?

[JustChris]

Its not just about power output, Every M2 driver will be wringing the full 10/10ths out of the cars handling at the TRACK.

Seriously though its a good question but the size of the cars and the 'M' cachet is the real draw for the M2 owners.

[M-Pilot]

I don't think 340i with MPPK is a direct competitor to M2. I'm sure M2 will be much more fun to drive although they have the similar output. However, if I cannot get an M2 due to the production numbers, 340i/440i with MPPK and LSD might be a good alternative for me.

[///Mangler]

This question is so old.

Go drive:

E30325is then an E30M3
E36328is then an E36M3
E46330ci ZHP then an E46M3
E92 335is then an E92M3

Once you do this go get in a ///M235i and just imagine how much better the M2 will be using the above as references.

T

[k2pilot]

Simple, I don't like big fat cars.

[Spook410]

Originally Posted by ///Mangler

This question is so old.

Go drive:

E30325is then an E30M3
E36328is then an E36M3
E46330ci ZHP then an E46M3
E92 335is then an E92M3

Once you do this go get in a ///M235i and just imagine how much better the M2 will be using the above as references.

T

Almost. The 'M Sport' is supposed to be in between the base model and a real M. So, a M235 is, theoretically anyway, closer to the M2 than a 335 is to an M3. If they came out with an M340 that would be interesting.