[bhbdvm]

I currently have a M240i scheduled to be built in October. My dealership just received a one owner 2020 M2 with 14,000 miles in excellent condition. I have never owned a BMW car and I am learning as I go. The M2 is appealing in some ways because of the older school interior compared to what the 2023 M240i will have. I live in western NC and it snows some every winter. I also have a 4 wheel drive truck. The X drive is appealing along with the great reviews of the new M240i. I never really considered an M2 because of price and I really don’t anticipate going on a track. We have great curvy roads here in the mountains. Is there a difference between the 2020 and 2021 M2? Should I stick with the M240i if I don’t foresee track days? Anything else I should be considering? The M2 just wasn’t on my radar until a few days ago. Thanks

[GTP_M3]

If price isn't a factor, nor the car being brand new, I would go for the M2 comp over M240i especially if you have a car for the winter time as well.

There's no difference between the various M2 models but they do get a crack hub issue at times. I wouldn't be too concerned about it if it has warranty and if you don't plan on modding it either.

Performance wise I would give a substantial benefit to the M2 for handling. Straight line speed, I'd give the M2 the edge as well. The main benefit of the M240i is the launching capability of the xDrive and for snow driving.

Comfort wise I don't see that much of a difference. The M2 comp should be comfortable enough to get the job done but I'd give the slight edge to the M240i. Not enough to sway me personally to the M240i over the M2.

Overall, I would say the M2 is the better car for everything except winter driving. The only scenario where I would say the xDrive comes in handy over the RWD is when the car is above 400whp or closer to 500whp.

[CannibalOx]

You really have to ask yourself which you think you would be happier in. Going off of what you've said, it sounds like you would be happier with the 240. You would have to suffer less compromises. The performance gap isn't huge. Frankly the 240 is probably faster from a dig and would be more confidence inspiring out of the box. I know M cars have that mystique and panache, but I don't think they are a great fit for a lot of people. I am not even talking about track days. The M2C is going to be a lot more singularly focused on performance and the art of driving. Meaning it won't ride as smoothly, it will feel more unruly if you get to the limit, and its an older car with older tech. Additionally, performance isn't the big differential, it's how the car is going to behave when you push it. The way I think about it is, M cars are the compromise that enthusiasts make when they need something semi practical.

I know a lot of M owners can by a bit sanctimonious. I tried to avoid that. I likely failed. I love my M2C, I wouldn't give it up for anything other than a P car or something exotic. I also dedicate a considerable amount of my free time to being able to drive my car and become the best driver I can; so my priorities for a car are different than a lot of folks.

Just for reference my last 3 cars have been a 2006 Cayman S, 2016 M235i, and 2021 M2C. The 235 was far more comfortable for daily driving compared to the other two. The Porsche was the most dedicated but certainly the most unusable compared to the other two. The M2C feels a lot more at home on back road than the 235. The M2C is the perfect amount of compromise for me, as I need a single solution car, but I also want something more that is also a lot of fun.

[KevinM]

Obviously we are a very biased group here, so I'll give you my distilled opinion.

Don't want a manual transmission: M240i Xdrive

Want a manual transmission: M2C

Save the manuals! We all know the MT will go away soon, so if you have any wish to experience one, do it now.

[chris719]

Do you care about your car having an old interior and tech? The G car tech is way better. If you only care about driving and don't mind the stiffer suspension, you should get the M2C. If you want a more compliant suspension and better interior/tech then you should get the 240.

[NEfan508]

My fanboy 2 cents on the M2C, it's a great all around a true long term keeper
400hp, RWD and 6MT in a fun size coupe with all its proper M bits from its big brother.

manual transmissions are less convenient when driving in a dense city, due to the constant need to shift as you stop at lights and intersections, which can get old fast.

Generally, driving stick is sometimes just a little less convenient. It involves more leg and arm movement, which can get tiresome when you'd rather just relax during your drive. After an hour you will want to hop in your crew cab f150 for longer drives

It's just a fun car, that has more pros than cons

op is living in western NC, smoother fun drives that beg for 6MT, slap some winter tires for cheap when the temps dip near freezing between dec/mar and your all set.

[MooMooM2]

Come to m2 forum get suggestion for m2, go to m240 forum you will get the opposite.

I was recommended on fb a m240 group post and was about how beautiful the back of the m240 was compared to the back of the m2, that it looks modern and agressive and m2 looks old and boring. This is funny because around here everyone hates how the new m240 looks (I am not a big fan yet myself).

But yeah the m2 is not a good winter car, its fun as hell but is not gonna be as good for that as an m240. Also some people will like the latest and greatest interior with the big screens. I would say this though, don’t go drive the m2 or you will be coming home with it

[W///]

I'd recommend driving the M2 and see what you think. Since you already have a truck, I'd lean towards the M2 if it's more of a fun car. They are quite different cars. The M240i would be a much better daily, M2C is a far more special experience.

I'm in the area and there's 0 question which one I'd rather drive to enjoy the mountains:

[Ratcher]

You want a driver's car: M2C
You want a fast and good looking car with lots of tech, but less raw and fun: M240i

Both great at what they're meant to do

[Maynard]

I'm going to buck the trend and say that unless you plan to track the car (or hate the new interiors as much as I do), you will be happier with the 240. The more compliant suspension will be equal, perhaps better on mountain roads, and there is a lot more comfort in a regular 2'er (sound and body insulation). From a performance standpoint, you probably won't notice the difference, and the 240 is NEW. M2's can get beat on (it is what they are made for), and 14k miles can start to bring out some squeaks, rattles, and you are halfway done w/ warranty miles. If you do go with a used M2, make sure to have the dealership verify it has not been modded.

[keylime503]

I currently have a '21 M2C and my previous car was a '17 M240i. The powerplants are similar but everything else in terms of handling is completely different. Go drive both back to back (your dealer should be able to accommodate this if they want to make a sale). Chuck both cars into the same corner at the same speed (say 30mph) and feel the difference. If you can't feel the difference or you don't care, get the M240i. Otherwise, get the M2.

BTW the only difference between '20 and '21 M2C is the darkened taillights on the '21s.

[BigKutta]

Once the M2 gets on your radar, its hard to get it off. I dont track the car, use it as a daily and enjoy the everyday fun I have with this car. I wouldn't trade it for anything other than one that has even more performance. I love everything about it including the stiff ride, the noise, the raw feel to it at all times. If you cant live with this every day then get the 240. The M cars are designed to provide the raw feedback in all aspects of the drive, something non-M's do a good job muting (including the M5). To me the M2C is perfect. And no, there is no difference between the 20 and 21 M2C

[Capt Canuck]

Post the same Q in the 2 series forum, contrast and compare.

But M2Cs aren't going to get any less driven or used over the years, while new 240s will be around a while yet.
I'd go M2C cause you won't know until you know and there's no way to knowingly know without a stint as an owner... you know?

[Fred Conoway]

Originally Posted by W///

I'd recommend driving the M2 and see what you think. Since you already have a truck, I'd lean towards the M2 if it's more of a fun car. They are quite different cars. The M240i would be a much better daily, M2C is a far more special experience.

I'm in the area and there's 0 question which one I'd rather drive to enjoy the mountains:

This spot looks very familiar; I believe a US Park Ranger paid me a visit here on my latest road trip...

[buckybadger]

M2C any day over the regular 2 series.

[bromudez]

It isn't about whether or not you plan on tracking the car.

Assuming budget isn't a factor, M2 gets the nod simply because it looks better, sounds better, and is a more special, more sought after car.

M240i owners will get sore necks checking out M2s that pass by and no amount of internal conversations telling yourself you made the right decision based on winter practicality and adaptive suspension will make the feeling that you compromised and settled go away.

Source: Former M240i owner 😅

[bromudez]

PS - If having the newest and latest tech is important to you then hold out for the G87

[Gazzamagoondy]

From a $$$ point of view the M2 will either hold value and possibly increase as years go by, the 240 will drop value…….guaranteed

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by bromudez

PS - If having the newest and latest tech is important to you then hold out for the G87

This is an important point. The '23 M240i & M2 will have the new Jumbotron® widescreen abomination across 2/3rd of the dash. I know some people love this kind of stuff, others like me absolutely ABHOR it. All of the climate controls have been moved to touch menus - that's an absolute non-starter for me. Also the Jumbotron® is just tacked onto the dash like an afterthought, when what they really should have done was redesign the entire dash so as to integrate the screen into it, rather than toss it on like an afterthought. That will probably come along as an LCI feature sooner than later, making some who bought early not happy that they're stuck with the original half-baked iteration.

Personally I like having THE very last version of iDrive 6 - very mature at this point, both software & hardware. Does everything I need/want it to do and nothing more. iDrive 8 does all kinds of fancy stuff like receiving software updates over the air - which tends to introduce new problems that weren't previously there, change stuff that you liked the way it was, etc.

But we all have different preferences/priorities so the absolute latest tech may indeed be a positive to you. Something to look at, both old and new, and incorporate into your decision on which one to buy.

[ESB]

Of course I'm biased but I'd say M2. You mentioned you have a truck already so snow conditions are covered.

It sounds like you said yourself that you prefer the older more classic interior, so the newer tech in M240 seems to not be a big deal to you. M2C has carplay … not sure what else I need on top of that. Adaptive cruise would be nice tbh but I'm in the minority there I think 😂

Exterior looks are subjective, but maybe we can agree that M2C makes an exception here and it objectively looks fantastic. 2023 M240 has split opinions on whether it looks good or not, but I'm unsure if anyone would ever say that it looks better than a 2020 M2C! Of course, exterior looks don't matter to everyone so 🤷*♂️

I'd say drive it and see if it's "harsh suspension" feels too much for daily driving. I think it's totally fine and it's my daily driver. I also don't track the car.

M2C just wants to be pushed. And we love it for that.

Im thinking that if you opted for an M240 then you enjoy driving? If that's true, and you really do enjoy the act of driving, I think you'll appreciate the M2C more than M240 even if it loses a 0-60.

[DrJLag420]

I have a new 2022 M240. Love it. Great daily driver. Fun on the twisties. I don't track. Steering and brakes leave a little bit to be desired. As others suggest, if you can test drive both back to back that would be best, but I think getting an M240 to test drive may be difficult these days.

However, I'm already first on the list for the G87 M2C. I say get the 2020 M2C or hold out for the G87 M2C. I believe the G87 M2C will have xDrive, but only time will tell. If they don't release the G87 M2C with xDrive I'll most likely be keeping the M240.

Good luck with your decision. You really can't go wrong with any of the cars discussed here. And we should all be so lucky to have the luxury to make such decisions in buying these vehicles.

[jliuod]

I recently sold my 21' M240I 6 speed after having it for a year. Ordered it brand new and waited 3 months for it. The only other BMW I ever had was a 2007 Z43.0SI with 6 speed manual. I enjoyed the M240I very much. Very comfortable ride in town, highway, and mountain roads. The M240I was probably the most HP car I have ever owned. I had a 15' Cayman as well as a 13' Boxster S in the past. The P cars were definitely more refined and were definitely a good compromise between comfort and performance.( I am 60 yrs old and comfort is becoming more important to me along with performance). Having said that, the M240I definitely pulls much harder than the P cars.

Fast forward a year later I sold my M240I with about 9.5K miles on it. I was going to get a 2022 M4 coupe with 6 sp. Only to find out later that BMW no longer accept orders for its 2022 cars. Only 2023 cars are available. The catch is BMW will be increasing its msrp on all its M cars by $3,700. I just flat out refuse to pay that additional amount.

Browsing the used car market one day and found an used 2021 M2C with a bit over 5K miles at a local dealer. Went and check it out and put a deposit on it and picked it up a few days later.

The main differences I experienced between my M240i and the M2C are one, the suspension. The M2C just so eager to go wherever you point your steering wheel. It is almost as direct as my 19' Miata RF( with suspension mods). Granted the M2C is a larger and heavier car. I have to work a bit more on cornering with the M2C. But the results are almost identical. I recently replaced the front sway bar with a Whiteline 30mm solid bar which elevated the handling to a different level.

Second, the ride on the M2C is definitely more harsh than the M240I. I believed my M240I had adaptive dampers which made the ride a bit more "luxurious". I am used to "harsh" rides as I have owned multiple Miata with modded suspension. So the M2C ride does not bother me a bit.

Overall, I am happy with the M2C. If I had to do it all over again, I would have order the M2C instead of the M240I. As others have pointed out you need to test drive both and decide which car fits your taste. In the end you can't really go wrong with either. Good luck.