Next Daily - M240

[HGoward]

Have you thought about getting something slower but more engaging (than the M240i) then modifying it to add performance? A Toyota GT86 springs to mind.

I did have a friend with a gt86 suggest this, but I I prefer the styling on the 2 series sadly.

[tomscott]

What tech are you missing you cant get by using your phone?

Ive had multiple full spec cars thinking I needed it all then never use any of it because the apps on the phone are newer and work better.

[HGoward]

What tech are you missing you cant get by using your phone?

Ive had multiple full spec cars thinking I needed it all then never use any of it because the apps on the phone are newer and work better.

I was mainly wanting to have to stop using my phone since every time I get in the car I have to set it up. I'm wanting DAB in the car without having to stream through my phone to get a better signal than FM.

[tomscott]

What tech are you missing you cant get by using your phone?

Ive had multiple full spec cars thinking I needed it all then never use any of it because the apps on the phone are newer and work better.

I was mainly wanting to have to stop using my phone since every time I get in the car I have to set it up. I'm wanting DAB in the car without having to stream through my phone to get a better signal than FM.

Tech I think is overated in cars. Its a key selling point instead of what but used to be which was build quality. I much prefer the old school feel of the Z. The 240 has been hailed by journalists as a fabulous car because it is, in the current crop of cars but not compared to the feel of older cars. The M2 is just the same faster and slightly more engaging but no different really. Its how it feels, you sit up high, its quick but its not that engaging like a Z4M is but its a nicer car to drive distance because its more comfy which is mad when your comparing sports cars as a quality.

Bottom line imo unless its car play or android auto, any built in media system is going to be sub par vs a phone. Maps are constantly updated, they have built in traffic information that is calculated by other users around you and the apps are integrated together so music and maps. Its also good from an upgrade point of view because you just replace the phone not the car.

DAB is old and on its way out. Ive had it in all my cars for the last 10 years except the Z4M and its not been great in any of them. Internet radio is far better and you can use it through Apple Music, download the specific app etc. I like XS Manchester for example but the the DAB signal gets lost about a 5 miles radius around Manchester. With internet radio you never loose signal. Im from cumbria but live in Manc but up all the time so signal in and around the fells is rubbish but internet radio streams. Even if you loose signal you usually have enough stream until you get back into signal so is seamless and the bit rate is higher so the quality is better all the time. Plus 3G is pretty much everywhere 99% UK coverage which is all thats needed for internet radio.

There's not a lot of difference to setting it up through the iDrive vs on your phone and personally I think its faster on your phone. I have a bluetooth adapter in the Z4M, sound quality it excellent and through the phone works great as for example Apple Music is built into google maps and Wazs now so reduces in volume, if you get a call etc its all integrated.

In built systems are overated imo they are expensive and even in a 2019 2 series will be out of date and you have to update the maps etc as long as you can have some sort of integration I find the phone works a treat.

Anyway just my opinion but a good bluetooth adapter and some you can get the steering wheel integrated too, swap tracks etc and a modern phone makes all these old cars a joy from a driving perspective and enough tech to make them useable. It wouldn't make me want to buy a new car for.... there are plenty of solutions to big integrated systems.

[Pondrew]

If the options are a 235 or 240, it has to be the 240 any day of the week.

The B58 engine is a peach and in the 6 years it has been around, has virtually no inherent problems. That cannot be said for the N55, it has nearly as many issues as the N54 before it.
All 3 litre turbo BMWs are quick, but the B58 does quick better. It also does slow well too! It is also very economical on fuel if you want it to be.

You may glean that I am a B58 fan!

As far as tech, a post-facelift (2017 I think) gives you the later I-drive which is much better than the previous.

[Argyll Andy]

You may glean that I am a B58 fan!

Eventually, you’ve said something sensible

[Pondrew]

Eventually, you’ve said something sensible

Yeah sorry about that. Normal service will be resumed in due course

[M1k3yC]

£20k just about gets you into a 2009 or newer Porsche Cayman, and an S if you really shop around. You'll still have older infotainment tech but I could personally live with or workaround that as has been discussed previously.

[HGoward]

If the options are a 235 or 240, it has to be the 240 any day of the week.

The B58 engine is a peach and in the 6 years it has been around, has virtually no inherent problems. That cannot be said for the N55, it has nearly as many issues as the N54 before it.
All 3 litre turbo BMWs are quick, but the B58 does quick better. It also does slow well too! It is also very economical on fuel if you want it to be.

You may glean that I am a B58 fan!

As far as tech, a post-facelift (2017 I think) gives you the later I-drive which is much better than the previous.

Thats great to hear first hand, reliability is a bonus for me since saves spending on expensive repairs. And in regards to the post-facelift Idrive I've already looked into that and you can get Idrive 5 updated to Idrive 6 in the post face lift.

[HGoward]

So about a month ago I bought my 2016 M240 which is stage 2+ tuned with Methanol injection, B58TU fuel pump, air intake, intercooler, decat. With all the mods its at around 470bhp currently. It is absolutely a crazy car and has filled my need for a daily driver which is fast and with modern tech.

However since owning it I haven't had the wow factor driving it which I had when I had the Z4 Coupe. It's extremely fast in a straight line but doesn't feel anywhere near as sure about itself in the corners, even with the adaptive suspension and lowering springs. But so far I have enjoyed it and I'm sure I will learn to love it as much as I loved the Z4.

[N4LLY]

Does look the part

Congrat's

[Mr Tidy]

Shame you aren't loving it as much as your Z - hopefully it will grow on you.