Offered as a coupe or convertible, the M240i shrinks the renowned merits of BMW's high-performance “M” models down to the Bavarian automaker’s trimmest two-door dimensions. Reasonably priced, with space for four, it’s a sprightly sport-performance variant of BMW's 2 Series, which became the company’s smallest model following the demise of the 1 Series. Road behavior and performance echo its larger siblings, as the compact delivers the precision handling and motivational force that have come to define the “M” designation.
Initially launched in coupe form as the M235i for 2013, the diminutive two-doors gained a more powerful six-cylinder engine for 2017, transforming their model designation to M240i.
What's New for 2017
A new six-cylinder engine goes into the “M” coupe and convertible, changing the model designation from M235i to M240i. New 18-inch Orbit Gray wheels are standard. The Navigation option includes equipment from the formerly available Technology Package. BMW’s xDrive 5.0 is standard only with navigation. Wireless charging and a wi-fi hotspot with enhanced USB and Bluetooth are optional. So is Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Choosing Your BMW M240i
Beneath the M240i hood, a turbocharged 3-liter six-cylinder engine generates 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque—increases of 15 horsepower and a substantial 39 pound-feet, compared to the prior M235.
Like many other BMW models, M240i coupes and convertibles can have the xDrive all-wheel drive system, rather than standard rear-drive. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control is standard, but a six-speed manual gearbox is available at no extra cost on rear-drive models. Each M240i has an adaptive M suspension, variable sport-tuned steering, performance-spec M Sport brakes, and a sport exhaust system.
An M240i coupe can accelerate to 60 mph in as little as 4.4 seconds (4.2 with xDrive). Rear-drive fuel economy is estimated at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway (22 mpg combined) with manual shift, or 21/32 mpg city/highway (25 mpg combined) with automatic. All-wheel drive drops the highway figure by 1 mpg.
Pricing of the M240i coupe starts at $45,445 (including destination charge), while the convertible stickers for $50,045. BMW’s xDrive adds $2,000 to each figure.
Standard features include an aerodynamic body kit, run-flat performance tires on 18-inch wheels, aluminum interior trim, SensaTec leatherette upholstery, and 10-way power sport front seats with driver’s memory. Leather upholstery is a $1,450 standalone option. Coupes include a sunroof, while the convertible gets a black power soft top; but you can specify brown fabric with silver effects. Also standard are rain-sensing automatic wipers, Bluetooth phone and audio, and a 205-watt CD/MP3 audio system with satellite and HD radio.
Unlike many BMW models, which have a dizzying list of available option packages, the M240i has only three.
- A rearview camera and front/rear parking sensors make up the $950 Driver Assistance package.
- The $700 Driver Assistance Plus group includes lane departure warning and an active frontal collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection, along with speed-limit information and automatic high beams.
- Heated front seats are part of a Cold Weather package, which also includes a heated steering wheel and retractable headlight washers.
The optional navigation system includes features from the previous Technology package, including real-time traffic data. An automated parallel-parking system is available separately. So is a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system.
Stuffing a high-potency six-cylinder engine into a trimmer-than-usual body tends to be a curiously intriguing choice. That makes the M240i a particularly enticing two-door BMW. Buying an M240i is comparatively easy, with only three option packages and a smattering of individual extras to consider. For safety’s sake, we recommend the safety-oriented Driver Assistance Plus package, also noting that a rearview camera is only available as part of the regular Driver Assistance package.