Want a performance BMW 2 Series? Still think you really need an M2? Think again.
BMW's M240i is more than quick enough. Under its hood is a silky smooth turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six (termed B58) that puts out 250kw and 500nm - a bit down on the M2's older N55 with 272kw/465nm (500nm on overboost). But when it was recently tested by Truespeed, at Gerotek Testing Facility, its performance was actually very very close to its M2 sibling.
It ran 0-100kph in 4.75 seconds, and the 1.4 mile in 13.09 seconds at 178kph. By comparison the M2 did 0-100kph in 4.44 seconds, and the 1/4mile in 12.79 seconds at 175kph (although not on the same day). It's a different story at the 1km marker, with the M240i getting there quicker than the M2, and at a marginally higher speed of 228kph versus 224kph. The M240i eventually maxes out at its limiter at 250.49kph.
But the biggest difference comes in the pricing - with BMW South Africa pricing the M240i from R714 200, while the M2 M-DCT is over R970 000. The M240i is blisteringly quick and is a true driver’s car with its rear wheel drive layout. It's not quite an M2, but BMW's M240i is still a sports car we'd gladly live with as a daily.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW M240i cost in South Africa?
The BMW M240i is priced from R714,200 in South Africa, making it significantly more affordable than the M2 which costs over R970,000.
Q: Is the BMW M240i worth buying over the M2?
Absolutely, the M240i delivers 95% of the M2's performance for about R250,000 less, running 0-100kph in just 4.75 seconds compared to the M2's 4.44 seconds.
Q: How fast is the BMW M240i in a straight line?
The M240i rockets from 0-100kph in 4.75 seconds and completes the quarter mile in 13.09 seconds at 178kph, with a top speed of 250kph.
Q: What engine does the BMW M240i have?
The M240i packs a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six B58 engine producing 250kW and 500Nm, delivering silky smooth power delivery.
Q: Is the BMW M240i rear wheel drive?
Yes, the M240i features a proper rear wheel drive layout, making it a true driver's car that's perfect for daily driving.
Should You Buy It?
The best performance bargain under R750,000 in South Africa is definitely the BMW M240i at R714,200. You're getting M2-level thrills for nearly R250,000 less, with acceleration that'll embarrass most sports cars and a proper rear wheel drive setup that makes every corner a joy. Unless you absolutely must have that M2 badge and are willing to pay the premium, the M240i delivers all the BMW performance you'll ever need on South African roads. Buy it.
