[Neusser]

So I've taken a job that will require me to start commuting again, rather than work from the comfort of my sofa.

As a result, am looking at two options for a second car. Need something smallish (enough room for occasional drives with two adults and a 10-year-old kid), reliable, and fun.

Don't want FWD or Haldex, so the only real options over here in Germany are an M2 or M235/240 ('vert. in this case)

I currently have a B58 (which I love) in a 540i, so was thinking of trying an N55 in the commuter.

What is reliability and running costs like on these, and is the M2 appreciably worse in any area?

Not too worried about gas mileage.

[zoro2001]

I've owned my 2014 235i for 3 years now. Got it with 32k miles on it, now has 61k. Change oil every 5k. After market charge pipe/metal and coolant overflow hose(as soon as I bought it).

Not a problem with anything yet. Around 55k I started doing maintenance,
Coolant drain and fill
Rear Diff drain and fill
Tranny-drain fill/new filter
Replace plastic mickey mouse flange/metal

Still on the list to do is spark plugs.

Around 70k-80k I'll refresh the cooling system. I do at least 1 3-4k mile road trip a year in my car, it hasn't let me down yet.

[BringBackButtons]

I dont think the og m2 is the better commuting experience, having only driven a 240 and 235 however, this is just gathered information and not 1st hand experience.

I find the n55 a rather awesome bang for buck engine. And while yes b58 is newer and better in a lot of regards, that doesnt always dictate the driving experience. It is heavier, not much, but there ya go. It didnt give me option for manual rwd or awd on m235 (https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/2-s...e_2015/374036)

2017 M240i cabrio rwd Weight Information
Base Curb Weight (pounds)
3790

2015 m235i cabrio
Weight Information
Base Curb Weight (pounds)
3765

I champion for bmw a lot, but just playing cards, it truly probably isnt the only option available. Alpine 110 available? Does it need to be cabrio?

Good luck!

[Mike F.]

For what it's worth, I remember the Car and Driver review of the M2 stating that the ride was a bit rough for a daily commuter and that they thought the 240 might be a better choice for that. That has to depend on your own willingness to tolerate the rough ride in return for the sharper handling. In my case, I'd probably be ok with it, but my wife most definitely would not!

[freakystyly]

Been daily commuting my m240i for a couple years. I made some suspension changes to make it more fun and less soft.

Going the other way with making an M2 more soft seems silly.

Appearance wise, the M2 will always win of course... You would need to test drive both to see which you prefer.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by BringBackButtons

I dont think the og m2 is the better commuting experience, having only driven a 240 and 235 however, this is just gathered information and not 1st hand experience.

I find the n55 a rather awesome bang for buck engine. And while yes b58 is newer and better in a lot of regards, that doesnt always dictate the driving experience. It is heavier, not much, but there ya go. It didnt give me option for manual rwd or awd on m235 (https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/2-s...e_2015/374036)

2017 M240i cabrio rwd Weight Information
Base Curb Weight (pounds)
3790

2015 m235i cabrio
Weight Information
Base Curb Weight (pounds)
3765

I champion for bmw a lot, but just playing cards, it truly probably isnt the only option available. Alpine 110 available? Does it need to be cabrio?

Good luck!

I'd love an Alpine, but not sure it is practical enough. We really need a usable back seat for times when the three of us need to use the car.

I don't have to have the cabrio, but it adds another dimension to the car, and my kid would be over the moon with it.

Anyways, I suspect that regardless of what comes, I will be in a 2er of some sort, and that ain't bad news.

Thx all.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by freakystyly

Been daily commuting my m240i for a couple years. I made some suspension changes to make it more fun and less soft.

Going the other way with making an M2 more soft seems silly.

What you'd do with an M2 is install quality coilovers (e.g., MCS) along with spring rates appropriate to your needs. That wouldn't make the ride necessarily more soft, but instead more compliant, even with the noticeably higher spring rates.

Knowing I'd do that (and more) with an M2 is why I chose to buy an M240 (at $10K off MSRP) and roll my own.

[BringBackButtons]

Oh i hear you on the cabrio....its why i got my m235i 6mt this way!! Ultimate date night daily fun car.

*that isnt 911 $$$ or mustang vibes

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by BringBackButtons

Oh i hear you on the cabrio....its why i got my m235i 6mt this way!! Ultimate date night daily fun car.

*that isnt 911 $$$ or mustang vibes

Ah, so you have a cabrio...

What do you think of the drive vs. the coupe? Do you notice the reduced chassis stiffness? This would be an issue for me, as much as I'd like the occasional open top.

Do you find the handling sharp enough?

[BringBackButtons]

Originally Posted by Neusser

Ah, so you have a cabrio...

What do you think of the drive vs. the coupe? Do you notice the reduced chassis stiffness? This would be an issue for me, as much as I'd like the occasional open top.

Do you find the handling sharp enough?

Yep, cabrio but my input is jaded, sorry.

So, theres no doubt the coupe is stiffer when pushed beyond 7 or 8/10s or very uneven road surfaces...and subjectively, yes the cabrio naturaly suffers from SOME flex...but i bought my car not stock and i do not drive my often enough at or beyond that threshold to comment enough, sorry.

I could list my modifications my car has but thats not the point. The point is, will 2/10s rob you of x/10s (not sure how often you will get to 7 or 8/10s) of your driving experience or skill? Only one way to find out for you. If you go in looking for the fault, you will highlight them imo so best just drive and decide yourself if possible.


If you remove the top down fun factor out of equation, i think for a 4 season daily, a coupe is the better option for a skilled enough enthusiast. For me and my setup I have, its the perfect combination of sexy, sharp, and fun for 2+ 1.5 ( the dog comes sometimes too).

Wish i could help more there

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by BringBackButtons

Yep, cabrio but my input is jaded, sorry.

So, theres no doubt the coupe is stiffer when pushed beyond 7 or 8/10s or very uneven road surfaces...and subjectively, yes the cabrio naturaly suffers from SOME flex...but i bought my car not stock and i do not drive my often enough at or beyond that threshold to comment enough, sorry.

I could list my modifications my car has but thats not the point. The point is, will 2/10s rob you of x/10s (not sure how often you will get to 7 or 8/10s) of your driving experience or skill? Only one way to find out for you. If you go in looking for the fault, you will highlight them imo so best just drive and decide yourself if possible.


If you remove the top down fun factor out of equation, i think for a 4 season daily, a coupe is the better option for a skilled enough enthusiast. For me and my setup I have, its the perfect combination of sexy, sharp, and fun for 2+ 1.5 ( the dog comes sometimes too).

Wish i could help more there

It will largely see road use with me. Perhaps an occasional trip to the 'Ring, but not much more.

I have not driven either car at this point, so was curious for feedback from an actual owner. I watched an AutotopNL review (great for BMWs), and they said the flex was immediately noticible.

Regardless, I think I am leaning toward the cabrio.

Thx.

[Nickies]

Originally Posted by Neusser

It will largely see road use with me. Perhaps an occasional trip to the 'Ring, but not much more.

I have not driven either car at this point, so was curious for feedback from an actual owner. I watched an AutotopNL review (great for BMWs), and they said the flex was immediately noticible.

Regardless, I think I am leaning toward the cabrio.

Thx.

Keep in mind that the rear seat is mostly unusable in either model if you want the driver and front passenger to be comfortable and the access to the rear is not easy.

You better drive both before making a decision.

[BringBackButtons]

Well...about that...

The cabrio is actually MORE usable if driving an automatic. Way easier to get in and out of if the top is down and you dont need worry about the clutch distance 😁 You could go to ikea and buy a book shelf and drive home with it better than most SUVs being sold!

The manual...different story.

I would say for the size of the 2 series, both my 5 foot wife and my 5 foot 5 daughter fit just fine with me driving.

Again, I "sit behind" (not stand behind..
bad dad joke sorry...) that the 2 series is just fine as a 2 + 1.5. If that .5 is a smaller dog or really, really nicely small adolescent.

Pish posh, he will drive one and figure out. Go! Go drive! Enjoy! Report back after wine and thinking. Or buy a masserati quatrapoete cabrio! Whered the rest of my beer go... i swear i had mo....

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by BringBackButtons

Well...about that...

The cabrio is actually MORE usable if driving an automatic. Way easier to get in and out of if the top is down and you dont need worry about the clutch distance �� You could go to ikea and buy a book shelf and drive home with it better than most SUVs being sold!

The manual...different story.

I would say for the size of the 2 series, both my 5 foot wife and my 5 foot 5 daughter fit just fine with me driving.

Again, I "sit behind" (not stand behind..
bad dad joke sorry...) that the 2 series is just fine as a 2 + 1.5. If that .5 is a smaller dog or really, really nicely small adolescent.

Pish posh, he will drive one and figure out. Go! Go drive! Enjoy! Report back after wine and thinking. Or buy a masserati quatrapoete cabrio! Whered the rest of my beer go... i swear i had mo....

My son is only 10, so if your daughter fits at that height with no real issues, then I think the cabrio may be the ticket.

[grocerylist]

Originally Posted by Nickies

Keep in mind that the rear seat is mostly unusable in either model if you want the driver and front passenger to be comfortable and the access to the rear is not easy.

I disagree about the rear seat. I got one when my daughter was 3 (now she's 9). Never had a problem buckling her in the backseat when she needed a car seat and she has no problem getting in the back now. I'm 6'2" and oftentimes have people in the backseats. And we've taken the family on long road trips without issue. The 2 Series may look small but there's a lot of space inside and the trunk is larger than you'd think.

[ajbM4cab]

The 2 series cab is a great car. Very compact with a great wraparound feeling for the driver. Almost go-cart like. At least when compared to my F83C or X4MC which can feel a bit oversized for the driver. If anyone else has both you will know what I mean.
Roof down and with the rear wind deflector fitted and up it can feel like a 2-seater.

I also looked at the M2 as an alternative but I always viewed them as different cars.
It was mostly the overall drivers comfort & the cab option that swung it for me. The 2 series compact size was already agreed and decided upon.
Also preferred the B58 and ZF8.
Maybe if there was a M2 cab available I would have chosen different.

As with most cars you will probably always notice the additional cab weight and body flex when reviewed against its coupe counterpart.
However when reviewed on its own as a standalone it is probably not so noticeable. With the roof down on a sunny day ours is a great drive. Exhaust note heard at its best.

We have a mineral white / coral red 2019 M240i RWD UK spec.
Great car and dosent fail to deliver when pushed. Ours is standard OEM throughout and will never be tracked.
To be fair, I don’t think I’m a good enough driver to push it to any limits. The performance available is excellent.
The auto ZF8 is also seamless. Had this gearbox in many configurations and cannot think of a better auto unit.

Space wise never had any issue.
Our car is mostly my wife’s daily.
My wife previously had a F23 218i Msport cab for 4 years so this was to be a simple step up to the M240 version of the same vehicle.
Or so we thought, as the M240 guise is so much better. Body stiffness / steering / B58 which all leaps out way ahead of the 218 version. Feels so much different and well planted.
Yes the back seat is very upright but so is the rear in my M4 cab. These 2 and 4 cabs are generally 2 plus 2 cars anyhow. Bit more legroom in the M4 but similar comfort and access.
My 19 year old daughter and her friend regularly jump in for lifts here and there. Smaller children would be fine.

The running costs are fine for us. 3000miles per year max. Circa 22-24mpg as all generally relaxed local town driving.
In contrast my son only gets 32MPG from a 1 litre ford as again all local town driving.
Therefore we Probably pay £200 a year more to fuel the M240 than the ford.
Again All relative to your own driving distance and conditions.

Get one in the M Performance guise and they look real good.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by ajbM4cab

The 2 series cab is a great car. Very compact with a great wraparound feeling for the driver. Almost go-cart like. At least when compared to my F83C or X4MC which can feel a bit oversized for the driver. If anyone else has both you will know what I mean.
Roof down and with the rear wind deflector fitted and up it can feel like a 2-seater.

I also looked at the M2 as an alternative but I always viewed them as different cars.
It was mostly the overall drivers comfort & the cab option that swung it for me. The 2 series compact size was already agreed and decided upon.
Also preferred the B58 and ZF8.
Maybe if there was a M2 cab available I would have chosen different.

As with most cars you will probably always notice the additional cab weight and body flex when reviewed against its coupe counterpart.
However when reviewed on its own as a standalone it is probably not so noticeable. With the roof down on a sunny day ours is a great drive. Exhaust note heard at its best.

We have a mineral white / coral red 2019 M240i RWD UK spec.
Great car and dosent fail to deliver when pushed. Ours is standard OEM throughout and will never be tracked.
To be fair, I don’t think I’m a good enough driver to push it to any limits. The performance available is excellent.
The auto ZF8 is also seamless. Had this gearbox in many configurations and cannot think of a better auto unit.

Space wise never had any issue.
Our car is mostly my wife’s daily.
My wife previously had a F23 218i Msport cab for 4 years so this was to be a simple step up to the M240 version of the same vehicle.
Or so we thought, as the M240 guise is so much better. Body stiffness / steering / B58 which all leaps out way ahead of the 218 version. Feels so much different and well planted.
Yes the back seat is very upright but so is the rear in my M4 cab. These 2 and 4 cabs are generally 2 plus 2 cars anyhow. Bit more legroom in the M4 but similar comfort and access.
My 19 year old daughter and her friend regularly jump in for lifts here and there. Smaller children would be fine.

The running costs are fine for us. 3000miles per year max. Circa 22-24mpg as all generally relaxed local town driving.
In contrast my son only gets 32MPG from a 1 litre ford as again all local town driving.
Therefore we Probably pay £200 a year more to fuel the M240 than the ford.
Again All relative to your own driving distance and conditions.

Get one in the M Performance guise and they look real good.

Useful info. Thx.