The most bizarre thing I find about this generation is that it grew in size dimensionally almost in every way but has less rear seat room than the prior generation 2 series coupe....

This was such a great discussion of the impact of technology and how it removes that driver connection to the car, amazing insights! And I love the exterior design critique also. Great, philosophically-grounded discourse!

It’s a sport coupe not a sports car. If you want a sports car go buy the Supra. I have had my M240i since February and love it. I was looking at a Supra as well and I’ve had a dedicated sports car before and they suck to use for normal driving. I’m pretty much done with tracking cars. I just want a car that can do every day and once and a while go for a drive.

Amazing analogies as always. You guys are absolute pros!

The shortcut to turn of the driver assistance programs is to hold the green circle button (next to the hazard lights switch) for a few seconds. The green light should go off and the instrument cluster should read "Intelligent Safety deactivated". This turns off Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Pedestrian Warning.

I have an early build 2021 M340 now with 22,000 miles. I also test drove the first (demo unit) M240 my dealer got. The M240 is slightly sharper, but it’s 80% “synthetic” - digitized to feel that way, including the transmission shifts. The real props should go to BMW’s software programming department. They are pure genius. The M340 is 9.5/10ths as quick and I had the car in the mountains recently. One could argue it’s a better deal since the weight is almost the same and you get a useable backseat and larger trunk. The problem is with all these cars is while you are basically the fastest car on the road, most of the time you are basically in an “airplane.” In particular, I find it is hard for me to gauge what speed I can enter a turn or do a quick left hand or right hand turn at say 8 or 9/10ths. Corner entry is a problem for me due to lack of steering feel / disconnection. Once in the corner, you can get the rear end to dance / step out by throttle input. That’s much easier to modulate, and is very good. Again, most of the time you are the fastest car on the road, but I’m not really sure you want to be in the twisties because of the disconnection. You need to concentrate harder than you might need to in a Honda Civic to maintain a quick pace.

I feel like this is like the perfect daily driver for like a car person who doesn't want to always drive a manual and wants a fast car that can be driven year round. Then just pickup like a miata or an S2000 as a fun weekend car when you want the full analog experience.

I’m headed to the 1 day M school held at Thermal in August, so the timing of this review was great. Keep up the good work!

I ordered a 230i after sitting in the back seats. I’m 5 foot 8 inches and I can sit comfortably in the back seat. It’s just big enough so that is isn’t a useless rear seat. It is a little cramped but I think I could sit in the back for a good while without feeling cramped. This car isn’t tiny, nor is it really big either. It is a great daily for most enthusiast and has just enough space for when you need it.

Lmaooo he instantly turned into a BMW driver real quick driving up behind that guy making him switch lanes and getting impatient 😄

I loved the older 2 series's style and dimensions. It was PERFECT in every angle. This one looks like they took a lot of i8 styling cues and added them to the 2.

"It's too digital" - that's why i sold my F10 535i BMW after 6 months. The car was devoid of feel even though it was fast. I felt weird driving that car. It's almost as if the car didn't want my hands on the wheels and it should be an self driving car.

I have this problem in my Supra too, even with it's squirely rear end. While it's definitely a more handful in the corners than with xdrive, i'm constantly doing way more than I think I'm doing. In 3 seconds I'm speeding on just about any road. And then I put it in normal and it's getting 30+ mpg. It's so incredibly engineered. Yet somehow I wish I was still driving my S2000.

Stop calling it a Supra engine. The Supra has a BMW engine. 🤦‍♂️

Your opinion is spot on. I currently own this car and an M2 just prior. The fun factor and feeling is far different. The straight line speed is nothing short of impressive and would smoke the M2, but it is not the enthusiast machine it used to be. Going to get rid of it for something more practical in the near future.

Truly enjoy your reviews. Follow you on TV, KZfaq, and Podcast. Excellent reviews and perspectives. I haven't even driven this car but really wanted to like it just as you both referenced. I have a 2016 340i and love the B58 engine. Everything you said just makes common sense why this is a technical and digital marvel to do what it does so well. That's just it though, when it's that far removed from the analog feeling, true driving enthusiasts will gravitate towards past cars to get that experience. Keep up excellent work!

Thanks for the informative video I would like to ask your opinion about getting m240 or m440 if I don’t care about rear seats

To turn all lane assists just press the button a little longer. They are on, individual or all off

Great discussion at the beginning. BMW means it when they say these are 'M Performance' models. They're standard BMWs that deliver M perf for when you want it but still disconnected enough to be a comfortable traffic commuter on avg roads. Full M cars are still the only true BMW M experience, at the expense of daily comfort in some cases.

great video. this title is epic lol

Regardless of the negative comments about size/weight/engagement, this seems to be the single best all round daily capable car available on the market today. Does everything fairly to really well, rain (snow?) or shine.

The button to turn of safety controls you referenced is there. It is the button with an image of a car with a green halo around it. You can configure it so that one press turns all assistance off and the halo around the car turns red to indicate the assist features are off

I'm waiting for bmw to say to Toyota: "you know how we helped you with the Z4/supra? how about helping us with your 86 platform and we'll make a 2002 or Z3 or something"

Hold down the button next to the hazard button (car with green circle) for about 5 seconds. Lane assist and all other assistance will be turned off. Also, with the transmission tap the gas peddle and it will rev limit down shift, up to two gears. So fun to drive with that option.

My 3 Series has a car with a green/yellow light around it above the HVAC? Press that and it will show you the options to turn Driver Assistance down or off?

Hilarious how close you were when you said there should be a button to turn all the assists off. That green circle button in the centre next to the hazards, hold that down for a few seconds, all assists off 👍

Spot on review

This is a trend since electric cars have been coming on the scene, the modern car is so good it doesn't feel like you're driving anymore, really just a video game feel. You can only really use like 200 horse power (in a small sedan) on the streets, anymore and you're speeding everywhere.

I was really amazed by the look of it when I saw it live for the first time. Pictures/Videos doesnt do justice to it. Last time I had that was with Mercedes cls. On paper I was like: Uh that doesnt work! And then i was floating beside one on the Autobahn and thought: Wow! Same for the m240i.

You guys need to do a video on the 230i. True it’s only a 4 popper but it’s rwd and much lighter. I’d love to see what you guys think

the sound dampening in the new bmws is insane. it is ridiculously quiet and when you are in both the new 3 series and 2 series alike with the windows up in comfort and even sport mode. no road, wind, or noise from the engine/exhaust can really be heard all that much when the cars are stock. i think this is the main reason many report of not feeling like they are going as fast as they are, and/or not getting the same satisfaction from going fast. very interesting problem to have lol

To your point at 18:07, most aircraft have a big red button which turns off the autopilot. Cars should definitely have the same ability to disable their automation.

What a great timing! I’ve rented m235i and going to spend the whole day with it tomorrow. Will watch this video prior. Upd: oh, no! It’s a new one!

Button next to hazard lights button turns off safety systems.

M240 is a winner. It will be appreciated much more over time as electric engines roll out and younger executives want a great driver with speed. Love the review

There's something compact about it. The back seat. I have a 2017 2 Series and I fit perfectly in the back seat as a 5'9 adult. In the new two series my head's hitting the ceiling and it's way more cramped in the back. Big mistake as far as I'm concerned. Having a true two plus two makes it fun and relatively practical if you want to bring somebody along.

Just bought a 2023 230i and am happy as a clam. My tech at BMW did know how to defeat the lane assist however.

*I've realized something after watching this, ...motoring journalists are vastly disconnected from the average everyday driver who would buy one of these. I'm a car enthusiast and have driven some cars I've seen reviewed online and completely disagree with their criticisms. I can't really trust anything on the news and now I feel I can't trust car reviews online either until I drive them.*

The lane assist is in the menu tree, or, press the button that is a car with a green circle around it, and hold it until the screen shows you "All Off". So yes... there is a big button, but it's green!

What do you think about the 230i?

Press and hold the car symbol surrounded by green circle in center of dash for 3 seconds. Might also have to go to lane keep assist setting and turn off steering intervention.

17:33 glowing green halo in soft focus is your “turn off all assistance” button. At least that’s the case in my Z4 M40i.

How much of the lack of engagement is from the X drive? I know you guys generally say the X drive numbs them some.

BMW makes 2 series as perfect sized compact car. People rave about compact size. Makes next version much bigger. Has longer wheelbase than e46 3 series. Why do cars have to keep getting bigger???

I've got an Evora 400 and pick this as the daily to that. It has the B58 and a known quality transmission, comfort , a proper trunk and rear seats that are adequate by my standards. It's this or an RS3 and realistically the RS3 is much more expensive. . It's also good in snow and rain which I think would matter to Uthan gentlemen. The lines and vents are challenging but they've grown on me. The car is gimmicky but for once, I'm going for the gimmicks and they're unavoidable anyway on everything. The weight is a bummer but the reported fuel economy is excellent. I get 27MPG at highway speeds up to 80 in my Evora and I'd expect to equal or better that. But it's a shame to waste a Lotus on the slab even though the Evora is surprisingly capable of it. The whole B58/ZF drivetrain is a major plus. Did I already mention that the weight is disappointing? Steering feel is hard to find anywhere and might be annoying to me but I have a Lotus. So what's a better idea? It's not the Dodge haha and we're in between M2s, which will be expensive too daily. Love the Evora, it makes everything else feel numb by comparison. That car is a keeper. And there are very few "slightly used" M2s. There's supposed to be an RWD version coming. Maybe that one's yours? Shame about the steering but going the the MK8 R doesn't help although it does save some money. This car is polarizing but it slots in for me. : German Challenger? Touche! Now which would you rather have? I hate it that you don't like the color combo on your car. My spec is mineral white over red with shadowline pack. For that long bonnet Goth look that is growing on me and a bit of added drama. Some of your colleagues say new to new a base RS3 is worth stretching into if you can find one but it will cost.

I agree with the guy with the long hair, the car doesn't have a good angle at all. The previous 2 series looked better, but the taillights on both generations just look cheap. But I guess it is BMW's entry level car, so they have to save money somewhere.

I agree with everything you said but for those that have never driven an older model this is probably a perfect driving machine

The button to turn off lane assist is right in the middle. It’s the button with the circle around the car.

I like these. Make mine purple.

I've had a 2016 228i, 2018 M2, and just bought a 2024 M240i. I do really like the M240 especially over the M340i I had but as they said in the vid the car is a bit numb compared to the other 2ers I've had. Also I was able to turn off lane assist but the options are buried, the new iDrive is way more cumbersome

Great video. Do a 230i RWD for comparison!

What road was this ? Scenic

Why is this car so heavy? A 2000 - 2005 Buick LeSabre, which was a 6 passenger family hauler sedan with a 3.8L V6 engine, 18 gallon fuel tank and 18 cubic foot trunk weighed between 3567 and 3591 pounds, depending on which trim level you chose (stats taken from Buick spec sheets). Think about that: a big early 2000s American land yacht actually weighed LESS than this 2022 M240i, which is supposed to be a driver's oriented sports car.

I'd been hoping this design would grow on me. It has a little, but the white just exaggerates its flaws. It isn't terrible, but the M2C easily keeps its crown as the best looking 2-series, and there's zero chance of the new M2 taking that away. Knowing how I felt about going from a rwd 228i to my current previous-gen M240i xDrive, which in my experience was a BIG step down in driving fun and engagement much of the time, I just can't see getting one of these. At this size, 3,871 pounds is _absurd_ and inexcusable.

The most underrated guys on YT.

fantastičan

17:37 BMW only offers lane departure warning with the G42, not lane keep assist. The steering wheel will vibrate to warn you when the vehicle is leaving a lane, but the feature cannot turn your steering wheel.

I can't wait for these B58 cars to get cheap in the next 20 years and you can strip them out and make an absolute weapon for the track.

That title though. And thanks a lot for saying the front of the car looks like that Goth girlfriend wearing black lipstick. I used to like the front of this car, even in white, but now, I can't unsee that. 😂🙂🙃

As someone who owns this car, and compared it to other vehicles in this segment, I couldn’t disagree more. The car is brilliant. The vehicle can cruise comfortably and with a push of a button, turn into an all weather high performance car. Also consider this is the M lite. Furthermore, everyone who approaches me loves the styling.

When I ordered mine - I told my husband its gonna be my affordable mini GTR - same formula! Selling my 2014 M235i - the 2 series is the best daily driver for me.

I really like the design! When you made the GTR connection I immediately realized this is the JDM inspired BMW. I appreciate the unique styling.

Now that the M2 is out... the M240 is gorgeous.

Do you have any video on Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio? Thx

718 t or s is the answer. Fun to drive

I think you hit the nail on the head. 'the things it can do'. So, you're just a passenger guiding a wheel.

There's no Subaru STi or Mitsu Lancer EVO anymore, and have no hope of bringing an awd coupe, so upgrade to this m240 for tarmac.

Yes Yes YES! "Show me how it corners!" - We need to all shout this at these cars.

We need a 0 series

I never had that goth girlfriend experience in highschool. = ( That's why I'm so messed up. I have to get it out of my system.

To be honest, styling-wise, I'd take a beaver-teeth 4 series over this incongruous mess of lines and angles with a normal-sized grille.

As someone who spent 10 years driving a modded 135i, I have not yet been able to bring myself to move to a 2 series, because every one I've driven, including the M2, has felt numb. Like sex with a condom. It gets the job done, but that's about it. The problem really is that BMW has not yet figured out how to do EPS well. I really want to love these cars, but the EPS kills it for me, because for all the things BMW does well, EPS is not one of them.

Agreed, too much technology can ruin the true driver experience. Wait until the 2023s come out .... they'll all have the ID8 system, which is next level tech.

I actually like it, especially from the rear.

It's the best looking modern BMW I think. Still not as nice as the previous version, the lights are too small and pushed too far to the edges of the panels, but hey, it's a lot nice than the awful3/4 series. If you follow the A pillar, and C pillar lines down to the wheels, the previous version went directly to the centres of the wheels, and it looked just right. This design, the lines go in behind the front wheels making the nose look too long, and the rear is not quite correct either, it looks slab sided. It's a performance bargain though, if you like Xdrive (I prefer RWD personally, slower from a standstill, but a lot more fun). It's only faster than the OG M2 from a standstill, the OG M2 has better suspension, a wider track, and looks much nicer.

In Germany the car is available as rear wheel drive too

I'm not so sure about the 2002 coming back, especially since many other parts of the world still get the 1 Series, and the M140i is a tiny beast.

I may be in the minority, but I think this body style is attractive. I think it looks good from all angles. I agree that white is not the best color for this one. Actually, not many cars look good in white imo. And thank you BMW for not putting the ridiculous, ugly, oversized, beaver grill on this one!

17:37 the little green button beside the hazard lights, hold it down, ignore the screen, hold it down until the green ring disappears. It's so annoying.

When will you review the m340i?

Fantastic review as usual. I almost brought the previous generation which I too think is more attractive, as a second car. I do not like the new head and taillights here at all, but I try not to be too caught up in simple appearance if the overall car is great. The main problem I have with BMW is their expensive after warrantee and maintenance pricing structures and with that much complex technology crammed into their vehicles you will pay the price.

So glad I have a f22 generation wouldn’t trade it for one of these

The only thin i hate is the steering feeling! I feel not save sometimes!

Modern compact cars can fit a beer & hamburger belly with room for fries.

Some of the design choices that you've pointed out is actually why I'm happy Toyota slapped this B58 inside their Supra. It looks a lot better, it's lighter and it's a proper sports car. This M240i albeit fast, doesn't feel like anything when you drive it and it's a really big car.

The curb weight for an awd challenger is 4,000 pounds, not 5300, that’s the gross weight (the maximum the car is rated to weigh, as in loaded with people and cargo)

Maybe BMW will bring in 1-Series into US?? One can only hope.

This channel should be called small talk

With the way things are going, a 2 series might one day be the same size as an old 7 series.

It's not just technology bc Porsche still manages to make their cars pretty fun . BMW doesn't give a shit about engagement / steering feel anymore.. plus most are oversprung and underdamped compared to the old machines

If the “ Odd Couple” were to do a review. 😂

00:56 That side profile, Makes it look like a baby GT-R R35

Front and rear end looks like an economy car. Who is designing these?

I would always choose any Miata over the M240i... any day.

Can you guys do new nissan z reviews that would be incredibly interesting comparing with this car

I only want a 2 seater but not a roadster. I’m glad the back seats are small as it will fit my wife’s purse just fine.

Such a better car than any SS or 5.0

No way. I love it! Except for the trans. Which is going to make me wait for the M2.

I know you guys need to do these reviews to survive but I'll keep on looking for a pre 74 2002,(roundie), that I can tinker with and attempt to regain some of my lost youth. At almost 4000lbs that's just about 2 of the original "driving machine".

HEY guys there’s a green circle with a car in it’s center, in the center of dash below the screen press hold for 3 secs all aids turn off ☺️