The smile on his face when he got into the M2 says it all

Great video and fascinating results, especially in the side by side trials. I love my M240i and it is a convertible too - a factor not mentioned in the video, but a huge extra fun factor (especially for those Alpine drives Joe talked about!) - and a huge extra point in the 240i's favour, as you can't get the M2 as a drop top.

Just ordered a 240i and should have it in 6 weeks or so. Can't wait.

The look on your face when that 240 goes by you is priceless! I love my M240i, I put a Dinan tune on it and the resonator delete and it's just fantastic. I needed a daily driver first and a racecar second, this fits the bill perfectly.

Not surprised that the two were very equal in a straight line. The engine specs make is pretty clear that would happen. In the USA the price difference between the two similarly equipped is much closer making the M2 a bargain because if the upgraded brakes. LSD, wheel upgrades and suspension. Having said that the M2 isn't for everyone as it is more of a firm ride, louder and with likely higher operating costs because of insurance, tires etc so there is a place for all of the 2 series models. We are very fortunate to have a car company willing to build the 230, 240 and M2 which gives buyers plenty of choices at different price points. I get my M2 in a few weeks (being built right now actually) once I get it and drive it I really want to take an 230 for a spin because I am curious about those two opposite ends of the spectrum and how they would compare for pure driving enjoyment which is that subjective experience that is impossible to measure.

Why in two different shots, the m2 has wing mirror covers and in the other it doesn't 🤔

Is that fucking Steve Buschemi?

Great vid Joe, way better than most of the bollocks you see on tv nowadays. Amazed by that difference between the two, especially with the 30-40 mph pulls.

Test drove a 240i yesterday, as an owner of a C63 previously this little pocket rocket is awesome, and as you quite rightly say for the money its a no brainer, the UK roads are hard enough to drive normally but just occasionally you can stretch your legs this is the perfect car for such ties. Ordering next week me thinks ! Thanks for the review, good style and well delivered, cheers.

You should think about a weekly episode with Ben, I think I haven't watched a KZfaq video for over 40 mins for a long time, well done Joe!

Just bought a mid 2019 M240i last week and was blown away by the perfomance on this car for the money. It is a total beast. Car sounds amazing when you get in sport mode and sport plus and you get up to 2.5k and over revs, but also suits me as daily cause it's not AMG stupid loud all the time 🙂 Comparing it to my e46 M3 from back in mid 2000s it is defo faster (mainly due to the amount of torque), less feel through the wheel as you say, but that does not diminish how good this car is. Big smile every time i get in it. Looking forward to taking it for a tour in European Alps next year.

Can I say that was one of the best car comparisons I've seen on KZfaq from non-journalists in a long time? Two likeable enthusiasts who, more importantly, know how to drive, chatting about the cars rather than about themselves. Refreshing. Subscribed.

That is a seriously high quality video Joe. Feel like you're really letting us get to know your personality and that of the cars too. Top notch stuff, hope people keep supporting you and providing cars etc to make such great content.

Shocked Joe, defo made my mind up on the M240i now. With a remap it's just Gona be insane. That's coming from a 911 Carrera S and a 911 turbo owner. As a second car it's bang on for the money and subtle.

Probably the best video on KZfaq. Joe, you are the car review guy. It's awesome to see investing your time next to you business into doing this for us - future customers that aren't sure in their mind what they should go for. Thanks for your time!

I had an m2 on order then saw a deal on the m240i for a dealer contribution of 6 grand on it. agree that the m2 is more exciting but it's definitely not 15k better. so I have changed my order to the 240i and will put on the mperformance exhaust and a few body kit bits adlnd that should be a perfect day to day driver for me. great video by the way!

Excellent video. I wish all car videos were like this. Covers EVERYTHING you want to know.

I really enjoyed that. I’m thinking of downsizing my 440i to a 240, i have no worries after watching that. Excellent video.

The smiles were 10k wider 😂 hopefully in 3-4 years there might be more of these available when I trade in the 140!

This is the video I watched 2.5 years ago and I bought my 240 because of it, still got it today and it's the longest I've ever had the same car and I still love it.

Exclusive stuff! Great vid. And I have to say, as much as I like Seen Through Glass etc, they're quite fatiguing..! I like the slightly more refined take on things

Love it..."bloody hell, that's quick"

Hey Jo. Used this video in my decision making around an M2. I've put a deposit down on an M3 Comp, great video :)

Enjoyed the vlog Joe and useful inclusion of Ben to get another perspective. My take; you buy an M240i because it makes 'sense' on both a performance and affordability axis (the very reasons I bought an M135i last year), you buy an M2 because it stimulates every one of your senses and the cost is something you can either afford or, man maths comes into play :)

Just bought an m240i. I'm now even more excited about picking it up. can't wai!!!!

That 10k extra will be "saved" because the M2 will keep its value better in the long run.

Really enjoyed this video. Every time Ben was flooring it and you guys would be laughing at the power it had me laughing too! I test drove a 235i the other day and had the exact same response you guys were having when flooring it! I just have to wait a few more months before I can order one! Can't wait!

Great great great video guys! One of the best comparison vids I've see. I am actually scratching my head which of them to buy and you made it so much easier. Especially since leasing the M240 is MUCH easier than leasing the M2. THANKS!

Would love to see you two guys compare the M2 with a M4 or M3! Great video!

Your video actually convinced me to order an m140i in May, took delivery last week and did not disappoint. Keep up the good work

It says a lot about what the car is like to see the smile never leave his face

I bought my M240i because of this review and very happy I did not want the race car feel for everyday use and it feels more comfortable.

Usually I get bored quickly, if videos are as long as most of Joe's content is. But most of your videos are so good that I'm happy to watch them entirely. Keep it up!

Great job on the vid. Interesting how they compare. Very similar yet very different cars. I don't doubt the M2 would be quicker on a track for those that it matters to. For me if i went for the M2 it would grate on me that an M240 was just as fast on the road. Again each to their own but i would go for the M240 Auto and spend the difference on a nice manual 'weekend/track' car.

I’m saving up for an M2 in the next few months! Already drove one but this video just makes me that much more excited

Mate that was a banging video!!! Really enjoyed it. Surprised with the side by side action!! awesome stuff. High 5 to you and Ben.

Just want to comment on the fact Ben was smiling the whole time in this video, goes to show how brilliant the m2 is, as for the discussion on the dct v manual, manual gearboxes will always be more rewarding to drive, nothing is better than flying into a corner, breaking heel toeing from 4 to 2 then accelerating out. BUT dct gearboxes and the zf10 bmw use (best box on the market), are far better for every day use for the better fuel economy alone, for driving about town, and sheer drivability of them. A lot of ppl don’t believe how good the zf box is until they drive it, in any car! The m5 is now using the zf as a posed to the dct box, meaning it will be the ultimate daily car. In addition to put how good the autos are in to perspective, Bmw are putting the zf10 in the new 5 series as standard from the factory, you actually have to opt out of it! Proof enough of how solid a box it is now. So have to agree with Joe, auto wins overall

Still one of the best comparisons on KZfaq. I'm now the proud owner of an M240i 2019. My daily. However, everytime I see an M2 OG I have a mini crisis. In a good way though. Love the M2 OG.

I've got the popcorn, Milky Way Crispy Rolls an a 3 litre bottle of coke from Iceland. This is the REAL surprise you have bought us. And as you promised, on a Thursday! 😂

Great video Joe. Have recently ordered an M240i but won't be receiving it down here in Australia until November. Your video has only increased my excitement.

Test driving a manual M135 tomorrow morning with a view to a possible M140 purchase. Been watching all your videos over the course of the last week. They've been very useful in helping me arrive at the right spec if I do order one, but also making me realise, it's about time a had BMW straight six on the end of my right foot! Time will tell 😊

This is a long, but very informative and real reaction review. I liked it!

Just bought a m2 2017. A friend of mine got a m240xdrive. Tried it and it felt a bit boring compared to m2. If m2 doesn't exist i would buy am240. But unfortunately it does exist. :) m240is a dream daily but m2 is a nice weekend car and good for some daily commute and that's what i was looking for. So m2 ftw!! Btw great content definitely a must see video if you can't Decide between the two. Best m2 reviews on this channel on youtube. Keep up your good work man. Cheers

I just ordered my M240i a couple weeks ago... I didn't want to wait a year for a M2. I'll get the Dinan tune when it's available for the B58. Not sure if I'll do any other Dinan enhancements...I'll drive it for a few months before I make that determination (brakes, suspension, etc). Love the comment about the Prius driver...they ALL do that!

Thank you, awesome video!! Picked up my M240i last Thursday in Munich at the BMW Welt. So far, I am VERY happy and now even more convinced about my decision... Keep on making so nice videos. Greetings from Germany.

I have the M240i and think about upgrading to the M2 around once per week... I will likely keep it for a couple years and eventually upgrade to the M3 or M2 Competition once they have aged and come down in price a little.

You don't need audio on this video, your smiles tell us which is the M2, the better car. You've done a great comparison video! All I can add is that discounts on the M240i place a base model around 28k and assuming no or very little discount on a M2, that's more like 16k difference. It wouldn't persuade me; once you own an M you can't go down a notch, but that price differential may be more compelling to others new to the brand.

Really got a great sensation of the speed, throttle response, ride and sound from both cars through this video - thanks!!

Watching this a two years later I do wish you had a lot more subs so that we could get more videos from you.

fantastic video Joe. picking up my m140i end of September was great to see the comparisons. perfect way to spend day watching this by the pool

Somehow ive managed to watch it all.... With no regrets! Excellent video!

Big smiles - good sign of a great car

An extra passenger in the car makes a noticeable difference in cars with only 40 to 80 whp difference. Great video

Nice one Joe. Bottom line if you got the Wonga its M2. If like most people your on a budget the M240i makes more sense. I have a 135i and I love it a much under rated car it only has 302 bhp but it has a DTC gearbox and forged alloy suspension arms.

well done mate. really good to watch. bit of shocker with the side by side tests!!! keep up the good work my man!

Excellent in depth comparison of these two capable BMW's. Delightful to watch.

Informed, intelligent banter. I like.

Joe as you know mate I'm a big fan of your videos and this one is no exception buddy. Great work and reviews by both you and Ben. These videos are the reason I've ordered a M140i.

Gents, what a great review. Shall be purchasing a 240i in March. Was contemplating the M2, but can buy a 240i and some BMW accessories without breaking the bank.

Well, the grin on Ben's dial was twice as wide when driving the M2; more of a driver's car. I'd pay the extra 10k for that. Cheers for a great review!

Holy crap for most of the video I thought the guy on the right was driving!!

I was always set on the M2, and these videos still stir up the interest, but the long waiting list makes the M240i so damn tempting. With discounts too, the M240i would be more like £16K less than the equivalent M2, which makes it even more difficult to refuse! Great vid by the way, subbed.

Thanks for the video Joe! I enjoyed the back and forth banter between the two of you as you talked through the drives. Great insight. I actually went and test drove an M240i today and decided to go that route vice waiting for an M2. I think it will be plenty enough car which will mostly be used on my extremely shitty daily commute and the fact I would do little to no track time in either car. Thanks again and Ill plan to stay tuned in for future videos.

Man amazing video. Cleared a lot of doubts. Thumbs up! Enjoy that beast.

Nice! The surprise on your face as the M240 was pulling along side the M2 was gold ha ha. good ending to a really good video.

I came close to ordering one recently but just got a bit nervous with how the economy is right now....I think about the M240i night and day though...anyone else been like that before buying a car?

What a great 45 minutes of viewing. Enjoyed every second of it. Already looking forward to the next video lol

Great video joe seemed such a laugh at the end. I’m looking to sell my focus RS and buy a M2 hopefully end of the year and this has helped massively so thanks mate.

Great video Joe. For me the M2 is BMW's best value car. Offers so much for the money and when you consider resale to me it's a steal. I'd take one in manual. Keep up the good work!

Yet another enjoyable video Joe. I would love to see a quick M135i v M140i comparison video!

Great video, but definitely did not expect that result, impressive

Cant believe I missed this! Very good video. Sold me more to get the m240i. Thanks Joe and co.

Joe, when my (manual) M2 arrives we should do a group meet up in or around Denham or Dorking (we hang around same haunts, cars and bikes) for an ale and a comparison if you fancy seeing what the difference is. Has to be a manual for me as my Golf R is a DSG. Great video work as always; shout out for Ben too :) ... Lee

Is it me or are the wing mirrors on the M2 not symmetrical

Thanks for your videos Joe! I have been contemplating a car that can replace my Megane 265 for a year or so now and finally decided on an m140i in mineral grey with your help! Cheers

Very thorough comparison! Not trying to slag you guys but it strikes me that maybe what is proven here is how, to some degree even drivers with racing pedigree can be "fooled" into thinking a car is quicker by its loud exhaust. I realize that Ben was talking about the throttle being "sharper" on the M2 but surely in the roll-ons that throttle-response should have -- but did not -- translate into an immediate advantage for the M2. I suspect that that throttle sharpness was being perceived aurally rather than viscerally (by sound rather than the "seat of the pants"). Sound, probably second only to vision, is a very strong cue for speed and power in a car. I know when my Yamaha R1 still had its stock exhaust I could roost around neighbourhood streets virtually unnoticed but once I fitted a Yosh cannister even modest application of power had parents running out to the sidewalk, lawn-rakes in-hand and gesticulating in fear of their childrens' safety. A bit different because with a quieter exhaust people would not even hear the bike until it had already gone by but the fact is that loudness is a MAJOR cue to power/speed. I am beginning to ramble here for which I apologize but I was seriously considering the M240i or even the M2 but now that the new Supra is looking like it will have that BMW motor I may buy that, especially if it is less expensive. I know that is probably sacrilege but I would find it extremely interesting to see future comparos between the 2-series and the new Supra. Cheers!

Something they don't mention is the fact that the M240i can come with a sunroof or a convertible and the M2 has neither of those options. Many do not like those options(especially convertible) but I do. Top down in Southern California puts the same smile on my face as an M2 acceleration does for others. I'm going with the M240i convertible.

Joe, can you please do another full review on a 'manual' Bmw M240i, covering options on the car and performance.

Difference is Ben the driver never stopped smiling when driving the M2👌

I couldn't agree more with the video's comment, " It's not how fast your going...but how fast you FEEL you're going." That was made very clear to me years ago when driving back-to-back my MX-5 Miata and my friend's C5 Corvette. A lot more enjoyment in driving the Miata on a daily basis at legal speeds....there was no "sensation" of speed in the C5 in daily driving. I wonder about this as I've test driven the 230i and M240...the 230i "felt" more athletic likely due to lower front end weight...sure, it didn't have the straight line acceleration /speed but felt to me, more fun to drive. Perhaps the 230i with the Track Package would be the best combo/value for me as primarily a daily driver with only very occasional track days???

Neither car could wipe off the smile from the drivers, awesome machine. To me that says it all.

I could not decide between the M240 and the M2, ended up getting an M240 with adaptive suspension then with a stage 1 tune to 430 BHP, torque limiter removed from gearbox, updated brakes and plan to fit an LSD. I think it makes the M240 the best of both worlds, just wish I could have the body styling of the M2

I have 2 manual 46 m3’s here and been toying with selling them both to help fund a new m2. Well, I think now I can afford to keep the both and look out for a used m240. So interesting to see the comparison between 240/m2 and thanks for doing this video, I reckon I can have some cake and eat it 👍

"... and how good does that f****** sound!!" 37:12 Haha! 😂 Great video man!

Cheers for doing this, ive been looking for a head to head comparisons as I'm stuck on what to get.

Well done Joe, great watch as always and surprising right enough 👍🏻

Enjoy your video. Very interesting when watching the performance pulls, didn't expect that.

I love the comment made at the end that the m2 ‘s aggressive looks plays into the hand of the 240 subtle and it’s unassuming looks. A wolf in sheeps clothing. Those bulging fenders on the m2 are damn sexy though.

I just bought a m240i cabrio in Colombia. 57K USD, an M2 is about 80K... Im still waiting for delivery. so excited!.

The way he smiles when he was driving the Bmw M2 tells alot XD

Seeing signs for Gerrards Cross and recognising places, damn this guy isn't far from me!

Loved this vlog tho by the way 👍🏽 well done lads.

Thank you! I'm considering one of these two and your video is very informative! I'm surprised, though, that the M2's differential was never mentioned. I guess you weren't doing enough high speed turning...

Probably your best and most useful video to date. Just saved me £10k...well, possibly.

I was surprise that the pre-owned 10k mile M2 and M240i are almost the same price. The decision is pretty easy :). You can drive the m2 in economic mode and it is not that loud. However, if you want some fun, you hit the sport mode and up :). Best of both world. I can't wait to drive it the next day :).

that was super interesting. well done keep up the good work.

Mate, was worried it would be too long, but watched it all the way and really enjoyed it. Great video. You're really getting the hang of this. Hoping more people start to follow and give you the recognition you deserve. Only minor gripe was you mentioning you wouldn't trust anyone else with your M2... You wouldn't lend it to me? ;) P.S. Thanks for putting my Mini in. Lovely surprise!

There's sooo much more grinning in the second half of the video :) That is demonstrative

The new B58 engine turns out to be quite the overachiever, putting down 371 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 378 lb-ft torque at 4,750 rpm, both substantially higher than the stated figures. Figures straight off thé dyno standard.

You can add the Dinan sport exhaust for only $1300 USD. Even if you pay $1300 for stage 1 kit you get 414 HP on the 240i. Obviously it is recommended to do this tune using a Dyno. You can change the response and a few other things too. Obviously the one thing you can't change is the fact that the M2 has a dual clutch 7 speed transmission. You can change the response of the M240i. You can save the 10K price and use it to add HP and sound and still have money left over for a proper wheel and tire package and still have money left over! Performance springs too? BTW - The M240i has more torque.