BMW M240i vs M2: M Performance or Full M-Car?
M240i vs M2 is the classic M Performance vs full M-car decision in compact BMW coupe form. M240i (B58 inline-six, F22 then G42) is the M Performance trim: fast, ULEZ-compliant, well-priced. M2 (F87 then G87) is the full M-car: M-specific suspension, brakes, differentials, and engine internals. Same body class, different engineering philosophies, around £6,000 to £15,000 price gap depending on spec and generation.
Quick verdict
M240i for the daily-driver fast coupe; M2 for the focused M-car experience. M240i has simpler service profile (B58 with no rod-bearing requirement), lower insurance, broader UK used pool. M2 has M-specific engineering and the special-edition collector potential (M2 CS, M2 GTS rumour). For most UK buyers M240i is the rational pick; for enthusiasts M2 is worth the premium.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | M240i | M2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | B58 single-turbo I6 | N55 (original M2), S55 (M2 Comp / CS), S58 (G87 M2) | M240i has one engine spec; M2 has three across two generations. |
| Power (modal F-gen) | 335 bhp (F22 M240i) | 365 to 444 bhp (F87 M2 across specs) | M2 Competition / CS exceed M240i; original M2 sits below. |
| Power (modal G-gen) | 374 bhp (G42 M240i) | 453 to 473 bhp (G87 M2) | G87 M2 has significant power advantage. |
| Drivetrain | F22 RWD; G42 xDrive standard | RWD only (both F87 and G87) | G42 M240i went xDrive-only; M2 stays pure RWD. |
| M Sport Differential | Standard on M240i | Standard on M2 (M-spec LSD) | Both have LSD. |
| Suspension | M Sport adaptive (option) | M-specific suspension | M2 is fundamentally different chassis tuning. |
| Brakes | M Performance compound | M-specific brakes (larger, often M Carbon Ceramic option) | M2 brakes are significantly upgraded. |
| Mandatory preventative | None established | S55 rod bearings on M2 Comp / CS (£1,500-£2,500) | Original M2 and G87 M2 don't have this. |
| Insurance group | Group 40 to 43 | Group 44 to 50 | M2 commands meaningful insurance premium. |
| Used market in 2026 | £22-£34k F22, £30-£45k G42 | £25-£100k F87, £55-£75k G87 | M2 has wider spread due to CS / GTS specials. |
M240i: deeper look
M240i (M Performance) is the M2's cheaper alternative. F22 M240i (2017 to 2021, LCI of F22): B58 inline-six single-turbo, 335 bhp, RWD, manual or 8-speed auto. Standard M Sport Differential, M Performance brakes, M-tuned suspension. The character is fast-and-refined rather than focused-and-aggressive. G42 M240i (2022 onwards, current generation): xDrive standard, 8-speed auto only (no manual), 374 bhp. UK used prices in 2026: F22 M240i £22-£34k, G42 M240i £30-£45k. Service profile is the standard B58 picture (charge pipe upgrade, oil filter housing gasket, walnut blast); no M-specific preventative work required.
M2: deeper look
M2 (full M-car) is engineered differently. F87 M2 (2016 to 2021): original M2 with N55 (365 bhp), M2 Competition with S55 (410 bhp), M2 CS with S55 (444 bhp, ~2,200 globally). G87 M2 (2023 onwards): S58 with 453 bhp auto or 473 bhp manual, no Competition or CS yet. M-specific suspension geometry, M-specific brakes (often larger discs), wider track. The M-car character is sharper: tighter steering, more aggressive damping, more communicative feedback. Service profile includes the S55 rod-bearing preventative on M2 Competition / CS (£1,500-£2,500). UK used prices in 2026: F87 £25-£100k across specs, G87 £55-£75k.
Decision logic
Budget plus character preference. £22,000 to £35,000: F22 M240i or original F87 M2. F22 M240i is the easier daily-driver; original F87 M2 is the more focused M-car at similar money. £35,000 to £50,000: F87 M2 Competition or G42 M240i. M240i Comp is more refined; M2 Comp is more focused. £55,000 to £75,000: G87 M2 (if you want the latest M2) or M2 CS investment (appreciating). M240i is universally simpler ownership; M2 is universally more focused driving. The decision is rarely about objective performance (both are extremely fast); it's about character and how you use the car.
UK 2026 pricing comparison
| Scenario | M240i | M2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| F22 M240i, 40k mi | £22,000 to £28,000 | Original F87 M2 £25-£32k | Similar entry money; different cars. |
| G42 M240i xDrive, 25k mi | £34,000 to £42,000 | F87 M2 Comp £38-£48k | Modern M240i vs S55 M2. |
| Cherry low-mile examples | £28-£45k (F22 / G42) | £75-£100k (F87 M2 CS) | M2 CS commands serious premium. |
| Current top-spec | G42 M240i Coupe £45k | G87 M2 £65-£75k | G87 M2 is £25-£30k premium over G42 M240i. |
Recommendation by scenario
| Scenario | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily-driver fast coupe | F22 M240i or G42 M240i | Simpler service, lower insurance, ULEZ-compliant, comfortable daily. |
| Focused M-car character at sensible money | Original F87 M2 (N55) | Cheapest path to full M-car ownership; smaller, lighter, more focused than M240i. |
| Track-day enthusiast | F87 M2 Competition or M2 CS | M2 Comp / CS are the track-focused picks; M-specific brakes and suspension; rod-bearing preventative required. |
| Daily plus occasional track | G87 M2 manual or G42 M240i xDrive | Both work; G87 M2 for sharper feedback; G42 M240i for daily comfort + track-day capability. |
| Investment-grade buyer | F87 M2 CS (~2,200 units) | Appreciating; CFRP bonnet / roof / spoiler; semi-slick tyres standard. |
| Tight budget (sub-£25k) | F22 M240i Coupe | Cheapest path to B58 inline-six ownership; £22-£28k buys a good example. |
Found a M240i or M2 you're considering?
Paste any listing or VIN. Bimmer.AI returns a model-specific buyer report in 30 seconds.
Run a Bimmer.AI buyer report →Bimmer.AI is designed to help you identify BMW-specific buyer risks before you travel, negotiate, or pay for an inspection. It does not replace a physical inspection by a qualified mechanic, a legal vehicle-history check (e.g. HPI Check), or independent verification of finance, stolen, or write-off status. Repair-cost ranges are indicative UK figures that vary by region, specialist, parts supply, and labour rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is the M2 really better than the M240i?
Different cars rather than strictly 'better'. M2 has M-specific suspension, brakes, differentials, and engine internals that change the driving character to be more focused and aggressive. M240i is more refined, simpler to service, ULEZ-compliant on every build, lower insurance. Performance-wise both are extremely fast; the M2 advantage is feel and feedback, not raw lap times.
Should I buy an M2 or save money with M240i?
For 80% of UK buyers, M240i is the rational pick. ULEZ-compliant, simpler service, lower insurance, broader used pool. For the 20% of enthusiast buyers who care about M-car character, M2 is worth the £6-£15k premium. The question is genuinely about how you'll use the car, not just performance numbers.
Why does the M2 cost more than the M240i?
M-specific engineering. The M2 has different suspension geometry, M-specific brakes, M Sport Differential calibration, M-specific engine internals (especially on S55 / S58 cars). The body is widened slightly. Production volume is lower than M240i. All of this drives the £6,000 to £15,000 premium depending on spec.
F22 M240i RWD or G42 M240i xDrive?
G42 M240i went xDrive-standard from 2022; F22 M240i was RWD-standard. The G42 xDrive is the daily-driver pick (better year-round, better straight-line traction); the F22 RWD is the analog pick (purer, lighter, manual option). G42 M240i added power (374 vs 335 bhp) and modern tech, dropped the manual.
Is the M240i ULEZ-compliant?
Yes. B58 is Euro 6 from launch. F22 and G42 M240i are uniformly ULEZ-compliant.
M2 Competition (S55) or M240i?
Different cars in similar money. M2 Comp is the focused M-car: 410 bhp, M-specific engineering, mandatory £1,500-£2,500 rod-bearing service at 50-70k. M240i (G42) is the M Performance daily: 374 bhp, simpler service, ULEZ-compliant, xDrive. For occasional spirited driving M240i wins on practicality; for track use or M-car character M2 Comp wins.
Will the G87 M2 hold value better than the G42 M240i?
Most likely yes, especially if BMW issues a CS or GTS variant on G87. Full M-cars historically hold value better than M Performance trims. M240i depreciates more aggressively. G87 M2 base prices are around £55-£65k in 2026; G42 M240i is £30-£45k.
What about the F87 M2 CS for investment?
M2 CS (2020-2021, ~2,200 units globally) is firmly investment-grade in 2026. CFRP bonnet, roof, and spoiler; semi-slick Cup 2 tyres standard. Used prices £65-£100k depending on mileage. Likely to appreciate over the next 5+ years. Not an M240i alternative; it's a different investment proposition.