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BMW M235i vs. BMW M240i: which is better?

What's the difference between BMW's small sporty cars and which is best for you?

The difference between an M235i and an M240i is very minimal – it’s a bit like comparing Messi and Ronaldo.

There are reasons to like each, and they both have their own dedicated followings.

But enough about football. What actually is the difference between these two rear-wheel drive coupés? 

BMW M240i vs. BMW M235i: which has more style? 

front end of a bmw m235i and moving wheel of an m240iBecause both cars are based on the BMW 2 Series, the underlying styling is the same. You get a handsome, sleek shape with slightly muscular wheel arches and an aggressive front end. 

From 2019, the M235i only comes as a Gran Coupe, which means it’s slightly bigger and more family-oriented with four doors. The M240i keeps its sporty compact coupé form 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to simplify, the M240i is the racier-looking car and closer resembles the top-spec M2, if that’s what you’re after. 

What is it like to drive a BMW M240i vs. M235i? 

rear driving shots of a bmw m235i and m240iThe main difference between used M235i coupé and M240i models is the performance and how they drive. 

Both are sportier than the standard BMW 2 Series, thanks to some handling upgrades and a significant horsepower bump. 

For reference, the 2 Series produces 184hp in its most basic form while the M235i and M240i boast 306hp and 374hp respectively. 

On the road, you notice this power difference – the 240i feels significantly quicker. Saying that, both are cracking around the UK’s twisty B-roads, and plenty capable for other driving scenarios. 

What technology is in the BMW M235i and M240i? 

the black interiors of a bmw m235i and m240iYou can expect everything you get in the standard 2 Series to appear in these cars, too. 

This means BMW’s classic wrap-around dashboard, which is very driver-focused and angled towards you. There’s also a lot of tech, from heated seats to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

You’re probably buying these cars more for the performance and less for the mod cons, but it’s nice to know they’re still there. 

BMW M235i vs. M240i dimensions and boot space 

Because the M235i is also available in Gran Coupé form, we’ll include both body styles below to see the size difference. 

BMW M235i and M240i Coupé dimensions 

  • Length: 4537mm 

  • Width: 1838mm 

  • Height: 1390mm 

  • Boot space: 390 litres 

BMW M235i Gran Coupé dimensions 

  • Length: 4526mm 

  • Width: 1800mm 

  • Height: 1420mm 

  • Boot space: 430 litres 

M235i vs. M240i: which is more reliable? 

a bmw m235i's engine and rear of a bmw m240iAgain, because both share their underpinnings with the 2 Series, reliability is the same for both. 

The 2 Series is one of the brand’s most popular cars, and that wouldn’t be the case if it wasn’t dependable to live with.  

Thanks to solid engines and quality German engineering, it’s one of the more appealing coupés on the market. A reliable sports car? See, they do exist. 

You also get the latest and greatest safety tech, from an active bonnet to parking sensors. This helped it to achieve a four-star rating following its most recent Euro NCAP safety tests. 

Used BMW M240i vs. used BMW M235i: which should I buy? 

It’s a tough decision picking between these two BMWs, not only because they’re great motors but also because they’re so similar. 

The best way to look at it, however, is simple. Choose the M240i if you’re after performance but don’t fancy forking out for an M2, and opt for the M235i if you still want decent performance but favour practicality more . 

How do the M235i and M240i compare to other BMW models?