Performance and Driving Experience

From the very moment you hear the cold start, you know the M240i means business. The 3.0 litre straight six turbocharged engine produces 335 bhp, and you feel all of it when mash the pedal.

One of the highlights is the exhaust note, which really comes to life in Sport mode. The sound is intoxicating, especially with the exhaust burbles when you let off the accelerator or downshift. It never gets old. It’s a car that demands to be driven hard, and it’s hard not to!

This performance does come at a cost though. The M240i drinks petrol at a rate that will burn a hole in your wallet, especially if you’ve got a bit of lead foot. On most journeys I get around 23 mpg, so visits to the petrol station are a regular occurrence. It’s something to think about if you’re going to use this car as a daily driver.

Ride Quality and Comfort

While the M240i excels in delivering a sporty, engaging drive, the suspension is harsh so you feel each and every bump the road. If spirited driving is your thing, this setup is fantastic as it offers great feedback and confidence inspiring control. That said, this very stiffness can wear on you during daily commutes or longer drives. It’s something to bear in mind if you have regular passengers.

Interior Quality and Technology

The M240i offers a high quality interior that goes very well with its sporty nature. The cabin is driver focused, with an intuitive layout that makes you feel in control. The materials used are of a high standard, and the sports seats provide good support, which is much appreciated during more spirited drives. The leather seats, plastics and brushed aluminium trims gives the cabin a premium feel. No rattles or squeaks to be heard!

The iDrive system is well refined and easy to use. Features such as Bluetooth, navigation, DAB radio come as standard. The base sound system is good, although I do regret not upgrading to the Harman Kardon package.

Practicality and Reliability

For a compact coupe, the M240i is quite practical. The 390 litre boot is a decent size, accommodating more luggage or shopping than you might expect from a car of this size.

In terms of reliability, it has been my most reliable car. Over two years, it sailed through its MOTs without a hitch and only required a single service, thanks to BMW’s two year service intervals. The only issue I encountered was a loud rattle from the electronic exhaust valve. This is a common fault and was easily resolved by purchasing a replacement clip for £10 on eBay and after watching a YouTube tutorial, it took around an hour to fit.

Conclusion

The 2017 BMW M240i is a really good option for a petrol head who wants a compact coupe with stunning looks, heaps of power and a superb exhaust note. However, it’s worth considering the trade offs: high fuel consumption, a firm ride and… speeding tickets. If you’re prepared to live with those, the M240i will repay you with smiles per gallon.

While that may not make it the most economical or comfortable choice for a daily driver, the M240i more than makes up for that by blending in luxury, technology, and proper driver experience. From country road blasts to city dashes, this car has the presence to keep you engaged and excited every time you get behind the wheel.