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The BMW M235i has become a cult pick on the second-hand scene because it nails the classic compact-coupe formula: straight-six pace, rear-driven balance, and a size that feels easy to place on a tight B-road. The newer M240i, though, arrives with more muscle, more polish, and the sort of day-to-day capability that makes the older car feel like a lighter, simpler throwback.
In an M235i, the appeal is how connected it feels. The cabin layout is straightforward, the controls are familiar, and the car’s smaller footprint gives it a nimble, keen-to-turn attitude in town and on twisty routes. It’s not trying to be a rolling tech showcase; it’s a coupe that puts steering inputs, throttle modulation, and chassis balance right at the centre of the drive.
The M240i takes a different approach. It’s the more grown-up machine, with a broader stance, a calmer ride at speed, and a cabin dominated by modern screens and driver assistance. With the B58 straight-six, it serves up strong mid-range shove and effortless overtakes, and if you go for xDrive, you gain extra traction when the weather turns and the roads get greasy.
Mechanically, this is where the decision usually lands. The M235i’s N55 has real character and an old-school feel, while the M240i’s B58 brings stronger performance, sharper transmission logic, and a more settled sense of refinement. The trade-off is simple: the newer car is quicker and more composed, while the older car often feels more alive at sensible speeds.
If you want a compact coupe that feels like a proper driver’s tool, the M235i still makes a persuasive case. If you need one car to cover commuting, long motorway runs, and fast back-road work with minimal fuss, the M240i is the easier daily companion. Either way, you’re buying into the same core idea: a straight-six BMW coupe built to be driven, not just looked at.
