[Autobahn SoCal]

From a previous G42 M240i xDrive owner (me!)

BMW M2 G87 vs. BMW M240i G42 - Comparison Review
https://youtu.be/g0FrTzuK4aI

[Tag]

Great info on the differences. I was curious on the difference in suspension setups between the two cars. I watched a bunch of reviews which seemed to hint at the M240i having a more compliant ride since it has a softer setup. I get what you're saying regarding the suspension being stiffer yet more comfortable on the M2. I've experienced this on other cars with sport suspensions as well. In comfort mode they felt softer but were too bouncy for my liking. In sport mode, even though it was more taut it wasn't bouncy and just settled down quicker which I prefer.

How would you compare the cars drivetrains? I've driven xDrive cars before and they never felt like RWD or even RWD biased. I've never driven an M xDrive though. But I'd like to know your thoughts on how the M240i xDrive, did it feel like a RWD car like the M2 does?

[Autobahn SoCal]

Originally Posted by Tag

Great info on the differences. I was curious on the difference in suspension setups between the two cars. I watched a bunch of reviews which seemed to hint at the M240i having a more compliant ride since it has a softer setup. I get what you're saying regarding the suspension being stiffer yet more comfortable on the M2. I've experienced this on other cars with sport suspensions as well. In comfort mode they felt softer but were too bouncy for my liking. In sport mode, even though it was more taught it wasn't bouncy and just settled down quicker which I prefer.

How would you compare the cars drivetrains? I've driven xDrive cars before and they never felt like RWD or even RWD biased. I've never driven an M xDrive though. But I'd like to know your thoughts on how the M240i xDrive, did it feel like a RWD car like the M2 does?

Since the xDrive cars are rear wheel biased, the only time I really noticed a difference was off the line from a stop or in high speed corners the xDrive is some added insurance to snap you back into the line if the car gets sideways (it won’t let you get sideways). The amount of mechanical grip on the G87 is insane though with 285’s in the back it doesn’t slip at all, it just takes off plus 275 in front the car turns in on a dime.

The drivetrain on the M2 is definitely better, especially in the auto (I suspect the G87 has a more fine tuned software system) it feels exactly like the M3 / M4, which the M2 is basically a smaller wheel based M4 anyways since it literally shares all the same parts.

Actually, I just watched a video with the head of M engineering and he was explaining how they added suspension updates in the G87 that do exactly what I described with the car feeling much more planted than the G42, so it validates the ride I mentioned regarding a smoother ride. It’s hard to explain, one just needs to drive a G42 and then the G87, it’s like night and day. All the weight from road imperfections are contained in the dampers which is why it won’t bounce around like the G42 does.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Nice review man.

[Autobahn SoCal]

One thing I wanted to add is the MPG differences.

The G87 is a thirsty car compared to the G42. I fill up twice as much it seems.

M LIFE

[azlightning213]

Originally Posted by Autobahn SoCal

One thing I wanted to add is the MPG differences.

The G87 is a thirsty car compared to the G42. I fill up twice as much it seems.

M LIFE

I've noticed this as well, since upgrading from an M340i. Gotta pay to play I guess

[Autobahn SoCal]

Originally Posted by azlightning213

I've noticed this as well, since upgrading from an M340i. Gotta pay to play I guess

“So fun, so fast, and need more gas”

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by Autobahn SoCal

One thing I wanted to add is the MPG differences.

The G87 is a thirsty car compared to the G42. I fill up twice as much it seems.

M LIFE

Is it really an MPG difference, though? Or is it the ludicrously small tank combined with the G87 tempting you to drive more aggressively?

Because when I account for my aggressive driving, I find the G87 to be fine on mileage. I tried hypermiling it a bit and I was getting high 20s MPG.

Then I went back to driving the way I like to drive and dropped to more like 16.

[Autobahn SoCal]

Originally Posted by Squidget

Is it really an MPG difference, though? Or is it the ludicrously small tank combined with the G87 tempting you to drive more aggressively?

Because when I account for my aggressive driving, I find the G87 to be fine on mileage. I tried hypermiling it a bit and I was getting high 20s MPG.

Then I went back to driving the way I like to drive and dropped to more like 16.

The G42 has the same super small tank as well. I’d assume anyways.
If I cruise in efficient it seems manageable, but still not as good as the B58.

[Bimmerfun82]

Side by side

[apez]

Side by side (ish) in BSM.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by apez

Side by side (ish) in BSM.

Side by side & from the rear, the non M2 coupe looks vert neutered huh.

[M2siast]

Very cool comparison, thanks for sharing.

But, my guy, please don’t say “mechanical grip”. Let the influencers who don’t know about cars use that term.

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by M2siast

Very cool comparison, thanks for sharing.

But, my guy, please don’t say “mechanical grip”. Let the influencers who don’t know about cars use that term.

TBF it's a real term (i.e. grip not coming from aero). Shrug.

[islandfalconer]

Originally Posted by Autobahn SoCal

Since the xDrive cars are rear wheel biased, the only time I really noticed a difference was off the line from a stop or in high speed corners the xDrive is some added insurance to snap you back into the line if the car gets sideways (it won’t let you get sideways). The amount of mechanical grip on the G87 is insane though with 285’s in the back it doesn’t slip at all, it just takes off plus 275 in front the car turns in on a dime.

The drivetrain on the M2 is definitely better, especially in the auto (I suspect the G87 has a more fine tuned software system) it feels exactly like the M3 / M4, which the M2 is basically a smaller wheel based M4 anyways since it literally shares all the same parts.

Actually, I just watched a video with the head of M engineering and he was explaining how they added suspension updates in the G87 that do exactly what I described with the car feeling much more planted than the G42, so it validates the ride I mentioned regarding a smoother ride. It’s hard to explain, one just needs to drive a G42 and then the G87, it’s like night and day. All the weight from road imperfections are contained in the dampers which is why it won’t bounce around like the G42 does.

The G87 in regular driving mode is very well behaved for sure. The G87 in fun mode can kick out its rear end no problem. That being said it is a very well behaved car even when it gets loose in the rear. I certainly enjoy its balance.

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by Squidget

TBF it's a real term (i.e. grip not coming from aero). Shrug.

I’m not sure I get your point S, what do you mean?

[Autobahn SoCal]

Originally Posted by M2siast

Very cool comparison, thanks for sharing.

But, my guy, please don’t say “mechanical grip”. Let the influencers who don’t know about cars use that term.

Valid point, but I’ve been racing and using that existing industry term long before YouTube lol. Those guys use that term, but I’m not sure they actually know what it means most of the time beyond “sticky tires”. There’s another good one.

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by Autobahn SoCal

Valid point, but I’ve been racing and using that existing industry term long before YouTube lol. Those guys use that term, but I’m not sure they actually know what it means most of the time beyond “sticky tires”. There’s another good one.

Cool, that’s just a pet peeve of mine.
My contention is that terminology is only applicable when comparing aero/mechanical. Not something anyone can do when reviewing street cars. So, just grip suffices, as it’s implied no aero grip exists or can be reviewed.

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by M2siast

I’m not sure I get your point S, what do you mean?

I'm just saying it's a legit term, and OP isn't using it wrong, so I don't see why you are picking on them about it.

Yeah, a lot of youtubers are shit, but that's not a reason to paint everyone with that same brush.

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by Squidget

I'm just saying it's a legit term, and OP isn't using it wrong, so I don't see why you are picking on them about it.

Yeah, a lot of youtubers are shit, but that's not a reason to paint everyone with that same brush.

Opinion noted, but I didn’t do what you claim I did and I expanded on what I meant, and I stand by it: ridiculous term.
All in my opinion. If he wants the feedback from a viewer, he’ll take it. If not, he can keep using it. I hope my explanation to him as to why I have this opinion was sufficient for you to understand why I’m picking up on the term (not on him).

[Baller]

Originally Posted by M2siast

Opinion noted, but I didn’t do what you claim I did and I expanded on what I meant, and I stand by it: ridiculous term.
All in my opinion. If he wants the feedback from a viewer, he’ll take it. If not, he can keep using it. I hope my explanation to him as to why I have this opinion was sufficient for you to understand why I’m picking up on the term (not on him).

How is that feedback?

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by Baller

How is that feedback?

I told him "my guy, don't say 'mechanical grip', leave that to the influencers who don't know about cars".

I paid him a compliment by saying he knows about cars. I said he is unlike other influencers.
And I gave him feedback on what I, as a viewer, suggest he stops saying because, as I expanded, is irrelevant/redundant and is not something that can be measured on street cars, and would only make sense if compared to "aero grip", which is never done because it can't.

I think this is feedback. I am not sure why you guys are piling on me.