Background
The BMW 2 Series is BMW's entry-level coupé and this, the second generation, was unveiled in Summer 2021 as the successor to the popular F22 2 Series. It features 2 doors, 4 seats and some controversial looks – something common among almost all BMW's these days.
It's anything but entry-level though, this car punches above its weight class in several areas. It’s off to great start, being based on the larger CLAR 3 & 4 Series rear-wheel drive platform rather than the front-wheel drive platform that the F40 1 Series now occupies. This means that the current top of food-chain model, the M240i xDrive, can take its power from the much-loved B58 inline 6-cylinder engine. It also means that the xDrive platform it uses, is tuned the same way as the M440i xDrive. This means its heavily rear-biased and not afraid to show it.
The G87 M2 will arrive in 2023 taking the M240i xDrive’s place as the top model variant for this vehicle.
Specifications & Variants
The BMW 2 Series is available around the world in 3 trim levels and 3 engines. The entry level is the ‘Sport Line’, moving up to ‘M Sport’ and then the top end ‘M Performance’ M240i. The first two trims have the option of diesel or petrol engines. The M Performance M240i is only available with the petrol performance B58 engine.
The UK is only given 2 trim options, but 3 engines remain. The first is ‘M Sport’ which has the diesel and petrol engine options. The second is the ‘M Performance’ M240i which is only available with the petrol performance B58 engine.
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
| 218i | 2021 |
B48B20
2.0 L I4 turbo |
115 kW (154 hp)
at 4,500–6,500 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft)
at 1,300–4,300 rpm |
| 220i | 2021 |
B48B20M0
2.0 L I4 turbo |
135 kW (181 hp)
at 5,000–6,500 rpm |
300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
at 1,350–4,000 rpm |
| 230i | 2021 |
B48O1ZIK
2.0 L I4 turbo |
180 kW (241 hp)
at 4,500–6,500 rpm |
400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft)
at 1,600–4,000 rpm |
| M240i/M240i xDrive | 2021 |
3.0 L B58B30O1
I6 turbo |
285 kW (382 hp)
at 5,800–6,500 rpm 275 kW (369 hp) at 5,800–6,500 rpm (europe) |
500 N⋅m (369 lb⋅ft)
at 1,800–5,000 rpm |
| 220d | 2021 |
B47D20
2.0 L I4 turbo |
140 kW (188 hp)
at 4,000 rpm |
400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft)
at 1,750–2,500 rpm |
Design
Much has been said about BMW's design choices of late. Most people disagree on whether they look good or bad, but everyone can agree they’re a topic of debate and have caused controversy. You’d be foolish to think this hasn’t been done intentionally and it's arguably a masterstroke from BMW.
The new BMW G42 2 Series is no exception to this. Its bold design at the rear and implementation of new headlight graphics on the front have caused a stir. However, most will concede and say that this is a good-looking car in the flesh. Its ‘wide’ rear arches are normally reserved for the sportier BMW models whilst its interior is leaps and bounds beyond the previous generation. Though it does miss the new iDrive panoramic screen, which is rumoured to be coming in 2023.
Highlights for the design? Well, the just-mentioned wider hips are a hit. We’re a big fan of the new headlight too, taking a new direction for BMW design language. They have some great details in person too. Also, the ‘M Sport’ and above cars come with a power bulge in the bonnet, which is very reminiscent of M cars. The grilles are also a departure from the recent beaver teeth trend, which you can decide for yourself whether that is good or bad...
Finally, the interior deserves out shout out. It’s a step on in every metric versus the previous generation – something VW, Audi and Merc could learn from as their interiors have stepped back in quality.
Bad points? The bootlid (or trunk) is a little awkward in its shape. Its ‘CSL-esquie’, which sounds great, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. The ‘triangle’ inlets on the M Sport front bumper also don’t appear to match up with any other design language on the car and are a little out place.
The rear brake lights are also a little awkward and don’t translate well on a 2D image, but they do more make more sense in the flesh where you can see the three-dimensional details.
Recommended Options – UK only
Pro Pack
This includes a few great options that adds performance and visual drama to the car. This includes darkened headlight & brake light details, along with Gloss Black Mirror Covers. It also includes the Harman Kardon sound system.
The real party piece is the 893 M Double-spoke Wheels which include Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Performance Tyres which are wider than the stock wheels. This means that the Pro Pack cars include a ‘wide-arch’ kit from factory and further rear-biased xDrive tune!
M Technology Pack
Increases the size of the front brakes and the braking capacity as a result. Also adds an additional oil cooler to the front of the car to help manage heat on fast road and track.
M Adaptive Suspension
This is a must in our opinion as it gives the car a dual personality between being a comfortable daily and a track toy. The adaptive dampers have a huge operating window and the ‘comfort’ setting is 3-Series level of comfort.
Recommended Modifications
Gloss Black Badges
The BMW M240i, like most new BMW cars, has gloss black highlights throughout it's design. Replacing the chrome badges with gloss black just makes sense with the other gloss black accents on the car.
Carbon Fibre Styling Kit
As mentioned earlier in the blog, there are a few things about the design of the M240i that aren't quite hitting the mark. Having said that, adding a carbon fibre kit can massively help to balance out the disproportions. For example, by adding the right splitter those triangular lines start to make a bit more sense. We have carbon fibre and gloss black options to suit your style and vision.
TRE Carbon Fibre Performance Styling Kit
Exhaust
Another sticking point for the rear of this car, is those fake chrome exhaust tips. This was something that needed to be changed and we were lucky enough to get the UK's first G42 Milltek exhaust system. Miltek developed a Valved OPF/GPF Back system combined with quad GT100 Cerakote Black Tips, massively improving the rear end and sound of the car.
We've had so many compliments on this exhaust, it's a must have addition.
Milltek Cat-back Exhaust System with Quad Tips
Lowering Springs
Our Brooklyn Grey M240i has MSS Adjustable Lowering Springs. The addition of springs can drastically improve the look of the car whilst also making it handle better.
The great thing about the MSS springs, is that you can go as low as you want. As the name suggests, they are completely adjustable meaning you can drop or raise the car to whatever height feels and looks best. We also have the Eibach lowering springs available for the G42 if you wanted a rigid set up.
Drivetrain
Eventuri wasted no time developing an intake for the G42. Their design provides the turbo with a less restrictive airflow path whilst maintaining low inlet temperatures making for optimised engine performance.
They maximised volume by making the airbox as large as possible with a recess for potential strut braces. The stock intake tube is replaced with a smooth carbon tube for a more heat resistant, weight effective and aesthetically pleasing engine bay.
Interior
There are a range of carbon fibre accessories that can improve the already upgraded interior. From paddle shifters to full carbon seat backs, you're going to spend a lot of time sat in the driving seat so you might as well make it exactly how you want it.
Gallery
Enjoy some of the photos we've captured of our customer and shop cars to date. It's very satisfying receiving a brand new stock car and turning it into what we or our customers have envisioned. Want to do the same? Just get in touch and we'll do our best to fulfil your requirements.
Videos
Want to keep up to date with our M240i shop car? We have a Youtube Channel where we regularly post tutorials, reviews and modification updates on the car.
Summary
Overall, we're loving having the G42 under our roof. It's such a fantastic package that BMW have put together. We can see this car growing a cult-like following over the next few years due to the amount of boxes it ticks for the price point.
Hopefully, you've found the information above to be helpful. Please drop a comment below with any feedback or questions. If you were interested in any of the products mentioned, you can find our range here. Please don't hesitate to contact us via our live chat or by emailing info@autoid.co.
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