Road test - 2017 BMW M240i Convertible

Everyday Adrenaline

By Chad Lückhoff

When it comes to a car, there are a few things that get my heart racing. While I'm yet to find a car that checks each and every box, the BMW M240i parked outside is, oddly enough, coming very, very close. So what sort of things get my juices flowing and why is the M240i so close?

Desirable attributes

2-doors – check. Straight-six engine – check. Turbocharger – check. Rear-wheel drive – check. Convertible – check. Nimble handling – um... check. Interesting interior – check. Great driving position – check. For all intents and purposes, the BMW M240i should be the Holy Grail of motoring, but it's not. It is disturbingly close, though.

Unfortunately, BMWs have their work cut out when it comes to trying to impress me. Their offerings in the 90s paled in comparison to the excitement that was being offered up across the pond. Now, whether it's the lull in the Japanese offerings of late, my maturity as I age or the fact that, as a journalist, my hand is forced into objectivity, I have to acknowledge that there are a few BMWs that I rate extremely highly. The BMW 2 Series is one of those that I truly enjoy.

Be it the fact that it's a comfortable size, with respectable value for money or that it is a well-engineered rear-wheel-drive car with thump under the hood, it remains a solid choice. I only wish that we saw more of them on the roads. I happen to think its a nicely styled machine, leaps and bounds better than the 1 Series Coupé that it replaced.

The M240i convertible falls into the fourth pillar of BMWs offerings, one shy of a dedicated M car, but one up on the regular core models. As such, it's not an out-and-out track attack weapon and expecting it to be one is somewhat foolish, especially in convertible guise. It's a slightly compromised ride that does many things well, even if it feels a little misguided and devoid of focus. Sometimes you need that in a car. Sure, you many want razor sharp focus and dedicated intentions, but living with a car like that is more tiring than the marketing spiels would have you believe. It’s here where the M240i convertible shines, in being able to transform (literally) as your mood and disposition takes you…

…when you want to look good

Up front, it's the trademark kidney grille that has been widened and beefed up to look a little more menacing. The re-profiled bumper now also has larger air intakes, further bolstering the M240i convertible's power and prowess. LED headlights form part of this mid-lifecycle face-lift and adaptive LED headlights can now be specified as an optional extra. The rear-end still features the iconic L-shaped taillight with LED treatment, but the overall lines of the M240i remain the same. No need to scratch where it doesn't itch. New 18-inch Style 436 wheels are available on the M-performance derivatives, as fitted to our example, shod with Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

30 seconds is all it takes to transform the M240i convertible from a coupé-styled commuter to a top-down boulevard cruiser. As with most convertibles, the M240i looks markedly better with the roof stowed, even if the Anthracite Silver effect fabric used for the soft top is a classy touch. Retraction of the roof is convenient, especially in the rainy season as the robust mechanism allows for operation at speeds of up to 50km/h.

…when you want to cruise in comfort

It's here, when you've had a good day and your mind is at rest, when you're relaxed and not rushed, that you'll be glad you don't have the full-blown performance derivative of the M240i, the M2. Being devoid of that track inspired focus means that the M240i convertible is more flexible in the way of comfort and convenience. If you're needing to slump down into a comfortable chair after a long day at work, the M240i is capable of being that sanctum for your journey home.

It will take the most ardent 2 Series fan to pick up the numerous changes to the interior, but they all blend together to create a cabin that feels more luxurious, more mature and seems to be intelligent.

The geometry of the dashboard has been changed and this is probably the largest change that you won't notice. It's more angled towards the driver and new surfaces, not that you'd say it, the execution is that good. New trim strips and chrome detailing elevate the air of sophistication and can be found on the dashboard and on the window switches. The air vents are freshly designed too.

A new gauge cluster sits behind the thick, leather steering wheel, tying into the infotainment system which now also features a touch screen and improved connectivity.

It's a comfortable, well-equipped cabin that exudes class and is finished in a standard that has become expected from the luxury manufacturer. With the Coral Red leather interior in our test model, each and every boarding felt like an occasion, a welcome escape with the promise of an enjoyable journey.

…when you want to go fast

Contrary to popular belief, you don't slap an M-badge on something that doesn't have a little poke under the bonnet – despite the fact that you can buy an M-badge at the flea market (please don't, I beg of you). As such, the BMW M240i convertible not only looks the part, but goes the part too, thanks to the 3.0-liter straight-six, turbocharged engine that rests under the bonnet.

Developing 250kW at 5500rpm and an impressive 500Nm between 1520-4500rpm, the M240i convertible can get off the mark and rocket to 100km/h in a mere 4.7-seconds. It will top out at a limited 250km/h, but that stands for nearly any performance car in this day and age.

The power is sent to the rear wheels, for engaging driving and dynamics, through an 8-speed Sports Steptronic gearbox with steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters. It'll be to the purists’ dismay that the M240i convertible is only offered with an automatic gearbox in South Africa, but with a gearbox this good, one will soon forget about the absent third pedal.

For those worrying about the environment, the M240i is claimed to return fuel consumption figures of 7.3l/100km with CO2 emission at the 169g/km mark. In reality, our mixed driving had the numbers around 9l/100km, which is fair enough, considering the size of the engine and that impressive torque figure.

The downside to looking good and enjoying the wind in your hair is the compromised handling prowess. While still a capable, drivers that are skilled enough to explore the limits will find the M240i convertible suffering somewhat without the benefit of a tin top. It's an inherent downside to convertibles, but one that most prospective buyers will undoubtedly be aware of.

Without the trick front suspension of the BMW M2, the M240i is prone to understeer at the limit, but the breakaway is progressive and predictable. Drive within these limits and the M240i convertible is still an enjoyable car through the mountain bends. Quell the urge to tear through the canyon by dropping the roof, enjoying the soundtrack and soak in the environment – it's the best way to enjoy the BMW M240i convertible.

…when you have to pay for the M240i

The BMW M240i convertible starts at R785 086, and with the multitude of options available, you can rack up a price tag of over R800 000 rather quickly. It still offers respectable value for money, and peace of mind is part of the deal with BMW offering a 5 year / 100 000km Motorplan to take care of services and the likes.

Focus Keyword: M240i

Meta:  The M240i convertible falls into the fourth pillar of BMWs offerings, one shy of a dedicated M-car, but one up on the regular core models.