[Ricochet48]

First post!

Hi all, I'm interested in what other options you all have considered aside from the G42, specifically the M240i Xdrive. I currently drive a modified, track ready 2006 RSX Type S (with < 50K original miles). After 15+ years, I'm in the market for a more mature, but still very engaging, ride to use year-round in Chicago. I plan to buy the M240i in a few years after selling my Acura (literally zero need for one now living in the city center, walking distance from work, unreserved parking expensive at $200+, etc.)

I feel there's not really much competition in the coupe segment these days, even more so if you want decent power/handling, moderate luxury, a somewhat usable backseat, and AWD. With the updated (yet still highly tunable) B58 engine and LSD standard, I feel the G42 will be a performance homerun. I'm a bit disappointed with the lack of a manual, but understand there's the M2 for the more hardcore trackers (luckily the ZF8 is a great auto trans). The 2 series has put on some lbs though, but that's partially due to safety regulations, stiffer chassis, moonroof standard, etc.

I love the wider hips, power dome, & m-mirrors (how can you not!). Overall the G42 is much more aggressive looking than the conservative looking F series. I feel lots of the 'complaints' on the styling are from upset F series owners & general BMW fanboys afraid of change. For instance, I've never owned a BMW and actually prefer the unique headlights (and learned they were a throwback to the '2002'). I'll admit the rear looks a bit odd in photos, but is cleaned up dramatically with the M performance spoiler.

Finally, the interior looks great--very similar to other new G series models with some unique touches. I particularly love the red leather (not available on the M2) and upgraded Harman Kardon (now with 14 speakers, but more importantly a 464w amp (vs. the previous 360 watt one for 12 speakers).

Here's my rundown:

• Audi: TT too small, A&S5 a tank, R&S3 a sedan

• Lexus: RC 350 F-sport is slow & costly

• Subaru: BRZ too slow, WRX ugly/dated sedan

• Toyota: 86 also too slow, Zupra (only 2 seats)

• Benz: C43 is solid, but expensive w/ high maint.

• Porsche: 911 backseat is a joke (and it's $100K!)

• Ford: Mustang is too hickish (V8 bad mpg)

• Chevy: Camero is boat! New Vette rocks tho

• VW: Golf R is tempting, but w/ ricer vibes

• Nissan: New Z looks amazing (but 2 seats)

• Infiniti: Q series is a disappointment

• Cadillac: No coupes, also very heavy

• Kia: Not a classy brand, Stinger decent but 4 doors

• Hyundai: Budget brand, Veloster N is childish

• Honda: No coupes, CTR solid, but FWD & too F&F style

• Acura: TLX heavy sedan, but excited for the Integra 5-door

In summary the BRZ/86 twins can compete on track-fun, but you'll need to increase your power a bit to not get smoked by minivans daily (and the backseat is very tight).

The C43 Benz looks very classy and has an top notch interior, but it costs much more to option out and will have higher maintenance costs (plus it doesn't drive as well).

I love the new Nissan Z, but in Chicago a RWD 400hp 2-seater as my only year-round car just is not practical.

If I went fully practical the Integra might work if it's SH-AWD with the CTR engine (will be glued to the prototype release tomorrow)

Cheers!

[vampire81]

cayman S: 18 months wait - plan scrapped.
SS 1LE: hot 2nd after G42 - big chance i end up with a camaro if G42 is over-priced.

[Stunad]

The new RS3?

[Good 4 2 reasons]

Originally Posted by Stunad

The new RS3?

Don't I wish. I think we are only getting the 4-door sedan version in the US.

[yanks1]

hmmm.. Only major other vehicle I considered was the new Z.. I love it

but not available until next year and most fanatics on main Z forums think Nissan dealers will add $5-10k USD to MSRP next year until demand settles down.. unfortunate if true therefore no thanks

I did consider the Lexus RC-350 Coupe... but major issue is older platform and bit heavy & sloppy handling. Also Lexus does NOT support wireless car play which shocked me

[mgokev]

I think from your write up the G42 is clearly far and away checking more of your boxes.

If you were open to sedans I'd definitely say tuning an S3 (that was my last car before my G80). A tuned S3 can put out over 400hp and 0-60 times in the mid-high 3's for about $5k. If budget isn't a major factor the RS3 will be fantastic and has some great color choices.

The only other viable coupes on your list for my preferences are the C43 and TT. TT is small but worth sitting in and test driving to see if it's too small. The TTRS is a monster.

The C43 is certainly nice. I wouldn't worry about maintenance. BMW can be as costly as Merc. It's a roll of the dice. Fwiw bought my Audi new and kept for 4.5 years. All it needed was a few oil changes.

[JDM_240]

There are no comparisons. The only car that would be close would be the Porsche 718 (2 seats) Nissan 400z (2 seats) both RWD. Honestly, Nissan r35 would get you to the most similar platform. Besides that you have the rs3 which is an understearing fake quatro and the new design is trash. You have the cla 45amg which is a 4cyl. c43 is closer to the M340 or baby M3. Then you get into the Japanese luxury which are all garbage. There is no option that would be comparable to a 382hp AWD 2 door 4 seater BMW M240i.

[mburg]

There is nothing out there that's a 2 door coupe with the performance of the 2 series. Really hasn't been for some time, going back at least to the E36 3 series 2-door coupe. If you want 2 doors with a real back seat and high performance, there's really nothing else to choose from.

[Ricochet48]

I prefer hatchbacks over sedans, if you're going to go utility, just go all out. Specifically, if the (R)S3 'sportback' was available stateside, I would very much consider it. The sedan version is honestly growing on me as the proportions are quite sporty and it can be tuned. I'm very surprised they don't have red leather interior options though.

The TTS starts at $60K, while my spec'd M240i (with just about everything but the cooling & high performance tire package) is under $56K. The TTRS is a crazy $72.5K with no options.

Aside from the Camaro being so heavy, the 6.2L engine is was too fuel inefficient. I love that the B58 gets the same, if not better gas mileage than my 2.0L RSX with less than half the power.

Right now the two wildcards in my book are the Z (if I think I can drive it in the winter, give up rear seats, and the pricing makes sense in 1-2 years) or the Integra (as noted, very excited for the release today, but it needs the CTR engine & at least SH-AWD to be considered).

[Lightngsvt]

I'm in Michigan and have been driving performance, RWD cars year-round for many years now. The key is to put on a good set of snow tires and you'll be fine.

[DSTR]

For coupe' design there are no alternatives that provide this complete package. Zero. All others are a compromise vs M240i.

[DSTR]

Originally Posted by Lightngsvt

I'm in Michigan and have been driving performance, RWD cars year-round for many years now. The key is to put on a good set of snow tires and you'll be fine.

Proper definition is 'winter tires'. And agree on RWD with winter tires. No issues at all. Drive for the condition with proper equipment.

I daily driven M235i RWD and M2 in Germany no issues.

Good driver training with proper equipment/decision making.

Only problem is other drivers who are not so equipped or adept at such driving.

[Ricochet48]

Not to over off on a tangent too much... but I've been on the winter tire train for 15 years. My first winter with my RSX-S I had Pirelli Pzero Nero M+S 'high performance' all seasons. I spun out on the highway once in heavy snow and have used winter tires every years since (Michelin X-Ice).

AWD is NOT a safety feature, it just helps mostly accelerating in snow/rain; however, most consumers have no concept of this. 95% of my friends just use all seasons, half have AWD, the rest FWD. They are mostly just too lazy to ever change tires (and/or wheelsets). Some have no place to store an extra set either (e.g. they have expensive rental parking like me and live in a highrise with limited storage) The other 5% that do, 4% drive RWD and basically have to, and I am the 1% that plans to have AWD+LSD as well as winter wheels/tires.

My thoughts on winter setups (if you live in the snowbelt like me):

• AWD + winter tires = 9/10
• FWD + winter tires = 7.5/10
• RWD + winter tires = 7.0/10
• AWD + all seasons = 5.5/10 (most people)
• FWD + all seasons = 5/10
• RWD + all seasons = 2/10

For the record, I would prefer a RWD 6MT M240i, but it looks like that setup will only be for the more hardcore/expensive M2. The biggest issue of RWD sporty cars in the winter isn't the rubber, it's the ground clearance. The Supra & Z would be like a snowplow in Chicago (hence why I've never seen one out in the snow). The 2 series has a bit more clearance though.

[Germanauto]

As far as actual driver's cars, your options are limited to: Boxster/Cayman, Giulia/Giulia QV, M3/4. Maybe S3/RS3 if you don't mind very numb steering.

I'd steer clear of the C43 if you want a car that's nimble and handles well. That car is a total boat, basically a German muscle car.

[Game]

Off topic, but were you active on ClubRSX?

I ask because that's about the time I got my RSX-S and we're both in the Chicago area. Still miss that car TBH.

[Ricochet48]

I absolutely posted a lot on ClubRSX (since 2003) and went to local meets before I even got my DC5 haha! It seems lots of my friends from there have had a handful of other cars since then, but I'm still rocking my glorified Honda.

At this point, I probably have one of the best kept K20Z1's in the country at under 50K miles, very well taken care of. The market is great so I'm trying to convince myself to sell it, but some part of me wants to keep it as a backup. The issue is parking in city center is very cost prohibitive and I do not plan on moving to the suburbs any time soon.

The M240i will be my next ride, but that won't be for a few years.