BMW M240i Racing M240i Racing VS BMW M235iR F22 M235iR F22

Two Sides of the BMW Racing Coin: M240i Racing vs M235iR F22

When it comes to customer racing in the modern BMW stable, the BMW M240i Racing and the M235iR F22 occupy a unique, closely related niche—both aimed at providing accessible, robust, and competitive platforms for the club and semi-pro racer. But beneath their similar silhouettes and shared rear-wheel drive, turbocharged inline-six DNA, these cars carve distinct personalities on track and appeal to subtly different drivers.

Performance Data: Where the Stopwatch Decides

Diving into lap time data, the M240i Racing consistently edges out its predecessor, the M235iR F22, on some of Europe's premier circuits. At Circuit Zandvoort - GP Circuit CW, the M240i Racing turned a 1:48.4 in stock trim—decisively outpacing the M235iR F22’s 1:54 in race configuration by 5.6 seconds. This trend continues at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - SPA, where the M240i Racing clocked a 2:39.9 (race trim), a solid 4.3 seconds faster than the M235iR F22’s 2:44.248 (race trim).

A similar margin appears at Circuit Zolder - Ronde, with the M240i Racing’s stock 1:43.713 eclipsing the F22’s race-prepped 1:46.765 by just over 3 seconds—a testament to the newer car’s sharper engineering and perhaps the relentless march of progress in chassis and electronics.

Intriguingly, the M235iR F22 shows it’s not always the underdog. At Sonoma Raceway - Long Pre 2024, it posts a 1:46.6 in stock form, besting the M240i Racing’s race-trim 1:48 by 1.4 seconds. This rare reversal hints at how setup, tire, and arguably the track’s technical demands can shuffle the order, even between closely related machines.

Engineering Differences and On-Track Behavior

Both cars channel their turbocharged sixes through the rear wheels, but the M240i Racing’s B58 engine brings a slight power bump (340 PS vs. 333 PS) and a revised platform—heavier by 172 lbs, but arguably more refined in its electronics and suspension. The M235iR F22’s lighter curb weight (3135 lbs) pairs with higher torque (450 Nm vs. 339 Nm), which could explain its flash of brilliance at Sonoma, where torque out of tight corners can trump outright horsepower.

The M240i Racing, as shown by its lap time superiority on high-speed, flowing European circuits, appears to reward smoother, committed drivers who can exploit its greater power and improved chassis stability at the limit. The M235iR F22, meanwhile, could appeal to drivers who relish a lighter, nimbler feel, perhaps thriving on more technical layouts where agility and low-speed punch matter.

Value, Customer Target, and Mod Potential

Originally, both cars were positioned for the ambitious club racer—more affordable and less intimidating than the GT4 or GT3 machinery, but still a serious tool. The M240i Racing, being newer, has commanded a higher MSRP and remains more valuable in the used market, especially with its perceived “next generation” package and support. The M235iR F22, now a touch more affordable, is a sweet spot for budget-conscious racers or those seeking a proven, tuneable platform.

Both respond well to modifications—cage, suspension, aero—but the M240i Racing, with its more advanced electronics and hardware, seems to have a higher ceiling in lap time potential out-of-the-box. Nevertheless, as Sonoma proves, a well-prepped M235iR F22 can still surprise, especially when driver and setup are in harmony.

Final Thoughts: Evolution, Not Revolution

The M240i Racing builds on the M235iR F22’s legacy, offering tangible improvements in lap times and refinement, particularly on demanding circuits. Yet, the F22 remains a potent choice—lighter, torquier, and, in the right hands, still capable of toppling its successor. For racers, the choice comes down to budget, driving style, and the circuits they frequent. For BMW, it’s a testament to how incremental evolution keeps the “Ultimate Driving Machine” spirit alive in every generation.