BMW M240i - BMW M240i for family

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Sat 30 Dec 2017 00:05
BMW M240i - BMW M240i for family - JimmyV

We are a couple with 5 year old kid. Wanted to buy a nice driving roadster (mx-5/z4) for some time. However, just seen some reviews of M240i and the idea of a nice driving machine which can carry our kid also for some open top motoring looks attractive. Could someone throw feedback about carrying a kid in M240i? If this is our only car how good is this for long drives-especially for the kid at back? Since we cannot put the wind deflector with rear seat occupied how bad it could be for the kid with open top-will it be still enjoyable for him?

I realize the answers would be primarily opinion based. That is fine, just would like some inputs

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Sat 30 Dec 2017 00:16
BMW M240i - BMW M240i for family - Avant

I have a 125i convertible as a 'fun car' and some of my grandchildren have been in it and loved it. It's blowy in the back, but for short distances at least this is fun for them.

I think the fun might wear off on a long motorway run: but this will be blowy for you in the front as well. You can of course put the hood up and rely on the aircon, then lower it when you get off the motorway.

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Sat 30 Dec 2017 00:27
BMW M240i - BMW M240i for family - JimmyV

Thank you. How is it for cruising long distances? Can a 5 year old be reasonaly comfortable for a 5 hour trip? With roof in place of course

Edited by JimmyV on 30/12/2017 at 00:30

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Sat 30 Dec 2017 09:33
BMW M240i - BMW M240i for family - daveyjp
A 5 year old is constantly growing. Rear legroom may be an issue, two doors is never convenient with rear passengers, you need to consider what type of car seat fits and if there is a view out. Nothing worse than a child with car sickness.
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Sat 30 Dec 2017 10:59
BMW M240i - BMW M240i for family - badbusdriver

I would agree with daveyjp, but, ironically, the child will find themselves with more room sitting on the actual seat than a child seat, which will lift them up and forwards. Regarding the view out, this is also going to be important as cars in general these days have very deep sides and very shallow windows, so even a shorter adult is not going to have a great view unless looking up!.

As has been mentioned, a convertible is going to be great fun for kids, but only for short journeys. No fun at all on a longer trip.

For a young family i'd be thinking more along the lines of something with deep side windows and a panoramic roof.

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Sat 30 Dec 2017 12:45
BMW M240i - BMW M240i for family - johnnyrev
I agree as well, it sounds like too much of a compromise. We have a Dacia Logan for the practical family duties and an mx5 for fun stuff. Both vehicles are very good at their respective roles and I can’t imagine one car being practical yet fun.

I think you will appreciate a more practical family car, and a cheaper 2 seater soft-top would be more fun too. My son (now 11) really enjoys being out with the roof down, but my 7 year old god-daughter hated it!
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Sat 30 Dec 2017 14:55
BMW M240i - BMW M240i for family - confusedbuyer

I looked at one of these when I was considering a TT/240i/A3 convertible. The 2 series had the most space, but at 5ft, my friend was cramped behind me (5'10") in the 2 when we went test driving. Obviously a 5 year old is a little way off that, but something to consider.

As a result of this and a "think of the future" from the other half, I 'grew up' and went a size up to the A5. I'd consider one up - the 430i/440i M Sport maybe? Not nearly as 'pretty' as the 2 series in my opinion but surprisingly practical and a joy to drive. I went with the Audi purely on internal finish, residuals and refinement (head-led).

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Fri 5 Jan 2018 20:35
BMW M240i - BMW M240i for family - JimmyV

Thank you everyone for your input. It looks like I should go for two cars. The fun car budget has to be limited in that case. So will look at roadsters.

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