M235 viable alternative to M4?

[shu5892001]

Originally Posted by Kadema

Actually, considering the price and that it's no real M and got no carbon on it at all, I think the weight is quite good. Of course, we all want that 40k $, 2800lbs, 600hp 40mpg NA V8 with decent quality and full leather interior that nobody else owns...

+1

I will take 5

Actually make that 20

[ybbiz34]

There are no oil temperature or coolant temperature gauges on the M235i.

On the 2er forum, somebody mentioned that these temperature measurements could be accessed through a "secret menu" but you would think that on a turbocharged car, an oil temperature gauge would be almost mandatory.

I like to make sure the oil is running at the proper temperature before I flog the car.

[/// M sa]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

There are no oil temperature or coolant temperature gauges on the M235i.

On the 2er forum, somebody mentioned that these temperature measurements could be accessed through a "secret menu" but you would think that on a turbocharged car, an oil temperature gauge would be almost mandatory.

I like to make sure the oil is running at the proper temperature before I flog the car.

Why would they make it that way? I watch my oil heat level at all times on the track and as it gets higher I can tell a small decrease in performance on hot days (e90 car) my GTR I can see and track all data through my nav screen performance which I think the new M3/4 will also have.

[Denk]

Originally Posted by shaz1410

Hi guys long time lurker. Bit of background my last car was a manual Audi s5 was meant to be an m3 but changed my mind because I felt the m3 interior didn't live up to the price tag. Loved the Audi but always regretted not getting the m3 especially after borrowing my cousins m3 for a week. Decided to grow up and bought diesel auto evoque and straight away I realised I don't care one ounce for practicality or economy I just want a fun fast car that can make me smile. So now my dilemma is order a 235 for march delivery for a decent price or hold hire for the m4 with no chance of any deal and wait till late next year for delivery, I don't think I can live with this evoque much longer and I know if I hold fire on the m4 then in a couple of years it will be a bit more affordable, so what I'm asking is how you guys feel on the 235?? Any feedback is welcome

Originally Posted by solstice

I'm considering the M235i myself. It will have similar weight and a similar engine and probably be as fun to drive for $20k less. Here's the rub, I know I will still lust for the M3 and feel a pang of regret everytime I see one while if I get the M3 I will never again think of the M235i.

I'll happily admit though that I don't think cars need to be as fast as they are today. I'm ready for lighter better handling more involving cars and I don't think that the new M3/M4 need any more power than advertised, the M235i power is more than sufficient for me but I assume the M3 will have better response which is important to me.

For an enthusiast, the M235i will be a compromise to the M3/M4...maybe more in your mind than anything but none the less...that's a tough pill to swallow...remorse. Been there too many times and it's expensive. If you are rationalizing to settle on something less, be prepared to be haunted.

[tdizzle]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

There are no oil temperature or coolant temperature gauges on the M235i.

On the 2er forum, somebody mentioned that these temperature measurements could be accessed through a "secret menu" but you would think that on a turbocharged car, an oil temperature gauge would be almost mandatory.

I like to make sure the oil is running at the proper temperature before I flog the car.

Not that this has any correlation but I drove a loaner x1 that didn't have engine temp and I found that a bit odd. That and the fact that the engine sounded like a lawn mower but that's another story. At least it had comfort access. No nav and was rocking no screen at all. Straight yellow strip on the radio all the way. Didn't feel like a car a luxury car maker should produce.

[tdizzle]

Originally Posted by Denk

For an enthusiast, the M235i will be a compromise to the M3/M4...maybe more in your mind than anything but none the less...that's a tough pill to swallow...remorse. Been there too many times and it's expensive. If you are rationalizing to settle on something less, be prepared to be haunted.

Will it at least have similar features one can get in the F30 like HUD? No HUD is no thanks for me. I'm spoiled after having it.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by //M sa

Why would they make it that way? I watch my oil heat level at all times on the track and as it gets higher I can tell a small decrease in performance on hot days (e90 car) my GTR I can see and track all data through my nav screen performance which I think the new M3/4 will also have.

You're asking the wrong guy on that one.

I'm wondering the same thing myself.

[Seagull]

They are saving the stuff that makes sense for the M2??!?!?

[KevinM]

I have similar thoughts. After over 9 years using the M5 as my DD, I am looking to add a car to share DD responsibilities. I was highly considering a lightly used 1M, and I love this car...but absolute dollars aside (still cheaper than some other options I am considering) I can't seem to stomach paying over list price for 3 year old car. Next current viable option is a used 997.1 TT, which I am definitely considering. I'd be over if the M2 was available now (or even confirmed, although the bulk of evidence seems to indicate one will show up a some point...).

With all that, I'm considering a M235i, which will give me a fun new car in which to bide my time and wait for the M3 to arrive and have the bugs worked out (maybe even wait for the LCI) or wait for the M2 (which is the car I really want).

[Romo]

Decisions decisions decisions........

Currently driving the 1M for 2 1/2 years, and I do like the car, no I love it. For me the right size and great handling.

After owning a E46 M3 and E92 M3 the 1M is the best choice I`ve ever made on buying a car.

But life goes on, and there`s the M3/M4........great looking, great engineering, but also HUGE, a smaller car was the main reason for pursuing the 1M. So not only a HUGE car but also HUGE doubts to buy one.

The M2 would be a possible successor if available, but it is not until 2015-16(?) and as Scott revealed only as a 4 banger.

At the moment I`m considering to go for a Cayman S maybe the GTS version coming end of april, same size as the 1M, middle engine concept, maybe the last generation NA engines available (Porsche is going the turbo route for all cars due to CO2 emission standards) I like the car very much, al real looker, also formidable build quality an engineering.

Would like some comments and advise from Bimmerpost members about above thoughts, thanks for input !

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Romo

Decisions decisions decisions........

Currently driving the 1M for 2 1/2 years, and I do like the car, no I love it. For me the right size and great handling.

After owning a E46 M3 and E92 M3 the 1M is the best choice I`ve ever made on buying a car.

But life goes on, and there`s the M3/M4........great looking, great engineering, but also HUGE, a smaller car was the main reason for pursuing the 1M. So not only a HUGE car but also HUGE doubts to buy one.

The M2 would be a possible successor if available, but it is not until 2015-16(?) and as Scott revealed only as a 4 banger.

At the moment I`m considering to go for a Cayman S maybe the GTS version coming end of april, same size as the 1M, middle engine concept, maybe the last generation NA engines available (Porsche is going the turbo route for all cars due to CO2 emission standards) I like the car very much, al real looker, also formidable build quality an engineering.

Would like some comments and advise from Bimmerpost members about above thoughts, thanks for input !

I don't know that I'd consider the F3X/F8X HUGE cars, just a bit bigger than the outgoing E9X. The Cayman S is a whip of a car. Can you do with 2 seats?

[Romo]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I don't know that I'd consider the F3X/F8X HUGE cars, just a bit bigger than the outgoing E9X. The Cayman S is a whip of a car. Can you do with 2 seats?

Sorry, I forgot to tell.......yes a 2 seater is no problem, I`m single

If a GF may show up, there`s room

Furthermore the combined luggage storage Cayman S is 425 liters, the 1M has only 370L, plenty room for women handbags

I drove a E92 M3, an yes, I would consider it a BIG car, the F8X M3/4 are again growing in size, I`ve been there, done that, right now I do think less is more......

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Romo

I drove a E92 M3, an yes, I would consider it a BIG car, the F8X M3/4 are again growing in size, I`ve been there, done that, right now I do think less is more......

As have I. I think my next car after the F8X will be a Porsche. By then I will be making enough money to afford one. LOL! At the bare minimum, it will be a Carrera variant.

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by Romo

Decisions decisions decisions........

Currently driving the 1M for 2 1/2 years, and I do like the car, no I love it. For me the right size and great handling.

After owning a E46 M3 and E92 M3 the 1M is the best choice I`ve ever made on buying a car.

But life goes on, and there`s the M3/M4........great looking, great engineering, but also HUGE, a smaller car was the main reason for pursuing the 1M. So not only a HUGE car but also HUGE doubts to buy one.

The M2 would be a possible successor if available, but it is not until 2015-16(?) and as Scott revealed only as a 4 banger.

At the moment I`m considering to go for a Cayman S maybe the GTS version coming end of april, same size as the 1M, middle engine concept, maybe the last generation NA engines available (Porsche is going the turbo route for all cars due to CO2 emission standards) I like the car very much, al real looker, also formidable build quality an engineering.

Would like some comments and advise from Bimmerpost members about above thoughts, thanks for input !

Why do you want to change from the 1M? Personally i'd keep it for a while and wait to see what the M2 is like in a few years (assuming it materializes). That aside, if you just need a change I can understand that. The Cayman S is a great car to be sure and no doubt is perfect for the track. Coming from a 1M I think you will miss the torque in daily driving situations. If you must change I'd strongly consider a 6-speed 997.1/2 TT...(or if you want NA, 997.1/2 GT3).

[olmy]

Originally Posted by Romo

Decisions decisions decisions........

Currently driving the 1M for 2 1/2 years, and I do like the car, no I love it. For me the right size and great handling.

After owning a E46 M3 and E92 M3 the 1M is the best choice I`ve ever made on buying a car.

But life goes on, and there`s the M3/M4........great looking, great engineering, but also HUGE, a smaller car was the main reason for pursuing the 1M. So not only a HUGE car but also HUGE doubts to buy one.

The M2 would be a possible successor if available, but it is not until 2015-16(?) and as Scott revealed only as a 4 banger.

At the moment I`m considering to go for a Cayman S maybe the GTS version coming end of april, same size as the 1M, middle engine concept, maybe the last generation NA engines available (Porsche is going the turbo route for all cars due to CO2 emission standards) I like the car very much, al real looker, also formidable build quality an engineering.

Would like some comments and advise from Bimmerpost members about above thoughts, thanks for input !

Well if you love the 1M (and who wouldn't), keep it. It's a brilliant car, the likes of which we may never see again.

If you have to try something different, the Cayman S is a great choice. I test drove one and loved it. You will lose on practicality (a little) and torque but that flat 6 is one of the best sounding engines ever and the handling is fantastic. Used 997s are also a good option.

Also, having seen the M3\M4 at the Chicago show, I liked them in person more than I was expecting to and they didn't seem that big. Yes they have grown but a longer wheelbase and wider track have advantages too. At least they are lighter.

[Romo]

Thanks for reply !

The 1M is a kind of collectors car as we speak, it`s possible I`ll keep it.

The choice between M3/4 and Cayman (GT)S is also given the price tag in the Netherlands.
Prices M3/4 are yet unknown overhere, but could be more than the Cayman S (base price €82.000,--) I do expect base price M3/4 wil be over € 100.000,-- (all due to VAT/Taxes)

Yesterday I did see for the 1st time a 4er driving IRL, I can`t deny; It is just a stunning car on the road, so much better IRL compared to Bimmerpost pics

[spmd11]

Okay,

Looking forward to the day I order the new M.

In the mean time, drove a new M235 today with auto tranny.

All I can say, is that I was duly impressed. Not sure if this steering is what we will find on the new M car, but it was very, very good. If a 235 can be this refined and have this good of power delivery, I can't imagine how good the new M is. It should be breathtaking...

[Benjamin]

My dealer also just received a M235i. Sitting next to it was a 4 series, the M235i has no back seat space and is a much much smaller car in person when you compare them, I was not expecting to notice such a huge difference in size. The 235 should be a rocket!

[spmd11]

Originally Posted by solstice

I'm considering the M235i myself. It will have similar weight and a similar engine and probably be as fun to drive for $20k less. Here's the rub, I know I will still lust for the M3 and feel a pang of regret everytime I see one while if I get the M3 I will never again think of the M235i.

ABSOLUTELY TRUE. I've lived what you just expressed, more than once. So now I have 2 M cars. Get the M. All problems (lust) solved.

[Grock]

Originally Posted by spmd11

ABSOLUTELY TRUE. I've lived what you just expressed, more than once. So now I have 2 M cars. Get the M. All problems (lust) solved.

I saw a 2-series in person and I thought it had cheap looking interior. Some people here said it is reminiscent to 3-series, that is simply not true.

It was however a 228 and not 235, overall I was not a fan. I can see how this car can appeal to women.

[RocketBoots]

I recently tagged along with a friend who was in the market for a 235. the 228 and 235 have very similar interiors, but the 235 might feel nicer due to the wider nav and better steering wheel.

I must say, I was very pleasantly surprised by the 235. While I wouldn't say it's a viable alternative to the M4, it is indeed a very nice car in and of itself. I LOVE the size. I REALLY WISH the M4 was this size. I drove it with the 8sp auto, and it definitely was a very smooth, responsive tranny; to the point where I'm not sure what you'd gain with a dual clutch. The car really does live up to the fanfare. It's not the fastest, best handling, best anything car, but it is a super FUN car.

But to answer the original question, I would definitely say it is NOT an alternative to the M4. I remember thinking, man this handles and performs so nice, but how much better would it be with the M4 engine and less ~200lbs. For most people looking at the M4, who can afford it, and are considering that level of performance, and comfort, I would think the 235 will not fit the bill. But I think that is by design.

Now, I just wish the M4 was the size of the 235...

Which reminds me, to that end, I specifically paid attention to the feeling of the width of the car from the driver's seat, compared it to a 435, and it actually felt pretty similar to me. The 235 felt smaller due to some curves in the hood which are noticeable, but if you tried to analyze the overall feel, it felt similar, although definitely smaller.

[ss134]

Originally Posted by Benjamin

My dealer also just received a M235i. Sitting next to it was a 4 series, the M235i has no back seat space and is a much much smaller car in person when you compare them, I was not expecting to notice such a huge difference in size. The 235 should be a rocket!

Don't let the size deceive you though- the M235i is only 70 kg lighter than the M4. Agree that it will be a quick little car though.