M235 viable alternative to M4?

[KevinM]

I have two M cars that I am keeping no matter what...so I'm considering getting the M235i for a least a few years until we hear about the M2 and/or the M3/4 are settled, perhaps had the LCI...I think this is the right decision, but I just may g go for a F80 M3 anyway. It's hard not to always buy M once you drink the Kool-Aid!

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by tdizzle

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.

Yeah it's mind boggling that on a car marketed as something pure and "sporty," that there are no vital fluid temperature gauges.

[Powaup]

Damn M235i at $49,975 at 58% residual and 0.0013 MF is only 499/month with 3500 in MSDs (Includes 304 govt fees, 75 title fees and 389 doc fee; all rolled into lease payments, 9% tax as well)

F*** that makes it harder getting an M4 if you count the fact that I am so tired of waiting

[MDIVISION]

Originally Posted by Powaup

Damn M235i at $49,975 at 58% residual and 0.0013 MF is only 499/month with 3500 in MSDs (Includes 304 govt fees, 75 title fees and 389 doc fee; all rolled into lease payments, 9% tax as well)

F*** that makes it harder getting an M4 if you count the fact that I am so tired of waiting

It's worth the wait.

[bernstem]

Lease the M235 for 24-36 months and switch up to an M3/M4 LCI or an M2 which should be released by then. It will also put ~$400.00/month in your pocket for the next 24-36 months compared to a lease or finance on an M3/M4.

[ky_soldier]

ok folks - so the M4s are trickling out and now I am in a similar dilemma - get an M235 now or M3/4 in a little bit. Little about me - I've owned big and small and favoring small in terms of enjoying the sport feel when it comes to handling. I have two girls 6 and 8 so back seat room isn't really an issue. Cost is a factor, but never stopped me from getting the ride I want, but I do appreciate value. Obviously one can get an M235 for $500 over invoice (I also did the un4gettable drive) or do ED which don't seem to be options on M3/4 as of yet. I did buy one of the first F30 335i's in 2012 and actually traded it on a loaded X1 35i M-Sport and absolutely LOVE it. It's got a JB4 stage 2 and is crazy fast. I can see the M235 in same light. Performance wise I think the M235 gives you 98% of the M4 for about 2/3 of the price. Thoughts???

[Never Convicted]

Originally Posted by ky_soldier

ok folks - so the M4s are trickling out and now I am in a similar dilemma - get an M235 now or M3/4 in a little bit. Little about me - I've owned big and small and favoring small in terms of enjoying the sport feel when it comes to handling. I have two girls 6 and 8 so back seat room isn't really an issue. Cost is a factor, but never stopped me from getting the ride I want, but I do appreciate value. Obviously one can get an M235 for $500 over invoice (I also did the un4gettable drive) or do ED which don't seem to be options on M3/4 as of yet. I did buy one of the first F30 335i's in 2012 and actually traded it on a loaded X1 35i M-Sport and absolutely LOVE it. It's got a JB4 stage 2 and is crazy fast. I can see the M235 in same light. Performance wise I think the M235 gives you 98% of the M4 for about 2/3 of the price. Thoughts???

It sounds like you've already made your decision. Although I think the "98% of the M4 for 2/3 the price" is pushing it, it shows that you think it's the course you'll take. I'd just say follow your gut. I have it on good authority that if you want an M4 in 2-3 years, they'll make one for you. Good luck either way.

[ASAP]

An M235i gives you about 60% of the M3 at best.

The power difference is about 130 WHP lol.

DCT Tranny

Full locking LSD

M Suspension and drivetrain / chassis

It's a massive difference but for some it simply isn't worth it or needed.

[M8 JTD]

Originally Posted by ASAP

An M235i gives you about 60% of the M3 at best.

The power difference is about 130 WHP lol.

DCT Tranny

Full locking LSD

M Suspension and drivetrain / chassis

It's a massive difference but for some it simply isn't worth it or needed.

I totally agree.

Having driven both an M235i and an M4 back to back on track (+ my M4 on the road now), I have to say that whilst the M235i is fantastic car and a performance bargain for the money, it offers no more than 50-60% max of what an M4 can.

[omaralt]

It's not 98% of the performance of the m3. The real question for me is are you going to track it? If you are definitely get the m3/m4. If you're not (like the majority of people) the m235i does give you quite a lot. After being in the f10 for the past year I'm dying for something smaller and 6spd. I briefly considered the m4 but leases are around $1100 for 15k miles. While i can afford that, I really didn't think (for me) there's enough differences between the cars to justify the $600/month difference. In a year or so I may pick one up when they're selling for invoice +

[ky_soldier]

Originally Posted by ASAP

An M235i gives you about 60% of the M3 at best.

The power difference is about 130 WHP lol.

DCT Tranny

Full locking LSD

M Suspension and drivetrain / chassis

It's a massive difference but for some it simply isn't worth it or needed.

If you take any N55 engine based vehicle and add the JB4 Stage 2 tune, you are easily sitting at 370hp. The top end is enormous. My stock X1 + JB4 is insanely fast. The 235 with JB4 is absolutely 90%+ of an M4. I thought there was a limited slip diff option coming for it as well? Not sure about suspension differences but I love the M adaptive sport suspension as I had it on my F30 335.

Will I track it, probably, but I wouldn't buy the car based on that alone since 99% of the time I won't be on it.

For comparisons, I drove a Macan today and my X1 was like night and day. The Macan is awesome but did NOT have that kick you in the pants turbo push I expected from a Porsche, esp like my Cayenne Turbos had.

I could easily do an M4, but I need more reasons. After having had several E60 M5s, I didn't like the SMG but haven't driven the M4 in either tranny. I think in the M4 I would save the $2900 and get the stick. As for the 235 I would prob take either, esp since there is no price diff.

[Sedan_Clan]

This sounds just like the "E9X/F3X 335i is just as good as an E9X ///M3" arguments. It's preposterous, power abilities notwithstanding.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by ky_soldier

If you take any N55 engine based vehicle and add the JB4 Stage 2 tune, you are easily sitting at 370hp. The top end is enormous. My stock X1 + JB4 is insanely fast. The 235 with JB4 is absolutely 90%+ of an M4. I thought there was a limited slip diff option coming for it as well? Not sure about suspension differences but I love the M adaptive sport suspension as I had it on my F30 335.

Will I track it, probably, but I wouldn't buy the car based on that alone since 99% of the time I won't be on it.

For comparisons, I drove a Macan today and my X1 was like night and day. The Macan is awesome but did NOT have that kick you in the pants turbo push I expected from a Porsche, esp like my Cayenne Turbos had.

I could easily do an M4, but I need more reasons. After having had several E60 M5s, I didn't like the SMG but haven't driven the M4 in either tranny. I think in the M4 I would save the $2900 and get the stick. As for the 235 I would prob take either, esp since there is no price diff.

Well you go ahead and race your m235 and see if you are keeping up to 90% lol. Straighline or corners; your choice.

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

This sounds just like the "E9X/F3X 335i is just as good as an E9X ///M3" arguments. It's preposterous, power abilities notwithstanding.

Big difference, the e9x generations n54 could be faster than the m3 (at least in a straighline). The N55 vs S55 is lol at best and thats before you even get into the chassis.

[ky_soldier]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

This sounds just like the "E9X/F3X 335i is just as good as an E9X ///M3" arguments. It's preposterous, power abilities notwithstanding.

that was a NA V8 vs a TT6. This is apples to apples. If it was a stock 135, I'd say it is missing quite a bit, but while the M235 is not a true M, it does add enough to put it closer to a true M. Once LSD is added it's damn close.

Before you laugh at JB4, drive one. The top end is INSANE. It'll kick down and punch at 120mph.

And I'm not some fan boy. My last sports car was an MTM V10 R8. The M235 is the real deal for what it is.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by ky_soldier

Before you laugh at JB4, drive one. The top end is INSANE. It'll kick down and punch at 120mph.

You speak like I'm new to this.

[DanoneBMW]

the M235 has the same displacement and bore/stroke, it would be a long stretch to just replace the turbo + intercooler with the one on the m4/3 and but that I think they're virtually the same engine with marginally reinforced parts and different tune.