[Kayevman]

I've had my red M235i XDrive for almost 2 weeks. My previous BMWs were 2002 330CV, 2005 M3, 2008 335 and 2012 135i CV.
1. Still breaking in, but acceleration is awesome
2. Suspension has some wiggle and bounce but the harder you corner the more it seems to stiffen. Much more compliant than 135 with sport package (that car handled more like an M, and was always very stiff)
3. XDrive claws at the pavement without the rear drifting out
4. Shifting is quick, I think. The DCT on my 135 was obvious in its shifting, the auto just makes some sloppy, vague noise (piped in?).
5. Brakes are slower to bite than 135 and in that way, easier to apply smoothly
6. Harmon Kardon upgrade is terrible in every way. Underpowered. The first half of the volume control does nothing, midrange is almost absent. Not too far from AM radio. WTF. The HK in the 135 was awesome. Unbelievable that th HK IS the only upgrade
7. Some obvious cost saving: no audible notification when locking the car, climate control does not have the "All" setting (annoying), backward and forward buttons on the dash only and not the steering wheel
8. Gas hog, but I knew that before I bought it. At a little less than 1/4 full it has a range of about 50 miles ( on my fourth tank at 650 miles total)
9. Comfortable and quiet

I'll post more after break in.

[MrBones93]

Finally someone is putting info out about the xDrive. Keep it coming, you have at least one person that will follow religiously!

[Vervain]

Interesting impressions.

This definitely confirms for me that I'm not getting the HK upgrade.

When you say gas hog, are you gunning it constantly?

[tbc417]

I have also had my m235 xdrive for around two weeks. Couldn't agree more with Kayevman on most things. Car is an absolute delight to drive, surprisingly fast, unbelievable acceleration and acceptable breaking. The "upgraded" hk stereo is garbage, do not waste your money, the first 3/4 of the spectrum do little to nothing, it's beyond underpowered. I also agree that it lacks the traditional BMW lock/unlock sound which is a bit disappointing. As for being a gas hog, I don't quite agree with that. If your accelerating hard constantly it absolutely is, however on regular highway driving at 80-90 mph I average 28-30 mpg, and probably get at least 21-22 around town. Car is also very comfortable and quite in comfort mode, it's personality changes completely in sport or sport plus. Let me know if you have any questions about the xdrive one and I'll be sure to answer them.

[FOUR FLUSHER]

Originally Posted by tbc417

I have also had my m235 xdrive for around two weeks. Couldn't agree more with Kayevman on most things. Car is an absolute delight to drive, surprisingly fast, unbelievable acceleration and acceptable breaking. The "upgraded" hk stereo is garbage, do not waste your money, the first 3/4 of the spectrum do little to nothing, it's beyond underpowered. I also agree that it lacks the traditional BMW lock/unlock sound which is a bit disappointing. As for being a gas hog, I don't quite agree with that. If your accelerating hard constantly it absolutely is, however on regular highway driving at 80-90 mph I average 28-30 mpg, and probably get at least 21-22 around town. Car is also very comfortable and quite in comfort mode, it's personality changes completely in sport or sport plus. Let me know if you have any questions about the xdrive one and I'll be sure to answer them.

I notice you're in Boston so I get the Xdrive, I'm considering a X but I have a winter car and I normally run a summer/winter set up on my fun car, since I usually go RWD. Question: where you able to compare both with and without Xdrive?

[tbc417]

No I wasn't as I was looking for a new daily driver xdrive was really the only reasonable option with the snow we get up here. It was also the only M235 the dealer had.

[KG3356MT]

Originally Posted by tbc417

No I wasn't as I was looking for a new daily driver xdrive was really the only reasonable option with the snow we get up here. It was also the only M235 the dealer had.

How is the wheel fender gap on the xdrive compared to the rwd version? I know xdrives usually have an increased ride height in the front. I also wonder how the xdrive handles versus the rwd. Anyone have a comparison?

[Devon K]

Some rag or web site will no doubt do a review shortly. Now if they'd only do an AWD version of the M2...

[KG3356MT]

Originally Posted by Devon K

Some rag or web site will no doubt do a review shortly. Now if they'd only do an AWD version of the M2...

I would love that. I would trade my E90 M3 in a heartbeat if they made an awd M2, M3, or M4.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Thanks for sharing