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      12-02-2013, 05:28 PM   #1
shaz1410
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M235 viable alternative to M4?

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
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      12-02-2013, 05:53 PM   #2
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Know nothing of the 235, and I am sure it is good, but all I know that if you want something special you are better off waiting for the M. Way better off. Way.
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      12-02-2013, 05:54 PM   #3
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Just wait for the m4 otherwise you are going to regret it.. AGAIN! I'm in a similar place as you. I traded my M3 in 3 months ago for a 2014 Jeep SRT and almost immediately regretted it. I'm already on the list to get my M4 ASAP! Even though I know I'm gonna take an ugly hit on the jeep after less than a year of ownership. Oh well. It only money right...life is too short not to enjoy it to its fullest potential. And in my book, that means I need an M again!
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      12-02-2013, 06:32 PM   #4
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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.

Last edited by solstice; 12-02-2013 at 06:39 PM..
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      12-02-2013, 06:51 PM   #5
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It's probably a financial decision. If you can afford the M3 that you can't live with then it's the obvious winner. The M235 will be the more pocket book friendly choice but it's not and never will be the M3.
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      12-02-2013, 07:00 PM   #6
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The f80 m3 will be the size of the e39 m5. Some people want a more compact vehicle and I think the 235i is going to fit that bill well. Regardless of weight savings, the f8x m-series is going to be a large vehicle.

I think the 235i is going to be a splendid option. The question to ask yourself is:

Do you want the M because you think you want an M, because you feel excited it's an M3/m4?

If so, then you'll be disappointed not to get it.

If you'd rather have a substantial chunk of change and still have a very exciting M235i - then there ya go
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      12-02-2013, 07:02 PM   #7
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If you are keen on the compact 235i, why not wait a bit longer and get the M2.

Or, get a 1M.
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      12-02-2013, 07:55 PM   #8
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The delta in handling and performance between the M235i and the M4 will probably be on par with the difference between the E82 135is and the E92 M3. Serendipitous to your question, a friend of mine who owns a 135is got to drive my M3 this weekend, and he remarked that the M felt like it was on a completely different plane of existence when it came to handling, engine responsiveness, and the overall feeling that it was a more "special" (his word, not mine) car than his 135is.

Take that for whatever it's worth.
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      12-02-2013, 07:59 PM   #9
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If you're coming from an M3, you'll have the clarity of mind to truly appreciate and enjoy the M235i for what it is and what it's meant to be. If you're coming from any other car, you will always wonder what could have been.


Don't be dumb again. Get the real M car this time.
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      12-02-2013, 08:43 PM   #10
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It looks like a great car! I really don't think you can go wrong for an every day driver. If they have the M1235 in your area, as the cars are definitely similar.
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      12-02-2013, 09:12 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami View Post
The delta in handling and performance between the M235i and the M4 will probably be on par with the difference between the E82 135is and the E92 M3. Serendipitous to your question, a friend of mine who owns a 135is got to drive my M3 this weekend, and he remarked that the M felt like it was on a completely different plane of existence when it came to handling, engine responsiveness, and the overall feeling that it was a more "special" (his word, not mine) car than his 135is.

Take that for whatever it's worth.
don't know about that.....i think its supposed to be a little bit better than the "is" models....i would try test drive an m135i and see if its fun enough.....
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      12-02-2013, 10:33 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pkim1079
Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami View Post
The delta in handling and performance between the M235i and the M4 will probably be on par with the difference between the E82 135is and the E92 M3. Serendipitous to your question, a friend of mine who owns a 135is got to drive my M3 this weekend, and he remarked that the M felt like it was on a completely different plane of existence when it came to handling, engine responsiveness, and the overall feeling that it was a more "special" (his word, not mine) car than his 135is.

Take that for whatever it's worth.
don't know about that.....i think its supposed to be a little bit better than the "is" models....i would try test drive an m135i and see if its fun enough.....
I have no doubt it's a great car (all the reviews seem to indicate this), but is that the accepted line of thought? The "M135" is supposed to be a step up from the "135is"?

I'm not saying you're wrong; I'm legitimately asking. I just assumed--with no more "is" models in sight--that the "M135" was the new terminology for the old "135is" models.
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      12-02-2013, 10:42 PM   #13
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The M3/M4 will eat the M235i on the track but as a fun street car I think it will hold it's own. The problem is mainly options for me which will likely be inferior in quality and then there is the 4 doors of the M3 which is not insignificant when you do school bus duty for two kids.
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      12-02-2013, 11:00 PM   #14
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the 2 or 1 series is a pretty small car. i remember my sister wanted one because they were "cute". the looks and size of the car is where i would never want one.
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      12-03-2013, 01:23 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paddy335 View Post
If you are keen on the compact 235i, why not wait a bit longer and get the M2.

Or, get a 1M.
Is the M2 confirmed? What engine will it have? Tuned N55 or detuned S55? Either way, you can always add power to boosted cars.

Quote:
Originally Posted by pkim1079 View Post
don't know about that.....i think its supposed to be a little bit better than the "is" models....i would try test drive an m135i and see if its fun enough.....
I agree, especially since it'll probably have fixed caliper brakes and the a proper LSD as an option.

It'll also be interesting to see if the M3/M4 suspension arms will bolt on like in the E82/E90/E92

.
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      12-03-2013, 01:28 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aus View Post
Is the M2 confirmed? What engine will it have? Tuned N55 or detuned S55? Either way, you can always add power to boosted cars.

Given the success of the 1M I would be very surprised if they don't do an M2.
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      12-03-2013, 08:18 AM   #17
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Quote:
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.
I bought a 135is because it was just way more fun than the E92 M3s I'd driven and I've never ever found myself saying "I wish I'd have gotten an M3".

that being said....I do sometimes wish I'd have gotten a 1M.

I can't really comment about the M235 vs. new M3/M4 though....as none of us have actually driven them; suffice it to say I'm pretty sure the M235i will be a continuation of the 135is with some improvement.

I am also interested in an F30 M3, however find myself increasingly impressed with the 135is and am more interested in the next 'M2' by the time my lease runs out in 2015.
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      12-03-2013, 08:38 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami View Post
The delta in handling and performance between the M235i and the M4 will probably be on par with the difference between the E82 135is and the E92 M3. Serendipitous to your question, a friend of mine who owns a 135is got to drive my M3 this weekend, and he remarked that the M felt like it was on a completely different plane of existence when it came to handling, engine responsiveness, and the overall feeling that it was a more "special" (his word, not mine) car than his 135is.

Take that for whatever it's worth.
Quote:
Originally Posted by IEDEI View Post
suffice it to say I'm pretty sure the M235i will be a continuation of the 135is with some improvement.

.
the m235i has two significant things that make it much more potent than the 135.

A) new chassis and suspension technology (stiffer materials, bushings etc)
B) LSD (never before offered)

I think the car will be very potent and very quick, and obliterate the 135is times and performance metrics.

I too like the 135is, but its let down by its very soft suspension bushings and somewhat soft structure. The 235 could be a very interesting car, and color me EXTREMELY interested in an M2 should one be released.
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      12-03-2013, 09:15 AM   #19
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Yep. Added perf parts. I dont go by ring times in a car purchase but the 235i beats the 1m coupe no? And the 1m coupe is a badass car.

Maybe the delta will be the same since the new m3 looks like it gets a lot more tech behind it. I think the 235i gets just as much or more vs the 135i.
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      12-03-2013, 10:27 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KennyPowers
Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami View Post
The delta in handling and performance between the M235i and the M4 will probably be on par with the difference between the E82 135is and the E92 M3. Serendipitous to your question, a friend of mine who owns a 135is got to drive my M3 this weekend, and he remarked that the M felt like it was on a completely different plane of existence when it came to handling, engine responsiveness, and the overall feeling that it was a more "special" (his word, not mine) car than his 135is.

Take that for whatever it's worth.
Quote:
Originally Posted by IEDEI View Post
suffice it to say I'm pretty sure the M235i will be a continuation of the 135is with some improvement.

.
the m235i has two significant things that make it much more potent than the 135.

A) new chassis and suspension technology (stiffer materials, bushings etc)
B) LSD (never before offered)

I think the car will be very potent and very quick, and obliterate the 135is times and performance metrics.

I too like the 135is, but its let down by its very soft suspension bushings and somewhat soft structure. The 235 could be a very interesting car, and color me EXTREMELY interested in an M2 should one be released.
All true. But keep in mind that as the M235i is getting a boost in handling over the 135is, so too is the F8X over the E9XM (150-200 lb. weight reduction, solid bushings, etc.). Again, the delta between these two cars will probably remain the same as it was in the previous generation, which means the M4 will feel like it's on a completely different level than the M235i.
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Last edited by aajami; 12-04-2013 at 03:07 AM..
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      12-03-2013, 10:35 AM   #21
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If I were you, I'd do this:
Get an E9x M3 (since you said you enjoyed one).
Wait a couple of years then decide between M2 and M4.

While I really like the M235i, I know I'd regret the day the M2 came out. And I can patiently wait to see how things pan out (M3/4 included), because I love my E92 M3 more and more everyday.
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      12-03-2013, 08:44 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KennyPowers View Post
the m235i has two significant things that make it much more potent than the 135.

A) new chassis and suspension technology (stiffer materials, bushings etc)
B) LSD (never before offered)

I think the car will be very potent and very quick, and obliterate the 135is times and performance metrics.

I too like the 135is, but its let down by its very soft suspension bushings and somewhat soft structure. The 235 could be a very interesting car, and color me EXTREMELY interested in an M2 should one be released.
firstly the F2X chassis is derived from the E8X underpinnings....so there really isn't THAT much difference in the fundamental architecture aside from increased wheelbase and additional small dimension tweaks. Some construction methods were likely changed to reduce costs as the E8X was an 'expensive' car for BMW to build as it was essentially a 3-series underneath. The structure of the 2-series is very very similar underneath to the 1-series. The bushings and stuff....sure that may have changed...but are not hard to modify aftermarket anyways.

agreed about LSD. disagree about "obliterate"....that will never happen. The current specs released put the 135is and M235 at very similiar (if not same) performance numbers. Lap times around the track? i don't know....but "obliterate"? don't think so man
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