|
|
|
05-23-2016, 12:34 PM | #1 |
Brigadier General
3504
Rep 3,722
Posts |
Went and drove a couple M235i's
Happened to have some time to kill near my BMW dealer today so I took a couple cars out. Here's my (very) brief review in comparison to my current 135. Please note that I'm not a pro, just an enthusiast and this is my unbiased opinion having no idea what to expect before sitting in either car.
2016 BMW M235i X-Drive (auto trans, blue one below): MSRP: $51,500 (decently optioned)
2016 BMW M235i (rwd w/ manual trans, grey one below): MSRP: $50,030 (loaded)
Not specific to either of the ones I drove:
My take-away from the drives: At the price points of these cars and considering what's included and what isn't, I could not justify making the switch from my '13 135i to a M235i. However, for only a few grand more the M2 starts around $55,000 and you get all of the fun options plus more, like better brakes and a real LSD. So if I were to be making this call right now I think I'd feel a little dumb not going for the M2, despite the current wait. 20160523_111856 by Matt Steele, on Flickr 20160523_111908 by Matt Steele, on Flickr 20160523_112715 by Matt Steele, on Flickr And a pic from actual heaven: 20160523_112708 by Matt Steele, on Flickr
__________________
"Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq |
05-23-2016, 01:55 PM | #3 |
1Addict
3424
Rep 8,046
Posts |
B58 will be the first real contender with the N54. Damn shame they didn't put it in the M2, honestly.
__________________
Daily: E82 Mutt
Hauler: M57 Truck Looking for: 997/991 |
Appreciate
2
|
05-23-2016, 02:01 PM | #4 | |
Brigadier General
3504
Rep 3,722
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
"Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq |
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-23-2016, 02:11 PM | #5 | ||
Major General
51279
Rep 7,236
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
05-23-2016, 05:46 PM | #6 |
///Mmmmmmm
71
Rep 172
Posts
Drives: e82 135i/6; e36 M3 2/5
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Chicago
|
The 240 will be really crazy with tuning. So far on a 340i with a JB4 and intake only, they dyno'ed at around 400 wheel! With DP's and e85/100 oct it should be even crazier!
__________________
2008 e82 135i Coupe 6 Speed ///M Sport, Sedona Red over Black 1996 e36 ///M3 Coupe 5 Speed Cosmos Black over Black |
Appreciate
1
|
05-24-2016, 08:11 AM | #7 |
Chief Warrant Officer
1027
Rep 1,638
Posts |
Yeah, I drove the 235 when my 135 lease was ending and wasn't impressed enough to make the switch and pay the extra premium, so I bought another 135. I plan to drive this car until the wheels fall off and the plan WAS to go M2 at that time (in a few years when it becomes widely available).
That is until a few days ago when the 240 specs came out. For DD duty, the 240 is incredibly compelling ad will probably be my next car in 3-5 years (assuming, of course, that I can bring myself to give up my beloved 1er).
__________________
"Prius" is Latin for Eunuch.
"Hrothgar": 2012 135i: 6MT M-Sport, BSM/Blk; Nav, Premium, Convenience, HK Dinan Stage 2 +PPK /// BMW PE /// VRSF CP /// K&N /// Koni Sports /// RSFB Inserts /// MPS4S 225/255 /// Other Stuff |
Appreciate
2
|
05-24-2016, 08:55 AM | #8 | |||
Brigadier General
3504
Rep 3,722
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
"Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq |
|||
Appreciate
0
|
05-24-2016, 11:08 AM | #9 | |
Major General
51279
Rep 7,236
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-24-2016, 09:19 PM | #10 |
New Member
2
Rep 17
Posts |
I "only" have a 128 and sat in a 228i today while I was in for service. I have not had a chance to drive the 235s, but based on the press, it seems like a great package. I did a BMW event last year and tossed a 228 around on a track and really had a good time and walked away impressed.
But the one quality that I really like about the 1 series is the simplicity of the interior. I don't want a ton of buttons on the dash, don't need a navigation screen etc. The old "stark" interiors seem much nicer than the newer BMW interiors. Ok... enough ranting.... Now I'm like the old man yelling at the clouds... Lol |
Appreciate
0
|
05-25-2016, 09:03 AM | #11 | |
Brigadier General
3504
Rep 3,722
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
"Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq |
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-25-2016, 05:41 PM | #12 | |
Beachtown Bill Collector
585
Rep 1,062
Posts
Drives: 2012 135i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Diego
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-25-2016, 05:55 PM | #13 | |
Major General
51279
Rep 7,236
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-25-2016, 10:48 PM | #14 |
Private First Class
23
Rep 128
Posts
Drives: 2013 128i Coupe MSport Jet Blk
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Upstate New York, USA
|
Great thread, Matticus91!
The value of this board is on display throughout this thread. People's different experiences with 128s, 135s, 235s...comparisons/discussions about the different transmissions, engines, accessories offered with each, etc. What's the "take away"? Be patient. Test drive until you find the experience you crave, the experience you need. And when you've found it...IT'S SUBJECT TO CHANGE! Ahhhh...driving enthusiasts, friggin' neurotic bunch, and we love it. |
Appreciate
1
|
05-25-2016, 11:36 PM | #15 |
Disrupter
1566
Rep 2,484
Posts |
The Train Has Left the Station
Thanks everyone for this thread, it has been fun to read.
There's "latest and greatest," and then there is "road feel" and the sensation of driving the sort of car that BMW made its name producing. I am personally not very interested in track times or other statistics, such as 0 to 60 times separated by tenths of a second. I also don't much care about the minutiae that separates this from that particular engine. Others will vehemently disagree. There is a lineage of BMW small sports sedans and coupes, at least the coupes with a boxy shape like a sedan, that for me defines this brand. It started with the 1600, then the 2002, and on up through earlier iterations of the 3 series and M3s. All of them, for their time, had more than enough power, and the cars were designed from the ground up to be fun to drive. These were cars for driving purists, whether you were on a short jaunt to the grocery store, or if you went for a drive in the country. Luxury was very much secondary, although certainly by the early 90s these cars were relatively luxurious when viewed in the context of their times. When one looks at something like an M2, which I have not driven but have seen many pictures of and read many reviews, it appears one is talking of an entirely different sort of animal. This is not a bad animal, it is not a bad car, but it is not of the lineage that I describe, with its complicated interior, electronic nannies, and electric steering (no matter how refined). Perhaps BMW is developing a new niche for themselves. That will satisfy those looking for something new, and that is a good thing. For those seeing the old, true blue, faithful original, it is just not the same thing, and BMW will never make cars again, that really resemble, truthfully, the old ones that made their reputation, no matter what pops up in their advertising montages. |
Appreciate
4
|
05-26-2016, 12:50 PM | #16 | ||
Brigadier General
3504
Rep 3,722
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
As a side note for anyone interested, I also went and drove the new Miata the same day, right before driving the M235i's. Now, I know these are VERY different cars and in totally different realms, but let's keep in mind that they have, or at least should have the same goals as far as who to attract when it comes to drivers. The Miata I drove was fully loaded, and at $31k is not a cheap option IMO. However it did still retain much of the raw and "connectedness" that has made those cars sacred to all forms of drivers for many years now. That's something to appreciate. I think BMW should take a step back a little for their next enthusiast rig and maybe try being a little less refined. Even if it's just the "base" version of a more kitted car. Or they can go the Porsche route and have a track pack that replaces handles with straps
__________________
"Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq |
||
Appreciate
2
|
05-26-2016, 04:31 PM | #17 | |
Major General
51279
Rep 7,236
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-26-2016, 05:07 PM | #18 |
Disrupter
1566
Rep 2,484
Posts |
If I wanted a small, current model convertible-sports car, I'd definitely consider the Miata. The one thing that would give me pause, however, would be the anemic engine, although I have read in reviews stating that it feels like it is going fast even when it is not.
|
Appreciate
0
|
05-26-2016, 05:13 PM | #19 |
Major General
51279
Rep 7,236
Posts |
Here's a good example of the 2016 Miata on the track. Granted, this is the Club version with a few extra goodies. To skip to the Miata on the track, go to 14:31. Most of us have probably already seen this video, but it's still fun. I love Randy Pobst.
Last edited by Esteban; 05-26-2016 at 05:27 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
05-26-2016, 07:23 PM | #20 | ||
Brigadier General
3504
Rep 3,722
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
That said, I was able to chirp second and it does make some nice burbles and pops which was surprising. I bet with some moderate tuning and an exhaust it would be pretty nice to drive. Stock wouldn't do it for me though.
__________________
"Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq |
||
Appreciate
0
|
05-26-2016, 08:22 PM | #21 |
Second Lieutenant
29
Rep 277
Posts |
My previous car was an NC MX-5 (the last gen). About 170 hp and 100 lbs heavier than the current (ND) model (which has 155 hp). And a bit larger. I think the new one is too small. It's VERY small, like a toy.
It was a GREAT car. Handling was RIGHT NOW, so it felt quicker than it was. Really enjoyed it, but got a little tired of the noise on the highway. I will probably have another someday. Probably the best track car out there if you're not rich. . Very reliable/fixupable. But I wanted a better highway car (not many hills or twisties in Florida).
__________________
2016 Z4 Sdrive 28i
Black Sapphire Metallic over Black Kansas Leather ... gone but never forgotten ... 2013 135i M-Sport Mineral Gray over Oyster Boston Leather |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|