[Juventus]

Just ordered an M235i and then got a little shock when I realized that the M235i would be about 200 lbs heavier than my 2012 328i sport line. WTF!

BTW, I also drove an i3 and loved both the acceleration and handling. Just looks odd.

[mjposner]

HP=LB

[Vervain]

Yeah it's a fatty.

Did you test drive it and feel it's weight compared to your 328i?

[nachob]

Yup. Not good IMHO.

[GMe90]

I bet tuning the 328i probably gives you the best balance of horsepower v. weight.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by GMe90

I bet tuning the 328i probably gives you the best balance of horsepower v. weight.

228i M-sport too!

[Cal]

Some of that difference is attributed to the standard moonroof, power seats, bigger brakes, (even small things like Xenon headlights that have projectors), etc on the M235i. Make sure you don't order some of these options on your 228i if weight is a concern. (Or you could get an M235i with the moonroof delete option to save some weight and increase headroom.)

[Juventus]

My 328i sport line is fully loaded so I'm sure it probably weighs more than a base 328i. The M235i ordered is with tech, premium, headlight and backup camera package. And yes, the moonroof delete.
Hopefully the Michelin PSS will be lighter than the RFT on the 328.

[Alpine F31]

I'm very interested to hear your impressions of the M235i once you get it. I also have a 328i (2013 M Sport) and want to get into an M235i.

(Mostly) every video review I've seen about the M235i mentions the weight of the car (fat), but also praise the handling and feel so I'm not too concerned.

Like all cars, the M235i represents a compromise. It has a fantastic engine, is available with a manual, and has perfect proportions (subjective). On the other hand, it's portly and a little pricey.

I still want it and I hope when you get yours you'll enjoy it more than your 3.

[bladeomatic]

Originally Posted by Alpine F31

(Mostly) every video review I've seen about the M235i mentions the weight of the car (fat), but also praise the handling and feel so I'm not too concerned.

Agreed.

I chuckle at this a bit. Those cars of yesteryear had those cheap headliners and tiny little seats and thin little window cranks and crappy speakers. They were hot, noisy and uncomfortable BUT they were 500 lbs lighter and could therefore be slammed around corners a bit…even though they had less power and worse tires which limited this.

To put this in perspective...
Basketball players Lebron James and Doctor J played at the same height and the same position.
James weighed 50-75 lbs more. Was he slower/more ponderous compared to Dr. J?
Not even close.

He's a freak of an athlete and all muscle, making him one of the fastest players in the league in his prime…regardless of his larger size. Plus better shoe technology, etc.

Light weight≠athletic

Better tires, higher horsepower and adaptive suspensions have helped negate many of the weight issues brought on by the bloat of airbags, sensors and crumple zones.

If you have a weekend tracker or are racing your car, I get how choosing manual seats and eliminating the moonroof can save 100 lbs and make a difference.

But when folks talk about ditching the tiny Nav system or the Xenon lights to shave 4 lbs off a 3500 lb street car and at the expense of having a safer, more practical car…I roll my eyes a bit. Perhaps doing some sit-ups to remove 20 lbs of belly fat would be better and healthier?

I know folks like to pursue the ultimate, but we're getting into 100th-of-a-percent weight reductions at times. These will not show up in times, feel, mpg or any other meaningful measurement. Isn't an old E30 or Mazda Miata a better place to start if a stripped, light weight car is what you're after?

(BTW…a fat little M235i will beat both of those cars around the track!)

[hyperzulu]

LOL well said.

[Alpine F31]

Originally Posted by hyperzulu

LOL well said.

+1

Great points all around. I still think it's a little disappointing that the M235i is no lighter than the physically larger 328i.

That won't stop me from buying one though.

[IM2C]

It's all about that bass, no treble.

[ska///235i]

Stop complaining, bigger engine more HP = heavier car

[Steven1077]

You should compare the 335l not the 328i

[Vervain]

Originally Posted by e90im

It's all about that bass, no treble.

[hoppy6698]

So apples to apples:
Using 2014 curb weights (no options) -
M235i: 3535
228i: 3300
328i: 3400
428i: 3470

In my opinion, the 130 lbs over a 328i is worth the extra 100 hp / tq. But lets look at the bigger engine weights too
M235i: 3535
335i: 3555
435i: 3610

Still fatter than the M235i. Lose the moonroof and lose another 25-30 lbs.

[pikcachu]

damn... how come the coupes are heavier than the sedans?

[hans007]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

damn... how come the coupes are heavier than the sedans?

lots of coupes are heaavier than sedans. g37 coupe was heavier than g37 sedan from what i remember.


the 435 coupe has a wider rear than a 335i. i'm guessing part of it is styling related.

[Vervain]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

damn... how come the coupes are heavier than the sedans?

I also find that quite weird. BMW also rate them with a faster 0-100km/h time too :

[Cal]

As mentioned, don't worry about that ~135lb weight difference between the 328i and M235i. You get bigger/better brakes, wheels, power seats, moonroof, etc. The smaller size, agility, +86hp increase, bigger and better sounding engine and exhaust, will quickly make you forget this. Check this video out. If this doesn't make you want the M235i more, I'm not sure what else will.

PS: BTW, the F30 is a 335i, not a 328i.