[darkerosxx]

This is not intended to compare the cars, just one person's opinion. And this likely isn't news to many people, but given my time with the M235i and this being my first M4 drive, I was expecting to be blown away by the feel of the M4. I wasn't, and I like the instant torque of the M235i much better as a daily driver. The M4 sounds great and has the power definitely, but for daily driver, M235i just doesn't seem to be able to be beaten right now. I walked away from the dealership not even considering buying the M4. Now, the M2? I can't wait to give it a go.

[sstarrx3]

I can see that...the two series is smaller and has plenty of power. I think the M2 will sell like crazy.

[VeryBadman]

I also tried the M3 the other day. While it's definitely a blast to drive, I think it is too punishing as a DD. It's loud and suspension is very stiff. I can see M3 being a weekend car though.

With that being said, since the dealership and I couldn't work out the number I would stick with my Audi + BMW combo for a while longer and I will swap a 228i for M2 when the lease is coming to an end and S6 will be something more practical.

[horsepower_and_hounds]

The only thing I really miss about the 235 is the M3's have such an intoxicating sound.......

[mike@x-ph.com]

[abp689]

Originally Posted by VeryBadman

I also tried the M3 the other day. While it's definitely a blast to drive, I think it is too punishing as a DD. It's loud and suspension is very stiff. I can see M3 being a weekend car though.

Shouldn't the M2 have the same punishing issues for a DD?

[ska///235i]

For a DD sure....a prius is also a good DD (no offense)

Bmw should change the M235i to 235is during facelift

[VeryBadman]

Originally Posted by abp689

Shouldn't the M2 have the same punishing issues for a DD?

That's why I would swap an S6 for something else so that I can have M2 for fun during the weekend. Anyway, S6 is pretty good as a DD on its own except the consumption which is quite brutal.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by sstarrx3

I can see that...the two series is smaller and has plenty of power. I think the M2 will sell like crazy.

I wonder if the car could be coded to increase the fake exhaust sound a bit. Or, maybe replace the mufflers with something more sporty sounding...

[vantagesc]

Originally Posted by VeryBadman

I also tried the M3 the other day. While it's definitely a blast to drive, I think it is too punishing as a DD. It's loud and suspension is very stiff. I can see M3 being a weekend car though.

The whole point of M cars (e.g. a souped up 3-series) is to be a combo DD and performance car. If they are not good DD's, what's the point? Might as well get a sports car for the weekend like a Cayman.

I've heard the ride on the new M3/M4 is a bit choppy, but didn't imagine it is punishing. Will have to try it out myself.

[Jacob@NAL]

I'm in the car business (I have a leasing company) so I drive new cars all the time, and I have to say that if anyone is planning on getting an M3 or M4 the Adaptive Suspension option is a must.

Not only does it improve the ride on a day to day basis, the little bit of bounciness you'd get in the base car is gone when you throw the adaptive dampers into Sport or Sport+. And at $1000 they're really very reasonably priced.

[gtr]

Originally Posted by darkerosxx

I was expecting to be blown away by the feel of the M4. I wasn't, and I like the instant torque of the M235i much better as a daily driver. The M4 sounds great and has the power definitely, but for daily driver, M235i just doesn't seem to be able to be beaten right now.

I test drove the M235 and own a 2015 M3 as a daily driver and I'm puzzles by your comments.

Did you push the M button and set the throttle curve to sport+, default is efficient lazy throttle. I sent mine as sport+ for throttle, and Comfort for suspension and I feel the M3 rides better and has a much better HK stereo and is a larger car for a better daily driver.

When I floor the car in first the yellow traction light flashes and it does the same in higher revs in 2nd gear. I think BMW tone down the curve down low so it doesn't spinout like crazy since I feel the car is overpowered being RWD.

[InControl]

Originally Posted by VeryBadman

I also tried the M3 the other day. While it's definitely a blast to drive, I think it is too punishing as a DD. It's loud and suspension is very stiff. I can see M3 being a weekend car though.

With that being said, since the dealership and I couldn't work out the number I would stick with my Audi + BMW combo for a while longer and I will swap a 228i for M2 when the lease is coming to an end and S6 will be something more practical.

Surprised the m3 sounded loud to you, and I thought the m235 was loud - maybe the fake sound was left on high

Originally Posted by ska///235i

For a DD sure....a prius is also a good DD (no offense)

Bmw should change the M235i to 235is during facelift

While the m235i is a great car I wasn't impressed enough with it to buy it after test drive. Does the car grow on you over time? I sense you wished for more.

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by InControl

Surprised the m3 sounded loud to you, and I thought the m235 was loud - maybe the fake sound was left on high

While the m235i is a great car I wasn't impressed enough with it to buy it after test drive. Does the car grow on you over time? I sense you wished for more.

Great car as DD but the adapative suspension should be more aggresive in sports mode. Its a good package but it cant and shouldnt be compare to M3/4...different league in my humble opinion

[OrangeCrush]

Does the M235i have the pumped in sound? I thought it did...the M2 probably will. Anyway, the whole fake sound thing doesnt bother me.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by darkerosxx

This is not intended to compare the cars, just one person's opinion. And this likely isn't news to many people, but given my time with the M235i and this being my first M4 drive, I was expecting to be blown away by the feel of the M4. I wasn't, and I like the instant torque of the M235i much better as a daily driver. The M4 sounds great and has the power definitely, but for daily driver, M235i just doesn't seem to be able to be beaten right now. I walked away from the dealership not even considering buying the M4. Now, the M2? I can't wait to give it a go.

I love the M235i and its tops on my next car list in 2015.

But having owned two M3's, my opinion would be that the most distinguishing differences between an M3 vs M235i will not be appreciated or understood in one test drive. Let alone without track time in both.

I miss my M3 everyday....

[DSTR]

Interesting perspective on the M3/M4 here -

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...m4-first-drive

Not at all convinced the extra money warrants expenditure for either unless you 'must' have it. With options those price points bring alot into play. I have a feeling the M2 will be a better choice vs the M3/M4.
The M235i offers an amazing package of capability for the money invested. I love it!

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

The M235i is a great vehicle in its own right...But this? The M3/M4?

I thought the author did a proper job of putting this in proper perspective:

It's the critical nuclear core of the brand and a bellwether for Bimmerphiles and the wider auto realm alike. If a car is lithe and taut, it will inevitably be compared to the M3.

The M--and now the M4 alongside it--has to be right. The 3-Series may be BMW's sales heart, but the M cars is its soul.

[dtcoff]

In Australia the M3/M4 are double the price of a M235i. It's just not twice the car.