[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by BLK235iNJ

3500lbs is not that heavy in today's market

I miss my z06... it was 31xxlbs and it had 505hp. That car was a beast.

True, wife order a highlander hybrid...that tank is almost 5000 lbs lol

[BLK235iNJ]

That's pretty heavy (real nice SUV).

I think they are doing a much better job with gearing and HP. I plan to turn my 2 into a beast.

Originally Posted by ska///235i

True, wife order a highlander hybrid...that tank is almost 5000 lbs lol

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by BLK235iNJ

That's pretty heavy (real nice SUV).

I think they are doing a much better job with gearing and HP. I plan to turn my 2 into a beast.

Saw you car (pics)...looking good

How you like the dinan exhaust?

[BLK235iNJ]

Thanks!

I'm really liking the setup. I have to say this...sometimes it feels real fast and sometimes it feels OK. Not sure if its the weather (air quality).

The exhaust seems to be breaking in pretty nice. It hasn't affected the cabin much which I like very much. I can still cruise the car on long rides and it's not annoying. When I get on it the car sounds like a beast.

Originally Posted by ska///235i

Saw you car (pics)...looking good

How you like the dinan exhaust?

[mjposner]

Celestion says, "The M4's approach to performance has become much less refined and less intrinsically sporty because of all that weight and those those weight-compensatory turbos." Except that the M4 is 183 pounds lighter than the old E92 M3, so this point is titally wrong, plus it has 111lb more torque than the last model. What is a weight compensatory turbos? The turbos are there because they deliver more power while saving weight, fuel economy and carbon emissions, all good things.

The M4 brings higher quality leather, the option of dct (which I love), more room, better handling (stock lsd), beter looks (imho), carbon fiber roof, optional enhanced audio (far better than the crappy hk), more sophisticated adjustments, and far more power. If I could swallow the monthly nut, I would buy one istead in a heart beat. I do like my M235i, but to plow 10k into mods when for 10k more I can have the real thing......

[BLK235iNJ]

I already pumped 10k into my car and I'm not close to the m4 in any way.

Originally Posted by mjposner

Celestion says, "The M4's approach to performance has become much less refined and less intrinsically sporty because of all that weight and those those weight-compensatory turbos." Except that the M4 is 183 pounds lighter than the old E92 M3, so this point is titally wrong, plus it has 111lb more torque than the last model. What is a weight compensatory turbos? The turbos are there because they deliver more power while saving weight, fuel economy and carbon emissions, all good things.

The M4 brings higher quality leather, the option of dct (which I love), more room, better handling (stock lsd), beter looks (imho), carbon fiber roof, optional enhanced audio (far better than the crappy hk), more sophisticated adjustments, and far more power. If I could swallow the monthly nut, I would buy one istead in a heart beat. I do like my M235i, but to plow 10k into mods when for 10k more I can have the real thing......

[Celestion]

Originally Posted by mjposner

Celestion says, "The M4's approach to performance has become much less refined and less intrinsically sporty because of all that weight and those those weight-compensatory turbos." Except that the M4 is 183 pounds lighter than the old E92 M3, so this point is titally wrong, plus it has 111lb more torque than the last model. What is a weight compensatory turbos? The turbos are there because they deliver more power while saving weight, fuel economy and carbon emissions, all good things.

The M4 brings higher quality leather, the option of dct (which I love), more room, better handling (stock lsd), beter looks (imho), carbon fiber roof, optional enhanced audio (far better than the crappy hk), more sophisticated adjustments, and far more power. If I could swallow the monthly nut, I would buy one istead in a heart beat. I do like my M235i, but to plow 10k into mods when for 10k more I can have the real thing......

Yeah my post wasn't very clear. True, the m4 is lighter than the e92 m3. However, I was meaning to compare the M4 to actual sports cars like a Cayman or C7 Corvette. These cars are lighter and naturally aspirated. That is the approach all real sport cars should take IMO. M4 needs those turbos to be competitive with cars that use that more traditional approach (hence "weight-compensatory"). Subjectively, the M4 is unaesthetic to me so I would never buy it. Ignoring that, I would still choose a Porsche or C7 as my track car, simply because they are better sports cars. I just want an excellent street car designed for driving-enthusiasts and I think the m235i is the best thing currently in production for this.

[Alpine F31]

Originally Posted by ska///235i

I love my m235i but to tag it as the best or best in its class "drivers car" is completely BS. I mean its a great car for its money but its no Drivers car. it weights 3500lbs, it starts in comfort mode that drives like a toyota camry. they only give you 2 driving modes (chasis & drivetrain).

Please don't burst my M235i bubble! I want to buy one to replace my 328i M Sport, which drives exactly as you described the M235i. Between the automatic transmission and defaulting to "comfort" (aka Ambien mode), I'm bored to tears in my 3. To be fair, I loved it when I bought it. The honeymoon wore off in about a year.

I don't want that to happen in the M235i. I'm hoping that with a 6MT, the smaller, more tossable size and the extra power (which I don't really need) the 2 will be much more fun than my Camry-like 3 series.

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by Alpine F31

Please don't burst my M235i bubble! I want to buy one to replace my 328i M Sport, which drives exactly as you described the M235i. Between the automatic transmission and defaulting to "comfort" (aka Ambien mode), I'm bored to tears in my 3. To be fair, I loved it when I bought it. The honeymoon wore off in about a year.

I don't want that to happen in the M235i. I'm hoping that with a 6MT, the smaller, more tossable size and the extra power (which I don't really need) the 2 will be much more fun than my Camry-like 3 series.

6mt would be a lil better as you're controlling the gears but the suspension is floaty like a boat in comfort mode

[bladeomatic]

Originally Posted by Alpine F31

Please don't burst my M235i bubble! I want to buy one to replace my 328i M Sport, which drives exactly as you described the M235i. Between the automatic transmission and defaulting to "comfort" (aka Ambien mode), I'm bored to tears in my 3. To be fair, I loved it when I bought it. The honeymoon wore off in about a year.

I don't want that to happen in the M235i. I'm hoping that with a 6MT, the smaller, more tossable size and the extra power (which I don't really need) the 2 will be much more fun than my Camry-like 3 series.

a) It's not much lighter than a 3 series, but definitely more tossable. The word I like to use: "athletic". Like a race horse. Have to keep the reins in check or she'll want to go fast. :-)

b) You will love the drivability and power vs. a 328i. Quicker, stops shorter, corners better, faster, gets better mpg. Plus a more head turns than any 3 series.

c) Your 3 series is nothing like a Camry.

[mjposner]

I would still choose a Porsche or C7 as my track car...BMW M4 was 2 second faster than a Posrche Cayman S w/ a higher base price and less equipment per Car and Driver at VIR. The Vette is superb on the track, 7 seconds faster than the M4, bur far less practial on the street. But we are not talking about track cars here, and your view that somehow naturally aspirated is better than turbo is so 1980s. With no lag, what difference does it make how the power is made. Plus you get the bonus of lighter weight, fuel economy and less pollution. And Porsche and Chevy add turbos or superchargers too, so its not a BMW thing.

[Celestion]

Originally Posted by mjposner

I would still choose a Porsche or C7 as my track car...BMW M4 was 2 second faster than a Posrche Cayman S w/ a higher base price and less equipment per Car and Driver at VIR. The Vette is superb on the track, 7 seconds faster than the M4, bur far less practial on the street. But we are not talking about track cars here, and your view that somehow naturally aspirated is better than turbo is so 1980s. With no lag, what difference does it make how the power is made. Plus you get the bonus of lighter weight, fuel economy and less pollution. And Porsche and Chevy add turbos or superchargers too, so its not a BMW thing.

I mean, this whole thing is very subjective. I agree, the turbo lag isn't really an issue. Turbo lag and power linearity are different things. The power delivery of the C7 and Cayman S are much more linear when compared to the M4. Using a car with linear power delivery is just more intuitive and engaging.

The Cayman S has about the same horse power as our M235i, yet is only 2 seconds slower than the M4. Clearly the Cayman has better driving dynamics than the M4. Same with the C7 (HP about equal to the M4's, yet it is seven seconds faster.)

M235i is just an awesome street car. Perhaps the best. I agree, it shouldn't really be compared to these track cars.

[mjposner]

"he power delivery of the C7 and Cayman S are much more linear when compared to the M4." I would also challenge this assumption, as the M4 has full power at 1800 rpm: "When the driver takes the engine up to 7300 rpm, full power is immediately available again after changing gear – precisely because the maximum power is available within an engine speed band of 1800 rpm"

The Cayman S and the C7 are two seaters, and far less practical. Not in the same class. in that aspect. The S weighs 350 pound less, so that helps with he power to weight ration and the Vette is a beats.

Still rather have the M4.

[sstarrx3]

I really love the M4, but if given the choice I would take the Cayman S without question. That car is just flat out beautiful!

[Surge]

In a positive turn of events, my wife decided to take my new m235i, and I decided to order a...
m3!

Yes, after kind of (but not really) dissing it, I drove over and couldn't quite get it out of my mind. WOW!

I now know where the extra $ goes to with the M3/4 vs the m235i. It's not in the interior. I stand by my earlier comments that in many ways the m235 interior is nicer.
No, it's in the overall performance and "synergy". The extra cost is warranted.

Both amazing cars - and both worth the cost.

It's coming in a few months. Hope I can be welcomed here, after all!

[BLK235iNJ]

Awesome congrats!!!

You just gave me an idea

Originally Posted by Surge

In a positive turn of events, my wife decided to take my new m235i, and I decided to order a...
m3!

Yes, after kind of (but not really) dissing it, I drove over and couldn't quite get it out of my mind. WOW!

I now know where the extra $ goes to with the M3/4 vs the m235i. It's not in the interior. I stand by my earlier comments that in many ways the m235 interior is nicer.
No, it's in the overall performance and "synergy". The extra cost is warranted.

Both amazing cars - and both worth the cost.

It's coming in a few months. Hope I can be welcomed here, after all!

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by trinim3

People that buy Ms dont care too much about justifying costs. Cars like the M4 have performance that is extremely hard to appreciate on the street which is why the delta to the m235i may not seem readily apparent to the average driver. On the track it would be a different story. Buying a M is purely an emotional decision not based on financial reasoning.

Boom!!

Winner winner chicken dinner....

I've owned both previous generation M3's and it is a very emotional decision..Loved em both dearly too

[Vervain]

Originally Posted by Surge

In a positive turn of events, my wife decided to take my new m235i, and I decided to order a...
m3!

Yes, after kind of (but not really) dissing it, I drove over and couldn't quite get it out of my mind. WOW!

I now know where the extra $ goes to with the M3/4 vs the m235i. It's not in the interior. I stand by my earlier comments that in many ways the m235 interior is nicer.
No, it's in the overall performance and "synergy". The extra cost is warranted.

Both amazing cars - and both worth the cost.

It's coming in a few months. Hope I can be welcomed here, after all!

Congratulations! The best of both worlds now, I guess.

Not sure that I agree with you on the interior thing though.

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by Anodite10

Congratulations! The best of both worlds now, I guess.

Not sure that I agree with you on the inter. Mr thing though.

Me either..he must be throwing the M235i owners a bone...the current M3 have much nicer leather and you can get full leather. Two series have VW interior..plastic, plastic and more plastic with leather seats...coated in more plastic!

[Vervain]

Originally Posted by sstarrx3

Me either..he must be throwing the M235i owners a bone...the current M3 have much nicer leather and you can get full leather. Two series have VW interior..plastic, plastic and more plastic with leather seats...coated in more plastic!

Lol, agreed. The interior trails far behind its competitors too, the A3 and the A/CLA class.
But I've accepted it as it's quite functional.

[W///]

Originally Posted by Alpine F31

Please don't burst my M235i bubble! I want to buy one to replace my 328i M Sport, which drives exactly as you described the M235i. Between the automatic transmission and defaulting to "comfort" (aka Ambien mode), I'm bored to tears in my 3. To be fair, I loved it when I bought it. The honeymoon wore off in about a year.

I don't want that to happen in the M235i. I'm hoping that with a 6MT, the smaller, more tossable size and the extra power (which I don't really need) the 2 will be much more fun than my Camry-like 3 series.

I completely disagree with his assessment.

Personally, I was never interested in an F30. Was just too big, the steering feel was completely gone compared to the E9x generation, and it was just not interesting for me (well maybe the diesels).

IMHO, the M235i shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as an F30. Just because it starts in Comfort mode has nothing to do with whether it's a good car or not.

Bottom line: For me, the M235i is a damn GREAT car. I'd consider replacing my E36 M3, which only weighs about 3100 lbs and has suspension mods with an M235i, absolutely. But the fact I know the M2 is coming out is what stopped me.