[BLK235iNJ]

Nice

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Mother not in law. ;-)

[Merc for hire]

The biggest difference is size.

M3 is too big for me. I wouldn't get a M3 even if I can afford it.

M235i is the ideal size.

[BLK235iNJ]

would you drive a 2014 lamborghini aventador (about 190 inches long)

Originally Posted by Merc for hire

The biggest difference is size.

M3 is too big for me. I wouldn't get a M3 even if I can afford it.

M235i is the ideal size.

[jskrilla]

Funny that you post this. Yesterday I was a drive away from going to the dealership and trade in my M235i (WHICH I LOVE) for the F80. But i didnt. I had the M3 on order originally (It's the car I've always wanted/dreamed about) but being in college and making monthly payments like that I wouldn't have enjoyed as much of my life as I do now. But once my lease is up I have no doubt in my mind i'll be getting an m3. The m235i little less horsepower weighs a little less, little smaller, great everyday sports car. AWD YOU CANT BEAT THAT! Actually you live in Florida so it really doesn't matter but for me it does. Little snow tires on a rear wheel drive car should be alright. It's the driver that makes the car not the driver.

If the payment is 120$ difference you'd be stupid not to get the M3. Case Closed.

[Merc for hire]

Originally Posted by BLK235iNJ

would you drive a 2014 lamborghini aventador (about 190 inches long)

I would definitely not buy the Aventador, the Huracan is the perfect size.

[BLK235iNJ]

agreed, but i would still drive an Aventador

I'm with you on the size of the 2 it was one of the main reasons I picked it.

Originally Posted by Merc for hire

I would definitely not buy the Aventador, the Huracan is the perfect size.

[CreativeFuel]

Aren't you the guy that HAD to have AWD and touted its superiority? Why would you consider an M3?

I see guys at the dragstrip all the time in rwd cars losing BAD to awd cars with alot less hp.

Stock rwd vs stock awd might be similar in off the line performance, but once both cars are upped in power to 400hp, the awd will shine.

Wonder why Mercedes CLA45 AMG is AWD ?

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by CreativeFuel

Aren't you the guy that HAD to have AWD and touted its superiority? Why would you consider an M3?

Oh no you did'n.

[proflex957]

This comparison doesn't really make sense to me. These a two different car segments....small/medium size cars.

Seems it should be a m235 vs. S3 vs. CLA 45 AMG comparison.

[BLK235iNJ]

I agree that if I were writing an article it wouldn't make sense to compare the 2 cars but then there's the human factor of what people like along with the money factor and practicality. This is when you can compare anything... like "should i get a minivan for the kids or should i get myself a miata or maybe a jeep" or the M235i is good but the M3 seems to be better...should i spend the money... what more am i getting by jumping into this segment?

Originally Posted by proflex957

This comparison doesn't really make sense to me. These a two different car segments....small/medium size cars.

Seems it should be a m235 vs. S3 vs. CLA 45 AMG comparison.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by proflex957

This comparison doesn't really make sense to me. These a two different car segments....small/medium size cars.

Seems it should be a m235 vs. S3 vs. CLA 45 AMG comparison.

A lot of people cross shop the two, I did - especially when leasing. The super high residuals on the M3 make it a great deal and when you consider a fully loaded 235 vs a stripper M3 it's not an insane jump.

With that said:

-The fully loaded 235 has a lot more content, especially if you want an automatic car (DCT tacks on an instant $2900)
-Stripper M3 has the cloth seats which are nice, but does feel lower end in a $62k car
-If you want any of the options in the executive group (rear view cam, HUD, comfort access) there goes another $4300 onto the price.

So if you are shopping 2 loaded coupes (Executive DCT M4) vs a fully loaded M235, then yeah the gap becomes bigger quicker. ~$200/month is within some peoples price range, but when you factor in the insurance and gas that gap becomes pretty wide.

I would've done it if I loved the car...but it just had too many things that made me not love it. I think if the exhaust sounded as good as the E9x V8 that might have sold me.

[Pyewacket69]

Originally Posted by jskrilla

Funny that you post this. Yesterday I was a drive away from going to the dealership and trade in my M235i (WHICH I LOVE) for the F80. But i didnt. I had the M3 on order originally (It's the car I've always wanted/dreamed about) but being in college and making monthly payments like that I wouldn't have enjoyed as much of my life as I do now. But once my lease is up I have no doubt in my mind i'll be getting an m3. The m235i little less horsepower weighs a little less, little smaller, great everyday sports car. AWD YOU CANT BEAT THAT! Actually you live in Florida so it really doesn't matter but for me it does. Little snow tires on a rear wheel drive car should be alright. It's the driver that makes the car not the driver.

If the payment is 120$ difference you'd be stupid not to get the M3. Case Closed.

Man, how things have changed since I was in college 40 years ago.

No way in hell could I have even considered such a vehicle when I was in school.

I considered myself lucky to have a Ford Currier pickup, which had a heater and an AM/FM mono radio as options.

Wow!

[Turbo_435i]

Originally Posted by CreativeFuel

Aren't you the guy that HAD to have AWD and touted its superiority? Why would you consider an M3?

Yeah, if the M3 comes in awd, i will get it.

But thanks for trollin

You must have 1 boring life to look up old post i made about awd vs rwd acceleration on the M235i which was a valid thread, and cut / copy / paste them into an entriely different thread.

Way to make yourself look like a master of trolling, while im in the market for a new BMW, and possibly M3 or M4, and doing my research to make the correcr decision.

And btw trollboy, the awd does have better acceleration than the rwd, but thanks for shoppin kid.

[ocN55]

Originally Posted by schybrid

It doesnt make sense ?????

It does make sense , both cars similar in speed, similar in handling, but cost differs.

Im not comparing minivan to M3.

Plz dont reply if nothing to contribute to actual thread .

Relax... Not trying to attack you. And no, it does not make sense imo, hence why I nicely asked what your logic was.

BMW offers both these cars for a reason, for different purposes. If you can spend the extra money on a f80 m3, its an absolute no brainer. And as far as your minivan to M3 analogy, I will say that several f80/f82 owners have commented to me about the 2 series being a much better size for a sports car. Nonetheless, and M3 will out perform the m235i in every way like its supposed to (stock v stock of course).

Cheers.

[megacondenser]

Go M3. Don't look back. I'm a fairly new 235 owner, been lurking around here a couple months or so, and was fairly excited about getting the car based on all the commentary, and of course all the glowing press.

Now a month into ownership, the reality for me is that the car doesn't remotely live up to the hype. It's an ok ride, but if you're having doubts, and have the option of an M3 or other car in that performance class, go for it. The 235i will disappoint you if you're even considering something else, and like me, you'll regret not getting the better option. Especially if your deal is only 120 bucks different, log out of here and run, don't walk, over and grab it. I've read your comments and opinions in other threads, and it seems you're looking for a lot more than the 2 can offer. Go M3. Just my $.02.

[Turbo_435i]

Originally Posted by megacondenser

Go M3. Don't look back. I'm a fairly new 235 owner, been lurking around here a couple months or so, and was fairly excited about getting the car based on all the commentary, and of course all the glowing press.

Now a month into ownership, the reality for me is that the car doesn't remotely live up to the hype. It's an ok ride, but if you're having doubts, and have the option of an M3 or other car in that performance class, go for it. The 235i will disappoint you if you're even considering something else, and like me, you'll regret not getting the better option. Especially if your deal is only 120 bucks different, log out of here and run, don't walk, over and grab it. I've read your comments and opinions in other threads, and it seems you're looking for a lot more than the 2 can offer. Go M3. Just my $.02.

Cant, car not available.

[nike001]

Originally Posted by Pyewacket69

Man, how things have changed since I was in college 40 years ago.

No way in hell could I have even considered such a vehicle when I was in school.

I considered myself lucky to have a Ford Currier pickup, which had a heater and an AM/FM mono radio as options.

Wow!

Some people have quite a bit of 'help' - even if it's not directly towards the car payments.

"There's always going to be someone out there with something better and faster than what you have" - Then usually to humble myself I always though of the same phrase in reverse when I felt jealous of those other kids in high school/college with really nice brand new cars.

Originally Posted by schybrid

Yeah, if the M3 comes in awd, i will get it.

But thanks for trollin

You must have 1 boring life to look up old post i made about awd vs rwd acceleration on the M235i which was a valid thread, and cut / copy / paste them into an entriely different thread.

Way to make yourself look like a master of trolling, while im in the market for a new BMW, and possibly M3 or M4, and doing my research to make the correcr decision.

And btw trollboy, the awd does have better acceleration than the rwd, but thanks for shoppin kid.

Lol holy butthurt. That wasn't even a troll.

Originally Posted by megacondenser

Now a month into ownership, the reality for me is that the car doesn't remotely live up to the hype. It's an ok ride, but if you're having doubts, and have the option of an M3 or other car in that performance class, go for it. The 235i will disappoint you if you're even considering something else, and like me, you'll regret not getting the better option.

Push the car. You'll get your money's worth out of it then. BMW makes these cars very comfortable for a daily driver, but also incredibly capable when the ideal customer gets behind the wheel and starts working it.

For me being 23 years old and paying a buttload of money for a brand new BMW (an M235i mind you, not 320).. I don't regret that huge payment when I'm driving the car and tossing it around. It's just as fun.. if not more fun in some situations than an F8x. But it's all subjective. Some people like to baby their car and never push it.. but feel the need to have an actual ///M car for it's harsh ride and the knowledge that it can do whatever C&D says it can. The M235i doesn't have that hard & loud ride like the ///M cars do so the people that don't push their cars will probably feel underwhelmed in it.

[megacondenser]

Pushing it can't cover up its shortcomings as I perceive them. It rocks like an old fishing boat through twisties, it is reasonably perky off the line but feels strained to me as speed builds, the exhaust note is beyond anemic...The interior feels cheap. I could go on and on. Problem is I've come very recently from some truly great cars, and foolishly thought I could get 85% of their performance for 40% of the price, if the reviews and such were to be believed. It delivers in patches, and I can see why some might really like it, but the whole package is disappointing to me overall. Not terrible, not even bad, occasionally good, but disappointing (again, to me) taken as a whole. To each their own, but I'd never recommend one, and am looking to get out of it as soon as I can.

[nike001]

Originally Posted by megacondenser

Pushing it can't cover up its shortcomings as I perceive them. It rocks like an old fishing boat through twisties, it is reasonably perky off the line but feels strained to me as speed builds, the exhaust note is beyond anemic...The interior feels cheap. I could go on and on. Problem is I've come very recently from some truly great cars, and foolishly thought I could get 85% of their performance for 40% of the price, if the reviews and such were to be believed. It delivers in patches, and I can see why some might really like it, but the whole package is disappointing to me overall. Not terrible, not even bad, occasionally good, but disappointing (again, to me) taken as a whole. To each their own, but I'd never recommend one, and am looking to get out of it as soon as I can.

Out of curiosity, what cars did you own prior to your M235?

[///MFanatic]

Get the M3.... If you're an enthusiast. It's hands down the better performer all around. If you go M235 you'll probably end up kicking yourself (I would have). The F80 is just too much damn fun and has the right looks. It's definitely NOT a big car, seems like people haven't actually sat in/seen the car in person. I came from an E60 M5 and couldn't imagine getting in a smaller cabin than the F80 for daily driving.

Also, not sure why people are implying the M3 is expensive to insure; I only pay 800 a year.

If you don't really enjoy high performance/high strung engine fun go for the M235. I'm sure it's a fun little car, but it was built with compromise in mind. BMW held back exploiting the M235's potential because there had to be room for the M2. Money not being a factor, it's a dumb move not buying the F80 or at least wait for the M2 IMO.

[nike001]

Originally Posted by ///MFanatic

Money not being a factor, it's a dumb move not buying the F80 or at least wait for the M2 IMO.

Money is usually the reason a lot of people hold back on the F80. A lot of people have a hard time believing the F80 is $30,000 better than the M235i. Not saying the 235 is better, just playing devils advocate (which I'm usually good for doing)

[///MFanatic]

Originally Posted by nike001

Money is usually the reason a lot of people hold back on the F80. A lot of people have a hard time believing the F80 is $30,000 better than the M235i. Not saying the 235 is better, just playing devils advocate (which I'm usually good for doing)

You're definitely correct, but OP said the price difference wasn't an issue. That's why I said that.