[Dan203]

I currently drive an '08 135i and I like it a lot. However it's getting a bit long in the tooth and I'm thinking about upgrading. I would really like something with xDrive so I can drive in the winter without concern, but I can't decide between the M235i and the 335i. I assume the M235i is lighter, and as such a bit faster, but are there any other major advantages to the M235i? Do they still use the same engine like the 135i and 335i did in '08?

The 335i does have a few options I like, namely the ability to have a manual transmission, but I don't know if it's bigger size makes it more of a dog or not. My favorite things to do in my 135i are taking off fast from a light and taking the on ramp to the freeway a bit too fast. As long as the car can do that I think I'll be fine.

Price is really not a concern.

If I do go with the 335i what options do I need to choose to make it as sporty as possible? There are a lot more options to choose from and I'm not really up on all the naming conventions.

[CarFan]

Should you get the F30 or the F22? Do you need four doors? Or will 2 suffice? Are you just tired of your car and looking to upgrade?

[ska///235i]

Wait for m2

[mjposner]

I presume you mean 435 or M235 because a 335 is a sedan and not a good comparison. However, if you meant 435, unless you need the extra room, a similarly spec'ed 435i will be 5-8k more money and slower.

[e90post_user]

The M235i and new 335i/435i are powered by an N55 straight six single turbo engine. The M235i rated to 20 more hp and 30 more lb/ft than the one in the F3x

[F3RGY33]

M235i has more hp (+20), torque (+35), weighs less, and costs less. It is a bit smaller on the interior and of course looks are always subjective (the 4-series looks incredible with the m sport goodies).

[Cyberdemon]

As an F30 driver I'd test drive one then make up your mind. I love my 335i but I certainly have some M235i lust (have not driven one yet though).

It's nice having the room, though given that my wife has an SUV, I question if my next lease won't be a smaller car, I've very rarely needed the space in my 335.

If you do decide to go with the F30, I personally would recommend the DHP for the adaptive dampers. Some people dislike them but I'm not one of them. Sporty when I need it, soft when my back hurts - win win for me. Other than that, you can take it or leave it.

[ska///235i]

Dont forget 330 and 340 is coming out with new engines

No more 328/335

[mmmmm235i]

I'd go 235 if you don't need the 2 extra doors. I came from an e90 and I think the 2 is the perfect size. Also the 235 comes configured with nice standard features. I think it ultimately comes down to how much space u need.

[DanG]

The M235i is noticeably larger in the interior than your 135i. It is faster and gets better gas mileage than your current car. I don't know if the ix can be had in manual but the 8 speed automatic is excellent.

[Daddycat]

Should I part my hair on the left or the right? Dang, drive 'em both and buy the one that feels right!!! People are too analytical and hung up on other people's opinions too much these days...

[VeryBadman]

Do you want/need 4 doors? If you do then get yourself a 3 series, otherwise M235i.

[etc335i]

I am also stuck between the 235i and the 435i.

[nyeager]

It's all about personal preference... but I did test drive a 8AT M235i and loved it. Next I test drove a 6MT 435xi and found it to be more sluggish, have less handling and it didn't excite me nearly as much as the M235.

Though I was jealous of the additional tech offerings of the 435 (blind spot, LED lights, HUD, etc)... I'm a tech guy though so naturally that weighs heavy on me... In the end, I ordered an M235xi.

Originally Posted by etc335i

I am also stuck between the 235i and the 435i.

[GOLFFRR]

thats a tough one. Both cars are stellar. The m235 is such a great car kinda of hard to beat that pkg but then again the 335/435 are both fantastic cars. Like others have stated it def comes down to what your looking to get out of the car? Is size important, etc..

[mike@x-ph.com]

if you need the extra room get the 335/435 if not wait for the M2

[phoenixbmwlife]

You cannot get a 2 Series XDrive with a manual sorry.

[K99]

As already said try out both before you make your own mind up. You can only get so much objective info from any forum.
I chose the m235i over the 435i because I wanted a small daily driver that instantly transforms into a mad rapid sports car by pressing a couple of buttons and depressing the accelarator. The 4 or 3 series is larger and not so much fun.

[InControl]

Originally Posted by K99

As already said try out both before you make your own mind up. You can only get so much objective info from any forum.
I chose the m235i over the 435i because I wanted a small daily driver that instantly transforms into a mad rapid sports car by pressing a couple of buttons and depressing the accelarator. The 4 or 3 series is larger and not so much fun.

Similar engines, different rides. Btw, I think you meant "pressing the accelerator"

[Dan203]

I don't "need" a bigger car or four doors, but I wouldn't mind having either. We don't have any kids but I do occasionally take my niece and nephew places and on rare occasions need to give my Mom and Dad a ride which requires one of them to get in the back. Having four doors and more backseat room would be nice, but is not a requirement. If it also has a bigger trunk that would be nice too. I briefly considered getting an X3 just for the utility, but I want something fun and that doesn't seem like it would be.

My current car is fun. It's fast, it handles well, and I drive it pretty aggressively. I don't want to lose that. However there are a few options that are only available on the 335/435 that I'd really like to have. One is a manual. I've never owned a car that's not a stick and I think I'd miss it. But if I am going to go auto at the very least I'd like features like adaptive cruise control and the dynamic suspension stuff to make up for it.

As I said above price is not really a factor. The difference on the lease payment is negligible. I even considered getting an M5, but I can't justify it to myself as I really don't drive that much. (I've had my current car for over 6 years and it's only got 24,000 miles on it)

I did drive a 335i loaner once a few years ago and compared to my car it felt slower and like it had more body roll. I'm not sure I'd be OK with that. I know the best option is to just go and drive one, but I loathe car sales men so the thought of going to the dealer to test drive one is nauseating. Plus the deal is like 40 minutes away so it's quite an ordeal to make it out there.

Anyway I think you guys have confirmed what I suspected. The M235i is faster and sportier, which I think are more important to me. The only thing I have to decide is if I'm OK with an auto transmission.

[danimal]

Originally Posted by Dan203

The M235i is faster and sportier, which I think are more important to me. The only thing I have to decide is if I'm OK with an auto transmission.

Or maybe you could get the manual and forgo xDrive. When driving in slippery conditions, xDrive is not really going to make much difference when it comes to braking or turning, it's just going to help a bit with getting going. Tires make a much bigger difference. You may find that winter tires during the snowy season gives you more than enough traction and that (sometimes) sending power through the front wheels is unnecessary. Also, don't forget that xDrive adds weight, friction, and complexity and harms fuel economy and (possibly) acceleration.

[Dan203]

Originally Posted by danimal

Or maybe you could get the manual and forgo xDrive. When driving in slippery conditions, xDrive is not really going to make much difference when it comes to braking or turning, it's just going to help a bit with getting going. Tires make a much bigger difference. You may find that winter tires during the snowy season gives you more than enough traction and that (sometimes) sending power through the front wheels is unnecessary. Also, don't forget that xDrive adds weight, friction, and complexity and harms fuel economy and (possibly) acceleration.

I've been driving the 135i for 6 years. I had snow tires on it for a long time and I still never felt safe driving it in the snow. It's just got too much power at the rear. We also have a Subaru Impreza RS with snow tires (my wife's winter car) and that thing is a tank in the snow. My hope with the xDrive is to get something that drives like my current car in the dry and like the Subaru in the snow. Am I setting my expectations too high?

I thought AWD helped with acceleration, at least from a stop, because it puts more power to the ground with less chance of spinning the tires? Isn't that why the exotics all use AWD now?