[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by moldcad

We have a similar saying here, but how does it apply? Am I the only BMW enthusiast with bad spine?

......so far, it seems so here! Sorry! The Comfort setting and the Luxury Line are made for you! Don't mess around with long-term impact on the vertebra...the corrective surgery is not fun!

[moldcad]

BS, my Friend

[ska///235i]

If you cant decide for yourself...dont buy either one

[Steven1077]

I had a 435i msport and the ride was just as harsh if not more so with 19 in wheels and runflats, the road noise was much the same but it was a bit more stable on the road, one thing I will say is make sure you get lumbar support as I had an F30 without it and I found it gave me lower back pain in less than 30 mins, but it's no where near as much fun to drive and cheaper, so given the choice I'd get a M235i with adaptive suspension

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by moldcad

I did - and loved both, hence the dilemma!

Dump the Golf R and get both bimmers.

[moldcad]

No way - the R drives better than both M235i and 435i.

[bladeomatic]

More Fun: M235i

More comfortable: 435i

Better car: M235i

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by bladeomatic

More Fun: M235i

More comfortable: 435i

Better car: M235i

True

True

Subjective...if comfortable isn't more important than fun

[hoppy6698]

If comfort were the driving option here, with long commutes and something that has to be a BMW - what's wrong with the 228i with M sport package? The better economy will save extra $ to throw at the Golf R on track days. The 228 can be had with softer 17" tires as well (maybe not on the M sport version though).

I voted for the 435 for comfort. The M235 is softer than my Audi, but it had a coilover set, so I was used to a tight suspension. I find the M235 fits me better and was willing to give up some things (better sound system, better interior of the 4 series) for the sportiness and size of the M235.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

The poll seems like a dumb way to pick a car. If you don't know what you want to spend money on look for something else.

[moldcad]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

The poll seems like a dumb way to pick a car. If you don't know what you want to spend money on look for something else.

Thank you sir for your invaluable opinion. However:

- where I live, it's not easy (if at all possible) to take two fully loaded, highest specs cars of both types for a back-to-back test drive(s)

- if you compare the results of both polls (here and in the F30 forum), you will see why even the most die-hard M235i enthusiasts here (possibly owners) voted for the other car; this says o lot

PS. and believe me, I didn't need a poll to buy the Golf R right after my first and only test drive...

[dharo1]

Originally Posted by moldcad

Thank you sir for your invaluable opinion. However:

- where I live, it's not easy (if at all possible) to take two fully loaded, highest specs cars of both types for a back-to-back test drive(s)

- if you compare the results of both polls (here and in the F30 forum), you will see why even the most die-hard M235i enthusiasts here (possibly owners) voted for the other car; this says o lot

PS. and believe me, I didn't need a poll to buy the Golf R right after my first and only test drive...

Believe me. The way you framed your questions you seemed to favor the 435 over the 235: your back, your spine, your long trips, your R (as a "i-already-have-a-sports-car" thing). That is why even I said get the 435.

But in reality, we love our 235. Yes, we are excited about the M2 because we already got a taste of what the M2 will be. People in here are of all ages and each with his/her own taste but we all love our 2.

If you keep asking, you will hear what you want to hear. Honestly, if you would've ask in this community: 235 or 435. I'm willing to bet cash money that we would've responded 235 without hesitation.

In my opinion: 435 owners are failed M4 owners.
I wanted a smaller sporty car that I could daily drive.
Get the 235 and use the extra cash that you would've spend in the 4 to add some CF pieces, diffuser, front spoiler, exhaust, etc. You will not regret it.

[dharo1]

Here, this might help you.
This car has no ugly side.
Edit: i tried sending a couple pics.

[dharo1]

[onatuesday]

Originally Posted by moldcad

Thank you sir for your invaluable opinion. However:

- where I live, it's not easy (if at all possible) to take two fully loaded, highest specs cars of both types for a back-to-back test drive(s)

- if you compare the results of both polls (here and in the F30 forum), you will see why even the most die-hard M235i enthusiasts here (possibly owners) voted for the other car; this says o lot

PS. and believe me, I didn't need a poll to buy the Golf R right after my first and only test drive...

OP why are you buying either of these cars? From the sounds of it you don't really seen that enamored with either car? Have you test driven other brands yet? When I buy a car, I can tell within the first 5 minutes if I have to have it. I could tell within the first 5 minutes of driving both the 435i and m235i that I wasn't impressed by either.

[moldcad]

More than 2.5 years since I posted the poll: I've bought the M235i, and still am super happy with it. The size and agility of this car is perfect for my needs & way of life

Thanks to those who advised back then!

Piotr

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

"- I need the other BMW for longish business trips (some 1,500 km both ways), and my spine is ruined"

Once I saw that, I changed my decision, and nothing else mattered as much. 4 Series with MAdaptive suspension and leave it on comfort. The longer wheelbase and more comforting/sedating feel of the 4 will make for less potential back pain over non-ideal roads. Actually, the 4 Series Gran Coupe to make rear seat access (briefcase/suitcoat?) and loading/unloading through a larger hatch opening easier (even if all the space is not needed) might be even better.

Glad OP likes the 2 but this 100%. May very well like the 4 even more much better highway car.

[3rdcoast228i]

Your comfort is more important in this case IMHO. I think you should drive both and decide if the ride is significantly better on one or the other.

[moldcad]

Haha - you definitely didn't read all posts in this thread

Seriously though: yes, the M235i is a bit too bouncy, even in Comfort mode (In Sport for the chassis, it's properly stiff and less bouncy - but too stiff on poor roads, or when I'm tired after many hours of driving). This is the reason for another thread of mine:

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1381491

So - if anyone knows/heard of a solution, please share! TIA

Piotr

PS. Considering it also lacks the Comfort+ mode the 5 series has, I suspect I'd have the same problem with a 435i should I have chosen that; perhaps not to the same extent thanks to longer axis base, but still...

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by moldcad

Haha - you definitely didn't read all posts in this thread

Seriously though: yes, the M235i is a bit too bouncy, even in Comfort mode (In Sport for the chassis, it's properly stiff and less bouncy - but too stiff on poor roads, or when I'm tired after many hours of driving). This is the reason for another thread of mine:

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1381491

So - if anyone knows/heard of a solution, please share! TIA

Piotr

PS. Considering it also lacks the Comfort+ mode the 5 series has, I suspect I'd have the same problem with a 435i should I have chosen that; perhaps not to the same extent thanks to longer axis base, but still...

I'll start with an apology that I have not gone back to refresh my memory on all the older, prior posts. But, I will (again?) share that moving from 18" to 17" wheels made a significant difference. If one is not committed to the look of a half-inch more diameter on each side of the spindle, the ride comfort is excellent in Comfort and the performance in Sport (depending on which tires you choose) remains excellent as well. If this is still a possbility, I suggest you consider it, and coming from someone who drives on the moonscape that is Michigan, I believe you should consider this upgrade!

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I'll start with an apology that I have not gone back to refresh my memory on all the older, prior posts. But, I will (again?) share that moving from 18" to 17" wheels made a significant difference. If one is not committed to the look of a half-inch more diameter on each side of the spindle, the ride comfort is excellent in Comfort and the performance in Sport (depending on which tires you choose) remains excellent as well. If this is still a possbility, I suggest you consider it, and coming from someone who drives on the moonscape that is Michigan, I believe you should consider this upgrade!

Ha I was just about to type the exact same thing 17" BBs on mine as well huge difference vs stock.

[3rdcoast228i]

Originally Posted by moldcad

Haha - you definitely didn't read all posts in this thread

Seriously though: yes, the M235i is a bit too bouncy, even in Comfort mode (In Sport for the chassis, it's properly stiff and less bouncy - but too stiff on poor roads, or when I'm tired after many hours of driving). This is the reason for another thread of mine:

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1381491

So - if anyone knows/heard of a solution, please share! TIA

Piotr

PS. Considering it also lacks the Comfort+ mode the 5 series has, I suspect I'd have the same problem with a 435i should I have chosen that; perhaps not to the same extent thanks to longer axis base, but still...

You are right, it was like 4:30 am, just woke up, and I was in a hurry... sorry about that.