[moldcad]

I still have my M235i on order, and still some time for changing some details... Here are my dilemmas with a kind request for suggestions (please do not answer "go and see yourself", as dealers here in Poland do NOT stock M235i at all):

1. Upholstery: I have the cloth (hexagon/alcantara - base in EU, unavailable in the US) on order - not so much because it's cheap in price, but I simply like it. But, I do have my doubts - like for instance what material does it mean for the arm supports in the door sills? Coming from dakota leather in my 528xi I traded in - where they were leather thus soft and durable - I'm concerned they will be just cheap plastic Who can confirm what material they actually are, and if plastic - is it at least soft and high quality?

2. Should I upgrade to leather for the above reason, I'm tempted by the Coral Red this time (after black Dakotas in all my previous cars). But - while I really like the mitigated look in the configurator (see below) - I hate its intensively red look in many pictures, posted here and there by owners... The question is: is the intensive red look just exaggerated in those many pics you can find on the forum(s) due to camera settings, or is it really what to expect as opposed to the less intensive and elegant rendering in the configurator?

3. I hear the 2-series HK system is not the same powerful one higher series offer, so I'm considering dropping it in favor of what the configurator just describes as a 676 HiFi system (676 has been the option I've had in my 528xi, and I can tell you that for loud volume music at high speed noise, it's completely enough and OK with me). BUT: do you think that - even if called the same - they use the same amp and speaker quality in the 2- and 5-series?

[golf_234]

Why not go Terra?

[Sportstick]

The photo of Coral Red in your post is a very reasonable representation of the actual appearance....for better or worse. I think it looks excellent! The contrast is a bit subdued with the particularly attractive Mineral Gray for the exterior, if that is your goal, versus black or white, for example.

[nachob]

I had Boston in 1m. It was hard and sweaty all the time. Dakota is slightly softer but For me the Alcantara interior is special and leather not special but I'm more into comfort and performance than most. I have a 330i zhp that I get into after testing dakota leather cars and always enjoy getting into it more than leather interior. The rest is cloth but never been an issue. I felt no discomfort swapping between 1M and zhp cloth.

[moldcad]

Thanks! So it is not THAT red in reality, after all... It must have been people cameras' red channel oversaturation.

[moldcad]

Originally Posted by golf_234

Why not go Terra?

Terra is a on the other extreme for me - a little subdued (while still needing much more cleaning than black).

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by moldcad

Thanks! So it is not THAT red in reality, after all... It must have been people cameras' red channel oversaturation.

This shot from the configurator shows the interior is more subdued than the exterior Melbourne Red. Look at the head restraints. This may help put the interior in further perspective, although I realize you are not ordering a red car.

[moldcad]

Just learnt that with the base cloth upholstery, the central and door armrests come in black soft leatherette which is OK with me - so the cloth it's going to be!

PS. I have a similar (only black with light grey alcantara) cloth in my R, and it feels and holds beautifully!

[3.0L]

I never dreamed I would like the Dakota Coral Red until I saw it in person. I'm extremely happy with my choice.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by moldcad

Just learnt that with the base cloth upholstery, the central and door armrests come in black soft leatherette which is OK with me - so the cloth it's going to be!

PS. I have a similar (only black with light grey alcantara) cloth in my R, and it feels and holds beautifully!

Great choice! Everyone has dead cows in their car these days. Dime a dozen. That alvantara interior is badass and is trying to get bmw to bring it to USA and offer it In 235 and M2.

[Sportstick]

Just to be clear, Alcantara is a trademark for a man-made fabric. Check out their website for maintenance requirements and cleaning. Great name, but I don't see the attraction.

[gaijin]

Sounds like the OP has already made their decision. I'm adding my 2 cents to assist others that might be looking at the same Coral Red Leather interior option. I did and it was tough until I saw a 435i in the showroom of a local dealership.

It had the Mineral Grey Metallic exterior and detailed Coral Red Leather interior. It was elegant looking and made a sporty statement to boot.

I was sold and ordered our M235i with that exterior/interior options.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Just to be clear, Alcantara is a trademark for a man-made fabric. Check out their website for maintenance requirements and cleaning. Great name, but I don't see the attraction.

Synthetic suede. More durable than dead cow stuff. Most racing seats are upholstered in it. It grips you well and breathes. Not cold in winter not hot in summer. Maybe you should try it out. When I was younger I was attracted to exclusivity and smell of leather but now the functionality of cloth in a sports car overrides other considerations. The red leather looks nice but cloth is
More comfortable for me and the choice for sports cars.

[hans007]

ive seen the coral red leather in person, and i think its a little too bright.

the configurator looks a little more subdued. if i was going leather i'd get the brown or oyster personally, but it just depends on what you are comfortable with

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by nachob

Synthetic suede. More durable than dead cow stuff. Most racing seats are upholstered in it. It grips you well and breathes. Not cold in winter not hot in summer. Maybe you should try it out. When I was younger I was attracted to exclusivity and smell of leather but now the functionality of cloth in a sports car overrides other considerations. The red leather looks nice but cloth is
More comfortable for me and the choice for sports cars.

I've tried it. I'm not locked into leather....good vinyl is fine, and with heated seats and light interiors, I've never felt the surface to be that uncomfortable. For me, Alcantara requires too much to stay looking good. The shape of the sport seat and snug seat belt prevents any slipping around. Visually, it just doesn't look like it's up to the rest of the car.

http://www.alcantara.com/en/ordinary...ce/38/index.do

[gaijin]

Had a 2005 Subaru WRX STI back then and it came with the blue alcantara and black cloth combination. Worked well in the summer but I had tinted windows that mitigated the heat somewhat.

[chaswyck1]

I'm with Sportstick on the Alcantara. I like being able to slide into the seat without my pants stopping as soon as they hit the seat while my rear end continues to the right (left if you're in the UK). I also have back issues, especially on long drives and adjusting my position in the seat is easier with leather. My back issues also mandate adjustable lumbar support and therefore Premium package which comes with the leather. I also tink the leather looks better, but that's completely subjective.

[bladeomatic]

I've got black in my EB M235i. If I had it all over to do:

1) Alcantara ('cept not avail in US)
2) Coral Red. Was worried too blingy initially, but now that I've seen cars with it, I wish I'd gotten this.

As for the stereo (old record producer here), it's not great. If you plan on replacing it, then get the cheap one and spend your money on the replacement. If you're not gong to replace it, then get the HK, which is certainly better than the base.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

The HK stereo in the 2 is not great....But after driving a loaner 320 (I never knew such a neutered bmw existed) with the standard radio, I could really tell the difference..And I am not a big audiophile.

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by nachob

Synthetic suede. More durable than dead cow stuff. Most racing seats are upholstered in it. It grips you well and breathes. Not cold in winter not hot in summer. Maybe you should try it out. When I was younger I was attracted to exclusivity and smell of leather but now the functionality of cloth in a sports car overrides other considerations. The red leather looks nice but cloth is
More comfortable for me and the choice for sports cars.

I agree, but I can"t really get my head around classifying the 2er in any form as a sports car...out of the box anyway. I guess if you install an LSD...but even then it is still too heavy to be a real sports car.

[DCastaneda]

The Coral red looks good in the 2 series, mostly because it's not the "extended leather". The 4 series red interior also covers the bottom half of the dash, which IMO is a bit much.

Don't let the configurator fool you, the leather is bright lipstick red and very in your face.

[Solarphil]

OP- I Hear what you are saying on the cloth, something cool about the basics although that's almost impossible to find here in the states unless you are willing to fight for it.
However, re your Q2, I can say I love the coral red with mineral grey combo, iMO it's really a nice mix of understated elegance with a flash of independence.

I must admit I am a fan of colors and I almost went with the superman combo just because the blue was one of the very few actual colors this car is available with. I really dislike the black cave 'o death interiors of most bimmers, and appreciate that other options like red are available. My wife pushed me over the edge to the MG/CR and I'm glad she did. The red is a statement, not an in-your-face like a German tourist's shoes, but rather more like a nice flash of color on a well dressed man. Present, but not the center of attention.