THE LARGEST BMW 2-SERIES FORUM ON THE PLANET
2Addicts
2Addicts
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum BMW 2 Series (F22) Forum 2 Series Photos and Videos M235i Review: More Than Just The Bargain M? - Motor Trend Ignition

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-08-2014, 10:02 AM   #45
bladeomatic
Lieutenant
bladeomatic's Avatar
United_States
115
Rep
418
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

I poked around a little and went here:

http://fastestlaps.com/tracks/willow...of_willow.html

These are the top track times *ever* on this track for each vehicle listed. Randy Probst is likely the "Golf Pro" at this track, knowing all the course nuances. His numerous records and the way he was slinging the 235 around were indications of this. Still, this list represents the best that *any* driver has gotten an M3 or Cayman around the track.

Maybe Probst has driven these other cars (M3, R8, Cayman) and simply didn't score the top time with them? Or perhaps he's never had a hand with these at Willow Springs. We can't tell from the data provided.

Regardless, Willos Springs is one of the major tracks in the Los Angeles area...there's a LOT of M3's, Caymans and R8's that have gone around that track before, so you can bet that the top times for each have had dozens of folks attempting to beat them.

Another impressive thing that the link above exhibits when you look at the horsepower column:
Except for the Subaru (309 hp) and Benz (360 hp), all the cars faster than the 235 generally have way more hp than the 235i. Most have 100hp or more over the 235.

The fact that this overweight, open diff, entry-level coupe is the fastest BMW ever around this course says a lot. They've done something very right with this engine/chassis combo. I imagine an LSD would scoot it a couple places higher.
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 11:04 AM   #46
etc335i
Trainee
El Salvador
26
Rep
385
Posts

Drives: BUS PASS
Join Date: May 2011
Location: El Salvador

iTrader: (0)

Get back into a BMW or get into a newer subie.
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 11:10 AM   #47
ska///235i
***** noob
ska///235i's Avatar
United_States
1354
Rep
10,479
Posts

Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Boston

iTrader: (34)

Garage List
2006 325xi  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by etc335i
Get back into a BMW or get into a newer subie.
You mean the new civic si ROFL
__________________
2006 325xi (Sold)
2014 M235I (Current)
2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 12:00 PM   #48
Falafel Combo
Banned
United_States
3767
Rep
6,673
Posts

Drives: X5 xDrive50i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (3)

"Welcome back BMW!"


Exactly what I said to myself and how I felt first time I drove my f30 with the revised steering software.
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 12:02 PM   #49
Asbjorn
Captain
Asbjorn's Avatar
China
89
Rep
833
Posts

Drives: Z4 N54 DCT (VTT GC lites)
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: European in China

iTrader: (0)

I like to use the China BMW website to compare weight. In China most cars are imported with pre-configured options. We do not get packages like in the US, so the weight displayed on the website already includes automatic transmission and other "realistic" equipment.

List of 2014 non-x-drive cars available in China with N55 or N54 engines, sorted by weight:

M135i 1525kg
M235i 1560kg
Z4 35is 1620kg (convertible)
435i 1620kg
335i 1650kg (GT)
640i 1795kg
435i 1845kg (convertible)
535Li 1850kg
640i 1885kg (GC)
640i 1945kg (convertible)
740i 1985kg
535i 2060kg (GT)

the old M3 coupe checks in at 1679kg and the new M5/M6 sit at around 1940kg. I think the heaviest BMW is the 2.3 tonne X5/X6 M.

Last edited by Asbjorn; 04-08-2014 at 12:15 PM..
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 01:07 PM   #50
Sir Loin
M3AT LOVER
Sir Loin's Avatar
United_States
322
Rep
1,853
Posts

Drives: Silverstone F80 M3
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (0)

So electronic power steering on the M235i isn't a problem at all? Great! There is hope for the new M3/M4.
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 01:22 PM   #51
F30form
Private First Class
18
Rep
195
Posts

Drives: '13 Mini Cooper S Hardtop
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir Loin View Post
So electronic power steering on the M235i isn't a problem at all? Great! There is hope for the new M3/M4.
The new M3/M4 does not share any steering components except for the steering wheel with the M235i. It was made specifically for that car. It is leaps and bounds better than the M235i, or even the e92 M3.
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 01:43 PM   #52
Haywood
I know a thing or 2 about a thing or 2...
Haywood's Avatar
3099
Rep
3,470
Posts

Drives: E36 M3 Coupe, e39 M5, i3s
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: LI, NY

iTrader: (11)

Garage List
2003 BMW e39 M5  [0.00]
1997 BMW e36 M3  [0.00]
I'm praying BMW makes a M2. Just think what the M boys can do ala the 1M?
__________________
2019 Imperial Blue Metallic i3s BEV
2003 Le Mans Blue e39 M5 Dinan S1
1997 Alpine White e36 M3 (the old gal)
2013 Mineral White e92 M3 (sold )
2014 Carbon Black 650i M-sport (sold)
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 05:19 PM   #53
bradleyland
TIM YOYO
United_States
1504
Rep
3,282
Posts

Drives: 2013 M3
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Vero Beach, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by bladeomatic View Post
Randy Probst is likely the "Golf Pro" at this track, knowing all the course nuances.
Another one of Randy Pobst's positive qualities is his consistency. In one of Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car comparisons, they did an analysis of his lap times. After three laps of the track, Randy dialed in on his best time. His lap times are consistently very close to record pace too. I've seen his times beaten by factory test drivers, which makes sense considering the hours and hours of seat time those guys get in their specific car. Randy's a damn good driver, and very consistent. I've really come to trust his feedback.
__________________
His: 2019 R1250GS - Black
Hers: 2013 X3 28i - N20 Mineral Silver / Sand Beige / Premium, Tech
Past: 2013 ///M3 - Interlagos Blue Black M-DCT
Past: 2010 135i - TiAg Coral Red 6MT ///M-Sport
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 06:53 PM   #54
Alex_bm
Major
Canada
175
Rep
1,040
Posts

Drives: Giulia QV
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Canada, Toronto

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bladeomatic
I don't know if anyone even noticed that they did test acceleration and braking independently of previous tests:

0-60 (no launch control): 4.4 seconds (ay carumba!)
1/4 mile: 13.0 @ 106 mph
60-0 Braking: 103 ft

Also just barely off the 1M's numbers on the slalom and skidpad…with no LSD and narrower tires IIRC.

These are awfully good numbers for a comfortable, entry-level sports coupe.
Not many cars in the BMW stable (or any other for that matter) beat all of the above numbers.

Mind this puppy has only been gently *massaged* by the M boys. It frightens me what they could do with a lighter, tighter and more powerful version!
Not sure why everyone is so impressed with those numbers. 2011 135i with DCT and power pack was just as quick. Oh and it had DCT vs. auto in 2014 235i.
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 06:56 PM   #55
bladeomatic
Lieutenant
bladeomatic's Avatar
United_States
115
Rep
418
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bradleyland View Post
Another one of Randy Pobst's positive qualities is his consistency. Randy's a damn good driver, and very consistent. I've really come to trust his feedback.
Agreed. It's also quite fun listening to his play-by-play commentary on the M235 engine, wheels, comparison vs. the 1 series, etc. as he's rocketing around the course.
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 08:53 PM   #56
abc
Captain
27
Rep
772
Posts

Drives: 325
Join Date: May 2005
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

23. Ford Mustang GT 5.0 1:25.77 '12 426 / 1641 Randy Pobst
24. Ford Mustang Boss 302 LS 1:26.10 '12 443 / 1652

the boss edition behind the regular GT eh?
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 09:55 PM   #57
pkimM3r
Banned
pkimM3r's Avatar
205
Rep
7,298
Posts

Drives: m3 saloon in granny mode.
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: lost angeles

iTrader: (0)

I cant stand streets of willow. Its small and dirty as fuck :lol.
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 10:08 PM   #58
Falafel Combo
Banned
United_States
3767
Rep
6,673
Posts

Drives: X5 xDrive50i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by F30form View Post
The new M3/M4 does not share any steering components except for the steering wheel with the M235i. It was made specifically for that car. It is leaps and bounds better than the M235i, or even the e92 M3.
Please do tell. Where did you have the grand privilege of testing the f80 M3, arriving at such confident conclusion that it is "leaps and bounds better" than not only the M235i, but the e92 M3 itself. Curious minds inquire.
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2014, 11:00 PM   #59
BMW86
Major General
Australia
395
Rep
9,156
Posts

Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

I love the M235i.

It would have to be the most fun and exciting BMW you can buy in the dealership right now. Great package, plenty of performance, handling seems like a big step up from the 135i, and looks a lot better too - a LOT better. I think with wheels and a subtle drop it will look fantastic.

If the M2 comes out in another 2 years or so, I'll be very keen to put a deposit down. I think anyone that bought a brand new 135i in the past 12 months would be feeling a bit depressed right about now, unless you got yourself an unbelievably great deal.
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2014, 01:00 AM   #60
w3rkn
Banned
10
Rep
390
Posts

Drives: BMW 135is
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Mich

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bladeomatic View Post
I don't know if anyone even noticed that they did test acceleration and braking independently of previous tests:

0-60 (no launch control): 4.4 seconds (ay carumba!)
1/4 mile: 13.0 @ 106 mph
60-0 Braking: 103 ft

Also just barely off the 1M's numbers on the slalom and skidpad…with no LSD and narrower tires IIRC.

These are awfully good numbers for a comfortable, entry-level sports coupe.
Not many cars in the BMW stable (or any other for that matter) beat all of the above numbers.

Mind this puppy has only been gently *massaged* by the M boys. It frightens me what they could do with a lighter, tighter and more powerful version!
Except after you add the $3k LSD... One might as well get the new Mustang, it already has much more performance, and is a lot less.
GT350 anyone..?

I have a 135is, if the M2 doesn't impress, the new 5.0 is going to be a steal...hard to pass up.

have a look-see..

Last edited by w3rkn; 04-09-2014 at 01:10 AM..
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2014, 06:05 AM   #61
Uponone76
Second Lieutenant
Uponone76's Avatar
United_States
83
Rep
236
Posts

Drives: BMW M4
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Delaware

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by abc View Post
23. Ford Mustang GT 5.0 1:25.77 '12 426 / 1641 Randy Pobst
24. Ford Mustang Boss 302 LS 1:26.10 '12 443 / 1652

the boss edition behind the regular GT eh?
I saw that and was thinking the same thing.......
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2014, 08:02 AM   #62
bradleyland
TIM YOYO
United_States
1504
Rep
3,282
Posts

Drives: 2013 M3
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Vero Beach, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by w3rkn View Post
Except after you add the $3k LSD... One might as well get the new Mustang, it already has much more performance, and is a lot less.
GT350 anyone..?

I have a 135is, if the M2 doesn't impress, the new 5.0 is going to be a steal...hard to pass up.

have a look-see..
I love the looks of the Mustang (even the current one) from the outside, but once you get inside, it's like being trapped at one of those tourist attraction 50's era diners. I can't stand it. Even if they up the quality, they're not ditching the retro feel.
__________________
His: 2019 R1250GS - Black
Hers: 2013 X3 28i - N20 Mineral Silver / Sand Beige / Premium, Tech
Past: 2013 ///M3 - Interlagos Blue Black M-DCT
Past: 2010 135i - TiAg Coral Red 6MT ///M-Sport
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2014, 10:19 AM   #63
RPiM5
Major General
RPiM5's Avatar
2856
Rep
7,883
Posts

Drives: Mexico Blue F10 M5(Mika)
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Sunny San Diego

iTrader: (0)

What a great video!

I am highly impressed by BMW with the new M235i. Like they said, it's not an ///M car and M Division did not tune it. Can you imagine if they came out with an M2?! I think Randy hit it on the head when he said, "welcome back BMW."

What is really cool to see though is the track times of much much heavier cars like the CLS 63 AMG-S, RS7, and Porsche Panamera Turbo. Those are all elephants compared to cars like the Cayman S and M235i. Yet they murdered a lot of other much lighter cars. Horsepower does count not just weight! Streets of Willow is a pretty short technical track, I know, I've driven it before.
__________________


Appreciate 0
      04-09-2014, 10:41 AM   #64
W///
Lieutenant General
W///'s Avatar
7436
Rep
12,293
Posts

Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SC

iTrader: (13)

Quote:
Originally Posted by w3rkn View Post
Except after you add the $3k LSD... One might as well get the new Mustang, it already has much more performance, and is a lot less.
GT350 anyone..?

I have a 135is, if the M2 doesn't impress, the new 5.0 is going to be a steal...hard to pass up.

have a look-see..
Still doesn't change the fact that it's a pretty big car. I'm trying to downsize and the 2er platform is more what I'm looking for. And I'm still not sold on that rear end either (damn underbite) but I'll wait to see one IRL before I decide.
__________________
Current:
16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT
08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT
07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT
99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2014, 05:31 PM   #65
Gastoys
First Lieutenant
15
Rep
342
Posts

Drives: 2013 BWM 335i M Sport sapphire
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Greater Seattle Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dmboone25 View Post
Your 335 was superior on Willow Springs ? Something tells me....no.

STIs are ugly...but they go like stink. That's all the track time worries about.
Ah... my 2010 STI sucked until I installed Coil Overs and lowered the 4x4 suspension by 2.5 inches. My stock e90 would run circles around my stock STI.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:04 PM.




2addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST