[rjc32000]

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2014 BMW M235i Review

2014 BMW M235i

Here’s a tire-kicking experiment: Pay a visit to your BMW dealer. Weave through the sleek wares on display — but tiptoe around that strange blobby thing called a 5 Series GT. Now, stop when you see a window sticker that’s less than $40,000.
I won’t hold my breath.

BMW isn’t alone. As compact and midsize luxury models have steadily inflated in size and price, the carmakers have noticed the gaping hole at the truly small, $30,000-to-$40,000 end of their showrooms.

On the crossover side, BMW has filled that hole with the petite X1, to sell alongside Xs numbered 3, 4, 5, 6 and soon, 7.

With that tick-tack-toe board complete, the new 2 Series coupe arrives. And with all respect to BMW, my imaginary billboard would honestly cite the 2 Series mission statement: “Because you can’t afford a 3 Series.”

Seriously, some fans do crave a smaller, lighter BMW, closer in spirit — if not in reality — to the primitive 2002 model that first appeared here in 1968. In 2014, that car is the 2 Series, a replacement for the 1 Series, a scrunched ball of fun that, for all its charm, seemed a bit of an outlier in the BMW lineup.

Compared with the 1 models, the handsome 2 Series inherits more of the family genes, with less stubby proportions and more interior luxury and technology. And man, is it a blast to drive, especially the M235i version with its fierce 320-horsepower turbocharged in-line 6. That’s actually 20 more horses than the more expensive 435i, the next rung up on BMW’s coupe ladder.

The wallet-pressing issue is that the 2015 M235i, which comes laden with performance-boosting gear, costs $44,050 to start — just $2,900 less than the prettier, roomier 435i.

In other words, it’s a BMW, not a bargain. That role falls to the 228i, amply and efficiently moved by 240 horses from the 2-liter turbo 4 found in many larger BMWs. The 2015 228i starts at $33,050 — a significant $8,375 less than the 428i coupe with the same engine — and $11,000 less than the M235i. For
either version, throw in $1,800 for xDrive AWD.

Aside from the budget-minded but merely 180-horsepower 320i sedan at $33,520, that 228i is effectively the only BMW car model (not counting the X1 mini-S.U.V.) with a prayer of staying below 40 grand once options are tallied.
At 175.9 inches, the new coupe is nearly three inches longer than the 1 Series. A slightly lower roofline and some subtle body sculpturing help emphasize the car’s length. Front headroom and rear legroom are up by 0.8 inches.
Trunk space, already surprisingly generous in the 1 Series, grows a bit to 13.8 cubic feet.

Channels in the apron along the front of the car direct air at the wheel arches — BMW calls the feature Air Curtains — to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption. Efficiency gets another boost from a standard engine stop-start system.

And in automatic models, BMW says, a coasting mode disengages the powertrain at speeds from 30 to 100 m.p.h. when a driver lifts off the gas. Fuel economy with the automatic transmission is 23 m.p.g. in town and 35 m.p.g. on the highway for the 228i, with the M235i nearly as frugal at 22/33 m.p.g. (though the 6- speed manual drops to 19/28).

In BMW’s ever-confusing naming strategy, the M235i, despite its prominent M badges, isn’t a full-blown M car in the vein of the M3 or M5. Yet as the first in a planned line of M Performance models, it does come stuffed with M-division gear, including a specially tuned engine, larger brakes and an adaptive, driver- adjustable suspension. Not surprisingly, reports of an actual M2 starting production next year are already circulating.

Yawning air inlets up front suggest the M235i’s high-speed mission. Bonus interior bits include front sport seats, an M leather multifunction steering wheel, a red-dial instrument clusterand unfortunately, BMW’s dowdy Aluminum Hexagon interior trim.

This being BMW, it’s possible to take the good stuff for granted: The chassis, brakes, seats and stirring handling; sophisticated powertrains that are virtually unmatched in their one-two punch of power and fuel efficiency. But with that goodness a given, your attention wanders to BMW’s sore spots: stingy standard features, greedily priced options and increasingly complacent interior design.
Loaded up, even this 2 Series could blast past $50,000. Out-the-door at $46,575, my M235i still lacked a slew of optional luxury features, including a navigation system, high-end audio and a backup camera. The infotainment controller with a 6.5-inch screen is at least standard, with a crisper 8.8-inch unit available only with navigation.

The 2 Series cabin, while well-crafted, appears stamped from BMW’s aging, unimaginative corporate mold. The latest Mercedes interiors, from the C-Class to the S-Class Coupe, are more adventurous, deluxe and appealing. Mass is also a mild disappointment: Ranging from 3,300 to 3,695 pounds, the 2 Series weighs just 75 to 170 fewer than a comparable 4 Series.

Yet for all that, the toy-size 2 Series delivers a boatload of driving charm. For the M235i, BMW cites a conservative yet still-blistering 4.8-second sprint from 0-60 m.p.h., abetted by the near-perfect 8-speed automatic transmission. Even the 228i automatic manages the trick in 5.4 seconds. And bless BMW for keeping the manual-transmission faith, offering its 6-speed stick on either version (though not with xDrive).

Girded with M gear, a rear-drive layout and 52:48 weight distribution, the M235i presses major performance advantages over competitors that are based on front-drive chassis. Even so, the best intersection of price-and-performance may be the 228i with a $2,200 Track Handling Package. It includes an M Adaptive Suspension, sticky 18-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on alloy wheels, Variable Sport Steering and M Sport brakes.

Go easy on the options, and you might even keep that 228i below the magic $40,000 mark. Just use your smartphone to navigate and buy leather pants for that luxury feeling against your skin.

[mjposner]

"just $2,900 less than the prettier, roomier 435i." Except that is a misunderstanding. add adaptive suspension and m brakes and you are at 5k more.

[ska///235i]

But is NY Times doe

[2+3=5]

Leather pants! FTW!

[rjc32000]

I like that NY Times refers to a 3500+ pound 2 door as "toy sized."

[bungee91]

I hated this article..

Just because the 4 series is bigger, that would then make it worth the little extra $$$?

I don't WANT bigger, not everyone does. It's basically saying I pay more for more room and to handle worse and be heavier and slower feeling... Hmmm...

The 2 is pretty perfect for what it is, and they did like it so that is good I suppose.

[hans007]

the difference is actualy quite a bit.

435i + m-sport + dynamic handling package + m-sport brakes. + destination = $51,600 vs m235i = $44,050 MSRP with destination

I think the cost difference is $7550 is not a trivial sum. Not to mention if you were to buy MPPK to get the 20hp tune, maybe another $1000-1500.

M235i, is one of the better BMW values around especially considering, really what are you losing. the car is slightly smaller , and you lose a few possible options (HUD, BMW individual, LED headlights, and leather covered dash, aren't available)

[phoenixbmwlife]

Originally Posted by hans007

the difference is actualy quite a bit.

435i + m-sport + dynamic handling package + m-sport brakes. + destination = $51,600 vs m235i = $44,050 MSRP with destination

I think the cost difference is $7550 is not a trivial sum. Not to mention if you were to buy MPPK to get the 20hp tune, maybe another $1000-1500.

M235i, is one of the better BMW values around especially considering, really what are you losing. the car is slightly smaller , and you lose a few possible options (HUD, BMW individual, LED headlights, and leather covered dash, aren't available)

Yeah I agree with you. I've said this on another thread that we are actually getting a bargain as the standard features on an M235i are a lot when added on the other models the price goes up significantly. But guys this is a NY Times article. What do they know about cars?

[Canaletto]

Originally Posted by rjc32000

I like that NY Times refers to a 3500+ pound 2 door as "toy sized."

Makes you wonder how they will describe the Alfa 4c?

Oh, and anyone who complains about the pricing on the 2-series should go spec out a Porsche Cayman for a little perspective.

[TAY TAY]

My Favorite quotes of the article;

"And with all respect to BMW, my imaginary billboard would honestly cite the 2 Series mission statement: “Because you can’t afford a 3 Series.”

“And bless BMW for keeping the manual-transmission faith, offering its 6-speed stick on either version.”

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by TAY TAY

My Favorite quotes of the article;

"And with all respect to BMW, my imaginary billboard would honestly cite the 2 Series mission statement: “Because you can’t afford a 3 Series.”
.”

My imaginary billboard would say "For the times your passing cars on the shoulder and things get narrow, the two-series will get through unscathed as where a 3-series would lose it's side mirrors"

[hyperzulu]

It is a fair article. You cannot option the M235i any other way. The 435i base may be what some are looking for, and can get it... while the 2 gives you what you want, nevermind if you really do or not.

[mike@x-ph.com]

good read.
I know all reviews are subjective but in this one you can easily tell that the author like the 4 series more than the 2.
In his mind he thinks everyone feels the same and thus cannot understand how someone would not get the "better" car (4 series) for 2k more.
What he does not understand is that guys who get the 1/2 series do not get it because they cant afford the 3/4 . They get it because of the better handling, lighter weight,etc...

[hyperzulu]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

good read.
I know all reviews are subjective but in this one you can easily tell that the author like the 4 series more than the 2.
In his mind he thinks everyone feels the same and thus cannot understand how someone would not get the "better" car (4 series) for 2k more.
What he does not understand is that guys who get the 1/2 series do not get it because they cant afford the 3/4 . They get it because of the better handling, lighter weight,etc...

True. I don't think he was trying to disguise this, as he clearly jests about his imaginary billboard reading that the 2 series is for someone who can't afford the 3. I think this article caters to a different crowd... one that might be a little more obsessed with the Roundel for reasons less noble than those of enthusiasts. Or perhaps he's merely alluding to that with a bit of tongue in cheek.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by hyperzulu

True. I don't think he was trying to disguise this, as he clearly jests about his imaginary billboard reading that the 2 series is for someone who can't afford the 3. I think this article caters to a different crowd... one that might be a little more obsessed with the Roundel for reasons less noble than those of enthusiasts. Or perhaps he's merely alluding to that with a bit of tongue in cheek.

I have a 335 and i love it, that being said i envy guys with the 235 because i cant get one (budget is not even a factor )

[Daddycat]

"The 2 Series cabin, while well-crafted, appears stamped from BMW’s aging, unimaginative corporate mold."

How about "classic" vs. "aging, unimaginative"? Must every console/dash combo look like a cell phone/boombox/robot??? Other manufacturers are already toning things back down...

[bimmerfile]

"Yet for all that, the toy-size 2 Series delivers a boatload of driving charm."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 2er is the same size as the 3er during the 1980's, 1990's thru 2003.
I don't think anyone ever referred to the 3er as "toy-size"?

The 2-series is 4454mm (175.4 in) long.
The 1990-91 3-series (E30) was/is 4,326 mm (170.3 in)
The 3-series (E36) was/is 4,432 mm (174.5 in)
The 3-series (E46) was/is 4,470 mm (176.0 in)

[Glassjaw047]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

"Yet for all that, the toy-size 2 Series delivers a boatload of driving charm."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 2er is the same size as the 3er during the 1980's, 1990's thru 2003.
I don't think anyone ever referred to the 3er as "toy-size"?

The 2-series is 4454mm (175.4 in) long.
The 1990-91 3-series (E30) was/is 4,326 mm (170.3 in)
The 3-series (E36) was/is 4,432 mm (174.5 in)
The 3-series (E46) was/is 4,470 mm (176.0 in)

The guy who wrote this seems very confused. One sentence he's stating a negative and the next he's stating something positive.