[dencobmw]

I have been eyeing the M235i for awhile now. I currently own a 2013 X3 28i and I am kinda itching to get something that is a little more of the quintessential BMW experience (straight 6, coupe or sedan). I love my X3 for the most part so I was anxious to experience the M235i. On Saturday I test drove one at a dealership in Denver. I know comparing the 235 to an X3 is sacrilegious, but I am trying to decide if it's worth the financial hit to go from my 3 year old X3 to a new 235.

Obviously the 235 was a rocket compared to my X3. The N55 is amazingly SMOOTH and aggressive compared to the N20. The throttle response on the 235 also seems to be worlds better. My biggest complaint about the X3 is the throttle lag and twitchy transmission in low speed city driving. However, at low speeds (accelerating normally out of stop signs and such) I was actually surprised at how similar the torque felt between the 235 and my X3.

Handling of course felt far superior on the 235 especially screaming around curves on the nice winding mountain road the sales guy directed me on for the test drive. I was surprised, however, that the steering on the 235 felt a little less "tight" than my X3. It seems like there was a little more travel in the steering wheel for the corresponding response in the 235 than on the X3 (I had the 235 in Sport).

The biggest issue, for me was the size of the 235. This is one tiny car. I'm 6'1" and even with the seat in it's lowest position, I felt like my head was almost touching the roof. The cabin definitely felt a little claustrophobic. How do other tall people do with the 2 series? Do you get used to it?

Although I loved the performance of the 235, I think I may need to look at the 4 series due to the size issue. But even then, I'm not sure it will be enough of a different experience to bale on my still relatively new X3.

[Cyberdemon]

I am 6'4 and have no issues with the cabin. I came from an F30 and I find the overall driving position nearly identical, which for me is virtually perfect.

I am driving the Convertible but I still have plenty enough headroom and never feel cramped or like I'm going to smack my head getting in and out. I also drove the coupes several times and never had an issue with the size.

Perhaps you're sitting more upright than I am or have a longer torso but I love the car, no issues with space at all, just don't try to sit behind me.

[MrBones93]

Good write up. As for the head clearance problem goes, deleting the moonroof will give you a hair more room. While the car may not be big enough for a home depot run, I moved myself and all my stuff (clothes, tv, av, hockey bag) across the country pretty comfortably. The previous 3 and 4 series were a significant step back driving feel wish compared to the m235i, but these "problems" may or may not have been fixed with the new 40i engine setup. The space increase is definitely noticeable, though. M3 might be best compromise if you can foot the bill.

[sstarrx3]

When I sat in the 4 series it really did not feel that much bigger on the inside to me. Its quite a bit bigger on the outside but the interior still felt tight. I am only 6 feet and it does not bother me. It takes getting use to after driving a larger vehicle but not long.

[Cyberdemon]

As someone who came from an F30 the F30 is a great car in the world of great cars. But it depends on how far up you like your dial turned up on the sportiness dial. Whatever your gauge the 2 series is a notch higher than the 4 series will be, and you'd have to decide if that is OK for you or not. For me the 2 is definitely more fun going into corners and you notice and appreciate that additional sharpness.

[OpenAir]

I'm 6'1" and I have no issues, but I also drive the cab version which adds a wee-bit in the headroom area. I just love the size of the 2 series, the 4 series (cab's only) was a much larger ride with more rear room and not much else, IMHO.

[MrBucket]

You must have a very strangely proportioned body if the 2 series seems tight inside for you. My father is 6'3" and hes never had any complaints about headroom when I've let him drive it. I have the sunroof too so that takes away a little bit even.

[Lucky13]

Originally Posted by MrBucket

You must have a very strangely proportioned body if the 2 series seems tight inside for you. My father is 6'3" and hes never had any complaints about headroom when I've let him drive it. I have the sunroof too so that takes away a little bit even.

+1, 6'3" and 6'4" son and we have no problem with headroom and we have a sunroof.

[EternalVendetta]

He could have short legs and a long torso. What's your inseam, bro?

[MikeT]

I'd recommend trying out the car without a moonroof. Deleting the moonroof adds about an inch of headroom. Although your chances of finding moonroof-deleted m235i on a dealer's lot are essentially zero, a 228i without a moonroof shouldn't be too hard to locate.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

I came from an X3 28i too...Leased one for 3 years when I needed an SAV, nice little ride. I came to like the N20 paired with the 8 speed a lot.

At lease end I drove the 2, 4, M3 (owned 2 in the past) as well as a # of audi's and the new W205 Benz...

Was within an eyelash of getting the Benz believe it or not...

The 4 is a looker, but for me was just too removed - I knew I'd be bored a year into it.

2 was great for me for now. I love how toss-able and visceral it is with MPE..

I may still end-up with a Benz, but that will be later in life. GL, let us know what you decide.

[dencobmw]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I don't think I have any odd body proportions, but the sales guy was sitting in the back seat behind me (my significant other was in the passenger seat) so I felt like my seat was pretty upright which may have caused the headroom issue. Maybe I'll go back and sit in the car and try to adjust it to my liking. The one I drove did not have the moonroof.

I would also like to experience the car's power without 2 other adults and the AC blasting (it was near 100 degrees the day I test drove).

Tough decisions ahead!

[DanG]

Also try putting it in sport or sport+ mode. Makes a lot of difference.

[e90post_user]

I can't comment on the height issue - doesn't apply to me. However, I am finding surprising your narrative about the steering. I, personally, find the steering to be precise and firm enough in the sport and sport+ modes.

[Transfer]

If you're 6'1" and you had a normal sized adult fit behind you, the seating position could not have been optimal. I'd try again.

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by matteowade

The one I drove did not have the moonroof.

Interesting. The car must have been ordered by a customer who backed out. Can't imagine a dealer doing a moonroof delete on his own initiative.

[MrBucket]

Originally Posted by matteowade

Thanks for the replies everyone. I don't think I have any odd body proportions, but the sales guy was sitting in the back seat behind me (my significant other was in the passenger seat) so I felt like my seat was pretty upright which may have caused the headroom issue. Maybe I'll go back and sit in the car and try to adjust it to my liking. The one I drove did not have the moonroof.

I would also like to experience the car's power without 2 other adults and the AC blasting (it was near 100 degrees the day I test drove).

Tough decisions ahead!

Yeah the salesman thing completely explains it. I try not and put more than 3 people in the car at once (don't think I've ever attempted 4 even) so that I can have the room I need and have the passengers who don't "need" the room as much share.

[delvec03]

Originally Posted by sstarrx3

When I sat in the 4 series it really did not feel that much bigger on the inside to me. Its quite a bit bigger on the outside but the interior still felt tight. I am only 6 feet and it does not bother me. It takes getting use to after driving a larger vehicle but not long.

the 4 is only 0.5" bigger/more room in one or who interior specs. check the measurement diagrams. that combined with the larger body and same engine size actually makes the 4 SLOWER than the 2. that made the choice easier for me.

[danlgen]

im 6'4 and IMHO it feels like tons of space. It is low to the ground, so sitting is a thing, but once I'm in the seat it feels great - super roomy. I used to drive a grand cherokee for comparison, and the 235 feels more comfortable.

when I put my 4 year old behind me, I have to move the seat up and it feels more cramped. that an adult was back there was probably your issue. try it with no one in the seats.

Also I find the moonroof makes the cabin more airy and open feeling.

[bladeomatic]

I concur with most of the longshanks here.
6'2" and no problems with head or legroom, even in my moonroof model.

Also agree with others re the 4 series. Just drove my buddies 428i. Drives like a much bigger/more ponderous car without a dramatically larger feeling interior.

FYI...the seats in the M235i were absolutely a top 5 reason for me purchasing the car. They are done very well with just enough cradling to keep you put without feeling like you're climbing out of them each time you leave. That thigh support is also great for us long-legged freaks.

Don't even compare the drive with all the cramped bodies. I just hauled 4 big people a couple miles in Las Vegas on a hot day. Fine in a pinch, but comfort/performance compromises were everywhere.

BMW got it SO right with this car. There's a reason it's made all the tops of so many lists and replaced the 3 series on C&D's 10 best. I can't recommend it enough.

[papa55]

i drove a 235 and a 435 back to back and the steering for the 435 was definitely heavier. Very surprising and somewhat disappointing