[Mywifes335]

If Autos keep getting better, I kinda feel like DCT might end up being Betamax for roadcars.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by jeremicium

I have some ideas on this.

I had that experience when I was looking to move from an E92 335 to the M235. Test drove the auto and was just a little underwhelmed. I know auto gearboxes are faster, more efficient, etc. but there is still a loss of connection when you don't change gears yourself (an exception can be made for a good double clutch transmission).

Also, the 350z probably had stiffer suspension, giving you yet more connection to the driving experience.

Lastly, not that the Nissan VQ engine is really a gem, but I think going from a naturally aspirated engine to a forced induction engine also causes a feeling of less connection to the car, and certainly you don't have to try nearly as hard to squeeze power out of it. And trying hard can be enjoyable.

There's no doubt the M235 is a better car, a more efficient car, and a faster car. I'd guess if you give it some time you'll grow to love it. It's just a vastly different driving experience, one you're not used to. Just don't get an auto.

This hits everything (I'm a former 370z Touring 6MT owner) that I think the OP is trying to process regarding the M235i test drive -- particularly the difference between a blown and NA motor (though one thing I did not like about my Z was that it revved slowly).

I'll also add the electric steering, which is the 2 Series' weakest 'link' in terms of the driving experience by consensus. Though my Z felt heavier and less well balanced (a little rear heavy to me) than my 2er, the steering feedback was considerably better because of the more direct connection -- both in the rack and in the drivetrain. That said, the 2er actually handles better overall -- part of the reason that it is a significantly quicker car -- but you just don't quite have the same direct feel compared to recent Z cars.

[Anthony235]

Originally Posted by M2ALEX

The EVOX may be faster. AWD launch off the line creates a more significant punch than a RWD. Also, think about how much lighter the EVO X is. You should have felt the difference when opening and closing the driver/passenger side doors.

EvoX is not lighter.

[Anthony235]

I came from a 370z NISMO before picking up my 8A 235 a few months ago. 235 currently has jb4, intake, downpipe.

Intercooler and chargepipe installed next week

The only thing I think the 370z has over the 235 is steering and brake feel. Other than that the Z doesn't really beat the 235 anywhere other than maybe aftermarket wheel/suspension options. Since you have a 350z the difference will be even larger compared to my 370z.

If you want any specifics comparisons on anything let me know. I tracked my Z a few times too (only owned it a year). Z was daily driver, but setup for track duty (coilovers, oil cooler, radiator, SPL suspension arms, secondary fuel pump, RS3 285 square, etc).

Here is a list of previous cars I've owned for reference if you want any other comparisons. I tracked many of these too.

370z nismo
EvoX GSR
s2000
g37 sedan
RX8
Audi TT
SRT4
2gen turbo eclipse
Nissan Xterra

[M2ALEX]

Originally Posted by Anthony235

EvoX is not lighter.

Yes. Thank you for pointing that out. Although it felt lighter compared to my M235i. I really hate those doors.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by Anthony235

I came from a 370z NISMO before picking up my 8A 235 a few months ago. 235 currently has jb4, intake, downpipe.

Intercooler and chargepipe installed next week

The only thing I think the 370z has over the 235 is steering and brake feel. Other than that the Z doesn't really beat the 235 anywhere other than maybe aftermarket wheel/suspension options. Since you have a 350z the difference will be even larger compared to my 370z.

If you want any specifics comparisons on anything let me know. I tracked my Z a few times too (only owned it a year). Z was daily driver, but setup for track duty (coilovers, oil cooler, radiator, SPL suspension arms, secondary fuel pump, RS3 285 square, etc).

Here is a list of previous cars I've owned for reference if you want any other comparisons. I tracked many of these too.

370z nismo
EvoX GSR
s2000
g37 sedan
RX8
Audi TT
SRT4
2gen turbo eclipse
Nissan Xterra

The Evo X was magic on the track. I went to a Vette event, a bunch of them were chuckling/giggling at the paddock. Me and my buddy witnessed it as we were walking back from his trailer.

As the sessions went on and I was getting pointby after pointby (mostly C6s, a couple Camaros, even a Boss 302 Mustang). The mentality changed.

This was in the intermediate (I drove) AND Advanced run groups (my buddy, also my instructor, drove).

It didn't hurt that I was running race pads, race fluid and a full bolt-on Evo. Street tires nonetheless.

Edit: also flipped front strut bolts to dial-in extra camber. Had an alignment done before events. HUGE help.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by M2ALEX

Yes. Thank you for pointing that out. Although it felt lighter compared to my M235i. I really hate those doors.

It definitely felt like it was made of Reynolds Wrap.

Every time I had that bitch on a lift more fasteners came up rusted/corroded. It was such shit quality materials.

[jeremicium]

Originally Posted by BD_F22

I am out of mind for voicing my opinion based off personal experience driving both the S4 DCT and the 235 ZF8.. Right

Just a little bit.

[Anthony235]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

The Evo X was magic on the track. I went to a Vette event, a bunch of them were chuckling/giggling at the paddock. Me and my buddy witnessed it as we were walking back from his trailer.

As the sessions went on and I was getting pointby after pointby (mostly C6s, a couple Camaros, even a Boss 302 Mustang). The mentality changed.

This was in the intermediate (I drove) AND Advanced run groups (my buddy, also my instructor, drove).

It didn't hurt that I was running race pads, race fluid and a full bolt-on Evo. Street tires nonetheless.

Edit: also flipped front strut bolts to dial-in extra camber. Had an alignment done before events. HUGE help.

Yes, Evo was great on the track. Probably one of the best feeling cars (especially for AWD).

Crap interior in the Evo, but it communicates to the driver way better than my 235.

S2k was best drivers car I've owned though.

[Anthony235]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

It definitely felt like it was made of Reynolds Wrap.

Every time I had that bitch on a lift more fasteners came up rusted/corroded. It was such shit quality materials.

Never had that issue, but I live in SoCal weather.

So did we sell the OP on an EvoX?

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by Anthony235

Never had that issue, but I live in SoCal weather.

So did we sell the OP on an EvoX?

OP, go drive an EVO X....not a stock one, one that is modded.

[M2ALEX]

Originally Posted by Anthony235

Yes, Evo was great on the track. Probably one of the best feeling cars (especially for AWD).

Crap interior in the Evo, but it communicates to the driver way better than my 235.

S2k was best drivers car I've owned though.

That is why I kept My GPW AP2, The M235i is mainly for comfort. If you want the best driving experience, take an s2000 for a spin.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by M2ALEX

That is why I kept My GPW AP2, The M235i is mainly for comfort. If you want the best driving experience, take an s2000 for a spin.

Sorry what is an GPW AP2?

[Le frog]

Grand Prix White 2004-09 S2000

[Le frog]

I miss my silver stone Ap1!

[Anthony235]

Originally Posted by M2ALEX

That is why I kept My GPW AP2, The M235i is mainly for comfort. If you want the best driving experience, take an s2000 for a spin.

I had a Silverstone AP2.1

[jeremicium]

Originally Posted by Anthony235

I came from a 370z NISMO before picking up my 8A 235 a few months ago. 235 currently has jb4, intake, downpipe.

Intercooler and chargepipe installed next week

The only thing I think the 370z has over the 235 is steering and brake feel. Other than that the Z doesn't really beat the 235 anywhere other than maybe aftermarket wheel/suspension options. Since you have a 350z the difference will be even larger compared to my 370z.

If you want any specifics comparisons on anything let me know. I tracked my Z a few times too (only owned it a year). Z was daily driver, but setup for track duty (coilovers, oil cooler, radiator, SPL suspension arms, secondary fuel pump, RS3 285 square, etc).

Here is a list of previous cars I've owned for reference if you want any other comparisons. I tracked many of these too.

370z nismo
EvoX GSR
s2000
g37 sedan
RX8
Audi TT
SRT4
2gen turbo eclipse
Nissan Xterra

Good list. my M4 is great, but my S2000 is connected like no BMW.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by swoo

you will love the m235i. it reminds me a lot of my old e46 m3

I parked next to one last week. It's like the same exact size!

[M2ALEX]

My F22s

[B_Rice]

Nice to see so many fellow s2000 owners here. The real reason I picked up my f22 is so that I can have a DD after buying my friends CR delete.

[Anthony235]

Originally Posted by M2ALEX

My F22s

I see what you did there

[jeremicium]

Originally Posted by Anthony235

I see what you did there

Only S2K fans will get that one.

I'm partial to the F20. That extra thousand RPM, and just a little more twitchy, keeps you honest on the track. Drive smooth and keep momentum or you pay for it.