[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.

Originally Posted by maxiedaniels

Okay what did I do wrong... I test drove an automatic m235i today (non xdrive).... Felt kinda underwhelmed. It was obviously fast but didn't wow me. Could this be due to it being automatic? Has anyone experienced that? I know my Z isn't that fast but it felt like the 235 wasn't pulling as hard. :/

Maybe it's cause I'm used to a less sound deadened car?

[Mywifes335]

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.

The EVO X was undoubtedly a tin can... And the launch....if you get it right, was just brutal - judging by the passengers faces - it was a lot of Gs. I actually ran a stock S6 twin turbo up to 150. Destroyed an RS5 repeatedly - the dude was PISSED. But, I got walked by a stock M5 (new body style).

Hard to say if the EVO is quicker, since I'm FINALLY at point where I feel the M235i is fast (but could still use big turbo). I'll admit that when it was stock, I was expecting a bit more after owning for a few weeks.

[Mywifes335]

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.

No offense to any Nissan guys but the VQ engine always sounded like they were grinding something. Like the engines smoked 2 packs of Marlboro reds a day.

[jeremicium]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

No offense to any Nissan guys but the VQ engine always sounded like they were grinding something. Like the engines smoked 2 packs of Marlboro reds a day.

More like filterless camels or some illegal in the states Turkish cigarette.

[supernova72]

2nd post here in this thread. Nothing against automatics but what sold me on the M235i was driving a manual car. I didn't buy that that car but went and found one that was optioned to my liking. In all fairness my last five daily drivers have been manuals so that is what I'm used to. I'm willing to give up a few tenths in 0-60...

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by jeremicium

More like filterless camels or some illegal in the states Turkish cigarette.

Hahahahaha!

Yes. I was tryin to be less *harsh*

[amw896]

I test drove a g37 IPL edition and a friend's 370 a few times, both were 6 SPD and felt a bit underwhelming. Not that the motors were slow but I think the manuals were not very great especially in 1-3. In fact, the IS350 felt waaay faster but the m235i manual is better than all 3! You won't be disappointed.

[qnet]

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.

I had an Evo x before my M235i. I don't think the Evo X is lighter than the M235i. They are both around 3500 lbs. from my understanding, and the Evo X may be a little more than that, but not much.

I'm surprised reading the comments about the 370Z. I admittedly didn't know much about it, but assumed it was faster than the M235i.

[Mywifes335]

From Car and Driver, 2016 370Z:

DISPLACEMENT:
226 cu in, 3696 cc
Power: 332 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

TRANSMISSION:
6-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 100.4 in
Length: 167.5 in
Width: 72.6 in Height: 51.8 in
Passenger volume: 52 cu ft
Cargo volume: 7 cu ft
Curb weight: 3308 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 5.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.3 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 22.0 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.7 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 8.4 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 7.6 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.7 sec @ 106 mph
Top speed (C/D est): 157 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 167 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g

Same magazine, BMW M235i 8AT:

DISPLACEMENT:
182 cu in, 2979 cc
Power: 320 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 330 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm

TRANSMISSION:
8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length: 174.5 in
Width: 69.8 in Height: 55.8 in
Curb weight: 3525 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 4.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 10.8 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 19.6 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.1 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.9 sec @ 109 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 153 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.94 g

* the 0-100 and 0-130 is the deal sealer. M235i is quicker and keeps pulling. By 100 the M235i is just tailights to the 370Z.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by qnet

I had an Evo x before my M235i. I don't think the Evo X is lighter than the M235i. They are both around 3500 lbs. from my understanding, and the Evo X may be a little more than that, but not much.

I'm surprised reading the comments about the 370Z. I admittedly didn't know much about it, but assumed it was faster than the M235i.

Was your EVO X modded? If so, did it feel quicker and more brutal than the M235i?

You're right, I just looked up the stats...EVO X is similar weight in GSR trim. Which I had.

Btw, I had a custom tune which had anti-lag/overrun which produced: FIRE. Rice? Yes. Was it awesome? Fuck yes. Even my 2 year old loved it.

[BD_F22]

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.

Just commenting on your double clutch comment.. The ZF8 transmission in the 2er is the same or better than most DCT cars I have ever driven. My previous car was a 2013 S4 with the DCT and the audi transmission can not even compare to the ZF8 in the 2er. Aside from that I do agree most cars are more fun to drive 6MT.

[SVPREME]

maxiedaniels

OP, my previous car before my '16 M235i was my '05 350z 35th Anniversary. I had it for about four years all throughout college. I was FBO w/ every Motordyne piece, Nismo intake and headers, Akebono BBK & a tune from Rob at Z Car Garage. It always somehow gave me headache but I learned to love it. The car was always making some kind of sound or rattle. But my favorite part about the Z platform is that I always felt connected to the car. The steering and suspension was very stiff as I was lowered on Eibach sportlines with Tokico D-Spec shocks but it handled like a dream and it went exactly the direction I wanted it to go in. Drifting the car was a thing of beauty but I couldn't do it regularly as it was my DD and I was still in college. The VQ engine was extremely reliable, but it just wasn't powerful. I couldn't even break 300 whp on a dyno even being FBO and with a tune. Ofc, this could have easily been remedied if I went FI but I really liked being NA at the time.



I finally parted her out and sold her this past January and that's when I picked up my M235i. Needless to say, it's a completely different animal. With the Z, it felt more and drove like a race car. It was always loud and mean wherever I went because of the ART pipes. That's what I miss most about her tbh
But driving the 2er is still a visceral experience, for me at least. No, I don't feel as connected because of the assisted steering, but this being my first bimmer, the sense of luxury I feel whenever I drive with every touch point is something I look forward to getting into every morning. I love the instant power and torque I get in this car in Sport/+ mode. While I loved my Z so much, something I'll never miss is the culture it comes with. It's like every time I pulled up to a red light, someone wanted to race. Idk .. looking back and comparing the four years of ownership on the Z to my current 2er, the 350Z comes with a pretty juvenile crowd *IMHO*. Not to be a "douchebag BMW owner" but I will never miss being part of that scene and I'm glad i'm no longer part of it.

tl;dr - After owning a 350z for four years and moving to a M235i, I have no regrets and would do it all over again. Currently trying to get a more aggressive exhaust note and struggling between going IPE or Armytrix valvetronics, or just going Fabspeed muffler bypass + sportcat + midpipe. Also, side note, I worked for an Audi tech start up in SF for a little while. I wouldn't even consider an S5 or any comparable Audi if I were you hahah. The driving experience doesn't compare. If you're still on the fence, just get a 2er. You would be disappointed and you won't miss your Z .... too much.

[qnet]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

Was your EVO X modded? If so, did it feel quicker and more brutal than the M235i?

You're right, I just looked up the stats...EVO X is similar weight in GSR trim. Which I had.

Btw, I had a custom tune which had anti-lag/overrun which produced: FIRE. Rice? Yes. Was it awesome? Fuck yes. Even my 2 year old loved it.

Yeah it was modded. I just had a couple of bolt-ons (CAI, UICP) and a custom tune. It did 328 whp on a dynojet. It didn't feel necessarily quicker than my M235i but it was more brutal. The M235i kind of surprised me the way it accelerates, but it's a lot smoother than the Evo X. Driving the Evo you could feel when the turbo kicked in. Driving the M235i, so far I haven't been able to tell when the turbo is kicking in, it just jumps out and accelerates (especially in sport mode).

Haha, you made me laugh talking about the fire. It reminded me of some of the guys on the Evo forums, talking about spitting fireballs out their exhaust.

[cmenning]

I'm coming from a 2007 350z (ragtop) and would echo what has been said about the difference in connectedness. I've had heaps of fun with the 350z as a weekend car in nice weather. The suspension has sports car traits and, for the price and vintage compared to similar two-seaters, it accelerates well. I actually like the VQ engine--pretty smooth V6, makes nice noises around 5K rpm. Is the car a bit clattery? Yes. Understeer? You bet. Refined? There is room for improvement. But the experience is analogue.

The experience in the M235i is more filtered (in a good way, I think) and refined. The M235i corners better and accelerates faster. It is more versatile and comfortable. I'm going to DD the M235i and do so pretty much year-round on Rust Belt roads. I wouldn't do that with the 350z. And I wouldn't take the 350z on a long highway trip because road noise and bumps get tiring. I have no such concerns with the M235i. I can choose between sport and comfort mode. I find it great fun to drive across a wider range of circumstances, and so I expect to get more enjoyment out of it.

[B_Rice]

I also had a 06 6mt 350z back in the day. I think that was the most disappointing car I have ever owned.

-terrible interior (both in materials and design)
-transmission syncros made of the shittiest metals known to man.
-rough ride, but the handling wasn't that good.

The m235i blows it out of the water.

[jeremicium]

Originally Posted by BD_F22

Just commenting on your double clutch comment.. The ZF8 transmission in the 2er is the same or better than most DCT cars I have ever driven. My previous car was a 2013 S4 with the DCT and the audi transmission can not even compare to the ZF8 in the 2er. Aside from that I do agree most cars are more fun to drive 6MT.

I want to stay calm about this but....are you out of your mind?

The ZF 8 speed is a very good slush box transmission, but it's still an automatic. I've driven the Porsche PDK, BMW DCT, and the audi double clutch, all of them are better than the ZF. The ZF might be smoother around town, but in terms of performance, and fun, the DCT kills.

Wife has the ZF in her car, again, good transmission, but it's still an auto.

[M2ALEX]

EVO X has an AWD punch off the line. Also the EVO X has power from the start. The m235i has better mid range power for sure.

[Benandluna]

Never test drove a 370 but I drove a g37 and 350, which led to a 135i purchase. After a piggy back tune there was no comparison. So much torque.

Now I have a stock 235i and it almost feels like my tuned 135i.

Love it

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by M2ALEX

EVO X has an AWD punch off the line. Also the EVO X has power from the start. The m235i has better mid range power for sure.

I wonder if modded M235s ever run against modded Evos. Both cars are kinda rare, I've never run one before.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by jeremicium

I want to stay calm about this but....are you out of your mind?

The ZF 8 speed is a very good slush box transmission, but it's still an automatic. I've driven the Porsche PDK, BMW DCT, and the audi double clutch, all of them are better than the ZF. The ZF might be smoother around town, but in terms of performance, and fun, the DCT kills.

Wife has the ZF in her car, again, good transmission, but it's still an auto.

Agree. But both are better than the SMG III I had in the E60 M5. Hard shifts felt like I was running over a dog.

[BD_F22]

Originally Posted by jeremicium

I want to stay calm about this but....are you out of your mind?

The ZF 8 speed is a very good slush box transmission, but it's still an automatic. I've driven the Porsche PDK, BMW DCT, and the audi double clutch, all of them are better than the ZF. The ZF might be smoother around town, but in terms of performance, and fun, the DCT kills.

Wife has the ZF in her car, again, good transmission, but it's still an auto.

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

[chattanooga240]

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

Keep in mind most people do not drive a lot of different cars and just think that anything with a DCT is just flat out better.

Being behind the wheel of just about everything you can imagine, the 8 speed in the 235 is "light years" ahead of a few of the more inferior DCT's out there, and I completely agree with your S4 comment. Audi must have agreed too, they ditched that transmission for an 8 speed the very next year.