[crawfordbay]

Originally Posted by MUFCbmwbear

Indeed

A picture is worth a thousand words. Both silver too! Did this just happen by chance?

[MUFCbmwbear]

Originally Posted by crawfordbay

A picture is worth a thousand words. Both silver too! Did this just happen by chance?

Nope, its my friends M3 TiAg silver. This was right after I got my M235i last year hence the reflectors. Lic plate is just for parking on street.
I love the size of the e46 F22.

[MUFCbmwbear]

Another angle

[crawfordbay]

Originally Posted by MUFCbmwbear

Nope, its my friends M3 TiAg silver. This was right after I got my M235i last year hence the reflectors. Lic plate is just for parking on street.
I love the size of the e46 F22.

Completely agree. The e46 F22 size is perfect!

[RobNH]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe the engine in the M235i is used in any other BMW model?

If that's the case, IMHO, it's an M-car in my mind. When somebody asks me what I drive, I say "BMW M235" I don't say "BMW 235".

[MrBallooKnot]

Originally Posted by Ramos

Let's agree to disagree lol!
Also they purposely didn't announce anything about the M2 when they launched the M235, that's called "creaming" in marketing lingo. Basically they captured every one that wants an M2 bad enough twice (me included) they made us want and get the M235 thinking that it might be as good as it gets, knowing that a lot of us will trade up to the M2 eventually when it comes..

Hats off to BMW M (marketing)

Agreed. It's a polarizing strategy to solidify the "M" crowd while intriguing the "in-betweeners". I know these aren't technical terms but it is what is is.

Good point.

I'm in a lease with the M235 so I'll probably consider the M2 which I may not have otherwise done. Not saying I'll like it if it's not comfortable for a daily commute--but I'll definitely take a look which I probably wouldn't otherwise.

tl;dr: I'm a marketing tool.

[wjones14]

I've had my M235i less than a week now, but already got my first "Is that a real M?" question today.

Ran into a couple co-workers in the office parking lot when leaving work today, and they heard that I got the new car so they walked with me to look at it. These were guys in their 30s, somewhat interested in nice cars, but both starting their own families and needing larger cars. Anyway, they did love the technology with the big iPad screen on the dash and the iDrive joystick, and they also liked the clean look outside and luxury interior. One guy was eyeing the M badges, and asked "is this an M car like the M3 and M5?" I didn't want to go into a long explanation since we were all ready to head home, and he didn't specify "real" M car, so I answered, "yeah, sort of."

[verbs]

Originally Posted by RobNH

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe the engine in the M235i is used in any other BMW model?

If that's the case, IMHO, it's an M-car in my mind. When somebody asks me what I drive, I say "BMW M235" I don't say "BMW 235".

An M car is a lot more than just an engine, and in this car it's basically the same engine that's in every 335i/435i/535i/etc.

I've owned M cars, M-sport cars and now an M235i. It's not an M car.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by RobNH

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe the engine in the M235i is used in any other BMW model?

If that's the case, IMHO, it's an M-car in my mind. When somebody asks me what I drive, I say "BMW M235" I don't say "BMW 235".

135is + anyone who has an older PPK. The current MPPK is a shade more powerful @335hp. Still not an M car just look at the build plate to see if it says BMW-AG or "M-GmbH". Only ones with "M" build plates are "M" cars. Rest are M-Performance products.

The current M models are:
M3 – F80 Sedan, (2013 to present)
M4 – F82 Coupé, (2013 to present)
M5 – F10 Saloon (2011 to present)
M6 – F06/12/13 (2012 to present)
X5 M – F15 SAV (2014 to present)
X6 M – F16 SAV (2014 to present)

[mike@tpc]

and when they are making an M version of the X5 and X6, who really cares whether its an M or not. The current M is so far from the original M concept that I don't care whether it is or not. I just know I like it a lot.

[MikeT]

135is + anyone who has an older PPK. The current MPPK is a shade more powerful @335hp. Still not an M car just look at the build plate to see if it says BMW-AG or "M-GmbH". Only ones with "M" build plates are "M" cars. Rest are M-Performance products.

Fair enough, but when you come down to it, is not an 'M build plate' just another badge?

'BMW AG' and 'BMW M GmbH' are separate companies in roughly the same sense that Chevrolet and GMC are separate companies.

BMW decides which cars are worthy of an 'M build plate' and which aren't for marketing purposes, not some ultimate reality that a different company called 'BMW M GmbH' is actually building the car. The M cars are built in the same factories on the same lines as non-M counterparts.

[gaijin]

The M235i is one of the model in the M Performance Automobile portfolio.

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/c...rformance.html

[vintage42]

Originally Posted by verbs

An M car is a lot more than just an engine... I've owned M cars, M-sport cars and now an M235i. It's not an M car.

Carsten Pries, head of M Product Management, gave an interview in the April Roundel, page 86, in which he explains the difference between the "core" M cars and the M-Sport cars.

Carsten Pries: The M3 and M4 are clear statements of what we call the "core" M philosophy: the incorporation of our motorsport technology into street versions, with lightweight parts such as carbon-fiber driveshafts; direct steering response—yes, even with electric assist—and a carbon-fiber roof lowering the center of gravity.
R: What's the reasoning behind offering M Sport packages, then?
CP: Our M Sport equipment serves to bring new customers to the M brand, particularly those who cannot afford a core M model. The M235i is the top seller in the 2 Series range, and the M135i has attained near-legendary status among BMW fans. There really is little difference in performance between an M235i and a core M model.

[gaijin]

Here's a copy of the interview as published in the April 2015 issue of BMWCCA Roundel Magazine.

[3.0L]

Fourth paragraph, plus answer; particularly the last sentence.

There you have it, folks.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by MikeT

Fair enough, but when you come down to it, is not an 'M build plate' just another badge?

'BMW AG' and 'BMW M GmbH' are separate companies in roughly the same sense that Chevrolet and GMC are separate companies.

BMW decides which cars are worthy of an 'M build plate' and which aren't for marketing purposes, not some ultimate reality that a different company called 'BMW M GmbH' is actually building the car. The M cars are built in the same factories on the same lines as non-M counterparts.

They pulled the assembly into Munich last year but they are not like Chevy & GMC which are front clips & badges. The "M" inner unit body is similar with more internal bracing & full welds, but most of the rest of the car is unique.

Last year, BMW invested almost €150 million in its production facilities, including the manufacturing infrastructure for the new M4 Coupe. It’s the first time that the Munich plant has built a car designed around a lightweight concept, and which incorporates an aluminum hood and side panels, a CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) roof and trunk lid. The bonding system for the carbon roof is also new to the plant.

The M4 uses 1,500 parts unique to the model, and the labor involved with its assembly is about 10% higher than for a regular 4 Series. It starts in the body shop, where workers fit the M4’s aluminum axle mounts, modified suspension mounts and additional stiffeners. In final assembly, the M4 gets its own sport suspension, steering wheel, seats and forged alloy wheels, plus the S55 turbocharged six-cylinder delivered from the BMW engine plant in Steyr, Austria.

That said you can call your car anything you want but you do not have a unique engine as the other poster said as his reason or a rebadged 335/435.

[DSTR]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

They pulled the assembly into Munich last year but they are not like Chevy & GMC which are front clips & badges. The "M" inner unit body is similar with more internal bracing & full welds, but most of the rest of the car is unique.

Last year, BMW invested almost €150 million in its production facilities, including the manufacturing infrastructure for the new M4 Coupe. It’s the first time that the Munich plant has built a car designed around a lightweight concept, and which incorporates an aluminum hood and side panels, a CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) roof and trunk lid. The bonding system for the carbon roof is also new to the plant.

The M4 uses 1,500 parts unique to the model, and the labor involved with its assembly is about 10% higher than for a regular 4 Series. It starts in the body shop, where workers fit the M4’s aluminum axle mounts, modified suspension mounts and additional stiffeners. In final assembly, the M4 gets its own sport suspension, steering wheel, seats and forged alloy wheels, plus the S55 turbocharged six-cylinder delivered from the BMW engine plant in Steyr, Austria.

That said you can call your car anything you want but you do not have a unique engine as the other poster said as his reason or a rebadged 335/435.

BMW named it the M235i. Call Munich and sort it out. Please. Given the so so reviews of the 4 here in Europe and more than 1 magazine stating why bother with it vs the M235i-- more spent does not yield a better driving experience. BMW made and named the car. Good luck.

[mmmmm235i]

Ugh give it a rest already. I promise that no one on this forum is confused about what a true M car is. Many of us have slightly different definitions, but all have respect for the M3/4, M5, M6. The 235 is in its own category and will be joined by other Mxxx's in the future. For those of us that don't have 80k for a car budget, the 235 is arguably as good as it gets. We didn't name the car, but we chose it over good competition. I can almost understand why an MX owner would feel some type of way, but its beyond me why anyone else would care.

[Tuxedo]

perspective sakes alive: I have a neighbor with an e46 M3 he never washes and always grime covered... sickens me. Dirty on the outside runs like a devil on red bull tho. Don't need to see its badge to know it's an M3. Now also in my hood is an M5, I know it has no tunes and v-8 twins. Before I saw him at the car wash I wondered if he had the last of the v-10's.

My point is every xmas we open up a wrapped gift until we do, we ponder and anticipate "oh oh it could be anything in there" and right now thats what the M2 is the BMW version of anything. For all arguments the M235 is the "M2ish" to heighten anticipation. And see how well it's whoop'd all ya alls into a fevered debate about it.

Great credit goes to BMW marketing

[Liquidpaper]

M or not, who the hell cares? If you want an M car, go buy one. Your local BMW dealer will be happy to sell you one. If you don't, don't.

If you bought an M235i and are feeling underwhelmed or like you need to "keep up with the Nelsons," mod it or sell it and get something faster.

Why won't this thread end? Why? Please make it stop. Just when I think it'll be laid to rest, this thread comes back like a bad STD or a zombie. Someone aim for the head next time. Props to OP for a super-troll thread.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by DSTR

BMW named it the M235i. Call Munich and sort it out. Please. Given the so so reviews of the 4 here in Europe and more than 1 magazine stating why bother with it vs the M235i-- more spent does not yield a better driving experience. BMW made and named the car. Good luck.

Interesting comments on the 435. Don’t understand why you thought it necessary to bring it up. Thing is when I went to the BMW store had a chance to try both for a few days & believed the 435 would be a better fit as a replacement for my 335is coupe since I already had a smaller car, the 135is.

If I want to play Walter Mitty at VIR with the BMW Club or through the Carolina moonshine roads like Tail of the Dragon I can take the 135is or the Cobra. Both will give a very nice driving experience. Especially the space framed Coyote Boss powered Cobra that can run a road course with a Lambo Gallardo.

Bottom line is we were talking about if an M235 was a real M car. I think the pending release of the M2, something that most likely will replace my 135is, answers that question.

BTW don’t get much in the way of Euro car mags here but both Top Gear & Fifth Gear had nice things to say about the 435 so with 342 hp its not exactly a dead horse. Also a lot of guys here stick M side badges on the 4 series M-Sports because they have them on in Europe & Canada by the factory. Still does not make it an M car

[BMW335iOn18s]

Ok lets settle this...once and for all. The M235i is closer to an M car than any regular series car has ever been. It has some M bits. Hell, it has the manual transmission out of the 1M and F8x. The M2 will be a real M car. The M235i is a M-sport with some M bits that performs better than previous generation M cars....I hope that covers it! Although even Mr. Preis can't decide whether or not it's an M car or not!