[Bosozoku]

Originally Posted by MikeT

The chassis isn’t punishing the way the M235i’s larger M-badged siblings can be.

On the other hand, C&D thinks the M4 is getting too cushy:

"... we're certainly reassured after driving the 530-hp Dinan S1 M4, which sharpens and refocuses a car that in stock form is drifting in the direction of a luxury GT. ..."

The above quote is from their story titled "Dinan S1 BMW M4 Tested! Dinan Grinds an Edge Back onto the M4". I think the story was posted just today. So someone at C&D thinks the M cars are "punishing" and someone else thinks the M4 is turning into a luxo-cruiser. Go figure.

[CPTM3]

My 2014 makes me grin ear to ear every day, even in my hellacious DC commute!!

[davefromfla]

Hell yeah! I drive every chance I get, especially since I work from home.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

I lost track of the # of 3 series owners telling me they cant wait to get a 2 next...At least the ones that don't need 4 doors.

[Esteban]

Test drove the M235i when it first came out and wasn't thrilled. I think that's because it was the replacement for my car and I was too biased against it to give it a fair chance. Have been reading many good things about it since then. Also, its looks have been growing on me. Will have to try one again sometime soon.

Congrats to the M235i for making Car & Driver 10best again, and congrats to all the owners, as well.

[uberspeed]

Originally Posted by Midwest M235i

I lost track of the # of 3 series owners telling me they cant wait to get a 2 next...At least the ones that don't need 4 doors.

/raises hand
230i next for me.

[24601]

Just goes to show that the F30 is an epic fail from the E90.

[vase330]

That is certainly true. I have had my 335 since day one and can't find anything out there I want to trade it in on. It's tuned so am not even looking for more power, just something new. I have flirted with the idea of going to the Mercedes C class, but they are too slouchy for my liking. I can't feel love got the newer 3/4 series and for the first time in 15yrs I did not spring for the new 4 series. I fact I just couldn't be bothered. Instead sold my Toyota SUV and got a new 2014 range river supercharged to fix my new car craving. That turned out to be the worst lemon of a vehicle. Worse than I could have a be, a new car can be. So I ditched it for a 2015.5 Range Rover Sport Autobiography. It's a lovely thing, a monster too that would paint an M235 with skid marks all over. Planning a $1900 software and pulley tune yo bring it to 630 hp and around 4 sec flat. M4 league if you can believe it, still, I love my 335. I still want to trade it and soon I will make a decision. Am fence seating but leaning to M235 / M2. i fancy an M235 in blue or red. will have to see the M2 and test drive both to pick one. Nearly bought a 911 last year. Still not convinced I don't want one though it doesn't make any sense fir me. Thinking I'll have a baby in a year so maybe forced to trade to something practical, the Range Rover stays but girlfriend only likes riding in it won't drive it. Somehow I suspect she may force my hand if we have a baby.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by 24601

Just goes to show that the F30 is an epic fail from the E90.

: ok chicken little.

And neither is the 911, it's a piece of crap, that's why the boxster/Cayman are on there.

No, it just goes to show you that car and driver ten best cars tend to be lightweight and fun to drive. That's why *historically* cars like the Nissan Sentra SE-R, and Infiniti G20 have made the list as well as cars like the Honda Fit.

I believe there also is a price ceiling as well...

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

: ok chicken little.

And neither is the 911, it's a piece of crap, that's why the boxster/Cayman are on there.

No, it just goes to show you that car and driver ten best cars tend to be lightweight and fun to drive. That's why cars like the Nissan Sentra SE-R, and Infiniti G20 made the list as well as cars like the Honda Fit.

I believe there also is a price ceiling as well...

The price ceiling is $80,000 - says that in the first sentence of the article.

Are you looking at the right list? Neither the Sentra, G20, or Fit made the list...

And lightweight? I guess the standards for a lightweight car have changed. The Camaro, Mustang, Cadillac, and yes, even the M235i are all over 3500 pounds. And the Tesla S? Over 4600 pounds.

But the bottom line is that it's great that there's still a BMW in the C&D Top Ten list after all these years, and great that it's the 2 Series now. I love mine every time I drive it, so no argument from me about how much fun it is.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by wjones14

The price ceiling is $80,000 - says that in the first sentence of the article.

Are you looking at the right list? Neither the Sentra, G20, or Fit made the list...

And lightweight? I guess the standards for a lightweight car have changed. The Camaro, Mustang, Cadillac, and yes, even the M235i are all over 3500 pounds. And the Tesla S? Over 4600 pounds.

But the bottom line is that it's great that there's still a BMW in the C&D Top Ten list after all these years, and great that it's the 2 Series now. I love mine every time I drive it, so no argument from me about how much fun it is.

The Sentra SE-R, not just the run of the mill Sentra btw. Perhaps if I had said NX2000 ( which I also believe at one time made the list )?

Edited my post for grammar to help you along since I lost you ... Check your Car and Driver back issues...

And yes, I agree with you that what used to be a " lightweight car " has changed, as most of that list has gone porker like the F80x...

For their two large sedans, the Tesla comes in along with the Cadillac now muscles out the 3/4 series as they have kept the Honda Accord In the mix. Honda ( if not already ) will likely have the longest running continuous model over the 3 series.

The Camaro replaces the Vette as a better value in a smaller package. The new Mustang is cool but will get bumped off the list probably by its stable mate, the Ford Focus (RS), which I bet will make its *return* to the list next year.

As far as the 2 series, yes it's AWESOME to see it make the list but really it's simply natural, as most cars have moved upmarket in both size and price (Vette replaced by camaro, 3 series replaced by 2 series , 911 replaced by Cayman, etc... , the smaller more nimble models in the respective lineups remain).

It's a shame they didn't say 2 series, as the 228 is also a good car. Hopefully the M240 makes it along with the M2 or maybe they give a little love to the entire 2 series lineup next year.

Checking out the 10 MOST now and WOW it's interesting to see two Hyundai Models on that list ...

[vase330]

It's not that the new 3/4 is crap, it is just that they are not as exciting now and the 2 just feels so fun. I drove a 228 and was just shocked. I wasn't expecting it to be any good but it was eye opening. I drove the 235 and was like . I have SUV anyway so now I don't have to care that much about practicality. I don't think. So my goal is to find the most fun car I can have for up to $60K but I don't think the M is that car, I think I like the 2 series it's just a lot less money am not trying to get the fastest car, I want the auto feel good going normal speeds. The Porsche tempted me but I decided against it because the price doesn't make sense for me, I already spent a crap load on suv it's silly to go spend a ton on a car.

[dharo1]

After 18 months and almost 9k miles, I cant deny the 2 series is a blast to drive. I have enjoyed every single mile.
Wife is now forcing me to sell But I'll keep its memories close to my heart.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by EvenEsteban

Test drove the M235i when it first came out and wasn't thrilled. I think that's because it was the replacement for my car and I was too biased against it to give it a fair chance. Have been reading many good things about it since then. Also, its looks have been growing on me. Will have to try one again sometime soon.

Congrats to the M235i for making Car & Driver 10best again, and congrats to all the owners, as well.

Give it another shot someday. It's my second favorite car to have owned, behind only my e46 M3 (see sig).

The M235i is a very pedestrian looking car stock imo...Minimally needs a big staggered set of wheels/tires. Probably some lowering and maybe spacers too if one wants to get a little more aggressive.

When I put on my flat black wheels on staggered PSS on my car? I got more compliments than when I owned my E46 and E92 M3's....I'm not exaggerating one bit either.

The 2'er is very deserved of 10 best. Long live the 2.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Midwest M235i

Give it another shot someday. It's my second favorite car to have owned, behind only my e46 M3 (see sig).

The M235i is a very pedestrian looking car stock imo...Minimally needs a big staggered set of wheels/tires. Probably some lowering and maybe spacers too if one wants to get a little more aggressive.

When I put on my flat black wheels on staggered PSS on my car? I got more compliments than when I owned my E46 and E92 M3's....I'm not exaggerating one bit either.

The 2'er is very deserved of 10 best. Long live the 2.

Will definitely give it another try... this time with an open mind.

BTW, love the E46 M3... my favorite BMW by far.

[bladeomatic]

Originally Posted by Viffermike

What I wonder is: will the M2 replace it on the 2017 list?

Not so sure.
The M3 never replaced the 3 series on the list all those years. Too narrow a focus. I don't really think the M2 will be close to a better car than the M235i. That will be difficult, as the M235i is just so solid in most areas (speed, comfort, drivability, mpg, handling, cost). Sure the M2 will be WAY more fun for the die-hard enthusiast, where performance and track handling are the heavy focus. But like many articles have said, the "M" variants are often too much of that focus for the wide appeal that tends wins these awards.

[crawfordbay]

Mine is still amazing. But I doubt the 2 Series will make this or any list ever again once it goes FWD next gen.

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by Midwest M235i

The M235i is a very pedestrian looking car stock imo...Minimally needs a big staggered set of wheels/tires. Probably some lowering and maybe spacers too if one wants to get a little more aggressive.

When I put on my flat black wheels on staggered PSS on my car? I got more compliments than when I owned my E46 and E92 M3's....I'm not exaggerating one bit either.

The 2'er is very deserved of 10 best. Long live the 2.

Agree about the appearance - it didn't make the list because of its looks.

The M2, OTOH, is definitely more aggressive looking and eye-catching. I'm envious of the M2 styling compared to mine every time I see the pictures.

[rich8566]

+1

[bholyk]

I have had mine for 3 weeks and love it!

[s0ul]

No F8x? Blasphemy!

[TiM235i]

Originally Posted by s0ul

No F8x? Blasphemy!

If so, it was blasphemy two years in a row!