[abp689]

Will BMW transition the M235 into a "standard" 235i when the new M2 enters the market? This would give the 2 series a bit more segmentation than what currently exist and add a bit more allure to the M2.

I am not up on all the prior "is" models, but it seemed to be used to stir up excitement as the brand was about to be discontinued (I am aware the 235 is new however).

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by abp689

Will BMW transition the M235 into a "standard" 235i when the new M2 enters the market? This would give the 2 series a bit more segmentation than what currently exist and add a bit more allure to the M2.

I am not up on all the prior "is" models, but it seemed to be used to stir up excitement as the brand was about to be discontinued (I am aware the 235 is new however).

Probably all conjecture at this point. But as an M235i owner, I think it would be a mistake to eliminate the M235i from the line up. I believe the M235i fills a needed gap between all-out M cars and non M-cars. I think it is a very good balance between luxury/comfort and the traditionally harsh, race track oriented M machines. Full M is very cool, but not everyone can live with it as a DD. Bravo to those who can.

On the other hand, if all you're talking about is labeling, no big deal - call it a 235i.

[david.orr]

There are M cars and there are non-M cars.

M235i is a non-M car. It is not a transitional model from non-M to M.

It makes sense for BMW to retain M235i, 235is or just 235i as the top of non-M range.

To discontinue the 235 model line after M2 release would isolate existing and potential BMW owners who aren't interested in M cars but wish to have more than 4 cyls (228) or a little more oomph than the 228

[abp689]

Originally Posted by jaffa12

There are M cars and there are non-M cars.

To discontinue the 235 model line after M2 release would isolate existing and potential BMW owners who aren't interested in M cars but wish to have more than 4 cyls (228) or a little more oomph than the 228

Agreed, I doubt they would discontinue the 235 line, but I could see the corporate benefit of removing the M moniker (along with 20hp, exterior/interior styling bits...).

Or BMW follows through on the creation of M-performance lines for all series cars (IDK).

[USPSALIMITED]

Hmmm. In which direction can the most money be made?

I think BMW needs to keep something similar for sports car enthusiasts at the M235 price point if they do not want to lose sales volume in the US market, do not know how things look worldwide. Perhaps they could drop the 235 and do something like a 228is.

[ska///235i]

I dont think so...the M2 should be at least $5000 more than the m235i so there's the gap

[pikcachu]

5k? lol you wish.... M2 won't be less than 52-53k

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

5k? lol you wish.... M2 won't be less than 52-53k

"At least"

[bladeomatic]

Originally Posted by abp689

Will BMW transition the M235 into a "standard" 235i when the new M2 enters the market? This would give the 2 series a bit more segmentation than what currently exist and add a bit more allure to the M2.

I am not up on all the prior "is" models, but it seemed to be used to stir up excitement as the brand was about to be discontinued (I am aware the 235 is new however).

Some interesting thoughts expressed by others. Some thoughts:

Keep it
-Most widely praised car by BMW in years. Highest rated bmw by consumer reports ever. Most reviews are very positive. Driver Randy Probst called it his favorite bimmer in 10 years. It's not the halo car or standard bearer for the brand but it brought a lot of street cred back, showing they can build a small, fast, comfy, fun car.

-It's got moderate practicality. More usable than a Z4, more affordable than than a 3 or 5 series. Sporty, good gas mileage, easy to park, can carry 4 in a pinch.

-Mfr cost should be modest. Shares components with other models. Isn't a massive departure from the base 2 series, using mostly bolt-on's to differentiate the 2.

-It matches well with others in this class (Audi S3, AMG CLA45, Golf R, WRX). All these mfrs show there's a niche here for small, sporty pocket rockets. The 235i has shown well against this field of competitors. 228 gives up too much ground against some of these. M2 is several clicks above all but the CLA. BMW would be wise to not abandon a hot segment where they're competitive.

Lose it
-Sales. If they're not strong enough, it may not be profitable.

-M2. They may want a clear distinction of what the top of the 2 line is. Though the M2 appears to be a nasty little ride, the performance specs may not be that different. For all the difference in price, an M4 doesn't have specs that embarras an m235i. It may be even more important that this is clear when the M2 drops.

-Platform. Looking at the news, it's apparent that BMW is moving towards unifying some of their smaller platform w/Mini (a la VW/Audi) to save on development & mfr costs. Virtually all car mfrs are doing this. To make this work they appear to be trying to make the cars smaller by transversely mounting small turbo 4 cyl engines and moving *some* of their line to FWD. The new 1/2 series is where this may start. They may not want this oddball M235 kicking around that doesn't fit into their platform consolidation plan. Nor is it a halo car with special M construction requirements.

If I had to guess I'd say it's got a 3 year run...through 2016.

[MikeT]

I think it almost goes without saying that BMW will continue to slot an I-6 car between the 228i and the M2. I think the most likely scenario is that a 235i will continue to be offered but its M package will become optional.

[Bohemoth]

I dont think BMW would have went to the trouble of engineering this car if it wasnt going to be around long the M2 isnt far away. The S3/TT customers are probably what its aimed at, I could honestly buy either after looking at my car. I see it in BMWs long term plans.

[Steven1077]

Won't it be a 240i by the time the M2 comes out? Or soon after

[Researcher]

M235 continues as is.

M2 will be an expensive limited run exercise.

[mjposner]

The whole point of the M235i is it is believed to have more cachet than just a 235is.

Its the Audi three tier model:

A3 = 228i
S3 = M235i
RS3 = M2

As for price, if history is a guide, it will be at least 7k more to start, and depending it is optioned out, will likely head to 60k. It will be a low volume car, so price will not be designed to spur sales.

[W///]

Originally Posted by Researcher

M235 continues as is.

M2 will be an expensive limited run exercise.

I bet it won't be. The 1M project started at the very end of its life cyle (heck even longer if you consider the rest of the world had the 1 series hatch for years before the 1er coupe came to the US). The M2 comes out right at around the same time normal M cars come out (ie ~2 years after launch), so I don't see why the M2 won't be a normal production run.

[Meeni]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

5k? lol you wish.... M2 won't be less than 52-53k

Cayman money at this point. That's a serious reality check for BMW.

[alz0rz]

Originally Posted by Meeni

Cayman money at this point. That's a serious reality check for BMW.

Cayman starts at almost 64k?

[Meeni]

Originally Posted by alz0rz

Cayman starts at almost 64k?

Nop, 52k, Cayman S starts at 64k.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by Meeni

Cayman money at this point. That's a serious reality check for BMW.

What does a base model, 275hp Porsche 2 seater really have to do with a top spec'ed, likely 375-400hp coupe?

An M3 is also Escalade money, so what?

Some of us want to buy a car that can fit 2 kids, a bike rack, and a weekends worth of luggage.

If I really wanted the max performance for $50k you would buy a C7 Corvette which would make both cars eat it.

The M235i won't be discontinued. Just like the 135 wasn't discontinued with the 1M.

The more niche's you fill the more cars you sell.

[235newbie]

I think they should expand the line to compete with the Audi S models.

Release a M335i/M435i etc.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by jaffa12

There are M cars and there are non-M cars.

M235i is a non-M car. It is not a transitional model from non-M to M.

It isn't? I believe as a partial M-car, it fits very nicely between non-M and full-M cars.

[USPSALIMITED]

Originally Posted by 3.0L

It isn't? I believe as a partial M-car, it fits very nicely between non-M and full-M cars.

An N car then? We should call it that & get badges made up.

All this talk makes me wonder again if I should have ordered a 228. All that sporty goodness, not that much cash, and there is much much fun to be had with a to motor you can really hammer down on.
If only I wasn't a motor head at heart.