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      08-28-2017, 04:52 PM   #1
Evanallan1
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Upgrading to a CPO M235i

So I am currently driving a Mk7 GTI but have been wanting something more fun and with some more power and there is a pretty good deal on a CPO m235i in my area that I am seriously considering. It is estoril blue with red leather interior and all of the MP parts that you can apply minus the MPE. The only down side is that it is an automatic instead of a manual so I wanted to get past and present owners feedback who have switched from a manual to the ZF 8 speed auto and what you thought about it. Also, if i do end up going with the car I will look into doing a tune, DP, Intake, IC, and maybe more so any feedback and best/worst experiences with those on the auto.

Thanks!
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      08-28-2017, 04:56 PM   #2
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I think there is general agreement that this automatic is one of the finest ever. Having said that, I've been reading this forum for three years. I've never read anyone who regretted a manual trans, but have read automatic owners who had buyer's remorse and wished they found or waited for a stick. That is not a sufficient sample to draw a conclusion but take it for what's it's worth.
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      08-28-2017, 05:16 PM   #3
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The auto is pretty damn good. I wouldn't trade my 6spd for it, but I also wouldn't be too sad if I were to loose a leg and had to make a switch.
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      08-28-2017, 05:17 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sportstick View Post
I think there is general agreement that this automatic is one of the finest ever. Having said that, I've been reading this forum for three years. I've never read anyone who regretted a manual trans, but have read automatic owners who had buyer's remorse and wished they found or waited for a stick. That is not a sufficient sample to draw a conclusion but take it for what's it's worth.
^ This. The ZF 8AT is one of the best automatics on the planet but if you like a manual get a manual. You might be looking for a while though that's the only drawback.

FWIW I used to only buy manuals and I don't regret having the 8AT for a second. It really is that good.
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      08-28-2017, 05:23 PM   #5
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I actually went from driving manuals for the past 16+ years to a ZF8 m240i. This and the Porsche PDK are the only autos that feel good enough to me to not regret not having a manual too much. My last car was actually a manual 2016 MK7 GTI.

As a side note, the steering feel is better on the MK7 GTI and it feels lighter/nimbler. Everything else is better on the m235i/m240i.
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      08-28-2017, 07:31 PM   #6
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OP, I also came from a MK7 GTI and you'll absolutely love the upgrade. You won't be unhappy with the ZF8, in my opinion, it's very close to a DSG but smoother, and a tad less on/off when it comes to engagement.

Is it RWD, at least?
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      08-28-2017, 08:39 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dylan86 View Post
OP, I also came from a MK7 GTI and you'll absolutely love the upgrade. You won't be unhappy with the ZF8, in my opinion, it's very close to a DSG but smoother, and a tad less on/off when it comes to engagement.

Is it RWD, at least?
It is RWD which I think will be night and day from the GTI.
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      08-28-2017, 08:46 PM   #8
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Drove a manual for 25+ years (frack, that's some perspective). I don't regret getting the ZF 8AT one bit; especially after going on a tour through a lot of twisties yesterday.
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      08-28-2017, 08:56 PM   #9
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I went from years of manuals to this auto in the M235i (mine was a CPO as well). Every now and then I wish I had the manual, and then I get stuck in traffic... The 8-speed auto is a great transmission. I appreciate it when I have a handful of car on the track and i don't have to worry about shifting. And if you do want to shift, you always have the paddles.
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      08-28-2017, 09:11 PM   #10
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if i went for a 228, i would have went manual.

This car can make plenty of power, and to put it all down you prob want an AWD with a zf8.
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      08-29-2017, 03:07 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bryan_f22 View Post
if i went for a 228, i would have went manual.

This car can make plenty of power, and to put it all down you prob want an AWD with a zf8.
It would also make the car 3650 pounds, which is 440i or Camaro SS weight. The F22 is already not exactly light for the size. The RWD version at 3500-3550 pounds is at least within a couple hundred pounds of the Golf R.
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      08-29-2017, 08:29 AM   #12
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All of my previous cars had been manual (28 years of manual) before I got my M235 two years ago. As many have already said, the ZF 8 speed is a great transmission and I really like it and don't really miss the manual all that much. Although, given the choice, I would have opted for the 6 speed if it was offered in the xdrive. I would say since you are going with RWD, I would try and find one with a 6MT if that is really what you want.
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      08-29-2017, 11:12 AM   #13
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The ZF 8AT is stellar in this car. So good in fact that BMW is phasing out the DCT for modified ZF 8ATs (true story). The 8AT cars are quicker/faster than the 6MT cars because they can build boost on the launch, hold boost on the shifts, and are better geared. The ZF 8AT is pretty stout and you'll never have to replace a clutch. If I was competitively racing this car, I'd definitely have the 8AT.

With that said, you'll be hard pressed to find threads on the BMW forums of 6MT owners wishing they got the auto/DCT. However, there are plenty of threads and posts of auto owners wishing they got the 6MT. That's very telling

If you want a manual, get the manual. Lots of people settle for the 8AT because they can't find a 6MT or got a crazy deal on the 8AT and convince themselves it's great because of the performance advantage. They enjoy it for a few months and then they grow bored of it. It happens all the time.

The 6MT is really exceptional in feel and execution. My only compliant is the long and high clutch pedal, but that can be fixed. Finding a used 6MT will prove to be quite difficult plus when you find them, they command a much higher price because they're so sought after and rare (~8% of M235s are manuals).
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      08-29-2017, 11:35 AM   #14
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I owned manual transmission BMWs for the last 10 years prior to getting my M235i with the 8AT. It was honestly the first automatic I had ever driven that I really enjoyed; super quick shifts, holds a gear, smooth when you want it to be. Of course I miss rowing my own gears occasionally, but it certainly isn't anything I dwell on. If you're going to get an auto, this is the transmission to go with.
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      08-29-2017, 11:37 AM   #15
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Part of what I like about my 2013 135is convertible is the DCT. I just think it's technically cool, and of course it's directly hooked to the wheels in a way that most ATs can only dream of. But the 8AT in the m240i that I tested was just fine, and I rather like the fact that you can replace an AT for much less than the 15 large it would cost you if the DCT failed.

I expect to be quite happy with the 8AT. Of course an MT is "more fun", at least if you're not in traffic, but I've had manuals and autos and DCT and the auto is just fine for me.

Of course I'm older than any two of you put together so that could explain it.
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      08-29-2017, 11:50 AM   #16
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Of course I'm older than any two of you put together so that could explain it.
Well, if it was just two of me, you'd be more than 126, so I'm very impressed!!
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      08-29-2017, 01:08 PM   #17
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I'm putting my 2 cents in. I have never owned a mt. Have never even thought of owning one. I have a BMW for the occasions that I want to have fun. I put it in sport mode and the car does a fine job of shifting for me.
Let me clarify. I did have a motorcycle for a couple of years. That was a manual.
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      08-29-2017, 01:10 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Jeffries View Post
Part of what I like about my 2013 135is convertible is the DCT. I just think it's technically cool, and of course it's directly hooked to the wheels in a way that most ATs can only dream of. But the 8AT in the m240i that I tested was just fine, and I rather like the fact that you can replace an AT for much less than the 15 large it would cost you if the DCT failed.
FYI, in more sporting modes, the ZF 8AT in the M235/240 locks the torque converter in all gears beyond 1st. This means there's a direct connection, just like the DCT and 6MT. It's largely why it can shift so fast. The locked torque converter does have some weight and inertial resistance, but it's really no more heavy than a DCT dual clutch assembly and probably not much heavier than the 6MT's dual mass flywheel and clutch assembly.

The modified ZF 8AT used in the new M5 only uses the torque converter for the first few feet of driving in 1st and then it's completely locked. This is the future.

Like you pointed out, the ZF 8AT is a bit cheaper than the DCT. It's also far less complicated than the DCT. The ZF 8AT is still a pricey piece though and is about twice as much as a new 6MT gear box ($7,000-8,000 vs $3,500-4,000).
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      08-29-2017, 01:12 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by Elvisfan View Post
I'm putting my 2 cents in. I have never owned a mt. Have never even thought of owning one. I have a BMW for the occasions that I want to have fun. I put it in sport mode and the car does a fine job of shifting for me.
Let me clarify. I did have a motorcycle for a couple of years. That was a manual.
You're missing out on what makes many BMWs and other cars great and true driver's cars.
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      08-29-2017, 01:18 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elvisfan View Post
I'm putting my 2 cents in. I have never owned a mt. Have never even thought of owning one. I have a BMW for the occasions that I want to have fun. I put it in sport mode and the car does a fine job of shifting for me.
You'll love the eventual autonomous BMW vehicles...all you'll have to do is sit there!
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      08-29-2017, 01:40 PM   #21
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@Xutvjet yes, I do somewhat know how ATs work, and agree that they operate in a direct connect kind of way much of the time. I was kind of emphasizing the DCT approach, tho, gears and clutches and all that good stuff. Very nifty. I didn't crush the demo M240i I drove but the AT seemed mostly quite fine, and I'm sure I'll be happy with it.

@Sportstick, I reckon they'll take away my keys one day, and when they do, an autonomous vehicle will be more convenient than waiting for the old-guys short bus to show up. Not sure I'll go for 300+ HP and massive torque though. And I hope that day's a long way off.

As for an MT, they are fun. I've avoided driving one for a while now, because I don't want to get sucked in.
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      08-29-2017, 05:42 PM   #22
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Thank you for all of the great feedback everyone! I went and test drive the car last night and it was incredible... after driving a manual for the last 9 years this could be the car that gets me away from them. Now it I am just trying to negotiate the best price I can! I'll be sure to keep you all informed with the final decision and pics if I end up with the car!
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