[Hustlin]

Originally Posted by verbs

Both cars aren't anywhere similar in speed unless we're comparing 0-30mph.

Yep...When I looked it up I came across this table:

http://www.0-60specs.com/bmw-m3-0-60-times/

Looks like a M235 can compare to a 2008 M3, 2015 M3 is going to torch a 2015 M235.

[bladeomatic]

As others have said:

-If you need the practicality of 4 doors
-If you're really going to track the car

Then the M3 is a better fit.

I've driven both. Lots. I wouldn't trade my M235i for an M3 even if it were even money.


Though this is from an earlier post about the 1 vs 2 series, much of it still applies.


Road and Track
"Actually, our biggest complaint about the old 1 Series was how it looked—and BMW definitely fixed that. The 2 is far better looking than the 1 Series it replaces."
"It’s quiet, and adaptive shocks mean this car doesn’t pogo down the road like the old 135i did. It also doesn’t seem to crash over big bumps. This is a major improvement."

Oliver Ganser, Product Strategy and Market Intelligence Manager at BMW
"What we have seen on our tracks is that this car [M235i] is faster than a 1M Coupe."

Car & Driver
"It’s simple math: The 2-series replaced the 1-series and it’s twice the fun."
"the M235i is neither a fully aggro M car nor just a day-to-day standard sports coupe. Its character is in between the two. And that’s . . . well, that’s perfect."

Motor Trend
"The M235i is one of the best-driving BMWs in recent memory, on par with the 1M and the last-generation M3 not only in performance standards, but also in how much it makes you smile. You no longer have to be jealous of orange 1Ms running around your neighborhood. Considering how much better the M235i looks, it might even go the other way around."

Auto Guide
"The new M235i may lack a smidge of the no-compromises performance found in the 1 M Coupe, but it is a better all-around package."
"Having yet to try the new M3 or M4, we can safely say the M235i is the most engaging car in the BMW lineup today."

Top Gear
"But didn't you eventually find the odd crack in the M135i's aura of perfection?
Yup, when we gave it pasting on really corkscrewing roads, it started to heave about and the steering got a bit hazy. But the M235i cuts through that fog. Even compared with the M135i, the springs and dampers are tautened, which cuts roll, keeps the body under better control and sharpens the steering to boot. This new Coupe is properly bolted to the road."

Foxnews
"The all-new M235i isn’t exactly a direct replacement for the 1-Series M Coupe, which was a truly unique specialty piece, but it delivers pretty much the same performance and is a much better car overall."
"The interior grows slightly, but it’s still not much more of a 2+2 with tight rear seats. The quality stuffed in there, however, is several generations better than the old 1-Series, which was all hard plastic and ho-hum trim."

Cars.com
"The BMW M235i subcompact coupe is bigger, better looking, faster and more fun than the 135i it replaces"

The Motor Report
"The 2 Series is the beautiful swan to the 1 Series Coupe’s ugly duckling."

CarbonOctane.com
"The BMW 2 Series replaces the 1 series and while the look of the BMW 1 Series was not to everyones cup of tea, this new BMW M235i is a stunner
"Words just fail to describe how good this car is…"

[morgie2]

I had a similar dilemma. M4 convertible or M235i convertible. I took both for a test drive and FOR ME it was a no-brainer to go for the M235. I was expecting to be "wowwed" by the performance difference and have to go for the M4. I wasn't. Money was not a factor. I felt the M235 was very peppy and more fun to drive. I am not one who would go to the track though. really comes down to personal preference. Gotta drive 'em both and decide my friend. Enjoy!

[MrBucket]

M3/M4 are HUGE. For me right now the 2 series is a better size by far.

[overcoil]

M235 http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-rev...m-test-review/

M3 http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-rev...m-test-review/

[3.0L]

If a guy needs to plow a field, he'll probably choose a John Deere over the M3; the JD being the better machine for the desired mission.

It really boils down to what you plan to do with the car. Want to race? Buy the M3. Need a good DD? Perhaps the M235i is the more practical choice.

The "better" car hinges completely on what you plan to do with it.

[Pyewacket69]

Originally Posted by 3.0L

If a guy needs to plow a field, he'll probably choose a John Deere over the M3; the JD being the better machine for the desired mission.

It really boils down to what you plan to do with the car. Want to race? Buy the M3. Need a good DD? Perhaps the M235i is the more practical choice.

The "better" car hinges completely on what you plan to do with it.

Excellent analogy!

[Turbo_435i]

I plow fields in M3's.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

So Op...

You've had 4 pages of thread with everyones opinions bandied about..

What are you going to do??

[jeremicium]

The only things i've taken away from these four pages are that the OP is really sensitive to non productive responses, and that the cold start noise of the M3 is apparently a show stopper. Test drive both, the way you intend to use them in the real world, and make your decision.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by schybrid

I plow fields in M3's.

Sure, right after you spun out and went through a fence, tail end first.

[Pyewacket69]

Originally Posted by jeremicium

The only things i've taken away from these four pages are that the OP is really sensitive to non productive responses, and that the cold start noise of the M3 is apparently a show stopper. Test drive both, the way you intend to use them in the real world, and make your decision.

I live in a very conservative neighborhood (since 1996) and I've had at a minimum at least 1 Harley Davidson bike the entire time, all with modified exhausts (louder than stock, but not straight pipes).

I've never once had a single person say anything to me about the noise... Then again, I take it pretty easy in inhabited areas and try to be respectful of others, just as I expect them to do for me. Cranking up the throttle in populated areas is just asking for trouble, IMO.

Unless I'm missing something in the conversation, I can honestly say the folks I know with M3/4s that have the factory exhaust systems on their cars aren't any louder than my bikes. Of course, if one lays on the accelerator pedal immediately after starting the engine, all bets are off. Then again, that's hardly being considerate of ones neighbors. In fact, one of the guys with a 2010 M3 with the BMW Performance Exhaust lives in the same neighborhood.

If the OP's neighbors are really that noise sensitive (and they may well be), I'm guessing they probably call the cops when someone starts a lawn mower or leaf blower...

[Merc for hire]

Op decided to pick M235i instead of M4 for his car of choice in Forza, to save some in-game $ for virtual mods.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by Pyewacket69

If the OP's neighbors are really that noise sensitive (and they may well be), I'm guessing they probably call the cops when someone starts a lawn mower or leaf blower...

Unfortunately, noise gives the perception of speed. Ask my wife. If a loud vehicle goes by our house, she will complain that it is speeding, even though it looks like ~25 MPH to me.

On the other hand, a really quiet car can go by at 35 MPH and she won't say a word. Go figure.

Yes, noise gives perceptions; sometimes false.

[wjones14]

The M235i with the MPE is pretty loud on cold start for about 30 seconds. Especially after the exhaust starts to break in. My wife came out in the garage the other morning because she thought something was wrong with it. After 30 seconds or so, it quiets down to normal. It's not obnoxious, but it would turn heads for sure.

[Pyewacket69]

Originally Posted by wjones14

The M235i with the MPE is pretty loud on cold start for about 30 seconds. Especially after the exhaust starts to break in. My wife came out in the garage the other morning because she thought something was wrong with it. After 30 seconds or so, it quiets down to normal. It's not obnoxious, but it would turn heads for sure.

Yes, I'm very familiar with the volume, as that's what I have on my M235i. I just crank mine, let it settle down and then back out of my garage. No complaints from any neighbors... So far... I've had the car for a year now.

Even so, just letting the 235 idle for 20-30 seconds quiets it down quite a bit, but at its loudest, it's still not as loud as my Road King immediately after it cranks up.

Driven responsibly, I don't think it would be an issue, unless one just has ultra-cranky and sensitive neighbors.

Haters gonna hate, I guess...

[G-Mann]

Originally Posted by 3.0L

Unfortunately, noise gives the perception of speed. Ask my wife. If a loud vehicle goes by our house, she will complain that it is speeding, even though it looks like ~25 MPH to me.

On the other hand, a really quiet car can go by at 35 MPH and she won't say a word. Go figure.

Yes, noise gives perceptions; sometimes false.

True on the noise must = speed perception. Which is exactly why I do not want to sound like I am racing all the time. (which is what happened when I put headers on my last ride)

I would not be concerned about the stock exhaust on a M car. Just keep your garage door closed when you crank it up if your that worried about it.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by G-Mann

I would not be concerned about the stock exhaust on a M car. Just keep your garage door closed when you crank it up if your that worried about it.

That would certainly put you to sleep and end the problem.

[Turbo_435i]

Originally Posted by G-Mann

True on the noise must = speed perception. Which is exactly why I do not want to sound like I am racing all the time. (which is what happened when I put headers on my last ride)

I would not be concerned about the stock exhaust on a M car. Just keep your garage door closed when you crank it up if your that worried about it.

no garage,lol

[G-Mann]

Originally Posted by 3.0L

That would certainly put you to sleep and end the problem.

LOL

[G-Mann]

Originally Posted by schybrid

no garage,lol

There might be some sort of garage requirement for a real M car

Anywho, I see from your other thread you made a fine choice with a M235i.

[auf Deutsch]

Originally Posted by schybrid

It doesnt make sense ?????

both cars similar in speed

M3 traps 119, 235 traps 109......not similar at all