[Turbo_435i]

I have the opportunity to get either.

which would you choose and why ? (i know some ppl here may be biased towards the M235i, hence 235i site, lol, but plz be fair).

either car i would get would basically be a stripped down car, i dont need all the optional packages etc...... to keep cost low. base vs base comparison.

also, if anyone has any REAL WORLD experience driving both, plz chime in too !!!!



thanks for any input guys

[ocN55]

I'm sorry, but the comparison doesn't quite make sense. Do you mind sharing how to came down to these two cars? Assuming you have to opportunity to get the f80 m3, then there's no question on which car you should get.

[Turbo_435i]

It doesnt make sense ?????

It does make sense , both cars similar in speed, similar in handling, but cost differs.

Im not comparing minivan to M3.

Plz dont reply if nothing to contribute to actual thread .

[one1er]

Hey!

I actually thought of this myself...M3 or M235i.

It depends a lot on what you expect from your car. For me, the M3 would be maybe the perfect choice, because it would be more practical with the 4 doors, more spacious in the back and trunk, combined with the hardcore power and handling when/where needed, while capable of being civilized when needed.

The thing is, at least in Portugal, I've tried speccing up both cars as similar as possible, and the M3 ends up around 110.000€, while the m235i at 67.000€...I could almost buy TWO M235i's for the price of one M3...now, perfect as it would've been, is it worth nearly 50.000€ more than the very close M235i? I mean, the M235i is a FUN car, maybe even more than the M3 in the sense that you don't need to be going a gazilion miles an hour to feel alive and have fun...the M235i will probably let you have more fun more of the time with its lower level of grip, size, etc...

You gotta factor the price difference and what you can expect from both cars regarding your specific style/use.

I find it hard to spend a ridiculous amount of money to get the M3 when I can have most of the thrills at almost half the price, with little loss in other departments.

They're very different cars, gotta figure it out for yourself

[G-Mann]

I contemplated a m4 vs a m235i but after test driving the m235i I was comfortable with the performance it delivered at its price point, keeping me in my budget. Had my budget had another 10k in it I would have gotten a base M3 end of story.

Base M3 is loaded up much nicer than a base M235i. You will lose the nimbleness that comes with the m235i but gain HP and passenger comfort if you go m3

Go test drive them both and figure out which one you like better.

[scrape1]

I really can't see where the M235i would be superior to an M3 in any way but purchase price and ownership costs. Maybe if you like a smaller car or don't like the potential for extra attention on the road that comes with an M3 ...

[Steve80bk]

If your question is more about value, then its a no brainer to get the m235i in my book. I don't think anyone for a second will argue its a better performer or better overall then the m3, but clearly there is a huge gap in price between the two. I have watched and listened to quite a few reviews of people who have driven both, and all basically said the m3/4 are great cars, but not worth the huge jump in price over the 2. The more options you add in the m3, the higher that price difference becomes. Since you plan to go stock w either, get the m235i.

[Turbo_435i]

One thing i noticed is:

M3 will eat tires faster, meaning more ownership cost.

Another weird thing is:
Has anyone heard the exhaust on M3 startup ?!?!?? Its way too loud!!!!

I love nice exhaust dont get me wrong, but i work very early am, and it might be issue with neighbors.
Wonder if theres a way to keep exhaust on cold starts lower ?????

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by schybrid

I have the opportunity to get either.

which would you choose and why ? (i know some ppl here may be biased towards the M235i, hence 235i site, lol, but plz be fair).

either car i would get would basically be a stripped down car, i dont need all the optional packages etc...... to keep cost low. base vs base comparison.

also, if anyone has any REAL WORLD experience driving both, plz chime in too !!!!



thanks for any input guys

Two COMPLETELY different vehicles with different purpose.
The price difference is almost $20k although, stripper M3 comes well equipped and that would narrow the gap to about $14k
The M235 is a smallest coupe offered by BMW USA, the M3 is a decent size sedan.
Performance-wise (not 0-60 numbers only), they are completely different vehicles. An M car cannot be compared to a non-M car no matter what tunes and brake jobs, etc. done to a non-M.
Both can serve as DDs, too and that is why I am about to order the M3 (would never do it with the e9x Ms.
I am also looking into the fairly stripped down M3, although a few things are a must: not sure about those carbon/leather seats so, I'd opt for leather; Adaptive M suspension is a must; 6MT is the only way for me (plus saves $2900), still debating on the 19" wheels as for $1200 they are an awesome deal!

Good luck with your choice!

[nike001]

As stated before, two entirely different cars.

But to keep it simple, I plan on picking up an F8x M after my 235. The 2er does seem easier to throw around and manage, but the F8x M is just entirely too much fun to run through the gears. The 2 is much softer, the M is well... an M.

[tke743]

Think of it this way. Track car for the road = M3. Road car that you can track = m235i. They serve different needs.

[Turbo_435i]

Ok, now im getting some good feedback...

Thanks guys!!!

[Cyberdemon]

The M3 is an amazing car, but it will be far more expensive to insure, fuel and operate than a loaded up 235i.

I test drove the M3 wanting to love it and walk out of the dealer with it - here on NY's broken roads the handling is frankly uncomfortable, the power is so immense I would have felt ashamed to have to keep it anywhere near the speed limit.

If I was spending more time at the track then the M3 would have been a no brainer. And if I lived in a warmer climate and didn't commute 60 miles a day I probably also would have picked the M3.

But crappy roads, expensive gas and laws that prohibit me from driving it at 140mph like it wants to be driven meant the slower softer car made more sense.

[gaijin]

I'll start my missive with, if money isn't no object, go with the M3. Its apples and oranges to go down the list comparing handling, fit, finish, etc. The M3 is far better all around. Yes, more power but you don't have to use all of it at one time. I noticed that you are in the Gunshine State. Well that means you can enjoy the M3 all year around. Roads are fairly well maintained. The rest is pretty much as everyone above has already stated in their inputs. Good luck and go buy the M3!

[BLK235iNJ]

Are you going to mod the car? I somewhat regret not getting an M3/4. I pumped a good 12k into my car (6k in performance mods and 6k on cosmetics). Figure I'm into the 60s with my car and I still do not touch the M cars. And that is in both performance and cosmetics... I also miss out on the M bragging rights. If I would of went M I highly doubt I would of dumped 12k into the car.

Go back a year and I would of waited a couple of months for the M car. My next car will be M3 most likely.

[Turbo_435i]

Originally Posted by BLK235iNJ

Are you going to mod the car? I somewhat regret not getting an M3/4. I pumped a good 12k into my car (6k in performance mods and 6k on cosmetics). Figure I'm into the 60s with my car and I still do not touch the M cars. And that is in both performance and cosmetics... I also miss out on the M bragging rights. If I would of went M I highly doubt I would of dumped 12k into the car.

Go back a year and I would of waited a couple of months for the M car. My next car will be M3 most likely.

I plan to mod the M235i with only JB stage 1, thats it.

The M3 no need to mod, bone stock im happy with it.

[jeffery_stearns]

JB4+M235i=Heaven

[Cyberdemon]

Also I would add the M3 wins in terms of practicality with 4 doors, and a very usable back seat and trunk. If carrying people or things is of concern to you.

The 2 coupe is still pretty good, but having your 70 year old mother in law trying to get into the back seat of a coupe is not a fun task.

[supernova72]

Must admit when I saw the subject line I was thinking you meant E92 M3 vs. M235i. With a $20K price difference and big HP advantage I never thought to "compare" the F80 M3/M4 to the M235i. Different animals IMHO.

[BLK235iNJ]

Who was in the front seat?

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Also I would add the M3 wins in terms of practicality with 4 doors, and a very usable back seat and trunk. If carrying people or things is of concern to you.

The 2 coupe is still pretty good, but having your 70 year old mother in law trying to get into the back seat of a coupe is not a fun task.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by BLK235iNJ

Who was in the front seat?

Mother not in law. ;-)

[Turbo_435i]

Payment diff is $120 from m235i to M3.