[pikcachu]

Still wonder why this is not M4 vs M235....

Usually the most expensive car is usually "better" (probably not better value) in the same way a 911 is "better" than an M4.... but it depends on the definition of better....

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by megacondenser

Pushing it can't cover up its shortcomings as I perceive them. It rocks like an old fishing boat through twisties, it is reasonably perky off the line but feels strained to me as speed builds, the exhaust note is beyond anemic...The interior feels cheap. I could go on and on. Problem is I've come very recently from some truly great cars, and foolishly thought I could get 85% of their performance for 40% of the price, if the reviews and such were to be believed.

You must have extremely high standards! No less than Randy Pobst said it was his favorite BMW in the past 10 years, and he's driven them all - at speeds most of us wouldn't even think of.

So pray tell, what are the other "truly great" cars you've come across recently, and what price range are we talking about?

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by wjones14

You must have extremely high standards! No less than Randy Pobst said it was his favorite BMW in the past 10 years, and he's driven them all - at speeds most of us wouldn't even think of.

So pray tell, what are the other "truly great" cars you've come across recently, and what price range are we talking about?

Maybe something from the Fast & Furious video game, must have been a terrible step down going from "truly great" to a 2 series.

[e46m3to335i]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

Still wonder why this is not M4 vs M235....

Usually the most expensive car is usually "better" (probably not better value) in the same way a 911 is "better" than an M4.... but it depends on the definition of better....

This

[Knightelf]

Originally Posted by nike001

Money is usually the reason a lot of people hold back on the F80. A lot of people have a hard time believing the F80 is $30,000 better than the M235i. Not saying the 235 is better, just playing devils advocate (which I'm usually good for doing)

...or in Australia, where the M3 is twice the price of the M235i (and you're looking at US$65k for a M235i here).

M235i and M3 can't even be compared at all when the price difference is that massive.

[Turbo_435i]

The one thing has has me hating on the M3 & M4 now is the "cold startup" noise....... IT IS LOUDDDDDD!!!!

U have to hear it in person.

It will be an issue with all my neighbors, as i work early am , i mean early, 5am.

Its like cranking up a nascar engine at 5am

[ABPReader]

.

[Turbo_435i]

Originally Posted by jet_00

If you buy the m235i only because it makes less sound at cold start you will regret your decision...

On the contrary,

If i buy M3 and cold start causes me issues everyday because i have 20 neighbors raising hell, i will regret not getting the 235i, which is also a very well rounded vehicular transportation device,haaaaaaa

[Turbo_435i]

Maybe i can push M3 down street and then start it ? Hmmmmmm

[biggripper]

This is a good discussion. As hard as it is for some folks to believe, it’s really is a relevant comparison for many. I myself am in a very similar quandary. Let me give some back story so that it makes sense.

I’ve been in love with cars since long before I could drive. I’ve not had a laundry list of really awesome rides like many of you probably have. I’ve had the pleasure of owning an R53 Cooper S, MkVI GTI, and my current R56 JCW. I’ve wanted an ///M since my early college years.

So with that background one can easily see that I love performance oriented cars. I have a bias towards the “smaller is better/funner” mindset for a decade--it’s quite literally all I know. This combined with my love for ///M cars caused me to start plotting for the M2. Because of timing issues I won’t bore everyone with, I can’t wait for the M2. It’s either M4 now or M235i now.

The other confounding factor in this decision making process is that I don’t have access to either car for test driving. The best I can do is a 228i and a 435i--but even those aren’t available to drive. I live in a small town in Italy and the nearest dealer doesn’t keep much on hand even though I know they’ve sold several F8x’s.

I’m attracted to the M235i because it has lots of performance and it’s smaller. Adding to that, is the fact that I’ve fully bought into the automotive press’s adoration of the platform--maybe it’s hype, maybe its warranted. I wouldn’t know because I haven’t been able to so much as see an M235i in the flesh.

So here I am weighing a loaded (+ MP bits, exhaust, diff) M235i vs a mostly loaded M4 (everything except CCB’s and DCT).

I really hate that I can’t find one of each to test drive.

In any case I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. Your perspectives are helpful.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by schybrid

The one thing has has me hating on the M3 & M4 now is the "cold startup" noise....... IT IS LOUDDDDDD!!!!

U have to hear it in person.

It will be an issue with all my neighbors, as i work early am , i mean early, 5am.

Its like cranking up a nascar engine at 5am

If you live in an area with a bunch of crotchety HOA-types then yes, that's probably true. With that said I would never care that much - I've owned much, much louder cars and used to pull in at 2-3am and never had anyone complain to me.

If you turn the car on, then drive away - realistically it's 60 seconds of noise and most houses with windows closed will absorb most of that noise. I doubt it's any more noise than the garbage truck.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by ///MFanatic

Also, not sure why people are implying the M3 is expensive to insure; I only pay 800 a year.

I'm not implying, I cross shopped and got quotes - for me, coming from a new 335i the 235i was $120 more a year. The M3 was $450 more a year.

As they say, YMMV with different carriers/states/age brackets.

[///MFanatic]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

I'm not implying, I cross shopped and got quotes - for me, coming from a new 335i the 235i was $120 more a year. The M3 was $450 more a year.

As they say, YMMV with different carriers/states/age brackets.

Wow that's insane! I think I'm paying about the same as I would for a 328i haha. Guess I got lucky...

[jskrilla]

Originally Posted by Pyewacket69

Man, how things have changed since I was in college 40 years ago.

No way in hell could I have even considered such a vehicle when I was in school.

I considered myself lucky to have a Ford Currier pickup, which had a heater and an AM/FM mono radio as options.

Wow!

Working and school what can i say you only live once might as well, it's nice when your uncle is your car dealer also

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Must be really tuff getting the M3 out of the neighborhood with out rattling the neighbors windows, NOT.



The BMW M3/4 exhaust is not that onerous. Will be a bit noisy when at fast idle during a dead cold start but mellows quickly as the idle drops. I have found the PE on the 135is to be more aggressive than the M3 system. My 335is was very similar & the 435 MPE not quite as loud.

My next door neighbor is a noise freak, except for his dogs. He bitches about backyard get togethers to the point of walking the property line with a sound meter despite his house being a few hundred feet away. Maybe its because he is not invited.

In the past 18 years he has never had an issue with any BMW or other car/motorcycle I have owned.

Drive easily till you are out of the sub-division to keep the neighbors happy. You should keep the revs down anyway on a cold engine as a normal practice.

[dharo1]

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

I have both. What are your questions or concerns? Why are you even considering these two, I think they please different desires.

Both are great vehicles. But in their own category. There's no "better" vehicle. They are different. You will be disappointed in you walk in with a M3 expectation and get the M235. Likewise, you walk in with M235 expectation and end up getting a 4 door sports sedan.

I daily drive both along with a truck (not at the same time of course). But let me show you what I have been enjoying(DD) the past few weeks, and I'm very happy:

[rb2260]

I think people are comparing to the wrong M3
it should be M235i vs E30 or E46 M3. The 2 series after all is supposedly is a response to those of us who think the last couple generation of M3 have grown in size along with the American waistline. b/c seriously, those who think the current M3 is not large should seriously look at this:

1991 BMW M3 (E30) 2006 BMW M3 (E46) 2015 BMW M3 (F80)

Wheelbase 100.9" 107.5" 110.7"
Length 171.1" 176.9" 184.5"
Width 66.1" 70.1" 73.9"
Height 53.9" 54.0" 56.1"

And if you don't or can't tell the difference in driving these cars, then you probably also think that a convertible drives/handles as well as a coupe (or the F80 M3 is same as the M4). After having driven the current 2 series, I am looking to get a low mileage e46.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Oh no you did'n.

Lol

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by megacondenser

Pushing it can't cover up its shortcomings as I perceive them. It rocks like an old fishing boat through twisties, it is reasonably perky off the line but feels strained to me as speed builds, the exhaust note is beyond anemic...The interior feels cheap. I could go on and on. Problem is I've come very recently from some truly great cars, and foolishly thought I could get 85% of their performance for 40% of the price, if the reviews and such were to be believed. It delivers in patches, and I can see why some might really like it, but the whole package is disappointing to me overall. Not terrible, not even bad, occasionally good, but disappointing (again, to me) taken as a whole. To each their own, but I'd never recommend one, and am looking to get out of it as soon as I can.

M2?

[caycep]

Obviously OP will have to get both

[verbs]

Originally Posted by schybrid

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 .

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

[williewonkerz]

Originally Posted by nike001

Money is usually the reason a lot of people hold back on the F80. A lot of people have a hard time believing the F80 is $30,000 better than the M235i. Not saying the 235 is better, just playing devils advocate (which I'm usually good for doing)