[Greenkirby21]

I think it depends on what you want. I was really cross shopping the M235i and Cayman. I went off and drove a Cayman! What a great car, the only downside is that it did not feel much faster then my 128i (in straight line).

Now, this may be for me, but the Cayman is too expensive. My current M235i order is 43k after 2k discount (loyalty and college education). The Cayman with no options (blue color) was 54k. That is a ~10k difference.

Also include the fact the M235i is faster (straight line), has more seats, better gas mileage, cheaper insurance, and 4 year maintenance plan, the M235i makes more sense for me then a Cayman.

But then again, I am on a tight budget. The M235i is just in my range. The CLA45 AMG, and Cayman are a bit of a stretch for me.

However, the Cayman is by far the best looking car. I saw a blue one today and it made me somewhat regret my M235i order, until I faced reality ($$$).

Hopefully a Cayman S will be my next car (or used M3/M4). Corvette I wanted as well, but insurance was almost double!

[YellowMellow]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

there's no such thing as a 2011 135is. 2013 model year only.

I have zero 2er envy. I actually hurried to order one of the last 135is before production ended so wouldn't have to buy a 235. My whole purpose was to make sure I got a 1er and not a 2er. glad I did too!

Cool! I'm glad you like your 135is
That was a typo on my part...should be just 2011 135i. Regardless, she likes it and thinks its a cute car.

I'm assuming you have driven a M235i?

[IPv6Freely]

This is actually the same situation I'm in as well. My lease isn't up until Feb 2015 so I know I won't be getting this years M235i (at least, not new).

I'm debating between leasing a brand new M235i when it comes time, or financing a CPO 2012+ Cayman (or TBH, I'm kind of considering the Boxter. I've never been a fan of convertibles, but the newer Boxters I actually like...)

The Porsche would actually end up being less $$ for sure.

I've owned both a 2008 135i (that I bought in 2010) and a 2012 135i (leased new), so I'm debating whether I stick to what I know and like, or whether I try something new.

[Spitfi-r]

same delimma here:

I really like the new Cayman S, but I am not willing to spend 70-80k for a new one, so I have to wait on it.

Instead, I'm ordering an m235i now for a practical daily driver, and will pick up a used Cayman S for a weekend/fun car when the prices come down.

[horsepower_and_hounds]

I have decided to rule out the used Cayman and get the M235 myself.......since my income does not allow both

[Cosa Nostra]

A new M235i vs. a used Cayman - tough call. First, I believe they recently changed the design of the Cayman (and it is getting accolades), so a used one would likely be the older design. Second, if u're going used, better go for the more powerful Cayman S. Third, while the Cayman S is no doubt the better car (more prestigious, etc.), its not as practical (strict 2-seater) whereas the M235i can hold 2 folks in the back (not a lot of legroom though). Also, a used Porsche means less warranty and lots of dough if things go wrong. If you can get a 1 year-old Cayman S for a great price, and can live with a 2-seater, that's the way to go, otherwise can't go wrong with a new M235i.

[Ramos]

Originally Posted by Greg007

A new M235i vs. a used Cayman - tough call. First, I believe they recently changed the design of the Cayman (and it is getting accolades), so a used one would likely be the older design. Second, if u're going used, better go for the more powerful Cayman S. Third, while the Cayman S is no doubt the better car (more prestigious, etc.), its not as practical (strict 2-seater) whereas the M235i can hold 2 folks in the back (not a lot of legroom though). Also, a used Porsche means less warranty and lots of dough if things go wrong. If you can get a 1 year-old Cayman S for a great price, and can live with a 2-seater, that's the way to go, otherwise can't go wrong with a new M235i.

Agree 100%

[Cosa Nostra]

Originally Posted by Ramos

Agree 100%

Ah shucks - thanks!

[Devon K]

Originally Posted by Greg007

Ah shucks - thanks!

Greg as a fellow Canuck you should know that (IIRC) we don't get the same comprehensive 4 year warranty on BMWs here - another way BMW Canada screws us over...

Maybe someone else can clarify the difference?

[Cosa Nostra]

Originally Posted by Devon K

Greg as a fellow Canuck you should know that (IIRC) we don't get the same comprehensive 4 year warranty on BMWs here - another way BMW Canada screws us over...

Maybe someone else can clarify the difference?

I didn't know that... I was under the impression that the Cdn warranty is pretty much bumper-to-bumper as in the US. In any event, I've had 2 previous BMWs and never had any questions asked when I had to replace a faulty instrument gauge, a faulty heated steering wheel, and a faulty seat belt, albeit I lease my cars. I agree that BMW sure screws us over on the price though. What does IIRC stand for anyway LOL?

[adobeee]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Vette also crushes through the turns as well at the price point.

C7 is the first one that actually has me interested. The rest have been too much of a junker inside and crap to drive.

What about a skyline GTR?

[grant]

Originally Posted by Anodite10

If it were the new Cayman, then that would be my choice. If not, the M235i is good enough.

Why would you say that? The previous Cayman has some advantages, like far superior steering (and identical motor if you buy 2009-2012 model years). Actually, the steering on the 2006-2008 is better still, but dodgy motors...

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by adobeee

What about a skyline GTR?

Possibly epitomizes everything I hate in the modern performance car.

Originally Posted by grant

Why would you say that? The previous Cayman has some advantages, like far superior steering (and identical motor if you buy 2009-2012 model years). Actually, the steering on the 2006-2008 is better still, but dodgy motors...

Yup. It's amusing how much style point has everyone rallying around the new Cayman.

I couldn't imagine being sane and buying a 996 engine gen Cayman/Boxster though.

[PopsnBurbles]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

there's no such thing as a 2011 135is. 2013 model year only.

I have zero 2er envy. I actually hurried to order one of the last 135is before production ended so wouldn't have to buy a 235. My whole purpose was to make sure I got a 1er and not a 2er. glad I did too!

To be fair, your statement did seem to have at least a hint of "envy"...better yet, a sliver of bitterness to it. I'm just saying as a 3rd person. I'll take your word that you truly had zero 2er envy; I mean, we have nothing to be envious about (except for the optional factory LSD).

Anyway, I've gotta say that the 2er butt looks horrible and one that I don't think I can get over. The front looks great, better than the E82 IMO. Side view are nearly identical in my eyes but the wheel selection for the 2er sucks! 2er brakes are pretty though. I still can't fathom how this M235i will whoop the 1M around the 'Ring (or was it around a track in general?). Overall, the car is looking to be a good car.

OT: I'd go with the Cayman if you can deal with the maintenance and other stuff that goes along with owning a Porsche. If you can, get an S...those things are great!

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by 328pride

To be fair, your statement did seem to have at least a hint of "envy"...better yet, a sliver of bitterness to it. I'm just saying as a 3rd person. I'll take your word that you truly had zero 2er envy; I mean, we have nothing to be envious about (except for the optional factory LSD).

i don't think you understand, man. i was not even planning on buying a car until i found out the E82 was leaving production----at which point i suddently decided i had to have an E82 before production ended. I only wanted an E82......had no desire for anything else.

I only have a 2 year lease....so i was anxious to see how the new F22 would be....but am hugely disappointed...

[RDE46M3]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

i don't think you understand, man. i was not even planning on buying a car until i found out the E82 was leaving production----at which point i suddently decided i had to have an E82 before production ended. I only wanted an E82......had no desire for anything else.

I only have a 2 year lease....so i was anxious to see how the new F22 would be....but am hugely disappointed...

Dude, why are you even in the 2-series forum...? All you do is knock the car and talk about how great your 1er is... Why don't you do everyone a favour; stop being a troll and contribute something positive.

[PopsnBurbles]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

i don't think you understand, man. i was not even planning on buying a car until i found out the E82 was leaving production----at which point i suddently decided i had to have an E82 before production ended. I only wanted an E82......had no desire for anything else.

I only have a 2 year lease....so i was anxious to see how the new F22 would be....but am hugely disappointed...

Perhaps I don't fully understand...the intent of that post is to point out that you SOUND like you have the "2er envy." Whether you're envious or not is beside the point. Again, I'm not saying you have the 2er envy and I believe you; even more now that you've "explained yourself."

Let's just enjoy our cars...we drive two out of 586 special cars.

[M2BMW]

Originally Posted by RDE46M3

Dude, why are you even in the 2-series forum...? All you do is knock the car and talk about how great your 1er is... Why don't you do everyone a favour; stop being a troll and contribute something positive.

Let him say what he wants, just ignore him. I feel people on this board are smart enough to decide if his post has any value to them or the board.

[RVExotics]

Glad to see I'm not the only one considering the two cars. I'm debating between a 2014 base Cayman or an M235i. Obviously there's a big different between the power and practicality, but I'm honestly going to have a tough time deciding between the two. I haven't gotten a chance to drive either car yet so I'm sure that'll help. The allure of that 981 body style and, from what I've read about and seen, driving experience, is strong...

[IZAGLO]

Same boat..although i would only by a Cayman S over a M235i.. The Cayman S is beautiful hot car....Drive a 1991 Mazda Miata now, as i got rid of my 135i a year ago and was HIGHLY upset that when i tried to get in a Cayman it was tighter in knee room( knees hit dash) than my Miata inside..Gen 1 has the Most of the little room in the Miata as i can not fit in later models as well...At 6ft4 i am tooooo friggin big for the Cayman..sadly i will be looking at the M235i,possibly a used M3, Vette Stingray,... M2 down the road and will be looking at used Porsche 911S as well...I was toked by the new Alfa as well till i read NO MANUAL trans....what a shame as that car was very cool. Only a manual trans for me as this will be my weekend nice day road warrior...The roads suck right now in NJ and the pot holes have turned to craters....
*** on another note...it makes sense to me to be open minded about the M235i till its seen in person and test driven...

[Greenkirby21]

What about a first hand base 2014 cayman? I don't think there are too many slightly used models yet since it just came out.

A cayman with 0 options can be had for 52k!
275 hp, weight 2880 lbs.

Better power to weight ratio then the M235i, but also cost 10k more.. and is slower since the engine is torque less (215 torque I think).

[YellowMellow]

Here you go...

http://corvallis.craigslist.org/cto/4301214279.html