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      03-17-2014, 08:26 AM   #23
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Originally Posted by Devon K View Post
Thanks for the informative review. It's interesting that you found such a noticeable subjective difference in the felt size between the two when driving - I would not have thought an additional 4 or so inches in length would make any big difference. The weight and weight distribution is roughly a wash across the two, so maybe it has something to do with the slightly longer wheelbase of the 235. Does the 235 feel more "boaty" and less precise than the 135?
I don't know that I would say "boaty" - which seems derogitory to me. it is just that I am definitely aware that the M235 is bigger. Like it is leaning more towards an E92 than E82, if that makes sense. And I thought it was more like 7 inches longer? Maybe I am nuts...

Part of it too I think is that I haven't had an appreciation for how small the 1er really is - since I have had two of them, back to back, I have really gotten used to the smaller dimensions.

The M235 feels pushed down and out in all directions - wider definitely, but also lower and longer. It just feels different, where the E82 was taller and boxier...at least in feel...

And I can already tell that I am going to be able to control this car more effectively than the E82. It's just not as "tail-happy" as the 135. In Sport +, it will let you get the ass out, but it did it in a more predictable and controllable way in the limited time I was able to drive that way.

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Originally Posted by paulao View Post
Nice review! Congrats
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Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut View Post
Congrats mang !!!

I am super stoked for you

Thanks fellas - it's definitely not without fault, but I think I am going to like it.
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      03-17-2014, 08:39 AM   #24
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Nice review thanks for taking the time to post it up the car looks great.

Quick question though does the car still feel as nimble at the E82 despite being a little bigger and heavier??
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      03-17-2014, 09:00 AM   #25
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Originally Posted by doublevanosrc View Post
Nice review thanks for taking the time to post it up the car looks great.

Quick question though does the car still feel as nimble at the E82??
Yes, but in a slighty different way, at least in my limited experience so far. The steering feels very accurate, and I honestly like the "weight" of the steering in Sport +. I don't think I will spend much time in the other modes because you can feel the throttle response change (to me) in a negative way.

The main reason I moved from my E92 to the E82 was because I wanted a smaller, more nimble car. That was definitely accomplished with both of my 135s. In my review, I have said that the car looks closer to an E92, and in some way feels similar - but with one exception, the "nimble" feeling. It is very much E82 feeling in that way - at least so far.

Yes, you feel that it's bigger. But it doesn't feel sloshy or numb or like you're trying to park the moon as Jeremy Clarkson says. It's just bigger - but it has retained the precise nature in my opinion.
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      03-17-2014, 09:33 AM   #26
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Congrats David and glad you finally got her home and Safe.

Thank you again for your business we really appreciate it. Enjoy the new ride and let me know anytime if you need anything
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      03-17-2014, 09:44 AM   #27
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Great review! I can't see your sig on this phone, so I am wondering if you ever ran PSS' with suspension mods on your 1ers. EG; coil overs, M3 rear subframe bushings, rear toe arms, sway bar upgrade, and M3 control arm kit.

I found after my test drive I preferred the feel of my old 135. The fake sound was not to my liking but as I said before that's the direction we are all heading. I also did not like the steering.

Did you opt for the LSD?

GL and happy motoring! Please write up an update after about 6 months.
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      03-17-2014, 09:47 AM   #28
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Congrats man! She's a beauty!
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      03-17-2014, 09:48 AM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmboone25 View Post
It definitely sounds better than my 135 - and I find myself moving camps a bit here - I had been in the camp that said synthesized sound was idiotic...but after driving the car, I just know it sounds good. I don't know how much of it is "fake" but it hasn't bothered me to this point.
Agree. When test driving, I was like... If I want to hear the motor.. the windows will be down anyway. Period lol.

Also.. hating you out of jealousy lol.
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      03-17-2014, 09:51 AM   #30
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Thanks for the write up, OP. Having driven a 128i as a loaner when I had my E92 328xi a little while ago, I was really annoyed with the same gripes you've had with the E82. Glad to hear the M235i doesn't disappoint. Might end up being a future purchase for me, assuming I don't get an M3 after I'm done playing with my 335.
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      03-17-2014, 09:59 AM   #31
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awesome review.

I must have missed the memo on the lack of Oil temp gauge. Sorry to say that's a deal breaker for me. It's annoying but acceptable that my E70 does not have it.... but not OK at all on a car that many will want to use for a weekend track run.....

I'll keep my F30 335 MSport I guess. Bummer, I was excited about this car.
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      03-17-2014, 10:24 AM   #32
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      03-17-2014, 10:39 AM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jddssc121
awesome review.

I must have missed the memo on the lack of Oil temp gauge. Sorry to say that's a deal breaker for me. It's annoying but acceptable that my E70 does not have it.... but not OK at all on a car that many will want to use for a weekend track run.....

I'll keep my F30 335 MSport I guess. Bummer, I was excited about this car.
Dude it's available in the menus via the performance steering wheel.

IMO a BMW being tracked might want that wheel anyway.
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      03-17-2014, 10:45 AM   #34
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Thanks for the write-up. With respect to the EPS steering, I've been saying the same thing for many, many months. It's soft when it should be, and weighted nicely when it should be (..i.e...Sport+). Enjoy the 235i.
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      03-17-2014, 10:55 AM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmboone25 View Post

...


Steering Feel

I wish I had something exciting to say here, but with all due respect to those that disagree, and taking into account that I have never driven a F30…the doomsday view of the EPS is ridiculous. Yes, overall it is lighter than the 135. Is that bad? No - because when I want it to be heavy - aka roundabout hooligan driving in Sport + - it is plenty heavy and gives me plenty of feedback. Those that say it doesn't - well maybe those dudes ran into something while driving fast. I didn't run into anything, and again it felt "normal". No big differences to speak of, except maybe at really low speeds in comfort mode. I won't be spending much time in comfort mode because I like the way the car "feels" in Sport + so much better.

Honestly. This isn't a big deal. And it will just continue to improve. And if BMW wants to change it, my guess is that it could be accomplished in a software upgrade. Good luck doing that with a hydraulic system.

...

I am currently on my second f30. Both are 2013 models, 335i xDrive, M Sport, ...


In the past year, since I sold my first f30, BMW has released a software update which has improved the dynamics of the EPS system. Dramatically. It has rectified most of the problems with the EPS system, which early users have been reporting on. My second f30 enjoys a MUCH improved steering feel. It's like a totally different car. My first f30 was a joke. I am not trying to be mean.


The f32 gets the updated software (hence the great reviews and very few qualms about the steering). The MY 2014+ f30 gets the updated software, as does your M235i. I doubt that you will hear much more complaints about the steering system, now that BMW has taken measures to fix that problem. I guess that is the silver lining about the whole EPS thing. Don't like it, just re-tune it with a software update. As opposed to developing a whole new steering rack.


Congrats on the new car! Looks very nice.
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      03-17-2014, 10:56 AM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan View Post
Thanks for the write-up. With respect to the EPS steering, I've been saying the same thing for many, many months. It's soft when it should be, and weighted nicely when it should be (..i.e...Sport+). Enjoy the 235i.

Is it correct that your car is a 2014 MY?
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      03-17-2014, 11:04 AM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alpinweiss 335i View Post
Is it correct that your car is a 2014 MY?
There is no other MY out yet for the M235i. It just got released in March to dealers as 2014.
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      03-17-2014, 11:26 AM   #38
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Great review! Thank you for sharing.
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      03-17-2014, 11:31 AM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jddssc121 View Post
awesome review.

I must have missed the memo on the lack of Oil temp gauge. Sorry to say that's a deal breaker for me. It's annoying but acceptable that my E70 does not have it.... but not OK at all on a car that many will want to use for a weekend track run.....

I'll keep my F30 335 MSport I guess. Bummer, I was excited about this car.
Come on.. I mean I agree ya it sucks. but dealbreaker.. no. You know more or less when the car is warm, then you just drive the hell out of it and have fun. Just get the technology package which makes the temp available on the cluster if it is a huge deal to you. In the broad scheme of things, the M235i is a very, very good bmw. in my opinion. Might be one of my favorite they have made.
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      03-17-2014, 11:36 AM   #40
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Originally Posted by GOLFFRR View Post
Congrats David and glad you finally got her home and Safe.

Thank you again for your business we really appreciate it. Enjoy the new ride and let me know anytime if you need anything
Me too - thanks for your help and the updates Jimmy.
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      03-17-2014, 11:38 AM   #41
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Nice car! So my understanding is its a nice upgrade but not a whoa type of upgrade like all of these youtube reviewers - as i expected. Let us know how it feels once you flog it some.

Did you get lsd?
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      03-17-2014, 11:44 AM   #42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ken1137 View Post
Great review! I can't see your sig on this phone, so I am wondering if you ever ran PSS' with suspension mods on your 1ers. EG; coil overs, M3 rear subframe bushings, rear toe arms, sway bar upgrade, and M3 control arm kit.

I found after my test drive I preferred the feel of my old 135. The fake sound was not to my liking but as I said before that's the direction we are all heading. I also did not like the steering.

Did you opt for the LSD?

GL and happy motoring! Please write up an update after about 6 months.
I did not opt for the LSD - I ordered early enough that pricing and availability weren't yet known. I leased this car (which I always do), so I wasn't sure about adding that specific cost. If it came standard and was included in the price, so be it - not sure if that makes sense.

I can totally understand preferring the feel of the 1er. It is different than any of my other BMWs - but I think that was par for the course with older models. Each series and model had more of their own distinct personality. I liked both my 135s - but the lease was ending and this was the natuaral choice for me. I think it is better looking, offers more in the amenities dept, and is marginally quicker - for roughly the same payment a month. All in all, a win - win.

And no, I hadn't ever gotten coilovers or things of that nature with my previous 1ers - I had gone the JB4/intake route on the N54 - didn't mod at all on the outgoing N55 equipped one. I think I will consider a tune for the M235.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bear From Jax View Post
Congrats man! She's a beauty!
BSM is definitely nice on this car, especially from the front - I plan to get better pics up later in the week.

Quote:
Originally Posted by golf_234 View Post
Agree. When test driving, I was like... If I want to hear the motor.. the windows will be down anyway. Period lol.

Also.. hating you out of jealousy lol.
Please remind me when you're getting yours?

It warmed up here today to the mid 30s when I was out grabbing lunch - heated seat and steering wheel on (very nice to have BTW) and windows down. Sounded good to me.
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      03-17-2014, 11:46 AM   #43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan View Post
Thanks for the write-up. With respect to the EPS steering, I've been saying the same thing for many, many months. It's soft when it should be, and weighted nicely when it should be (..i.e...Sport+). Enjoy the 235i.
I am glad it turned out that way - I have to admit that it was worrying at first, but I honestly don't miss it.

I drove some today at lunch around town in comfort mode - the Jimmy John's here has a weird drive thru access that always gave my forearms a workout in the 135 - but in the 2er, I really did have an easier time moving it about in those tight spaces.

When I pulled out, it went back in Sport + and felt normal. Pretty cool.
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      03-17-2014, 11:49 AM   #44
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pkim1079 View Post
Nice car! So my understanding is its a nice upgrade but not a whoa type of upgrade like all of these youtube reviewers - as i expected. Let us know how it feels once you flog it some.

Did you get lsd?
Yes, I think that's a great way to put it.

If you are used to an E82 135, this will feel "better" in many ways. It will feel different in others. For me, overall the differences are a net positive, with a few small gripes (lack of temp gauge, huge gas door cover).

And no, no LSD - which I would think would improve the grip (my favorite part of the car so far) even more. The M2 is simply going to be a monster, because this is such a great starting point.
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