[Sail Boat]

Hey all,

I purchased my CPO M235i this past August with 28,000 and since then have covered 10,000 miles. I am elated to report that this has been the most incredible ownership experience I have ever had.

About Me:

I am a 25 (26 on the 21st!) year old NoVA native and gearhead of 20 years, a passion that started when I saw a Plymouth Prowler during recess in Kindergarten. Since I earned my license, I've owned the following cars in this order:

'00 Chrysler Town & Country (First car, aka Trap Van, aka Candy Man)
'85 Mercedes 300D
'05 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon
'87 Mercedes r107 560 SL
'10 Subaru Forester XT
'16 VW GTI Performance Pack
'91 E30 325i

My '14 M235i 8HP, White on Red:

Importing, restoring, and loving an E30 made me a life long BMW enthusiast... from the awesome community to driver enjoyment (see my E30 FS thread here). I REALLY didn't want to sell this car, but the combination of daily driving a classic with insurance that wouldn't pay out at value in the event of an accident caused me too much anxiety. Firmly bitten by the BMW fanboy bug, I set off looking for a 228i Msport Manual after reading the incredible Car and Driver review, which named the 228i manual as the best of the 2 series cars. After finding none with the THP and Technology packages over the course of a month, I gave up on that endeavor and shifted my search to the M235i Manual. I quickly warmed up to the smoothness of the N55 and loved the idea of owning the final iteration of the engine, which I figured benefits from nearly 8 years of refinement. As blasphemous as this may sound, I unexpectedly fell in love with the ZF 8HP45 transmission after driving both the manual and auto back to back. This is something I NEVER thought would happen.

Mid August, I found myself signing documents for an off lease CPO M235i.

Why I Love This Car:

It's easy to drive hard, fun to drive slow. It gets 34 MPG on the highway. It can fit all my junk inside with the seats folded down or on the roof for larger items (skis, bikes, etc). It makes me happy to look at and driving it every day is nothing short of an occasion. I think that sums it up.

Reliability and Warranty:

Compared to all the cars listed above, the M235i has been the most reliable and promises the best long-term reliability (see my Blackstone Oil Analysis thread here). I must disclose that I have had one warranty claim in my 10k miles related to an emissions valve. I dropped it off at a dealer close to my workplace. They asked no questions, sat me in a fully loaded 340i rental car, and completed the job in less than 2 hours. The experience was great: I paid $0, drove a cool car, enjoyed two cups of coffee and a blueberry muffin for free. By comparison, when the inlet charge pipe cracked on my bought-new 2016 GTI with 5k miles, I had to fight TWO dealerships and VAG to cover it. I am thrilled that I get to enjoy this incredible service for another 60K miles... talk about value!

Financing:

BMW financing is SUPERB. They offer very aggressive APR (2.3% for me), automated pay, and excellent customer service to boot. I never once felt like I was getting misled or played from the moment I walked into my dealership.

The Community:

You all make owning a BMW the best part. Members of every forum I've visited have been helpful, supportive, and encouraging. I think this piece deserves the limelight as I have been a member of Subaru and VW/Audi in the past. Let me tell you... the BMW Forum Community is the best, without a doubt. Aftermarket support is massive and BMW-focused vendors seem to love the brand as much as we do. What more could I ask for?

Modifications and future Plans:

This is a car I really don't think needs any modifications to make it better... I guess that's why I like it so much! Despite my opinions and praise, however, I have changed a few things:

18x8.5 F, 18x9.5 R Apex EC-8 with 225/40 & 255/35 Conti DW
Hawk HPS 5.0 Pads
Motul 5.1 Fluid
Dinan Springs and Bump Stop Kit (DIY Thread here)
Tig Welded & V-Banded straight-through axle back (V band coupling on the stock muffler so I can swap it back in if desired)
M2 dry carbon interior trim kit
Full LED Bulb conversion, front and rear
Bimmercode app (great application)

I do plan on getting very involved with HPDE this season, so there may be a coilover and differential upgrade on the horizon (especially if Bilstein ever releases their planned P&P B16 Damptronic Kit). That being said, the single HPDE event I participated in at Summit Point in totally stock form was an incredible experience. I contribute my success at that event to the engineering of the car, not driver skill.

Conclusion:

This is the only vehicle I've owned where the thought of trying something new has crossed my mind. Unless I total it (knock on wood), this is my forever car. What a great machine, what a great community, and what a great brand.

[Anthony235]

Great write up! I agree that this is one of the best and most fun cars that I've owned. The only other car that I've had that surpasses it in fun factor is my S2000.

[happyjack]

awesome to read.

i'm about 7 weeks in on my 228i ownership and have enjoyed every day!

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by Anthony235

Great write up! I agree that this is one of the best and most fun cars that I've owned. The only other car that I've had that surpasses it in fun factor is my S2000.

Ditto here, I owned 2 S2000's. Fantastic car for the price, too bad they stopped making them in 2009.

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by happyjack

awesome to read.

i'm about 7 weeks in on my 228i ownership and have enjoyed every day!

Me too. 1.5 years on my 2016. I look for excuses to drive it.

[SteveInfante]

I'm with you on all the points about this platform. I'm now about to hit 68,000 miles on my 228. I've had it since June of 2015 and 2700 miles on the dash. With the only mods being the Stage 1 tune from BMS, drop in filter and sticky tires there isn't the need for me to look for a replacement like every other car before.

[aozer]

yea, ive had my m235 for 6k miles and its been great. had a 228i for 10k miles that was also great before it was totalled.

hopefully they keep the 2er around for a while. when it comes time for my next car i really cant imagine myself driving anything but a 2.

[wjones14]

Great review, and glad you're enjoying your M235i!

I'm with you on the brand. This is my first BMW and the experience has been nothing short of phenomenal. First there was the unforgettable Performance Center Delivery where I really got acquainted with the BMW culture. And then the free maintenance dealer appointments have continued the positive experience. It's like I'm being pampered when I bring it in for the appointment. There's no nickel and diming going on at all - everything is first class.

My only complaint with BMW so far is regarding their policy on navigation map updates - $500, even while still under warranty?!? I understand that cars built a year or so after mine receive free over-the-air updates due to newer technology, but I paid $2000 extra for the navigation system and to charge an additional $500 for what amounts to a few minutes of their time during a maintenance visit seems to be gouging.

But yes, the car is phenomenal and a lot of fun to drive. Good luck with yours!

[mcompact]

I've had my 2014 M235i(bought as a CPO) for 1 year and I'm pretty pleased so far as well. It's my 11th BMW and one of my favorites- the others being my E24 M6 and the Club Sport. My only modifications will be a mild tune and the M Performance diff. I also wish it was a sunroof delete car but you can't have everything. If I had to replace it I'd likely go with a similarly equipped M240i in Sunset Orange sans a hole in the roof.

[000000]

Hopefully your passion for the 2 & all things BMW never cease .
Interesting write up, brilliant.
Opening the garage door to gaze my 230 is a joy, then to drive it .

[mfan225]

I am with you as well, probably my favorite Car owned to date. I have had an E39 525i and an E36 M3.. and while I really loved the M3, it just was not practical having a 20 year old car as a daily haha.

Post some pics of the car! I am debating what wheels to go with.

[DaleHeinz]

They are pretty fun little cars to drive. My M240xi is a daily. I still feel excited to get in it every morning and drive it to work.

Where did you get the M2 carbon interior trim? I'm interested in getting rid of my blue/hex trim and classing the car up a bit more.

[savethemanuals]

Totally agree that this is a "forever" car!

I've never driven anything else that feels so much like an extension of myself. It's so maneuverable, fun and even easy to see out of. Anytime I drive anything else small and sporty, I just miss the BMW. Really have no clue what could replace it, so nothing will for a very long time.

[Ron Jeffries]

Just for fun, some cars i’ve liked even better than M240xi convertible, at least on great days:

BMW 135is convertible, top down, perfect days
Porsche 928 MT
BMW M Coupe
Miata

Also right up there: Porsche 944 Turbo, Z3 And Z4.

Contenders: 911 Carrera 4, MB 350 SLK

IMO, there’s no forever car.

[Sail Boat]

Originally Posted by Ron Jeffries

Just for fun, some cars i’ve liked even better than M240xi convertible, at least on great days:

BMW 135is convertible, top down, perfect days
Porsche 928 MT
BMW M Coupe
Miata

Also right up there: Porsche 944 Turbo, Z3 And Z4.

Contenders: 911 Carrera 4, MB 350 SLK

IMO, there’s no forever car.

Funny you mention the 928...

I learned to drive standard in a '89 928 GT! This was back in 2008; my friend inherited it from her grandfather. I remember the dogleg 1st gear and the noise... what a great sound that thing made. If I'm not mistaken, these cars weren't worth much at the time, maybe $12-15k, but have appreciated quickly. I believe she still daily drives it.

[reward72]

Originally Posted by mcompact

also wish it was a sunroof delete car but you can't have everything. If I had to replace it I'd likely go with a similarly equipped M240i in Sunset Orange sans a hole in the roof.

Just out of curiosity, what’s the problem with having a sunroof? I don’t care much for it myself and rarely ever open it, but I don’t mind it. The weight? The head space? Paying for it?

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by reward72

[Just out of curiosity, what’s the problem with having a sunroof? I don’t care much for it myself and rarely ever open it, but I don’t mind it. The weight? The head space? Paying for it?

There is nothing... NOTHING... that could convince me to forego a sunroof. Whether summer, winter, or any season in between, the 'roof gets opened before the tires make contact with the driveway.

I'd rather give up my driver's door than my sunroof. Regardless of what the HVAC is doing to make me cozy, I make sure that I have a perpetual fresh breeze to connect my cocoon with the real world.

And the more subtle perks... parking lot venting, controllable natural light, breeze noise control, ambient external scents for the canine co-pilot...

[wanofakind01]

Welcome to the 2er community, glad you're having a blast! Let's see some photos, hope to see you around northern va

[CP911]

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

There is nothing... NOTHING... that could convince me to forego a sunroof. Whether summer, winter, or any season in between, the 'roof gets opened before the tires make contact with the driveway.

I'd rather give up my driver's door than my sunroof. Regardless of what the HVAC is doing to make me cozy, I make sure that I have a perpetual fresh breeze to connect my cocoon with the real world.

And the more subtle perks... parking lot venting, controllable natural light, breeze noise control, ambient external scents for the canine co-pilot...

Umm, crack the window? Seriously though. Sunroofs have no purpose unless you a) live in the UK and are fighting depression or b) need to ventilate cigarette smoke to keep your baby in the back seat clear of 2nd hand smoke because you don't want to roll the windows down and give the baby the chills. But as long as you like your sunroof, more power to you, sir!

[Anthony235]

Originally Posted by CP911

Umm, crack the window? Seriously though. Sunroofs have no purpose unless you a) live in the UK and are fighting depression or b) need to ventilate cigarette smoke to keep your baby in the back seat clear of 2nd hand smoke because you don't want to roll the windows down and give the baby the chills. But as long as you like your sunroof, more power to you, sir!

I will say that there is less wind noise with the sunroof cracked than the window cracked

[TajoMan]

Originally Posted by CP911

Umm, crack the window? Seriously though. Sunroofs have no purpose unless you a) live in the UK and are fighting depression or b) need to ventilate cigarette smoke to keep your baby in the back seat clear of 2nd hand smoke because you don't want to roll the windows down and give the baby the chills. But as long as you like your sunroof, more power to you, sir!

I deleted mine when I order.
With sunroof, my head touches the roof. (it reduces headroom by 1.9 in)

Regardless of headroom, I'm not a fan of sunroof anyway.
I barely open it. it can make rattle nosie or water leak.

Also, I would rather have air through HVAC filter on the road.
That 'fresh air' is not so fresh around the city. lol

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by TajoMan

I deleted mine when I order.
With sunroof, my head touches the roof. (it reduces headroom by 1.9 in)

Regardless of headroom, I'm not a fan of sunroof anyway.
I barely open it. it can make rattle nosie or water leak.

Also, I would rather have air through HVAC filter on the road.
That 'fresh air' is not so fresh around the city. lol

I'm the same way. In addition to the headroom, you've got a more solid sounding car, 40lbs less weight in the roof (absolute worst place to put weight), less potential rattles, less headaches regarding possible repairs (though my last 4 cars had moonroofs and I never had an issue), plus the car looks more clean and purposeful without the roof cutout. When given the option to delete I said heck yes.