[dencobmw]

I’m still on the fence as to whether I want to sell my 2013 X3 28i and pick up an M235i. I work in tech and I tend to like gadgets and electronic features. The M235i seems like a downgrade in many respects compared to my X3 (no top view, HUD, auto-hold, power moonroof, adjustable lumbar support, etc). Plus there are some nasty pot holes where I live which, so far, the X3 has taken unscathed.

It seems like it really comes down to the drivetrain. I am attracted to the M235 because of it’s power (and smoothness of that power!), handling and the rave reviews. Plus, I’m a little bored with the X3 after 3 years. The M235 felt great on the test drive…kinda like a rocket powered go-kart.

For others who have come from cars with more ‘features,’ is it worth it? Are the unique benefits of the M235i enough to keep you interested?

[Cyberdemon]

Trying to decide if you want a car over a truck is very broad. Also your standard equipment gripes seem off. The 235i will come with a power moonroof, adjustable lumbar sport seats. The HUD is not an option, not sure what you mean by auto hold?

I came from a 335i that was loaded. I gave up the HUD (I live), and the better HK sound system, but overall I live.

The X3 is far more practical, and the thin rubber on the 235 will not be ideal in rough winters, you would want to get snow tires + X drive if you're in Colorado I would imagine.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Trying to decide if you want a car over a truck is very broad. Also your standard equipment gripes seem off. The 235i will come with a power moonroof, adjustable lumbar sport seats. The HUD is not an option, not sure what you mean by auto hold?

I came from a 335i that was loaded. I gave up the HUD (I live), and the better HK sound system, but overall I live.

The X3 is far more practical, and the thin rubber on the 235 will not be ideal in rough winters, you would want to get snow tires + X drive if you're in Colorado I would imagine.

auto hold is a feature that will push the brake automatically so that the car doesn't go forward when you are at a stop

[angelbones]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

auto hold is a feature that will push the brake automatically so that the car doesn't go forward when you are at a stop

Back in my day "auto hold" was called putting it in neutral/park.

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by angelbones

Back in my day "auto hold" was called putting it in neutral/park.

Its still your day...you are not DEAD...I'm guessing?!?

[W///]

2 pretty drastically different cars. I'd pick the 2er every day of the week as I prefer the driving pleasure over the toys. And then have a beater SUV because I have 2 dogs.

Or you could just go X3 with an N55.

[sstarrx3]

Just trade up your x3 for a Porsche SUV. That may be the ticket!!

[BLK235iNJ]

I tend to decouple techie features from my cars since technology moves so fast. Plus I don't rely on nanny features and my phone/tablet provides extensibility. This may sound somewhat stupid to say but you may want to run your requirements and add some weight to what you want most. Then quantify which vehicle meets your needs. IMO You can always add gadgets... I had a HUD in my Z06 and when I sold it my next car didn't have it... I missed it for a week. You'll have an amazing time driving this car and modifying it if you're into that.

Lastly, to answer your question for me the drivetrain is worth it.

Originally Posted by matteowade

I’m still on the fence as to whether I want to sell my 2013 X3 28i and pick up an M235i. I work in tech and I tend to like gadgets and electronic features. The M235i seems like a downgrade in many respects compared to my X3 (no top view, HUD, auto-hold, power moonroof, adjustable lumbar support, etc). Plus there are some nasty pot holes where I live which, so far, the X3 has taken unscathed.

It seems like it really comes down to the drivetrain. I am attracted to the M235 because of it’s power (and smoothness of that power!), handling and the rave reviews. Plus, I’m a little bored with the X3 after 3 years. The M235 felt great on the test drive…kinda like a rocket powered go-kart.

For others who have come from cars with more ‘features,’ is it worth it? Are the unique benefits of the M235i enough to keep you interested?

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by angelbones

Back in my day "auto hold" was called putting it in neutral/park.

well if you have an automatic then you would have to press P at every stop... this does it automtatically

[dencobmw]

Originally Posted by sstarrx3

Just trade up your x3 for a Porsche SUV. That may be the ticket!!

Believe me, the thought has occurred!

[Transfer]

If you need the utility, X3 35i, Macan S, or SQ5 are the ticket. I'm quite enamored with my SQ5 and am adding an M235i to the family this week so that we also have a small sporty car.

[Xiaoxi]

I'm too busy enjoying driving my M235i to care about the weather apps or HUD or whatever else will be obsolete by next Thursday.

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by matteowade

I’m still on the fence as to whether I want to sell my 2013 X3 28i and pick up an M235i. I work in tech and I tend to like gadgets and electronic features. The M235i seems like a downgrade in many respects compared to my X3 (no top view, HUD, auto-hold, power moonroof, adjustable lumbar support, etc). Plus there are some nasty pot holes where I live which, so far, the X3 has taken unscathed.

It seems like it really comes down to the drivetrain. I am attracted to the M235 because of it’s power (and smoothness of that power!), handling and the rave reviews. Plus, I’m a little bored with the X3 after 3 years. The M235 felt great on the test drive…kinda like a rocket powered go-kart.

For others who have come from cars with more ‘features,’ is it worth it? Are the unique benefits of the M235i enough to keep you interested?

About the only thing in common between the two cars is the BMW badge. You are comparing apples to oranges. I own an M235i and have driven the X3 28i as a rental. I also own a Mercedes Benz GLK350 which is the competitor to the X3 (and with the 3.5L V-6, perhaps a bit more).

The GLK is an awesome traveling machine and highway car, plus it's a 4-door and carries the groceries. On the other hand, the M235i is a 2-door enthusiast's car. Totally different breeds of cat.

My advice? Keep your X3 and park your M235i next to it. Use each for appropriate mission.

And BTW, I'm a retired electronics technician.

[angelbones]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

well if you have an automatic then you would have to press P at every stop... this does it automtatically

Admittedly, I was being sarcastic, but when I drove manuals, I often used neutral; with my present auto, I could either press P or N. (I should note that in Florida, there's a lot of flat roads so using neutral is easy). With all that said, auto stop is probably a nice feature that I would miss if I had it in a previous car.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by angelbones

Admittedly, I was being sarcastic, but when I drove manuals, I often used neutral; with my present auto, I could either press P or N. (I should note that in Florida, there's a lot of flat roads so using neutral is easy). With all that said, auto stop is probably a nice feature that I would miss if I had it in a previous car.

ya it's just some people i know really love it...

basically you get to a stop pressing the brakes, release the brakes and the car will keep braking till you press the gas... so it's pretty seamless...

[Cyberdemon]

Does the X3 have auto stop start? It seems like being able to lift your foot off the brake would conflict with how the ASS system works.

Keeping my foot on the brake has never been that much of a burden to me...*shrug*

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by matteowade

I’m still on the fence as to whether I want to sell my 2013 X3 28i and pick up an M235i. I work in tech and I tend to like gadgets and electronic features. The M235i seems like a downgrade in many respects compared to my X3 (no top view, HUD, auto-hold, power moonroof, adjustable lumbar support, etc). Plus there are some nasty pot holes where I live which, so far, the X3 has taken unscathed.

It seems like it really comes down to the drivetrain. I am attracted to the M235 because of it’s power (and smoothness of that power!), handling and the rave reviews. Plus, I’m a little bored with the X3 after 3 years. The M235 felt great on the test drive…kinda like a rocket powered go-kart.

For others who have come from cars with more ‘features,’ is it worth it? Are the unique benefits of the M235i enough to keep you interested?

It comes down to whether or not you want an SAV or a car...

I came from an x3 28i as well...Was bored to tears with it at lease end. I wanted something smaller, more visceral and toss-able than any SAV could provide.

Features as you describe them can be purchased on any car..About the only think you can't get in the 2 right now is HUD.

You're considering going from an apple to an orange. Based on your OP, I'd strongly recommend an X3 35i for your next vehicle and get it loaded up with tech and the nannies you love.

[den525]

Downgrade in terms of practicality? Not downgrade in car terms. Features for suv will always differs from sport coupes

Like most have said it's completely different you either want a m235i or need a X3 because to be honest no one buys a X3 because they want to, people buy a X3 because they need to.

Therefore the decision is need? Or want? Or if you just want a faster equivalent? Get the SQ5 or Macan S or turbo

[dencobmw]

Well to clarify, I WANT an M235i. I don't need an SUV/SAV. I bought the X3 because I live in Colorado and I occasionally do camping and hiking that requires some moderate off roading to get to trailheads and such. But in the 3 years that I've owned my X3, I have done less and less of that since I moved to the city.

I can definitely live without the "nannies" as some of you call them. No one NEEDS those, but they do make life a little easier, which I am all for. Sure I can look down at my speedometer to see how fast I'm going. But it's nice to keep my eyes on the road and have my speed on the HUD. I can parallel park on my own just fine. But if the top view mirror cameras make it faster and easier when I am blocking a lane of downtown city traffic while trying to park and helps me from banging up my wheels...why not?

I too am bored to tears with the X3. It's a great SAV and has gotten me through two moves. But I have gotten more interested in cars and would like something more exciting to drive. I can definitely give up a few tech things to get that. I think my only concern at this point are the really crappy city roads we have here. Not looking forward to paying tire/wheel insurance.

[Kidu]

I am in Denver and I have a RWD 6-speed M235i and I absolutely LOVE it! Winter tires, of course once it snows. Just be a tad careful with the throttle in winter in really icy conditions.

[Merc for hire]

The X3 is got to go. It's meant for house wives and spoilt college females.

Get that M235i you desire ASAP.

[Regardless]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

ya it's just some people i know really love it...

basically you get to a stop pressing the brakes, release the brakes and the car will keep braking till you press the gas... so it's pretty seamless...

oooh.. the lack of auto hold was something that took awhile to get used to.. a real treat for highly congested city driving imo..