[ska///235i]

[BMW335iOn18s]

I think the M235i deserves the M badge. If the US E36 M3 was worthy of one, then the M235i is as well. If we think about it, what made the US E36 M3 an M car? It was basically a 328is with sport package and an upsized M52. It even had the same transmission as a 328i. Lost the Euro brakes and had a softer suspension as well. Lets not even mention the automatic that it was available.....yet, year after year, I hear these so-called BMW enthusiasts going on and on about how AMAZING the e36 was, how light it was, how well it handled etc etc. They forget that the interior was junk, it was missing the euro S50 motor with individual throttle bodies and high rev-limit. The US E36 M3 was a great car, but very close to its non-M counterparts, much like the M235i doesn't have much to differentiate it from the normal series cars, but that's ok. It's a testament to how great the regular BMWs have become. For me, it's bitter sweet. I'm kind of sad that the M cars aren't as special as they used to be, but on the other hand, I'm happy that a fun BMW sports car bearing some M-bits is affordable. It's the ZHP vs. M3 debate all over again. I guess no one said anything bad about the 330i performance package name because it wasn't called the M330i. If you look at it, these cars always existed. First the M535i, then the M540i, then the 325i M technic, ZHP, 135is/335is....at the end of the day, who cares about the name? Enjoy the car!

By the way, E36 steering feel wasn't all that great. Honestly, the rack was slow and didn't have much feedback. The E46 was the gold-standard.

I think the M235i is a modern US-spec E36 M3. And that's why it deserves the M badge. Either way, I love it!

[ska///235i]

Agree

The e36m is my fav bmw (not performance wise) it has that classic euro look. Its very mod'able

That M535i is epic

[uberspeed]

Perhaps it's the era I grew up in but these cars mean a bit more to me and the old ones hold nostalgia while the new ones, including my own, well... there's dissonance. I don't have an issue with the 235 having the M badge as it was bestowed by BMW itself but in the back of my mind I still hold reservation. What I find ludicrous is other folks on other forums claiming an M-Sport package is worthy of anointing a vehicle an M badge /wretch
I plan on going 230i M-Sport in the coming years and it'll be a 230i it's not an M, not by any means. Maybe, just maybe, I pay too much homage, but deep down I don't believe I do since M's are really a cut above. Regardless, let's all enjoy our rides and do more driver training, that carries over to any vehicle we may pilot

[MrBucket]

Originally Posted by uberspeed

Perhaps it's the era I grew up in but these cars mean a bit more to me and the old ones hold nostalgia while the new ones, including my own, well... there's dissonance. I don't have an issue with the 235 having the M badge as it was bestowed by BMW itself but in the back of my mind I still hold reservation. What I find ludicrous is other folks on other forums claiming an M-Sport package is worthy of anointing a vehicle an M badge /wretch
I plan on going 230i M-Sport in the coming years and it'll be a 230i it's not an M, not by any means. Maybe, just maybe, I pay too much homage, but deep down I don't believe I do since M's are really a cut above. Regardless, let's all enjoy our rides and do more driver training, that carries over to any vehicle we may pilot

What the hell is a 230i M-Sport?

[jbenington86]

Originally Posted by ska///235i

Still cant get over the name M235i? Here's a M535i for you

During the whole "I hate the M235i name" I kept finding older versions of the same naming convention but decided to keep it to my self and just laugh a little bit.

[Heitzer]

And this "executive sedan" had basically the same dimensions as the 2 series. Weighs 500 pounds less of course.

Wheelbase 2,628 mm (103.5 in)
Length 4,620 mm (182 in)
Width 1,700 mm (67 in)
Height 1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Curb weight 1,370 kg (3,020 lb)

2 series:
Wheelbase 2,690 mm (105.9 in)
Length 4,432 mm (174.5 in)
Width 1,774 mm (69.8 in)
Height 1,418 mm (55.8 in)

[uberspeed]

Originally Posted by MrBucket

What the hell is a 230i M-Sport?

With new engines in tow it's been rumored that the models will change numbering designation from 228i to 230i and from 235i to 240i in upcoming years.

[hans007]

Originally Posted by Heitzer

And this "executive sedan" had basically the same dimensions as the 2 series. Weighs 500 pounds less of course.

Wheelbase 2,628 mm (103.5 in)
Length 4,620 mm (182 in)
Width 1,700 mm (67 in)
Height 1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Curb weight 1,370 kg (3,020 lb)

2 series:
Wheelbase 2,690 mm (105.9 in)
Length 4,432 mm (174.5 in)
Width 1,774 mm (69.8 in)
Height 1,418 mm (55.8 in)

yeah sometimes its a shame, i wish we could get a sedan that was at least dimensionally in the 2 series size (i used to drive a first gen TSX.... and yeah it wasnt as interesting to drive and was FWB, but great size for a sedan... i can see why people like the new A3 so much). the weight issue sucks, but that said i'd much rather get hit by an SUV while sitting in a 2 series than a 30 year old 5 series.

[mvallido]

I will buy it anyway even if they named it 230i. That's 5 short of 235i LOL!

[W///]

Originally Posted by BMW335iOn18s

I think the M235i deserves the M badge. If the US E36 M3 was worthy of one, then the M235i is as well. If we think about it, what made the US E36 M3 an M car? It was basically a 328is with sport package and an upsized M52. It even had the same transmission as a 328i. Lost the Euro brakes and had a softer suspension as well. Lets not even mention the automatic that it was available.....yet, year after year, I hear these so-called BMW enthusiasts going on and on about how AMAZING the e36 was, how light it was, how well it handled etc etc. They forget that the interior was junk, it was missing the euro S50 motor with individual throttle bodies and high rev-limit. The US E36 M3 was a great car, but very close to its non-M counterparts, much like the M235i doesn't have much to differentiate it from the normal series cars, but that's ok. It's a testament to how great the regular BMWs have become. For me, it's bitter sweet. I'm kind of sad that the M cars aren't as special as they used to be, but on the other hand, I'm happy that a fun BMW sports car bearing some M-bits is affordable. It's the ZHP vs. M3 debate all over again. I guess no one said anything bad about the 330i performance package name because it wasn't called the M330i. If you look at it, these cars always existed. First the M535i, then the M540i, then the 325i M technic, ZHP, 135is/335is....at the end of the day, who cares about the name? Enjoy the car!

By the way, E36 steering feel wasn't all that great. Honestly, the rack was slow and didn't have much feedback. The E46 was the gold-standard.

I think the M235i is a modern US-spec E36 M3. And that's why it deserves the M badge. Either way, I love it!

In my opinion, the M235i = 328is, M2 will = M3.

At the end of the day though, none of this matters what so ever. I never understood why people cared so much about the badge. The badge is not what makes the cars. You could easily fix that issue with some dental floss. But really, these naming structures don't really mean anything anymore these days. Just as long as you enjoy the car, I think that's really all that should batter

[StephanieDiane]

Originally Posted by W///

In my opinion, the M235i = 328is, M2 will = M3.

At the end of the day though, none of this matters what so ever. I never understood why people cared so much about the badge. The badge is not what makes the cars. You could easily fix that issue with some dental floss. But really, these naming structures don't really mean anything anymore these days. Just as long as you enjoy the car, I think that's really all that should batter

I am new to the BMW line and the classifications therein. I have not added my opinion to any of the multiple posts concerned with "Is it or is it not an M" because 1) I don't feel qualified and 2) I don't feel it's an important discussion. But heck, I'm bored at work.

Your point sums it up well. When I bought my M235, no one I knew cared what it was. All they heard was "BMW" and maybe "red." Eyes glazed over when letters and numbers came out of my mouth. So, I certainly didn't get the "M" to impress my friends and family. It's safe to assume that other non-BMW drivers on the road also don't care about the letters/numbers on the back of my car. So, it leaves you guys and the other BMW strangers to be the judge and jury of my car and its M status. If I have become the type of person who cares what strangers may think of my M or non-M or wanna-be-M car, then I am quite displeased with myself.

I bought this model because it was fun as hell to drive, I found it cute, and I was agreeable to the price.

My husband plans to buy an M2. Because it's a real M2? No. He wants a manual and I wanted an automatic, so he's getting his own dang car. So far it sounds like the M2 will fit his needs and the timing will be good for when he plans to purchase. It's just about getting the car you love.

Having said all that, I do understand the sense of nostalgia and tradition one feels with something such as this. Perhaps a sense of disloyalty on the part of the company to go giving away an M to an "undeserving" car and then further hand it over to the masses. Unfortunately, it is a business. Such is the world of change.

As my husband would say, "No one asked for your opinion woman " so I will retire.

[mvallido]

Originally Posted by StephanieDiane

I am new to the BMW line and the classifications therein. I have not added my opinion to any of the multiple posts concerned with "Is it or is it not an M" because 1) I don't feel qualified and 2) I don't feel it's an important discussion. But heck, I'm bored at work.

Your point sums it up well. When I bought my M235, no one I knew cared what it was. All they heard was "BMW" and maybe "red." Eyes glazed over when letters and numbers came out of my mouth. So, I certainly didn't get the "M" to impress my friends and family. It's safe to assume that other non-BMW drivers on the road also don't care about the letters/numbers on the back of my car. So, it leaves you guys and the other BMW strangers to be the judge and jury of my car and its M status. If I have become the type of person who cares what strangers may think of my M or non-M or wanna-be-M car, then I am quite displeased with myself.

I bought this model because it was fun as hell to drive, I found it cute, and I was agreeable to the price.

My husband plans to buy an M2. Because it's a real M2? No. He wants a manual and I wanted an automatic, so he's getting his own dang car. So far it sounds like the M2 will fit his needs and the timing will be good for when he plans to purchase. It's just about getting the car you love.

Having said all that, I do understand the sense of nostalgia and tradition one feels with something such as this. Perhaps a sense of disloyalty on the part of the company to go giving away an M to an "undeserving" car and then further hand it over to the masses. Unfortunately, it is a business. Such is the world of change.

As my husband would say, "No one asked for your opinion woman " so I will retire.

Yap, I bought this M235i for my wife too and will get the M2 when it comes out.

[uberspeed]

Originally Posted by mvallido

I will buy it anyway even if they named it 230i. That's 5 short of 235i LOL!

Exactly I don't care what they call it as long as it has the driving dynamics of today's 228i, moreover I'll always gladly accept any engine tuning and efficiencies along the way I've been extremely satisfied with the N20 engine, I hope the B48 carries the torch and surpasses it.

[StephanieDiane]

Originally Posted by mvallido

Yap, I bought this M235i for my wife too and will get the M2 when it comes out.

Yes, but the truly important thing to note is - is hers Melbourne Red?

Because if it's not... ughhh. It's just NOT a real car.

[ska///235i]

Its just to show the nay sayers that Its been done decades ago

[jbenington86]

Originally Posted by ska///235i

Its just to show the nay sayers that Its been done decades ago

+1

You want to really get people all worked up? Go check the M box in the BMW Welt scheduler.

https://portal.bmw-on-demand.de/inde...play#scheduler

Actually thinking about getting myself into an M5 or M6 for a few hours tomorrow.

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by StephanieDiane

I am new to the BMW line and the classifications therein. I have not added my opinion to any of the multiple posts concerned with "Is it or is it not an M" because 1) I don't feel qualified and 2) I don't feel it's an important discussion. But heck, I'm bored at work.

Your point sums it up well. When I bought my M235, no one I knew cared what it was. All they heard was "BMW" and maybe "red." Eyes glazed over when letters and numbers came out of my mouth. So, I certainly didn't get the "M" to impress my friends and family. It's safe to assume that other non-BMW drivers on the road also don't care about the letters/numbers on the back of my car.

...

As my husband would say, "No one asked for your opinion woman " so I will retire.

I am also new to BMW (so new that I don't even have it yet), and have gotten quite a kick out of reading the forum arguments about the M badge on the M235i. I have gotten the exact same response as you from family and friends regarding the model designation. It might as well be "Q" instead of "M" as far as they are concerned. When you have to explain it, it sometimes isn't worth it.

I imagine some will flame me or make fun of me, but I actually wish the 2015 U.S. spec M235i still had the M badges on the front fenders. I'm thinking of putting them on there. Look at the car I'm coming from - that thing is screaming for attention - while I believe my white M235i will be just another BMW to most folks. Not that that's a bad thing, but the people I'm talking to are genuinely surprised when I tell them that the 235 is actually more powerful than my Mustang. Maybe the M badges would give them a hint that there's something special about the car.

[3.0L]

With all the M235i bashing over the badges, I think the whiners should keep one thing in mind: It says M235i. It does not say M2 or M3 or M1.

The badge "M235i" seems no-brainier clear.

[angelbones]

Originally Posted by wjones14

I am also new to BMW (so new that I don't even have it yet), and have gotten quite a kick out of reading the forum arguments about the M badge on the M235i. I have gotten the exact same response as you from family and friends regarding the model designation. It might as well be "Q" instead of "M" as far as they are concerned. When you have to explain it, it sometimes isn't worth it.

I imagine some will flame me or make fun of me, but I actually wish the 2015 U.S. spec M235i still had the M badges on the front fenders. I'm thinking of putting them on there. Look at the car I'm coming from - that thing is screaming for attention - while I believe my white M235i will be just another BMW to most folks. Not that that's a bad thing, but the people I'm talking to are genuinely surprised when I tell them that the 235 is actually more powerful than my Mustang. Maybe the M badges would give them a hint that there's something special about the car.

Add one more to the list that this is their first BMW. Whenever I see "complaints" about calling it a M235i, I just don't get it. I understand that the M is special, I get that. The car mags ripped on it first as well, but it seems to have become a non-issue to them as well. You could say the same about every brand. Let's see, Cadillac has the V and the lesser V sport. Lexus, has the F and the F-sport. Audi has the A, then, S, then RS. Merc has cars with AMG wheels and other badging, that aren't actually full blown AMG. In fact, of all makes, to this day, I don't understand the Mercedes Benz nomenclature and their reasoning.

So, if you're having a conversation with people who are into cars, then they will know they difference, and it's not as if I'm going to say, Hah, you only got a M235, instead of an M2 (presuming it was out by now). Since I know cars, I would just assume they chose what they chose either due to price or practicality, not because they wanted to be a snob. On the other hand, if talking about the car to someone who doesn't know cars, then one can sing its praises on its own merits.

[jbenington86]

Originally Posted by angelbones

Since I know cars, I would just assume they chose what they chose either due to price or practicality, not because they wanted to be a snob.

Or because they had one of the best deals you can get but only for 3 months and couldn't wait for the M2 even if they wanted to....