[abp689]

Had intended to pickup a 235 if there was a Winter Clearance event, or April 2015 if no event.

*Anyone else thinking about postponing for the M2; or are you going forward with the 235?

I plan to hold either car for 5-7 years and use as a DD, so a two-year lease is not part of the plan.

[golf_234]

I think it is a wise choice to at least see what the M2 has to offer, that is what I am doing. Then seeing if it is a must have, or if it is marginal. I think it is safe to say it will be pretty phenomenal. There could be the chance that the 235 modded to your taste is already perfect, but given the the thoughts on your post I would say no.

[abp689]

Yeah, I would like to wait and see as well; I have been holding out for an M-tuned vehicle. Only issue is dealer allotments. I anticipate paying a premium over MSRP until at least November 2016.

You are correct in that the 235 could be just about right for a DD since I realistically won't t track more than occasionally.

[F80_M]

If you're thinking about the M2 Id advise putting your name down and deposit to hold your spot now...

[StephanieDiane]

Or, you can cheat and get both. The 235 for me; the M2 for my husband. And then I will relentlessly hear that his is "better." Fortunately he is aware I am well versed in the use of a scalpel and that he must sleep near me.

[alz0rz]

Or, option 3. Buy M235i now, trade in for M2 later.

[W///]

Originally Posted by abp689

Had intended to pickup a 235 if there was a Winter Clearance event, or April 2015 if no event.

*Anyone else thinking about postponing for the M2; or are you going forward with the 235?

I plan to hold either car for 5-7 years and use as a DD, so a two-year lease is not part of the plan.

I'd say wait. It's not like you don't have other BMW's to drive. My rule is you always try to go for the hottest spec possible, otherwise there's going to be that inevitable sense of regret. And at $40-50k, that's just not the way to go. Especially if you are also planning to hold to a car for 5-7 years.

[///MCFC]

Originally Posted by alz0rz

Or, option 3. Buy M235i now, trade in for M2 later.

this is my plan. assuming the M2 is worth it. win/win either way.

[five3three]

Originally Posted by YOLO89

If you're thinking about the M2 Id advise putting your name down and deposit to hold your spot now...

The only problem with doing that is you are locking yourself to basically MSRP. It doesn't look like the OP is in a rush for a car and the M2 doesn't seem to be a limit production car.

I leased my 235 for three years so the timing for me will be perfect. I'll be able to place my order on an M2 (if I like it enough to go that route) for a 2017 model doing Euro Delivery in the Spring and negotiating the best possible deal.

[abp689]

Yep, a $50K case of buyers-regret is the primary driver to wait and see. When I got the 330, I opted out of the e46M. Loved the M3, but I just drove too much to justify the cost/gas mileage.

A 235 and M2 combo would be great! But we need a ride for the kids and dog.

My Option 3: S2000, 964, or 996TT. This should limit some of the drive-off depreciation if I sell for an M in 2016!

[nachob]

Originally Posted by abp689

Had intended to pickup a 235 if there was a Winter Clearance event, or April 2015 if no event.

*Anyone else thinking about postponing for the M2; or are you going forward with the 235?

I plan to hold either car for 5-7 years and use as a DD, so a two-year lease is not part of the plan.

I also have a ZHP and I have put off to see what the M2 is like. There are a lot of wealthy guys here that say stuff like just buy or lease an M235i for two years then buy an M2 etc but that doesn't work for me. Or they say, but an M235 for $45k then spend another 5-7K making it closer to what I want.

I was very excited about the M235i and was ready to buy one but I was let down. I have since adjusted my expectations and think the 2 series is the best BMW out right now overall based on size, price, performance but I can't spend 50K when the M2 will probably be more to my liking.

I had configured a Estoril Blue M235i with Alcantara/Cloth Interior in European configurator then waited until US configurator went up. Then it all fell apart. Vinyl replaced the bitchin' alcantara base interior, no LSD, no temp gauge, active sound, mandatory iDrive and the awful location of LCD display. I still waited until the first one arrived and took off at lunch to go drive it.

I loved the look except for the wheels but I could change those, the interior was excellent except for iDrive and display then I started it up. Now cold starting a 1M is an event so I was let down by the lack of sound. I drove it and turned off display. Steering was outstanding, precise and smooth but no feel. Didn't like the active sound and the biggest dissapointment was the suspension, too soft and squishy. I pulled over and found more stupid stuff, where the 1M had a temp gauge was the silly M235i logo. The AC sync button was gone so you have to adjust the temp twice every time. Finding radio stations, silly with iDRive and no more key so you have to pay for a package or comfort access to get the full functionality which I don't even want. So I'm holding off to see what M2 is like. If it's just a faster version of M235i, I'll save the money and get 235i unless the Golf R wows me.

[VeryBadman]

I would be waiting for M2 if I were you. I would love to try but I don't think I will get one after I just drained my bank account with my new toy last weekend.

[abp689]

Originally Posted by nachob

I was very excited about the M235i and was ready to buy one but I was let down. I have since adjusted my expectations and think the 2 series is the best BMW out right now overall based on size, price, performance but I can't spend 50K when the M2 will probably be more to my liking.

Agreed. I looked forward to the release then decided against it. Test drove an e90M3 and loved it.

Was going to buy the M3 and test drove the 235 back to back just to rule it out. It was a short test drive but I really liked it; reminds me of the 330z with more punch.

While it lacks the presence, suspension feel, and sound of the M; it has much better gas mileage, full warranty, just as fast and fun on the road, and new. For me it was a toss-up; I think the M3 is the better car and the 235 is the better car to own as a DD (just my opinion, no offense to either side).

The M2 will add back the presence and suspension feel (that sound ain't coming back). Of course, I bet the M2 MSRP starts $10k higher with no dealer discounts for a year or so which is effectively $12.5k higher.

Enjoy the toy Badman!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by StephanieDiane

Or, you can cheat and get both. The 235 for me; the M2 for my husband. And then I will relentlessly hear that his is "better." Fortunately he is aware I am well versed in the use of a scalpel and that he must sleep near me.

[Lucky13]

I did a 3 year lease on the M235 because if I really love it I will buy it for the residual at the end of the lease. Since I now have had it 5 months I love it but will consider an M2. Lease is the way to go because your not putting any money down and it gives you the option of financing it at the end of 2 or 3 years. If you buy it it's going to depreciate the same and then you take a hit if you want to trade it in. I've traded out of leases before for a new BMW so that's an option also. I've bought many BMW's,16 to be exact and about half were financed purchases and half leases. My wife has an X1 I paid cash for and the problem is always trading in a purchased car and getting wholesale. I expect about a $10K difference between the M235 and M2 and since I don't track the car it's probably not going to be worth the difference.

[abp689]

Originally Posted by Lucky13

I did a 3 year lease on the M235 because if I really love it I will buy it for the residual at the end of the lease. Since I now have had it 5 months I love it but will consider an M2. Lease is the way to go because your not putting any money down

Never considered a lease and have not researched terms; but I thought current 235 lease deals were $3k down and ~ $489/month (not accounting for residuals, MF...).

But you are correct. If I buy the M235, the wife will not understand why I would even consider trading it in for an M2. But if I leased, then I would HAVE to turn it in for the M2.

Interesting.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by abp689

Never considered a lease and have not researched terms; but I thought current 235 lease deals were $3k down and ~ $489/month (not accounting for residuals, MF...).

But you are correct. If I buy the M235, the wife will not understand why I would even consider trading it in for an M2. But if I leased, then I would HAVE to turn it in for the M2.

Interesting.

You can put down anything you want. All that does is lower your monthly payment.

[BradF]

Option 4: 228i, M Sport, Track Handling Package, 6MT. Under $38K, drive the snot out of it.

I'm about to pull the trigger on one.

[horsepower_and_hounds]

Originally Posted by alz0rz

Or, option 3. Buy M235i now, trade in for M2 later.

That is my plan of attack! I may even look at a ED delivery this time and take the on a trip

[Ricfutures]

The M235 for me is a temp solution. I'll either grab an M2 when the dealer markup period ends or pick up a used M3/M4.

[jhall1957]

I'm taking option 3! Picking up lease M235 Monday at Perf. ctr in SC and waiting to see if want/need M2. Don't forget you can trade out of a lease also!

[Lucky13]

Originally Posted by abp689

Never considered a lease and have not researched terms; but I thought current 235 lease deals were $3k down and ~ $489/month (not accounting for residuals, MF...).

But you are correct. If I buy the M235, the wife will not understand why I would even consider trading it in for an M2. But if I leased, then I would HAVE to turn it in for the M2.

Interesting.

I have never put money down on a lease and have leased close to 10 BMW's.