[PDM5]

Hi all,

I know there are plenty of "m235i vs X" threads on here and size comparison threads between the two as well, but I'm curious to see how those that made the switch from an e46 m3 (or similar) feel about their car today. Any regrets or have you already moved on to something else?

A little background: I've owned multiple M cars, but I am starting to yearn for something more comfortable. At the same time, I've not completely given up on fun. I don't care that the m235i is not a "real" M car as I do not buy cars as a status symbol. I test drove a m235i recently and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. I love how it had actual torque and all the modern features plus the ability to switch between comfort and sport(+) was awesome. Every car I buy I DD, so the same would apply to the m235i as I do not want to own multiple cars. I only drive manuals, so the m235xi is off the table, plus I've run a winter tire setup for the past couple of years with no issues in my M's. Basically I'm trying to see if others have made the switch and after the honeymoon period have regretted it. My back and my mind say make the switch, but I still have that bit of doubt that I just can't seem to kick.

[bryan_G01]

think of the the m235 as a e36 m3 with almost double the hp after tuning.
go for a test drive in a RWD 235, than just think while driving that you can add another 100whp with just bolts on for roughly 3k or less.

[BEM-S4]

First of all I'm well aware that a 330 is NOT an M3. That said we have a 2006 330 convertible last one they made with the slight bump in engine. Has 30k miles on it never selling it. Anyway that compared to our 2016 m235 xDrive it's light years different. If you like your M3 you'll love the 235. Only thing I really miss is the doors on the E46 close with a nice thud. Don't get me wrong I love that car, it's my father's and we will never sell it. But just objectively speaking the 235 is better in every conceivable way.

[BEM-S4]

Actually one way the E46 is better - the paint on the modern cars sucks by comparison. Back when they could still poison the earth the paint was a lot better.

[PDM5]

Thanks for the responses gents. Yeah, I took a manual m235i for a test drive and absolutely loved it. Everything about the car felt "better" than my m3, but I wasn't sure if that was the new car wow factor just tricking me. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with my m3, I just want to get into something newer and more comfortable. I also loved my friend's e36 m3 that I test drove one time, so that is great to hear!

I had an e46 330i ZHP before I picked up my current m3, so that is also factoring into my hesitation. I went from a m5 to the ZHP and initially I thought it would work out and I didn't need all that extra power the m5 had, but I sold the ZHP 2 months later as the power simply wasn't adequate enough despite me thinking it would be just fine when I bought it. It looks like I definitely will not run into the same issue with the m235i.

[DanG]

I went from an E46 M3 to an M235i. The M235i has more power in the lower revs and is a blast to drive. I don't miss my M3.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by PDM5

Thanks for the responses gents. Yeah, I took a manual m235i for a test drive and absolutely loved it. Everything about the car felt "better" than my m3, but I wasn't sure if that was the new car wow factor just tricking me. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with my m3, I just want to get into something newer and more comfortable. I also loved my friend's e36 m3 that I test drove one time, so that is great to hear!

I had an e46 330i ZHP before I picked up my current m3, so that is also factoring into my hesitation. I went from a m5 to the ZHP and initially I thought it would work out and I didn't need all that extra power the m5 had, but I sold the ZHP 2 months later as the power simply wasn't adequate enough despite me thinking it would be just fine when I bought it. It looks like I definitely will not run into the same issue with the m235i.

Are you going to get the M235?

[PDM5]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Are you going to get the M235?

99.9% looking that way. Now I just need to find the one I want with the options I want.

[dasblack]

Originally Posted by DanG

I went from an E46 M3 to an M235i. The M235i has more power in the lower revs and is a blast to drive. I don't miss my M3.

:

[supernova72]

I did the exact move 16 months ago. The torgue (vs HP) of the M235i will blow you away. The M235i is not as raw IMHO but once in sport mode it drives comparable.

Not that MPG is a goal of yours but I'm getting 20.5 in my M235i vs. 18mpg in my E46 M3. You won't get as many "thumps up" but I kind of like the sedate look of it. The 6MT car has hill hold which in Seattle WA is a cool feature.

[DanielGr]

Did the switch about 6 months ago. E46 M3 was a real disappointment to drive after reading so much (and lusting after one for years)

Only things I miss from the M3 are the noise and the steering. The lack of noise I can live with, but the steering in the M235i is truly shocking for its lack of feedback especially when driving in the wet.

With that being said - don't regret it. The 2er is miles better in every other aspect... and you don't drive it daily wondering what's about to break or need replacing.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by DanielGr

Did the switch about 6 months ago. E46 M3 was a real disappointment to drive after reading so much (and lusting after one for years)

Only things I miss from the M3 are the noise and the steering. The lack of noise I can live with, but the steering in the M235i is truly shocking for its lack of feedback especially when driving in the wet.

With that being said - don't regret it. The 2er is miles better in every other aspect... and you don't drive it daily wondering what's about to break or need replacing.

What do you think about 235 steering difference between COMFORT and SPORT?

[WolfGTI]

I agree about the lack of feedback on the 2er. I really like my M240i, but after driving my R53 MINI Cooper S or my wife's E84 X1- the difference is very apparent, I can tell exactly what the wheels are doing on those cars, the M240i takes some more thought / interpretation - i.e. it is not a steering that talk to you about what it's doing.

Don't get me wrong - I am not unhappy about the car overall.

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

What do you think about 235 steering difference between COMFORT and SPORT?

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

What do you think about 235 steering difference between COMFORT and SPORT?

First thing that always hits me about the E46 when I drive it about once a month, aside from how far back dad has his seat, is how heavy the steering feels until you get the car moving at speed. In the 2er it really tightens up at speed.

One thing I did not mention before, and take this with a grain of salt because I haven't driven an M of the vintage we are talking about in quite some time so can't give you a direct comparison, I find it a bit twitchy at very high speeds on the highway. It's not horrible but since I have other options if I'm heading out on the turnpike I take one of the other cars. If your daily commute includes long highway cruising stretches I'd maybe look at something else.

[quadpipes]

This is not exactly on point, but I am lucky enough to drive both an E92 M3 and an F22 M235i. Although the HP ratings are different, the torque numbers are similar.

The real difference that you will feel with the power plants, is the difference between the non turbo S54 in your E46 M3 and the turbo N55 in the M235i (or turbo B58 if you get the M240i) regarding when the torque kicks in and how long the engine pulls.

The torque in the non turbo S54 (and in my non turbo S65 V8 M3) comes on more slowly, is much more linear and pulls longer. The torque in the turbo N55 (or B58) comes on much sooner (after a very slight lag), is a kick in the pants but does not pull as long.

And, of course, there is the glorious sound from the non turbo engines, and the muffled (and electronically enhanced) sound from the turbo engines.

I love both cars but for different reasons.

First world issues for sure. But a definite difference. Good luck!

[xojustin]

I love my M235...with that said, are you selling your E46? What year and what color? Becauseeeeeeeeeeeeeee I'll always love that car more than anything lol

[griz31]

Originally Posted by PDM5

99.9% looking that way. Now I just need to find the one I want with the options I want.

Hey, I see you are also in Northern Virginia. I have really wanted an opportunity to test drive the e46 m3. I hear it is a more raw experience, which is something I am looking for. I have a m235i (RWD/6-speed) if you wanted to swap test drives!

Also, if it fits what your're looking for, its up for lease transfer as well.

Let me know!

[PDM5]

Appreciate all the responses from everyone. Pretty much spot on with what I was thinking, but I wanted to confirm.

[PDM5]

Originally Posted by xojustin

I love my M235...with that said, are you selling your E46? What year and what color? Becauseeeeeeeeeeeeeee I'll always love that car more than anything lol

Yep, I will sell the m3 after I pick up an m235i. It's an 03.5 (LCI) Silver Grey coupe with 151k on the clock.

[PDM5]

Originally Posted by griz31

Hey, I see you are also in Northern Virginia. I have really wanted an opportunity to test drive the e46 m3. I hear it is a more raw experience, which is something I am looking for. I have a m235i (RWD/6-speed) if you wanted to swap test drives!

Also, if it fits what your're looking for, its up for lease transfer as well.

Let me know!

I'm on skinny winter tires at the moment, but hopefully I can throw the summers on soon enough and would have no problem letting you take it for a spin.

I looked at your thread just out of curiosity since you're local, but I drive 20k+ miles a year, so I would come in wayyyyyyyyyyyy over the mileage. Leasing just isn't an option for me, unfortunately.

[griz31]

Originally Posted by PDM5

I'm on skinny winter tires at the moment, but hopefully I can throw the summers on soon enough and would have no problem letting you take it for a spin.

I looked at your thread just out of curiosity since you're local, but I drive 20k+ miles a year, so I would come in wayyyyyyyyyyyy over the mileage. Leasing just isn't an option for me, unfortunately.

Awesome, shoot me a PM whenever you have time!

Thanks for taking a look. I too drive a ton of miles - a lot of the motivation for the transfer. More than happy to let you take it for a spin anytime if you're still on the fence (or if you want another go at it!)

-Jon

[wdc330i]

I've owned an E46 M3 and now own an M240i. Caveat: They were/are convertibles. The M3 was a stick; the 240 is an auto.

Overall, I've owned four E46s, a Z3, an E91, and a couple of X5s.

I bought the 240 because I missed my M3--both the convertible aspect and the sportiness/handling/power.

While I loved my M3 (it was my daily driver on bad city roads), it was difficult to live with until I made a few changes. I swapped out the 19-inch wheels with Michelin summer tires to 17-inch wheels with Michelin A/S tires. That made a world of difference in comfort. So, this might be a first/cheaper move, if you are having livability issues. Also, of course, check all your suspension components for wear.

My M3 was the last of its model, so a bit younger than yours. Still, it's a car that's showing its age, especially when it comes to electronics. I had things that were starting to break, although nothing serious when I sold it in 2012. I sold it because it was a third car, and we earmarked the funds for a house project. That was a mistake I regret.

I haven't had the M240 long enough to fully crystallize an opinion. But it does feel similar to the M3 in important ways. Power: Similar to the M3, but available at lower RPMs. Handling: Has the tossable, go-kart feel. Road feel: Yes. Plenty. LOL. You feel that you are on 18-inch, low-profile summer tires. And the ride is a bit jiggly, which I attribute to tires and the short wheelbase, and no real top.

Steering feel: Quite different. Lighter, especially if you don't have Sport mode selected. It heavies up with Sport, but still has a somewhat disconnected feeling. Nothing I can't live with, but it might disturb some purists. For me, it's worth it to have everything else about the car be more modern.

Most immediately, I'm coming from a RWD E91. The M3 steering was lighter than the E91, but both have that famous BMW connected feel.

Limited slip differential: My M3 had one; my M240 doesn't, but I may add one later. The M3 inspired such confidence in its abilities. I'm not sure yet about the M240. TBD.

Both cars put on a smile on my face to drive. In that way, they are very similar.

YMMV.