Autocar compares M235i vs. M4 and Alpina B4... which is the real modern day M3 coupe?

basiluf · 08-25-2014, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tke743

I think you miss the point. This is not an apples to apples comparison. The things I want are more closely tied to the M235i. I am looking for a daily driver I can take to the track, not a track car that I can drive daily. The M235i fits this better. I think the review in the op showed that is the criteria they were using too. If it was just a lap time rewiew, yes the M3/M4 would win. Again not apples to apples.

The two are functionally the same price for me and I chose the M235i.

On your second note, I too am over 6' and I prefer a car closer to the size of the e46 (which this is) and not the e60 sized M3/M4

I'm 6'6 and I fit just fine in my M235i.

e92ben · 08-25-2014, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bladeomatic

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92ben

M235i is an amazing car. It's just the 2 series feels so so so cheap. Cheaper than the old 1 series did which I liked a lot also.

Hmmm

I've never heard one person say this, ever.

Virtually every magazine review of the 2 series says exactly the oppositethat the 2 series feels upgraded in almost every way to the 1 series.

They way I said it might of came out bad. The interior is nicer in the m235i. Way better placement of idrive screen the steering wheel and seats are much better. But everything is hard plastic. The one I test drove didn't feel solid inside. I wasn't way impressed over the older 1 series interior.

Jockey · 08-25-2014, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w3rkn

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOM3

It's not always about money but 95% of the time IT IS. If you put M4 and M235 in front of people and let them pick free of charge what do you think will happen. 99.9% will pick M4 no doubt. A moron or two will take M235 not knowing anything about cars.

You theory is pretty much dead in a water.

I will also add that if you are short then M235 may appeal to you a little more. I'm 6'2" and 2 series is just too small for me.

Dead in water..?

Odd.. if you gave me a M4, I would take it to the dealer and trade it in on a M235i..

Coincidentally, I would rather own a M2, than a M4 and so would most people... the only people who want a M4, are the people who want lux... not top performance..!

Cough, bullshit. I love how in the very same thread people complain that the M3/4 is too stiff, too track oriented for a good daily driver yet you claim it's for the luxury.

Sorry, there isn't a better car on the market (we will see with the W205 C63 AMG) that can do both the track and DD so flawlessly than the M3/4.

The 235 is a great car, a perfect compromise for a non-M car, dare I say the best BMW has put out (shout out to the 135is and 330 ZHP) but it still does not compare to the all around amazingness (yes, that's a word, deal with it) of the M3/4.

Tallest · 08-25-2014, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crisp

Speaking of the M2... I believe this is going to be the car that will piss off 1M owners. That should be the point where the 1M's start to see 'normal' depreciation.

yea, the prices of 1M are something else.

Pray for Mojo · 08-25-2014, 04:13 PM

The 1 series interior was way worse than this car, totally turned me off the 135 when they first came out.

surewin · 08-25-2014, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DML

M4 creeping closer to 911 dollars... 2 makes much more sense as BMW has lost it's price way.

A base 911 Carrera costs $84,300 USD MSRP and an M4 costs $64,200 USD MSRP. $20,000 is still a significant price gap.

surewin · 08-25-2014, 04:33 PM

I would still opt for the M4. It's just a little bit more special of a car with its carbon drive shaft, forged crank, dry sump system, solidly mounted rear sub frame, etc. I just wish the engine was built from scratch instead of being derived from the N55 engine.

M cars aren't traditionally known to be the most comfortable or luxurious compared to its competitors. They were meant for drivers who wanted to sacrifice comfort for performance, so I'm okay if it's lacking in the luxury or comfort department.

SOM3 · 08-25-2014, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w3rkn

Dead in water..?

Odd.. if you gave me a M4, I would take it to the dealer and trade it in on a M235i..

Coincidentally, I would rather own a M2, than a M4 and so would most people... the only people who want a M4, are the people who want lux... not top performance..!

I don't believe you. Also M2 is not out yet so let's not be hypothetical.

SOM3 · 08-25-2014, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basiluf

I'm 6'6 and I fit just fine in my M235i.

Sure I can fit in a Mini cooper but do I feel comfortable driving it every day or even a little bit. Hell no.

basiluf · 08-25-2014, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOM3

Sure I can fit in a Mini cooper but do I feel comfortable driving it every day or even a little bit. Hell no.

Oh come on. I put 2k miles on it in Europe in 12 days and I didn't need to see a chiropractor when I got home. I have over 5k miles on it now, and I still find it quite comfortable.

DML · 08-25-2014, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surewin

Quote:

Originally Posted by DML

M4 creeping closer to 911 dollars... 2 makes much more sense as BMW has lost it's price way.

A base 911 Carrera costs $84,300 USD MSRP and an M4 costs $64,200 USD MSRP. $20,000 is still a significant price gap.

Very true yet option here and option there I can nail 80k in a heartbeat. Not many M3/4 orders will be bare bones...Fact.

sdm235 · 08-26-2014, 01:58 AM

Guess it's all about personal preference.. I like the m4 but I do think it's a little to big then I prefer.. Am looking forward for the m2 to come out but for now my m235i is doing just fine and knowing I can drop a few grand in mods and be in the 400 ft lbs tq also is a nice touch! Anyways I think it's cool of bmw to have different options out there for everyone..

SOM3 · 08-26-2014, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basiluf

Oh come on. I put 2k miles on it in Europe in 12 days and I didn't need to see a chiropractor when I got home. I have over 5k miles on it now, and I still find it quite comfortable.

All kidding aside different people look for different things from a car and buy exactly what they want. It's all about choices and if you like being packed in a car like a sardine, I'm not mad at you.

What I'm trying to say is both cars are great.

w3rkn · 08-26-2014, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jockey

Cough, bullshit. I love how in the very same thread people complain that the M3/4 is too stiff, too track oriented for a good daily driver yet you claim it's for the luxury.

Sorry, there isn't a better car on the market (we will see with the W205 C63 AMG) that can do both the track and DD so flawlessly than the M3/4.

The 235 is a great car, a perfect compromise for a non-M car, dare I say the best BMW has put out (shout out to the 135is and 330 ZHP) but it still does not compare to the all around amazingness (yes, that's a word, deal with it) of the M3/4.

Cough..

I ordered and had money down on a e90 M3 back when they were being released.. I DID NOT TAKE THAT CAR upon delivery after driving it, because it was TOO BIG..! It didn't react, nor handle anything like the e46 M3.. it felt like driving a boat.

There were many die-hard BMW enthusiast who also forgone the e9x M3 because of the size & weight it carried..! The new m3/m4 are no different.. that is why I own a 135is, because it is more proper size, than the M4..

I now have my house paid off and could easily afford a M4, but I don't even look at it, nor even care, because it is NOTHING what I want... all LUX, nothing focused! Too many BMW nannies and techno-glaze, unlike the spartan 1M, which had focus.

Sorry if you feel because it has an M-badge , that it is a track star. It is still too big for a proper BMW, period! That is why I would take a M2 over any BMW, even the luxury minded-M4.

basiluf · 08-26-2014, 09:51 AM

You have to give Porsche credit though. You can option up a base Cayman pretty well.

dmboone25 · 08-26-2014, 01:14 PM

Holy hell that's nuts!

Jockey · 08-26-2014, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w3rkn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jockey

Cough, bullshit. I love how in the very same thread people complain that the M3/4 is too stiff, too track oriented for a good daily driver yet you claim it's for the luxury.

Sorry, there isn't a better car on the market (we will see with the W205 C63 AMG) that can do both the track and DD so flawlessly than the M3/4.

The 235 is a great car, a perfect compromise for a non-M car, dare I say the best BMW has put out (shout out to the 135is and 330 ZHP) but it still does not compare to the all around amazingness (yes, that's a word, deal with it) of the M3/4.

Cough..

I ordered and had money down on a e90 M3 back when they were being released.. I DID NOT TAKE THAT CAR upon delivery after driving it, because it was TOO BIG..! It didn't react, nor handle anything like the e46 M3.. it felt like driving a boat.

There were many die-hard BMW enthusiast who also forgone the e9x M3 because of the size & weight it carried..! The new m3/m4 are no different.. that is why I own a 135is, because it is more proper size, than the M4..

I now have my house paid off and could easily afford a M4, but I don't even look at it, nor even care, because it is NOTHING what I want... all LUX, nothing focused! Too many BMW nannies and techno-glaze, unlike the spartan 1M, which had focus.

Sorry if you feel because it has an M-badge , that it is a track star. It is still too big for a proper BMW, period! That is why I would take a M2 over any BMW, even the luxury minded-M4.

What makes a "proper sized" BMW? Look at the dimensions of the E9X compared to the E46. It is not that much bigger.

While I will agree with that the M2 will be more the dimensions of an E46 M3, I bet you it's going to have all the nannies that the current M3/4 has.

By the way your talking, it sounds like you won't buy an M2 if it has an M active differential, MDM, and all the other nannies the current M3 has.

You want a track car that has none of those nannies that you hate, maybe you should buy a Lotus instead.

All Lux and no focus, you are completely talking out of your ass.

SOM3 · 08-26-2014, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jockey

What makes a "proper sized" BMW? Look at the dimensions of the E9X compared to the E46. It is not that much bigger.

While I will agree with that the M2 will be more the dimensions of an E46 M3, I bet you it's going to have all the nannies that the current M3/4 has.

By the way your talking, it sounds like you won't buy an M2 if it has an M active differential, MDM, and all the other nannies the current M3 has.

You want a track car that has none of those nannies that you hate, maybe you should buy a Lotus instead.

All Lux and no focus, you are completely talking out of your ass.

That dude is way off base here. I'm glad BMW does not listen and/or cater to such fools.

w3rkn · 08-28-2014, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOM3

That dude is way off base here. I'm glad BMW does not listen and/or cater to such fools.

Sorry, but BMW has not been catering to the longtime, hard core BMW enthusiast. That is why so many people are on the fence...

Jockey, you are just trolling, the e9x grew a 1/2 foot over the e46.. dERP! And gained substantial weight..

SOM3... why does BMW puts a CDV in a $52k sports car..? I bet the Corvettes, or Mustangs don't come with such nannies.. explain..

SOM3 · 08-28-2014, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w3rkn

Sorry, but BMW has not been catering to the longtime, hard core BMW enthusiast. That is why so many people are on the fence...

Jockey, you are just trolling, the e9x grew a 1/2 foot over the e46.. dERP! And gained substantial weight..

SOM3... why does BMW puts a CDV in a $52k sports car..? I bet the Corvettes, or Mustangs don't come with such nannies.. explain..

CDV? Clutch Delay Valve? Anyway Mustang and Corvette are sport/muscle cars. M3/4 is based on luxury car with awesome suspension, engine, and way to adjust those things to your liking.

I don't want a loud cramped sports car. So I'm happy BMW offers something like M3. If you want something more raw then why look at the ugly 1-series. There are cheaper brands which offer more for less...this can go on and on.

w3rkn · 08-29-2014, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOM3

CDV? Clutch Delay Valve? Anyway Mustang and Corvette are sport/muscle cars. M3/4 is based on luxury car with awesome suspension, engine, and way to adjust those things to your liking.

I don't want a loud cramped sports car. So I'm happy BMW offers something like M3. If you want something more raw then why look at the ugly 1-series. There are cheaper brands which offer more for less...this can go on and on.

Right^, the M3/4 is an ultra-tech, non-sports car... that allows you to adjust things to your liking..! (ie: lux). Whats the prob?

Oddly, not^ what the M-Division was known for just 10 years ago..

RPM90 · 08-30-2014, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IEDEI

the only thing the M235 is....is the modern 135i. Nothing more....nothing less.

The 135i is no longer.
The M235i is it's replacement.
It is also the better car as it's newer and more refined.
Lucky for us BMW didn't mess up with the new model.

I had a 135i, '03, and it was a fun car, but it needed improvements in the handling department and BMW did that.
For the AT the ZF is leaps and bounds better over the older 6spd.
Conclusion, the M235i is a better car over the former 135i, more and more.

08-25-2014, 04:13 PM	#137
Pray for Mojo Major 430 Rep 1,115 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i & 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	The 1 series interior was way worse than this car, totally turned me off the 135 when they first came out.
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08-25-2014, 04:33 PM	#139
surewin ///M3mber 185 Rep 430 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Southern CA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW E92 M3 [0.00]	I would still opt for the M4. It's just a little bit more special of a car with its carbon drive shaft, forged crank, dry sump system, solidly mounted rear sub frame, etc. I just wish the engine was built from scratch instead of being derived from the N55 engine. M cars aren't traditionally known to be the most comfortable or luxurious compared to its competitors. They were meant for drivers who wanted to sacrifice comfort for performance, so I'm okay if it's lacking in the luxury or comfort department. __________________ 6-Speed \| Inconel M Exhaust \| Stoptech \| Macht Schnell \| AST Instagram: surewin_e92m
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08-26-2014, 01:58 AM	#144
sdm235 New Member 4 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2014 m235i black/black Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Guess it's all about personal preference.. I like the m4 but I do think it's a little to big then I prefer.. Am looking forward for the m2 to come out but for now my m235i is doing just fine and knowing I can drop a few grand in mods and be in the 400 ft lbs tq also is a nice touch! Anyways I think it's cool of bmw to have different options out there for everyone..
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08-26-2014, 09:51 AM	#147
basiluf Lieutenant 77 Rep 408 Posts Drives: 2019 S450 2018 S90 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: DTLA iTrader: (0)	You have to give Porsche credit though. You can option up a base Cayman pretty well. __________________ '14 M235i(current)ED '11 E93 M3(past)ED '08 E90 328i(past)Local
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08-26-2014, 01:14 PM	#148
dmboone25 Lieutenant General 4972 Rep 10,200 Posts Drives: 2024 Golf R / 2022 718 Spyder Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 328i [10.00] 2007 328i [10.00]	Holy hell that's nuts! __________________ Past rides: 2016 981 BGTS, 2020 MINI JCW, 2017 F80, 2015 981 CS, 2014 F22 235, 2011 E82 135, 2008 E82 135, 2007 E92 328, 2007 E92 328 (My lady drives an OG M2. So does my dad)
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