[Vervain]

Doesn't BMW even say that it's not a true M but a bridge between the regular models and the true M?

They even have their own M-performance division which probably does not mix with the M division? Just as the Audi S models are not RSs, the M235i is not an ///M.

[M.barnes]

M235i is an M performance automobile, not a ///M

This is how BMW brand it, how they market it etc etc etc.

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/attac...5&d=1387940132

read this.

[M.barnes]

M Performance Automobiles, “MPA”
In 2012, BMW launched a completely new category of vehicle to slot between the base Series
products and BMW M, which competes more aggressively with the popular Audi “S” models. The
first 3 M Performance Automobiles were high performance diesels that didn’t make it to North
American shores (M550d, X5 M50d, X6 M50d). More recently, the 1 Series Hatchback launched in
M Performance guise as the M135i in Europe, receiving rave reviews by the world’s top journalists.
With the introduction of the 2 Series Coupé, Canada receives its first MPA in the form of the
M235i Coupé, which replaces the former 135i Coupé. All early accounts suggest the M235i is a
performance star! Cohesive, balanced, thrilling; it truly embodies The Ultimate Driving Experience.

[blacksquid]

^ what he said.

Definitely not a ///M. That being said, it looks like it'll be one helluva lot of fun to drive!

I don't have the BMW religion so I find it amusing that a number of folks commenting here will debadge their M235i over this non-issue. That's just silly to me. Entertaining but still silly.

[dalrx]

It is not a true m car like a m3, but it is a true m sport performance car. Situated above say a base 228i bit below (if they make it ), an m2. This is bmw mid tier performance level. Akin to the S models of audi which are below the RS models. That is BMW new hierarchy.

[big boost M]

it is not a %100 M pure

[ska///235i]

Please close this thread....its not a debate, its facts

[Falafel Combo]

The votes are still rolling in ...

[808AWD325xi]

Not the first time BMW has marketed the preceding M moniker. The E28 5-Series featured the M535i as opposed to an iS.

N55, no thanks.

[josh135]

haha, you guys are funny. M235i is not an M car period. It's a 235i with a M package or like many say a the predecessor to the 135is. Close this thread

[pocoyo_3]

No, the M235i is not a true M-car, but that doesn't mean it won't be a great car. I just wish they didn't add the tacky M badge on the back. Looks like the badges I used to see stuck on many 316i's years ago.

[RDE46M3]

Nobody can deny that the M badge adorns the M235i coupe because BMW M had something to say about how the car was engineered and manufactured. It's amusing how everyone is so opinionated about a little badge, even more amusing how the most opposed are the 135is and 335i owners.

The bottom line... badging is meaningless. Most of us (myself included) lack the skill or ability to use any of these cars to their full potential. A seasoned, trained, professional driver in a 320, would make a mockery of us in an M3 if the occasion presented itself.

The M235i wears the M emblem, because a team of engineers at BMW felt the M235i was worthy of representing the M performance brand. We do not have skill, experience, or information to understand why they made this decision, but their reputation depends on the decisions they make. Therefor, the car is to some degree an M, love it or hate it, you must accept it.

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by Ryandach

Nobody can deny that the M badge adorns the M235i coupe because BMW M had something to say about how the car was engineered and manufactured. It's amusing how everyone is so opinionated about a little badge, even more amusing how the most opposed are the 135is and 335i owners.

The bottom line... badging is meaningless. Most of us (myself included) lack the skill or ability to use any of these cars to their full potential. A seasoned, trained, professional driver in a 320, would make a mockery of us in an M3 if the occasion presented itself.

The M235i wears the M emblem, because a team of engineers at BMW felt the M235i was worthy of representing the M performance brand. We do not have skill, experience, or information to understand why they made this decision, but their reputation depends on the decisions they make. Therefor, the car is to some degree an M, love it or hate it, you must accept it.

Agree entirely. Very well put.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by Ryandach

Nobody can deny that the M badge adorns the M235i coupe because BMW M had something to say about how the car was engineered and manufactured. It's amusing how everyone is so opinionated about a little badge, even more amusing how the most opposed are the 135is and 335i owners.

The bottom line... badging is meaningless. Most of us (myself included) lack the skill or ability to use any of these cars to their full potential. A seasoned, trained, professional driver in a 320, would make a mockery of us in an M3 if the occasion presented itself.

The M235i wears the M emblem, because a team of engineers at BMW felt the M235i was worthy of representing the M performance brand. We do not have skill, experience, or information to understand why they made this decision, but their reputation depends on the decisions they make. Therefor, the car is to some degree an M, love it or hate it, you must accept it.

Excellent first post.....

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by Ryandach

Nobody can deny that the M badge adorns the M235i coupe because BMW M had something to say about how the car was engineered and manufactured. It's amusing how everyone is so opinionated about a little badge, even more amusing how the most opposed are the 135is and 335i owners.

The bottom line... badging is meaningless. Most of us (myself included) lack the skill or ability to use any of these cars to their full potential. A seasoned, trained, professional driver in a 320, would make a mockery of us in an M3 if the occasion presented itself.

The M235i wears the M emblem, because a team of engineers at BMW felt the M235i was worthy of representing the M performance brand. We do not have skill, experience, or information to understand why they made this decision, but their reputation depends on the decisions they make. Therefor, the car is to some degree an M, love it or hate it, you must accept it.

"Team of engineers" ?

You mean Team of Marketing

The discussion here is that if the 235 is a "proper/true" M car....the 335 & 135 owners know what a true M car is and they're here to voice their opinion

[GolfProGiff]

If you look at the Canadian guide there is a diagram of where the M Performance vehicles fit, and compete in their product line as well as against others. My guess here is the average member here doesn't have the driving skill set or track to do what the M235 is capable of anyway so I think that the "M" cars performance, though certainly fantastic on paper, are probably lost on the average consumer. The old school M's were bespoke engines that were handmade. The newer versions are tuned versions of original engines. The visceral feeling you get when you are able to toss around a old M car I believe is what people are looking for and missing. Though the F10 M5 is a beast I've heard complaints vs the old e39 M5 and that the new BMW aren't as "fun" to drive. That's why I believe the M235 is gaining traction. We can all lust over the potential of a M2 but in reality only 800 or so americans will own one. I think it's wonderful that BMW is offering a bridge to cross the gap with the performance line. That all being said, I'm going to be disappointed in fans of the brand if I have to hear how I don't have a "real M" car as if I've slapped a $25 badge on a 2 series.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by Ryandach

The M235i wears the M emblem, because a team of MARKETERS at BMW felt the M235i was worthy of representing the M performance brand. We do not have skill, experience, or information to understand why they made this decision, but their reputation depends on the decisions they make. Therefor, the car is to some degree an M, love it or hate it, you must accept it.

i have fixed your erroneous statement

[RDE46M3]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

i have fixed your erroneous statement

Experiencing some ///M envy my friend? Lol

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by Ramos

Lol why is this so hard !!
BMW is offering 3 levels of performance to emulate Audi

228 = Audi A3
M235 = Audi S3
M2 = Audi RS3

No it's not a full on M car, it's a halfway M car especially if you add the M performance parts (LSD, suspension and brakes) then it really starts to approach full M level... Only things missing for full on M at that point would be:
1) bespoke motor
2) fender flaring
3) torque vectoring LSD
4) wider rubber
5) better cooling
6) DCT option
7) quad exhaust

This is assuming the m perf brakes and m perf suspension are to the level of full M cars in terms of performance

But then again, who gives a crap?
I like it so I will buy one ..

You missed the main event.

Suspension.

If/when we get an M2, it'll likely have a wider track, revised linkages/geometry and much lighter hardware.

[edwardio]

Originally Posted by solstice

BMW says it's not an M car so it isn't. Easy as that.
Regarding the badges, BMW put them there so I see no harm in keeping them. They say it's a car from the M performance line no more and no less. Who cares what people who can't tell the difference from a real M might think.

Putting your own M badges, big no-no. Keeping what the car comes with, not an issue IMO. Do I wish they called it 235iS with no M badges, yes. But again not a biggy.

Spot on Solstice

[edwardio]

Saying the M235i is an M car, could be like saying the 1M is a 135i...total nonsense imo

[hxman]

The 1 M was a much better car......