[wtfbrah]

Originally Posted by BentZero

I've never owned a turbo. I wanted to see what it's like to chip/tune a car and chips don't do much on N/A engines.

Also, the intake sounds soooooooo good on a turbo. I think I'll eventually get a louder diverter valve.

Two questions from a newbie... What is the chip/tune actually doing to the engine? Nevermind I'll just google that one. But secondly, would a louder whatever valve that makes the turbo louder, also void factory warranty?

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by wtfbrah

Yeah, but don't you have more than one car?

Originally Posted by wtfbrah

Yeah so that's a little different. I'm assuming you'd rather take an automatic on a long cruise, say a cross-state 500 mile drive? Or a downtown, stop and go, bumper-to-bumper situation? With hills?

My wife and I each have two....one "nice" car and one "beater" (BMW 2, Audi A6, Jeep Liberty, Subaru Crosstrek), although they were all bought new for their purpose. The 2 is the only stick. Not much value to the auto on a long cruise. Once you're in 6th gear on the highway, not much difference for a few hours of interstate. Bumper-to-bumper is a grind, but many places don't get that bad at rush hour. I drive the 2 to the office on good weather days and enjoy it immensely. But, I'm driving from suburb to suburb...if I'm headed into the city, jammed parking lots/decks, or through winter, I'm in the Subaru. Hills are not really an issue once you're comfortable with driving stick...your left foot will catch the car before it rolls backwards without you even thinking about it...although I've been driving stick for 45 years.

[Deutsche-Broke]

Originally Posted by BentZero

TL;DR; - I love this car

Brilliant post.. I researched this car for the better part of a year before I ordered it, based upon forum comments and opinion.

I think I made the correct decision and it reinforces itself every day.

Got in today after work, just sat in it and smiled for a bit like a complete idiot.

Was worth it.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by wjones14

Must haves:

1. RWD - check
2. Manual Transmission - check
3. Turbo ?

Why would anyone prefer a turbo over a naturally aspirated engine? Inquiring minds want to know.

Because in most cars this size and in the days of CAFE, actually getting the necessary displacement for a NA engine for the desired acceleration is unusual to unavailable. There are some exceptions among domestic "pony cars", but most of the cars attached to them are not the ones this crowd generally seeks.

As well, some do like the sensation of the accelerating rate of acceleration that a turbo provides as boost builds.

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Because in most cars this size and in the days of CAFE, actually getting the necessary displacement for a NA engine for the desired acceleration is unusual to unavailable. There are some exceptions among domestic "pony cars", but most of the cars attached to them are not the ones this crowd generally seeks.

As well, some do like the sensation of the accelerating rate of acceleration that a turbo provides as boost builds.

The exceptions (Mustang, Camaro, Corvette) were exactly what I was thinking about when I asked the question! Those engines are sweeter to drive - I can't see how anyone would deny it.

And then there's the sound. When I was recently at Watkins Glen in the M235i, my buddy said he could hardly hear mine going down the front straight at wide open throttle in triple digits, and I have the MPE. The Mustangs, Corvettes, and Camaros drowned it out. But it's not just that they're louder. The Chevys (and GT350 Mustang) are all available with the adjustable exhaust (NPP), so you can be stealthy or race track loud. Whichever way your setting is, they sound badass.

And yes, I get it that those cars are generally derided by members of this forum. I'm in the minority with my love for the pony cars and Corvettes.

[wtfbrah]

I would not say they are derided, in fact I've heard people say good things about the 2SS here.

[BentZero]

Originally Posted by wjones14

The exceptions (Mustang, Camaro, Corvette) were exactly what I was thinking about when I asked the question! Those engines are sweeter to drive - I can't see how anyone would deny it.

And then there's the sound. When I was recently at Watkins Glen in the M235i, my buddy said he could hardly hear mine going down the front straight at wide open throttle in triple digits, and I have the MPE. The Mustangs, Corvettes, and Camaros drowned it out. But it's not just that they're louder. The Chevys (and GT350 Mustang) are all available with the adjustable exhaust (NPP), so you can be stealthy or race track loud. Whichever way your setting is, they sound badass.

And yes, I get it that those cars are generally derided by members of this forum. I'm in the minority with my love for the pony cars and Corvettes.

Lol, yeah I assumed that you were referring to pony cars. I had actually looked at the new Mustang when it first came out. The back seat are non-existent. I drop the kiddos off at school (twin boys), so not having a remotely usable back seat was not an option for me. About 4 months later I was glad that I passed on the car because you see them everywhere now. I have this weird quirk where I want to drive a car that not many people own.

I'd LOVE the Corvette. It's an absolutely beautiful looking car. The interior is a bit too "American" if you know what I mean. Idk why we can't design better interiors. Alas, kiddos lol.

[msej449]

Well done OP. Great balance to the other 'I bought this car that I don't like it any more and would love you to all agree that it's not that good ... ' thread.

Although I posted politely on the 'other' thread I actually couldn't disagree more with every stated shortcoming. I love this car in every way and I have another if I need to haul stuff or do a local journey to the supermarket etc.

And just to sound off, I really find it strange on a US forum that people are extolling the virtues of 4-Cyl engines. I spent 30 years trying to persuade my American colleagues that dinky 2L Euro engines were so much more effective. But this was when allied to lightweight 800lbs- frames from the likes of Lotus and Caterham, not the standard 1500lbs+ frames of modern cars. There's even a thread, started by magazines keen to find a 'new angle', saying the 230 is better than the 235i. Not for me, sorry. Perhaps on a track, but I don't track.

And who can deny that the Convertible isn't just beautiful ... ?

[DF]

I have a vert too. I love this car. I don't get the hate in all honesty

[wtfbrah]

Originally Posted by DF

I have a vert too. I love this car. I don't get the hate in all honesty

The other thread kind of exploded but it's really just a select few people being extra vocal about not "loving" their car. They don't even say that they don't like it, they DO like it, they just don't "love" it. And these are also people on bimmerpost 2addicts forums, leading me to think they're probably more hardcore driving fans.

So there appears to be a subgroup of people who are disappointed with the lack of 1M type "feel" for in the driving experience. But most seem to love their car.

[siwo]

Originally Posted by wjones14

Must haves:

1. RWD - check
2. Manual Transmission - check
3. Turbo ?

Why would anyone prefer a turbo over a naturally aspirated engine? Inquiring minds want to know.

I suppose in all altitudes the Turbo will keep the performance output of the engine where the naturally aspirated will lose hp. Also, the feel of the turbo operated car is awesome, although the M235i has very little lag, it's there and the feel of it kicking in is fun.

[123Britt]

My neighbor has a GT500 with a supercharger upgraded now making 800hp. Throw in an and exhaust and it is really loud. He loves the car. Would I trade my M235i for it and use it for a DD like I do my the M235i -- NO!
.
Weekend garage queen -- yes.
.
As a daily driver - on good/bad roads the M235i is Great companion.
.
I LOVE THIS CAR & I WOULD GIVE IT A PERFECT 10 AS A DAILY DRIVER.
.
Perfect Track Car ~ NO
.

[doccyber]

OP, great write up. You summed up what I was looking for in a new car w/ exception of after having all manual Bimmers for the last 16 yrs, this is my first automatic car. I think the auto transmission is just awesome and as a DD makes it a lot easier to drive in LA traffic.

[BentZero]

Originally Posted by doccyber

OP, great write up. You summed up what I was looking for in a new car w/ exception of after having all manual Bimmers for the last 16 yrs, this is my first automatic car. I think the auto transmission is just awesome and as a DD makes it a lot easier to drive in LA traffic.

Yeah dude, in LA I'd definitely go with an auto or a motorcycle lol.

[BentZero]

Originally Posted by 123Britt

My neighbor has a GT500 with a supercharger upgraded now making 800hp. Throw in an and exhaust and it is really loud. He loves the car. Would I trade my M235i for it and use it for a DD like I do my the M235i -- NO!
.
Weekend garage queen -- yes.
.
As a daily driver - on good/bad roads the M235i is Great companion.
.
I LOVE THIS CAR & I WOULD GIVE IT A PERFECT 10 AS A DAILY DRIVER.
.
Perfect Track Car ~ NO
.

Yeah, definitely not a track car. The dudes in my local BMW CCA have track cars and give me a bunch of grief for not having one. However, for the street, my car just wins out in the overall department. I'm biased though haha.

[amw896]

Originally Posted by wjones14

Must haves:

1. RWD - check
2. Manual Transmission - check
3. Turbo ?

Why would anyone prefer a turbo over a naturally aspirated engine? Inquiring minds want to know.

fuel economy as well. I know it's not a huge deal but getting 32 mpg and keeping up with my buddies 1LE 14mpg pushrod monstrosity is kind of cool.

[BentZero]

Originally Posted by amw896

fuel economy as well. I know it's not a huge deal but getting 32 mpg and keeping up with my buddies 1LE 14mpg pushrod monstrosity is kind of cool.

how the heck do you get 32mpg??? I've hit 21.7 at best lol.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by BentZero

how the heck do you get 32mpg??? I've hit 21.7 at best lol.

He's in Canada....Imperial gallon equals 1.2 U.S gallons...as a starting point.

You guys are running two more cylinders than do I...best I've done with the 228i is 33mpg on the highway.

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by amw896

fuel economy as well. I know it's not a huge deal but getting 32 mpg and keeping up with my buddies 1LE 14mpg pushrod monstrosity is kind of cool.

You must have gotten a ringer. My mpg is displaying as 19 right now. If I baby it, I can maybe get 22 in mostly city driving. How much better is it really than a 2SS? 1-2 mpg?

[siwo]

On my 3rd tank of gas driving in 99% comfort mode and getting 9.7 km/100L which = 24.25 MPG. I'm happy with the results to know that booooooooost is available whenever I need it

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by amw896

fuel economy as well. I know it's not a huge deal but getting 32 mpg and keeping up with my buddies 1LE 14mpg pushrod monstrosity is kind of cool.

And this is exactly why car forum threads regarding "real world" fuel economy numbers are so ridiculous. Folks will always exaggerate their best-ever number to make their car look good, while exaggerating the worst-ever number of the car they're trying to make look bad.

Here's an example of a guy over on the Camaro 6th gen forum showing "proof" that his 2SS gets 31.3 mpg:

http://www.camaro6.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=405

[amw896]

Originally Posted by wjones14

You must have gotten a ringer. My mpg is displaying as 19 right now. If I baby it, I can maybe get 22 in mostly city driving. How much better is it really than a 2SS? 1-2 mpg?

my commute is quite ideal but still.. I have 20km each way with minimal traffic and lights. The last 2 clicks is a quick highway onramp where I rip it the whole way so I'm excluding that. My daily commutes I'm averaging 7/100km daily (33.6mpg?) city!

my cars overall is 9.2l/100km which is like 25-26 and I drive in sport + all day and pretty aggressive. I don't know, my buddies '13 1LE readout says 16l/100km which is disgusting.

pretty big diff to me