[nachob]

Originally Posted by Aust350z

I like a 1M owner to tell me if there are fewer ///M badges on the real deal... lol

Sure. There are less badges on 1M. Hope that helps. It also has an oil temp gauge where the M235i logo now goes.

[Ritz42]

Originally Posted by Ian///M

Neither the M135 or the M235 are supposed to be ///M cars ...BMW never stated this. They really just replacing the 'M-Sport' brand and tricking buyers into thinking they have something closer to an ///M car.

Put the M235i against a E92 M3 over 15 laps and I can bet which one will have brake fade and throw engine fault codes.

Not for nothing, but I overheated an E92 m3 and was forced into limp mode after 1 and a half laps on Lime Rock Park in the past. I'm hopeful my 235 will fair just a tad better than that.

[Chunner]

Originally Posted by ScottMZ3

And you have ///M Motorsport stripes over you avatar picture yet you drive a non-M 135is. Shall we all get on your case too? I think not. This topic has been beat to death.

My signature clearly defines what rides I drive. There is no misrepresentation.

My avatar is a tribute. If you look at my avatar carefully, you will note that those stripes are in front of a 1M not a 135is. In fact, if you conduct further research, you will note that the Avatar is in fact a modern representation of the original marketing artwork of the revered 2002ti. For your education, I have attached said original 2002ti artwork below.

Just a little BMW history young man.

[Chunner]

Originally Posted by bernstem

Damn it, now I need to cancel my order. I would hate to have anyone think I was driving a poseur M car, even if it the best driving currently available BMW.

You write: the M235i "best driving currently available BMW" I respectfully disagree with you.

You say "poseur M car". I don't know, I have not made up my mind but Road & Track thinks so.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-revi...2014-bmw-m235i

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by Chunner

You are very welcome but nobody posted it. I think....

You obviously think incorrectly, grasshopper.
It was posted here on Feb 12th and received 45 comments and 3,498 views.
Try the search option next time.
http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=945993

[Chunner]

Originally Posted by nachob

Originally Posted by Aust350z View Post
I like a 1M owner to tell me if there are fewer ///M badges on the real deal... lol

Sure. There are less badges on 1M. Hope that helps. It also has an oil temp gauge where the M235i logo now goes.

My little 135is had a oil temp gauge. Actually, the 2er does have a oil temp gauge, but it is not analog. It is a digital one that is hidden from view. To see it you must read the car manual to activate.

[nachob]

How quickly everyone forgets!. The problem is that when the M235i came out everyone was saying it was faster and as good as the 1M and comparing it. The 235i is an awesome car but not the direct replacement to the 1M and not as engaging. That is what the article addresses. Also, they slap more M badges than the 1M and even replace the easy to see analog oil gauge with a big lighted M235i logo. That's all. 1M people never wanted to compare the two, we were waiting for the M2, but everyone went bonkers. Some guys have to wear a diaper to drive a 1M all out. It shakes your entire house in the morning during cold start. It has one manly firm suspension setting and only one clutch...period. No paddles.

So this article is just setting it straight.

[bernstem]

Originally Posted by Chunner

You write: the M235i "best driving currently available BMW" I respectfully disagree with you.

You say "poseur M car". I don't know, I have not made up my mind but Road & Track thinks so.

Not a very useful post here regarding the 235 not being a driver's car. A little more information would be quite helpful rather than a blanket "I disagree" which strikes me as not advancing the conversation any.

In your opinion, then, what currently available new BMW is a better driver's car? I am not in Abu Dhabi so can't order an M3/M4 let alone drive one. To put it another way, and considering that I live in the United States, what new BMW should I buy instead of the 235? I have my own thoughts, but am curious to hear yours since you clearly feel that BMW is making a better driver's car that I can drive and buy right now.

As for the 235 being a poseur, I too would prefer it to have fewer M badges, but I don't know that the badging takes away from the performance or involvement in any way. Whether we like it or not, the M-sport is here to stay, much like the Audi S-line. Unfortunately, it seems that the overbadging draws a great deal of attention which detracts from evaluations of the performance of the car itself. That is too bad as I think it is a great car. Remember, also, that BMW does not see it as the 1M successor. It is reviewers and others who have been comparing it to the 1M. The M2 will be the successor to the 1M, and that is a car that I am mighty interested in. Until it is here, though, driving the 235 will be a very nice consolation.

[DanG]

I guess I am getting tired of 1 series owners bashing the new 2 series. There is even a thread on the 1 series forum that the 135 > 235.

None of these posters have ever driven a 2 series. Let them drive a M235i in sport or sport+ mode and then tell us what they think.

I am a previous 1 series owner and I feel that there is no comparison. My wife said that she could tell that I never bonded with my 1 series. We both love my M235i.

And it is not called an M2. It follows the same convention as the M135i that was never imported to the US.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by DanG

I guess I am getting tired of 1 series owners bashing the new 2 series. There is even a thread on the 1 series forum that the 135 > 235.

None of these posters have ever driven a 2 series. Let them drive a M235i in sport or sport+ mode and then tell us what they think.

I am a previous 1 series owner and I feel that there is no comparison. My wife said that she could tell that I never bonded with my 1 series. We both love my M235i.

And it is not called an M2. It follows the same convention as the M135i that was never imported to the US.

Not bashing the 2, it's awesome. Better build quality, interior more legroom, more stable, better steering weight than 128i and 135i (1M had different rack). The problem started when people started to say it was better than 1M. In many ways it is. At high speed, it's more stable and has better aerodynamics than 1M but it's not as raw and demanding of your attention.

the one part that maybe gets a little disrespect for the 235i, is how many badges as well as how big they are too. If they would've just said it's an awesome replacement to the 135i, none of this would've happened. Congrats on the 235i....very cool machine. If I had never driven a 1M, I would have one sitting in my driveway right now!

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by bernstem

To put it another way, and considering that I live in the United States, what new BMW should I buy instead of the 235? I have my own thoughts, but am curious to hear yours since you clearly feel that BMW is making a better driver's car that I can drive and buy right now.

I think this is an often missed point. We all know what cars can do, but what do with them on a daily basis? I drive my brother's 911 C4S cabrio all the time, but honestly it's overkill. The 235, m235, whatever you want to call it, is one of the best options out there for a driver's car that you can actually use on U.S. roads. I don't track my cars, at least not often enough that it's a decision point for me, but seriously what else do you need? Sure you can spend a ton more $ but at the end of the day I don't believe you get a significantly better driving experience. I'd be willing to bet that a lot of those waiting it out for the M2 would be as happy, if not happier, with a 235 on a daily basis. Don't see the logic in compromising 90% of the time to have something that's better but only used 10% of the time.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I think this is an often missed point. We all know what cars can do, but what do with them on a daily basis? I drive my brother's 911 C4S cabrio all the time, but honestly it's overkill. The 235, m235, whatever you want to call it, is one of the best options out there for a driver's car that you can actually use on U.S. roads. I don't track my cars, at least not often enough that it's a decision point for me, but seriously what else do you need? Sure you can spend a ton more $ but at the end of the day I don't believe you get a significantly better driving experience. I'd be willing to bet that a lot of those waiting it out for the M2 would be as happy, if not happier, with a 235 on a daily basis. Don't see the logic in compromising 90% of the time to have something that's better but only used 10% of the time.

So true! As a previous 1M owner, I can say that the M235i is a better daily car than 1M. It is 95% of what you would ever want or need. You don't need cross-drilled floating disks for the street that cost $350 each and you don't need the full-lock M diff on the street that would bind a bit going around steep turns in the parking garage. There are so many potholes in San Diego that I put 18" wheels for daily use and if I had an ounce of practicality in me, this poster has it 100% correct!.

The thing is, cars are an escape for me from an IT desk job figuring out complicated problems 11 hours a day and the impractical side of me wins out and I want something raw that invades my senses. I don't want to be reading manuals or playing with user interfaces, I want that primal experience like when you ride a horse where you poke the beast on the side with your spurs and say go boy! And you bounce up and down on the terrible roads like a horse at full gallop and your man breasts bother you from bouncing up and down on firm non-adjustable suspension and if you feel a little fear from poking the beast too hard.

So absolutely, the M235i is the best for the street and better than 1M for the rational people.

Many of us compare cars to women. The M235i is the car you should've married and the 1M is like the incredibly hot girl that you know you shouldn't marry, is gonna cost you a ton of money but you can't help yourself! You are blinded by the danger and hotness, so people, go and buy an M235i, it's the coolest best of breed-semi-practical M-ish car you can buy but don't take it personally If I hold out for the M2.

[bernstem]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I think this is an often missed point. We all know what cars can do, but what do with them on a daily basis? I drive my brother's 911 C4S cabrio all the time, but honestly it's overkill. The 235, m235, whatever you want to call it, is one of the best options out there for a driver's car that you can actually use on U.S. roads. I don't track my cars, at least not often enough that it's a decision point for me, but seriously what else do you need? Sure you can spend a ton more $ but at the end of the day I don't believe you get a significantly better driving experience. I'd be willing to bet that a lot of those waiting it out for the M2 would be as happy, if not happier, with a 235 on a daily basis. Don't see the logic in compromising 90% of the time to have something that's better but only used 10% of the time.

+1 I happen to agree with you 100%.

I'm still curious what BMW Chunner would buy over a 235 right now that he thinks will be a better driver's car. It is, after all, rather subjective.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by nachob

You are blinded by the danger and hotness, so people, go and buy an M235i, it's the coolest best of breed-semi-practical M-ish car you can buy but don't take it personally If I hold out for the M2.

The 1M might not be the best example, you probably drove that thing for next to nothing with the values holding the way they are

[nachob]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

The 1M might not be the best example, you probably drove that thing for next to nothing with the values holding the way they are

yes, I had to pay over sticker and thought it was expensive then but in retrospect, the 1M was a bargain. I think the M235i is the best value out there right now which is why I am looking hard at it.

Even now, if I could order it with the European-base Alcantara interior, fixed M-sport suspension and no tv display/idrive, I would probably buy one but all those little things add up against it for me. However, I recognize that most people want those things so the M235i is the car to buy right now.

To further illustrate the previous point about how the M235i is really all you would need/want, I'm actually driving a 330i ZHP which is one of the first M -Sport cars. No locking diff, no M motor that requires a valve adjustment every 15K miles like the M3 of the day but delivers 90% of the excitement, brake pads are $60 and gets 31 mph highway while looking and driving great. It is a better car period for a guy with two kids and mortgage but as cool as it is, it doesn't shake my house in the morning or make my knees shake which is why I am looking for something a little newer and faster.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by nachob

Not bashing the 2, it's awesome. Better build quality, interior more legroom, more stable, better steering weight than 128i and 135i (1M had different rack). The problem started when people started to say it was better than 1M. In many ways it is. At high speed, it's more stable and has better aerodynamics than 1M but it's not as raw and demanding of your attention.

the one part that maybe gets a little disrespect for the 235i, is how many badges as well as how big they are too. If they would've just said it's an awesome replacement to the 135i, none of this would've happened. Congrats on the 235i....very cool machine. If I had never driven a 1M, I would have one sitting in my driveway right now!

Totally understand what you're saying - the problem is that BMW themselves, most likely in a marketing stunt, claimed that the M235 was faster than the 1M (I believe) around the Ring. So it started the conversation there...

Then the confusion was compounded when people thought that BMW was positioning the M235 to be a direct replacement of the 1M - which is never was...that's coming in about 2 years I think.

Having had 2 135s, I can say that there are definitely good points about both cars. I doprefer the 2er, and that preference grows on me more as I have the car longer. It is very much as "alive" as the 135, and also definitely quicker...the 1M is a completely different animal, as it was designed to be...but they are hard to find and people want a small house in exchange for one - just not doable for me.

As a result, the M235 is an awesome car that will suit me as the best choice available in the current BMW lineup....until the M2 arrives.

[Lucky13]

I think the IS was meaningless for BMW, it had no equity. If they have spent untold multi millions building the M name then it makes so much sense to sell something that's 90% M that's more affordable. They already do this in Europe obviously with the M135 but also they launched a couple diesel SUV's as well. I'm selling a 528i and what the hell does " i" stand for so everything is arbitrary. I never know which us better when I see Audi S or RS because I don't pay attention to Audi's but the Audi owners probably get all pissed at each other. What about Mustang and Camaro, Boss 302, GT350, GT500, Cobra, Shelby, SS, RS, Z28, ZL1 and this is a very small sampling of some of the stuff those two have and consumers seem to have figured it out. BMW does what everyone else does and it immediately makes most of the car magazines writers get immediately stupid.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

Totally understand what you're saying - the problem is that BMW themselves, most likely in a marketing stunt, claimed that the M235 was faster than the 1M (I believe) around the Ring. So it started the conversation there...

Then the confusion was compounded when people thought that BMW was positioning the M235 to be a direct replacement of the 1M - which is never was...that's coming in about 2 years I think.

Having had 2 135s, I can say that there are definitely good points about both cars. I doprefer the 2er, and that preference grows on me more as I have the car longer. It is very much as "alive" as the 135, and also definitely quicker...the 1M is a completely different animal, as it was designed to be...but they are hard to find and people want a small house in exchange for one - just not doable for me.

As a result, the M235 is an awesome car that will suit me as the best choice available in the current BMW lineup....until the M2 arrives.

I'm glad this conversation is back to where it should be.

YES, BMW is to blame. They really confused the market. I was really excited about the M235i as a replacement to the 1M because it is the more practical car but BMW hosed it. They put so many badges and even replaced the useful, purposeful oil gauge with a logo. I had mine spec'd with the base Alcantara Cloth interior but not an option for US. Our base is Vinyl! They made the TV display and idrive mandatory as well as active suspension all of this took the wind out of my sails. Nothing wrong with all the stuff for those that want it, but if I would've been able to get it the way I wanted, I would have one right now.

If next year, I can order an M235i the way I want it, it would go to the top of my list and I would take off the silly badges!

By the way, I drive a 330i ZHP now...with no 330i badge.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

Totally understand what you're saying - the problem is that BMW themselves, most likely in a marketing stunt, claimed that the M235 was faster than the 1M (I believe) around the Ring. So it started the conversation there...

Then the confusion was compounded when people thought that BMW was positioning the M235 to be a direct replacement of the 1M - which is never was...that's coming in about 2 years I think.

Having had 2 135s, I can say that there are definitely good points about both cars. I doprefer the 2er, and that preference grows on me more as I have the car longer. It is very much as "alive" as the 135, and also definitely quicker...the 1M is a completely different animal, as it was designed to be...but they are hard to find and people want a small house in exchange for one - just not doable for me.

As a result, the M235 is an awesome car that will suit me as the best choice available in the current BMW lineup....until the M2 arrives.

I'm glad this conversation is back to where it should be.

YES, BMW is to blame. They really confused the market. I was really excited about the M235i as a replacement to the 1M because it is the more practical car but BMW hosed it for me. They put so many badges and even replaced the useful, purposeful oil gauge with a logo. I had mine spec'd with the base Alcantara Cloth interior but not an option for US. Our base is Vinyl! They made the TV display and idrive mandatory as well as active suspension all of this took the wind out of my sails. Nothing wrong with all the stuff for those that want it, but if I would've been able to get it the way I wanted, I would have one right now.

If next year, I can order an M235i the way I want it, it would go to the top of my list and I would take off the silly badges!

By the way, I drive a 330i ZHP...with no 330i badge.

[nachob]

I forgot to give really important credit where it's due! The M235i also has better throttle response which I greatly appreciate. I hope they keep this in the M2 because if there was one thing I always wished for in the 1M was a bit more linear and quicker throttle response. It takes a lot of throttle discipline to drive the 1M or you can end up upside down like several of my 1M peers including the first 1M I ever drove in. It ended up on its roof and the owner owns a GT3 and Boxster.

[BEM-S4]

Totally agreed with the above, I think the only problems anyone has with the car have literally nothing to do with the car. Marketing, naming, advertising, etc. To borrow from Audi naming convention, realizing this would completely alter how BMW does things and doesn't make sense, if they had just a 2, an S2 and an M2 there would be no confusion. Another option would be 228, 235S, and M2. Whatever, none of this matters in the slightest in terms of the car itself.

[IZAGLO]

Geeez..enough on this topic...No it's not a M, never was supposed to be but a very very nice car as is .....better yet, it's better than what is....BMW did the right thing not turning this into a real M.....then there would be no room for the M2...This is a great replacement for the 135i and BMW did a nice job with it.