[Bahuba]

This is a Canadian spec 2er with the (cdn) prem. package. The tires were Michelin PSS. I currently own a 135i 6-spd. currently on winter tires but I also run the same Michelin PSS for my summers.

I ran the car in sport set-up initially and then changed it to sport plus.

Acceleration:
- its feels about the same as my 135 but slightly smoother delivery. Response felt more linear. I was shocked by how much grip the PSS tires had given the -7 C temp.

Steering
- even in the sport plus setting, the boost is a bit high at slow speeds, as you speed up it gets weightier and is comparable to my 1er. Road feedback is similar to my 1er. It didn't feel as numb as some had suggested. Overall, this is not a deal breaker as I thought it might be based on earlier reviews.

Gearbox
- this was the biggest surprise in a good way. Compared to the 1er, the shifts feel shorter, there's slightly less resistance, there is a nice notchy click when you shift in, esp. into 1st. The hand position feels more forward and slightly higher lending to a more ergonomic feel than the 1er. It's a noticeable improvement on what is already good. Felt like I could shift faster in the 2er.

Suspension
- didn't really get to throw this around but even in sport-plus, the ride felt quite smooth, our roads here are starting to heave a bit due to the ice thaw/freeze and the car soaked up the bumps nicely. Overall, the ride was similar to my 1er with winter tires.

Interior
- It's a bit nicer than my 1er but not in a big way.
- Display is nice, big screen, hi-res. (this car had the Nav package).
- I really like the sound the car makes. If this is active sound I'm all for it.
- [update] the sound system is decent. Sound quality is very similar to the system I have in my 135 (BMW Professional) which I believe is the mid-tier system. It's not the HK system but it has a sub under the seat.

Overall
- if you're coming from a 135, this is a similar but slightly more refined car. I.e. it did not "blow me away".
- I really liked the gearbox and the engine sound
- I will probably buy this car.

Misc
- if you want BT streaming audio I was told you need to get the Connected App package - that sucks

[ORIGIN M.]

Good review

Thanks for sharing

[flyga3]

Thanks for the review!

Compared to your 135 with the CDV deleted, was the clutch engagement in this 235 was the same as yours, specifically from first to second?

[Mark's M]

Well done, thanks. I took out an auto version this morning and posted my thoughts on Funrevn's original post. Those tires are going to be great in the nice weather but they're almost dangerous here.

[Bahuba]

Originally Posted by flyga3

Thanks for the review!

Compared to your 135 with the CDV deleted, was the clutch engagement in this 235 was the same as yours, specifically from first to second?

In my 10 min test drive I did not detect a noticeable difference. I will likely not bother removing the CDV if there is one. It was nice that I could jump into the 2er and the clutch engagement/geabox all felt very natural. I.e. I did not stall it

[Bahuba]

One interesting observation. While in sport-plus, you see the "wiggly car" symbol come up. Can someone clarify if this is traction controlled disabled, or stability control disabled? Because while at a full stop I tried to do a burn out and it felt like the traction control came on, preventing me from spinning the tires. Ideally, I would want traction control off when in sport-plus, and stability control threshold to be lowered. Hopefully, this can be configured.

[dmboone25]

Good review!

It is nice to see someone actually being able to drive a manual on one of the dealer demos...

[GolfProGiff]

Thank you for the 6 speed feedback. My favorite gearbox was my S2000 and the only BMW stick I've used was my E39 M5 without a short throw kit so I'm excited to hear your review. Any truth that this is the same manual used in the M3/M4's?

[Wheelwright]

Originally Posted by GolfProGiff

Any truth that this is the same manual used in the M3/M4's?

It is the same manual used in M3/M4 which is the same used in 335i as discovered by Uridian (see below thread: Has anyone driven a 6spd yet?).

[angrybears]

Originally Posted by GolfProGiff

Thank you for the 6 speed feedback. My favorite gearbox was my S2000 and the only BMW stick I've used was my E39 M5 without a short throw kit so I'm excited to hear your review. Any truth that this is the same manual used in the M3/M4's?

Amen to this, one thing Honda/Acura did well was their magnificent 6 speed. I adored the RSX Type S for that and its high revving engine. Yet to find its equal in a manual transmission.

[MTP335]

Any more pics? This is the exact combo I would like to get.

[TaigaTii]

Bahuba - Thanks for your report on the M235i test drive with the 6MT!

You reported that the car had Michelin PSS tires. Everything that I have heard (from local dealers and folks on this board from Canada) say that PSS tires are not possible here and only the performance run-flats are available for the M235i on the Canadian order sheet?

What dealer did you do the test drive at? I'd like to call them and see how they managed these tires.

Thanks - pete

[golf_234]

That interior.... I die

[Bahuba]

Originally Posted by TaigaTii

Bahuba - Thanks for your report on the M235i test drive with the 6MT!

You reported that the car had Michelin PSS tires. Everything that I have heard (from local dealers and folks on this board from Canada) say that PSS tires are not possible here and only the performance run-flats are available for the M235i on the Canadian order sheet?

What dealer did you do the test drive at? I'd like to call them and see how they managed these tires.

Thanks - pete

Elite BMW Ottawa. When I spec'd it out using the CDN configurator, the default is the perf. summer tires. There is a separate no cost option you have to check on to get the perf. run flats.

[Bahuba]

Originally Posted by MTP335

Any more pics? This is the exact combo I would like to get.

Updated orig. post with a few more images and a few additional comments.

[unintelligible]

Originally Posted by Bahuba

Updated orig. post with a few more images and a few additional comments.

Thank you. Love that Coral Red interior.

[Mark's M]

Originally Posted by TaigaTii

Bahuba - Thanks for your report on the M235i test drive with the 6MT!

You reported that the car had Michelin PSS tires. Everything that I have heard (from local dealers and folks on this board from Canada) say that PSS tires are not possible here and only the performance run-flats are available for the M235i on the Canadian order sheet?

What dealer did you do the test drive at? I'd like to call them and see how they managed these tires.

Thanks - pete

Please Pete, get your facts straight so we can kill this stupid misinformation. Michelin's are standard, run flats are a no cost option. Read ALLof the posts and do some research. You don't even have to look beyond this 2 Addicts forum but a word of caution.....don't pay attention to the handful of idiots who know not what they're talking about. Sadly this new BMW is attracting a fair number of them. Harsh but unfortunately true.

[SmallTownBoy]

Nice review, thanks. I'm taking ED of the same car on March 8, black on black without the premium package. Really appreciate the comments about the gearbox.

I also now have confirmation directly from BMW Canada that the standard tire is the Michelin PSS. The Cdn Order Guide is wrong.

[SW19]

Originally Posted by Mark's M

Well done, thanks. I took out an auto version this morning and posted my thoughts on Funrevn's original post. Those tires are going to be great in the nice weather but they're almost dangerous here.

I took a Black Sapphire Metallic M235i for a drive this morning and couldn't believe how much grip the Michelin PSS's had on the roads i was on.There was also a good amount of salt dust on the roads and the tires had incredible traction.I was driving very fast through a tight corner and the car just stayed perfectly planted to the road,it was very impressive.I am waiting for the M2 but the M235i is a very fun car to drive.

[SW19]

Originally Posted by Mark's M

Please Pete, get your facts straight so we can kill this stupid misinformation. Michelin's are standard, run flats are a no cost option. Read ALLof the posts and do some research. You don't even have to look beyond this 2 Addicts forum but a word of caution.....don't pay attention to the handful of idiots who know not what they're talking about. Sadly this new BMW is attracting a fair number of them. Harsh but unfortunately true.

They are definitely Michelin PSS's.Here is a pic of the tire from the car I drove today.

[unintelligible]

Originally Posted by Bahuba

Check out the gap between the silver hex trim and the black gloss trim. Looks like it's either falling off or is seriously misaligned. SUPERIOR GERMAN INTERIORS!

[IEDEI]

bahuba: what year is your 135 again? (can't see it on mobile) and do you have any tuning on it? seems like you thought it was most similar in performance to the 135....just more 'refined' then?

nice to finally read a 135 owners' review...most informative review I've read yet.