[speeddeacon]

Originally Posted by Bosozoku

The M2 and M235i are almost exactly the same price, fully equipped.
Many costly M235i options are standard in the M2.

Absolutely and particularly if you add M Performance options like LSD, exhaust, brakes, etc., not just factory options to the M235/240. The 2 series have value in reverse, unlike most of the others cars. By that I mean the most expensive line gives you more value for your money than the next, which gives more than the next lower. The only way the 228/230i provides any value is that it can be ordered stripped. The 235/240 comes with pretty much everything I want standard so it is a much better choice than the 228/230 for me personally.

I would check the Exec Pkg. and MT boxes on a white M2 and be under $54k MSRP.

A white M240i with Cold Weather and Drivers Assistance Packages plus the HK Audio would bring me in at $47,670 because I don't need Leather or Nav.

To equip a 230i like the 240i above I would add the M Sport, Track Handling, Premium and Lighting Packages also, which brings it to 44,420. I could drop M Sport and Lighting, which would be my bare minimum and shave $3400, knocking it down to 41,620 but it wouldn't look as good to me so I'll gladly pay the difference for the 240 or M2 and take the more powerful engine.

With discounts and loyalty credits, I should be able to get the 240 for under 44k pretty easily. It remains to be seen what I will be able to do on an M2 but I'll find out in the spring when I'm ready to order.

[fancyfl1ght]

Originally Posted by speeddeacon

The only way the 228/230i provides any value is that it can be ordered stripped.

Yeah, that's exactly the way I like it, a stripper. You can always add ala carte all the things that comprise an M car when you want to.

When I have curbed my wheels bad enough and ruined my stock brakes and pads, I will say hooray! Time for a new set of wheels and brakes.

I will consider better brake and pad package, brembo, stop tech, even bmw if the dealer is hard up and needs a break.

Then maybe some staggered light weight wheels.

Who knows, might as well change the struts while replacing the pads and rotors.

Great this about customing your car is that you decided on what you wanted on your car, not the BMW M-car committee in Bavaria.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by fancyfl1ght

I think its safe to say, experienced BMW owners (people who buy instead of lease), who know the brand, and enjoy working on their cars, will naturally gravitate to the 228i. Easiest car I have had the pleasure of working with.

At least part of the reason I bought my 228i, aside from what it is today, is that it came closest to reminding me of my first new BMW - the 4 cylinder 1977 320i I bought in October, 1976. Actually, it turns out to be a tad larger...

I also like the sense of history of BMW as a 4-cylinder company, as reflected in BMW's HQ "4 cylinder" architecture.

[GMe90]

This is exactly why the e92 328i is more fun to drive than the 335i on the back roads. Better handling, more engaging power plant, it's really not even close.

[Kolyan2k]

I hated stripped e90 328i loaner. Couldn't wait to dump it.

Ps. Even though I just bought 235i, I am thinking of test driving 2014 S5 this weekend maybe. Not that I am trading, but wondering if I made a mistake

[rjm98119]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

I hated stripped e90 328i loaner. Couldn't wait to dump it.

Ps. Even though I just bought 235i, I am thinking of test driving 2014 S5 this weekend maybe. Not that I to trading, but wondering if I made a mistake

I just sold my 2014 Cayman S and am going to lease a M235 for 2 years. In the process, I drove a WHOLE BUNCH of stuff, including an S5. It's a good car but it just depends on what you like. The S5 is larger, heavier, and feels every bit of it. I personally don't like the size (the main reason I walked away from M4), but maybe it would fit you. But don't do it unless you have the cash to cover your depreciation


I'd also say as a general comment on this thread to people second guessing their own choices (or feeling bad about them) because of the article's bias: Coming from the Cayman S (I also had a 2008 Cayman S) which is lauded by scads of auto journalists as among the "best sports cars for any money", I just have to point out (as many of you have, in fairness) it's really all about what feels right to you, meets your personal criteria, and makes you happy when you're in it. These journalists have their own preferences, and also make these statements after driving in places and in a way 95% of us only do 1% or less of the time.

I admit I still struggle with it, like after reading this article, I think "how could I have ditched my Cayman for a Buick! WTH was I thinking!" Then get in the M235 and it just feels "right", *to me* (and oh yeah, I'm paying a few hundred less per month too). And then I say f___ it.

I loved my Cayman. Awesome car. I'd love to have both. But I prefer a little more straight line accel than it or the 228 can provide, don't want to have to pay $70K just to get heated seats (or risk what people do to these cars in the used market)... and I can't get an M2 Scheduling wise I couldn't wait 'til the 718 Porsche's or an M2 was available even to test in my area, so I'm driving something that some journalists think is a Buick... and I'm happy!

Sorry I think I meandered in my thought process a bit....

[spellbmw]

I really hope the M2 has a more connected feeling with the road than the M235i I tested when they came out. Then again, I should try the 228i as well as the M235i again.

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by rjm98119

I just sold my 2014 Cayman S and am going to lease a M235 for 2 years. In the process, I drove a WHOLE BUNCH of stuff, including an S5. It's a good car but it just depends on what you like. The S5 is larger, heavier, and feels every bit of it. I personally don't like the size (the main reason I walked away from M4), but maybe it would fit you. But don't do it unless you have the cash to cover your depreciation


I'd also say as a general comment on this thread to people second guessing their own choices (or feeling bad about them) because of the article's bias: Coming from the Cayman S (I also had a 2008 Cayman S) which is lauded by scads of auto journalists as among the "best sports cars for any money", I just have to point out (as many of you have, in fairness) it's really all about what feels right to you, meets your personal criteria, and makes you happy when you're in it. These journalists have their own preferences, and also make these statements after driving in places and in a way 95% of us only do 1% or less of the time.

I admit I still struggle with it, like after reading this article, I think "how could I have ditched my Cayman for a Buick! WTH was I thinking!" Then get in the M235 and it just feels "right", *to me* (and oh yeah, I'm paying a few hundred less per month too). And then I say f___ it.

I loved my Cayman. Awesome car. I'd love to have both. But I prefer a little more straight line accel than it or the 228 can provide, don't want to have to pay $70K just to get heated seats (or risk what people do to these cars in the used market)... and I can't get an M2 Scheduling wise I couldn't wait 'til the 718 Porsche's or an M2 was available even to test in my area, so I'm driving something that some journalists think is a Buick... and I'm happy!

Sorry I think I meandered in my thought process a bit....

I wanted to buy (out of warranty) 2008-2010 Cayman S for like past 4-5 years. I kept backing out due to some reliability issues that I read about, well and some other things. I mean for the money of used 235i you can get a really nice Cayman S

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by spellbmw

If the M2 is just an M225i with minor improvs,w ta, it's not worth it.

Not sure I'd describe the M2 as an M235i with minor improvements. LSD and different engine are pretty major for starters. And then there are the exterior changes that transform the car from conservative to brash. The looks of the M2 alone are reason enough for me to shell out the additional cash. YMMV.

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by wjones14

Not sure I'd describe the M2 as an M235i with minor improvements. LSD and different engine are pretty major for starters. And then there are the exterior changes that transform the car from conservative to brash. The looks of the M2 alone are reason enough for me to shell out the additional cash. YMMV.

It is a different car just like all Ms mostly. Engine is the same N55 but tuned and beefed up, automatic transmission is DCT (manual is the same as M235i), LSD(different from M-Performance LSD), different suspension and all its components, wider track, wider wheels, different body panels.

The unfortunate parts are the seats which are the same, the engine which is not S55, and suspension which is not adjustable and just KW V3 (as I read here)

The reason why some might say that it's very similar in performance to M235i is because M235i is that good, not because M2 is bad.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by pit1

I think a lot of people are missing their key argument. It's about engagement and fun factor.

-It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. -

I got no dog in this fight, I made my choice for the 235 and don't regret it. Choices are good and BMW gave us 3 of em in the 2 series alone.

That said, I don't think these 2 things need to be or should be mutually exclusive. Faster can be funner and more engaging too.

Its one of the reasons an E9x with the S65 V8 is so high on my next car list when my 235 lease is up.

No turbo, needs to be wound out, fun to drive everyday and sounds sexy as hell at cold start-up and at 7k rpm...

[M3 Number 86]

Dry sump m3? Can't take article seriously.

[M3 Number 86]

Originally Posted by Midwest M235i

I got no dog in this fight, I made my choice for the 235 and don't regret it. Choices are good and BMW gave us 3 of em in the 2 series alone.

That said, I don't think these 2 things need to be or should be mutually exclusive. Faster can be funner and more engaging too.

Its one of the reasons an E9x with the S65 V8 is so high on my next car list when my 235 lease is up.

No turbo, needs to be wound out, fun to drive everyday and sounds sexy as hell at cold start-up and at 7k rpm...

S65 and S85 are glorious.

[123Britt]

Am I correct in thinking that in the R&T review , the 228i & M235i were lacking the LSD where both the M2 and 1M have it standard.
.
If this be the case would the numbers & result been different ??
.
.
Certainly I am biased being the owner of an M235i with LSD - just purchased used with 16k miles (white , Coral & AT) .

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

I hated stripped e90 328i loaner. Couldn't wait to dump it.

Ps. Even though I just bought 235i, I am thinking of test driving 2014 S5 this weekend maybe. Not that I am trading, but wondering if I made a mistake

Off topic....

Test drove S5 today. Amazing car. Shifter is real nice, if not better then M235i, engine/exhaust sound is 100% better then BMW, seats are excellent....zero adjustments needed. Steering and suspension are good but hard to compare with 1 test drive.

What I didn't like is the car height, it seats much higher then M235i and looks ugly. 2016 rolled up with different wheels, don't know if it was lower or not but looked much better.

BMW really dropped the ball on steering, suspension, and engine sound.... everything is electronic these days and easy to adjust. Feels like they didn't want it to be same or better then M2. Sport+ mode should have been much stiffer and exhaust note much louder..... seriously it's like driving a Buick

[PodDoc]

Odd review. They say the 228i's steering is numb, but they choose it for partially for steering feel? Previous to this, most reviews praised the M235i as the greatest BMW and best drivers car to come out of BMW for a long time, and yet here they trash it. Previous reviews were so good that i considered it over the M3. This makes it hard to take these reviews seriously. Anyone actually in the market for these types of cars should definitely go take an extended test drive of each for themselves instead of taking the advice of the reviewers.

[JunkStory]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

Off topic....

Test drove S5 today. Amazing car. Shifter is real nice, if not better then M235i, engine/exhaust sound is 100% better then BMW, seats are excellent....zero adjustments needed. Steering and suspension are good but hard to compare with 1 test drive.

What I didn't like is the car height, it seats much higher then M235i and looks ugly. 2016 rolled up with different wheels, don't know if it was lower or not but looked much better.

BMW really dropped the ball on steering, suspension, and engine sound.... everything is electronic these days and easy to adjust. Feels like they didn't want it to be same or better then M2. Sport+ mode should have been much stiffer and exhaust note much louder

I test drove an S5 recently and I have the same thoughts as you. Drives great compared to the F32, and the cabin really feels driver oriented, but something about the height or side profile makes it look really bloated like a whale.

[The Choosey begger]

I enjoyed it, thanks for sharing.

[Diver]

Automotive journalism is about selling magazines, not truth. How is a 228 which is 2.5 seconds slower around a track than the M cars be better than an M235i which is less than half a second slower?. Understeer on the M235i could be fixed with one size larger front tires. Besides, the article is written from the manual transmission fantasy point of view. Very 2 series cars are being delivered without an automatic.

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by Diver

Automotive journalism is about selling magazines, not truth. How is a 228 which is 2.5 seconds slower around a track than the M cars be better than an M235i which is less than half a second slower?. Understeer on the M235i could be fixed with one size larger front tires. Besides, the article is written from the manual transmission fantasy point of view. Very 2 series cars are being delivered without an automatic.

It depends on a track, in a more technical track cars like Miata and S2000 will run circles around all 3 BMWs

[Diver]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

It depends on a track, in a more technical track cars like Miata and S2000 will run circles around all 3 BMWs

The Focus RS is supposed to be a great track car. The question is, do you want a car for DD or track. Very few people go to the track ever, a few do 5 track days per year, and others have dedicated track cars.

[yogajitsu]

This is actually the first article that ive read about the m235i that was negative, and it just seemed too negative to be true. Sorry that bmw decided to put an m badge on it but its a very good car on its own. So they put the m badge and that makes it fake right? Its still a small street every day car with 320hp. To tell you the truth the m2 looks like a kit car version and the 228 is a "plain ol 28".