[FunRevn]

It would be great to hear feedback from any of the reviewers of the M235 if they have also driven a 435 Msport. One reviewer from Automobile magazine made a reference that he didn't feel much difference between the two cars.

If all things being equal plus $100 a month payment, I would probably consider the 435 with PPK and a limited slip.

The heavy weight of the M235 is turning me off. I'd rather have 100 pound penalty and get more space and something that has a wider track. I can't imagine that the handling would should be that different.

I'm hoping if I spec a 435 with dynamic handling package the steering and suspension combined with the much wider track than the M235 should put the handling in the favor of the 435.

On the power front, add a PPK which turns the power up to 332 or so horsepower and I think you can address the additional weight differential.

I hope to see an M235 soon and see how the size works out for me. The 435 is a little on the big side I'm just afraid that the 2 series is going to be a little on the small side. I guess will have to wait-and-see.

Feedback anyone?

[Greenkirby21]

Once you add all the things that are standard on the M235i, your 435i will be much expensive.


M235i starting price: 44k
435i starting price: 47k
Add M sport (3,100)
add Dynamic Handling package (1,000)
add M sport brakes (650)
Total Price: ~52k

So, you are looking at a 8K difference.. and you haven't added the LSD or MPPK yet!

Note: M has engineered the steering, suspension, and exhaust more then the standard cars.

That being said, if you get a bone stock 435i, then the price difference is much less

[jeremicium]

*EDIT* Funny, I just noticed I posted pretty much the same thing as the last guy.

Problem with the 435 is that if you start adding up the options the price comes very close to a base M3. And the M3 comes standard with a lot of things including Nav. Fully optioned MSRP on an M235i is about $51k. A bargain hunter can probably get a well optioned M235i for around $46k. If you are looking at a bone stock 435i I can see the appeal, but the second you start optioning the 435 into the mid $50s the M3 starts to make much more sense.

As far as the weight issue, I am concerned as well. The 135i definitely felt more nimble than the 335i coupe. I think it's worth waiting to see if the M235i feels better than the 435i. Although according to BMWUSA website, there's only 80 pounds difference between the two .

I'm anxiously awaiting some reviews and compares as well.

[dmboone25]

Further the Green's point above, if you add additional equipment to the 4er, it's going to be heavier as well.

I think you just drive them both and go from there. I think the M235 is supposed to be showing up at dealers soon but we will see...

[Greenkirby21]

also. The M235i comes standard with sunroof and 10 way power adjustable seats. Not sure if the 4 series comes standard with those or not, but thats probably 100 lbs just by itself.

[FunRevn]

On a lease the monthly difference is going to be less than $130 a month. Just depends on your deal. For me, if the 435 handles as well as or better than the M235, then I would more than likely take the more upscale car.

My intent is to have a smaller car than the 435. I like smaller but not too small cars because they usually provide a nimble ride and with the weight savings should enhance the performance. I am hoping that the M235 is all that it should be and that the weight savings is more than just 80lbs.

My initial impression from the pics is 1.) The wheels look small and makes the car seem a bit lower end. I can easily get 19in wheels on the 435 from the Factory. 2.) Regarding the interior. While I was in Japan, I saw a 135 MSport and it has the same dash / interior and it's not quiet up to the level of the 435.

Again if the M235 is a clear winner in the performance dept, then Im sure I can forgo those small niggles and will pick her up at the Welt this summer.

Just hoping for some reviews from those that have driven both...

[Swadeness]

I think the M235 is the better bargain and if you are looking for more room get the 3 series over the 4. I sat in the M235 and M4 yesterday and was surprised to find the M235 has more rear headroom. I'm 5' 11" and my head just barely clears the roof in the M235 while sitting upright and comfortable. In the M4 I can not sit in the same upright position without my head hitting the roof where it starts to slope down. The M4 definitely has a bit more leg room but I would have to slouch in the seat to be comfortable on anything more than a short ride. I think the head clearance may be even less in a 4 series with a sunroof. I guess you have to make compromises if you choose a coupe over a sedan, but f you are the one doing the driving its not a big deal.

[number1draftpick]

Admittedly a little biased because I don't like large cars. The new 3 and 4 series were a big disappointment to me coming from E90. I much prefer E92 vs the 4 series...its just too big and I don't like the exterior design.

I honestly don't see how the 4 series is a step up from the M235i. I don't see extra size as a premium feature and aside from the heads up display, the 4 series has nothing that I want vs. the 2 series.

On the inside it has the same leather, same gear shift with hard plastic surround, same 8" nav screen, and same aluminium hex (or other finish) with blue/black trim.

On the other hand, the M235i is faster, better looking (subjective of course), and cheaper. It also comes with tons more standard. In my mind, that makes it a much better product to me.

Again, I'm biased since I'm not even considering the 4. I'm more 2 series/S3/porsche if I could swing it ha ha.

edit: it is easier to get 19" wheels on the 4 though thats true

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by kamara1984

Admittedly a little biased because I don't like large cars. The new 3 and 4 series were a big disappointment to me coming from E90. I much prefer E92 vs the 4 series...its just too big and I don't like the exterior design.

I honestly don't see how the 4 series is a step up from the M235i. I don't see extra size as a premium feature and aside from the heads up display, the 4 series has nothing that I want vs. the 2 series.

On the inside it has the same leather, same gear shift with hard plastic surround, same 8" nav screen, and same aluminium hex (or other finish) with blue/black trim.

On the other hand, the M235i is faster, better looking (subjective of course), and cheaper. It also comes with tons more standard. In my mind, that makes it a much better product to me.

Again, I'm biased since I'm not even considering the 4. I'm more 2 series/S3/porsche if I could swing it ha ha.

edit: it is easier to get 19" wheels on the 4 though thats true

You and I think a lot alike it seems--but I agree on the wheels, at least in the auto show setting.

I am thinking it might not be as big of a deal in the real world, but if so, the performance wheels should be available right about the time the weather gets nice.

To the OP - I was just at the Chicago show, and the M4 and M6 were in the back of the BMW display area. The direction from which I came allowed me to see the M4 first, and from the side I really thought it was the M6. Now when I got closer, I realized it was the new M4...but my god does it look big. The 4 series in general seems huge to me...which is why I just wouldn't consider one...I have always thought the E46 was the "right" size. I think that's why the M235 is right car for me at the moment.

Just something to consider as well...but perhaps bigger would be better for your situation. Depends on your needs.

[FunRevn]

Karmara198 and Dmboone25.

We are all thinking similar. I love my E90 MSport Sedan with PPK. when my lease was expiring I looked at the 3 series and it was just too big and the changes they made for the pedestrian standards (raised Hood) made it difficult to see the front corners of the car making it feel even bigger. So that I thought okay I'll wait for the 435 and again that car came and it definitely drove better than the 3 series but I couldn't get my hands on a DHP which is supposed to take care of the steering issue that I'm having. (I have active Steer on my current vehicle and Love It)

So now I'm considering the M235 hoping that it's an appropriate size with the seating position that allows me to see the front corners better, it comes with a DHP and power packed already installed and its suppost to be a hoot to drive.

I recently drove another 435 Msport and for some reason I really like the way it performed maybe because I was able to take it out a on an extended test drive by myself versus my prior test drive with the salesman.

Personally for me especially when leasing, I don't want to modify anything so if 19in wheels are necessary and unobtainable from the factory for the M235, I'm then I will continue to consider the 435 with the PPK and a limited slip.

My dealer just called while I'm typing this and they just received their M235 demo I'm on my way to go test drive it...... talk you soon.

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by FunRevn

Karmara198 and Dmboone25.

We are all thinking similar. I love my E90 MSport Sedan with PPK. when my lease was expiring I looked at the 3 series and it was just too big and the changes they made for the pedestrian standards (raised Hood) made it difficult to see the front corners of the car making it feel even bigger. So that I thought okay I'll wait for the 435 and again that car came and it definitely drove better than the 3 series but I couldn't get my hands on a DHP which is supposed to take care of the steering issue that I'm having. (I have active Steer on my current vehicle and Love It)

So now I'm considering the M235 hoping that it's an appropriate size with the seating position that allows me to see the front corners better, it comes with a DHP and power packed already installed and its suppost to be a hoot to drive.

I recently drove another 435 Msport and for some reason I really like the way it performed maybe because I was able to take it out a on an extended test drive by myself versus my prior test drive with the salesman.

Personally for me especially when leasing, I don't want to modify anything so if 19in wheels are necessary and unobtainable from the factory for the M235, I'm then I will continue to consider the 435 with the PPK and a limited slip.

My dealer just called while I'm typing this and they just received their M235 demo I'm on my way to go test drive it...... talk you soon.

Please let us know how it is

[tuco44]

I have driven a 4 Series, and, for me, just too large a car.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

Please let us know how it is

Hell yes !!!!

[FunRevn]

Just got back. From my M235 test drive

[michas24]

Originally Posted by FunRevn

Just got back. From my M235 test drive

Please tell us how was it?

[FunRevn]

Dont worry I wouldnt leave you hanging.

I will start a fresh post shortly, but it is a Hoot to drive.

[FunRevn]

New Thread on M235 Started.. Enjoy

[Mark's M]

Lots of similar cars in the past between us so I'll add my .02 to the discussion. Having had the ultimate (my '11 M3) and a whole bunch of other BMW's, Mini's and off brands including a heavily modified '05 Mustang that was, uh, heavy, my favorite car for all around fun in the city and occasionally on track was.....my '08 135 M Sport. Loved the M3 but didn't overly miss it when I sold it. Loved the 135 and I still miss it to this day. Which is why I'll be looking at the M235. Was nice to read your review and I'll look forward to driving one myself but I'm sure that it's gonna be damned good!

I honestly don't like the new 435 that much, a little too big like most say. And expensive if fully optioned which I'm used to. But having said that, I might just wait for the new Mustang GT which is similar in size to the new 4 and promises to handle exceptionally well. So it'll probably be worth a look. I've run with Boss 302's at Watkins Glen the last couple of years and they are fantastic. The new ones are said to be better and finally, more refined and devoid of the "old school" which was getting tired. Time and road tests will tell. Two utterly different cars for two very different demographics. Deep down though....I think the 2er will win out.

[FunRevn]

Bump.

Still wondering about the dif between a 435Msport with DHP and PPK 8SP sport auto and a M235?

Getting ready to make some leasing decisions.