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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum BMW 2 Series (F22) Forum BMW 2 Series Coupe and Cabriolet (F22/F23) General Forum Autocar compares M235i vs. M4 and Alpina B4... which is the real modern day M3 coupe?

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      08-23-2014, 02:24 AM   #67
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The only problem BMW really faces is the fact that their M4 can compete with the Porsche Cayman and even a 911 (if you go easy on the options) in terms of price, but just falls short in every other capacity - except where cargo is important. Porsche's don't even have real trunks.... But the M235i offers so much value and is just a ridiculously fun car to drive. Props to BMW for pulling it off. Not sure they really need an M2... It'll be too expensive anyways.
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      08-23-2014, 02:32 AM   #68
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GFK007 View Post
Let's throw the m2 into the equation. M4 makes that much less sense in 18 months...
Only if the M2 is priced much closer to the M235i than the M4 and if it has stuff like leather dashboard, HUD, etc. (after all it is a "luxury" sports car - otherwise there are much better "value for money" cars like the stangs and the camaro SS)
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      08-23-2014, 02:42 AM   #69
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roadkiller View Post
Interesting comparison. I'm sure BMW didn't bless this review -- leading to this outcome. I'm still moving on to a M3 and, as always, show love for other BMW models. They make great machines. I'm just surprised they'd let a cheaper car get this close to the ultimate of the ultimate driving machines. The M235i is a nice car, but perhaps for the money, the M3/M4 should not be even close in a comparison. JMHO

Now the M3 is different from the M4 in that you don't have a "value for money" version of the M3 as in a "1 series sedan -- let's call the future car 1Msport35s". Till that car arrives (if ever), M3 should remain as one of the best sports luxury sedan anywhere close in that price range.
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      08-23-2014, 03:25 AM   #70
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None of the cars. The new turbo M are to different from the old ones. A second new class. The last M car, with a "real" M engine was the E9X.
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      08-23-2014, 05:35 AM   #71
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TSM330i
Can't wait to see how the M2 compares!

I think BMW is losing their focus on performance cars, especially when it comes to the standard models. For years, BMWs were the standard that all competitors were compared (and won virtually every comparison test).
Today, the 3-series and 4-series are being beaten by the competition. Even the 2-series is seeing major competition and struggling to win comparisons.
The M3/4 are becoming quicker, but softer at the same time. They're not as focused as they used to be and trying to be a luxury car and sports car at the same time. It's one of the reasons the 1M was so well liked.

Who am I to argue with what they're doing though. Isn't BMW selling more cars now that they ever have?
Not sure I agree. Would seem that this very discussion argues to the contrary.

The ever expanding M Performance line is a reflection of BMW's priorities. The M235i (and 228i w/ track pack) show (to me) their commitment to accessible performance in series cars.
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      08-23-2014, 05:48 AM   #72
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I fully agree. Those cars have become what M used to stand for. On the other hand the new M are simply halo cars not representing the macro economics that BMW needs to continue showing large profits. At $75-90k there are way too many other new and used car alternatives in the market.
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      08-23-2014, 09:18 AM   #73
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To me, I'm not as much of an m3 coupe fan. I dig them, but I'd prefer the sedan. That's where they really shine. I have three kids, so M2 or M235 don't work for me :-(. M3 sedan is worth the extra money, perhaps the coupe is not.
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      08-23-2014, 09:20 AM   #74
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It isn't fair to compare an M4 to a Porsche. Most people need a car with a back seat.
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      08-23-2014, 09:59 AM   #75
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 123sub View Post
None of the cars. The new turbo M are to different from the old ones. A second new class. The last M car, with a "real" M engine was the E9X.
Oh boy, here we go.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Researcher View Post
I fully agree. Those cars have become what M used to stand for. On the other hand the new M are simply halo cars not representing the macro economics that BMW needs to continue showing large profits. At $75-90k there are way too many other new and used car alternatives in the market.
First off, you can pick up an M3/4 for the mid-to-high 60s if you keep it easy on the options.

Secondly, sorry, the reason why the M3 is so popular is because there isn't anything that can touch it in the price range. Sure, there are better "sports cars" in that price range but they all lack the daily usability of the M3. The M3 is still the car that can do it all during the week and still handle the track on the weekend.

But I do see the ///Marketing is working quite well.
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      08-23-2014, 10:11 AM   #76
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hans007
i suppose next year i could afford an m4 or something, but i just don't see it being worth that much more money.

i have a friend who is buying a yas marina f80 m3 in 2015 (when i plan on getting probably a m235). and he and i have been over this argument tons of times.

i could afford an m3, its not really a matter of if you could, but if its worth the money.
we make about the same money and i guess its all about priorities.

i'd almost assuredly get an automatic, and i know my friend is getting a DCT.

m235i which has DHP standard and a "free auto" transmission is $43k. an m3/m4 with DHP and DCT (i know its different, but its the "auto") is $68k. is the m3/m4 worth $25k, i guess it depends on if you want that $25k for other things. personally in LA i would guess it probably isn't unless you track your car a lot (which my friend i doubt will. but hey its a "real M"). I'd rather blow that $25k on rent, or vacations etc. my friend lives with his parents and never goes out. everyones got priorities, i'm sure we'll both be happy with our choices.
Your friend is a big baby with crappy priorities. He deserves to stay right where he is w/his rents.

No wonder he has few friends.

What a idiot !
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      08-23-2014, 10:51 AM   #77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Small Yellow View Post
Lol wut? They all have 60 liter fuel tanks with M235i getting 34.9 mpg and M4 getting 34.0 mpg yet M4 gets 40 more miles per tank?
They don't have the same size tank. The M235i is like 10 liters smaller.
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      08-23-2014, 10:59 AM   #78
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Yea, its a mistake...m3/4 has bigger tank

And I dont beileve they have the same suspension either
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      08-23-2014, 11:26 AM   #79
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I feel even better now that I got M3 over the other two.
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      08-23-2014, 12:23 PM   #80
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This discussion of lifestyles is irrelevant. You either have an M3/4 or you don't. It's not like m235i + lifestyle = M3/4, that equation is a "make myself feel good" type of scenario, an "air burger"

I have 2 cars whose combined MSRP can get me 2 M3s, (granted they will be base models). However the reality is I don't have an M3/4. That's it no need to come up with lifestyle excuses here and I can only look forward to getting a yellow one in the future, lol.
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      08-23-2014, 12:26 PM   #81
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWnStuff View Post
The only problem BMW really faces is the fact that their M4 can compete with the Porsche Cayman and even a 911 (if you go easy on the options) in terms of price, but just falls short in every other capacity - except where cargo is important. Porsche's don't even have real trunks.... But the M235i offers so much value and is just a ridiculously fun car to drive. Props to BMW for pulling it off. Not sure they really need an M2... It'll be too expensive anyways.
Well it depends. The M235i is between an E36 and E46 in size. It's actually a small car. Trunk room is marginal. Don't get me wrong it 's a great car for the price, and the under 30 crowd will love it as a daily driver. As a track car it's a great buy for sure.
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      08-23-2014, 01:19 PM   #82
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The answer is simple. It's the upcoming M2!
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      08-23-2014, 02:15 PM   #83
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rev ///Me View Post
M235i with M performance fixed suspension, M performance LSD, and you have a weapon, for much cheaper than an M4.
Hmm that may be right but this weapon you speak of will be much slower.

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      08-23-2014, 02:45 PM   #84
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The M235i is a great tuner car for the money.
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      08-23-2014, 03:24 PM   #85
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 300hp View Post
This discussion of lifestyles is irrelevant. You either have an M3/4 or you don't. It's not like m235i + lifestyle = M3/4, that equation is a "make myself feel good" type of scenario, an "air burger"

I have 2 cars whose combined MSRP can get me 2 M3s, (granted they will be base models). However the reality is I don't have an M3/4. That's it no need to come up with lifestyle excuses here and I can only look forward to getting a yellow one in the future, lol.
Which car is "best" for anyone very much depends on
subjective criteria. So it's funny to see statements that "price is irrelevant" or "lifestyle is irrelevant". If you you enjoy the zen of weekend tree-felling as a hobby, then a nice sharp axe with an oak handle may do you best. If you get paid by the cord, you may want a chainsaw.

My "best" car is the one one that makes me happiest. I'm very happy with my M235i. As for storage, I drove mine away from the Welt with 4 carry-ons, 2 shoulder bags and the complimentary bouquet in the trunk.
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      08-23-2014, 05:02 PM   #86
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MKE_M3
To me, I'm not as much of an m3 coupe fan. I dig them, but I'd prefer the sedan. That's where they really shine. I have three kids, so M2 or M235 don't work for me :-(. M3 sedan is worth the extra money, perhaps the coupe is not.
Agreed. They have 'sports sedan' nailed down to perfection. The coupe is fine, but adding 2 doors just makes it so much nicer for those of us with extra cargo. It's definitely their bread and butter...the sweet spot.
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      08-23-2014, 05:40 PM   #87
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spuntyb
Quote:
Originally Posted by MKE_M3
To me, I'm not as much of an m3 coupe fan. I dig them, but I'd prefer the sedan. That's where they really shine. I have three kids, so M2 or M235 don't work for me :-(. M3 sedan is worth the extra money, perhaps the coupe is not.
Agreed. They have 'sports sedan' nailed down to perfection. The coupe is fine, but adding 2 doors just makes it so much nicer for those of us with extra cargo. It's definitely their bread and butter...the sweet spot.
I have two kids but when the time comes it's yellow M4 for me all the way. The kids will fit fine in the back
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      08-23-2014, 10:17 PM   #88
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the only thing the M235 is....is the modern 135i. Nothing more....nothing less.
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