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      02-15-2014, 07:33 PM   #1
FunRevn
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Talking Just came back from Test Driving the M235i (with pics and videos)

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My Dealer was kind enough to let me know that an M235 just rolled off the truck and if I wanted, I could come over and be the first customer to driver her. It didn't take long to wrap up what I was doing and do the deed.


First impression:
When you first see the car it depends on which angle you see it from from the front 3/4 is nice. If you look at it from a dead profile it looks a little strange. As if somebody chopped off the back and the front. But, from an angle, the car looks quite nice. It's definitely a descendant of the 1 series. It's a little bit more modern and it has more of a slope to its roof-line.

In person, the wheels don't look half bad. Yes 19in wheels would definitely look better but these will hold you over until either some good aftermarkets wheels come along, or by the time you're ready to order hopefully BMW will offer some reasonably priced 19in wheels from the factory.

The interior is definitely more refined than the 1 series. However, it's not as plush as the 435i. One very cool feature that I was very happy about was that the center armrest actually slides forward, allowing you to comfortably rest your elbow and forearm while holding the shift lever. Seating position is very good and you feel a part of the cockpit.

This particular car did not have LSD. At least it did not say on the paperwork, but it did spin both tires nicely from a standstill. The Michelin pilot super sports are unbelievable, giving some of the most tenacious grip ever. I couldn't even imagine sliding this car on the street unless it was quite damp out or you're driving like a complete hooligan. And even then, it would be damn hard.

Driving dynamics:
This car is a pocket rocket no doubt...

The M235i reminds me a lot of my old 2008 M3 E92. It's no M3 (maybe 7/10 - mostly because of DCT and the V8 and the other Electro goodies), but you can definitely grab this car by the scruff and it will do pretty much whatever you want it to do. She leaps hard and strong out of every corner. The eight speed really behaves nicely and has fantastic shifts with that brap and fart sound like on the M5.

PROS:
  1. Great Sound. They copied the previous gen M3. Funny thing, if you want to hear the natural sound just roll both of the window all the way down. It appears to turn off the synthetic sound system. (Even at low speeds).
  2. Great Power. This car has a nice amount of thrust and with the 8 speed it is truly entertaining. Sorry guys, but the manual may provide a little more control on the track but you will be giving up on a great pairing of engine and transmission for the street. Like I mentioned above, the car has a lot of previous M3 DNA. Not all the bells and whistles but enough to be very interesting on the street.
  3. Good Visibility. Still has the new higher hood but not too bad.
  4. Trunk is a good size with easy access.
  5. Rear entry and exit were easier than the 1 series.
  6. Solid Car. Everything feels more solid than the 3 series. No other way to say it. A lot of car in a small package.

CONS:
  1. Stubbed Front and Rear. Looks chopped from the side view.
  2. Feels like you are sitting higher up than you really are.
  3. Wheels could be larger and I am not a big fan of the grey wheels.
  4. Side Mirrors look out of place. The silver makes them look a bit like dumbo ears (my little one is going to kill me for that).
  5. Didn't get on the freeway but it may have more wind noise than the 3-4 series.

What I like most, is that when you dive into a corner and click the shifter down a few gears it actually does it. Not like the old 6 speed auto from the E90. It really lets you place the car and it just hugs the line like hell and blasts out of the corner. Mix in some awesome sound and you really have a nice recipe.

I, like all of you, read the reviews from all the guys that went to LV to test the car. Most bagged on the steering and the body roll. As I mentioned above you're going to have to be driving like an @$$ to feel too much body roll and to worry about a few pounds here and there. If you're going to track the car, like most track cars - make a few modifications.

For me it is coming down to looks and size. But that's me.

I will try and answer any questions and if I find I forgot something I will be sure to add it. Call your dealer they should be receiving these any day now. It will be nice to get some other opinions.


Videos:




































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Last edited by FunRevn; 02-17-2014 at 12:46 AM.. Reason: Additional info
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      02-15-2014, 07:45 PM   #2
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Thanks for sharing

Steering feel??
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      02-15-2014, 07:54 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ska325xi View Post
Thanks for sharing

Steering feel??
+1. Decent ? Good ? Terrible ?
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      02-15-2014, 08:32 PM   #4
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can't wait for your pictures/videos : ) and more thoughts.

I will see the M235i for first time at the dallas auto show next weekend, I wonder if the demo car will be at my dealership sometime then?
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      02-15-2014, 09:48 PM   #5
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Just ordered the MG with black. Not at my dealer yet for a test drive. Can't wait to see the pics and video!!

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      02-15-2014, 09:57 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greenkirby21 View Post
can't wait for your pictures/videos : ) and more thoughts.

I will see the M235i for first time at the dallas auto show next weekend, I wonder if the demo car will be at my dealership sometime then?
I will be there as well. Did you get word the 235i will be there?
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      02-15-2014, 09:59 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ska325xi View Post
Thanks for sharing

Steering feel??
Quote:
Originally Posted by dmboone25 View Post
+1. Decent ? Good ? Terrible ?
+2
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      02-15-2014, 10:18 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bam226 View Post
I will be there as well. Did you get word the 235i will be there?
I'm assuming it will be. The M3/M4 and M235i have been at various auto shows (portland, chicago, toronto, montreal, etc), so I wouldn't see why it wouldn't be at the dallas one. I believe it was at the houston one
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      02-15-2014, 10:24 PM   #9
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Okay I'm back and trying to up load the pictures and videos so standby.

Oh and regarding the steering, this is how I see it, the recent best was my M3 followed by active steering from my 2011 E90. Next would be the M235 followed by the 4 series with DHP and last 3 series standard.

Unfortunately, the reality is hydraulic steering is gone and at some point most of us will forget about it after living with EPS for a number of years. And as all the competitors going to EPS you'll be less able to compare, but eventually they will improve and maybe they'll even surpass what we were used to with the hydraulic. I have to say the steering was very sharp very precise. Yes road feel was a little limited but it didn't annoy me in the way that the 3 series did. I'm not sure if I'm just getting used to it, or excepting it but it's not any kind of dealbreaker, at least for me.
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      02-15-2014, 10:33 PM   #10
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So since your dealer got the car does that mean the EPA released the M235's being held at port?!?!?!
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      02-15-2014, 10:38 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mankid247 View Post
So since your dealer got the car does that mean the EPA released the M235's being held at port?!?!?!
It would appear to be the case. He had 2 demos. 1-228 and 1-M235 Evidently this is what BMW sent them for DEMO. The M235 was basically stripped. No Nav, Junk radio, no back up camera.
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      02-15-2014, 10:39 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FunRevn View Post
It would appear to be the case. He had 2 demos. 1-228 and 1-M235 Evidently this is what BMW sent them for DEMO. The M235 was basically stripped. No Nav, Junk radio, no back up camera.
Nice! Were the seats leather or leatherette?

I'm ordering a bare bones M235i and plan on using the money for mods instead.
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      02-15-2014, 11:24 PM   #13
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nice to know about the steering feel

little off topic, the infiniti Q50 drive by wire steering are having some major safety issues over at the Q50 forums, people are complaining about steering lock... not good
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      02-16-2014, 12:05 AM   #14
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Posted an update to my OP. Sorry if the pics are huge. Also no luck on posting the Video. I'm guessing I will have to post to YouTube and then reference them.

The seats were very nice and leather.
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      02-16-2014, 12:11 AM   #15
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wow those pics are amazing! you will make many MG campers happy here : ).


Does the car still display the M235i logo when you turn it on since it doesn't have the extended digital cluster?
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      02-16-2014, 12:13 AM   #16
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Now that you mention it. I did not see the M235 Logo!!
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      02-16-2014, 12:13 AM   #17
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Dear God. I am SOLD on Mineral Grey. MG + wheels + drop + CF mirror caps + blacked out kidney grille frames = perfection, in my mind.

Thanks for the pics and details. This got me way more excited than any other first hand impressions I've read.
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      02-16-2014, 12:14 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FunRevn View Post
Now that you mention it. I did not see the M235 Logo!!
that's what i assumed. Such a shame we can't get the extended contents as a stand alone option (I think its like 200 dollars extra in europe). I don't really need navigation and don't want to pay 2,000 for tech package : )
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      02-16-2014, 12:21 AM   #19
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Gorgeous pics in MG. This definitely reinforces my choice of MG/CR. I'll definitely be going to the Dallas Auto Show as well to check out this baby in person. I'm out of production and on the way to port now! Excited.

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      02-16-2014, 12:30 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FunRevn View Post
Now that you mention it. I did not see the M235 Logo!!
ha! sorry to ask so many questions LOL. but this is the first car I see without the tech package.

When you changed modes (sport mode for example), could you still change the suspension/engine/steering settings and does it display on the screen?

Is there sports display on the smaller 6.5 inch screen (for hp/torque)?

You might have not had have enough time to play with the iDrive : )
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      02-16-2014, 12:43 AM   #21
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Yeah I didn't really have much time to play with the idrive. I did try to call up the performance gauges but since My car which is a 2011 doesn't have the idrive screen setting for the torque and horsepower I wasn't sure where to go.

However, when you do change the mode from comfort to sport to sport plus it does show the picture of the car on the screen.
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      02-16-2014, 07:00 AM   #22
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MG does look really good from your pics! And as much as I dislike those wheels (and I saw them at the Philly Auto Show), the colors work well together. However, those ///M side marks will have to go!

OP, I know you commented on the exhaust, but do you think the MPE would be worth the added cost or does it sound good enough (I know subjective). Also, have you decided on the M235i or are you also considering an M3/4? This is the conundrum I'm presently in.
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