M235i Review: More Than Just The Bargain M? - Motor Trend Ignition |
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04-08-2014, 10:02 AM | #45 |
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I poked around a little and went here:
http://fastestlaps.com/tracks/willow...of_willow.html These are the top track times *ever* on this track for each vehicle listed. Randy Probst is likely the "Golf Pro" at this track, knowing all the course nuances. His numerous records and the way he was slinging the 235 around were indications of this. Still, this list represents the best that *any* driver has gotten an M3 or Cayman around the track. Maybe Probst has driven these other cars (M3, R8, Cayman) and simply didn't score the top time with them? Or perhaps he's never had a hand with these at Willow Springs. We can't tell from the data provided. Regardless, Willos Springs is one of the major tracks in the Los Angeles area...there's a LOT of M3's, Caymans and R8's that have gone around that track before, so you can bet that the top times for each have had dozens of folks attempting to beat them. Another impressive thing that the link above exhibits when you look at the horsepower column: Except for the Subaru (309 hp) and Benz (360 hp), all the cars faster than the 235 generally have way more hp than the 235i. Most have 100hp or more over the 235. The fact that this overweight, open diff, entry-level coupe is the fastest BMW ever around this course says a lot. They've done something very right with this engine/chassis combo. I imagine an LSD would scoot it a couple places higher. |
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04-08-2014, 11:10 AM | #47 | |
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04-08-2014, 12:02 PM | #49 |
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I like to use the China BMW website to compare weight. In China most cars are imported with pre-configured options. We do not get packages like in the US, so the weight displayed on the website already includes automatic transmission and other "realistic" equipment.
List of 2014 non-x-drive cars available in China with N55 or N54 engines, sorted by weight: M135i 1525kg M235i 1560kg Z4 35is 1620kg (convertible) 435i 1620kg 335i 1650kg (GT) 640i 1795kg 435i 1845kg (convertible) 535Li 1850kg 640i 1885kg (GC) 640i 1945kg (convertible) 740i 1985kg 535i 2060kg (GT) the old M3 coupe checks in at 1679kg and the new M5/M6 sit at around 1940kg. I think the heaviest BMW is the 2.3 tonne X5/X6 M. Last edited by Asbjorn; 04-08-2014 at 12:15 PM.. |
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04-08-2014, 01:22 PM | #51 |
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The new M3/M4 does not share any steering components except for the steering wheel with the M235i. It was made specifically for that car. It is leaps and bounds better than the M235i, or even the e92 M3.
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04-08-2014, 01:43 PM | #52 |
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I'm praying BMW makes a M2. Just think what the M boys can do ala the 1M?
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04-08-2014, 05:19 PM | #53 |
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Another one of Randy Pobst's positive qualities is his consistency. In one of Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car comparisons, they did an analysis of his lap times. After three laps of the track, Randy dialed in on his best time. His lap times are consistently very close to record pace too. I've seen his times beaten by factory test drivers, which makes sense considering the hours and hours of seat time those guys get in their specific car. Randy's a damn good driver, and very consistent. I've really come to trust his feedback.
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04-08-2014, 06:53 PM | #54 | |
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04-08-2014, 06:56 PM | #55 |
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Agreed. It's also quite fun listening to his play-by-play commentary on the M235 engine, wheels, comparison vs. the 1 series, etc. as he's rocketing around the course.
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04-08-2014, 10:08 PM | #58 |
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Please do tell. Where did you have the grand privilege of testing the f80 M3, arriving at such confident conclusion that it is "leaps and bounds better" than not only the M235i, but the e92 M3 itself. Curious minds inquire.
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04-08-2014, 11:00 PM | #59 |
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I love the M235i.
It would have to be the most fun and exciting BMW you can buy in the dealership right now. Great package, plenty of performance, handling seems like a big step up from the 135i, and looks a lot better too - a LOT better. I think with wheels and a subtle drop it will look fantastic. If the M2 comes out in another 2 years or so, I'll be very keen to put a deposit down. I think anyone that bought a brand new 135i in the past 12 months would be feeling a bit depressed right about now, unless you got yourself an unbelievably great deal. |
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04-09-2014, 01:00 AM | #60 | |
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GT350 anyone..? I have a 135is, if the M2 doesn't impress, the new 5.0 is going to be a steal...hard to pass up. have a look-see.. Last edited by w3rkn; 04-09-2014 at 01:10 AM.. |
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04-09-2014, 06:05 AM | #61 |
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04-09-2014, 08:02 AM | #62 |
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I love the looks of the Mustang (even the current one) from the outside, but once you get inside, it's like being trapped at one of those tourist attraction 50's era diners. I can't stand it. Even if they up the quality, they're not ditching the retro feel.
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04-09-2014, 10:19 AM | #63 |
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What a great video!
I am highly impressed by BMW with the new M235i. Like they said, it's not an ///M car and M Division did not tune it. Can you imagine if they came out with an M2?! I think Randy hit it on the head when he said, "welcome back BMW." What is really cool to see though is the track times of much much heavier cars like the CLS 63 AMG-S, RS7, and Porsche Panamera Turbo. Those are all elephants compared to cars like the Cayman S and M235i. Yet they murdered a lot of other much lighter cars. Horsepower does count not just weight! Streets of Willow is a pretty short technical track, I know, I've driven it before.
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04-09-2014, 10:41 AM | #64 |
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Still doesn't change the fact that it's a pretty big car. I'm trying to downsize and the 2er platform is more what I'm looking for. And I'm still not sold on that rear end either (damn underbite) but I'll wait to see one IRL before I decide.
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04-09-2014, 05:31 PM | #65 |
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Ah... my 2010 STI sucked until I installed Coil Overs and lowered the 4x4 suspension by 2.5 inches. My stock e90 would run circles around my stock STI.
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