[boofi]

This is awesome news, but I fear the M235i + options + M sport performance will probably push $55k or more!

I may just take the hit anyway

Also, why has there been no official announcement for the 2 series? The 4 series has been announced, and the i3 is about to be announced...

[Xaeryan]

Originally Posted by Jason

Rest assured, there will be an M2

From the article:

He also said that he’s more excited about the arrival of the M235i – the upcoming coupe version of the current 1 Series. He told us that an M2 is “unlikely” for now, but the M235i will spring some surprises.

[rave426]

Finally something to be excited about! I'm loving the 2 series so far. My only concern is that they may not make an M2. We really need an M2 with proper M styling!

[SoCali E36]

Originally Posted by rave426

Finally something to be excited about! I'm loving the 2 series so far. My only concern is that they may not make an M2. We really need an M2 with proper M styling!

I have to agree on this. But I also have to say that if an M2 comes along, I feel that I will eat up the sales of the 4 series which BMW is afraid of.

[BwoodBMW]

I really just wish they would get official with this thing

[mlhj83]

Originally Posted by Jason

"The 4 Series body is stiffer than the 3 Series’, and the 2 Series is the same over the 1 Series. The handling of the 1M was too snappy, but the 2 Series has a longer wheelbase and the proportions are better. However, we did take the 18-inch wheels and special Michelin tyres from the 1M for the M235i, as they offer better performance than the 19-inch versions."

What? He did mean the 19" 359M wheels and *PS2s from the 1M, right? What about the bespoke PSS on the M135i, not good enough?

[csween86]

I'm pretty sure if they are making the LSD standard on the M235i it is probably going to be the top 2 Series model, leaving behind all hopes for an M2 FML! I was really hoping for a true lightweight and nimble M car! If it ends up this way then I'm definitely forking out the extra dough for the M4 lol.

[Hamburgerman]

This is so exciting, the main criticism against the M135i was the lack of optional LSD. Now that it has it, it's looking more and more of a complete package to me. As Jason says, this will be the enthusiast's choice of the BMW range! Making it faster than the 1M ensures that there are no compromises with this car.

Can't wait till the reveal, I think BMW has hit the nail on this one and this will truly be my next car.

[Uneedthis2]

Originally Posted by boofi

This is awesome news, but I fear the M235i + options + M sport performance will probably push $55k or more!

This is my fear! For under 50k it would be a really great vehicle!

[csween86]

And I agree with you socali. BMW probably doesn't want to mess with M4 sales, and suckers like me will go out and buy an M4 instead of the M235i although I would've bought the M2 first...

[atlas310]

Originally Posted by csween86

I'm pretty sure if they are making the LSD standard on the M235i it is probably going to be the top 2 Series model, leaving behind all hopes for an M2 FML! I was really hoping for a true lightweight and nimble M car! If it ends up this way then I'm definitely forking out the extra dough for the M4 lol.

It sounds like LSD is available as a M-Sports Performance package option so it's not standard. They're doing that with the 4-series too.

[csween86]

Originally Posted by atlas310

It sounds like LSD is available as a M-Sports Performance package option so it's not standard. They're doing that with the 4-series too.

Oh ok, cool I did misread that, my apologies. There is still hope!!!!!

[Oakleyguy]

Daddy likes.

[Kief]

Sign me up for an M235i, LSD, PE, and PPK...

Lets see this thing already!!!

[Aussie_in_London]

Originally Posted by mlhj83

What? He did mean the 19" 359M wheels and *PS2s from the 1M, right? What about the bespoke PSS on the M135i, not good enough?

That is exactly what I zeroed in on, the 1M didn't run 18's or special rubber being the older pilot sport PS2's. This just sounds like typical Autoexpress! Just wait until they release their 'exclusive' production ready M235i pictures that George from the AE photocopier room did in his spare time on the freebie intro edition of Photoshop

[buckeyegirl]

It's kinda homely compared to the 1M IMHO

[Stratus650]

Its not a fully locking LsD by the way. The 1M has up to 100% lock

[kdiggz]

Originally Posted by buckeyegirl

It's kinda homely compared to the 1M IMHO

Because its not a true M car it's just an M sport. Wait for the M2

[ozinaldo]

Originally Posted by mlhj83

What? He did mean the 19" 359M wheels and *PS2s from the 1M, right? What about the bespoke PSS on the M135i, not good enough?

+1. He doesn't seem to have a clear idea of what he is talking about. I will believe that car is faster than the 1M around any ring when I see that they are properly tested by the same driver at the same day wearing same/similar tires and not just a number thrown in front of consumers by the BMW Headquarters vs. another number from a couple of years ago. Otherwise it is just marketing talk and only meaningful news for the waiting customers of M235i seems to be that it will have a "proper lsd" (that 30% locking one for the 435i for sure), though it is yet not clear for how much.

A possible (M chief did not confirm yet) M2 should be faster than the 1M though, no doubt about that, otherwise wouldn't make much sense, would it? And yes, then the M3/M4 better be even faster than that M2 which will automatically mean that they will both be faster than actual M5/M6, if they want to keep things straight.

[wisesoul]

Originally Posted by buckeyegirl

It's kinda homely compared to the 1M IMHO

Agreed, but keep in mind there may still be an M2 in the future! Nonetheless, this car should be fun!

[mb135is]

Well this is great news for BMW enthusiasts, and it flies in the face of what is perceived to be the "direction" of the brand. Good job, BMW. I hope this is all true and that people will be able to shell out less than $50k for great performance. Once upon a time the E46 M debuted @ around $50k; I know this is not an accurate comparison, but my point is that they're moving everything up-market and potentially leaving us with limited-quantity special editions (1M). This makes it seem like they're going to make an actual car that people can actually buy without paying a markup or selling a child.

I second the question of someone above whose response to this car going around the ring faster than a 1M: who cares? Let's put our keyboard manhood away and think about what we really want in a car: an involving sports car that communicates the road to the driver and evinces the "freude am fahren" BMW engineering language of old.

Hopefully they'll have mastered the electric steering by the time this car comes out via software updates. Hopefully they'll make auto start stop an option. Hopefully they'll offer a model without drive mode selections. Hopefully the nav screen will not be mandatory. If all of that is true along with what's posted above, well then I'd have to seriously consider making my 1 a 2!

Pie in the sky wish that will never happen: they take this optional LSD and make it available for all E82 models, sort of like adding a PPK.

[Pauleebe]

Still want my 1M/M1 (please just use the moniker again, BMW) Sedan!