08-16-2016, 05:40 AM | #67 |
msej449
518
Rep 721
Posts
Drives: M235i Convertible +LSD 2016
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South Coast UK & Swiss Alps
|
Where I live on the South Coast of England, we're near to the Rolls-Royce factory and from time to time I see the two cars that I'd have if money was no object: RR Wraith and RR Dawn. The Wraith for the UK, and the Dawn for the South of France where I'd have my Yacht and villa (obviously). I've even gone onto the RR website and configured models and reckon they'd probably cost about $450K (each) with bespoke options.
And yet .... even if I had that much money, I'd still have my M235i Convertible in the garage. It's fun to drive when you're in the mood, on the right roads, and the weather is good. It's comfortable when you've got a long freeway/urban drive just to get to a client site, before you even start the working day. And everything in-between. Other perhaps than carrying a big load, in which case I hire a small van for $50 for the day. I think that the M235i (and soon the M240i) has got such generally good reviews that the only copy that now sells is critical. Hence the flurry of 'not an M2', 'buy a Cayman for the same price', '228/230 is better balanced', 'no room in the rear seats.' etc. etc articles. Most of these miss the point or seem contrived to me, particularly in the apples vs oranges comparisons. |
Appreciate
2
doccyber260.50 Viffermike1756.00 |
08-16-2016, 06:41 AM | #68 | |
Second Lieutenant
68
Rep 201
Posts
Drives: 2017 GT350
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Florida
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 07:39 AM | #69 |
Private
24
Rep 73
Posts |
I might chime in with my initial opinions after only having owned my 235 for less than a week now, coming from (and still have for now) an E46 M3 and previously a Megane RS265.
The 235 reminds me a lot of the RS265 in that it's a stupidly easy car to go fast in. The 235 is better in that it's RWD and has far more adjust-ability on throttle making it more fun than the 265 ever was. 265 not as good as a daily due to even stiffer ride and generally the cabin being no where near as nice a place to be. I never really jelled with the E46 M3. I always wanted one. Always read the reviews about everyone raving about them, then after getting one... I never really fell in love. To me, the engine is the only thing that makes that car special. If the 235 feels like it's 1500kg, then the M3 feels like it's 1800kg. The steering whilst being a little nicer weighted than the 2er, I wouldn't say was that feel-some and is lazy vs the 2er. The M3 is also fairly prone to understeer when off throttle and on the road with ESP on, is hard to get around as the ESP shows it's age well with it's 100% power cuts for seconds! Seats are less comfortable, stereo is worse. Lack of bluetooth/up-to-date nav etc just makes it feel it's age. The little creaks and rattles that come with a 13 year old car also tire a bit for daily use. As a weekender, it'd be fine but as a daily the 2er is just better. I also think the 235 is the more fun car to drive at slower speeds than the M3 was, which is probably a good thing for my licence! |
Appreciate
1
mwickens63.00 |
08-16-2016, 08:59 AM | #70 |
First Lieutenant
117
Rep 336
Posts |
As someone who's close to ordering an M240i, this thread is literally my biggest fear.
This fear of not loving the car, or eventually getting over it, is the reason I test drove a Mercedez Benz C450 AMG yesterday - and that was a fantastic ride with lots of power behind it. It didn't quite have the same road feel, but it had a much more comfortable cabin and it was something I could get used to. So being afraid of not "loving" the M240i is a real problem. And if we're being honest, the car's appeal is almost 100% with how it drives. It's not THAT luxurious inside, it's not very roomy, it doesn't get great gas mileage, and aside from estoril blue that's just been detailed it isn't all too much of a head turner or a looker, especially compared to the M2. So all you've really got is the sweet engine sound and the steering feel. If I bought this car and got over that with time, I'd be really disappointed. But if I was stepping into a Merc interior, that might feel better. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 09:27 AM | #71 |
msej449
518
Rep 721
Posts
Drives: M235i Convertible +LSD 2016
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South Coast UK & Swiss Alps
|
After many years spent in various cars, usually changing every 3-4 years, I think that you'll never find the one car that is great in every respect. So I share your unease that after 6-9 months you'll start to get dissatisfied.
What changed it for me was going for the convertible. I had one years ago and loved it, but it was impractical for 50% of the time. The current generation of open-tops is a world away. And there's nothing like one in good weather. It changes your perspective and I've found myself being a much more relaxed driver with the top down. What's changed is that with the hood up it's close to driving the coupé version (I'm not claiming it's the same, just that it's pretty close). It may not be right for you but I'd suggest that you give the convertible a try (in good weather as well as bad) and see if you like it. |
Appreciate
1
mwickens63.00 |
08-16-2016, 09:33 AM | #72 | |
Major
239
Rep 1,255
Posts |
Quote:
I remember when the e46 M3 came out. My Bimmer buddies screamed foul and broke out the pitch forks and torched. It was too heavy. To much luxury vs performance. It was too far removed from the e30. Now they all praise them and are looking for manual coupes Most of the guys who don't like their car came from a full on m car. To them this is a step down. I'm sure an AMG guy would drive the merc and feel the same way. I wouldn't let the comments here effect you. I never had an m car. I had a modded 335. It wasn't a track car. It was a fun daily driver. My m235 is the same. If I wanted a track car I would have gotten an m2 or an m3. But I don't find those live able. Most people who have them have another car they daily or a wife with a plush comfy SUV for when they get tired of the stiff ride. But if you want a sedan with awd you should be looking at a 3 series. The two is very different Last edited by DF; 08-16-2016 at 09:43 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 09:35 AM | #73 |
Lieutenant
213
Rep 422
Posts |
Several posters should just buy a reasonably priced family sedan and get it over with already.
The M235 was made to compete in a segment where some of it's competition costs at least 10-20k more than it does while being well rounded, and for the price it's hard to find something to beat it. It's comfortable when you want it to be, it's quick when you want it to be, and it is reasonably priced for an almost M BMW. Step up to more expensive cars that are all out track ready if you so decide, there is nothing wrong with that and something that I do all the time. Knocking the car for not being luxurious enough is just flat out silly, this is not an S class benz. The point is at it's price, the car is an absolute steal for the performance and driving dynamic that you receive. |
Appreciate
1
midwest 340xi 6sp363.50 |
08-16-2016, 10:11 AM | #74 | ||||
First Lieutenant
117
Rep 336
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
To answer your question about the 3-series, I drove it and DID like it. But for me it's just a heart feeling kind of thing... If I was going BMW I would have to get the 235/240. The 3-series is just too "regular", drove too much like a regular sedan. The 240 had that special feel that the AMG had as well. 340i felt like a regular sedan with a bigger engine. Quote:
Quote:
|
||||
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 10:25 AM | #75 |
Major General
951
Rep 5,552
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 10:55 AM | #76 | |
msej449
518
Rep 721
Posts
Drives: M235i Convertible +LSD 2016
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South Coast UK & Swiss Alps
|
Quote:
I'd still drive the RR Dawn from time to time, 'though ... But I just need to save another $400,000 or so ..... Last edited by msej449; 08-16-2016 at 11:15 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 11:11 AM | #77 | |
Lieutenant
244
Rep 447
Posts |
Quote:
Don't get me wrong, it's a nice car, but for current M3 $ I'd want that level of performance, rather than E92 performance. Lexus is a generation behind and don't think they even make the ISF right now. The M2 which is $15k less would be an even easier choice for 90% of people, unless you need 4 doors and for the same price as the ISF the new M3 is worlds better in all driving measurables. But, no V8, which sounds like it's important for you. In terms of engine reliability, I'm on my 3rd BMW with a turbo and only issue I've ever had was water pump failing on my 135i, certainly not engine related as they have proven to be pretty bullet prove even when tuned.
__________________
'15 M235xi | BSM/Oyster/Aluminum | Black Kidneys | RW Carbon Mirror Caps | 40% tint
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 11:36 AM | #78 |
Lieutenant Colonel
630
Rep 1,752
Posts |
I love driving my M235i and look forward to every drive. Sure there are some things that I need to change, but that's awesome to me. I bought it as a mild project car.
Those of you that don't love it please sell it or turn in your lease. I like owning a car that not many people own. There's already one I see on an almost daily basis and another that I see on a semi-regular basis. that's two too many.
__________________
|
Appreciate
1
Xiaoxi272.00 |
08-16-2016, 11:46 AM | #79 | |
Lieutenant
272
Rep 470
Posts |
Quote:
For those who say it's not a head turner...I was working in a cafe last week and had a direct view of my M235i, which was parallel parked right outside the window. Quite a number of head turns. One even stopped completely lol.
__________________
2015 M235i | AW | 6MT | Tech | Heated Seat | Parking Assist | Fabspeed DP & Muffler Delete | Apex PS7s
1999 MX5 NB | Emerald Mica | 5MT | Sport Edition | Kosei K5Rs | Heated Rear Glass ig: @bee2ven |
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 11:50 AM | #80 | ||
Lieutenant Colonel
630
Rep 1,752
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
|
||
Appreciate
1
Xiaoxi272.00 |
08-16-2016, 12:29 PM | #81 |
Lieutenant
380
Rep 598
Posts |
I love my 235i. So much so I'm investing quite a bit in progressively modifying it to make it even more lovable. Any flaws it has performance wise can be remedied using the aftermarket. Having a car that is an on going project is half the fun of ownership imho, although id see this not being the case for 90% of people just wanting a reliable; quick dd. But i genuinely think a standard 235i/240i does a fantastic job at that anyway. Every time i park up i always look back at it, even two years on. That has to say something when it is stable-mated with what are considered much "better" cars.
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 12:43 PM | #82 |
Lieutenant Colonel
630
Rep 1,752
Posts |
For those that say that there's too much clutch travel here's a super easy mod to remedy that problem. Look for my install thread to see how easy it is to install. Clutch travel is perfect now.
http://www.burgertuning.com/clutch_stop_BMW.html
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 12:51 PM | #83 | |
First Lieutenant
117
Rep 336
Posts |
Quote:
My concerns are prettymuch 100% regarding the interior and comfort. The C450 AMG I drove didn't quite have the same steering feel in sport mode as the M235 I drove, but the cabin was a lot more comfortable, had more features (including the HUD which is really convenient to me), and just was a better ride. I'm sorry but no matter what anyone says the M235i's interior does NOT feel like a 50k car. The leather is nice but it doesn't match the comfort of a Merc on the interior. The M240 would also give me less space to bring luggage / people and I'd wonder if 3 years down the road I'd be wishing I had chosen the C43 AMG / C450 AMG. I'll get 90%+ of the sportiness, but a whole lot more luxury, space and practicality. The fact that I'm on the fence about which car to get shows just how good the M235 drives, though. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 12:55 PM | #84 | |
Major General
5054
Rep 6,347
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
2015 228i 6MT/Track Handling/Tech/Cold/Premium/Lighting/Driver Assistance/KCDesign Strut Brace/M2 LCAs/Rogue SSK/BBS SR/PS4S/ER Chargepipe/AA Intercooler/Dinan Shockware/MPerformance Spoiler/Black Grilles/Xpel Ultimate PPF & Prime XR+ Tint/Adam's Ceramic/no CDV
2024 X3 sDrive30i/MSport/Premium/Dynamic Handling/Shadowline/Parking/Xpel Prime XR Plus/Weathertech Cargo Liner |
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 12:57 PM | #85 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
630
Rep 1,752
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 01:27 PM | #86 | ||
First Lieutenant
117
Rep 336
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
Now I guess the C43 is more comparable to the 340, but as I've said before i just can't drive a 340i. Too boring to drive for me, too regular. The C43 and M240 both give that more "special" feel. |
||
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 02:17 PM | #87 | |
Captain
129
Rep 765
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." MLK Jr.
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-16-2016, 02:22 PM | #88 |
Enlisted Member
18
Rep 36
Posts |
I appreciate the material and overall feel of Audi and Mercedes interiors, but I actually prefer BMW. I feel like they are more driver-oriented, and I prefer the overall design. Audi and Mercedes interiors feel... cold to me.
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|