[Tito44]

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I have about 2 hours before I trade my 135i in for an M235xi. I am terrified. The crazier (than I am) 1addicts say they hate the M235 and others love it. I want to know from someone who has made the switch and really had to battle with himself to come to a decision. I love my car, but need the awd for battling the snow and the new features in the 2 are pretty alluring (fully loaded - 135 wasn't). So.. Anyone care to shed whether they miss their 1 and would trade back for it?

[Gate7]

You're so gonna regret it

[bman6074]

I had an 08 135i with no amenities. It was very bare bones only heated seats and Msport pkg. I have a little regret as I don't like the driving mode options (eco pro, comfort, sport and psort +). Being that I got manual transmission, I find it gets in the way. For a manual the modes are not needed. You can coast to save gas or just don't step on the gas hard.
The M235i I got tech, comfort, heated seats/steering wheel. I love the M235i for the tech stuff, like phone audio for music. Navi is quite good i use it all the time. I like the softer ride of the M235i compared to the 135i. I'm not jarred on every little bump.
I think most miss that raw feeling you got in the 135i. Not to say the M235i is completely soft. It has excellent handling. Takes a little time getting used to and remembering what mode you are in.
If BMW just let you choose what mode (sport for me) upon starting the car. i would love it. Its more the overtaking technology of today is what bothers me the most. If i new more about how the modes worked i would have opted for an automatic. They are definitely geared to an auto. Its like the car was built for auto and then the manual trans was an after thought.

[Tito44]

Originally Posted by Gate7

You're so gonna regret it

Want to go a liiiittle bit more in depth on that one? Is this from experience?

[ska///235i]

What is the "raw" feeling 1 owners always refer to their cars? Is RFT with tighter suspension "raw"?

[timsev]

The 135i is a great car however everyone is going to tell you whatever they drive is the best for whatever reason. Their egos are persuading their opinion and also the fact that they are used to the cars they are in everyday and people fear change. It's the same with E36/E46/E90 guys. Their car is always the best and the new car is junk. Bullshit.

The M235i is much more refined than the 1. The chassis feels much more solid and has less flex. The fit and finish is nicer and more align with the 3 series. The body is much more proportionate than the 1, which to me looked top heavy (subjective I know). Much more technology is available in the 2 that wasn't in the 1. The shifter is more solid and direct, which to me is very important in confidence.

As far as road feel, the two is much smoother and less bouncy. The exhaust note is still sweet yet you don't hear as much road noise and white noise. They have almost identical balance and "tossability" if you will. Braking is improved with the full 4 corner Brembos, and they have electronically controlled struts now.

The car keeps everything that made the 1 great, and improved all of the weaknesses. Go get your car and enjoy

[bman6074]

Originally Posted by ska///235i

What is the "raw" feeling 1 owners always refer to their cars? Is RFT with tighter suspension "raw"?

I equate "raw" to stiffer ride, tight steering and full connection with all road changes felt via the steering wheel. I think the tough thing in the M235i is that the different modes make it hard to get accustom quickly as each mode is so different in the ride feel, steering feel, gas pedal feel. I try to always remember to switch to sport mode. Which imho is the one that gives the most raw feeling. More connected to the road, stiffer ride and quick throttle response. I have only had the car 4 months and 3800 miles so far. Still learning new things both handling capability and technology.
The only down side I don't like is not enough customization of the driving modes. I want it my way. Not stuck in comfort mode cause my tire pressure is reading low from the computer. It won't even let you into ecopro mode till you correct the pressure. Or having to start in comfort mode each start of the car. can't close the windows with the remote (unless coded with Esys). AC turns on each start of the car. Can't fold mirrors with remote. I could go on. They should at least give you the option to turn these things off. I think then the car would have give raw connection/feeling as then you are the controller of the car, then the car controlling you.
If it wasn't for Esys coding i think i would be regretting it more. After making simple changes i definitely enjoy the car now much more. It is closer and closer to the way I want it.

[Bahuba]

No regrets. I had the 08 135 6MT with M-sport and now drive a M235 6MT pretty much loaded (CDN spec). The biggest difference is the suspension. Even in sport+, the 2er is more refined and soaks up bumps where the 1er would bounce around. This is both a plus and minus. I kind of liked the fact the 1er required more of your attention to keep it on line but it would get tiresome on longer rides. The 2er is a car you can take on long road trips and rip around in the twisties. I prefer the 6MT in the 2er, noticabile improvement, the tech is very nice, love the big nav screen, the fit and finish is nicer, the engine does not fade at higher RPMs, virtually no turbo lag, it sounds better (I'm a fan of active sound since I drive a manual), I actually prefer the steerting now (did not at first), its a much nicer looking car, esp the front end. The stock PSS tires are awesome.

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by bman6074

I equate "raw" to stiffer ride, tight steering and full connection with all road changes felt via the steering wheel. I think the tough thing in the M235i is that the different modes make it hard to get accustom quickly as each mode is so different in the ride feel, steering feel, gas pedal feel. I try to always remember to switch to sport mode. Which imho is the one that gives the most raw feeling. More connected to the road, stiffer ride and quick throttle response. I have only had the car 4 months and 3800 miles so far. Still learning new things both handling capability and technology.
The only down side I don't like is not enough customization of the driving modes. I want it my way. Not stuck in comfort mode cause my tire pressure is reading low from the computer. It won't even let you into ecopro mode till you correct the pressure. Or having to start in comfort mode each start of the car. can't close the windows with the remote (unless coded with Esys). AC turns on each start of the car. Can't fold mirrors with remote. I could go on. They should at least give you the option to turn these things off. I think then the car would have give raw connection/feeling as then you are the controller of the car, then the car controlling you.
If it wasn't for Esys coding i think i would be regretting it more. After making simple changes i definitely enjoy the car now much more. It is closer and closer to the way I want it.

Totally agree

If they have a seperate steering mode (not steering with suspension) and start in sport mode default then its almost perfect...almost

[overcoil]

I'd like to see a button in the steering wheel that activates either comfort or sport CHASSIS settings.
Find that it would be really helpful to be able to make that adjustment on the move at speed quickly.

[bman6074]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

I'd like to see a button in the steering wheel that activates either comfort or sport CHASSIS settings.
Find that it would be really helpful to be able to make that adjustment on the move at speed quickly.

Buy the M4 it has customized modes you can set to buttons next to the cruise buttons on the steering wheel.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by bman6074

Buy the M4 it has customized modes you can set to buttons next to the cruise buttons on the steering wheel.

I only own one car at a time and the M4 may be too much car for me - I don't know how well I could handle the performance on a daily basis. But I do think they are one of the best looking cars with an equally nice interior.

[zkeeper]

Go read timsev above again. His was the best review and is spot on. Especially that first paragraph. The M235 is a stitch, and can be just as "raw" if that's needed.

[Kgolf31]

My unbiased opinion.

I have a E82 128i, my dad just got an F22 M235i.

Personally, I don't like driving boost cars, perhaps its from just my muscle memory of driving my Z4M and the 128i, but I won't knock the M235i down because of it.

Now my 128i is far from stock, it is a hard ride with coilovers, Recaro Bucket seats, and below 3000 lbs.

The M235i just feels boring, but it is boring quick. The 128i you can hear the engine chugging at high RPM, with my tune you can feel the VANOS kickover and the car pull. The M235i just is meh...Don't get me wrong, it is much quicker in a pull than my 128i

The interior is much nicer. Granted my car is bone stock (I don't even have a sunroof). However I personally prefer the basic dash layout, but I have to give the F22 credit where it is due, the interior and dash isn't obtrusive.

I don't like the seat positions in the M235i. It sits too high and I like sitting forward where everything seems "stretched" out...just like the E90s did.

However, the body lines are MUCH, MUCH better on the F22. I'm glad I have the M Sport package w/the bumpers, because the stock 128i looks like crap.


If the car could accept more wheel and tire I'd probably give it the benefit of the doubt, but when you look at it in terms of potential performance...there really isn't much to gain here. You are still restricted by front tire, just like the E82.

[doberzus]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

My unbiased opinion.

I have a E82 128i, my dad just got an F22 M235i.

Personally, I don't like driving boost cars, perhaps its from just my muscle memory of driving my Z4M and the 128i, but I won't knock the M235i down because of it.

Now my 128i is far from stock, it is a hard ride with coilovers, Recaro Bucket seats, and below 3000 lbs.

The M235i just feels boring, but it is boring quick. The 128i you can hear the engine chugging at high RPM, with my tune you can feel the VANOS kickover and the car pull.

I'm actually the opposite! I think NA cars are boring, maybe its because I have always lived at high elevation(4500ft) and NA cars are dogs up here(even fast ones.) Plus the power delivery is blah, and I hate having to rev and rev to squeeze any power out.

I sold my 2009 135i 6mt, FBO+E85 and have a M235 XDrive coming.
I agree the 135i was more raw, from the N54's insane power delivery and all that torque! To the tight hydraulic steering and small and nimble feel.

However, I want a NEW car. The 135i had almost 50k miles and had an expired warranty(as if it mattered, car was modded.) I chose the M235 because it felt smooth like a BMW and with its AWD it puts the power down.

Can't fully compare the two at the moment, as our 235 isn't here yet.
If they were to make the 135 and 235 at same time, I would choose the 135 hands down!!!

Like I said though, new cars come out and the old ones get old and worn out. We replace them with newer ones. The 235 is the smallest car in BMW's lineup and that's good enough for me.

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

My unbiased opinion.

I have a E82 128i, my dad just got an F22 M235i.

Personally, I don't like driving boost cars, perhaps its from just my muscle memory of driving my Z4M and the 128i, but I won't knock the M235i down because of it.

Now my 128i is far from stock, it is a hard ride with coilovers, Recaro Bucket seats, and below 3000 lbs.

The M235i just feels boring, but it is boring quick. The 128i you can hear the engine chugging at high RPM, with my tune you can feel the VANOS kickover and the car pull. The M235i just is meh...Don't get me wrong, it is much quicker in a pull than my 128i

The interior is much nicer. Granted my car is bone stock (I don't even have a sunroof). However I personally prefer the basic dash layout, but I have to give the F22 credit where it is due, the interior and dash isn't obtrusive.

I don't like the seat positions in the M235i. It sits too high and I like sitting forward where everything seems "stretched" out...just like the E90s did.

However, the body lines are MUCH, MUCH better on the F22. I'm glad I have the M Sport package w/the bumpers, because the stock 128i looks like crap.


If the car could accept more wheel and tire I'd probably give it the benefit of the doubt, but when you look at it in terms of potential performance...there really isn't much to gain here. You are still restricted by front tire, just like the E82.

Hmm not sure if I can agree to the engine sound, i had n52 with exhaust while it does sound awesome its not close to the n55

My n52 had AA tune, 3 stage manifold, mp intake and mpe...no where near the M235i performance

[Wheelwright]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

I don't like the seat positions in the M235i. It sits too high and I like sitting forward where everything seems "stretched" out...just like the E90s did.

Actually the seat can go quite low in M235i: spend more time tinkering with it and you'll be glad you did (because the seat also slides to the rear when you press "lower" so then you need to press "forward" to compensate). I have recently lowered the seating position all the way to the bottom and it seems more ergonomic and less fatiguing to me which translates into smoother driving (I have a manual transmission which makes seating position crucial).

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by doberzus

I'm actually the opposite! I think NA cars are boring, maybe its because I have always lived at high elevation(4500ft) and NA cars are dogs up here(even fast ones.) Plus the power delivery is blah, and I hate having to rev and rev to squeeze any power out.

I sold my 2009 135i 6mt, FBO+E85 and have a M235 XDrive coming.
I agree the 135i was more raw, from the N54's insane power delivery and all that torque! To the tight hydraulic steering and small and nimble feel.

However, I want a NEW car. The 135i had almost 50k miles and had an expired warranty(as if it mattered, car was modded.) I chose the M235 because it felt smooth like a BMW and with its AWD it puts the power down.

Can't fully compare the two at the moment, as our 235 isn't here yet.
If they were to make the 135 and 235 at same time, I would choose the 135 hands down!!!

Like I said though, new cars come out and the old ones get old and worn out. We replace them with newer ones. The 235 is the smallest car in BMW's lineup and that's good enough for me.

Too each their own. Can't argue against someone else's preference.


IMO (and totally my opinion at that), my car pulls faster at 60 mph than the M235. However, at 70 mph it is a different story. The F22 kind of bogs at low 6th gear RPM.


I tend to like NA cars, easier to modulate the throttle and for my application, they are more competitive. My E82 is indeed my daily for now, but it isn't the end goal.

Originally Posted by ska///235i

Hmm not sure if I can agree to the engine sound, i had n52 with exhaust while it does sound awesome its not close to the n55

My n52 had AA tune, 3 stage manifold, mp intake and mpe...no where near the M235i performance

I can't hear my dad's N55, and he has a BMW Performance Exhaust on it.

I run a muffler delete on my car and can easily hear the engine, the N55 is quiet. It is the nature of the turbo.

Of course a N52 will never compete with a N55 or N54...totally different applications here.

I'm at 220 whp with a tune on my N51. After headers I'll be happy at 250 whp, which would be the range of a E36 M3 and not too far off a stock N55.

Also, my car is a bit different...I'm close to 500 lbs lighter than a 135i.

Like I said, to each their own...it is hard to compare my modded E82 against a stock car, but I think we all know the stock suspension on the E82 is garbage.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by Wheelwright

Actually the seat can go quite low in M235i: spend more time tinkering with it and you'll be glad you did (because the seat also slides to the rear when you press "lower" so then you need to press "forward" to compensate). I have recently lowered the seating position all the way to the bottom and it seems more ergonomic and less fatiguing to me which translates into smoother driving (I have a manual transmission which makes seating position crucial).

The seat is all the way down when I have it.

Compared to my car, the seats are too high...lol (this is me comparing a modded car against a stock car again).

My Recaro seats sit about 6 inches off the floor, if that. I like sitting really low.

[mmmmm235i]

You will love it I don't care what they tell you. I've had some time behind the wheel of a 135i, but when it came time to trade in the e90 I didn't even consider the 1, b/c even with the facelift it looks so dated. The 235i drives like a beast and my RWD is an absolute joy to drive. I've been out of my car for 6 weeks due to an accident and that is the only terrible thing regarding the car I have experienced. It is really easy to break loose and the adaptive suspension gives you plenty of feedback despite what the hydraulic diehards will tell you. Actually, when I got back in my cousins 335 it felt too heavy and I now I don't mind the electric at all, it stiffens plenty when necessary.
I hope you did this...so congrats on the new car, let us know how YOU like it

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by doberzus

I'm actually the opposite! I think NA cars are boring, maybe its because I have always lived at high elevation(4500ft) and NA cars are dogs up here(even fast ones.) Plus the power delivery is blah, and I hate having to rev and rev to squeeze any power out.

I sold my 2009 135i 6mt, FBO+E85 and have a M235 XDrive coming.
I agree the 135i was more raw, from the N54's insane power delivery and all that torque! To the tight hydraulic steering and small and nimble feel.

However, I want a NEW car. The 135i had almost 50k miles and had an expired warranty(as if it mattered, car was modded.) I chose the M235 because it felt smooth like a BMW and with its AWD it puts the power down.

Can't fully compare the two at the moment, as our 235 isn't here yet.
If they were to make the 135 and 235 at same time, I would choose the 135 hands down!!!

Like I said though, new cars come out and the old ones get old and worn out. We replace them with newer ones. The 235 is the smallest car in BMW's lineup and that's good enough for me.

Hey, here in SLC as well.

[doberzus]

Originally Posted by golf_234

Hey, here in SLC as well.

Nice! Good to have BMW enthusiasts in the Utah area on this forum. Mostly only Subies up here.