[beammeup_scotty]

Any major differences between 2015 and 2016 iDrive? Is the 2016 leaps better?

I was set to get a 2015 BMW M235i, but just saw a 2016 model with the same/lower mileage. Don't like the color though (Mineral Grey); 2015 car is Alpine White which is my preference.

Which would you choose?:
• $30k | Alpine White, 2015, 30k miles - loaded with features (m-performance parts, excluding the performance exhaust)
• $28k | Mineral Grey, 2016, 26k miles - probably base model from initial ad (need to confirm as its a new listing/incomplete - branded title?).

I'm leaning towards the 2016 car as it' certified by a BMW dealer; plenty of warranty left.
The 2015 car though is loaded with features and is in the color I like, only a few months of warranty left.

[Kevinduma]

The iDrive is the same for the M235i from 2014-2016. In 2017 the car became the M240i and used iDrive 5, now iDrive 6 for 2018 and on.

I would choose whichever has the options you like and is what you want. Although the 16 is newer, it is probably a base model and I would not get a base model unless you're ok with that. Warranty wasn't that big of a deal to me if the car has low miles, these cars have been shown to be quite reliable with regular maintenance.

[wichitagreg]

See if you can do a lookup on the VIN to find out what options were included when new. Might cost you a buck or 10.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by wichitagreg

See if you can do a lookup on the VIN to find out what options were included when new. Might cost you a buck or 10.

Or look it up here for free: https://decoder.bvzine.com/

[beammeup_scotty]

Originally Posted by Kevinduma

The iDrive is the same for the M235i from 2014-2016. In 2017 the car became the M240i and used iDrive 5, now iDrive 6 for 2018 and on.

I would choose whichever has the options you like and is what you want. Although the 16 is newer, it is probably a base model and I would not get a base model unless you're ok with that. Warranty wasn't that big of a deal to me if the car has low miles, these cars have been shown to be quite reliable with regular maintenance.

Thanks. I was just about to ask about reliability. My previous car was an E46 and had quite a bit of issues. Do you own an F22 as well?

Originally Posted by Poochie

The 2014-15 MY has 3G RTTI iDrive.

The 2016 MY has a 4G LTE navigation with free OTA map updates, a glossy black HVAC bezel, alarm and comfort access standard, a subdued ASD, the more recent N55 software update and a few minor features that can be coded which was not available in the previous MYs.

Aside from the 3G/4LTE which would require a retrofit, I assume, can you update other software features to a later MY? Or is that only possible if you got a 2016 MY like you mentioned?

Originally Posted by wichitagreg

See if you can do a lookup on the VIN to find out what options were included when new. Might cost you a buck or 10.

Originally Posted by dradernh

Or look it up here for free: https://decoder.bvzine.com/

Thanks! The free link worked. Looks like it is a base model - not even a back-up camera. Clean title. Hmmm...

[Kevinduma]

Originally Posted by beammeup_scotty

Thanks. I was just about to ask about reliability. My previous car was an E46 and had quite a bit of issues. Do you own an F22 as well?



Aside from the 3G/4LTE which would require a retrofit, I assume, can you update other software features to a later MY? Or is that only possible if you got a 2016 MY like you mentioned?





Thanks! The free link worked. Looks like it is a base model - not even a back-up camera. Clean title. Hmmm...

I do. I bought mine last year, was looking for a 15 but found a 14 with 18k miles fully loaded. I had do to a nationwide search to get what I wanted because of my specifics. Paid 30k for it. IMO you really want navigation at least just because without it you get a really crappy small screen. Other stuff is personal preference, PDC, HK sound system, heated seats etc. I personally wanted every option. To add to that 3G/4LTE thing, that doesn't really matter unless you're really going to be paying for BMW connected drive. I just bought a map update on ebay and updated my maps to 2019. The gloss face on the AC trim is not just 2016 models, it was added to 2015 for any models produced after March I believe. Changes between are negligible.

[beammeup_scotty]

Originally Posted by Kevinduma

I do. I bought mine last year, was looking for a 15 but found a 14 with 18k miles fully loaded. I had do to a nationwide search to get what I wanted because of my specifics. Paid 30k for it. IMO you really want navigation at least just because without it you get a really crappy small screen. Other stuff is personal preference, PDC, HK sound system, heated seats etc. I personally wanted every option. To add to that 3G/4LTE thing, that doesn't really matter unless you're really going to be paying for BMW connected drive. I just bought a map update on ebay and updated my maps to 2019. The gloss face on the AC trim is not just 2016 models, it was added to 2015 for any models produced after March I believe. Changes between are negligible.

Very nice. Been looking nationwide as well, but unsure about delivery cost. The 2015 car is about 120 miles away. How much was the map update? The 2015 car has the gloss face it looks like.

Also, just got word back from the dealer and the 2016 car has no Navi but has the M-Performance Exhaust. Damn, why not both? :/

[Kevinduma]

Originally Posted by beammeup_scotty

Very nice. Been looking nationwide as well, but unsure about delivery cost. The 2015 car is about 120 miles away. How much was the map update? The 2015 car has the gloss face it looks like.

Also, just got word back from the dealer and the 2016 car has no Navi but has the M-Performance Exhaust. Damn, why not both? :/

120 miles is not bad, fun drive for you to learn the car lol. The map update was 20 bucks. Good luck on your search, don’t sweat the M performance parts, remember those can be added on yourself, other stuff not so much unless you really want to retrofit.