[IZAGLO]

Thanks man for putting up all the pictures,,,nice comparison shots. They were informative,, I really dug my 135i ,,,,but like the first M235i in Black I test drove,,,,the car is really really nice ...the more I see them the more I appreciate them,,, nice size and probably the best small coupe in BMW lineup,waiting for the M2 is gonna be real tough..Luckily my 91 Miata keeps me somewhat entertained....Good luck with that beauty!

[Scotlac]

Looks great Boone!!!

I am really kicking myself right now! My local dealer had a BSM 235 that I could have had but at the time I was unsure of what options I wanted and it was pretty bare bones.

In the end all I would have missed out on was the HK sound and I'd be driving that bad boy right now instead of waiting 8 weeks for mine to get here.

[lbahoshy]

Thanks for the great review and write up! Congrats on your car.

Thanks for the side by side pics. Really shows the difference nicely between the two cars.

The front of the 2er is hands down much better looking- more modern, aggressive,etc. the 1er more wide eyed, puppy faced.

The back of the 2er is a little more bland compared with the front but shares similar DNA to the rest of the BMW brands with the L shaped lights.

I really like the proportions of this new car. The 4 series has grown just a little too big.

[Delnari]

Walked into my dealership last night to drive both a manual and auto M235i last night. After the two rides I walked out with the auto. The lower gearing in the auto 1st and 2nd are great and the shifts in manual mode fast. The manual was bulky and notchy for my taste. Coming directly from a WRX with a short shifter from the STi the manual was a disappointment. So lucky to get to drive both back to back for comparison. Still can't believe how lucky I was to find a M235i this early on the showroom floor with my color combo and options right there I had to pull the trigger.

[Scotlac]

Originally Posted by Delnari

Walked into my dealership last night to drive both a manual and auto M235i last night. After the two rides I walked out with the auto. The lower gearing in the auto 1st and 2nd are great and the shifts in manual mode fast. The manual was bulky and notchy for my taste. Coming directly from a WRX with a short shifter from the STi the manual was a disappointment. So lucky to get to drive both back to back for comparison. Still can't believe how lucky I was to find a M235i this early on the showroom floor with my color combo and options right there I had to pull the trigger.

Very lucky, congratulations!!!

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by IZAGLO

Thanks man for putting up all the pictures,,,nice comparison shots. They were informative,, I really dug my 135i ,,,,but like the first M235i in Black I test drove,,,,the car is really really nice ...the more I see them the more I appreciate them,,, nice size and probably the best small coupe in BMW lineup,waiting for the M2 is gonna be real tough..Luckily my 91 Miata keeps me somewhat entertained....Good luck with that beauty!

You are quite welcome.

And to tell you the truth, it was nice for me to see them side by side and at the same angles at the same time. I really appreciate the strengths of the 2er (front and side view), but I can also see what made me fall in love with the 1er (bulldog stance, nice rear end).

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Scotlac

Looks great Boone!!!

I am really kicking myself right now! My local dealer had a BSM 235 that I could have had but at the time I was unsure of what options I wanted and it was pretty bare bones.

In the end all I would have missed out on was the HK sound and I'd be driving that bad boy right now instead of waiting 8 weeks for mine to get here.

I am a big believer in getting it the way you want - you may have those extra weeks to lust over it getting here, but at least you will know that once it shows up, it is going to be exactly the way you want it - and that is going to make the experience that much better.

Originally Posted by lbahoshy

Thanks for the great review and write up! Congrats on your car.

Thanks for the side by side pics. Really shows the difference nicely between the two cars.

The front of the 2er is hands down much better looking- more modern, aggressive,etc. the 1er more wide eyed, puppy faced.

The back of the 2er is a little more bland compared with the front but shares similar DNA to the rest of the BMW brands with the L shaped lights.

I really like the proportions of this new car. The 4 series has grown just a little too big.

I agree - the rear is the "weak" point with the M235 - it's a little too flat, or plain, or something - I just can't put my finger on it. I actually am warming up to the way the diffuser looks - my gripe comes from higher up. I think they will "fix" this with the M2.

Luckily, you can't see your own ass while driving, so I don't think I will be too bothered by it.

When I look at these side by side, especially from the front, it made me think I was looking at an E92 and an E82. Just that the E92 had been shrunk in some places...and yes, the 4 should be called the 12 as far as I am concerned. It's a boat.

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

I am a big believer in getting it the way you want - you may have those extra weeks to lust over it getting here, but at least you will know that once it shows up, it is going to be exactly the way you want it - and that is going to make the experience that much better.



I agree - the rear is the "weak" point with the M235 - it's a little too flat, or plain, or something - I just can't put my finger on it. I actually am warming up to the way the diffuser looks - my gripe comes from higher up. I think they will "fix" this with the M2.

Luckily, you can't see your own ass while driving, so I don't think I will be too bothered by it.

When I look at these side by side, especially from the front, it made me think I was looking at an E92 and an E82. Just that the E92 had been shrunk in some places...and yes, the 4 should be called the 12 as far as I am concerned. It's a boat.

Exactly my thoughts. Side profiles are both amazing, somewhat of a toss up, front, the 2 no question, rear, the 1 has more character, but overall, the 2 is a win, for sure.

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by Gaviin

Boo. I would want to keep that feature off 99% of the time. Call me crazy but I like the little backward roll. Part of the charm of a manual, imo.

I am sure it can be coded to be off, truthfully, it really is pretty nice and well done. My mom's mini has it and they did a good job on it. It only turns on above certain inclines, when you would want it to. You will like it i bet.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

#13

these cars are WAY more similar than people have pointed out before. In fact the proportions and the overall profile are virtually identical. What differentiates them completely is the body surfacing and the headlight/taillight treatments.

The 2er has grown on me and i don't hate it like i used to....but i just can't like those angular headlights. I wish those were swappable with something. I really do find myself hating the headlights...just doesn't look like a BMW to me.

I still much prefer the 1-series styling as it is more 'old school'...but i can see why some of you really like the 2-series.

Either way, thank you for posting these great comparison pics. Definitely the best comparison pics i've seen yet!

[warmtoes]

dmboone25 thanks for the comparison from an owner with both. I'm definitely leaning towards getting a M235i for my next vehicle. I took one out a couple of weeks ago that only had 7kms on it and the first thing I noticed was the longer wheelbase made the car much more settled over large bumps like railroad tracks. The test drive I had went over a bunch of tracks a few times and that's the thing that stood out for me. My 135 was a bit harsh over tracks where I felt the M235 was much more subdued over harsh bumps like that. Have you found the same thing?

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by golf_234

Exactly my thoughts. Side profiles are both amazing, somewhat of a toss up, front, the 2 no question, rear, the 1 has more character, but overall, the 2 is a win, for sure.

It was fun to look at them both from the same angles and whatnot - it would have been even better if my 1er was black too.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

these cars are WAY more similar than people have pointed out before. In fact the proportions and the overall profile are virtually identical. What differentiates them completely is the body surfacing and the headlight/taillight treatments.

The 2er has grown on me and i don't hate it like i used to....but i just can't like those angular headlights. I wish those were swappable with something. I really do find myself hating the headlights...just doesn't look like a BMW to me.

I still much prefer the 1-series styling as it is more 'old school'...but i can see why some of you really like the 2-series.

Either way, thank you for posting these great comparison pics. Definitely the best comparison pics i've seen yet!

You know, that was the first thing I thought when I was looking at the pics on my Mac - I couldn't believe how similar they looked, dimension wise for sure. The 1er is definitley a little taller, but it's very slight. The 2er is wider, but again, hard to really see. They are very similar cars.

You are right about the body panels making most of the difference - and the headlights - I think if my 1er had the "eyebrows" that your 135is has, that I wouldn't mind them so much...yours and the ones on the 1M were much better IMO. I could have lived with that longer for sure...

But the conversation is fun regardless.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by warmtoes

dmboone25 thanks for the comparison from an owner with both. I'm definitely leaning towards getting a M235i for my next vehicle. I took one out a couple of weeks ago that only had 7kms on it and the first thing I noticed was the longer wheelbase made the car much more settled over large bumps like railroad tracks. The test drive I had went over a bunch of tracks a few times and that's the thing that stood out for me. My 135 was a bit harsh over tracks where I felt the M235 was much more subdued over harsh bumps like that. Have you found the same thing?

I have found precisely the same thing - which some people find good, and others might prefer the 1er. I kind of loop that feeling in with the general conclusion that the 1er is a little more twitchy and the 2er is a little more planted.

And I think you're definitely right - the extended wheelbase helps the car absorb more without the chassis being "upset"....

[GeorgeJ.]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

I have found precisely the same thing - which some people find good, and others might prefer the 1er. I kind of loop that feeling in with the general conclusion that the 1er is a little more twitchy and the 2er is a little more planted.

And I think you're definitely right - the extended wheelbase helps the car absorb more without the chassis being "upset"....

I have a 2012 135i with M Sport pkg and Dinan Stage II tune, black grills, 6M, and no nav/i drive (in SGM). I prefer the taut purposeful proportions of the one over the more E92 like two series. The one is much more akin to the early three series in terms of compactness and the two is more like three's that followed a couple generations latter. I have always sought the most engaging option and in this case that will be buying the 135i in June when the lease ends.

I parked my car next to a new white M235i at the dealer and spent a good amount of time comparing the lines and the interiors. I strongly prefer the one from all angles and the sense of compactness, more a city car which is where I live. The one without the nav has a very clean dash and is mostly devoid of fussy matte chrome touches. The two has a busier look that for me is not a step in the right direction. Also I have the dark grey wood which would be a nice option on the M235i.

I did not do a test drive as I had already made up my mind. While the added length to the wheelbase and adjustable shocks on the two lend comfort, and the sport setting together with the length and wider track obviously improve the handling that is not enough to offset the pleasure I get from the character of the present car.

I've read the handling of the M235i is an improvement on the 1M which even if close is impressive. That said I lapped friends in Porsche's at Sears Pt in five laps so the 135i is no slouch. Your review confirms much of what I have read about how they stack up. I suspect I am in the minority regarding the aesthetics and BMW did a good job of listening to the larger customer base. Most seem to feel the one series nose is too stubby, the interior is too tight, and an improvement in performance is desirable.

Perhaps the two will grow on me more or an M2, if not overly done in styling details, will get me to change. In the meantime I'll enjoy the current car. Thanks for the review.

[doublevanosrc]

After looking at those pics I still find myself still preferring the 1.

[C-Huck2112]

M235i is the clear winner IMO. It just oozes much more class than the 1.

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by C-Huck2112

M235i is the clear winner IMO. It just oozes much more class than the 1.

+100. while subjective, there is just no comparison in my opininon. This is coming from a 1 (soon to be 2) owner as well (see sig). Just miles ahead in design. The car is gorgeous. And i FINALLY have the driver slant dash back from the e30, e36, e46. It also looks a lot better in person than in photos, so for people who havent, I definitely recommend going to see it.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by GeorgeJ.

I have a 2012 135i with M Sport pkg and Dinan Stage II tune, black grills, 6M, and no nav/i drive (in SGM). I prefer the taut purposeful proportions of the one over the more E92 like two series. The one is much more akin to the early three series in terms of compactness and the two is more like three's that followed a couple generations latter. I have always sought the most engaging option and in this case that will be buying the 135i in June when the lease ends.

I parked my car next to a new white M235i at the dealer and spent a good amount of time comparing the lines and the interiors. I strongly prefer the one from all angles and the sense of compactness, more a city car which is where I live. The one without the nav has a very clean dash and is mostly devoid of fussy matte chrome touches. The two has a busier look that for me is not a step in the right direction. Also I have the dark grey wood which would be a nice option on the M235i.

I did not do a test drive as I had already made up my mind. While the added length to the wheelbase and adjustable shocks on the two lend comfort, and the sport setting together with the length and wider track obviously improve the handling that is not enough to offset the pleasure I get from the character of the present car.

I've read the handling of the M235i is an improvement on the 1M which even if close is impressive. That said I lapped friends in Porsche's at Sears Pt in five laps so the 135i is no slouch. Your review confirms much of what I have read about how they stack up. I suspect I am in the minority regarding the aesthetics and BMW did a good job of listening to the larger customer base. Most seem to feel the one series nose is too stubby, the interior is too tight, and an improvement in performance is desirable.

Perhaps the two will grow on me more or an M2, if not overly done in styling details, will get me to change. In the meantime I'll enjoy the current car. Thanks for the review.

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

After looking at those pics I still find myself still preferring the 1.

You both are quite correct that the 1er is no slouch - it is a controversial design - some love it, some hate it. I think it is really nice from certain angles, but the front was always the weak point IMO. But there are a lot of people who have told me over the last several years that they like the front. So it just depends on personal taste. Nothing wrong with that - and I will always smile when I see a 1er, because I have enjoyed the time I have had in both.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by C-Huck2112

M235i is the clear winner IMO. It just oozes much more class than the 1.

I think you're definitley right about the "class" thing - the 2er is intended to be a small step up in that regard. That's why lots of people have talked about evolution over revolution - which is totally fine. I am still getting used to the M235 - I walked right past it in the parking lot at work the other day, looking for my Lemans Blue 135 and thought, who the hell got a M235? Oh shit, that's right - me!

Originally Posted by golf_234

+100. while subjective, there is just no comparison in my opininon. This is coming from a 1 (soon to be 2) owner as well (see sig). Just miles ahead in design. The car is gorgeous. And i FINALLY have the driver slant dash back from the e30, e36, e46. It also looks a lot better in person than in photos, so for people who havent, I definitely recommend going to see it.

The dash (aka cockpit) is one of my favorite parts of the new car - you feel as though the car is surrounding you, as the focus and the driver. It is a really cool "upgrade" if you can call it that. I have actually gone out several times this week just to sit in the thing and soak up the interior - I really like the direction they've gone here.

And +1 on the "in person" viewing suggestion - it makes a big difference

[IndyMike]

Originally Posted by dmboone25

Me and my pops are going to bring the M235 to Cars and Coffee on Saturday morning.

Not sure where they are holding them now, but if I recall the last one in 2013 was held at a strip mall on Meridian just off of I-465. If that's where the gig is also taking place Saturday I might be able to slide by. If I do I'll make sure to look for the crowd that will no doubt be gathered around your 235i.

Originally Posted by alz0rz

Not sure if they told you this but they are going to have a demo car come in 2-3 weeks. BSM too! Will help me decide if I need to change my order (from AW) or not!

Thanks. The CA I talked to mentioned something about another 235 coming in, but really wasn't sure when. Hopefully it will last longer than 4 hours, and at least until I can get in it for a spin.

[PopsnBurbles]

The front end (as I've always been saying) is a victory for the 2. While the booty (as I've also been always saying) is a victory for the 1. Wheels aside, the side profile are identical. Overall, the 2's exterior design is superior. Interior, on the other hand, isn't for me but I can see why it's better on a more objective stand. (I like my cars bare on the inside unless it's a fancy-schmancy SUV/full sized sedan.)

Congrats on the car!