[oregondonor]

Hello all 2 owners out there!

My 2011 328i just turned 100k a few months back and that means it's time to start looking for a new daily driver.

The 328i was my first BMW. My folks owned one and for years I had dreamed of owning one myself. Now I am addicted to them. I don't ever see myself ever owning any other brand. From the quality of the car to the dealership experience, everything is as I had envisioned.

I went for the 328i since it was normally aspirated and I had read about so many issues with the 335i (N54). High pressure fuel pump failure, turbocharger failure, Injector issues, charge pipe failure, carbon buildup, etc. I would be putting lots of miles on this car and wanted reliability.

Since owning my E92 I have done some slight mods. Coil over suspension, spacers, PE, lid spoiler, tint, etc. Mostly cosmetic mods to get it looking and sounding how I want it. But I am longing for an M car or the closest I can get, which brings me to the M235i.

Is this too much car for a daily driver? I currently get 26mpg + I am lowered, the ride is slightly rough but not too much for my aging body. I love spirited driving as my commute takes me through country back roads with plenty of turns.

Hoping you can help with comments on fuel economy, daily drivability, known issues, etc.

Thanks in advance!
Randy

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by oregondonor

Hello all 2 owners out there!

My 2011 328i just turned 100k a few months back and that means it's time to start looking for a new daily driver.

The 328i was my first BMW. My folks owned one and for years I had dreamed of owning one myself. Now I am addicted to them. I don't ever see myself ever owning any other brand. From the quality of the car to the dealership experience, everything is as I had envisioned.

I went for the 328i since it was normally aspirated and I had read about so many issues with the 335i (N54). High pressure fuel pump failure, turbocharger failure, Injector issues, charge pipe failure, carbon buildup, etc. I would be putting lots of miles on this car and wanted reliability.

Since owning my E92 I have done some slight mods. Coil over suspension, spacers, PE, lid spoiler, tint, etc. Mostly cosmetic mods to get it looking and sounding how I want it. But I am longing for an M car or the closest I can get, which brings me to the M235i.

Is this too much car for a daily driver? I currently get 26mpg + I am lowered, the ride is slightly rough but not too much for my aging body. I love spirited driving as my commute takes me through country back roads with plenty of turns.

Hoping you can help with comments on fuel economy, daily drivability, known issues, etc.

Thanks in advance!
Randy

It's a great daily driver. The 8AT is great for stop and go.

N55 doesn't have carbon buildup issue.

Drive one. That's the only way to do it.

[vandridine]

I daily a 240. The only con would be that the 8 speed has a lot of trouble going from 1st to 2nd gear in stop and go traffic. It is very jerky, but you get used to it.

Other then that, it's amazing.

[CAMOETO]

I don't think it's too much car at all. Consider this:

- Good used examples of an m235i with reasonable miles can be had in the low-mid $20s range. This is new Civic money.
- They are holding up really well so far as far as reliability goes (the n20/n26 engine 228i is a different story).
- The adaptive suspension is actually very nice for daily driving. Comfort mode is perfect for daily driving and long trips. Absorbs bumps much better than any suspension in the e90.
- I get 22-26 mpg in mixed driving on my m240i depending on circumstances. Highway trips I aver around 30mpg. The m235i should be similar. Not bad at all.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by vandridine

I daily a 240. The only con would be that the 8 speed has a lot of trouble going from 1st to 2nd gear in stop and go traffic. It is very jerky, but you get used to it.

Other then that, it's amazing.

Is that in D mode ? car will usually start on 2nd gear

[Joe240]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

Is that in D mode ? car will usually start on 2nd gear

In D mode it just revs 1st high on stop and go traffic and crawling speeds. Because of this, it may not shift and coming off and on the gas is jerky. In 2nd the jerkiness isn’t there as much when coming off and on the gas crawling. But stop and shift back into first and it does it again. It’s just the nature of the zf8. Unless you wanna manual shift and stay in 2nd, the tranny will always go back to 1st once stopped

[oregondonor]

Originally Posted by CAMOETO

I don't think it's too much car at all. Consider this:

- Good used examples of an m235i with reasonable miles can be had in the low-mid $20s range. This is new Civic money.
- They are holding up really well so far as far as reliability goes (the n20/n26 engine 228i is a different story).
- The adaptive suspension is actually very nice for daily driving. Comfort mode is perfect for daily driving and long trips. Absorbs bumps much better than any suspension in the e90.
- I get 22-26 mpg in mixed driving on my m240i depending on circumstances. Highway trips I aver around 30mpg. The m235i should be similar. Not bad at all.

I have read about some N20/N26 owners having the timing chain go. Not good! These seem to be mostly early adopters with early build dates.

How much difference is there between the N55 / B58 for power and fuel economy?

I big problem for me is finding a used, non-xi car in the Pacific NW. I'd like to find a local lease return as I did with my 328i. It was CPO as well which is even more of a plus for me.

[Ceejay18]

I think the M235i is a great daily driver. The suspension is comfortable yet sporty enough and the power is very good for a non M car. Probably won't give you the best MPG in the city but on the highway it's pretty good with 8AT. I have a 6-speed manual and it still does well on gas mileage in 6th gear.

[XutvJet]

I'm 44 (6' 1", 170 lbs), married, and have a 10 y/o and 13 y/o. The kids loving riding in dad's M235.

The car is not too small for me. The truck is good size and the rear seats folder down flat.

I've owned my M235 new since Feb 2016 and have 30K miles. I've had not issues and my story isn't different from many owners.

My car doesn't have a single rattle.

The car is not too much for a daily driver. The linear power and low end torque make for a great driving experience, especially with the 6MT.

Forego the X drive if you can as it add weight and complexity.

Find an M235 with the M Performance LSD or buy it from BMW and have it installed ($2,500 all in). It makes a monumental difference in traction during daily and performance driving.

The ride is comfortable and the body/chassis feel very solid and robust.

I'm not overly fond of the "adaptive" suspension which comes stock in all M235/240s sold in the US. The shocks and spring tuning often feel at odds with one another, regardless of setting. The rear shocks pogo around too much on moderate to bad streets. The front end feels fine.

If you want an M235 to sit at the ride height of your 328, you'll need coilovers which are very pricey because you need to wire in devices to make the DME think the electronic dampers are still in place. Expect to spend near $3K to get a decent coilover setup for this car.

A serious drop like you're 328 has will result in pretty harsh and brittle ride on a 2 series.

I see about 21-22mpg is nearly all city driving with my 6MT and I'm not real easy on the gas. I'm always in Sport, Sport+, or DSC Off. In pure highway driving I routinely see 28-30mpg. I run 93 octane only.

[BEM-S4]

It's an excellent jack of all trades car in stock form, fun when you push it and calm enough when you don't. I have had two of them now one coupe stock and one convertible Dinan, not a single problem with either.

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by oregondonor

Is this too much car for a daily driver? ...I love spirited driving as my commute takes me through country back roads with plenty of turns.

Hoping you can help with comments on fuel economy, daily drivability, known issues, etc.

Not only is the M235/40i **NOT** too much car... it's the **IDEAL** daily driver.

Whether talking about performance, comfort, amenities, economy, style, reliability, quality, value, etc., etc., it's in a class by itself.

As close to all-around daily driving perfection as I've owned.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

Not only is the M235/40i **NOT** too much car... it's the **IDEAL** daily driver.

Whether talking about performance, comfort, amenities, economy, style, reliability, quality, value, etc., etc., it's in a class by itself.

As close to all-around daily driving perfection as I've owned.

I'd only quibble with you when one's daily commute is like 50-60 miles each way on the turnpike or something along those lines - in which case I'd do a 4 GC. Otherwise the 2 is a strong choice.

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I'd only quibble with you when one's daily commute is like 50-60 miles each way on the turnpike or something along those lines - in which case I'd do a 4 GC.

Why is that? I find the 2 Series exceptionally compliant and comfy at any speed or distance.

For my driving taste, bigger isn't better. Of course, YMMV... just curious why.

[oregondonor]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I'd only quibble with you when one's daily commute is like 50-60 miles each way on the turnpike or something along those lines - in which case I'd do a 4 GC. Otherwise the 2 is a strong choice.

40 miles each way... 80 miles a day!

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

Why is that? I find the 2 Series exceptionally compliant and comfy at any speed or distance.

For my driving taste, bigger isn't better. Of course, YMMV... just curious why.

I almost never reach for my 2 keys when doing a long haul like that I find it a bit twitchy compared to some of my other options (F30/31). I left the E46 with Thompson for a bumper respray and I really liked the 440 GC they gave me as a loaner (which is why I suggested that one). If I'm just hammer down highway assault I think the little bigger car, wider stance makes for a more stable drive.

Don't get me wrong I love the 2 when turning is involved. Long stretches of driving straight it's not my weapon of choice. Not that it's bad at all, we are talking good better best here. I wouldn't go all the way up to a 5 series (had the new one didn't like it) I think the 4 GC is highway ideal.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by oregondonor

40 miles each way... 80 miles a day!

My daily is 10 miles each way and depending on weather and what time I leave the house (aka expected traffic) I either 2 convertible or X5. Crap conditions or sitting in traffic I prefer the lazy boy chair and save the wear and tear on my baby - X5 was bought purposely to beat it up.

[oregondonor]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

I'm 44 (6' 1", 170 lbs), married, and have a 10 y/o and 13 y/o. The kids loving riding in dad's M235.

The car is not too small for me. The truck is good size and the rear seats folder down flat.

I've owned my M235 new since Feb 2016 and have 30K miles. I've had not issues and my story isn't different from many owners.

My car doesn't have a single rattle.

The car is not too much for a daily driver. The linear power and low end torque make for a great driving experience, especially with the 6MT.

Forego the X drive if you can as it add weight and complexity.

Find an M235 with the M Performance LSD or buy it from BMW and have it installed ($2,500 all in). It makes a monumental difference in traction during daily and performance driving.

The ride is comfortable and the body/chassis feel very solid and robust.

I'm not overly fond of the "adaptive" suspension which comes stock in all M235/240s sold in the US. The shocks and spring tuning often feel at odds with one another, regardless of setting. The rear shocks pogo around too much on moderate to bad streets. The front end feels fine.

If you want an M235 to sit at the ride height of your 328, you'll need coilovers which are very pricey because you need to wire in devices to make the DME think the electronic dampers are still in place. Expect to spend near $3K to get a decent coilover setup for this car.

A serious drop like you're 328 has will result in pretty harsh and brittle ride on a 2 series.

I see about 21-22mpg is nearly all city driving with my 6MT and I'm not real easy on the gas. I'm always in Sport, Sport+, or DSC Off. In pure highway driving I routinely see 28-30mpg. I run 93 octane only.

Thanks so much for your response.

I didn't know that all US models have the "adaptive" suspension. I have read that there are options out there for that. What about just springs with the EDC? I believe Eibach makes something.

I rarely do any city driving. I live close to the interstate so it's 1 mile out of the subdivision, 20 miles of I-5 then another 20 miles of twisty country roads to the office. I report better than most on fuel economy in my 328. I would imagine the same in a M235.

[CP911]

I love my m240i 6-speed, but it's not a car that I bought to drive every day. If I was really going to DD a 2-series, I'd go with a 230i Msport, 8-speed auto, THP (it is a BMW, after all), and load it up with all the interior/luxury options.

I rarely get to wind out my m240i on public roads. It's quite frustrating and a waste of money for daily use, IMHO. The car is very fast. Too fast. YMMV.

Best of luck!

[oregondonor]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I almost never reach for my 2 keys when doing a long haul like that I find it a bit twitchy compared to some of my other options (F30/31). I left the E46 with Thompson for a bumper respray and I really liked the 440 GC they gave me as a loaner (which is why I suggested that one). If I'm just hammer down highway assault I think the little bigger car, wider stance makes for a more stable drive.

Don't get me wrong I love the 2 when turning is involved. Long stretches of driving straight it's not my weapon of choice. Not that it's bad at all, we are talking good better best here. I wouldn't go all the way up to a 5 series (had the new one didn't like it) I think the 4 GC is highway ideal.

This is why I am here. A used 435i is on my radar as well. Either would be a nice new daily. On paper the M235 just seems cooler.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by oregondonor

This is why I am here. A used 435i is on my radar as well. Either would be a nice new daily. On paper the M235 just seems cooler.

Before you start circumcising gnats here - both are EXCELLENT cars so if anyone tells you one is crap versus the other that's like saying Lebron is a piece of shit because he's not Michael. It really just comes down to what you want to do with the car, what the roads by you are like, etc.

When I only had the 2 I actually went down to 17" wheels with thicker tires and compromised a little ride quality to make it a more usable DD for my crap roads. And when I had the GC for a few days I thought if I went back to 1 car that would be the choice - for now at least. Just drive them and see, neither is a bad choice.

[oregondonor]

Originally Posted by stevenvillatoro

Not only is the M235/40i **NOT** too much car... it's the **IDEAL** daily driver.

Whether talking about performance, comfort, amenities, economy, style, reliability, quality, value, etc., etc., it's in a class by itself.

As close to all-around daily driving perfection as I've owned.

Funny how peoples opinions vary. For some, I would imagine my current DD is too harsh. Maybe the dealership would let me take it for an extended (multi-day) test drive?

Not sure how fond I am of the color combo on this particular car I am looking at: https://www.bmwofsalem.com/certified...a177bf262e.htm

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by oregondonor

I didn't know that all US models have the "adaptive" suspension. I have read that there are options out there for that. What about just springs with the EDC? I believe Eibach makes something.

Eibachs are too low and will make quick work of the shocks which are $300-400 a pop. People haven't had good luck with them on the EDC cars. Extreme spring drops also have been known to break the front strut mounts. The Dinan and AC Schnitzer springs appear to be the safest drops out there as they are only .75" to 1". If you want more of a drop than that, you'll need coilovers.

My M235 is riding on stock springs. The front gap is about 1.5" and the rear gap around 2". I plan to run Dinan springs in the back only and bring the rear gap down to around 1". The Dinan rear springs are also 30% stiffer than OEM. The front Dinan springs are only 10% stiffer. I really don't want the front end of my M235 any lower, especially with the M Performance front lip/diffuser I'm running.