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      10-03-2022, 04:58 PM   #1
F30Hdz
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Transitioning to a m235 from a 328i

Hey everyone. I am in the middle of deciding whether I should buy a new vehicle. Currently own a 2016 328ix, love the car, but did not research enough on BMW's back then. So here I am stuck with, what I think is a very underwhelming vehicle when it comes to the performance side of the vehicle.

Have any of you made the switch from a 328i to a 2015-16 m235? What do you guys love about the m235? Give me an excuse to make the switch! lol
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      10-03-2022, 09:02 PM   #2
zoro2001
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Can't help you with a comparison, but I have a 2014 235 and love it!!
I picked it up about a year ago, put more than 9,000 miles on it (I own a truck and another car so that keeps the miles down) and only had to do an oil change.
Plenty of power, comfortable, and corners nicely.

Paul
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      10-03-2022, 10:17 PM   #3
Gregoryb01
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I made that switch. They were both nice cars that I enjoyed very much. I never considered the 328i to be underperforming, it handled beautifully. The M235i is a different car. It is more powerful and fun to drive in my opinion.
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      10-04-2022, 11:59 AM   #4
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It has been pointed out many times that the 2 series is almost identical in dimensions to the classic E46 3-series that debuted around 2000. I took European delivery of a 235 manual in 2002 and held onto it until 2015 because the 3-series just kept on getting bloated. I replaced it with my current 235 that year. The main difference is in the power, which is just awesome in the newer can and, yes, in the steering, which is much less connected. I have just under 55,000 miles on the 235 and plan to keep it for the foreseeable future.
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      10-04-2022, 12:47 PM   #5
freakystyly
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Going from a F30 to an F22 isn't a huge difference as it is the same chassis and there are more shared parts than you would expect. If you're expecting it to drive like a Porsche vs pickup truck you'll be disappointed.

Best thing is to just test drive the 2 series and see if it makes sense to you to change it up.
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      10-16-2022, 10:52 AM   #6
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I have a 2016 m235. I originally had a 2011 BMW 328i. Prior to buying the m235 I test drove a 340 6 cylinder (forgot what year) and was completely underwhelmed with the steering. I kept seeing reviews which mentioned ‘numb steering’ and it’s true. Going from hydraulic to electronic it has this ‘ numb feeling. Then I test drove and researched the m235 and the steering was infinitely better(still miss hydraulic though). Also, it’s just fun to drive!!! So I pulled the trigger on a 2016 m235 and don’t regret it.

Like all BMW the BMW m235 isn’t perfect though, and you will have minor gripes. The minor gripes won’t overshadow how much fun the car is to drive.

1 recommendation I would make. If you see a car with the technology package, make sure it’s a late year 2016. 3g was sunsetted and the only cars that could get a module upgrade is the 2016 model. Otherwise none of your ‘BMW services will work, and you’ll have to manually upgrade the nav. What services they do have left for the 2016 model isn’t exactly worth the cost. So if you see a 2016 or 15 with out the tech package(non nav) and it doesn’t matter to you, then get that one. You’ll probably save a few bucks.

Minor issues/gripes.
- make sure when you take your seat belt off that you don’t just throw it to the side. You need to guide it back to the door. Otherwise you run the risk of the dreaded twist inside the b pillar
- the sound, even with Harmon is underwhelming. (My CRV has better sound). Check the forums, you’ll see. Most forums advocate, at a minimum, to disconnect the center speaker.
- it can be a little torquey, but I find it fun. Just give yourself some space when your stopped behind a car.

I highly recommend the 2016m235. Hope you find one you like.
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