[an4691]

I'm in the same boat. My lease end in 3 months and I'm considering buying my 235 or getting an M2 Competition. So far i'v had little to no luck with BMW dealers taking me seriously, I don't know why they don't want my money. At this rate i'll just keep the 235, really happy with the car.

[baege]

Originally Posted by MRMIAGI

Definitely keep the car man! I was looking into getting a one of the new C7 corvettes and a forum member here pointed out some of the downsides, he came from a C7 to the M240 actually. I love my 2er and like the other forum members pointed out given the score from ConsumerReports it should be a very reliable car. By the way did you get your wheels powder coated? I don't think I've seen them come black from the factory they look nice.

wow I thought i was the only one...i came from. a c7 to a cayman to a m240i...where is the thread on this...i.d like to read it

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by M235ForNow

No, they're factory stock orbit gray (which you just CANNOT get touch-up for - I'm making my own tomorrow). Came with the Michelin non run-flats. They just look black because of the lighting. Here's a better pic:

I got some curb rash on 2 of my orbit grey wheels only 228. It cost me $150 per wheel but was a perfect match. I installed alloygator rim protectors and they now offer great protection from curb rash. If you do hit a curb the protectors color goes all the way through so you don't see bare metal like you would on the wheels. $100 for a set of 4 was better than paying BMW $150 per wheel.

[Pray for Mojo]

I've had mine for 4 years with zero issues. Keeping it for at least a couple more years and maybe get a late production M2 Competition. These cars are the best bang for buck. I don't think you'll regret buying it out, unless you fall in love with something else.

[Sportstick]

I think the OP made the right choice. When I bought mine, I added the 7 year warranty as I had a sense this was going to be a "keeper". Turns out, it's exceeding my expectations.

[Dylan86]

When I decided to get into the m235, I knew purchasing it made the most sense, to me. I had leased my prior 3 vehicles, and the money spent/lost no longer equated to the "better, because it's new etc" logic I used to run with. These newer cars are far ahead of the times, and with the N55 engine proving to be one of BMW's most reliable turbo 6's so far, I felt very comfortable with the powertrain from a long-term owners perspective. As well, they also ironed out the issues (if any) in the F chassis from the F30, which translated into the F22 a couple of years later.

The car has the basic fundamental principles I wanted/needed. And it's the combination of RWD, 6MT, LSD, i6T, 2-door coupe that makes it fit into the 1% of current optional vehicles out there, which would fit the same bill. So with that said, it makes no sense to me to get out of this car and get into something similar, again. I don't feel the experience would be any different in a newer model of the same platform, aside from newer comfort tech, which isn't appealing to me (digital gauges, etc). My move from FWD/AWD vehicles, to the RWD coupe has already made a huge positive impact on my driving experience. I think the next logical step would be a mid engine, lightweight, impractical sports coupe. But until that time comes, I foresee at LEAST 5-10 more years in this car, it is THAT enjoyable, for me. After modifying the car's engine/brakes/suspension, it has also increased the performance factor 10-fold, and now I have a car with a playing field that I can grow with, as opposed to driving the car at its limit all the time..

NO BRAINER, for me :P

[babaikram]

Originally Posted by MRMIAGI

Definitely keep the car man! I was looking into getting a one of the new C7 corvettes and a forum member here pointed out some of the downsides, he came from a C7 to the M240 actually. I love my 2er and like the other forum members pointed out given the score from ConsumerReports it should be a very reliable car. By the way did you get your wheels powder coated? I don't think I've seen them come black from the factory they look nice.

Mine came black form factory (is an extra option of about £150.00)

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by Dylan86

The car has the basic fundamental principles I wanted/needed. And it's the combination of RWD, 6MT, LSD, i6T, 2-door coupe that makes it fit into the 1% of current optional vehicles out there, which would fit the same bill. So with that said, it makes no sense to me to get out of this car and get into something similar, again. I don't feel the experience would be any different in a newer model of the same platform, aside from newer comfort tech, which isn't appealing to me (digital gauges, etc)

We both think alike. I was excited about the new M2C because I figured it would be so much more M-like but in reality it's just a slightly faster M2 with an additional 150lbs..

The 235i is right balance of comfort, passing-power and handling..

With an LSD, it's the Goldilocks of BMW coupes; just a perfect setting.. I am keeping mines until I can graduate to a twin-turbo 6-speed 911..

[M235ForNow]

Originally Posted by Rayscott

I got some curb rash on 2 of my orbit grey wheels only 228. It cost me $150 per wheel but was a perfect match. I installed alloygator rim protectors and they now offer great protection from curb rash. If you do hit a curb the protectors color goes all the way through so you don't see bare metal like you would on the wheels. $100 for a set of 4 was better than paying BMW $150 per wheel.

I just now (okay, 20 minutes ago) came home with 5 bottles of Testor's enamel. My task - making my own orbit gray to touch up the scrapes. Wish me luck!

[M235ForNow]

Originally Posted by Dylan86

When I decided to get into the m235, I knew purchasing it made the most sense, to me. I had leased my prior 3 vehicles, and the money spent/lost no longer equated to the "better, because it's new etc" logic I used to run with. These newer cars are far ahead of the times, and with the N55 engine proving to be one of BMW's most reliable turbo 6's so far, I felt very comfortable with the powertrain from a long-term owners perspective. As well, they also ironed out the issues (if any) in the F chassis from the F30, which translated into the F22 a couple of years later.

The car has the basic fundamental principles I wanted/needed. And it's the combination of RWD, 6MT, LSD, i6T, 2-door coupe that makes it fit into the 1% of current optional vehicles out there, which would fit the same bill. So with that said, it makes no sense to me to get out of this car and get into something similar, again. I don't feel the experience would be any different in a newer model of the same platform, aside from newer comfort tech, which isn't appealing to me (digital gauges, etc). My move from FWD/AWD vehicles, to the RWD coupe has already made a huge positive impact on my driving experience. I think the next logical step would be a mid engine, lightweight, impractical sports coupe. But until that time comes, I foresee at LEAST 5-10 more years in this car, it is THAT enjoyable, for me. After modifying the car's engine/brakes/suspension, it has also increased the performance factor 10-fold, and now I have a car with a playing field that I can grow with, as opposed to driving the car at its limit all the time..

NO BRAINER, for me :P

Can't argue with that!

[msej449]

I've just retro-fitted the LSD to my M235i Convertible and really, it rounds-off what for me is a perfect compromise car. That's not meant in any negative way: unless you're rich you can't have a stable of 5-6 cars perfect for all conditions. So for me, the M235i covers the widest combination of practical, sporty, passengers, cruising etc. and the convertible regularly transforms even quite mundane journeys into something special. Even going to the Swiss Alps for skiing, it's been fine on its winters and I've never need chains so far. And in practical terms, especially parking, I'd not want to go back to the 3 and 5 Series I'd had previously. The only think that might tempt me to change would be if they brought out an M2 Convertible ……. but that doesn't seem likely.

If I won the lottery I might go for a Rolls-Royce Dawn, perhaps. But even then, I think I'd still find myself in the M235i a lot of the time, just in terms of practicality. My local gym car park would not be Dawn-friendly. And anyway, there are probably a lot of charities that would make better use of $400K.

[moldcad]

Originally Posted by M235ForNow

Although I don't like the outside driver side rear mirror placement - for some reason it gets in the way during hard right turns - anyone else have that issue?).

Yep. This, plus the crooked driver seat, are the most important disadvantages of this car.... Yet, mine is a keeper, as well!

Piotr

[an4691]

MY local BMW dealer is trying to entice me with an M2 Competition.. Not gonna lie, its really tempting. The car is gorgeous in person. But I must resist.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by msej449

I've just retro-fitted the LSD to my M235i Convertible and really, it rounds-off what for me is a perfect compromise car. That's not meant in any negative way: unless you're rich you can't have a stable of 5-6 cars perfect for all conditions. So for me, the M235i covers the widest combination of practical, sporty, passengers, cruising etc. and the convertible regularly transforms even quite mundane journeys into something special. Even going to the Swiss Alps for skiing, it's been fine on its winters and I've never need chains so far. And in practical terms, especially parking, I'd not want to go back to the 3 and 5 Series I'd had previously. The only think that might tempt me to change would be if they brought out an M2 Convertible ……. but that doesn't seem likely.

If I won the lottery I might go for a Rolls-Royce Dawn, perhaps. But even then, I think I'd still find myself in the M235i a lot of the time, just in terms of practicality. My local gym car park would not be Dawn-friendly. And anyway, there are probably a lot of charities that would make better use of $400K.

I've gotta tell you I've got an F23 and a low mileage used V8 X5 that I got cheap and it's a pretty ideal combo. There's something to be said for having a utility vehicle that you can beat up a bit without freaking out and that car is VERY nice for long highway drives. The seats have like 15 different buttons for adjustments.

[blackbm5]

Originally Posted by an4691

MY local BMW dealer is trying to entice me with an M2 Competition.. Not gonna lie, its really tempting. The car is gorgeous in person. But I must resist.

Do it! Do not second think it. Just do it.

[an4691]

Originally Posted by blackbm5

Do it! Do not second think it. Just do it.

Sigh! If $$$ wasn't an issue right now, i would've. I weighed the pros and cons and makes more sense to wait till next year. This way I also get it in the color I want.

But theres also the risk of Cheeto Tariffs - argh, decisions decisions.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by an4691

...This way I also get it in the color I want. But there's also the risk of Cheeto Tariffs - argh, decisions decisions.

I understand he will make an exception for Sunset Orange....in honor of the face.

[an4691]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I understand he will make an exception for Sunset Orange....in honor of the face.

[blackbm5]

Originally Posted by an4691

Sigh! If $$$ wasn't an issue right now, i would've. I weighed the pros and cons and makes more sense to wait till next year. This way I also get it in the color I want.

But theres also the risk of Cheeto Tariffs - argh, decisions decisions.

When I got my M240i vs M2 I really couldn't justify spending an extra 10k plus for that beast of a vehicle. I felt as if the stars aligned when I purchased my M240i Performance Edition (mini Beast). It's not an M2 but close enough and it certainly gets the job done when it comes time to play with the big boys. I just dusted off a new Dodge Ram and late model 5 Series. This car will remain in my stable long after I decide to go get my M4.

[BEM-S4]

If many of us are realistic and honest about our driving skills, ///M anything is overkill especially on the roads in many parts of the country. The next model down be it 235/240, 550, etc is also more than enough for most.

[an4691]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

If many of us are realistic and honest about our driving skills, ///M anything is overkill especially on the roads in many parts of the country. The next model down be it 235/240, 550, etc is also more than enough for most.

For sure, the 235 is way more car than I can handle. The M2 is complete overkill, but it just looks so much more awesome!

The only thing I'd change about the 235, or rather any BMW, is the steering wheel. Why is it so thick ? My hands start hurting during a long drive, but I also have really small hands. (No, i'm not the Cheeto-in-Chief)

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by an4691

For sure, the 235 is way more car than I can handle. The M2 is complete overkill, but it just looks so much more awesome!

The only thing I'd change about the 235, or rather any BMW, is the steering wheel. Why is it so thick ? My hands start hurting during a long drive, but I also have really small hands. (No, i'm not the Cheeto-in-Chief)

Try relaxing your grip a bit. I also find the Autotecknic paddles to be more ergonomic.

Finally if that doesn't help Dallas Custom will redo your wheel however you want. You'd have to ask and confirm but I think thinner is an option.