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      12-09-2018, 09:13 AM   #1
castivore1
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2014 235i against...

This part of my life is called....choices...

I have the chance to choose between a 2014 235i 14k km and a 45k M3 e92 2009.

Thoughts:

M3 = Legendary V8
235i = Best modern BMW (my opinion)

I work outside the city so i plan to use the car only 6 to 8 day a month (yes work schedule)... and when i test both of em..... damn M3 calls me a lil bit.

In my country, both cars are "special" and 70% of the roads are not done for them, but ..i WANT A BMW... period (haha)

Pep around me tell me....the series 2 is more modern, almost new, you can get girls w it easily (lol), its a great machine, its a new car at half price....

I´m a car enthusiast so the V8 calls me.... but spares (maintenance) concerns me (there are some good workshops here btw)...

So now, i'm w both and asking everybody 's opinion....

What would you do in my case?

What i look for: driving experience, smiles per galoon, presence, not racing or tunning (for now), get something to spend 3+ years and not getting bored.

Thanx a lot.
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      12-09-2018, 09:35 AM   #2
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Tough call for sure.

If you plan to drive the car infrequently and are not concerned about performance or gas mileage, seems like you should get the "M".

To counter that, most people cannot distinguish an "M" car from any other BMW. So is buying to impress others, I'd save your money. The M235i is actually faster 0-60 than that M car. Less miles, better gas mileage, softer ride and likely lower insurance rates.

Higher Mileage M may need repairs sooner =expensive. Newer lower mileage 235i less likely but still expensive. Compare maintenance records for both cars. Still, M has 3X the miles as the M235i.

For me, I'd grab the M235i. One of the best repair records based on ownership reports. Is actually faster than the 2009 M. Playing with the M235i accelerator will impress you. Still a BMW

M235i will put a smile on your face for less money and potentially less trouble.
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      12-09-2018, 09:50 AM   #3
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I was in the same position as you were in September and bought the M235i.

The M235i had better low end torque, didn't ride rock hard and cost less money. I ended up with a 2016 M235i.

The only downside of that decision was that the wail of that V-8 in the M3 at 7000 RPM was truly something to behold.
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      12-09-2018, 12:06 PM   #4
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Easy choice. The glorious 2 Series with very low miles.
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      12-09-2018, 12:53 PM   #5
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How long do you plan to keep it? If it’s a forever car, get the M3 because it’ll be a classic someday while the M235i will be far less rare.

If you want to participate in motorsports with the vehicle, go with the M3. You can fit far wider tires on the M and the platform is much more developed for high end performance parts.

If neither of those things persuade you, then get the M235i.
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      12-09-2018, 01:14 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 230iZTR View Post
.................................................. ..............get the M3 because it’ll be a classic someday while the M235i will be far less rare.
.................................................. .
E30, E36, E46 M3s - yup.
Later model M3/M4s?
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      12-09-2018, 02:10 PM   #7
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Having owned a e92 and now owning a m240i, I would go with the latter. The m3 is a great car, powerful, wonderful v8 sound but was too large for me. The m240i feels more nimble to me and with a little help from Dinan it can reach the m3's power. Drive both and decide.
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      12-09-2018, 02:49 PM   #8
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I was in a similar boat comparing my '15 235 and a '08 m3. I went with the 2 series for several reasons:
- Much easier to extract power from a turbo car vs the n/a v8
- Way better tech
- Cheaper to operate. MPG, maintenance and insurance costs were all better with the 2er.
- Less special but special enough. Awesome balance for DD duties and spirited driving without paying an M premium for everything.
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      12-10-2018, 01:53 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmerfile View Post
E30, E36, E46 M3s - yup.
Later model M3/M4s?
BMW sold approximately 38,000 E92 M3's worldwide from '04-'13.

BMW has sold approximately 35,000 F22 M235/240i's so far in North America alone from '15-'18.
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      12-10-2018, 07:25 AM   #10
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Depends, The m235i will only lose value over time. A e92 M3 if it's a manual will probably start appreciating in 2-4 years if it is a clean example.
Both are very different cars.
M235i I can start it up and drive away right away and has a lot of TQ, a little more cramped if you are a tall guy.
If i was in the M3 I would always let it warm up a good amount to try and save those rod bearings it uses 10W60 oil and has tight clearances. I would argue it has a better ride, but if you have unpaved road the M235i might have better clearances on bad approaches.

In the end this will come down to what you like to be in more. If this is a second or third
car for you I would buy the M3.
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      12-10-2018, 09:41 AM   #11
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Thx! For the responses.

The 235i is lsd and the m3 “too”.

I plan to keep the car for 3+ years... im the guy who store things (lol).

Roads here are “good” but not so recommended for run flats ( can use them yes !!! no worries but when the tire is done... the rim could suffer a lot).

Btw the m3 has miramar rims , carbon fyber spoiler, mirrors and top. The 235i smells like new (yes even has the recent bought plastics).

Tuning: im not planing to tune my car... cause for me part of the escense is lost after tunning... but !!! If planing...The 235i manhart body kit looks really good!!! But at the end its not an m car.
And the overcharged v8 is a beast!
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      12-10-2018, 11:45 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmerfile View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 230iZTR View Post
.................................................. ..............get the M3 because it'll be a classic someday while the M235i will be far less rare.
.................................................. .
E30, E36, E46 M3s - yup.
Later model M3/M4s?
Jupp thats where the M2 comes into play... the modern days true M3!

It seems today everything more than a two series is a damn boat...
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