[Liandri]

I don't like the nav either. I haven't found a good way to enter addresses in a reasonable amount of time so I usually send the address from the connecteddrive app on the phone straight to the car and then go to the inbox and hit start navigation. I'm going to try to learn the system better next year but it's not very intuitive and often can't get the right town or road if I'm off by a single character or more, such as Rd vs road. I can't speak to the accuracy as what I've used it for hasn't had a route issue yet, but I've used it maybe 7 times or so and never very seriously. I usually have Google maps/nav on the phone also running. It's nice to have a second system as backup or when I don't want to suck battery down on the phone, but I guess nothing beats Google maps so Android auto would have been a nice feature

[seansurfn2]

Originally Posted by atorreon

Hey all,

Going through a bit of possible midlife crisis and looking to move on from a nicely setup 750li with high miles to a gently used m235i. I have a large family suv and s2000 for cruising but wanted to get into something smaller and more daily fun which can serve as a commuter/occasional track day car. I've never driven the M2 but have had previous M cars that were great at some things but missed on others.


How many m235i owners regretted not buying an M2? If so why?

no regrets here at all. i have fbo and stage 1 mhd and 370hp dd it. its a great car do far after 15k miles. i maintain it myself ive had like 4 bmws before this and the revised n55 motor is pretty reliable esp compared to the n54 i had previously

[chattanooga240]

I regret it until I drive our Focus RS or Evo and remember I am too old to have my fillings rattled out.

I love the M2, it is far superior as a race beast, I just can't ride around town pretending it isn't beating me to death.

If you are reasonably young and can handle the rough stuff, the M2 is a great car.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

4) I added the M Performance exhaust...

Did you happen to weigh the two to see the difference in weight?

[EddieA1]

Originally Posted by atorreon

Hey all,

Going through a bit of possible midlife crisis and looking to move on from a nicely setup 750li with high miles to a gently used m235i. I have a large family suv and s2000 for cruising but wanted to get into something smaller and more daily fun which can serve as a commuter/occasional track day car. I've never driven the M2 but have had previous M cars that were great at some things but missed on others.


How many m235i owners regretted not buying an M2? If so why?

You will not regret it. I went from a M2c to a M240i, and loved the experience of the latter for day to day stuff. M2c is a great car, but in moderation. The m240i is the best DD in the BMW line up. By the way, I would get a M240i over the M235i fir the extra hp and torque.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by dradernh

Did you happen to weigh the two to see the difference in weight?

They weigh the nearly the same. Maybe a pound or two difference.

[Dylan86]

4 years in, 60k kms driven, heavy mods/ track time and have zero regrets on owning this car. I have owned it outright for a while now and haven't thought once about moving out of it for the next "fix".

Have also the pleasure of showcasing the F22's leg stretching capabilities at the track a few times, now. Based on my experience and comfort with this car, I plan to keep and track it for many years to come, it's truly a hidden gem among the BMW lineup.

[RvR]

I think you'll know.

I'd only driven an M235i before buying my M240i. At the time there were no M2s to be seen, much less test-driven.

I really love the 2 series size (same as E46.) It will be quite a change from the 750i (I haven't driven one of those.) I've had 435i loaners, and while you can get more upscale options on the 4er, to me I'd rather have the 2er's size, it just seems "right." The 4er looks better to me, especially the rear end proportions, but from the driver's seat I like the 2er better.

I finally got around to driving an M2 (not an M2C). After reading Car and Driver reports about harsh ride, I expected it to be jarring. It wasn't that bad at all, compared to some of my friend's track-focused cars. The M2 feels more taught and ready to go, whereas the M235i/M240i in Comfort does the grand touring vibe, or in Sport more focused. I'd rather drive in Sport, but our pavement just isn't good enough and in the M240i you can't split the damping off from the steering/throttle response so most of the time I'm in Comfort unless I'm on good pavement. In Germany driving in Sport all of the time was just fine.

As other posters have mentioned, I think an LSD is a must-have option on a M235i/M240i, it transforms the car. I have only experienced the M Performance version, but am completely happy with it. (The other must-do for me is getting rid of the Active Sound Design fake noise, I used the hardware harness.)

I think the M2 would be livable, no problem, had I test-driven one of those initially, I might have been more inclined to get one instead of the M240i. I liked the M2's brakes quite a bit, as well. When I got out of the M2, I wondered, "Should I have bought one of these?" I really enjoyed it, and it was even better than I expected. (I'll be very interested when the next gen comes out with the S58 motor.)

After more thought, what I was really shooting for would be the current equivalent of a 330Ci (E46) with ZHP. I have another car for very focused backroad driving, I wanted the BMW to be more of an all-around car that could do grand touring or sporty. The M2 has less sound deadening, and on long trips that could get fatiguing, my drive wasn't long enough to tell. I'm fine with listening to engine sound, but tire roar doesn't add to my pleasure, at least.

Good luck with your quest.

[MBlaster]

Originally Posted by EddieA1

You will not regret it. I went from a M2c to a M240i, and loved the experience of the latter for day to day stuff. M2c is a great car, but in moderation. The m240i is the best DD in the BMW line up. By the way, I would get a M240i over the M235i fir the extra hp and torque.

Regarding the b58 in the 240i, I'm concerned about the long term cost to maintain when compared to the N55 in the 235i. I do most of my own work and the 240i doesn't lend itself to that. Besides, a minor mod to the 235i and it's matching the 240i in power and acceleration.

[harma24]

Originally Posted by MBlaster

I do most of my own work and the 240i doesn't lend itself to that.

Why not? So far, I've done oil changes, spark plug replacement, AFT fluid replacement and break pad / rotor replacement in my driveway. (I'm at 80k FWI). All in the summer though; I take it to a BMW indi shop in the winter.

Is every task easy? No, of course not. But the alternator on my early 90's Honda Accord was a beast to replace. As Yoda said, do or do not. There is no try. If you're committed to doing your own maintenance and know your limits, just do it!

[MBlaster]

Agreed, all of the standard maintenance items are within reason but, I'm referring to vanos maintenance and possible timing chain maintenance. Just not set up to pull an engine and I'm sure a shop cost would be pretty high, even if not performed by the dealer. Don't get me wrong, I was so close to getting a 240i, low mileage and worry about the cost of vanos/timing chain maintenance down the road but, opted for a MY15 235i and happy with it.

[aerobod]

On the B58, the VANOS gear can be replaced without removing the engine, as there is enough room for access when the cowl trays, strut bars and windshield wipers are removed: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...rol/1VnZ1tVnZQ

The VANOS actuators are quite simple: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...rol/1VnYhwJiIs

[rainfall]

I don't regret my choice. At the time I was buying, used M2's were like $10k more for similar miles' M235i. Given that I paid like $35k on mine w/ low miles and excellent condition, I couldn't justify myself the upgrade.

I drove a couple of M2's and they weren't that much better. Definitely nto $10k better. If you're going to buy new, M2 is definitely a better value. At the time I was purchasing, I could get an M2 new with all options I wanted for $52k new, or a reasonably optioned M235i for $50k. In that case I would have gone to M2.

Since I bought used and I absolutely wanted manual, my choices were a bit limited. The price difference in the used market didn't justify the upgrade, so I went with the M235i.

I've owned the car for like 20 months now and I would have made the same decision again.

[MBlaster]

Originally Posted by aerobod

On the B58, the VANOS gear can be replaced without removing the engine, as there is enough room for access when the cowl trays, strut bars and windshield wipers are removed: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...rol/1VnZ1tVnZQ

The VANOS actuators are quite simple: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...rol/1VnYhwJiIs

Thanks for the links. The procedure for the gear looks quite involved and requires numerous "special tools". As mentioned, the actuators look pretty easy. Wish I had known this, all the other threads I'd read pointed to having to remove the engine to get to the "vanos". I would have at least considered the 240i but, got a very good deal on a relatively low mileage m235i with the right suite of options.

[DanG]

As a guy that traded in his M235i for an M2, I can tell you that the M2 is a superior daily driver. Even on Seattle’s bad roads the ride isn’t very harsh. And looks and low end power is so much superior to my old M235i. My M2 is loaded with port installed M Performance parts. It will be a long time keeper.

[MajorHavoc]

I loved my car in the beginning. It was around the second month the problems started. I sold it after the first year with 32K miles on it. Im am not here to bash the car/brand, it just didn't work out for me.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by MajorHavoc

I loved my car in the beginning. It was around the second month the problems started. I sold it after the first year with 32K miles on it. Im am not here to bash the car/brand, it just didn't work out for me.

To each their own, of course, but curious as to "why"? What about it wasn't able to keep your love?

P.S. LaGrangeville! You just flashed me back to childhood. Went to summer camp up the road in Billings in the 1960s.

[Hap]

I am new to the BMW fun cars and own a M235i. It is very fun to drive and enjoy it. After reading about M2 and kinda wanting a new car I checked into trading for the 2020 M2.
Wow! The price difference with my trade was over 40K. I can’t justify that cost for a car that probably is to much car for my driving habits. The M2 is a beautiful looking car and I did lust after it for several days before I came to my senses. I also got advice on here about making that move from m235i to M2. So I am happy with m235i and am going to get advice on some mods that can make it a bit better. When I looked at performance catalog I thought most parts were expensive, after getting quote from dealer to buy a 2020 M2 those same parts are very cheap and will save me a lot of money !

Hap

[cooolone2]

Why regrets?

I got exactly what I wanted, a DD toned down M2. For the price difference, I'll have it up to M2 performance for 1/3 the sticker cost. Little suspension work, some engine, exhaust and other little mods, tune and whoola!!! Magic!

But really, I know what I wanted and got it. No regrets!

Yeah, there's some limitations that are befuddling for what you pay, but hey, is what it is. No complaints.

I find it funny though, with the internet and all today, like social media, a hundred review sites, etc., test driving, etc., that someone could try and say they didn't know what they were getting, or getting into, lol. But maybe I'm different, did all my research, focused on sleeper like quality, big time engine build with future proof moldability. M240iX is a little rocket, love it, even with it's little nuances, or flaws to some.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by atorreon

Hey all,

Going through a bit of possible midlife crisis and looking to move on from a nicely setup 750li with high miles to a gently used m235i. I have a large family suv and s2000 for cruising but wanted to get into something smaller and more daily fun which can serve as a commuter/occasional track day car. I've never driven the M2 but have had previous M cars that were great at some things but missed on others.


How many m235i owners regretted not buying an M2? If so why?

I may have been in a similar situation. Been through the life cycle of car ownership, from smaller Bimmers to SUVs to sedans (5 series), so naturally the next step would have been a larger car (another 5 or 7?). However, with kids leaving the house and having multiple cars now, I felt is was time for a me car, and the M2C filled that role for me just perfectly. I feel like you are in a similar boat.

The question was not 235/240 or M2 for me. I would never buy a 2 series because I have no use for it. But an M2? Yes. For me that's a pure M sports car that I can have fun with. So I'll ask you, what are you going to do with a 235? Will you regret not getting the M2?

[atorreon]

So I elected to move on from the m235. Although a fantastic car I feel I would constantly be looking for a replacement M2. Good luck to you all and thanks for the advice

[DaleHeinz]

I've tracked an M2 and man, that was an experience in grip. I think it's a much better looking car as well, with a it's flared fenders and slightly wider looking stance.


Problem was, I don't track my cars and I can't see the outside while I'm in them. Same interior after I did the CF trim panels on the M240Xi I bought.

I did the DINAN stage 1 V1, and CF Cold Air Intake, and now she can hit 3.7sec 0-60, and 12.06sec in the 1/4. Faster than an M2, and still thousands less than an M2 purchase. The launch in the AWD after a tune is remarkable.

For another $500 I put the Dinan midpipe on, deleting both resonators. Then it sounded more aggressive, had an increase in volume, and more pronounced pops and burbles.

Now I own a friggin rocket that looks like a nice little two door, not a born and bread track day car.

Additionally, it's my daily driver. So to have all that in one car has been great. It just won't handle as well as the M2 unless I do the suspension. Which, I really couldn't care less about. It handles plenty good for what I'm going to throw at it.

No buyers remorse for me, but I'm just one man with a certain set of circumstances. Under different circumstances, I may have preferred the M2.