[Inline_Six]

Some people out there seem to be unhappy with the M235i having the letter "M" in its name. I guess they're purists who feel that "M235i" is a misnomer that would mislead hardcore enthusiasts ... I get that.

I just watched a review video on YouTube:

In the beginning of this video, the guy complains that "they're making M performance available to just about everybody.". What the fuck ? I, personally, think it's GREAT that BMW is making M performance components more accessible to the general BMW customer base, so that we can all get a taste of better performance and more of the "ultimate driving machine" experience.

So, I don't understand this guy's fervent disapproval. Is he one of those sadistic pricks who feel that "M" should be reserved for the rich, so that they can look down on those who make less money and taunt them with, (tongue sticking out) "Look what I got ! You can't have this, sucker !"

Bottom line: Who gives a fuck what a car is called ?!!! Let them call it the "BMW Octopus 2" ... what matters is that it is an awesome car that's mad fun to drive and a good value for the cost.

Your thoughts ?

[Xiaoxi]

Haters gon hate. When necessary, all you need to do is link a hater to a Wikipedia of BMW's M535i.

[slayer72]

They should avoid the magazine stands then because almost every cover has the M235i as one of their top picks. That must piss them off.

[gaijin]

I've always considered the M-badge Beemers as cars traditionally with modified engines, transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and such which sets them apart from the other models. The M235i has all but the taunted modified engines. In its own right though, the M235i's power plant isn't a slouch either.

Bottomline is the M235i isn't claiming to be an "M" BMW. That would be the M2, whenever it's introduced.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Seems to be 2 issues:

• An M Car Badge
• M Performance parts proliferation

As an owner of 2 previous M3's, I agree about the M car badging..I love my M235xi, it's the reincarnation of my E46 M3 but better..However it is not a true "M" car and I can see where people would get confused or worse.

M Performance parts proliferation angst? People need to get their heads on straight about this to put it mildly.

Providing BMW owners the opportunity to buy performance parts and get more enjoyment out of their cars is a great move. Does nothing to dillute the brand or M sub-brand imo..

[smitty16s]

Because they're peanut butter and jealous! They hate us cause they ain't us! I wish mine had the m badges on the side but it's a '15.

[///MCFC]

i wish there were more threads about this very important subject.

[3.0L]

This "M" controversy is so silly. As I've mentioned elsewhere, the badge is M235i. No where does it state M2 or M1 or M3.

[Inline_Six]

Originally Posted by gaijin

I've always considered the M-badge Beemers as cars traditionally with modified engines, transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and such which sets them apart from the other models. The M235i has all but the taunted modified engines. In its own right though, the M235i's power plant isn't a slouch either.

Bottomline is the M235i isn't claiming to be an "M" BMW. That would be the M2, whenever it's introduced.

Actually, I think they do have slightly modified engines, and modified by the M division, I think. The reason I say this is ... in a different review video, the guy said that, the reason this engine has 320 hp (vs the regular 300 hp) is because of some slight tuning (though not significant) by the M division.

[Inline_Six]

Originally Posted by Midwest M235i

Seems to be 2 issues:

• An M Car Badge
• M Performance parts proliferation

As an owner of 2 previous M3's, I agree about the M car badging..I love my M235xi, it's the reincarnation of my E46 M3 but better..However it is not a true "M" car and I can see where people would get confused or worse.

M Performance parts proliferation angst? People need to get their heads on straight about this to put it mildly.

Providing BMW owners the opportunity to buy performance parts and get more enjoyment out of their cars is a great move. Does nothing to dillute the brand or M sub-brand imo..

Amen !

[jbenington86]

Originally Posted by Xiaoxi

Haters gon hate.

Originally Posted by smitty16s

I wish mine had the m badges on the side but it's a '15.

Me too! I think it looks really good on the EB cars. Pretty sure you can buy these and have the dealer put them on.

[JustChris]

Yeah sadly some still don't get it, just naming. Love the M235i!!

[kd0t]

I don't see anything wrong with the M badges. Personally, I'm glad they removed the fender ones. Those were a bit much in my opinion.

Perhaps BMW is dipping into that market..
Audi's S Line
Lexus' F-Sport

[jbenington86]

Originally Posted by kd0t

I don't see anything wrong with the M badges. Personally, I'm glad they removed the fender ones. Those were a bit much in my opinion.

Perhaps BMW is dipping into that market..
Audi's S Line
Lexus' F-Sport

Not sure if anyone noticed while doing ED but BMW has all kinds of european models with the M fender badges that aren't M235i on an M3/4/5/6. See them all the time. I will have to start remembering which ones have which badge. I have seen M badges on the fenders as well as "Sport" logo.

[bimmerfile]

[bladeomatic]

Originally Posted by InlineSixTwinScroll

Some people out there seem to be unhappy with the M235i having the letter "M" in its name. I guess they're purists who feel that "M235i" is a misnomer that would mislead hardcore enthusiasts ... I get that.

Everyone wants to harp on the "M" in front of the 235i. My question is,

"Should it be based on which BMW division built it, or how it drives?"

With all due respect, the M3/4 are badder cars in terms of HP/Performance, but they are not trouncing their competition like in years past. Many mfrs now have them cleanly in their sights. They no longer have a guaranteed spot on the podium anymore. Now take the M3/4 off the table and ask,

"Is there another car BMW makes that's more deserving of an M than the 235i?"

Don't get me started how an M5, M6, X5M, X6M are all brontosaurus-sized land yachts that pack enormous, gas-guzzling motors into their huge chassis in order to get these lumbering hulks moving quickly. These are all $100k+ sleds that get a nod at the country club, but have strayed widely from the enthusiastic driving roots of the brand. Do they all featured hand-tuned components built specifically for them? Sure. Does that make them great-driving cars? No. Are any of them getting the accolades that the M235i has gotten in the last year? Not even close.

The M235i is exactly based on what built the brand...premium, spunky, enthusiast cars that are fun to drive and packed with plenty of attitude. The M5 is a French poodle.The M235i is a French Bulldog.

Don't tell me the the M235i doesn't deserve an "M".
Show me a list of BMW's current offerings that deserve an "M" more.

[Inline_Six]

Originally Posted by bladeomatic

Everyone wants to harp on the "M" in front of the 235i. My question is,

"Should it be based on which BMW division built it, or how it drives?"

With all due respect, the M3/4 are badder cars in terms of HP/Performance, but they are not trouncing their competition like in years past. Many mfrs now have them cleanly in their sights. They no longer have a guaranteed spot on the podium anymore. Now take the M3/4 off the table and ask,

"Is there another car BMW makes that's more deserving of an M than the 235i?"

Don't get me started how an M5, M6, X5M, X6M are all brontosaurus-sized land yachts that pack enormous, gas-guzzling motors into their huge chassis in order to get these lumbering hulks moving quickly. These are all $100k+ sleds that get a nod at the country club, but have strayed widely from the enthusiastic driving roots of the brand. Do they all featured hand-tuned components built specifically for them? Sure. Does that make them great-driving cars? No. Are any of them getting the accolades that the M235i has gotten in the last year? Not even close.

The M235i is exactly based on what built the brand...premium, spunky, enthusiast cars that are fun to drive and packed with plenty of attitude. The M5 is a French poodle.The M235i is a French Bulldog.

Don't tell me the the M235i doesn't deserve an "M".
Show me a list of BMW's current offerings that deserve an "M" more.

You're absolutely right.

Maybe you misunderstood what I said ? I agree with you 100%. I was just saying that there are others (not me) who DO disapprove of the M badge on the M235i.

[bladeomatic]

Originally Posted by InlineSixTwinScroll

You're absolutely right.

Maybe you misunderstood what I said ? I agree with you 100%. I was just saying that there are others (not me) who DO disapprove of the M badge on the M235i.

Yup, I got that it wasn't coming from you. You're good.
I still find it amazing that while some reviewers are spending valuable ink talking about what it's called, other reviewers are making other keen observations:

http://www.carthrottle.com/rwd-bmw-m...of-the-titans/

Key Quote:

"More than anything, I wanted the M3 to feel like its M Performance little brother - the M235i - and then some. But it just doesn’t. Actually - ignoring the fact that it’s a lot less practical - the considerably less expensive, non-M Division 235i coupe is a more compelling package that’s considerably more engaging to drive."

Until the M2 lands, I can truthfully say that the M Performance division is currently creating better cars (percentage-wise) than the M division. Every single one of their cars is a hit (1/1). The M division has mostly bloated behemoths.

[Inline_Six]

Originally Posted by bladeomatic

Yup, I got that it wasn't coming from you. You're good.
I still find it amazing that while some reviewers are spending valuable ink talking about what it's called, other reviewers are making other keen observations:

http://www.carthrottle.com/rwd-bmw-m...of-the-titans/

Key Quote:

"More than anything, I wanted the M3 to feel like its M Performance little brother - the M235i - and then some. But it just doesn’t. Actually - ignoring the fact that it’s a lot less practical - the considerably less expensive, non-M Division 235i coupe is a more compelling package that’s considerably more engaging to drive."

Until the M2 lands, I can truthfully say that the M Performance division is currently creating better cars (percentage-wise) than the M division. Every single one of their cars is a hit (1/1). The M division has mostly bloated behemoths.

Awesome ! Thanks for the link. Yup, makes sense. I'm glad people realize how much of a value car the M235i is.

[Inline_Six]

I just wanna add: We M235i owners (or soon-to-be owners) made the best possible choice in the year 2014/2015 !!! The M235i rocks !!!

To hell with the haters.

[Inline_Six]

Originally Posted by jbenington86

Umm ... LOL ... just ... LOL

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by gaijin

I've always considered the M-badge Beemers as cars traditionally with modified engines, transmissions, suspensions, interior trims, aerodynamics, and such which sets them apart from the other models. The M235i has all but the taunted modified engines. In its own right though, the M235i's power plant isn't a slouch either.

Bottomline is the M235i isn't claiming to be an "M" BMW. That would be the M2, whenever it's introduced.

I agree. Unfortunately "M" is being watered down in my opinion as in M235, x5M etc M represents cosmetic changes not really performance changes.
I couldnt really care less what they call it but "M" doesnt mean what it used to now that they put it on everything. X3 with M pack? Are you serious? 335 xdrive M pack? It sits higher on softer suspension than regular 3.