[Rayscott]

Why isn't the 235M considered a true M car. If not, why the M badge on it. Reviews I have read state this yet they say in some ways it is. Not a big deal as I rode in one and it is as much as I would want or need. Also, what is the difference between a M235 and M240.

[chattanooga240]

If you paint a Corvette pink is it considered Barbie's?

I always thought this video had some good info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...ature=emb_logo

[RvR]

Originally Posted by Rayscott

Why isn't the 235M considered a true M car. If not, why the M badge on it. Reviews I have read state this yet they say in some ways it is. Not a big deal as I rode in one and it is as much as I would want or need. Also, what is the difference between a M235 and M240.

BMW's designations don't make much sense any longer. It used to be very simple and accurate, but that went out the window several generations ago.

BMW uses "M" so often that some say it stands for Marketing, rather than Motorsport. The motorsport division did have some involvement in the M235i, just made it not as focused as the M2. The M2 has most of the sound insulation stripped out, bigger brakes, electronic limited slip differential, more engine power, etc.

Back last century where BMW designations made sense, the car would have been called a 230is (E30 era naming) or a 230Ci (E46 era.) The 2 for a 2 series, and the 30 for 3.0 liter engine. BMW used to add an "s" suffix to designate something more sporty, instead of sticking an "M" on the front.

(What makes even less sense is the four door being called a 3 series and the two door version a 4 series, but logic is already out the window. Not to mention the current 3 series is larger than several previous 5 series.)

In re M235i vs. M240i, the original F22 chassis was called the M235i; then in 2017 the M240i appeared with the B58 engine and some other minor differences. In 2018 the M240i life cycle impulse appeared, with nose and tail changes, different lighting, some interior differences and a new instrument cluster.

[RoundelM3]

Just a side note here - if you ever drive a true M car, you'll understand why the M235/M240 cars are definitely not M cars. The non-comp M2 is quite a bit different with fender flares, suspension changes, although with a tuned N55 engine. The M2 Competition has the S55 from the F8x M3/M4, which is in another league altogether.

That said, the M235/M240 and the newer M340/M440 cars are more or less a "bundle" of the standard 4-cyl car but upgraded to the 6-cylinder engine with a number of "M-Performance" parts for the chassis and body. Essentially, they're the "in-between" models, and aren't quite as expensive to buy nor as expensive to insure as the M cars but much more performance-oriented than the 4-cylinder models.

[USA-RET]

Originally Posted by Rayscott

Why isn't the 235M considered a true M car. If not, why the M badge on it. Reviews I have read state this yet they say in some ways it is. Not a big deal as I rode in one and it is as much as I would want or need. Also, what is the difference between a M235 and M240.

IMO. the M235 and M240 split the difference between the regular BMW's and their M cars. The True M cars are more track oriented and have stiffer and rough suspensions and other race-like components. The 235/240 have near M car performance (acceleration and some handling) with much milder road manners.

I test drove the M2 and the M240i before I bought and went with the M240i as my choice. Better ride and still very fast (not a nickels worth of different between the two cars on the street). I don't track my cars and even if I did, my abilities would be the limiting factor rather than either cars.

Yes, M car owner look down their noses at the M-lite cars. But for the average person that wants something faster than the standard BMW 4 banger, these cars fit the bill quite nicely.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by USA-RET

IYes, M car owner look down their noses at the M-lite cars. But for the average person that wants something faster than the standard BMW 4 banger, these cars fit the bill quite nicely.

I wouldn't say that's universally true - I like the Mx40i models, and if I was looking to buy a brand new car, I'd likely buy one over a new M3.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Rayscott

Also, what is the difference between a M235 and M240.

5

(My apologies, but this just had to be done.)

[TonM3]

The last car I had before my M240 was an E46 M3. The M240 is better in every way other than steering feel (and that now sucks on all BMWs).

[EE60]

Originally Posted by TonM3

The last car I had before my M240 was an E46 M3. The M240 is better in every way other than steering feel (and that now sucks on all BMWs).

BMW has 4 levels of performance cars

M Performance (like m235i and M240i): performance for the street

M "Number" cars: M2, M3, M4: street cars more geared for the track [This is why there is no M2 convertible offered]

Competition: even more track focused

CSL: [when offered] a street legal race car

I love my m235 6spd vert

Not going to track it and great for the street

M number cars are pretty harsh for daily use

M240i has slightly more power, but mechanicals at rear of engine will likely lead to more complicated/expensive long term maintainence and repairs

[TonM3]

Originally Posted by EE60

BMW has 4 levels of performance cars

M Performance (like m235i and M240i): performance for the street

M "Number" cars: M2, M3, M4: street cars more geared for the track [This is why there is no M2 convertible offered]

Competition: even more track focused

CSL: [when offered] a street legal race car

I love my m235 6spd vert

Not going to track it and great for the street

M number cars are pretty harsh for daily use

M240i has slightly more power, but mechanicals at rear of engine will likely lead to more complicated/expensive long term maintainence and repairs

Wow, thanks for the lesson./s

[Liandri]

I feel like its marketing and keeping in line with competition. EE60 gave a good rundown, but look at Audi and Mercedes 3 tier range. Example Audi has the A4/S4/RS4, and Mercedes has the C350/C43 AMG/C63 AMG. BMW has the 340i, M340i, and M3, or 230i/M240i/M2 to name a couple.

The simple difference between M235i (N55 2014-2016) and M240i (B58 2017-) is it's the next facelift generation of the car. The 228i/230i, 335i/340i, 435i/440i etc etc are also the same deal. B48/58 cars get the second gen 8HP50 transmissions, facelift lights, clusters, etc depending on year. The facelift powertrains will roll over to the next full model refresh of the car, as is seen with the G20 M340i, but with an all new body and interior. Halfway through the new body style lifespan, they'll get the next new engine and transmission (probably revised), exterior tweaks and the cycle continues. This strategy is not across the board, and there's a lot of variation between manufacturers. Nissan for example has kept certain models and engines around for a very long time, and Ford has revised the 5.0 Coyote engine a few times over 10 years but is still in production. Porsche decided to do away with the beautiful NA flat 6 engine in favor of turbo 4's in the Cayman and Boxster, but then brought back the flat 6 as a premium option. Hyundai saw Genesis split off as its own marque, but then released the Stinger under its brand name as a sister rival to the G70. Fiat Chrysler decided to just build ridiculously powerful v8 engines based on their pushrod design and put them in everything and charge accordingly. GM is in the heavy duty truck market in a big way. So, each manufacturer is playing a different game, but if you do enough reading you can see the structure/strategy/timeline of an individual brand

[midlifecrisis]

I've owned a M235i, an E90 M3,and an E46 M3. As previously noted, they are different animals.

If you want more comfort and luxury, the M235 is a better choice for you. You'll give up performance at the limit and some of the feeling of being directly connected to the road.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a car that feels ready to hit the racetrack at any time and if you enjoy sharper steering, suspension, and engine responses - buy a "real" M car. It's generally firmer, noisier, and sends vibrations to your brain to tell you it's alive and ready to have fun with you! These elements are sharpened considerably in M cars. The downside is that your mother probably won't enjoy the ride as much.

Which is better? It depends what you're looking for. Everyone has an opinion on this, and they're all valid. In my case, I much prefer the E46 M3 to the M235i (or any MXXX car, for that matter.) The M3 makes a grocery store run seem like a special event. My M235i didn't give me the same feeling.

I also wish that BMW wouldn't dilute the brand, if only to feed my ego. Back in the day M cars were for the most part only driven by hardcore drivers and provided instant street cred. I liked being part of that club. I often wonder why BMW didn't nurture the "is" suffix to denote the bridge between the regular line and the M cars. I used to admire cars like the 325is for their combination of luxury and sportiness. Just my opinion - no better or worse than anyone else's.

[EE60]

Originally Posted by midlifecrisis

I've owned a M235i, an E90 M3,and an E46 M3. As previously noted, they are different animals.

If you want more comfort and luxury, the M235 is a better choice for you. You'll give up performance at the limit and some of the feeling of being directly connected to the road.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a car that feels ready to hit the racetrack at any time and if you enjoy sharper steering, suspension, and engine responses - buy a "real" M car. It's generally firmer, noisier, and sends vibrations to your brain to tell you it's alive and ready to have fun with you! These elements are sharpened considerably in M cars. The downside is that your mother probably won't enjoy the ride as much.

Which is better? It depends what you're looking for. Everyone has an opinion on this, and they're all valid. In my case, I much prefer the E46 M3 to the M235i (or any MXXX car, for that matter.) The M3 makes a grocery store run seem like a special event. My M235i didn't give me the same feeling.

I also wish that BMW wouldn't dilute the brand, if only to feed my ego. Back in the day M cars were for the most part only driven by hardcore drivers and provided instant street cred. I liked being part of that club. I often wonder why BMW didn't nurture the "is" suffix to denote the bridge between the regular line and the M cars. I used to admire cars like the 325is for their combination of luxury and sportiness. Just my opinion - no better or worse than anyone else's.

Originally Posted by midlifecrisis

I've owned a M235i, an E90 M3,and an E46 M3. As previously noted, they are different animals.

If you want more comfort and luxury, the M235 is a better choice for you. You'll give up performance at the limit and some of the feeling of being directly connected to the road.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a car that feels ready to hit the racetrack at any time and if you enjoy sharper steering, suspension, and engine responses - buy a "real" M car. It's generally firmer, noisier, and sends vibrations to your brain to tell you it's alive and ready to have fun with you! These elements are sharpened considerably in M cars. The downside is that your mother probably won't enjoy the ride as much.

Which is better? It depends what you're looking for. Everyone has an opinion on this, and they're all valid. In my case, I much prefer the E46 M3 to the M235i (or any MXXX car, for that matter.) The M3 makes a grocery store run seem like a special event. My M235i didn't give me the same feeling.

I also wish that BMW wouldn't dilute the brand, if only to feed my ego. Back in the day M cars were for the most part only driven by hardcore drivers and provided instant street cred. I liked being part of that club. I often wonder why BMW didn't nurture the "is" suffix to denote the bridge between the regular line and the M cars. I used to admire cars like the 325is for their combination of luxury and sportiness. Just my opinion - no better or worse than anyone else's.

Agee. IS. Was like M Performance. I am adding monoball thrust arms this week to try to find the happy medium

[Rayscott]

Thanks for the enlightenment. I think the M235 is my choice. I really don't care about what true M owners think. It's all about what best suits my needs and budget and I believe it will. It got very high ratings and I loved my 228ix. I just want a little higher level of performance. After looking at values and reviews the M235 is not much more expensive but I believe it is a step up from the 228i which is exactly what I want.

[JP Medina]

Originally Posted by RoundelM3

Just a side note here - if you ever drive a true M car, you'll understand why the M235/M240 cars are definitely not M cars. The non-comp M2 is quite a bit different with fender flares, suspension changes, although with a tuned N55 engine. The M2 Competition has the S55 from the F8x M3/M4, which is in another league altogether.

That said, the M235/M240 and the newer M340/M440 cars are more or less a "bundle" of the standard 4-cyl car but upgraded to the 6-cylinder engine with a number of "M-Performance" parts for the chassis and body. Essentially, they're the "in-between" models, and aren't quite as expensive to buy nor as expensive to insure as the M cars but much more performance-oriented than the 4-cylinder models.

THE SHORTER THE CLEARER

[KennyFSU]

Coming from Hondas, the 235/240 is like the Integra GSR and the M2 is the Type R lol.

[123Britt]

BMW 235is would have been nice. There was a 135is

[khoa@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Rayscott

Thanks for the enlightenment. I think the M235 is my choice. I really don't care about what true M owners think. It's all about what best suits my needs and budget and I believe it will. It got very high ratings and I loved my 228ix. I just want a little higher level of performance. After looking at values and reviews the M235 is not much more expensive but I believe it is a step up from the 228i which is exactly what I want.

M235i is a great car with plenty of power to play on the road. Glad you figured out what you want buddy. And you can always upgrade to a true M car once you're bored of M235i power. It might make you appreciate M cars more.

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by khoa@x-ph.com

M235i is a great car with plenty of power to play on the road. Glad you figured out what you want buddy. And you can always upgrade to a true M car once you're bored of M235i power. It might make you appreciate M cars more.

I'm 76 YO and feel the M235 is more than I can handle. I may not see 77 in a M car.

[khoa@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Rayscott

I'm 76 YO and feel the M235 is more than I can handle. I may not see 77 in a M car.

You will have a great time with the M235i for sure. Enjoy your new ride sir.

[chattanooga240]

Originally Posted by KennyFSU

Coming from Hondas, the 235/240 is like the Integra GSR and the M2 is the Type R lol.

2 of the best Honda's ever produced.

[Cumberlandjames]

Not sure about the newer models with the B58 engine but doesn't the original N55 in the M235 have a forged crank and other modifications to make it more robust than other N55's. Also the suspension lowers and if very firm for excellent handling as well as much firmer steering in sport mode. Maybe some of the members with the newer 2 series that have owned or driven the original M235 can comment on differences.

Personally, I am pretty impressed with the performance of mine. I have the F23 and even with the extra weight of the X-drive and convertible, it's pretty damn fast and handles incredibly well.