[jaximointhecut]

Hello,

I used to work at BMW and picked up this CPO 2015 M235I with a 6-speed manual trans that came on the lot. Immediately I fell in love. I bought this car in 2018 for 23.5k with 48k miles and generally it's been very reliable. The issues I've had have been pretty small. The brake change was the most I've spent on this car. I'm currently at 83.5k miles.

So far this issues I've had are :

1. Stock charge pipe cracked, needed to be replaced. Warranty covered this. Approx 60-65k miles.
2. Coolant return line exploded - 40$ part plus the 20$ coolant from BMW. I replaced this myself.
3. Thermostat needed to be replaced - around $600-700 with labor.
4. Forgot the name, but the metal piece by the emergency-brake line was making the car make a grinding noise under acceleration. Mechanic replaced this when I had my brake pads and rotors replaced.

Maintenance:
1. Oil changes every 3-5k miles. from BMW. 99$ each.
2. Engine and cabin air filter twice since ownership
3. Brake rotors and pads changed. Mechanic charged $1,500. Brake flush too
4. Spark plugs changed at 60-70k miles.
5. Belt for the idler needed to be replaced. Happened last month.

Mods (Stock tune):
1. H&R racing springs
2. BMS Clutch Stop
3. Andream Unit. Replaced this when my stock iDrive screen went out.

I'm pretty sure that's been it. I might be forgetting a thing or two. Upon all the research I've done this N55 in m235i's seems very reliable. I've seen a couple posts of people with 150k miles+, and I would not be upset driving this car until it reaches that many miles. I'm just concerned of something catastrophic happening to the engine. 1-2k in repairs yearly is manageable.

I frequently check the car market and there simply isn't any other car I'd really want to trade this for. I love driving a manual transmission, and I can't name another car with luxury features like my f22 for the price. There's barely any manual transmission BMW's for sale nationwide on top of this. If I were to trade it in, it'd preferably be for another CPO BMW, otherwise it seems to defeat the purpose since I'd still be paying out of pocket for repairs.

What do you guys think?

[Nickies]

I bought mine new and I will request a full inspection at the end of warranty in 05/23. I have 37K with no problem.

My limit on all cars I buy is 6 years or 70K. This is the soft spot for good residual value for complete stock with full maintenance history.

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by jaximointhecut

Hello,

I used to work at BMW and picked up this CPO 2015 M235I with a 6-speed manual trans that came on the lot. Immediately I fell in love. I bought this car in 2018 for 23.5k with 48k miles and generally it's been very reliable. The issues I've had have been pretty small. The brake change was the most I've spent on this car. I'm currently at 83.5k miles.

So far this issues I've had are :

1. Stock charge pipe cracked, needed to be replaced. Warranty covered this. Approx 60-65k miles.
2. Coolant return line exploded - 40$ part plus the 20$ coolant from BMW. I replaced this myself.
3. Thermostat needed to be replaced - around $600-700 with labor.
4. Forgot the name, but the metal piece by the emergency-brake line was making the car make a grinding noise under acceleration. Mechanic replaced this when I had my brake pads and rotors replaced.

Maintenance:
1. Oil changes every 3-5k miles. from BMW. 99$ each.
2. Engine and cabin air filter twice since ownership
3. Brake rotors and pads changed. Mechanic charged $1,500. Brake flush too
4. Spark plugs changed at 60-70k miles.
5. Belt for the idler needed to be replaced. Happened last month.

Mods (Stock tune):
1. H&R racing springs
2. BMS Clutch Stop
3. Andream Unit. Replaced this when my stock iDrive screen went out.

I'm pretty sure that's been it. I might be forgetting a thing or two. Upon all the research I've done this N55 in m235i's seems very reliable. I've seen a couple posts of people with 150k miles+, and I would not be upset driving this car until it reaches that many miles. I'm just concerned of something [...]

You covered a lot of the issues except the gaskets that can leak oil. Also, Typically the belt tensioner and idler are replaced
With the belt.

That’s a pretty good price you paid. What do you think you can get for it now?

[Neverlost99]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

You covered a lot of the issues except the gaskets that can leak oil. Also, Typically the belt tensioner and idler are replaced
With the belt.

That’s a pretty good price you paid. What do you think you can get for it now?

No brake fluid flush?

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by Neverlost99

No brake fluid flush?

Originally Posted by Neverlost99

No brake fluid flush?

You have to do that on any car, what's your point?

[jaximointhecut]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

You covered a lot of the issues except the gaskets that can leak oil. Also, Typically the belt tensioner and idler are replaced
With the belt.

That’s a pretty good price you paid. What do you think you can get for it now?

I'm thinking 20-23k private sale... it's not for sale I've just been curious. Credit Karma says it's worth 19k for whatever that's worth lol.

[ggggbmw]

My 2014 M235i has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

HOWEVER, I've also been doing more proactive hardware maintenance on this car than other as well. The coolant overflow, the charge pipe, and belt/idler/tensioner are all things I've done proactively. All very common failure items on this car. Probably a proactive water pump and thermostat in next 18 months or so also. I've also done AT and LSD fluid changes too, but that's more because I track the car.

The F22 is more reliable than most BMW's. But getting a full reliable life from ANY BMW will generally take continued attention to maintenance and proactive replacement of problem items for your specific model. If you do, they're great. But it is something a typical Toyota owner would laugh at.

It sounds like you've already done the key problem areas. Just stay on top of them, and you'll be fine.

[mecheng77]

So did the N55 fitted to the F22, solve the rod bearing issue that plagued select E90 and F30?

[Cos270]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

So did the N55 fitted to the F22, solve the rod bearing issue that plagued select E90 and F30?

I can’t speak to the E90 and F30 cases, but from what I’ve seen, any late model N55’s that had bearings fail seem to be a result of lack of maintenance (long oil change intervals) and or tracking the car with very sticky tires on tracks with long, high-G corners. Cars that spun bearings outside of those conditions seem incredibly rare, but if others have different experiences, please correct me.

[AWcoupe]

I’m very happy with my 2015 M235. Original owner. Oil changes, filters, plugs, tires, wipers blades and brake fluid flushes. Replaced battery after 7 years. One pricey repair done at dealership out of warranty. There are 2 sensors under the accelerator, one failed had a “Chassis restriction” pop up on the iDrive. That’s it. No cracked charge pipe, broken coolant crossover tube, etc. Still on original brakes. Due soon though. I’m at 72k miles. Local dealer offered me 24k on the spot at 69k miles when I was in for tires last August. Solid car. Drive and enjoy.:

[ZHP to B58]

I helped a friend sell their M235i. It was stock performance-wise, except for some KW coilovers.

In the short 2 weeks that I had it, it...

1. Had A/C issues. I remember reading something about the placement of the thermostat or something under the hood causing it to ice over, and that it was a common issue. Forgot, but it was fixed and/or replaced in the end.

2. Fragile charge pipe. Didn't push it just in case I'd cause something to happen prior to sale.

I considered buying it until I test drove a CPO M240i, which I ended up buying. No ragrets.

[Resoelg]

Drive the shit out of it! Responsibly of course.