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      09-04-2014, 12:03 AM   #1
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Went to buy an M4 and walked out with a m235i !

Yikes - sorry guys, don't want to get flamed here, but it's true.

First, let me clarify that I can afford an M6, so it's not a question of finances. I went to the dealer today set on ordering an M4. But there was an m235i in the showroom, so I thought, 'why not sit in it'… let's see what the "lesser" model feels like.

Well, to cut a longer story short, I was floored. The M235i is in many ways, a nicer car inside than the M3/4. And a more fun drive.

My point is not to speak negatively of the M3/4, but just to say that before you sign that deal, do yourself a favor and test drive the m235i.

Let's get into some details:
INTERIOR
- no center armrest on the M3 in the rear
- M3 has no passthrough! Carrying 4 adults to the ski slopes?! Sorry. Out of luck (esp since no roof rack will fit on the CF roof). M235? Yup - center passthrough. Rear seats fold 40/20/40, as they should.
- the M3 I looked at had full leather. Should be a "wow", right? Wrong.
If you want to know what full leather done right should look like, check out your neighborhood Porsche dealership. For one thing, the inside door handles are plastic. Another thing: the rear seat backs are a hard, cheap plastic.
Another thing - the center console sides are leather only part of the way, the rest is that same cheap plastic.
- seats - love the extendable length cushion on the m235i. Not possible on the M3
- armrest - love that it slides on the m235. Doesn't move on the M3…
- door "thunk" when closed - sounds better on the m235
- roofliner - the M3 has the same low rent vinyl roof liner that the m235i has. Not impressed for an $80K+ car.

Hmmm…

which car exactly costs 50% more?!

Drive
The m235 was sublime in the way it drove. Watch the reviews. There's a reason why so many reviewers use words like "magic" and "love" and "I want to buy this car" when they test it. Do you hear the same words with the M3/4? No.

If you track the car and you care about the badge, the M3/4 will win.
But if you want a true driver's car, it's the m235 all the way!

Again, not out here to trash owners of the M3/4, just to say that if you're thinking about buying one (as I was), do yourself a favor and check out the m235i.
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      09-04-2014, 12:06 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Surge View Post
Yikes - sorry guys, don't want to get flamed here, but it's true.

First, let me clarify that I can afford an M6, so it's not a question of finances. I went to the dealer today set on ordering an M4. But there was an m235i in the showroom, so I thought, 'why not sit in it'… let's see what the "lesser" model feels like.

Well, to cut a longer story short, I was floored. The M235i is in many ways, a nicer car inside than the M3/4. And a more fun drive.

My point is not to speak negatively of the M3/4, but just to say that before you sign that deal, do yourself a favor and test drive the m235i.

Let's get into some details:
INTERIOR
- no center armrest on the M3 in the rear
- M3 has no passthrough! Carrying 4 adults to the ski slopes?! Sorry. Out of luck (esp since no roof rack will fit on the CF roof). M235? Yup - center passthrough. Rear seats fold 40/20/40, as they should.
- the M3 I looked at had full leather. Should be a "wow", right? Wrong.
If you want to know what full leather done right should look like, check out your neighborhood Porsche dealership. For one thing, the inside door handles are plastic. Another thing: the rear seat backs are a hard, cheap plastic.
Another thing - the center console sides are leather only part of the way, the rest is that same cheap plastic.
- seats - love the extendable length cushion on the m235i. Not possible on the M3
- armrest - love that it slides on the m235. Doesn't move on the M3…
- door "thunk" when closed - sounds better on the m235
- roofliner - the M3 has the same low rent vinyl roof liner that the m235i has. Not impressed for an $80K+ car.

Hmmm…

which car exactly costs 50% more?!

Drive
The m235 was sublime in the way it drove. Watch the reviews. There's a reason why so many reviewers use words like "magic" and "love" and "I want to buy this car" when they test it. Do you hear the same words with the M3/4? No.

If you track the car and you care about the badge, the M3/4 will win.
But if you want a true driver's car, it's the m235 all the way!

Again, not out here to trash owners of the M3/4, just to say that if you're thinking about buying one (as I was), do yourself a favor and check out the m235i.
I've driven one, and I agree in many points. Enjoy your car.
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      09-04-2014, 12:08 AM   #3
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I think you should go to the M235i forum and enjoy your car!! Congrats
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Last edited by SakhirM4; 09-04-2014 at 02:25 AM..
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      09-04-2014, 12:11 AM   #4
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The F8X isn't for everyone, that's for sure. Enjoy your 235i in good health!
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      09-04-2014, 12:15 AM   #5
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I feel the same way. Waffling on my own m3 order for a m235. If I didn't need those damn extra doors

Frankly this is what manufacturers offer several options. To each his own.
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      09-04-2014, 12:15 AM   #6
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I did test drive M235i. It's fast and fun. But M4 is at another class. I've also been in many Porsches, M4's leather is higher quality, and I prefer to M4 interior to Porsche's.
Enjoy your 2 series.
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      09-04-2014, 12:16 AM   #7
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Congrats!
Is it Manual or Auto?
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      09-04-2014, 12:17 AM   #8
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My arm rest slides forward and back.
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      09-04-2014, 12:19 AM   #9
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The point is to get the car that you like. Enjoy your new ride.
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      09-04-2014, 12:27 AM   #10
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I test drove the M235i and definitely agree it is a special car. In places like the UK, the M235i is priced very aggressively W.R.T. the M3, like almost 1/2 the price. If I didn't need 4 doors, I would certainly consider the M235i, in fact, I like the color palette more for that car. It's easier to tick all the option boxes as there's less available for that car, while on the M3, I find myself a lot more reserved with my option choices.
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      09-04-2014, 12:38 AM   #11
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Your loss brah
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      09-04-2014, 12:41 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by parky1215 View Post
My arm rest slides forward and back.
My M4 does also, but I didn't know if it was an M3 vs M4 thing so I was like . But then again I'm not sure my door makes the correct "thunk" either so I may have bought the wrong car.


On a side note, do M3/4 owners go to the 235i forums and tell them how happy they are that they bought an M3/M4? Or does the phenomenon only work by buying a cheaper car and going to the more expensive car's forums and telling them how happy you are with your car that you spent less money on? How does this stuff work? Should I be going to a forum of a car that I didn't buy and telling everyone about mine? Am I missing out on some sort of fun?
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      09-04-2014, 12:45 AM   #13
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I can't say I agree. M4 is put together really well. Enjoy the smaller version.
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      09-04-2014, 12:50 AM   #14
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Saw my first one in person this morning on the way to work. It's a lot nicer looking than I've seen in pictures, but I want a saloon
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      09-04-2014, 12:52 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 04RC51 View Post
My M4 does also, but I didn't know if it was an M3 vs M4 thing so I was like . But then again I'm not sure my door makes the correct "thunk" either so I may have bought the wrong car.


On a side note, do M3/4 owners go to the 235i forums and tell them how happy they are that they bought an M3/M4? Or does the phenomenon only work by buying a cheaper car and going to the more expensive car's forums and telling them how happy you are with your car that you spent less money on? How does this stuff work? Should I be going to a forum of a car that I didn't buy and telling everyone about mine? Am I missing out on some sort of fun?
Guess I'm not alone
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      09-04-2014, 12:59 AM   #16
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Am I the only one who senses a lot of BS in this thread? I mean, who cares if u bought an m235i. Wouldn't you be more interested In going to the 2 series forum and telling them ur story rather than coming to the m4? Maybe it's just me.
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      09-04-2014, 01:37 AM   #17
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I think the m235i is the most overrated/overhyped car in the history of cars. It's good but it's not GREAT.
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      09-04-2014, 01:46 AM   #18
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m6 best looking car in bmw line
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      09-04-2014, 02:21 AM   #19
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Good for you for buying what YOU want. Congrats!!
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      09-04-2014, 02:26 AM   #20
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i test drove a m235i in Cali and it was pretty cool. i would never buy that over a M4 but to each their own......have fun with your 2 series!
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      09-04-2014, 02:33 AM   #21
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I also agree in many points but when u press full throttle the M4 its really more powerful than the M235. My Dad has the M235 and I have the M4, we exchange many times for fun and the result is for both side that the M4 is better in every ways... Its another world, Its just an M car and the M235 is not. The future M2 will be made for you I guess.

Enjoy your car because is a really great one.
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      09-04-2014, 02:36 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 04RC51 View Post
My M4 does also, but I didn't know if it was an M3 vs M4 thing so I was like . But then again I'm not sure my door makes the correct "thunk" either so I may have bought the wrong car.


On a side note, do M3/4 owners go to the 235i forums and tell them how happy they are that they bought an M3/M4? Or does the phenomenon only work by buying a cheaper car and going to the more expensive car's forums and telling them how happy you are with your car that you spent less money on? How does this stuff work? Should I be going to a forum of a car that I didn't buy and telling everyone about mine? Am I missing out on some sort of fun?
Just take it easy dude
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