Traded in the M235i

G-Mann · 05-28-2017, 09:36 AM

Enjoyed my 3 year 32,000 mile run with my m235i, finally came across something that I liked enough to buy. The M235i is/was a great fun car to drive that I will have fond memories of. It ranks at the top of the list for my all around favorite car.

I wanted a different experience and go a different direction, I ended up in a amg c43 coupe. Sufficient performance for my needs and a plusher cabin for my majority high way daily commute, loaded up fairly nice. They were willing to wheel and deal to seal it.

xantdieselx · 05-28-2017, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Mann

Enjoyed my 3 year 32,000 mile run with my m235i, finally came across something that I liked enough to buy. The M235i is/was a great fun car to drive that I will have fond memories of. It ranks at the top of the list for my all around favorite car.

I wanted a different experience and go a different direction, I ended up in a amg c43 coupe. Sufficient performance for my needs and a plusher cabin for my majority high way daily commute, loaded up fairly nice. They were willing to wheel and deal to seal it.

Congrats the Merc is sexy. Can you post some interior shots?

G-Mann · 05-28-2017, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xantdieselx

Congrats the Merc is sexy. Can you post some interior shots?

A few more shots

golf4501 · 05-28-2017, 01:47 PM

Sweet looking interior!

I think I have vertigo now though.

Dylan86 · 05-28-2017, 02:36 PM

What a beast, congrats.

B_Rice · 05-28-2017, 03:42 PM

Congrats!

brennok · 05-28-2017, 06:28 PM

Nice car.

I wish the C43 was more the size of the 2 series. I keep looking at it though and keeping it in mind for my next car. They never seem to be in stock locally.

wjones14 · 05-28-2017, 06:51 PM

Wow, that interior is SO nice. Good choice. Congrats!

xantdieselx · 05-28-2017, 07:01 PM

Gorgeous interior. Nice car. Good luck with it.

amw896 · 05-28-2017, 07:40 PM

Congrats man! Will miss a fellow 2er though. How is transmission on that beast?

bryan_G01 · 05-28-2017, 07:54 PM

least its not an audi

SlickShift · 05-28-2017, 08:23 PM

Gorgeous Merc! Seriously on the top of my list for my next car.

G-Mann · 05-29-2017, 02:30 AM

I appreciate the well wishes with the new ride. I went into the test drive thinking no way, boy was I surprised, this will make a great DD. Sports + mode is pretty interesting when coming to a stop with the performance exhaust. Makes for some interesting gurgles and pops. With the 2018's around the corner, some great deals can be had on 2017's sitting on the lot.

Not sure what is up with my photo postings. 3rd time I hope is a charm.

ORIGIN M. · 05-29-2017, 07:22 AM

Congratulations.

You have one gorgeous car.

BEM-S4 · 05-29-2017, 08:29 AM

Congrats, Good move going coupe over sedan so much better looking. Almost pulled the trigger on the sedan last fall (leftover 450) when they were super cheap.

Highway driving that's definitely better than the 235 you won't miss it there. Back roads you're giving up a little bit not much, and it's a nicer place inside to spend time.

SeanWRT · 05-29-2017, 09:43 AM

A comparison review is on the way please I suppose?

MichaelL · 05-29-2017, 12:29 PM

Great looking car. I 2nd the comparison review. Enjoy it!

G-Mann · 05-29-2017, 06:10 PM

The C43 might compare better to the 4 series, as expected the M235i feels a bit more nimble and predictable, particularly taking a corner fast. I think this might be more indicative of me being used to RWD, certainly the size and weight advantage of the m235i is playing a factor.

The throttle response in the C43 is better, IMO the delivery is a tad more immediate and controlled than the m235i, the 384 lb-ft torque is felt.

The factory exhaust note is better on the c43, the performance exhaust is tuned to perfection in sports + mode, delivering some exotic sounds when under fast acceleration and when coming to a stop, a very satisfactory factory setup.

I have yet to floor it but from the spirited runs I have made, the acceleration feels quick and the gear changes in the 9 speed are just as fast and crisp as the ZF, very impressed with the gear changes, down and up.

I have only driven in Sports + mode, it is firm yet comfortable over bumps, feels like the m235i sports mode and comfort mode all rolled into one.

A bit nicer touch points, more tech and customization on the C43 as expected with the money increase

Both are fantastic cars, but the c43 will run you a bit more money and those bits do not go unnoticed or unappreciated, the c43 delivers the luxury in luxury sports coupe. I test drove quite a few cars before pulling the trigger, the m235i is one tough car to replace, I do have to say I am very pleased with my choice.

AlpsRider · 06-01-2017, 04:58 PM

The C43 is a nice looking car. Before buying my M235, I tried out the C400. The transmission seemed a bit sloppy and the front end felt a bit heavy. I also noticed air leaks around the window. I'll have to go try a C43 out to check out the improvements. Did you ever try the C400?

Luftwaffe1O1 · 06-01-2017, 05:29 PM

The C43 coupe is a very nice car, I had thought about this exact change when my lease was nearing its end last month. But in the end I kept the 2, the benz was a bit more, and at that price range jumping up a bit nets you an M3 almost.

Viffermike · 06-01-2017, 05:36 PM

Just stunning. The new M-B design language is really appealing to me ...

... and looks like I'm gonna be fairly close behind you in terms of trading up from the 2 Series ...

beenthere1 · 06-02-2017, 08:09 AM

As a counter-point, I too was experimenting with a C43 (although in sedan guise). I was flatly disappointed.

The C43 wallowed and rolled into corners no matter what suspension mode I chose (including Sport plus with the "extra" hard suspension button pushed twice near the infotainment controller.) The car felt "bouncy" as if it was working very hard to smooth out the bumps. While that may be an admirably trait in comfort mode, it was irritating in spirited driving. I felt the body control was no better than the C300.

The exhaust was amusing but quickly became an irritation. The C43 has a higher pitched note akin to an Italian exotic -- sounds good right? The issue becomes the exhaust is a one trick pony: BAWWWWWWWWWW. There is a single repetitive loud sound for every single action. This includes when the sport exhaust was on and off.

Acceleration was quite good -- no question. Mercedes has perfected the low-end toque and no matter what I was doing, I couldn't catch the car without power.

I think the steering was less communicative than my M235. Sure, it was direct but it imparted even less info that what I was used to.

Finally, the engine brake behavior was ridiculous. This only occurs in sport plus, but lifting off the throttle felt like a simultaneous press of the brake! The M235 handles this in a much more organic and mechanical feeling way.

The interior rocks but it was no different from the base C.

All criticisms aside, the C platform is very very good. I don't think the C300 lacks for power to justify the major price differential in the C43. Moreover, since the handling wasn't better in the C43, I don't see the value proposition for a car stickering at $65,000 (or even $60,000 reasonably equipped).

The C's biggest issue is having to bear the comparison to the M235

05-28-2017, 09:36 AM	#1
G-Mann Captain 413 Rep 678 Posts Drives: M4CX Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Traded in the M235i Enjoyed my 3 year 32,000 mile run with my m235i, finally came across something that I liked enough to buy. The M235i is/was a great fun car to drive that I will have fond memories of. It ranks at the top of the list for my all around favorite car. I wanted a different experience and go a different direction, I ended up in a amg c43 coupe. Sufficient performance for my needs and a plusher cabin for my majority high way daily commute, loaded up fairly nice. They were willing to wheel and deal to seal it. Attached Images __________________ 2022 M4 Comp X 2021 M440ix - Sold 2015 M235 - Sold
	Appreciate 4 amw896582.50 aelarson45.00 Viffermike1753.00 ORIGIN M.3160.50 Tweet Quote

05-28-2017, 01:47 PM	#4
golf4501 Lieutenant 105 Rep 587 Posts Drives: 2020 M2C Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: chicagoland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M2C [0.00]	Sweet looking interior! I think I have vertigo now though.
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05-28-2017, 02:36 PM	#5
Dylan86 Colonel 1330 Rep 2,214 Posts Drives: F15d msport, F22 m235i Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	What a beast, congrats.
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05-28-2017, 03:42 PM	#6
B_Rice Lieutenant 219 Rep 518 Posts Drives: 6spd Estoril Blue M235i Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Congrats! __________________ Estoril Blue 6spd M235i LSD Sunroof delete AWE touring exhaust Fabspeed sport cat
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05-28-2017, 06:28 PM	#7
brennok New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: MKV R32 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Nice car. I wish the C43 was more the size of the 2 series. I keep looking at it though and keeping it in mind for my next car. They never seem to be in stock locally.
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05-28-2017, 06:51 PM	#8
wjones14 Captain 659 Rep 891 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Niantic CT iTrader: (0)	Wow, that interior is SO nice. Good choice. Congrats! __________________ Vehicles: 2021 Alpine White M2C 6MT; 2011 Kawasaki Z1000 (1/4 mile 10.3 seconds @ 129 mph - stock) Previous: 2018 Camaro 2SS 1LE 6MT; 2015 BMW M235i 6MT; 2015 Mini Cooper F56 6MT; 2005 Mustang GT 5MT; 2003 Mini Cooper R50 5MT
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05-28-2017, 07:01 PM	#9
xantdieselx Kingslayer 411 Rep 1,479 Posts Drives: 23' M3 Base Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: SWFL iTrader: (0)	Gorgeous interior. Nice car. Good luck with it. __________________ Previous Cars: 2008' 135i, 2010' 328i, 2013' 328i, 2016' M235i, 2017' X1, 2019' M240i Current Cars: 2019' X3, 2021' M3 Comp
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05-28-2017, 07:40 PM	#10
amw896 Major 583 Rep 1,117 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M235i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: ontario iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M235i [10.00]	Congrats man! Will miss a fellow 2er though. How is transmission on that beast?
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05-28-2017, 07:54 PM	#11
bryan_G01 Lieutenant Colonel 1165 Rep 1,931 Posts Drives: like i stole it... Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	least its not an audi __________________ www.nybmwcca.org Current Cars: 1995 M3 Coupe Manual Alpine White 1997 M3 Sedan Auto Cosmo Black Metallic 2018 x3 m40 Auto Grey Metallic
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05-28-2017, 08:23 PM	#12
SlickShift Lieutenant Colonel 323 Rep 1,804 Posts Drives: '11 BMW E90 M3 ZCP, '21 X5 ZMP Join Date: May 2007 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (7)	Gorgeous Merc! Seriously on the top of my list for my next car. __________________ -Nick 2018 BMW 440i - M Sport, Exec Glacier Silver Metallic/Coral Red Dakota Retired: '00 323i, '06 325Ci, '09 135i, '06 Z4M Roadster, '93 525i, '76 2002, '14 X1, '14 M235i, '16 X4, '16 435i
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05-29-2017, 02:30 AM	#13
G-Mann Captain 413 Rep 678 Posts Drives: M4CX Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I appreciate the well wishes with the new ride. I went into the test drive thinking no way, boy was I surprised, this will make a great DD. Sports + mode is pretty interesting when coming to a stop with the performance exhaust. Makes for some interesting gurgles and pops. With the 2018's around the corner, some great deals can be had on 2017's sitting on the lot. Not sure what is up with my photo postings. 3rd time I hope is a charm. Attached Images __________________ 2022 M4 Comp X 2021 M440ix - Sold 2015 M235 - Sold
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05-29-2017, 07:22 AM	#14
ORIGIN M. Banned 3161 Rep 9,134 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Hemisphere iTrader: (0)	Congratulations. You have one gorgeous car.
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05-29-2017, 08:29 AM	#15
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	Congrats, Good move going coupe over sedan so much better looking. Almost pulled the trigger on the sedan last fall (leftover 450) when they were super cheap. Highway driving that's definitely better than the 235 you won't miss it there. Back roads you're giving up a little bit not much, and it's a nicer place inside to spend time. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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05-29-2017, 09:43 AM	#16
SeanWRT Colonel 3179 Rep 2,577 Posts Drives: E90 M3 & F87 M2 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Shanghai iTrader: (1)	A comparison review is on the way please I suppose? __________________ Lemania 2320
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05-29-2017, 12:29 PM	#17
MichaelL Private First Class 42 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 2015 228i MSport Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (0)	Great looking car. I 2nd the comparison review. Enjoy it!
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05-29-2017, 06:10 PM	#18
G-Mann Captain 413 Rep 678 Posts Drives: M4CX Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	The C43 might compare better to the 4 series, as expected the M235i feels a bit more nimble and predictable, particularly taking a corner fast. I think this might be more indicative of me being used to RWD, certainly the size and weight advantage of the m235i is playing a factor. The throttle response in the C43 is better, IMO the delivery is a tad more immediate and controlled than the m235i, the 384 lb-ft torque is felt. The factory exhaust note is better on the c43, the performance exhaust is tuned to perfection in sports + mode, delivering some exotic sounds when under fast acceleration and when coming to a stop, a very satisfactory factory setup. I have yet to floor it but from the spirited runs I have made, the acceleration feels quick and the gear changes in the 9 speed are just as fast and crisp as the ZF, very impressed with the gear changes, down and up. I have only driven in Sports + mode, it is firm yet comfortable over bumps, feels like the m235i sports mode and comfort mode all rolled into one. A bit nicer touch points, more tech and customization on the C43 as expected with the money increase Both are fantastic cars, but the c43 will run you a bit more money and those bits do not go unnoticed or unappreciated, the c43 delivers the luxury in luxury sports coupe. I test drove quite a few cars before pulling the trigger, the m235i is one tough car to replace, I do have to say I am very pleased with my choice. __________________ 2022 M4 Comp X 2021 M440ix - Sold 2015 M235 - Sold
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06-01-2017, 04:58 PM	#19
AlpsRider Brigadier General 2865 Rep 3,842 Posts Drives: M2 Competition, LBB, 6MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	The C43 is a nice looking car. Before buying my M235, I tried out the C400. The transmission seemed a bit sloppy and the front end felt a bit heavy. I also noticed air leaks around the window. I'll have to go try a C43 out to check out the improvements. Did you ever try the C400?
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06-01-2017, 05:29 PM	#20
Luftwaffe1O1 Lieutenant 230 Rep 555 Posts Drives: M235i, 2000 Z3 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	The C43 coupe is a very nice car, I had thought about this exact change when my lease was nearing its end last month. But in the end I kept the 2, the benz was a bit more, and at that price range jumping up a bit nets you an M3 almost. __________________
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06-01-2017, 05:36 PM	#21
Viffermike Colonel 1753 Rep 2,942 Posts Drives: '18 black-n-blue 718 Cayman Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Big D iTrader: (0)	Just stunning. The new M-B design language is really appealing to me ... ... and looks like I'm gonna be fairly close behind you in terms of trading up from the 2 Series ... __________________ --Life is a journey made more exciting with a fast car.-- --Helmets are for closers.-- <<Current: "Blackened" '18 NBM Porsche 718 Cayman ... Gone (but not forgotten): "Blackened" MG '15 228i M Sport w/aFe filter/scoop, Hertz drivers, P3Cars multigauge, other goodies>>
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06-02-2017, 08:09 AM	#22
beenthere1 Private 28 Rep 98 Posts Drives: m340i xdrive, x3 m40i Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Phila iTrader: (0)	As a counter-point, I too was experimenting with a C43 (although in sedan guise). I was flatly disappointed. The C43 wallowed and rolled into corners no matter what suspension mode I chose (including Sport plus with the "extra" hard suspension button pushed twice near the infotainment controller.) The car felt "bouncy" as if it was working very hard to smooth out the bumps. While that may be an admirably trait in comfort mode, it was irritating in spirited driving. I felt the body control was no better than the C300. The exhaust was amusing but quickly became an irritation. The C43 has a higher pitched note akin to an Italian exotic -- sounds good right? The issue becomes the exhaust is a one trick pony: BAWWWWWWWWWW. There is a single repetitive loud sound for every single action. This includes when the sport exhaust was on and off. Acceleration was quite good -- no question. Mercedes has perfected the low-end toque and no matter what I was doing, I couldn't catch the car without power. I think the steering was less communicative than my M235. Sure, it was direct but it imparted even less info that what I was used to. Finally, the engine brake behavior was ridiculous. This only occurs in sport plus, but lifting off the throttle felt like a simultaneous press of the brake! The M235 handles this in a much more organic and mechanical feeling way. The interior rocks but it was no different from the base C. All criticisms aside, the C platform is very very good. I don't think the C300 lacks for power to justify the major price differential in the C43. Moreover, since the handling wasn't better in the C43, I don't see the value proposition for a car stickering at $65,000 (or even $60,000 reasonably equipped). The C's biggest issue is having to bear the comparison to the M235
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