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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum BMW 2 Series (F22) Forum BMW 2 Series Coupe and Cabriolet (F22/F23) General Forum M235i - Is it BMW's Salvation?

View Poll Results: Is the M235i superior in design to the 435i coupe?
The M235i is superior in design to the 435i coupe. 54 75.00%
The M235i is inferior in design to the 435i coupe. 18 25.00%
Voters: 72. You may not vote on this poll

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      01-01-2014, 03:35 PM   #1
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M235i - Is it BMW's Salvation?

Hi all:

I always appreciate everyone's comments/opinion, so here we go...
Like most, I loved the outgoing 335i coupe design, and find the incoming 435i coupe (and 4-door for that matter) to be butt ugly - horrible slanting front hood; ugly taillights; ridiculous black-coloured side vents; uninspiring front lights, etc. I had pretty much given up on BMW until I saw the M235i coupe.

My thoughts are go with the M235i (as opposed to 228i), w auto shift paddles, premium pkg, with either Mineral White or Mineral Grey on Terra, and skip the X-drive (to keep the cost down).

A few questions? How much is a LSD (limited slip differential) option going to cost in Canada, and is it really worth the money? Is forgoing X-drive (to save $) a good idea, if one uses snow tires (i.e., is x-drive's 180lbs extra weight that bad given the faster acceleration at launch with it, and can snow tires be avoided with it?). How about that Terra interior colour - is it similar to the beloved saddle brown or much reddier? Any pics of Terra?

A few concerns about the car. Is the rear-seat legroom still pathetic to accommodate an adult comfortably like the 335i could? What colours do the brake calipers come in, and can they be ordered w/o any colour? With perforated M holes in the brake discs or is that an add-on too? I think the design of the M235i (though by no means perfect) is far better than the incoming 435i - your thoughts? I realize that $55K for an entry level BMW is steep, so perhaps the M235i isn't the answer to our 3-series prayers? Or is it?
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      01-01-2014, 03:53 PM   #2
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... Oh by the way, opt for the non-run flat tires too. Also thinking of passing on 19' rims, otherwise the cost goes way up too. Thoughts?
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      01-01-2014, 04:10 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg007 View Post
Hi all:

I always appreciate everyone's comments/opinion, so here we go...
Like most, I loved the outgoing 335i coupe design, and find the incoming 435i coupe (and 4-door for that matter) to be butt ugly - horrible slanting front hood; ugly taillights; ridiculous black-coloured side vents; uninspiring front lights, etc. I had pretty much given up on BMW until I saw the M235i coupe.

My thoughts are go with the M235i (as opposed to 228i), w auto shift paddles, premium pkg, with either Mineral White or Mineral Grey on Terra, and skip the X-drive (to keep the cost down).

A few questions? How much is a LSD (limited slip differential) option going to cost in Canada, and is it really worth the money? Is forgoing X-drive (to save $) a good idea, if one uses snow tires (i.e., is x-drive's 180lbs extra weight that bad given the faster acceleration at launch with it, and can snow tires be avoided with it?). How about that Terra interior colour - is it similar to the beloved saddle brown or much reddier? Any pics of Terra?

A few concerns about the car. Is the rear-seat legroom still pathetic to accommodate an adult comfortably like the 335i could? What colours do the brake calipers come in, and can they be ordered w/o any colour? With perforated M holes in the brake discs or is that an add-on too? I think the design of the M235i (though by no means perfect) is far better than the incoming 435i - your thoughts? I realize that $55K for an entry level BMW is steep, so perhaps the M235i isn't the answer to our 3-series prayers? Or is it?
unfortunately most of the questions you have are the same questions many others have. LSD information has not been announced. It will most likely be a performance part installed at port.

personally, even on my e82, I have never had complaints of rear leg room. People are always surprised once they get in how spacious it is, compared to their initial thoughts.

Brake calipers on the M235i come in blue only. If you want red, orange, or gold?, then you need to get the BMW performance brakes.

The new X5 has terra interior. Here is a pic. I went and saw it in person. Still not sure about it. In normal lighting conditions it is brown, just as I like it. But I saw another model out in the sun, and it looked really clear/more orange.
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      01-01-2014, 04:18 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greenkirby21 View Post
unfortunately most of the questions you have are the same questions many others have. LSD information has not been announced. It will most likely be a performance part installed at port.

personally, even on my e82, I have never had complaints of rear leg room. People are always surprised once they get in how spacious it is, compared to their initial thoughts.

Brake calipers on the M235i come in blue only. If you want red, orange, or gold?, then you need to get the BMW performance brakes.

The new X5 has terra interior. Here is a pic. I went and saw it in person. Still not sure about it. In normal lighting conditions it is brown, just as I like it. But I saw another model out in the sun, and it looked really clear/more orange.
Picture?

I think the M-performance brakes also has the vented discs that the OP asked about? Not sure though
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      01-01-2014, 04:58 PM   #5
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I believe 2-series is the best car in BMW lineup. It is the closest approximation of BMW 2002 which made the brand world-famous. It also fixes most of 1-series flaws such as "puppy-eye" headlights, slow steering and harsh sport suspension.

In my eyes 2-series even surpasses 4-series because it is easier to park/see out of, nimbler, faster and more practical due to superior rear headroom. And let's not forget 2-series also has more precise gearbox sourced from M3/M4.

The only real problem with 2-series is possible teething problems associated with first year of production which may include sloppy build quality (similarly to first production runs of F30 3-series, just look up F30 wind-noise threads to see what I mean). I hope BMW learned its lesson on this one.
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      01-01-2014, 04:58 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Anodite10 View Post
Picture?

I think the M-performance brakes also has the vented discs that the OP asked about? Not sure though
yes the M performance brakes should have vented discs.

Some pics:





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      01-01-2014, 08:53 PM   #7
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Is this car expected to drive almost identically to the m135i??

That car has received criticism for being a little bit soft.
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      01-01-2014, 09:59 PM   #8
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Since we are talking about options:

I wanted to go with the Radio Professional only, no Nav.
Has someone already used that? Is it any good or do I have to order at least the cheapest Nav. (2K extra in germany)

Also if I go with a non M235i I can either have the M suspension (-10mm) or the "Adaptive Suspension with M Package" (also -10mm).
I personally would like to have some comfort if needed and to have a stiff enough suspension when its in Sport+...
Has anybody any experiences?
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      01-01-2014, 10:52 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ganxxta View Post
Since we are talking about options:

I wanted to go with the Radio Professional only, no Nav.
Has someone already used that? Is it any good or do I have to order at least the cheapest Nav. (2K extra in germany)

Also if I go with a non M235i I can either have the M suspension (-10mm) or the "Adaptive Suspension with M Package" (also -10mm).
I personally would like to have some comfort if needed and to have a stiff enough suspension when its in Sport+...
Has anybody any experiences?
I think the M235i has the premium hifi radio as standard. I read this earlier somewhere, I think for the M135i. Its cause it plays the sound through the speakers
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      01-02-2014, 05:23 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greenkirby21
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anodite10 View Post
Picture?

I think the M-performance brakes also has the vented discs that the OP asked about? Not sure though
yes the M performance brakes should have vented discs.

Some pics:





Whats do these pics have anything to do with the M perf brakes??????
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      01-02-2014, 05:31 PM   #11
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Thx for posting some pics of the Terra interior - looks really nice and very similar to the beloved saddle brown of past - am I correct? I.e., saddle brown has an oranginess to it too.

What about the LSD - is it really necessary, if one wants to save cost?
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      01-04-2014, 07:38 AM   #12
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The 435 looks more sleeker. The 235 is too tall and has a truncated trunk. I think most would agree that money not being an object, they would choose the 435.
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      01-04-2014, 09:54 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chiphead View Post
I think most would agree that money not being an object, they would choose the 435.
I would not. I don't care for the larger size of the 3/4 Series now, the 1/2 Series size is perfect for my use.
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      01-04-2014, 01:59 PM   #14
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I just got back from a 435i test drive. Wow! My dealer won't have their M235i until March.

I agree with chiphead. I think the 435i design is superior to the M235i. The 435i has a more elegant and coherent design IMO.

I'm withholding judgement until I drive the M235i but it's got a pretty high bar now.


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      01-04-2014, 06:13 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chiphead
The 435 looks more sleeker. The 235 is too tall and has a truncated trunk. I think most would agree that money not being an object, they would choose the 435.
The 435i is for fat old people. I am neither fat nor old. I'll take my 2er in VO please...
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      01-04-2014, 09:07 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chiphead
The 435 looks more sleeker. The 235 is too tall and has a truncated trunk. I think most would agree that money not being an object, they would choose the 435.
I want the specs/cost of the m235i in a 4er msport.... That would be the perfect car
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      01-04-2014, 09:41 PM   #17
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435 fails to meet even E92 335i m-sport for driving dynamics according to several sources...
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      01-04-2014, 10:03 PM   #18
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I lol'ed when i read "performance brake holes"

jokes aside, i also agree that the coupe (aka 4 series) is one of the worst designs, not saying it looks ugly. it just doesnt have that bmw appeal to it, its too big and its trying to look like an audi S5ish. then they try to be cute with the headlights going to the grills.....but the M3 sedan looks good
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      01-05-2014, 05:24 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmerjph View Post
The 435i is for fat old people. I am neither fat nor old. I'll take my 2er in VO please...
i'm neither

But I can definitely see the appeal in the M235 - heck it's lighter with more power, you can't go wrong with that! Appearance wise it's the F32 for me all day - wider and lower ftw. That said I expect to have my doors blown off by the 235 once they start hitting the streets here in socal lol.
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      01-05-2014, 12:49 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 435iaffair
Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmerjph View Post
The 435i is for fat old people. I am neither fat nor old. I'll take my 2er in VO please...
i'm neither

But I can definitely see the appeal in the M235 - heck it's lighter with more power, you can't go wrong with that! Appearance wise it's the F32 for me all day - wider and lower ftw. That said I expect to have my doors blown off by the 235 once they start hitting the streets here in socal lol.
I applaud you for not taking my troll bait.

Yeah, weight and suspension softness are the main reasons I don't like the f3x.
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      01-12-2014, 01:01 AM   #21
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I dont like the front of 4 series. I didnt like the rear of 2 series but getting used to it.
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      01-18-2014, 02:46 PM   #22
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OK since I started this thread, I'll continue on with some comments.

First off, IMO the M235i is by no means perfect, but it sure beats the butt ugly 435i!

Now a few major concerns about the M235i that I need all your input on.
i) I've sat in a 1 series and I like to extend the front seat back, and found the rear legroom poor. The M235i is only marginally bigger, so I suspect the rear legroom will be poor also.

ii) Still not convinced that the mperf brakes come perforated, not that that's a deal braker.

iii) LSD is nice but probably an expensive option, and really isn't needed unless you race on a track (so the dealer says), so again probably a waste of money?

iv) I've seen the Terra interior in a small cloth sample, and possibly on an X5 and it is not similar to the beloved saddle brown. It is browner and has a hint of burgundy in it, and I'm not sure I like it at all?

Assuming points i-iii aren't deal breakers, where do we go from here re point iv? I pretty much wanted to go with mineral white exterior and the only logical interior w/b Terra, but it isn't sporty enough looking like the beloved saddle brown. Sadly, I don't think there is a colour combo that works for the M235i and I'm leaning towards passing on it. Does anyone have any pics of mineral white on Terra in a real photo of the car so I can confirm my concern?

Your thoughts/comments w/b most appreciated!
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