M235i Test drive.
Discussion
aeropilot said:
I don't get the comparison between a M235 and a Boxter.....???
One is a 2dr, 4 seat sports saloon (forget this coupe marketing crap) with reasonable levels of practicality and the other is a 2 seat open top sports car with next to no practicality.
I can understand someone looking at a Z4 and comparing price with a Boxter, but not the M235....bizarre.
I compare the M235 with a Cayman as both are potential cars on my list for my next car, practicality doesnt come into it for me.One is a 2dr, 4 seat sports saloon (forget this coupe marketing crap) with reasonable levels of practicality and the other is a 2 seat open top sports car with next to no practicality.
I can understand someone looking at a Z4 and comparing price with a Boxter, but not the M235....bizarre.
As for the Z4 im simply not a fan.
Jim909 said:
I compare the M235 with a Cayman as both are potential cars on my list for my next car, practicality doesnt come into it for me.
As for the Z4 im simply not a fan.
If practicality doesn't come into it, then for god's sake get the Cayman! Straight line speed wears off quickly.As for the Z4 im simply not a fan.
The current Z4 is as sharp a drivers tool as a Morris Marina.
Quite a few have chopped in Boxsters and Caymans for an M135i; the M235i is a closer fit so I can imagine a fair few going to these.
I found a week with a 4 series a PITA (I have kids and a dog do need a hatch or estate. Or van) and the M135i is already firm enough ruling the 2 out but I can see it being very popular. I doubt you could get £6k off a car to order like I did with ours though.
Quite a few have chopped in Boxsters and Caymans for an M135i; the M235i is a closer fit so I can imagine a fair few going to these.
I found a week with a 4 series a PITA (I have kids and a dog do need a hatch or estate. Or van) and the M135i is already firm enough ruling the 2 out but I can see it being very popular. I doubt you could get £6k off a car to order like I did with ours though.
First thing on Saturday morning I went for a stroll to me local BMW dealer to discuss a possible deal. This meeting was rather disappointing he once again failed to give me an offer. Instead he said he would match the best offer Ive received to date. This annoyed me because it was almost as if he wanted me to scout the land for the best deal, despite me telling him what my best deal was. He just didn't seem prepared to give me solid figures (all I wanted him to do was give me a print out of his best quote / offer). Until I gave him a deposit lol. Wasn't impressed
A few hours later a friend of mine came to collect me so we could head to the dealer in Kent. That experience was far better we discussed the options and they gave me quotes and figures (all on pieces of paper). During my time there I asked whether I could drive their [U]M235i[/U]
.This particular car came in Alpine White and had tanned interior. It also cam equipped the BMW's M Performance exhaust, which sounded absolutely amazing.... From the outside. From the inside (with the windows closed you could barely hear it).
What was the drive like - As good as the M135i I test drove about a month ago. This test drive was a lot better because I given the opportunity to take it down some tight B Roads
. This is where the car really shines. Sod dual carriageway / motorway cruising. I love me some twisties. This car really knows how to tackle them.With regards to the interior. There was nothing new (when compared to the M135i). Which it me, wasn't a bad thing. In fact I loved it.
Overall a great car. The only downside is that it a little big. I preferred the small more compact size of the old 1 series coupé. This just looks like a slighter smaller 3 series.
The1Driver said:
First thing on Saturday morning I went for a stroll to me local BMW dealer to discuss a possible deal. This meeting was rather disappointing he once again failed to give me an offer. Instead he said he would match the best offer Ive received to date. This annoyed me because it was almost as if he wanted me to scout the land for the best deal, despite me telling him what my best deal was. He just didn't seem prepared to give me solid figures (all I wanted him to do was give me a print out of his best quote / offer). Until I gave him a deposit lol. Wasn't impressed
A few hours later a friend of mine came to collect me so we could head to the dealer in Kent. That experience was far better we discussed the options and they gave me quotes and figures (all on pieces of paper). During my time there I asked whether I could drive their [U]M235i[/U].
This particular car came in Alpine White and had tanned interior. It also cam equipped the BMW's M Performance exhaust, which sounded absolutely amazing.... From the outside. From the inside (with the windows closed you could barely hear it).
What was the drive like - As good as the M135i I test drove about a month ago. This test drive was a lot better because I given the opportunity to take it down some tight B Roads . This is where the car really shines. Sod dual carriageway / motorway cruising. I love me some twisties. This car really knows how to tackle them.
With regards to the interior. There was nothing new (when compared to the M135i). Which it me, wasn't a bad thing. In fact I loved it.
Overall a great car. The only downside is that it a little big. I preferred the small more compact size of the old 1 series coupé. This just looks like a slighter smaller 3 series.
How does Alpine white look in the flesh? I test drove the car on the weekend and me and the other half absolutely loved it. In fact we preferred it to the E93 M3 we test drove. We had a black demonstration car, but I think it doesn't show off the cars lines much. I haven't seen it in any other colours in the flesh because it's too new. Currently trying to decide between Mineral White, Mineral Grey and Black. This is definitely the right choice over the M3. The M3 was nice, but the M235i was way more fun and involving to drive.A few hours later a friend of mine came to collect me so we could head to the dealer in Kent. That experience was far better we discussed the options and they gave me quotes and figures (all on pieces of paper). During my time there I asked whether I could drive their [U]M235i[/U]
.This particular car came in Alpine White and had tanned interior. It also cam equipped the BMW's M Performance exhaust, which sounded absolutely amazing.... From the outside. From the inside (with the windows closed you could barely hear it).
What was the drive like - As good as the M135i I test drove about a month ago. This test drive was a lot better because I given the opportunity to take it down some tight B Roads
. This is where the car really shines. Sod dual carriageway / motorway cruising. I love me some twisties. This car really knows how to tackle them.With regards to the interior. There was nothing new (when compared to the M135i). Which it me, wasn't a bad thing. In fact I loved it.
Overall a great car. The only downside is that it a little big. I preferred the small more compact size of the old 1 series coupé. This just looks like a slighter smaller 3 series.
Any advice on what colour people think it looks best in? I'm interested in your opinions.
The1Driver said:
The only downside is that it a little big. I preferred the small more compact size of the old 1 series coupé. This just looks like a slighter smaller 3 series.
This was my feeling as well - and one of the reasons I won't be buying one.That's also very disappointing you can't hear the BMWP exhaust inside the car! You can certainly hear the PE from inside the old car - as I have one on my E82 135i
Volition said:
How does Alpine white look in the flesh? I test drove the car on the weekend and me and the other half absolutely loved it. In fact we preferred it to the E93 M3 we test drove. We had a black demonstration car, but I think it doesn't show off the cars lines much. I haven't seen it in any other colours in the flesh because it's too new. Currently trying to decide between Mineral White, Mineral Grey and Black. This is definitely the right choice over the M3. The M3 was nice, but the M235i was way more fun and involving to drive.
Any advice on what colour people think it looks best in? I'm interested in your opinions.
Looked really goon in AW. Any advice on what colour people think it looks best in? I'm interested in your opinions.
I think I'd either go with White or Black!
outnumbered said:
The1Driver said:
The only downside is that it a little big. I preferred the small more compact size of the old 1 series coupé. This just looks like a slighter smaller 3 series.
I just checked, and it's actually the same length as an E36 coupe. So it's actually as big as a 3 series !I still really fancy a M235i though as I didn't get on with my E92 M3 very well as for me it was too comfy heavy & grown up but I think this could tick many boxes for me.
Volition said:
I really want to test drive the M235i. We currently have a Z4 35i, with the DCT gear box and we're looking to upgrade to something a little more practical.
The M3 was on our list, but having test driven one, it doesn't make sense to us. Yes it's powerful and still has the DCT gearbox, but it's quite dated now (in comparison to the 2 and 4 series), a little big for what we want and it will come with M associated running costs. This has now got us thinking about buying an M235i as an alternative to the Z4. On paper the M235i is supposed to be quicker than the Z4, but I can't see how when it has the 8 speed auto gearbox.
I could have written exactly the above myself...The M3 was on our list, but having test driven one, it doesn't make sense to us. Yes it's powerful and still has the DCT gearbox, but it's quite dated now (in comparison to the 2 and 4 series), a little big for what we want and it will come with M associated running costs. This has now got us thinking about buying an M235i as an alternative to the Z4. On paper the M235i is supposed to be quicker than the Z4, but I can't see how when it has the 8 speed auto gearbox.
Also considered a GLA45 but the body shape especially from the back is horrible. Test driving a m235i in the next day or so and also got a RSQ3 on my list to drive.
aeropilot said:
I don't get the comparison between a M235 and a Boxter.....???
One is a 2dr, 4 seat sports saloon (forget this coupe marketing crap) with reasonable levels of practicality and the other is a 2 seat open top sports car with next to no practicality.
I can understand someone looking at a Z4 and comparing price with a Boxter, but not the M235....bizarre.
I don't think it's bizarre at all, I'm looking at the following to replace my M3.One is a 2dr, 4 seat sports saloon (forget this coupe marketing crap) with reasonable levels of practicality and the other is a 2 seat open top sports car with next to no practicality.
I can understand someone looking at a Z4 and comparing price with a Boxter, but not the M235....bizarre.
Cayman/M6/e63/RS6/911 or the new M3 or even a Cayenne diesel S!
aeropilot said:
Had a drive of this M235 at my dealership this afternoon.
My dealer only registered it on Friday, and I was the first to take it on a demo drive, so with only 10 miles on the clock, it wasn’t a full on test drive, but I’ve been promised another longer go if I want in a months time once it’s run in.
It was a fully optioned car given a dealer demo, so ZF8 auto, adaptive dampers, leccy heated seats, Harmon Kardon audio, adaptive xenons, Navigation etc.,etc.
So, what did I think of it.
As I suspected, I hated the electric steering, too vague in feel, although it gives a false impression of being ‘sporty & direct’ because of the 2.0:1 ratio but it not having an oil temp gauge, given how long it takes the N55 to warm up, is just daft IMHO. Instead you’ve got all this eco pro save the planet gubbins.
It’s a very nice car for what it is & rides a lot better than a stock E82 135 did, and it’s way more comfortable.
But......
And this is a big but for me, it didn’t put a smile on my face, and to me it feels like a E92 335i replacement rather than an E82 135i replacement given the size increase and ‘softening’ of the car compared to an E82 135i. To be honest you could close your eyes and be driving a 3 Series or even a 5 Series the way it drives. For the vast majority of people buying this car, I suspect that will be seen as a good thing, but it definitely lacks that ‘rawness’ and compact, small, terrier like nature that the E82 has, and as good as the ZF8 auto is, I prefer the DCT gearbox. Again, the DCT just has that more mechanical feel to it.
So, I might take up the offer of a longer drive in a months time, but I can’t see me replacing my 135i with a M235. When I feel the physical need for something ‘softer’ and more wafty, with a conventional auto ‘box again I’ll replace the 135 when the time comes with a Jag or a Rangie.
As a fellow M135i owner, I was wondering what your 'performance' options are for replacing the M? I can't currently see past something along the lines of the forthcoming WRX STI (sacrificing cabin quality and perhaps image for AWD and better handling), the Golf R - just as fast, better in the wet or the S3 (essentially an R with an Audi badge).My dealer only registered it on Friday, and I was the first to take it on a demo drive, so with only 10 miles on the clock, it wasn’t a full on test drive, but I’ve been promised another longer go if I want in a months time once it’s run in.
It was a fully optioned car given a dealer demo, so ZF8 auto, adaptive dampers, leccy heated seats, Harmon Kardon audio, adaptive xenons, Navigation etc.,etc.
So, what did I think of it.
As I suspected, I hated the electric steering, too vague in feel, although it gives a false impression of being ‘sporty & direct’ because of the 2.0:1 ratio but it not having an oil temp gauge, given how long it takes the N55 to warm up, is just daft IMHO. Instead you’ve got all this eco pro save the planet gubbins.
It’s a very nice car for what it is & rides a lot better than a stock E82 135 did, and it’s way more comfortable.
But......
And this is a big but for me, it didn’t put a smile on my face, and to me it feels like a E92 335i replacement rather than an E82 135i replacement given the size increase and ‘softening’ of the car compared to an E82 135i. To be honest you could close your eyes and be driving a 3 Series or even a 5 Series the way it drives. For the vast majority of people buying this car, I suspect that will be seen as a good thing, but it definitely lacks that ‘rawness’ and compact, small, terrier like nature that the E82 has, and as good as the ZF8 auto is, I prefer the DCT gearbox. Again, the DCT just has that more mechanical feel to it.
So, I might take up the offer of a longer drive in a months time, but I can’t see me replacing my 135i with a M235. When I feel the physical need for something ‘softer’ and more wafty, with a conventional auto ‘box again I’ll replace the 135 when the time comes with a Jag or a Rangie.
Volition said:
I really want to test drive the M235i. We currently have a Z4 35i, with the DCT gear box and we're looking to upgrade to something a little more practical.
The M3 was on our list, but having test driven one, it doesn't make sense to us. Yes it's powerful and still has the DCT gearbox, but it's quite dated now (in comparison to the 2 and 4 series), a little big for what we want and it will come with M associated running costs. This has now got us thinking about buying an M235i as an alternative to the Z4. On paper the M235i is supposed to be quicker than the Z4, but I can't see how when it has the 8 speed auto gearbox.
Probably because it has the auto.The M3 was on our list, but having test driven one, it doesn't make sense to us. Yes it's powerful and still has the DCT gearbox, but it's quite dated now (in comparison to the 2 and 4 series), a little big for what we want and it will come with M associated running costs. This has now got us thinking about buying an M235i as an alternative to the Z4. On paper the M235i is supposed to be quicker than the Z4, but I can't see how when it has the 8 speed auto gearbox.
Patrick Bateman said:
Volition said:
I really want to test drive the M235i. We currently have a Z4 35i, with the DCT gear box and we're looking to upgrade to something a little more practical.
The M3 was on our list, but having test driven one, it doesn't make sense to us. Yes it's powerful and still has the DCT gearbox, but it's quite dated now (in comparison to the 2 and 4 series), a little big for what we want and it will come with M associated running costs. This has now got us thinking about buying an M235i as an alternative to the Z4. On paper the M235i is supposed to be quicker than the Z4, but I can't see how when it has the 8 speed auto gearbox.
Probably because it has the auto.The M3 was on our list, but having test driven one, it doesn't make sense to us. Yes it's powerful and still has the DCT gearbox, but it's quite dated now (in comparison to the 2 and 4 series), a little big for what we want and it will come with M associated running costs. This has now got us thinking about buying an M235i as an alternative to the Z4. On paper the M235i is supposed to be quicker than the Z4, but I can't see how when it has the 8 speed auto gearbox.
Martin_M said:
aeropilot said:
Had a drive of this M235 at my dealership this afternoon.
My dealer only registered it on Friday, and I was the first to take it on a demo drive, so with only 10 miles on the clock, it wasn’t a full on test drive, but I’ve been promised another longer go if I want in a months time once it’s run in.
It was a fully optioned car given a dealer demo, so ZF8 auto, adaptive dampers, leccy heated seats, Harmon Kardon audio, adaptive xenons, Navigation etc.,etc.
So, what did I think of it.
As I suspected, I hated the electric steering, too vague in feel, although it gives a false impression of being ‘sporty & direct’ because of the 2.0:1 ratio but it not having an oil temp gauge, given how long it takes the N55 to warm up, is just daft IMHO. Instead you’ve got all this eco pro save the planet gubbins.
It’s a very nice car for what it is & rides a lot better than a stock E82 135 did, and it’s way more comfortable.
But......
And this is a big but for me, it didn’t put a smile on my face, and to me it feels like a E92 335i replacement rather than an E82 135i replacement given the size increase and ‘softening’ of the car compared to an E82 135i. To be honest you could close your eyes and be driving a 3 Series or even a 5 Series the way it drives. For the vast majority of people buying this car, I suspect that will be seen as a good thing, but it definitely lacks that ‘rawness’ and compact, small, terrier like nature that the E82 has, and as good as the ZF8 auto is, I prefer the DCT gearbox. Again, the DCT just has that more mechanical feel to it.
So, I might take up the offer of a longer drive in a months time, but I can’t see me replacing my 135i with a M235. When I feel the physical need for something ‘softer’ and more wafty, with a conventional auto ‘box again I’ll replace the 135 when the time comes with a Jag or a Rangie.
As a fellow M135i owner, I was wondering what your 'performance' options are for replacing the M? I can't currently see past something along the lines of the forthcoming WRX STI (sacrificing cabin quality and perhaps image for AWD and better handling), the Golf R - just as fast, better in the wet or the S3 (essentially an R with an Audi badge).My dealer only registered it on Friday, and I was the first to take it on a demo drive, so with only 10 miles on the clock, it wasn’t a full on test drive, but I’ve been promised another longer go if I want in a months time once it’s run in.
It was a fully optioned car given a dealer demo, so ZF8 auto, adaptive dampers, leccy heated seats, Harmon Kardon audio, adaptive xenons, Navigation etc.,etc.
So, what did I think of it.
As I suspected, I hated the electric steering, too vague in feel, although it gives a false impression of being ‘sporty & direct’ because of the 2.0:1 ratio but it not having an oil temp gauge, given how long it takes the N55 to warm up, is just daft IMHO. Instead you’ve got all this eco pro save the planet gubbins.
It’s a very nice car for what it is & rides a lot better than a stock E82 135 did, and it’s way more comfortable.
But......
And this is a big but for me, it didn’t put a smile on my face, and to me it feels like a E92 335i replacement rather than an E82 135i replacement given the size increase and ‘softening’ of the car compared to an E82 135i. To be honest you could close your eyes and be driving a 3 Series or even a 5 Series the way it drives. For the vast majority of people buying this car, I suspect that will be seen as a good thing, but it definitely lacks that ‘rawness’ and compact, small, terrier like nature that the E82 has, and as good as the ZF8 auto is, I prefer the DCT gearbox. Again, the DCT just has that more mechanical feel to it.
So, I might take up the offer of a longer drive in a months time, but I can’t see me replacing my 135i with a M235. When I feel the physical need for something ‘softer’ and more wafty, with a conventional auto ‘box again I’ll replace the 135 when the time comes with a Jag or a Rangie.
I'll likely go wafty barge instead when the time comes - a Jag with a blower perhaps
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