M235i Test drive.
Discussion
0836whimper said:
A draw...who would have thought 
. Bet BMW are happy.
Summary for the CSL : has an astonishing engine, feels more ballistic at top end, fantastic chassis, is gorgeous, sounds amazing, thrilling and an absolute joy to drive round a track, great investment.
Summary for M235i : Build revs quickly, more torque, fast, quiet engine (it's all relative), a bit heavy and rolly for track, a better everyday car choice.
Nice vid, but not sure we learned a lot.
I suspect these modern M-lite turbo'd BMW's are all pretty much the same to drive, bit like the D's. Very competent and quick, but a bit dull.
I need to drive one really.
As an M135i owner, I would agree - very fast, lovely to drive but just not as exciting as it could be. It still puts a smile on my face when I engage in some spirited driving but I'd really need to try an M3 or previous model M5 to see what they are like. If any owners are in Glasgow, gimme a shout lol.. Bet BMW are happy.Summary for the CSL : has an astonishing engine, feels more ballistic at top end, fantastic chassis, is gorgeous, sounds amazing, thrilling and an absolute joy to drive round a track, great investment.
Summary for M235i : Build revs quickly, more torque, fast, quiet engine (it's all relative), a bit heavy and rolly for track, a better everyday car choice.
Nice vid, but not sure we learned a lot.
I suspect these modern M-lite turbo'd BMW's are all pretty much the same to drive, bit like the D's. Very competent and quick, but a bit dull.
I need to drive one really.
0836whimper said:
A draw...who would have thought . Bet BMW are happy.
Summary for the CSL : has an astonishing engine, feels more ballistic at top end, fantastic chassis, is gorgeous, sounds amazing, thrilling and an absolute joy to drive round a track, great investment.
Summary for M235i : Build revs quickly, more torque, fast, quiet engine (it's all relative), a bit heavy and rolly for track, a better everyday car choice.
Nice vid, but not sure we learned a lot.
I suspect these modern M-lite turbo'd BMW's are all pretty much the same to drive, bit like the D's. Very competent and quick, but a bit dull.
I need to drive one really.
The stand out for me from that test was how at home the CSL looked through the corners and how it appeared to be in its element going sideways, whereas the M235 looked awkward doing the same, lurching, rolling and snapping back into line, just goes to show the numbers only tell you half the story. . Bet BMW are happy.Summary for the CSL : has an astonishing engine, feels more ballistic at top end, fantastic chassis, is gorgeous, sounds amazing, thrilling and an absolute joy to drive round a track, great investment.
Summary for M235i : Build revs quickly, more torque, fast, quiet engine (it's all relative), a bit heavy and rolly for track, a better everyday car choice.
Nice vid, but not sure we learned a lot.
I suspect these modern M-lite turbo'd BMW's are all pretty much the same to drive, bit like the D's. Very competent and quick, but a bit dull.
I need to drive one really.
A good article in the latest edition of EVO which compares the E92 M3 and the M235i. Basically says the M235i is a very good car but doesn't involve or excite in the same way as the M3 when you're on it. I've not driven an M235i but I have driven the M135i and have also owned an E46 M3 CS; my personal thoughts would be:
1. Is the M135i a cracking little car? Yes
2. Would I buy one? Yes
3. Is it as good as the M3 CS? No
1. Is the M135i a cracking little car? Yes
2. Would I buy one? Yes
3. Is it as good as the M3 CS? No
JNW1 said:
A good article in the latest edition of EVO which compares the E92 M3 and the M235i. Basically says the M235i is a very good car but doesn't involve or excite in the same way as the M3 when you're on it. I've not driven an M235i but I have driven the M135i and have also owned an E46 M3 CS; my personal thoughts would be:
1. Is the M135i a cracking little car? Yes
2. Would I buy one? Yes
3. Is it as good as the M3 CS? No
yes, comparing it to my M3. 1. Is the M135i a cracking little car? Yes
2. Would I buy one? Yes
3. Is it as good as the M3 CS? No
I've had a quick drive in the M235i, my conclusions were similar to yours
cpufreak said:
JNW1 said:
A good article in the latest edition of EVO which compares the E92 M3 and the M235i. Basically says the M235i is a very good car but doesn't involve or excite in the same way as the M3 when you're on it. I've not driven an M235i but I have driven the M135i and have also owned an E46 M3 CS; my personal thoughts would be:
1. Is the M135i a cracking little car? Yes
2. Would I buy one? Yes
3. Is it as good as the M3 CS? No
yes, comparing it to my M3. 1. Is the M135i a cracking little car? Yes
2. Would I buy one? Yes
3. Is it as good as the M3 CS? No
I've had a quick drive in the M235i, my conclusions were similar to yours
Happy Easter everyone.
I thought I would share my rapidly typed up notes of my test drive in a M235i yesterday.
By way of background I currently drive a FN2 Civic CDTi as my daily (with possibly one of the most poorly engineered suspension setups I've experienced- crashy hardly covers it, I should have researched better!). I also have a DC2 Integra Type R and my wife has a Clio 182.
I was considering a F30 330d as a replacement for the Civic but thought I would have a go in a M235i as a petrol alternative. Two very different cars I accept- this is my own equivalent of man maths! I do quite a lot of miles with work so my default thought process was another diesel although I thought I would also see what the petrol side of the coin has to offer.
I had the M235i on my own for an hour and did a decent mix of B roads, A roads and dual carriageway cruising equivalent to a motorway.
Positives: overall a very impressive package.
It is properly rapid, bucket loads of torque from low down (from 25mph in fourth it pulls really hard for example- remember this is with the 8 speed auto box), meety mid range and a lovely top end. One of the most impressive engines I've experienced either as a driver or passenger. I agree with the earlier comments- it's no 8K rpm screamer but unless you've just stepped out of something like an E46 CSL, you don't feel short changed at the top end.
I'm struggling to see how one would need or indeed want a faster car on the road.
Makes a nice noise when going for it but whisper quiet at a cruise.
The damping is very impressive. In both comfort and sport modes it's nicely compliant with no crashiness at all.
A definite rear drive balance when pressing on in terms of the attitude in takes through a bend.
Classy interior.
In Eco Pro it will do genuine late 30s mpg. Something a E90/E92 M3 will not do.
The 8 speed auto is very impressive, super smooth and let's you take decent control when in manual, I.E. no kickdown unless you force it too.
Brakes felt well up to the task for fast road use.
Negatives: when you give it the proper beans it averaged 13mpg. I reckon on a long run with some limited caning you'd average 35mpg, 40mpg if you drove like an absolute saint.
If you drove it like you stole it everyday, it would bankrupt you.
I wouldn't have the auto- as inpressive as it is, it just took away too much interaction for me and I really tried to be objective.
The steering is very nicely weighted and direct but there's not much feel at all. Both my DC2 and my wife's 182 absolutely embarrass it on this front.
After a few hours reflecting I concluded something further. Having driven it down some of my favourite B roads, it didn't draw me in and leave me grinning like an idiot like my Integra does. Why I asked myself? The steering and whole chassis just feels so 'alive' in the Integra compared to the BM (and the BM is still very impressive in it's own different way in terms of handling).
Would I buy a M235i? It's a lot of money new for sure. I probably will but perhaps once someone else has taken the majority of the initial depreciation sting. Only in the knowledge though that whilst it should be a great ownership experience with a very impressive engine with the ability to entertain, it won't be an intense thrill a minute drive.
I thought I would share my rapidly typed up notes of my test drive in a M235i yesterday.
By way of background I currently drive a FN2 Civic CDTi as my daily (with possibly one of the most poorly engineered suspension setups I've experienced- crashy hardly covers it, I should have researched better!). I also have a DC2 Integra Type R and my wife has a Clio 182.
I was considering a F30 330d as a replacement for the Civic but thought I would have a go in a M235i as a petrol alternative. Two very different cars I accept- this is my own equivalent of man maths! I do quite a lot of miles with work so my default thought process was another diesel although I thought I would also see what the petrol side of the coin has to offer.
I had the M235i on my own for an hour and did a decent mix of B roads, A roads and dual carriageway cruising equivalent to a motorway.
Positives: overall a very impressive package.
It is properly rapid, bucket loads of torque from low down (from 25mph in fourth it pulls really hard for example- remember this is with the 8 speed auto box), meety mid range and a lovely top end. One of the most impressive engines I've experienced either as a driver or passenger. I agree with the earlier comments- it's no 8K rpm screamer but unless you've just stepped out of something like an E46 CSL, you don't feel short changed at the top end.
I'm struggling to see how one would need or indeed want a faster car on the road.
Makes a nice noise when going for it but whisper quiet at a cruise.
The damping is very impressive. In both comfort and sport modes it's nicely compliant with no crashiness at all.
A definite rear drive balance when pressing on in terms of the attitude in takes through a bend.
Classy interior.
In Eco Pro it will do genuine late 30s mpg. Something a E90/E92 M3 will not do.
The 8 speed auto is very impressive, super smooth and let's you take decent control when in manual, I.E. no kickdown unless you force it too.
Brakes felt well up to the task for fast road use.
Negatives: when you give it the proper beans it averaged 13mpg. I reckon on a long run with some limited caning you'd average 35mpg, 40mpg if you drove like an absolute saint.
If you drove it like you stole it everyday, it would bankrupt you.
I wouldn't have the auto- as inpressive as it is, it just took away too much interaction for me and I really tried to be objective.
The steering is very nicely weighted and direct but there's not much feel at all. Both my DC2 and my wife's 182 absolutely embarrass it on this front.
After a few hours reflecting I concluded something further. Having driven it down some of my favourite B roads, it didn't draw me in and leave me grinning like an idiot like my Integra does. Why I asked myself? The steering and whole chassis just feels so 'alive' in the Integra compared to the BM (and the BM is still very impressive in it's own different way in terms of handling).
Would I buy a M235i? It's a lot of money new for sure. I probably will but perhaps once someone else has taken the majority of the initial depreciation sting. Only in the knowledge though that whilst it should be a great ownership experience with a very impressive engine with the ability to entertain, it won't be an intense thrill a minute drive.
Edited by DC2 Mark on Sunday 20th April 20:03
Wills2 said:
The stand out for me from that test was how at home the CSL looked through the corners and how it appeared to be in its element going sideways, whereas the M235 looked awkward doing the same, lurching, rolling and snapping back into line, just goes to show the numbers only tell you half the story.
CorrectJust done back to back at Bedford with CSL and M135 and 6 secs difference. Granted I can't drive the M135 as well as it needs to be driven, and CSL had Intrax and APs fitted but still.
DC2 Mark said:
Happy Easter everyone.
I thought I would share my rapidly typed up notes of my test drive in a M235i yesterday.
By way of background I currently drive a FN2 Civic CDTi as my daily (with possibly one of the most poorly engineered suspension setups I've experienced- crashy hardly covers it, I should have researched better!). I also have a DC2 Integra Type R and my wife has a Clio 182.
I was considering a F30 330d as a replacement for the Civic but thought I would have a go in a M235i as a petrol alternative. Two very different cars I accept- this is my own equivalent of man maths! I do quite a lot of miles with work so my default thought process was another diesel although I thought I would also see what the petrol side of the coin has to offer.
I had the M235i on my own for an hour and did a decent mix of B roads, A roads and dual carriageway cruising equivalent to a motorway.
Positives: overall a very impressive package.
It is properly rapid, bucket loads of torque from low down (from 25mph in fourth it pulls really hard for example- remember this is with the 8 speed auto box), meety mid range and a lovely top end. One of the most impressive engines I've experienced either as a driver or passenger. I agree with the earlier comments- it's no 8K rpm screamer but unless you've just stepped out of something like an E46 CSL, you don't feel short changed at the top end.
I'm struggling to see how one would need or indeed want a faster car on the road.
Makes a nice noise when going for it but whisper quiet at a cruise.
The damping is very impressive. In both comfort and sport modes it's nicely compliant with no crashiness at all.
A definite rear drive balance when pressing on in terms of the attitude in takes through a bend.
Classy interior.
In Eco Pro it will do genuine late 30s mpg. Something a E90/E92 M3 will not do.
The 8 speed auto is very impressive, super smooth and let's you take decent control when in manual, I.E. no kickdown unless you force it too.
Brakes felt well up to the task for fast road use.
Negatives: when you give it the proper beans it averaged 13mpg. I reckon on a long run with some limited caning you'd average 35mpg, 40mpg if you drove like an absolute saint.
If you drove it like you stole it everyday, it would bankrupt you.
I wouldn't have the auto- as inpressive as it is, it just took away too much interaction for me and I really tried to be objective.
The steering is very nicely weighted and direct but there's not much feel at all. Both my DC2 and my wife's 182 absolutely embarrass it on this front.
After a few hours reflecting I concluded something further. Having driven it down some of my favourite B roads, it didn't draw me in and leave me grinning like an idiot like my Integra does. Why I asked myself? The steering and whole chassis just feels so 'alive' in the Integra compared to the BM (and the BM is still very impressive in it's own different way in terms of handling).
Would I buy a M235i? It's a lot of money new for sure. I probably will but perhaps once someone else has taken the majority of the initial depreciation sting. Only in the knowledge though that whilst it should be a great ownership experience with a very impressive engine with the ability to entertain, it won't be an intense thrill a minute drive.
Good write up Mark although I'm not sure if 'one' owns an M3 you're looking for 30mpg I thought I would share my rapidly typed up notes of my test drive in a M235i yesterday.
By way of background I currently drive a FN2 Civic CDTi as my daily (with possibly one of the most poorly engineered suspension setups I've experienced- crashy hardly covers it, I should have researched better!). I also have a DC2 Integra Type R and my wife has a Clio 182.
I was considering a F30 330d as a replacement for the Civic but thought I would have a go in a M235i as a petrol alternative. Two very different cars I accept- this is my own equivalent of man maths! I do quite a lot of miles with work so my default thought process was another diesel although I thought I would also see what the petrol side of the coin has to offer.
I had the M235i on my own for an hour and did a decent mix of B roads, A roads and dual carriageway cruising equivalent to a motorway.
Positives: overall a very impressive package.
It is properly rapid, bucket loads of torque from low down (from 25mph in fourth it pulls really hard for example- remember this is with the 8 speed auto box), meety mid range and a lovely top end. One of the most impressive engines I've experienced either as a driver or passenger. I agree with the earlier comments- it's no 8K rpm screamer but unless you've just stepped out of something like an E46 CSL, you don't feel short changed at the top end.
I'm struggling to see how one would need or indeed want a faster car on the road.
Makes a nice noise when going for it but whisper quiet at a cruise.
The damping is very impressive. In both comfort and sport modes it's nicely compliant with no crashiness at all.
A definite rear drive balance when pressing on in terms of the attitude in takes through a bend.
Classy interior.
In Eco Pro it will do genuine late 30s mpg. Something a E90/E92 M3 will not do.
The 8 speed auto is very impressive, super smooth and let's you take decent control when in manual, I.E. no kickdown unless you force it too.
Brakes felt well up to the task for fast road use.
Negatives: when you give it the proper beans it averaged 13mpg. I reckon on a long run with some limited caning you'd average 35mpg, 40mpg if you drove like an absolute saint.
If you drove it like you stole it everyday, it would bankrupt you.
I wouldn't have the auto- as inpressive as it is, it just took away too much interaction for me and I really tried to be objective.
The steering is very nicely weighted and direct but there's not much feel at all. Both my DC2 and my wife's 182 absolutely embarrass it on this front.
After a few hours reflecting I concluded something further. Having driven it down some of my favourite B roads, it didn't draw me in and leave me grinning like an idiot like my Integra does. Why I asked myself? The steering and whole chassis just feels so 'alive' in the Integra compared to the BM (and the BM is still very impressive in it's own different way in terms of handling).
Would I buy a M235i? It's a lot of money new for sure. I probably will but perhaps once someone else has taken the majority of the initial depreciation sting. Only in the knowledge though that whilst it should be a great ownership experience with a very impressive engine with the ability to entertain, it won't be an intense thrill a minute drive.
Edited by DC2 Mark on Sunday 20th April 20:03
On that note, my F10 M5 only goes as low as 12mpg if you push hard so I'm not feeling too upset now
(and the best I've ever had was 26mpg on a steady motorway run)Agree with the comments above - a lovely car. Eeveryone who went in it at Le Mans this weekend preferred it to a Gen 2 997 C4s.
Footage of Le Mans below (x3 laps!)
http://youtu.be/8a1v1F5YeB8
Footage of Le Mans below (x3 laps!)
http://youtu.be/8a1v1F5YeB8
I am currently thinking about getting one of these and after reading some of the comments about how some people not getting that real grin factor are missing the point a bit with this car.
Cars like the DC2 Integra for example is a raw light weight car, very fun when pushing on but a head ache to live with everyday as a daily driver/commuter. Think the same would apply to M cars. But i think BMW are trying to make a in between car with their M-lites. Great for a daily driver and still goes like stink when you want it to. If you are looking for that grin factor all the time then this is probaly not the car for you and maybe a cayman s or M car etc might be more suitable.
Basically I think BMW have got it spot on with the M-lites, not quite an M car but gives a lot of similar thrills but costs less to buy and run! Some may not agree but just my opinion!
Cars like the DC2 Integra for example is a raw light weight car, very fun when pushing on but a head ache to live with everyday as a daily driver/commuter. Think the same would apply to M cars. But i think BMW are trying to make a in between car with their M-lites. Great for a daily driver and still goes like stink when you want it to. If you are looking for that grin factor all the time then this is probaly not the car for you and maybe a cayman s or M car etc might be more suitable.
Basically I think BMW have got it spot on with the M-lites, not quite an M car but gives a lot of similar thrills but costs less to buy and run! Some may not agree but just my opinion!
marcella said:
I am currently thinking about getting one of these and after reading some of the comments about how some people not getting that real grin factor are missing the point a bit with this car.
Cars like the DC2 Integra for example is a raw light weight car, very fun when pushing on but a head ache to live with everyday as a daily driver/commuter. Think the same would apply to M cars. But i think BMW are trying to make a in between car with their M-lites. Great for a daily driver and still goes like stink when you want it to. If you are looking for that grin factor all the time then this is probaly not the car for you and maybe a cayman s or M car etc might be more suitable.
I think this is spot on, I've spent a fair amount of ££££ modifying the suspension/ARB/adding a LSD to my 335i, its putting out close to 400bhp, it drives beautifully, and is almost the perfect day to day car which you can have a good laugh in too.....But when it comes to out and out driving pleasure my old DC2 Teg still beats it hands down, no matter what i do to the 335 it just feels heavy and you get the feeling though it can be thrashed on a poorly surfaced B road, it's happiest been pushed at 80% on a smooth bit of dual carriage way, where as the DC2 loved been thrashed. Cars like the DC2 Integra for example is a raw light weight car, very fun when pushing on but a head ache to live with everyday as a daily driver/commuter. Think the same would apply to M cars. But i think BMW are trying to make a in between car with their M-lites. Great for a daily driver and still goes like stink when you want it to. If you are looking for that grin factor all the time then this is probaly not the car for you and maybe a cayman s or M car etc might be more suitable.
However I sold the DC2 because it had no sound proofing/aircon/radio, and though for 5% of the time it was the perfect car, 95% of the time it was a total pain, in the ideal world I would have two cars, one for the commute/day to day stuff and one just for fun, but cannot see that happening for a long long time
marcella said:
I am currently thinking about getting one of these and after reading some of the comments about how some people not getting that real grin factor are missing the point a bit with this car.
Cars like the DC2 Integra for example is a raw light weight car, very fun when pushing on but a head ache to live with everyday as a daily driver/commuter. Think the same would apply to M cars. But i think BMW are trying to make a in between car with their M-lites. Great for a daily driver and still goes like stink when you want it to. If you are looking for that grin factor all the time then this is probaly not the car for you and maybe a cayman s or M car etc might be more suitable.
Basically I think BMW have got it spot on with the M-lites, not quite an M car but gives a lot of similar thrills but costs less to buy and run! Some may not agree but just my opinion!
I disagree, a proper M can can be Engaging and still ride very well. I'd wager that an e92 M3 in comfort rides better in comfort mode than an M235i and handles better too.Cars like the DC2 Integra for example is a raw light weight car, very fun when pushing on but a head ache to live with everyday as a daily driver/commuter. Think the same would apply to M cars. But i think BMW are trying to make a in between car with their M-lites. Great for a daily driver and still goes like stink when you want it to. If you are looking for that grin factor all the time then this is probaly not the car for you and maybe a cayman s or M car etc might be more suitable.
Basically I think BMW have got it spot on with the M-lites, not quite an M car but gives a lot of similar thrills but costs less to buy and run! Some may not agree but just my opinion!
The main mechanical difference when the M2 comes out will be the suspension, that's where the money and development budget will be spent.
ratty6464 said:
I disagree, a proper M can can be Engaging and still ride very well. I'd wager that an e92 M3 in comfort rides better in comfort mode than an M235i and handles better too.
The main mechanical difference when the M2 comes out will be the suspension, that's where the money and development budget will be spent.
Yes but my point is that the M235i is not an M car hence why it is cheaper to buy and run than the M. I couldn't afford to run say an M3 but could run the M235i, but the M3 would probably be more engaging to drive. BMW have placed this range as a sub M brand much like audi's S and RS models and I think they've done a great job to release cars for people that couldn't own an M car but would love to have one. As I said this is just my opinion and not everyone will agree but still gonna get a M235i.The main mechanical difference when the M2 comes out will be the suspension, that's where the money and development budget will be spent.
aeropilot said:
Wills2 said:
VerySideways said:
Which engine?
EDIT - presume it's the 520d from your profile. Not a fair assessment of what the 'box can do. Try one in a 135/235/335/435 and i'm sure you'll feel the difference
Perhaps sideways perhaps, I've used it in a 530d too and same issues were apparent and I'm not sure that extra power would make the gearbox better EDIT - presume it's the 520d from your profile. Not a fair assessment of what the 'box can do. Try one in a 135/235/335/435 and i'm sure you'll feel the difference
Edited by VerySideways on Wednesday 16th April 09:43
I had a F20 118d as a loaner that had the sport version of the ZF8 fitted (along with full suspension, 4-pot brakes and what-not!!! - it was basically a M135 in all but engine) and I wasn't impressed by the ZF8 at all, much as you've not been.
When I had the M235 test drive equipped with the ZF8 it was VERY different. As autoboxes go, it was very impressive....
But, I still prefer the DCT box in my 135i though.
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff