1M vs M235i

[PKZ4M]

My 1M had to visit the dealer today for some rountine maintenance. I was loaned a new M235i for the day. I have to say it's quite an impressive piece of kit. Goes very well from low revs, sounds nice too. Much smoother than 1M, both ride and engine. I also have to admit that I'd never be able to change gear in my 1M any where near as smoothly as that fancy 8 speed auto does (up and down). Turn in was great too. Probably the Michelin SS's help here, as I still have Pilot S's on my 1M.

So would I swap permanently? No way.... I love the rougher rawer edge of the 1M, it's quirkiness, and it feels a tad stronger at the top end, it's also gonna stay a rarer sight and makes more sense as an occasional weekend / odd track day car. Having said that anyone waiting for their M235i is not going to be disappointed, as it's a great little performance car.... more modern? yes; more refined? yes; more suited to everyday? yes; more special? not quite ;-)

[PKZ4M]

k99 said:

Interesting as I'm thinking of a M235i as a replacement for a Z4 35i.
Was it on 18" wheels? What did you think of the ride over potholes etc?
I'd considered a 4 series but the 2 series looks ideal if you only have occasional rear passengers.

It was on 18" wheels and ride was excellent compared to my 1M. Firm and well controlled, but no crashing or banging over the bumpy bits.

[PKZ4M]

"With regards to the 1M - I just can't look at a 1 series coupe now without thinking it looks extremely dated in comparison to the 2 series. Just my personal opinion. Also as a daily driver the M235i was a lot more fun to drive than the M3."



1 series coupe certainly not as modern looking as the 2 series, but in 1M guise I think it still looks "special"...,,

Edited by PKZ4M on Friday 11th April 17:53

[PKZ4M]

octainejunkee said:

PKZ4M said:

It was on 18" wheels and ride was excellent compared to my 1M. Firm and well controlled, but no crashing or banging over the bumpy bits.

intresting read..

If you get yourself some e90 m3 18"s the ride and handling is vastly improved on the 1M - along with some geometry tweeks..

As I only use my 1M as an occasional weekend car, I'm not too concerned with the overly firm ride. I recall autocar also said ride improved dramatically with smaller wheels with winter tyres. Does look good on the 19's though ;-)