Friday 24th January 2014

BMW M235i: Driven

Loved the idea of the M135i but couldn't stomach the looks? Step up M235i (UPDATE - now with vid!)

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Knowing what we do about BMW's brilliant M135i, and given that its 2 Series coupe equivalent is both better looking and more focused, it should be no great surprise to learn that the M235i is a very accomplished performance car indeed. It's fun, agile, fast and refined, too. What it isn't, though, is perfect.

Coming to a PH discussion thread near you now!

The 2 Series can be considered BMW's third small, four-seat coupe, after the 1 Series of 2007 and the 2002 from way back in 1968. The profile is recognisable from both; cab-back, three-box shape and evidently rear-wheel drive. The M235i, with its aggressive styling treatment to the front and rear bumpers and sleek headlamps, is an attractive thing to behold, if not timelessly beautiful.

Improving on the styling of the M135i was important, if not terribly difficult, for it was one of few universal areas of criticism. The rest of the package was roundly praised and the M135i neatly filled that niche between standard BMW AG machine and full-blown M road racer. The M235i is the ninth product in BMW's new M Performance line-up; developed by engineers from both AG and M, these M Performance cars strike a neat balance between sporting ability and affordability.

Minging the merciless
Compared to the 1 Series Coupe that came before it, this model is a little longer and lower with a wider track front and rear, but weight has remained the same. Cabin space has improved with an additional 21mm of rear legroom so that a six-footer can sit behind another in reasonable comfort. The M235i sits atop a line-up that includes three diesels and two additional petrol models.

Can't afford an M4? M235i fills that hole nicely

The M235i is rather more than an M135i with a chunk of roofline missing; the springs and dampers are bespoke, both stiffer to give a more focused dynamic character. Roll stiffness at the rear is up a little as a result of those firmer springs with the intention of improving agility, particularly on turn-in.

What is shared with its hatchback brother is the drivetrain, including that superb six-cylinder, single turbo engine that develops 326hp. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard with the eight-speed paddle-shift auto that so impressed in the M135i also available at extra cost. Although we haven't yet had a chance to sample it, a limited-slip differential is available through BMW's M Performance accessories range. As a dealer fit option costing around £2,000, the LSD can be installed at any time in the car's life.

On a tilt
I first drove the M235i on track at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Fun as it was to barrel around the 1.5-mile tri-oval at speeds approaching 150mph it's not got a whole lot to say about everyday driving. For what it's worth, though, the car felt pretty solid up on the 20-degree banking. Several laps of the short infield circuit were much more edifying, although all was not positive.

Familiar from this angle - nothing wrong there

Given the significant suspension changes compared to the hatchback, I did expect the M235i to shine quite brightly on this little circuit. For the most part it did, too, for the turn-in, particularly whilst trail-braking, was very sharp and positive with little by way of natural understeer. Upon that drivetrain I cannot heap enough praise; the engine is strong and responsive from low down and it revs keenly all the way out, sounding quite superb from inside the cabin as it does so, and the eight-speed gearbox (no manual cars were available on the launch) shifted quickly and smoothly.

The ultra-rapid steering does lend this acute sense of agility and it is accurate, but there's too little information passing back through the rim. The lack of a locking differential didn't prove to be an issue in these conditions; once the chassis is loaded up after turn-in and just enough throttle is applied so that both wheels are driving, a firm stab of gas will spin both wheels up equally without the unloaded tyre simply robbing and wasting all the power. This helps to neutralise the car from apex to exit, or send the rear end swinging around if you're particularly keen.

Quick left-right
The issue with the M235i as a track car, though, is in quick direction changes, in which instance the chassis is shown up a little. The steering suddenly feels totally aloof and the body lurches dramatically from side to side, with not quite the precision and agility you may expect. Ultimately, the M235i's hatchback origins are evident once you ask the most serious questions of its chassis. Absolute on circuit brilliance would perhaps be the job of an M2, or at least the rather tasty looking M235i Racing...

At the very other end of the dynamic spectrum, the M235i was comfortable and refined at motorway speeds. It rode perfectly well enough in Comfort mode on these smooth Nevadan highways, although the wind noise from the top of the windscreen did disturb the calm a little.

It's like an M135i but good looking - result!

On a more engaging road, this is a car that really wants its driver to give it a proper seeing to. When driven well within its limits in the Comfort setting the M235i serves up little by way of involvement, but once hustled it awakens and tunes itself into the road surface. In the Sport and Sport+ modes, which stiffen the dampers and sharpen steering and throttle response, the chassis reveals this wonderful agility and mobility around the limits of grip.

Out of second and third gear corners it'll power away with a neutral to oversteer attitude, and it tips into faster corners very positively indeed and simply holds its line at speed right up against the limit of adhesion. Whereas on circuit it could feel out of its depth at times, on the road it manages an infinitely appealing trick of at times feeling like an overpowered miniature hot-rod, and at others a precise and delicate sports car.

The steering, however, remains uncommunicative, which means that you take time to learn where the limit of grip is rather than simply driving right up to it at the very first, and the stiffest suspension mode will probably be undone by a particularly scarred British B-road. There is, however, endless joy in that drivetrain, for the sense of connection between the throttle pedal and the rear contact patches feels as intimate at that between a puppet's limbs and its strings.

Also good value for money and with a classy cabin, the M235i is a superb overall package, if not quite perfect. It is the best non-M car that BMW makes.

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BMW M235i (F22)
Engine: 6-cylinder, turbocharged, 2,979cc
Transmission: 6-speed manual/8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 326hp@5800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 332lb ft@1,300-4,500rpm
0-62mph: 5.0/4.8sec
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
Weight: 1,530kg (auto)
MPG: 34.9/37.2mpg (claimed)
CO2: 189g/km/176g/km
Price: £34,250 (manual)

Quick vid here.
 

[QuattroDave]

You know I'm starting to warm to the M135i looks wise in certain colours, the mineral grey and blue being the best. Whilst this undoubtedly looks better it's starting to blend in with the looks of the 3 & 5 from the front which means that it'll be 'seen' everywhere. I prefer my cars to look a little more unique, hence the 'ugly' M135i being more my cuppa, not to mention a fair few thousand cheaper!

[QuattroDave]

nickfrog said:

You really don't belong here. Remember PH is primarily about looks and image and the M135i has been decreed as objectively fugly by a majority of Phers, particularly those not in the market for a £30k car.

I never suggested for a minute I belonged anywhere, I've never been a great conformist!

I've had my run in samey samey looking german metal that are instantly lost in the car park. Least with the M135i I can just follow the sound of wretching and people gouging their eyes out!

I was deeply impressed with my drive in one that I'm seriously tempted to chop in both my bright yellow octy vrs AND my Audi URQ. The only thing that's holding me back is letting go of the quattro, especially as it's value will continue to increase whilst the bimmer will continue to fall!

[QuattroDave]

Nors said:

Sell your quattro for one of these????

Dave, go to the back of the classroom please!!!!

Shhh I need to sound legit in case the wife is listening in... If I do get one it'll be in exchange for the vRS ONLY, but I need to act fast whilst she's still smitten with the Alfa 147 I bought her!

[QuattroDave]

Escort Si-130 said:

Your on your own, keep your ugly ass M135i, its a girls car. This M235i is for men, REAL men smile

Well I never, a statement like that from someone proud of their 'sorted' Si :P

[QuattroDave]

kmack said:

Firstly I would like to say I agree with the above comments entirely. I am tired of reading about people obsessed with the look of the M135i & other cars for that matter. I have driven many high performance cars for many years and recently purchased a M135i as I wanted something cheaper to run which still had a bit of performance. My criteria was to buy a new car which is fun for 'everyday' use, practical-ish, relatively cheap to run which has some toys to make everyday driving easier such as sat nav / cruise control / auto dimming mirrors / good stereo / blue tooth etc etc, you get the idea.

My budget was £30k - £40k and after looking at various options and some negotiation, I got a full spec M135i for £31,750. List was £38k, but I was a cash buyer which helped. My initial reaction to the looks was the same as most other people, it looks bloody ugly, especially from the front & it hasn't improved with time - however I am intelligent enough to look beyond the looks and see it as a 'machine', and as a machine its a great all round little car which is fast enough and fun when you want it to be and relatively refined & comfortable the rest of the time.

Scratch bellow the surface and BMW have spent some money.You have stainless steel exhaust/six cylinder engine/big brakes/lightweight alloys with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires for potentially £30k or less and yes I know you can buy a used M5 etc for that sort of money, but were talking new cars here! I specked up a Golf GTD to the same level & it was the same price - so as a machine ( looks aside ) you get a lot for your money.

I have no doubt the M235i will be a great car and probably reasonable value after its been out a few months and the price becomes more negotiable. Its an alternative for those who don't need 4 doors and perhaps looking for something more stylish, although to my eyes, its still not a looker, but as I said, that's missing the point.

Its unfortunate these forums are full of people who have strong feelings and opinions on cars they have never driven and probably cant afford. I am sure their 1.2 Corsa with big exhausts & stripes looks stunning...

Here here!