[PCR0303]

I'm new to post but been lurking so not sure where to post this. But I am looking at getting a car soon and I've been looking between the 4 and 2. M-sport 428i vs M235i because they are around the same price well loaded. I know the engines are different, weight, dynamics, but I've already gone over some pros and cons and still unsure. Was wondering of other opinions. What do you guys think?



EDIT: Thank you guys for your opinions. I finally went with the 428i and I absolutely love it. The engine is good enough and the looks are killer. Couldn't be happier

[stormlv]

Originally Posted by PCR0303

I'm new to post but been lurking so not sure where to post this. But I am looking at getting a car soon and I've been looking between the 4 and 2. M-sport 428i vs M235i because they are around the same price well loaded. I know the engines are different, weight, dynamics, but I've already gone over some pros and cons and still unsure. Was wondering of other opinions. What do you guys think?

I personally like the looks of the 4 series better than the 2 series, but if you just want performance, go for the M235i.

EDIT: I was surprised to see that the weight of the two (428i and M235i) is the same, however the 428 is lower (44mm), wheel base wider (21mm) and longer (120mm). This might make the 4series a better performer in turns...

[Alpine435i]

BMW did a great job at fooling people into thinking the 235i is a better performing car just by adding one letter.

[Thackers]

428I All day...!

[Bluelondon]

I got my 428i around 3 month ago, and I have asked myself this same question. What would I have gotten if I got it now, the 428i or the m235i and honestly it comes down to looks vs performance. For performance there is no doubt the 2 series is the more nimble and fun to drive, judging by reviews and feedback. But I love the 4 series looks and would probably still go with the 428i. I've never gotten more compliments on a car this much in my life, I love it, and the 240hp N26 engine is more that nippy enough for me.

[overcoil]

To me the 4-series has an Aston Martin, 550 Maranello kind of look. In the dark blue with brown interiors with Luxury pkg - one of my favorite looking cars on sale. The six- cylinder/manual transmission combo is fantastic.
The manual M235 obviously similar drive to the 435, but without that Grand Touring laid back cabin in the 4.
I think as a DD I prefer the narrower M235, on longer highway drives (90 miles one way ) I'd prefer the 4-series.

[fecurtis]

Kind of hard to give specific recommendations without knowing what your requirements/wants are in your next car.

The two may be from the same manufacturer and similar in price but I assure you the two will behave quite differently on the road.

[drob23]

I would personally go M235i but that's me, no idea about your priorities or needs. Wish I could test drive the M235i but they don't seem to get them at my local dealership.

[paulbrenneman]

Both are excellent cars but for me the m235i is going to be the more complete car. The N55 is an amazing engine, I don't think I could live with an N20 knowing I could have had the N55. Sure the 4 series definitely looks nicer but, from the drivers point of view, the engine adds much more to the experience than looks. I'd probably get the M235i or wait until I could get the 435i

[BMWFanatic2008]

235. You won't get much practicality with either one since both are 2-door.

[falar]

Originally Posted by paulbrenneman

Both are excellent cars but for me the m235i is going to be the more complete car. The N55 is an amazing engine, I don't think I could live with an N20 knowing I could have had the N55. Sure the 4 series definitely looks nicer but, from the drivers point of view, the engine adds much more to the experience than looks. I'd probably get the M235i or wait until I could get the 435i

I agree.

I would go with a 435 vs a 235 but if its 235 vs 428 then gotta have the N55.

[johndeere]

I'd definitely take the m235i. I'm guessing if performance was top on your list, you wouldn't be asking the question. If you don't care THAT much about performance than it may be a tough choice. In that regard to me it would be then based on looks.

[nicknaz]

i'd get the 235 personally. +100hp, larger brakes and standard extra cooling and adaptive suspension are nice.

[Christos]

I say the 428i Msport all the way. The 4 series IMO looks much better, the N20 is a fantastic engine and package in the 428i.

The 428i to me represents what BMW used to be before they had to get caught up in the HorsePower wars, perfect balance, efficiency minded, technology leading and very very fun to drive.

[CMH2578]

I was in the same boat, ultimately went with the 428. I valued the looks rather than the increased performance.

[Agamemnon]

Only comparable pricewise. If you chose the inline 6, you wouldn't want to trade it for a 4 cylinder. I would go for the M235i - a truly excellent driver's car.

[Alpine435i]

Originally Posted by Agamemnon

I would go for the M235i - a truly excellent driver's car.

I don't quite understand how people are coming to this conclusion.

Granted I've never cared to take time out of my day to drive an M235i, but it has the same engine, transmission, suspension, steering, and brakes as a similarly equipped 4-Series. It's also has a shorter wheelbase, higher center of gravity, and narrower track...three things which detract from the "driver's car" characteristic. What exactly makes people think the 2 is more of a driver's car than a 4? Its measly 80 pound weight difference, smaller overall size, and Michelin tires?

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by Alpine435i

BMW did a great job at fooling people into thinking the 235i is a better performing car just by adding one letter.

? 235 will run circles around 428. 60+ hp is a big difference. Appearance is subjective but performance isnt. 435/235 might be closer.

[blacksquid]

I had sent a deposit to David for an M235i .... until I saw the 4 Series. I now have an order in for a 435i scheduled for September ED. The M235i is proving to be a fantastic car but I happen to think the 4 Series is stunning and the 435i gives performance that is closer to the M235i than the 428i.


John

[fecurtis]

Originally Posted by Alpine435i

I don't quite understand how people are coming to this conclusion.

Granted I've never cared to take time out of my day to drive an M235i, but it has the same engine, transmission, suspension, steering, and brakes as a similarly equipped 4-Series. It's also has a shorter wheelbase, higher center of gravity, and narrower track...three things which detract from the "driver's car" characteristic. What exactly makes people think the 2 is more of a driver's car than a 4? Its measly 80 pound weight difference, smaller overall size, and Michelin tires?

That and the OP is looking between that and a 428i.

Plus the N55 in the M235i makes more power than the stock N55 in the 3 and 4 Series. That's negated by the addition of the MPPK though. Plus I'm sure the chassis tuning in the M235i is much more aggressive than those found in the F3x cars, if that's your thing.

[Bluelondon]

Btw guys the m235i has 320 hp, not 300 like the 435i N55 engine.

I guess between the 428i and m235i it's all about looks vs extra power. The 2 series isn't a head turner like the 4, and the 428i won't have the performance and power of the 2. So it all comes down to what the driver wants more.

[falar]

Originally Posted by Bluelondon

Btw guys the m235i has 320 hp, not 300 like the 435i N55 engine.

The MPPK can boost the 435 to 335 though.