[Gixerste]

I'm considering changing (as the title says) from a 330d to a M235i, anybody on here had any experience/feedback of this model ?

[roshambo]

I think a few will come along shortly(@gtsussex and leon). You going for the vert or coupe? And what exactly do you want them to tell you? Use man maths and buy it?

[Gixerste]

Originally Posted by roshambo

I think a few will come along shortly(@gtsussex and leon). You going for the vert or coupe? And what exactly do you want them to tell you? Use man maths and buy it?

Coupe ... I know it's test write ups are good, but just wondered what real life owners think of it

[....,,,,..,,..]

A certain M4 driver, previously had a M235i and prior to that a F30.

Guy is the most recent M235i purchaser.

Have you had many test drives in one?

[Gixerste]

Originally Posted by Brigand

A certain M4 driver, previously had a M235i and prior to that a F30.

Guy is the most recent M235i purchaser.

Have you had many test drives in one?

Going for a test drive in one on Saturday...he sounds like he could be the fount of knowledge

[simon.]

Had a M135i for 2 years/33K miles. Do it

[Proftinkerpot]

I have seen a white Coupe with the sill extensions and splitter in black and it looks fantastic. And it sounds great too.

[pdk42]

Sounds like progress to me

[Tengocity]

I was very impressed with M235i I drove. MCarChris had one for 6 months or so, and liked it very much. Said the long journey cruising comfort was its main downside over the 3 series as I recall.

[creepy coupe]

I've just traded my M235i and ordered a 435d. They 235 is a fantastic car if specced right.I owned mine for 16 months an did around 12000 miles and enjoyed every one.I've always wanted a 4 series right from the moment I borrowed one for a month while waiting for the 235 to arrive. I already miss the sound of the 2er (MP exhaust)

[gtsussex]

Well we've got a 335d and an M235i Vert. They are very different cars and it really depends on what you want to be honest. For longer trips I'd choose my car (335d) in an instant. I don't care what anyone says about the petrol engine having lots of torque low down - it might do for a petrol engine but it's nothing like the 335d powertrain (your car is not a million miles away). It's so much more relaxing for point and squirt. Also I am very sure the 3 series is more refined. Just depends if you do longer journeys a lot. Give you an example - had to drive up to a client last minute last week. Was going to be a glorious morning so ideal with roof down and windbreak thingy but 360 mile round trip? Nah, take the 335d every time.

BUT that doesn't bother me as I only drive the M235i of an evening or at the weekend. Starting it up makes me chuckle every time and it does make the most glorious noise. Space wise is pretty good, even in the Vert - we can get the kids in the back no problems in their child seats. Okay, I'd be lying if I said it was anywhere near as practical but, as said, it's our 3rd car so that's not a priority.

MPG wise, it seems to have settled around the 25mpg mark. If I'm driving it for a while, that dips down to about 22mpg and it takes the wife the whole week to get it back up to 25!! Compare that against late 30's for the 335d and their is a huge difference. But ours will only do 8k a year so not that bothered.

Having both has made me realise that there is no ideal solution - everything is a compromise. I think the 335i is a cracking car but for what I do, the 335d (or 330d for that matter) is the better car. I can understand why people have one - that engine is a cracker and they have to have one car.

As for the M235i, it's a great car and I am sure you'll love it. You won't notice any difference in cabin ambience - they aren't a million miles away from each other in design (both ours have coral red interiors) and nothing in it for quality. I like my surround view, I like my HUD and I love my ACC, all not available on the M235i but otherwise we have same heated seats, Pro Media, Comfort Access, etc...

As for suspension, that's an interesting one. I tried both passive and adaptive and we went for passive. I thought the Sport on adaptive was too hard and I thought the Comfort was too bouncy. Passive seemed to find a sweeter spot in the middle. Considering it's a Vert, it's pretty good. If I didn't have the RS setup on my car, I'd probably be even more impressed but reality is my 335d can run rings around it (as it should on custom setup).

Hope that helps.

[leon1984]

Please buy my used one off the dealer that had it? It's a bargain and had all the right bits

I'm going 235 > 430d, but it's a financial decision not a car enjoyment decision. 235 is a brilliant car

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by leon1984

Please buy my used one off the dealer that had it? It's a bargain and had all the right bits

I'm going 235 > 430d, but it's a financial decision not a car enjoyment decision. 235 is a brilliant car

Still got it has he mate?. Mine sold yesterday.So they are moving.

[Ice Man]

Originally Posted by simon.

Had a M135i for 2 years/33K miles. Do it

+1

[Steven1077]

I've thought about going back to an F30 next time but I doubt I will, I just like the smaller size and it defiantly more fun than the 435i I had, pretty sure I'll be getting an M235i next year, or just keeping the M135i, yes I'd love HUD and surround view which is why I thought about an F30, but that's about it, but I only do 4k miles a year

[Nick the Greek]

If I asked you whether you would prefer to mud wrestle Ann Widdecombe wearing a bikini, or, have a couple of hours Nuru massage by Kelly Brook, what would you answer be?

It's essentially what your asking above....

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Steven1077

I've thought about going back to an F30 next time but I doubt I will, I just like the smaller size and it defiantly more fun than the 435i I had, pretty sure I'll be getting an M235i next year, or just keeping the M135i, yes I'd love HUD and surround view which is why I thought about an F30, but that's about it, but I only do 4k miles a year

that will be an M4 then (or similar)

At 4k a year I would lease personally, should get some interesting cars at that low a mileage.

[rocketretro]

What's there not to like about an M235i?, blistering performance and relatively few in number. But do test drive one beforehand it just might not suit you. This is the first car that my wife has adored if thats the right word and seems to find excuses for a drive out as the passenger. It's not completely sensible I know that, but it's probably the most sorted vehicle that BMW make at the moment barring the M series. Do read MCarChris's link signature on his change from M235i to the M4, it's what made my mind up to go for the M235i.

gtSussex has summed it up well as to the differences between this and a 3 series. Starting it up makes me chuckle very time!



Specification

[JustChris]

M235i a great car, starting to miss her now

What are your reservations if I can help answer I will?

[JustChris]

M235i a great car, starting to miss her now

What are your reservations if I can help answer I will?

[Apl440i or 335d?]

[Gixerste]

Originally Posted by M Car Chris

M235i a great car, starting to miss her now

What are your reservations if I can help answer I will?

Hi the F30 is quite a refined car and at 80ish + on the motorway/ A roads it's very good road noise wise inside the car. Now what I'd hate would be an exhaust drone coming through the car when I'm cruising along at these speeds on M/A roads. Any exhaust noise under acceleration is fine I test drove a S3 and at 80ish it was like being in a mk 2 XR2 fiesta !!