First Wash: BMW M235i

"FromCanadaWithLove" (fromcanadawithlove) 08/11/2014 at 13:10 • Filed to: None

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I picked up my BMW M235i on Saturday. It's optioned fairly basically; just the ZF8, Melbourne Red Metallic paint, and sunroof. I haven't grabbed it by the scruff just yet, but as soon as the engine's broken in I'll drive it properly then update with a review.

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In the meantime, if you have any questions, ask away in the comments.

Here are a few photos from after the first wash.

(Full disclosure: Autoglym make the best cleaning products. If you're looking for something, get that. Especially the bug spray, which smells amazing. It's on sale right now at Canadian Tire.)

Wishin & workin for an E39 M5 > FromCanadaWithLove 08/11/2014 at 13:27

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Your brakes.

They make me feel dirty inside.

Vicente Esteve > FromCanadaWithLove 08/11/2014 at 13:34

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What a sweet looking little thing.

VivaLaManual > FromCanadaWithLove 08/11/2014 at 13:40

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Do dealers stock these in manual form? Or are us purists basically screwed?

Sam > FromCanadaWithLove 08/11/2014 at 13:47

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How is the auto box? I'm sure it's no manual, but I bet it's still fun.

FromCanadaWithLove > VivaLaManual 08/11/2014 at 13:48

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No, not in my neighbourhood (NS, Canada). I would have had to order a manual (since I was trading in, I wouldn't have had as good of an offer on my old car). If you order now you're going to get a 2015. This is a 2014. There aren't any significant changes, although I think the '15s have headlight washers as standard.

That being said, the ZF8 is brilliant. It's honestly the best auto I've ever driven. It's also faster and more fuel efficient. Something even the most die-hard manual drivers should consider.

FromCanadaWithLove > Sam 08/11/2014 at 13:49

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Best auto I've ever driven. I used to own a VW which had the DSG (one of the best in the industry); the ZF8 is better. It makes a pretty compelling case against a manual (price, more power, better fuel efficiency, great fun). The exhaust is also tuned to the auto 'box, so you get a nice crackle on the upshift.

FromCanadaWithLove > Vicente Esteve 08/11/2014 at 13:49

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Thanks :)

Brian Silvestro > FromCanadaWithLove 08/11/2014 at 13:56

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I will literally send you $5 (yeah, American), to take the 3 exterior M badges off.

FromCanadaWithLove > Brian Silvestro 08/11/2014 at 13:58

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There's 11 on the exterior. Things are getting pricey.

You might already know this, but I'll bash it again. The M235i has 20 more hp and 30 more Ibs/ft than the 435i. I know that's not a lot, but it's there. I think there's room for a non-M M-Performance brand in BMW's line-up. The M635i and M525i were around, and Europe gets the M135i and M535d. I'm not attached to the M badge, I just don't get what all the fuss is about. 235is is probably a better name, though. There's just less cache in that.

Brian Silvestro > FromCanadaWithLove 08/11/2014 at 14:00

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Just the two on the sides and the one on the back. PLEASE

Alex B > FromCanadaWithLove 08/11/2014 at 14:13

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Very nice. :)

GTI MkVII > FromCanadaWithLove 08/11/2014 at 14:31

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Beautiful car! And I can definitely vouch for Autoglym as well. Used their Extra Gloss Protection on my new GTI and was absolutely stunned at the finish and durability.

VivaLaManual > FromCanadaWithLove 08/11/2014 at 15:12

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I can't imagine the fuel efficient is anything significant. I also won't be tracking or drag racing, so a couple tenths of a second on the 0-60 time is not worth losing a true manual. I am sure that auto is nice and all, but I want one more manual car before manuals are completely gone. I hold onto cars for a decade or so, so there is a good chance this would be my last real manual.

Surge > VivaLaManual 08/30/2014 at 11:46

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Agreed!

I'm getting a manual. It's a fantastic gearbox. Test drove one and loved it. Very easy to shift.