The M235i is (Nearly) the Perfect BMW

"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
02/04/2019 at 15:10 • Filed to: None

It’s no secret that BMWs are quite popular around Oppo, and quite popular with myself, personally. But there’s this stigma that comes with the BMW talk that revolves around the fact that the brand just does not seem to compare to the roots upon which they were born. The classic chassis codes: “E30,” “E28,” “E39,” all read out as legendary names to us all, and yet none of us seem to want to care for any of the brand’s modern offerings. It’s sad, but it’s also reality.

But, BMW doesn’t seem to be down and out quite yet. Just when the fourth round seems to be dwindling, BMW comes out with a heavy hitter: the 2 Series.

The 2 Series, much like the 1 Series Coupe before it, is largely everything a BMW should be. It’s a modern interpretation on the formula that made BMW so profitable and so desirable to enthusiasts everywhere: the short-wheelbase, rear-wheel drive coupe. It exceeds due to its simplicity compared to the big guns like the 3 and 5 Series of the modern era. That’s why it’s my most favorite modern BMW, period.

With the talk of the M2 and new M2 competition, I thought it only fair to put together some sort of something to talk about how much I love the 2 Series. Luckily, the higher powers agreed, because I was blessed with a transferred in M235i at work that I got to have my own way with, and boy, was it an absolute treat. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s the best BMW made within the past decade.

Decked out in Glacier Silver Metallic over Oyster leather (sorry for the lack of pics, it was raining), the M235i at first glance gave me a sense of nostalgia, a theme which you may have noticed is fairly common in this review. Just a few weeks before then, I was considering a 128i for my daily after praising its perfect proportions and direct steering, but eventually backed out after the inability to find a perfect one. But when given the keys to this M235i, I suddenly felt that wanting energy once more, enhanced only when laying your eyes upon its stubby, yet sleek architecture.

To call the M235i a pretty car is subjective. Some might like its muscular philosophy, a car that can only be likened to a pitbull, or maybe an english bulldog if you feel like the pitbull comparison is only fair for the mack daddy M2. But I’d hardly call the car ugly, it’s a modern interpretation of the ideal form, harkening back to famous nameplates like the 2002tii or the E30 M3. Petite, perhaps.

In any other car of this stature, the numbers that the twin-turbo N55 inline-6 puts to the road could be seen as overkill, but something about the 322 bhp it boasts just seems right. When mated to t he 8-speed ZF automatic that my car had, it gets from 0-60 in a stout 4.8 seconds, which is a respectable number for this class. The car’s lightness and quick shifting mannerisms of the transmission really play into its favor, however, as most speeds feel so much more when behind the wheel.

Then you find yourself in a corner, and it all comes back to you. The M235i, is, for a better word, perfect to drive in a switchback. The short composure of the wheelbase, RWD architecture, and powerfully direct steering make the car so perfectly nimble and composed in every single corner. Turning the wheel brings you such direct feedback, with the slightest bit of kickback oversteer to make it all the more delightful. Even piloting it through a small back lot gives you a sense of joy, as you could easily flick it around any tight enclosure with maximum ease. It’s, for lack of a better word, f**king amazing.

For all of the praise with the way it looks and drives, I was really hoping the car would be an overall home run, but I couldn’t walk away without giving criticism where its due, and unfortunately, it’s largely due at the behest of the interior.

While I’d hardly call this a bad interior, it’s not up to the standards I hold BMW, which is a common complaint I’ve had for most BMWs up until recently with the debut of the G30 5 Series. There’s a lot of un- sultry plastic in places where I’m not exactly a huge fan of it and the wood trimmings here and there seem too obviously fake (which is an even bigger problem if they’re real). But, I’ll give it one thing: the way everything’s laid out in composure to where the driver sits is well done. Nothing is too far out of reach, and honestly, for a car as small as this, and for a guy as big as I am, I really couldn’t complain about comfort one bit.

If there was one thing I’d like to say about the M235i that’s really not its fault, it would be that I’d like to try one with the 6-speed manual. Of course, the automatic is quicker and didn’t dem ote anything from the thrashing dynamics of which it drove, but I’d just love to see how it behaves with a classic row-your-gears attitude. Nevertheless, I can overall say I walked away pleased.

To me, the naturally-aspirated, V8-powered, RWD E39 M5 will always be the ideal BMW, but the M235i comes in a damn close second place. It has all the right ingredients to be perfect, and flaunts them in all the correct places, and apart from a few niggling issues, I’d still own one in a heartbeat . If you, or anyone you know, is looking for a moderately priced pre-owned BMW, I’d seriously recommend one of these before the prices skyrocket, becau se who knows how long we’ll be able to buy BMWs as good as this anymore? But until that day comes, I’ll smile at the roundel for knowing they’ve still got the touch.

DISCUSSION (38)

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/04/2019 at 15:18

Really excellent well rounded car but in my area there are two of them I think exclusively driven by the most douchiest of assholes who speed 20 over the limit all the time, tailgate everyone, cut off people dangerously , including me and my wife more than once, and obviously don’t ever signal (duh). Been seeing them for years here, and getting tickets don’t seem to stop them either.

It’s too late, I already have a well-developed hate for the car, along with any modded Nissan 350/370z, G35 coupe and Veloster (today at lunchtime one of these assholes nearly clipped himself on a dump truck trying to get ahead to the stop light, that I went and stopped at before him in the next lane and ended up ahead of him anyway)

/rant

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/04/2019 at 15:19

You had steering feedback in a M 235i?

404 - User No Longer Available > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/04/2019 at 15:20

Why not M240i with the B58 ? Same car , 20 extra horses.

Spanfeller is a twat > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/04/2019 at 15:23

Great post, but I’m still disapointed BMW didn’t put a 2JZ in it.

BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/04/2019 at 15:28

I drove one and I’ll have to agree. I’d buy one without a sunroof in a heartbeat, but those are extremely hard to come by.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/04/2019 at 15:34

Nice review.

“ before the prices skyrocket” - highly unlikely!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
02/04/2019 at 15:44

Don’t let the actions of others prevent you from experiencing joy in life!

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/04/2019 at 15:49

Nah. O nly the Mustang and Corvette get that pass from me despite the stigma/stereotypes and I would take one of those or an equivalent Porsche for the same price or a proper used M3/4 car over this almost-M but not really an M , anyway.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
02/04/2019 at 15:57

Okay, at least you’re willing to give some a-hole cars a pass - ha!

The reviews of the new M2 Competition are quite good...

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/04/2019 at 15:59

Becasue ’Murrica. I am partial to the 5.0 Coyote, the 6.2 LS and the 5.7 Hemi (have not driven the 6.4 Hemi).

LOL ironically for the record I drive a G37 sedan but hate G35/37 coupes and the (99% of the time) assholes who drive them

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
02/04/2019 at 16:01

I’ve never really been into Mustangs or Corvettes, but the latest ones (especially the GT350 and the Grand Sport) definitely press my lust buttons .

B_dol > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
02/04/2019 at 16:33

The steering in this car leaves a lot to be desired - I say this as a former owner . M2/M2C variants improve this drastically, but BMW electronic steering has a ways to go.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > B_dol
02/04/2019 at 16:35

That’s why you should drive a 1er

Discerning > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/04/2019 at 17:11

My only problem with the M235i is that it felt heavy for its size. Especially if you drive one and an E46 M3 back to back. The m235i is smaller in every way - wheelbase, length, width, and height. But its weight is noticeably more vs. the e46. Of course this boils down to modern safety and amenities, but it’s hard to overlook if you’ve driven both.

But any time a car is compared to an E46 is a good thing in general.

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > 404 - User No Longer Available
02/04/2019 at 17:36

These questions need answers!

Captain of the Enterprise > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/04/2019 at 17:51

My only issue with the 2 series is that for similar money I’d get the 3 series for more practicality.

Montalvo > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/04/2019 at 18:20

“powerfully direct steering”

I agree with everything except for this. The package is so great but when it comes to the the rack that they are using it falls flat on its face HARD. Even in my father’s M6 the electric racks they are using feel like garbage compared to the hydraulic one in my E92. Hopefully they get it right with the next batch of M cars. I would definitely be in the market for an AWD M4.

Saracen > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/04/2019 at 20:56

I drove a co-worker’s M2 and it really didn’t do anything for me. Maybe I’m weird, or I’m just ruined by having a 997. Maybe I’ll like the M235/40i better. It looks to be less harsh.

B_dol > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
02/04/2019 at 23:38

No interest in the 1 series platform short of the 1M. That car is a beast, mistakenly p assed on a choice example (at a modest price!) in late 2017

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
02/04/2019 at 23:50

Perhaps I stand alone, but I like the feedback I got.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > 404 - User No Longer Available
02/04/2019 at 23:53

Too much of a good thing, perhaps.

Textured Soy Protein > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/05/2019 at 11:42

I used to have a 135is and I’ve driven an M235i. The 2 is a little less narrow and tippy feeling but the 1 has wayyyyy better steering. My 335xi has a slow-ass steering gear (thanks, BMW, for that) but since I have a bunch of suspension tweaks including harder lower control arm bushings, there’s perhaps almost too much road feel.

But I’m not buying any more BMWs until they add goddamn motherfucking Android Auto goddammit.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Saracen
02/05/2019 at 11:47

“ just ruined by having a 997"

Head, meet nail.

E92M3 > B_dol
02/05/2019 at 12:05

Have to agree here, it’s pretty numb. That’s the biggest drawback to the car IMO. The M2 Competition is supposed to be much improved in that department. Cost of entry is higher at $55k, but my guess is 5 or even 10 years later, it will cost you less to own, as it will retain resale value much better than the M235i.

arl > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/05/2019 at 12:06

Man, what a timely review. I’ve been looking at the 230i with a 6 speed and track package. A “stripper” version should come in around 40k, and maybe just a tad under, if you’re up for some haggling.

Then I just need to convince my wife we need a family vacation to Germany and I can pick it up from the factory.

The Dummy Gummy > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!
02/05/2019 at 12:16

Damn man, you deserve to be a front page writer. This was really well written and put together. Well done!

Even though I vowed off BMWs, this almost makes me want to get one.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > The Dummy Gummy
02/05/2019 at 12:51

Thank you!

Saracen > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/05/2019 at 14:23

BTW I’m almost ready to sell if you’re ready to buy!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Saracen
02/05/2019 at 14:25

Oh man! P robably not , unfortunately, but... ballpark asking price, just to torture myself?

Saracen > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/05/2019 at 14:32

High 30's.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Saracen
02/05/2019 at 14:38

[questions how much he wants to piss off wife by buying himself another car before replacing hers]

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Saracen
02/05/2019 at 14:56

Looking at your pictures from 2 years ago. Damn, is that a fine automobile...

Have you decided what’s next?

Saracen > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/05/2019 at 15:06

Haven’t decided yet. We are planning to move soon to the PNW so I probably replace until after that happens. But I’m pretty sure I want paddles because Seattle traffic, and a bit more practicality.

I just sold the allroad and replaced it with an MDX A-Spec, so she’s happy. I’m free to pretty much get whatever I want for myself. She approved of the RS5 Sportback when we looked at it at the LA auto show, but I’m worried I’d get one only for Audi to announce the RS4 or RS6, lol.

I’ll get another 911 some day as a toy, but it’ll have turbos or a little GT3 badge.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Saracen
02/05/2019 at 15:41

“ pretty much get whatever I want for myself” - very nice.

My wife loves her MDX, but it’s a 2014 with 135k miles. She’ll drive it another 2-3 years, and then we’ll figure something out. If I’d kept my beater Pathfinder instead of selling it and picking up my Tacoma last year, swapping out my M3 with your 4S might have been a real possibility. Oh well, I have no doubt you’ll be able to find a very good home for her. Would’ve loved to help keep it in the OPPO family!

GT3 is also on the bucket list for me.

Saracen > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/05/2019 at 15:58

We decided on a three row crossover which we really needed, but I let her pick which one. Q7 is so nice to drive, but quite ugly. The Disco had a lovely diesel engine, and it’s pretty to look at, but it’s terrible in every other way. She wouldn’t even look at the XC90, too boxy. So MDX it is! And I was ok with that because it was by far the cheapest and will be the cheapest to run and insure. It’s got the A-Spec package so it has red leather and black alcantara seats with red stitching. I’m a sucker for that stuff. Drives really nice too, though it could use a bit more torque.

GT3 Touring. Mmmmmmmmmm

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Saracen
02/05/2019 at 16:04

I honestly enjoy driving the MDX (took it on a 5000+ mile road trip last summer). That Honda motor gives a good howl when you get on it!

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/not-sure-how-i-missed-this-gt3-manual-u-s-take-rate-1828685657

Saracen > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/05/2019 at 16:31

It pleases me greatly to see that most GT3's are still sold with a manual.

I just haven’t had time to enjoy an impractical manual weekend corner carver by myself, and won’t be a for a while. So it’s gotta go.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Saracen
02/05/2019 at 16:40

That’s a shame, but better to have loved and lost...