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      04-18-2016, 07:46 AM   #1
ronnie123
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M235i to M2

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Hi guys,

I am in the UK and I currently have an M235i and have done for about 8 months since new.

I am seriously considering putting a deposit down on an M2 after seeing one, I haven't been able to drive it however. My only concern is that after having my car for 8 months already and then waiting another year+ for the M2 (during which time i will be driving the 235 still) I dont want the M2 to feel too familiar and eventually get boring after a year or so of owning it (if its possible to even call such a car boring ).

I know the interior is very similar to my current car other than a few extra details such as M shift paddles and bits of carbon and alcantara around the car.

So really where the decision comes down to is how different it is to drive vs the M235i and the differences in sound etc (I have the M Performance exhaust onstalled on the 235 and it sounds brilliant)

Or am I better off waiting a bit longer until I can afford an M3/M4?

Essentially looking for someone who has driven an M2 and an M235i
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      04-18-2016, 07:57 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ronnie123 View Post
Hi guys,

I am in the UK and I currently have an M235i and have done for about 8 months since new.

I am seriously considering putting a deposit down on an M2 after seeing one, I haven't been able to drive it however. My only concern is that after having my car for 8 months already and then waiting another year+ for the M2 (during which time i will be driving the 235 still) I dont want the M2 to feel too familiar and eventually get boring after a year or so of owning it (if its possible to even call such a car boring ).

I know the interior is very similar to my current car other than a few extra details such as M shift paddles and bits of carbon and alcantara around the car.

So really where the decision comes down to is how different it is to drive vs the M235i and the differences in sound etc (I have the M Performance exhaust onstalled on the 235 and it sounds brilliant)

Or am I better off waiting a bit longer until I can afford an M3/M4?

Essentially looking for someone who has driven an M2 and an M235i
Do some searching... there are some threads that discuss this. Overall consensus seems to be that it is VASTLY different and well worth the upgrade, but cannot speak to it myself. Good luck.

Given that this is an M2 forum, I suggest searching for M235. Would likely yield some good info for you.
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      04-18-2016, 07:59 AM   #3
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I haven't driven an M2, but this video has some brief comments to compare the two towards the end.

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      04-18-2016, 08:03 AM   #4
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Find an M2, M3, and M4 to test drive.
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      04-18-2016, 09:00 AM   #5
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Personally the M2 feels alot more focused than an M235.
The biggest difference is in how the car rides and steers. Also it puts itīs power down alot better.

IMO the M235 feels like a quick "normal" car and the M2 is more like a sports car(think 911) in driving feel.
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      04-18-2016, 09:06 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by F1zbo View Post
Personally the M2 feels alot more focused than an M235.
The biggest difference is in how the car rides and steers. Also it puts itīs power down alot better.

IMO the M235 feels like a quick "normal" car and the M2 is more like a sports car(think 911) in driving feel.
Entire PCar posse to lose their collective shit in 3....2...1...
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      04-18-2016, 09:17 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by buumer View Post
I haven't driven an M2, but this video has some brief comments to compare the two towards the end.

Note in that video when he says the premium 'isn't worth it' he's comparing the m235i to a loaded M2 WITH all of the performance parts... Makes no sense at all. M2 is definitely worth the premium.
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      04-18-2016, 09:26 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ronnie123 View Post
Hi guys,

I am in the UK and I currently have an M235i and have done for about 8 months since new.

I am seriously considering putting a deposit down on an M2 after seeing one, I haven't been able to drive it however. My only concern is that after having my car for 8 months already and then waiting another year+ for the M2 (during which time i will be driving the 235 still) I dont want the M2 to feel too familiar and eventually get boring after a year or so of owning it (if its possible to even call such a car boring ).

I know the interior is very similar to my current car other than a few extra details such as M shift paddles and bits of carbon and alcantara around the car.

So really where the decision comes down to is how different it is to drive vs the M235i and the differences in sound etc (I have the M Performance exhaust onstalled on the 235 and it sounds brilliant)

Or am I better off waiting a bit longer until I can afford an M3/M4?

Essentially looking for someone who has driven an M2 and an M235i
As someone with a M2 on order in the UK with delivery in Jan 2017. Presently living in US and been driving / owning a M235i for last 2 years. I have a test drive of local HEA M2 DCT later this week so let me know any spefics you want detailed feedback on and i'll try and give you an unbiased opinion. Roads here in Louisiana are badly rutted, so a good comparison to our very own brittish black top🙄
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      04-18-2016, 09:31 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jtodd_fl View Post
Entire PCar posse to lose their collective shit in 3....2...1...


Quote:
Originally Posted by Adem1534 View Post
Note in that video when he says the premium 'isn't worth it' he's comparing the m235i to a loaded M2 WITH all of the performance parts... Makes no sense at all. M2 is definitely worth the premium.
+1 I went from a 235 to a 981, and the difference is night and day. Not so much in the interior (although I think the Cayman is nicer), but the steering feel, brakes, chassis, engine and exhaust noise are all WAY better. Which is what mattered to me.

It will be the same with the M2. The 235 was much too roll-y and squishy for me. The M2 will be planted, turn much better, stop much better, AND have additional power. Not that it would need it, but who will complain about that?

The main difference being that the M2 is a real M and the 235 is something less than that. And that's ok...but if the driving experience is what you're after, there's no comparison.
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      04-18-2016, 09:46 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Adem1534 View Post
Note in that video when he says the premium 'isn't worth it' he's comparing the m235i to a loaded M2 WITH all of the performance parts... Makes no sense at all. M2 is definitely worth the premium.
He's actually comparing the base M2 to the m235i because he states the 10k difference not being worth it. With performance parts, the difference is 20k.
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      04-18-2016, 10:17 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by buumer View Post
He's actually comparing the base M2 to the m235i because he states the 10k difference not being worth it. With performance parts, the difference is 20k.
Problem is that while the 10K difference may apply in UK, it is definitely not the case elsewhere like NA. Difference between similarly configured M235 and M2 is maybe a 1.5-2K CDN $...and that's not even including the LSD for the M235
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      04-18-2016, 10:49 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ronnie123 View Post
So really where the decision comes down to is how different it is to drive vs the M235i and the differences in sound etc (I have the M Performance exhaust onstalled on the 235 and it sounds brilliant)
Or am I better off waiting a bit longer until I can afford an M3/M4?
Essentially looking for someone who has driven an M2 and an M235i
Check what the journalist says about the M235i and M2 in this recent video:

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      04-18-2016, 11:15 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by Ex-MINI View Post
Problem is that while the 10K difference may apply in UK, it is definitely not the case elsewhere like NA. Difference between similarly configured M235 and M2 is maybe a 1.5-2K CDN $...and that's not even including the LSD for the M235
I dont believe the comparison is spec-to-spec. If you're putting an LSD into the 235 along with other mods, then you might as well go for the M2.
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      04-18-2016, 11:22 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by buumer View Post
I dont believe the comparison is spec-to-spec. If you're putting an LSD into the 235 along with other mods, then you might as well go for the M2.
It's really this simple:

If you truly desire what the M2 has to offer, than it is worth well over the premium.

If what it offers is not what you care about, then the premium is not worth it.

Really depends on the individual. But I think it's fair to say that if sportiness and dynamics are important to you, then it's worth it. There's no finite answer, but a spectrum. Since the premium isn't that much, I'd assume that a cost-benefit distribution would be skewed to the right (negative skew), meaning that a majority find it worth the value.
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      04-18-2016, 11:33 AM   #15
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Quote:
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I dont believe the comparison is spec-to-spec. If you're putting an LSD into the 235 along with other mods, then you might as well go for the M2.
That doesn't make any sense if that's the case. How is a valid comparison if the specs are different, even if you don't take into account the LSD?
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      04-18-2016, 01:26 PM   #16
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The biggest difference i noticed when i test drove the M2 compared to the M235i is the suspension and that is the biggest improvement for me over the M235i, cause the M235i is really harsh when it comes to absorbing pot holes and stuff like that. That is one of the biggest reason to switch for me tbh, Its absorbs the road so much better that is either due to the suspension or the awesome tires on it or a combination of both i guess.

The power well its not bad but it it ain't "mind blowing" either that could always be tuned later on if someone would want to do that, and probably should do that cause it can take a lot more beating then the M235i due to the new parts in the N55 or rather say "New" but "Old" parts that is fitted from the M3/M4. If you can get the M-Performance exhaust or go full akrapovic later on when it gets released. And get the MP Spoiler & Diffuser and maybe an awesome front lip when aftermarket releases one. Other then that just go crazy on the tuning part.

Overall the M2 is an awesome driving machine that does what it promises. It gives ya hell a lot of fun for a bargain price pretty much. The beauty of the car, Well that is i guess each to his own in that aspect i personally really like the looks of the M2 when i saw it in real life the fangs of the car are not as out there as someone would think from watching the picture they are quite nicely molded in to the body. The diffuser though that is the best looking part, Just Swap out those red reflectors for black ones and you are done.
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      04-18-2016, 01:38 PM   #17
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Hi Ronnie, I am also in the UK.

Pistonheads published a review today and discussed M235i vs M2. Their consensus is that the M2 is a lot better, and worth more than the sum of it's parts over the M235i. Have a look, it's a good read.

I also got talking to someone in a bmw dealership recently that has a LBB M2 on show. He currently has a M235i and went out to Dubai to drive a M2. He preferred it to the M235i and an M3 that he also has.

The bad news? Many UK dealerships note have a 2 year wait for fresh orders

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      04-18-2016, 03:35 PM   #18
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Talking from a standard driver, I have gone from a 235 to an M2, the difference in driving is noticeable, road handling is a huge difference, acceleration, even though I cant go above 5k at the moment, it is considerable.

The sound, well you dont need the internal electronic sound, the sound is enough that it brings a smile each time i put my foot down, or dropping down a gear when using manual selection, that... well i have a box of tissues to wipe up my drool.

I have the DCT, and the gears change rapid and they are so smooth.

Inside not a great deal, a 235 with a few M features, however the seats feel softer and more comfortable.

If you can afford to upgrade and that's what this is you wont be disappointed.

This is just an honest opinion from a bog standard driver who finds any excuse at the moment to drive it, i find my self thinking of things to go and get from shops just to get in it.

As you can tell, loving it

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      04-18-2016, 05:05 PM   #19
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I own an M235i Auto and I am trying desperately to get an M2 Manual.

I test drove the M2 manual twice and honestly speaking I did not feel a huge difference. The power is maybe a little more, the noise it makes is also a little better and the tail gets loose a little more easily than my 235i (Which also does this quite easily with the traction control off). I was not able to make out a significant difference in the suspension either except that it is probably a little more firmer which is probably not a good thing for a daily driver. Also, I prefer the wood trim in my M235i to the fake carbon fiber (Plastic really) trim on the M2. I have read on most reviews that the M2 understeers which I was not able to make out.

Honestly, I do not see a huge difference in both the cars. That is just my unbiased opinion. If you remember all the M235i reviews, most reviewers called that car the E46 M3 just 18 months ago. Everyone is really excited when they drive a new car (Me included) and hence the furore and the amazing reviews.

I think it's an awesome car as well and will definitely be getting it as soon as I can but mainly because I want a manual transmission and for no other reason. It most definitely is not 10K better than the M235i.
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      04-18-2016, 06:50 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gatte View Post
I own an M235i Auto and I am trying desperately to get an M2 Manual.

I test drove the M2 manual twice and honestly speaking I did not feel a huge difference. The power is maybe a little more, the noise it makes is also a little better and the tail gets loose a little more easily than my 235i (Which also does this quite easily with the traction control off). I was not able to make out a significant difference in the suspension either except that it is probably a little more firmer which is probably not a good thing for a daily driver. Also, I prefer the wood trim in my M235i to the fake carbon fiber (Plastic really) trim on the M2. I have read on most reviews that the M2 understeers which I was not able to make out.

Honestly, I do not see a huge difference in both the cars. That is just my unbiased opinion. If you remember all the M235i reviews, most reviewers called that car the E46 M3 just 18 months ago. Everyone is really excited when they drive a new car (Me included) and hence the furore and the amazing reviews.

I think it's an awesome car as well and will definitely be getting it as soon as I can but mainly because I want a manual transmission and for no other reason. It most definitely is not 10K better than the M235i.
Thanks for your assessment...and I really hope the reviewers are right and you're wrong

I test drove an M235 last year, really liked it and was close to buying one...but then the M2 was announced shortly after and I just couldn't pull the trigger on the M235. Especially later on when the pricing was announced it the two were so close in price....definitely not a $10K difference in Canada for similar specs

One more thing re: the M2 carbon trim....its been noted several times that its real CF....just open weave without the usual gloss coating. I saw it at an auto show and thought it looked really unique...different from the usual CF trim pieces.
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      04-18-2016, 07:15 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ex-MINI View Post
Thanks for your assessment...and I really hope the reviewers are right and you're wrong

One more thing re: the M2 carbon trim....its been noted several times that its real CF....just open weave without the usual gloss coating. I saw it at an auto show and thought it looked really unique...different from the usual CF trim pieces.
I hope I'm wrong too since I am getting one as well but I'm pretty sure I'm not.

The open weave carbon fiber is unique but I am fairly confident that it is still plastic. That's what one of the reviewers said as well. Maybe the DCT M2 feels and is quicker but I drove a manual and own an Auto M235i so was not able to see much difference. The difference is about 0.2 seconds and that is not a lot.
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      04-18-2016, 07:33 PM   #22
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Quote:
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I hope I'm wrong too since I am getting one as well but I'm pretty sure I'm not.

The open weave carbon fiber is unique but I am fairly confident that it is still plastic. That's what one of the reviewers said as well. Maybe the DCT M2 feels and is quicker but I drove a manual and own an Auto M235i so was not able to see much difference. The difference is about 0.2 seconds and that is not a lot.
You're entirely missing the point of the M2 if you're counting 0.2 seconds of performance gain. And the carbon is real. You think real carbon is only the glossy one?
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