SCANS: M2 VS M235i, 228i, 1M and E30 M3 (Road & Track July 16)

B_Rice · 06-08-2016, 02:03 PM

I can't believe they shit on the 1M

1LegitM235i · 06-08-2016, 02:15 PM

Sorry, I didn't feel the M235i needed to justify the M2 and 228i advantages. For being the middle sibling, this article read too biasedly against it. I'm not hating, but I think I read one positive comment about the M235i. Here's the reality, the M2's significant M'ish options are clearly what's going to make it better than other two, hands down. Clearly, these cars are separated by $10k-$20k, so you get what you pay for, right? Rant and two cents shared.

1LegitM235i · 06-08-2016, 02:30 PM

Stated my comment on that thread and felt I needed to share my two cents. I didn't buy my M235i based on what the media or magazine article said about it, but based on what I love about it. I echo what BentZero said, being fortunate enough to fill the gaps between the two, I'm a happy camper!

esoulliard · 06-08-2016, 02:53 PM

Yeah, I have to agree. I'd love to be at the track every weekend, but I like having something that works well as a DD and is still fun on the track. The comment about the M235i being a "Buick" was a bit much. I think Adam Sandler Jr.

is really splitting hairs between the different models tested. I guess there has to be some hyperbole in order to sell magazines.

kz1000 · 06-08-2016, 03:32 PM

I lubs my 228i.

Cyberdemon · 06-08-2016, 03:59 PM

Agreed that most of this has been covered in the past, and the exact same distinction was made between the F30 328 and 335i when it first came out. The 335i has more power, but the lighter and more nimble 328 is more fun to drive once you get past the rattley noises the engine makes.

The fact that they chose it over the M2 while having quite a bit of praise for it isn't completely odd either - the reality is that if you're comparing a car for the street, the lighter weight less powered car is always going to be more accessible near the limit, and the limit is what makes driving fun. The M2 as a track day toy is obviously still valid, and the fact that the M235 was under .5 seconds behind it in terms of lap time should give a very obvious nod to the fact that it's a super capable vehicle, which is why C&D and so many other journalists have given it near perfect ratings even if the steering is numb.

It's also ironic since C&D in their 10best described the M235i steering as "The steering informs you of the road’s every nuance."

So depending on what journalist talks about the cars on any given day with any given tire PSI will give you a different answer.

We all bought one of them in one way or another, and I don't think many of us go out every day unhappy about our respective decisions. (I would have bought a 228 coupe if I didn't decide to go topless)

Mywifes335 · 06-08-2016, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScBlacksunshine

Come on, everyone loves Adam Sandler's clone

That's an insult to Sandler, lol!

2msport · 06-08-2016, 07:07 PM

+1 for 228s!

I wish they could drive my 228 and write about it.. ECU tune, dinan shockware, and exhaust. I imagine it would have been a home run

. But come on guys, we all know what each car has to offer. This is so subjective. Just because it's in a magazine doesn't make it the truth.

I love my car and I'm sure you all love yours just the same

Mywifes335 · 06-08-2016, 07:44 PM

Professional cool guy, right?

mcompact · 06-08-2016, 11:10 PM

It's interesting to contrast the July 2016 article with the May 2015 Sideways Shootout comparison test, where a 228i with the THP mixed it up with an FR-S and an EcoBoost Mustang. Some relevant quotes:

"Man, does BMW seem lost in the woods," says contributing editor Richard Pinto. "What a letdown." Indeed, the supposed second coming of BMW's legendary 2002 feels more Buick than Bimmer. Every time we stop, the 228i's driver begs to get into something else.

We figured the 228i would beat the heavier M235i in terms of limit composure, the same way a 328i is better balanced than a 335i. In reality, it's not even close. This 228i demonstrates little of the magic we expect from BMW's chassis-tuning crew. It feels like someone just ordered grippy tires, slapped on big brakes, and called it a day.

Goombeh · 06-09-2016, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

Surprising result with the 228 winning, and hilarious to read they thought the 1M was an old turd, that makes me smile.

I found that funny too.... found it even funnier that after all that, the 1M 's lap time was almost identical to the 'much' improved M2.

It was also noted that the M2 pulls on both the M235i and 1M down the main straight, so the 1M was potentially out-braking or out-cornering the M2.....or both..

RoundelM3 · 06-09-2016, 07:43 AM

Opinions are like navels...everybody has one. Magazine articles, on the other hand, are pretty much worthless. Ever since Road & Track moved to Michigan, it's gone seriously downhill and I quit subscribing a year or more ago.

Kiwi · 06-09-2016, 03:53 PM

I have a lot of fun in my 116i and my 220i and after driving a 235i I'm happy with BMW's smaller engines.

If you only want straight line speed then the 235i will be the car but for cornering and out right fun using the cars gears the 116i/220i is the cars. These cars are so well balance and drive like go carts. It's a shame BMW America does not import these engines.

Robin_NL · 06-09-2016, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goombeh

I found that funny too.... found it even funnier that after all that, the 1M 's lap time was almost identical to the 'much' improved M2.

It was also noted that the M2 pulls on both the M235i and 1M down the main straight, so the 1M was potentially out-braking or out-cornering the M2.....or both..

1M is such a great car. I don't miss it, the M2 is a very nice substitute, but the 1M was a bit more involved in anything driver/driving concerned, though the M2 is faster 9 out of 10 times easily.

Steering feel, lsd working, shorter wheelbase.

I'd choose M2 and 1M, the rest you may keep for yourselves

Cheers
Robin

geep81 · 06-09-2016, 04:49 PM

This article is a bad thing to use to compare what you might enjoy. They took the same car that was slightly different in each version, and pitted it against eachother. "The M2 is the best" they end up saying as they basically hot rod/track their cars all day. Shocker!

MikeT · 06-09-2016, 05:08 PM

For me, the most surprising thing in this article is the M2's turning circle. 38.4 ft? Yikes. Not a big deal for some, I suppose, but I prefer a tight turning radius when doing U-turns.

Tpeterson · 06-09-2016, 06:04 PM

I wish they would have used a car with THP. It would have been even a more clear cut " winner".

Transfer · 06-09-2016, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeT

For me, the most surprising thing in this article is the M2's turning circle. 38.4 ft? Yikes. Not a big deal for some, I suppose, but I prefer a tight turning radius when doing U-turns.

I don't know about the 228, but my 235 turning radius feels pretty bad. My SQ5 is better, but its radius is amazing.

XutvJet · 06-09-2016, 08:49 PM

I'm really thrilled to see that the M2 only beat the e-diff equipped M235 with it's crap steering (joking) by a mere .5 seconds. I'm also thrilled to see a 4.6 0-60 and 107mph trap speeds out of the 6mt M235. The M235 is only a set of wider tires/wheels in the front, some increased front camber, and a Stage 1 tune away from matching the M2 numbers, at least on that track.

Pparana · 06-09-2016, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XutvJet

I'm really thrilled to see that the M2 only beat the e-diff equipped M235 with it's crap steering (joking) by a mere .5 seconds. I'm also thrilled to see a 4.6 0-60 and 107mph trap speeds out of the 6mt M235. The M235 is only a set of wider tires/wheels in the front, some increased front camber, and a Stage 1 tune away from matching the M2 numbers, at least on that track.

I hot laped a m2 at Roebling, was 4 seconds slower than my modded m235. That being said I am sure modded the extra tire would be great as the diff is also pretty advanced.

I dislike track comparisons because there are so many variables, and anyone who tracks, mods the car sooner than later, for grip, braking power ext.

IMHO if the m2 was around when I got my 2r I would have ordered one because the price point makes sense with the options. That being said I am not rushing to get one nor do I plan on it. If they make a m2 gran sport, yes I will be rushing to get one. 228, just not a 4 cyl guy.

Deutsche-Broke · 06-09-2016, 10:49 PM

Piss poor article.. Hoped to see more from the "Jalopnik" interns...

After reading this, I'm picturing them "Throwing keys up in the air in slo-mo" like a TV producer told them to and their own "quirky" personalities catching the key to the perfect car, and them scattering with fire decaled helmets on.... Like an episode of Top Gear U.S.

"Let's roll guys! Amirite?", as everyone is vaping as you hear the "click" of the seat belt..

Fucking Garbage..

This article made me wonder why R&T is still in business. But I guess they have to compete with the "You Tubers" for ad revenue...

Legal Bill · 06-09-2016, 11:03 PM

I drove a 228i for a weekend and I was very impressed. I can see why they came down this way. But I still prefer the 235. I want the big power push and the steering feels fine to me on the street. I use the power punch 100x more than I use the adhesion limits.

06-08-2016, 02:03 PM	#45
B_Rice Lieutenant 219 Rep 518 Posts Drives: 6spd Estoril Blue M235i Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I can't believe they shit on the 1M __________________ Estoril Blue 6spd M235i LSD Sunroof delete AWE touring exhaust Fabspeed sport cat
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06-08-2016, 02:15 PM	#46
1LegitM235i 1L 156 Rep 336 Posts Drives: 2015 Glacier Silver M235i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: City of Crosses, NM iTrader: (0)	Sorry, I didn't feel the M235i needed to justify the M2 and 228i advantages. For being the middle sibling, this article read too biasedly against it. I'm not hating, but I think I read one positive comment about the M235i. Here's the reality, the M2's significant M'ish options are clearly what's going to make it better than other two, hands down. Clearly, these cars are separated by $10k-$20k, so you get what you pay for, right? Rant and two cents shared. __________________ 2015 Glacier Silver M235i/6MT MP Front Splitter//MP CF Short Shifter//MP CF E-brake//MP LSD//Cold Weather package//Driver Assistance package//Oyster Dakota leather//Aluminum Hexagon trim//ECS Tuning Wheel Spacers//AutoPlus Rear Diffuser//HUD//Rexing DashCam//AutoID M Mirror Caps
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06-08-2016, 02:30 PM	#47
1LegitM235i 1L 156 Rep 336 Posts Drives: 2015 Glacier Silver M235i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: City of Crosses, NM iTrader: (0)	Stated my comment on that thread and felt I needed to share my two cents. I didn't buy my M235i based on what the media or magazine article said about it, but based on what I love about it. I echo what BentZero said, being fortunate enough to fill the gaps between the two, I'm a happy camper! __________________ 2015 Glacier Silver M235i/6MT MP Front Splitter//MP CF Short Shifter//MP CF E-brake//MP LSD//Cold Weather package//Driver Assistance package//Oyster Dakota leather//Aluminum Hexagon trim//ECS Tuning Wheel Spacers//AutoPlus Rear Diffuser//HUD//Rexing DashCam//AutoID M Mirror Caps
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06-08-2016, 02:53 PM	#48
esoulliard Enlisted Member 20 Rep 31 Posts Drives: 2015 Mineral Grey M235i 6MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: Souderton, PA iTrader: (0)	Yeah, I have to agree. I'd love to be at the track every weekend, but I like having something that works well as a DD and is still fun on the track. The comment about the M235i being a "Buick" was a bit much. I think Adam Sandler Jr. is really splitting hairs between the different models tested. I guess there has to be some hyperbole in order to sell magazines.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

06-08-2016, 03:32 PM	#49
kz1000 Mensch 60 Rep 122 Posts Drives: 2021 230i 6mt Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	I lubs my 228i.
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06-08-2016, 03:59 PM	#50
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1538 Rep 3,331 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	Agreed that most of this has been covered in the past, and the exact same distinction was made between the F30 328 and 335i when it first came out. The 335i has more power, but the lighter and more nimble 328 is more fun to drive once you get past the rattley noises the engine makes. The fact that they chose it over the M2 while having quite a bit of praise for it isn't completely odd either - the reality is that if you're comparing a car for the street, the lighter weight less powered car is always going to be more accessible near the limit, and the limit is what makes driving fun. The M2 as a track day toy is obviously still valid, and the fact that the M235 was under .5 seconds behind it in terms of lap time should give a very obvious nod to the fact that it's a super capable vehicle, which is why C&D and so many other journalists have given it near perfect ratings even if the steering is numb. It's also ironic since C&D in their 10best described the M235i steering as "The steering informs you of the road’s every nuance." So depending on what journalist talks about the cars on any given day with any given tire PSI will give you a different answer. We all bought one of them in one way or another, and I don't think many of us go out every day unhappy about our respective decisions. (I would have bought a 228 coupe if I didn't decide to go topless) __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
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06-08-2016, 07:07 PM	#52
2msport Captain 204 Rep 757 Posts Drives: '14 228 MT Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	+1 for 228s! I wish they could drive my 228 and write about it.. ECU tune, dinan shockware, and exhaust. I imagine it would have been a home run . But come on guys, we all know what each car has to offer. This is so subjective. Just because it's in a magazine doesn't make it the truth. I love my car and I'm sure you all love yours just the same Last edited by 2msport; 06-08-2016 at 07:16 PM..
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06-08-2016, 11:10 PM	#54
mcompact Second Lieutenant 119 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: KY iTrader: (0)	It's interesting to contrast the July 2016 article with the May 2015 Sideways Shootout comparison test, where a 228i with the THP mixed it up with an FR-S and an EcoBoost Mustang. Some relevant quotes: "Man, does BMW seem lost in the woods," says contributing editor Richard Pinto. "What a letdown." Indeed, the supposed second coming of BMW's legendary 2002 feels more Buick than Bimmer. Every time we stop, the 228i's driver begs to get into something else. We figured the 228i would beat the heavier M235i in terms of limit composure, the same way a 328i is better balanced than a 335i. In reality, it's not even close. This 228i demonstrates little of the magic we expect from BMW's chassis-tuning crew. It feels like someone just ordered grippy tires, slapped on big brakes, and called it a day. __________________ 2014 M235i 2015 X1 xDrive28i M Sport 2009 Cooper Clubman 1999 Wrangler Sahara 1995 318ti Club Sport
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06-09-2016, 07:43 AM	#56
RoundelM3 Major General 1837 Rep 6,990 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	Opinions are like navels...everybody has one. Magazine articles, on the other hand, are pretty much worthless. Ever since Road & Track moved to Michigan, it's gone seriously downhill and I quit subscribing a year or more ago. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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06-09-2016, 03:53 PM	#57
Kiwi Captain 145 Rep 917 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M Sports Convertible Join Date: May 2005 Location: Auckland New Zealand iTrader: (0)	I have a lot of fun in my 116i and my 220i and after driving a 235i I'm happy with BMW's smaller engines. If you only want straight line speed then the 235i will be the car but for cornering and out right fun using the cars gears the 116i/220i is the cars. These cars are so well balance and drive like go carts. It's a shame BMW America does not import these engines. __________________ 2015 220i M Sport convertible. 2016 225xe M Sport.
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06-09-2016, 04:49 PM	#59
geep81 Private First Class 45 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2016 M235xi Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Cleveland iTrader: (0)	This article is a bad thing to use to compare what you might enjoy. They took the same car that was slightly different in each version, and pitted it against eachother. "The M2 is the best" they end up saying as they basically hot rod/track their cars all day. Shocker!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-09-2016, 05:08 PM	#60
MikeT Lieutenant 170 Rep 533 Posts Drives: 2015 m235i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: California iTrader: (0)	For me, the most surprising thing in this article is the M2's turning circle. 38.4 ft? Yikes. Not a big deal for some, I suppose, but I prefer a tight turning radius when doing U-turns.
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06-09-2016, 06:04 PM	#61
Tpeterson Lieutenant 157 Rep 580 Posts Drives: 228i MSport/THP/MT/ Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Eagan Mn iTrader: (0)	I wish they would have used a car with THP. It would have been even a more clear cut " winner".
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06-09-2016, 08:49 PM	#63
XutvJet Major General 5554 Rep 5,372 Posts Drives: 2011 Cayman Base, 2016 M235 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (-1)	I'm really thrilled to see that the M2 only beat the e-diff equipped M235 with it's crap steering (joking) by a mere .5 seconds. I'm also thrilled to see a 4.6 0-60 and 107mph trap speeds out of the 6mt M235. The M235 is only a set of wider tires/wheels in the front, some increased front camber, and a Stage 1 tune away from matching the M2 numbers, at least on that track.
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06-09-2016, 10:49 PM	#65
Deutsche-Broke First Lieutenant 110 Rep 393 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Northwest US iTrader: (0)	Piss poor article.. Hoped to see more from the "Jalopnik" interns... After reading this, I'm picturing them "Throwing keys up in the air in slo-mo" like a TV producer told them to and their own "quirky" personalities catching the key to the perfect car, and them scattering with fire decaled helmets on.... Like an episode of Top Gear U.S. "Let's roll guys! Amirite?", as everyone is vaping as you hear the "click" of the seat belt.. Fucking Garbage.. This article made me wonder why R&T is still in business. But I guess they have to compete with the "You Tubers" for ad revenue...
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06-09-2016, 11:03 PM	#66
Legal Bill Second Lieutenant 58 Rep 204 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Canton, MA iTrader: (0)	I drove a 228i for a weekend and I was very impressed. I can see why they came down this way. But I still prefer the 235. I want the big power push and the steering feels fine to me on the street. I use the power punch 100x more than I use the adhesion limits.
	Appreciate 0 Quote