[knepsterd]

I took over a lease assumption (m235 Auto AWD) early summer and in my impulsive way FBO'd the usual parts on it.

Added the following:
VRSF Stepped black sport IC, Wagner catted 200 DP, Injen Intake, Jb4 with EWG/PP, MPE & Diffuser, ER Chargepipe, BMS Oil cooler, 18 inch Forgestar gunmetal 225/255 rims, black chin spoiler.

I can basically take all the above and bolt on to the M2, except the MPE which is not compatible, everything else is.

The m235 is alpine white, I wrapped roof and rear spoiler black. Car came with black grilles and CF mirror caps.

The 18s have Conti Extreme A/S on them and maybe benefit for NYC area/Long Island driving in winter, except if snow/ice...but will work for temps. Would need 15-20mm spacers.

So with all this background, should I jump into an M2, will possibly track a couple times a year but not a big gearhead, but is mostly 5000 miles a year car. Will I enjoy that much more as a daily driver. And since I have all the FBO stuff, except M2 MPE or other exhaust/catback (which would be only investment for a stock M2 at this point I would need to make), will it really be that more awesome? I'm going to go with DCT since wife can't drive manual.

I love the look of the hips and better rear, will be going with a new 2018.

I'm torn as to what to do? Keep the 2015 m235 and buyout lease, its like $31K or buy $60K M2?

What would you do?

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by knepsterd

I took over a lease assumption (m235 Auto AWD) early summer and in my impulsive way FBO'd the usual parts on it.

Added the following:
VRSF Stepped black sport IC, Wagner catted 200 DP, Injen Intake, Jb4 with EWG/PP, MPE & Diffuser, ER Chargepipe, BMS Oil cooler, 18 inch Forgestar gunmetal 225/255 rims, black chin spoiler.

I can basically take all the above and bolt on to the M2, except the MPE which is not compatible, everything else is.

The m235 is alpine white, I wrapped roof and rear spoiler black. Car came with black grilles and CF mirror caps.

The 18s have Conti Extreme A/S on them and maybe benefit for NYC area/Long Island driving in winter, except if snow/ice...but will work for temps. Would need 15-20mm spacers.

So with all this background, should I jump into an M2, will possibly track a couple times a year but not a big gearhead, but is mostly 5000 miles a year car. Will I enjoy that much more as a daily driver. And since I have all the FBO stuff, except M2 MPE or other exhaust/catback (which would be only investment for a stock M2 at this point I would need to make), will it really be that more awesome? I'm going to go with DCT since wife can't drive manual.

I love the look of the hips and better rear, will be going with a new 2018.

I'm torn as to what to do? Keep the 2015 m235 and buyout lease, its like $31K or buy $60K M2?

What would you do?

M2 ALL DAY!

I still can't fathom how 2010s guy can't get his wife to learn to drive a 6 speed that shifts nearly as smoothly as a Honda, has hill holder AND auto rev match. If your wife has TWO legs and ONE arm , she can learn to drive an M2 6MT.

If you assumed a lease , then I would consider whatever you have in the M235 a test drive/ rental. You've had an extended chance to determine if you like the chassis. If you just need a commuter car and this is a shared car then a modded 235 is fine.

However , For a car that's only going to see 5k miles a year an M car will retain far more value and also provide you with far more performance.

Since part of your driving includes track driving then again, an M2 is a clear winner. Short of tearing out fenders and designing a custom suspension on a M235, the platform from which you will start with has a clear advantage.

The M2 is probably the best platform yet for BMW when it comes to turbo cars being able to put down the power. The M4 ZCP has gotten the M4 closer.

A DCT M2 is also certainly an upgrade, but don't end up with transmission regret. If you are gonna spend $60k ( or perhaps just $57k) then Buy the car the way you want it.

[wanofakind01]

Went from m235 to m2, no regrets. The stock exhaust on the m2 sounds about the same as m235 MPE, if not better with the burbles you get at 3k rpm. MPE for m2 is on a different level (yes, I have and love it, but it's a bit split across the forums).

Price of warranty and peace of mind helps, though with your mods on the lease, not sure if that's a big deal to you. Price of regret for seeing an m2 on the road may be the only deciding factor for you.

[JB330Ci]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

M2 ALL DAY!

...If your wife has TWO legs and ONE arm , she can learn to drive an M2 6MT.

Agree...but with only ONE arm it would be sort of too busy for her.

[horsepower_and_hounds]

yes M2...went from 135 to M235 to M4 and now to M2...... M2 is so nice

[akkando]

Originally Posted by knepsterd

I took over a lease assumption (m235 Auto AWD) early summer and in my impulsive way FBO'd the usual parts on it.

Added the following:
VRSF Stepped black sport IC, Wagner catted 200 DP, Injen Intake, Jb4 with EWG/PP, MPE & Diffuser, ER Chargepipe, BMS Oil cooler, 18 inch Forgestar gunmetal 225/255 rims, black chin spoiler.

I can basically take all the above and bolt on to the M2, except the MPE which is not compatible, everything else is.

The m235 is alpine white, I wrapped roof and rear spoiler black. Car came with black grilles and CF mirror caps.

The 18s have Conti Extreme A/S on them and maybe benefit for NYC area/Long Island driving in winter, except if snow/ice...but will work for temps. Would need 15-20mm spacers.

So with all this background, should I jump into an M2, will possibly track a couple times a year but not a big gearhead, but is mostly 5000 miles a year car. Will I enjoy that much more as a daily driver. And since I have all the FBO stuff, except M2 MPE or other exhaust/catback (which would be only investment for a stock M2 at this point I would need to make), will it really be that more awesome? I'm going to go with DCT since wife can't drive manual.

I love the look of the hips and better rear, will be going with a new 2018.

I'm torn as to what to do? Keep the 2015 m235 and buyout lease, its like $31K or buy $60K M2?

What would you do?

Get a 2019 M2, it will come with the M3/M4 engine.

[Oxymoron]

M2 all the way. Fit the DP and you may decide you don't even need to spend on the MPE. Resale will be better. And the hips mmmm. If it's going to be a daily, I'd stick with DCT personally.

[greasypeanut]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

M2 ALL DAY!

I still can't fathom how 2010s guy can't get his wife to learn to drive a 6 speed that shifts nearly as smoothly as a Honda, has hill holder AND auto rev match. If your wife has TWO legs and ONE arm , she can learn to drive an M2 6MT.

You must have the patience of a saint! My wife hates driving already, the two times I tried to teach her was an exercise in futility.

OP, I think all the answers you're going to get from here is going to be pro m2. Have you asked this in the 2er forums? I personally think the couple times a year you're going to take it to the track and the 5000 miles a year you'll put on the car would not be enough for me to switch. If you're not really pushing it handling wise, you might not notice too much of a difference. That being said if you always wanted to own a true M car then nows your chance.

[untzklee]

Went from 2014 m235 to m2, no regrets. The handling and the way it drives is way more better...

[wanofakind01]

Originally Posted by greasypeanut

You must have the patience of a saint! My wife hates driving already, the two times I tried to teach her was an exercise in futility.

OP, I think all the answers you're going to get from here is going to be pro m2. Have you asked this in the 2er forums? I personally think the couple times a year you're going to take it to the track and the 5000 miles a year you'll put on the car would not be enough for me to switch. If you're not really pushing it handling wise, you might not notice too much of a difference. That being said if you always wanted to own a true M car then nows your chance.

Coming from the 2addicts forum, you'll see a lot of the same threads and people justifying their purchase for the 2er (was actually quite surprised how much bashing on the m2 there was). But for the price between an m240 and an m2, the biggest feedback you'll hear is about daily driving and the mods you can do to a 2er. If that's not a problem for you, go for the m2. I've taken the hit on the depreciation on a 3 year old m235, m2 is definitely holding its value better in its 3rd model year.

You'll get more aligned feedback here as well with people who have actually made the switch and have owned both cars long enough to have an owner's opinion. But at the end of the day, it's what you want and your own justification! If you can't justify the move, go p-car lol.

Having owned both, I have no regrets moving to an m2, and the m235 will forever be a great car of mine. I also only drove about 7k miles a year as the m235 was a weekend car. The m235 was so good that it was actually the reason why I wanted an m2 having missed out on the 135/1m in the past (went e93 instead).

[XutvJet]

Keep in mind that the M235 in Road & Track's 228i 6MT vs M235 6MT vs M2 6MT comparison test, the M25 was a mere 0.5 seconds off the M2's time. The M2 has wider tires, that amazing electronic diff, bigger brakes, more robust suspension underpinnings, and more power yet it was only 0.5 seconds quicker. It does make me wonder what an M235 would do with a better set of pads, wider rubber, and a standard tune. Although it wouldn't feel as good, it's hard to dispute that just a few thousand in basic mods would put a M235 right there with the M2.

$30K+ not including sales tax, much higher property tax, and higher insurance, is pretty dang steep to get a marginally better performing car (definitely better looking than a bonestock M235). I've wavered on the very same thing. I'm not going with an M2 until either 1) I total my M235 or 2) the new M2 replacement motor is revealed and pricing isn't bonkers. I can afford it, but I'm not paying a mark up.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Keep in mind that the M235 in Road & Track's 228i 6MT vs M235 6MT vs M2 6MT comparison test, the M25 was a mere 0.5 seconds off the M2's time. The M2 has wider tires, that amazing electronic diff, bigger brakes, more robust suspension underpinnings, and more power yet it was only 0.5 seconds quicker. It does make me wonder what an M235 would do with a better set of pads, wider rubber, and a standard tune. Although it wouldn't feel as good, it's hard to dispute that just a few thousand in basic mods would put a M235 right there with the M2.

$30K+ not including sales tax, much higher property tax, and higher insurance, is pretty dang steep to get a marginally better performing car (definitely better looking than a bonestock M235). I've wavered on the very same thing. I'm not going with an M2 until either 1) I total my M235 or 2) the new M2 replacement motor is revealed and pricing isn't bonkers. I can afford it, but I'm not paying a mark up.

Some people here noted that their track times in the M2 was quite a bit better than in their M235. I am sure a lot depends on track and driver though. As I mentioned above I would wait for the new M2 Competition if you want a more meaningful upgrade. We don't know the price, but if they don't limit them to a 1000 and just make them like they make the N55 M2 then I think a motivated buyer could get one at MSRP before they stop making them.

[pruettfan]

There are two aspects to this question, without question all things being equal the M2 is a fantastic car and a nice upgrade over the M235i but there are financial considerations that only you can determine. I think a used M235i is a hell of a performance bargain at 30k so if you would have to stretch for an M2 its not like your without a great car. If you can swing it and of course the M2 awesome, nobody here is likely to say otherwise. As far as modding a M2 I would be cautious as the M2 is a nicely balanced performance car stock so its a car that you can mod out of that sweet balance but as long as you do so thoughtfully and your into mods you should be fine.

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Keep in mind that the M235 in Road & Track's 228i 6MT vs M235 6MT vs M2 6MT comparison test, the M25 was a mere 0.5 seconds off the M2's time. The M2 has wider tires, that amazing electronic diff, bigger brakes, more robust suspension underpinnings, and more power yet it was only 0.5 seconds quicker. It does make me wonder what an M235 would do with a better set of pads, wider rubber, and a standard tune. Although it wouldn't feel as good, it's hard to dispute that just a few thousand in basic mods would put a M235 right there with the M2.

$30K+ not including sales tax, much higher property tax, and higher insurance, is pretty dang steep to get a marginally better performing car (definitely better looking than a bonestock M235). I've wavered on the very same thing. I'm not going with an M2 until either 1) I total my M235 or 2) the new M2 replacement motor is revealed and pricing isn't bonkers. I can afford it, but I'm not paying a mark up.

On a real track like small track Hockenheim Short or the Nordschleife M2 is about 2 to 15 seconds faster in real life.

Because if M235 was only 0.5s slower on 'that track' it would (almost) be on par with M3/4 stuff. Which it is certainly not. Hate to say it.

Great car though, M235i.

Cheers
Robin

[rich8566]

Ok, so I made the jump to a 17' M2 from a '14 235i. Both cars have/had a manual trans.

First off, I absolutely loved my 235i. We picked it up in Munich and drove the local roads as well as the autobahn in Germany. The 235i was a fabulous car, both in Germany and back in the USA too.

I was VERY tempted to buy my 14' 235i out at lease end. Nonetheless, I ended up making the jump to the M2. I absolutely love my M2 for several reasons. First, it looks much more aggressive than my 2'er. It also has more power, plus that fantastic rear diff. Oh, and it sounds fabulous too - with or without the ASD.

Are there any downsides? For me there's only one downside - the suspension is not adjustable. So in certain rough road situations where I would soften up my 235i, I no longer have that option.

Pluses - many, including much quicker lap times and more in control on track. Plus the M2 suspension and rear diff make a huge difference on track.

Would I do it all over again? You bet I would.

[bobert]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Keep in mind that the M235 in Road & Track's 228i 6MT vs M235 6MT vs M2 6MT comparison test, the M25 was a mere 0.5 seconds off the M2's time. The M2 has wider tires, that amazing electronic diff, bigger brakes, more robust suspension underpinnings, and more power yet it was only 0.5 seconds quicker. It does make me wonder what an M235 would do with a better set of pads, wider rubber, and a standard tune. Although it wouldn't feel as good, it's hard to dispute that just a few thousand in basic mods would put a M235 right there with the M2.

$30K+ not including sales tax, much higher property tax, and higher insurance, is pretty dang steep to get a marginally better performing car (definitely better looking than a bonestock M235). I've wavered on the very same thing. I'm not going with an M2 until either 1) I total my M235 or 2) the new M2 replacement motor is revealed and pricing isn't bonkers. I can afford it, but I'm not paying a mark up.

The sex appeal of the M2 - both visual and auditory - are easily worth $30k.

[fullstack]

Keep the m235i for the wife and get the m2 in mt! Sell the bolt-ons if you need to justify the expenditure a little and restart modding once the pain of the initial investment fades. You only live once!

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by Robin_NL

On a real track like small track Hockenheim Short or the Nordschleife M2 is about 2 to 15 seconds faster in real life.

Because if M235 was only 0.5s slower on 'that track' it would (almost) be on par with M3/4 stuff. Which it is certainly not. Hate to say it.

Great car though, M235i.

Cheers
Robin

On a "real track". What's that mean exactly? The cars were run a Thermal Palm Springs. It's not exactly a long track (1.2 miles) but it has all the standard stuff.

There's no doubt in my mind that the M2 is the better performing car. It should be given the equipment. I also know it "feels" a lot better, but as most of us that have raced and modified cars know, improved feel sometimes does not necessarily equate as much as one would think to lap times.

If one still really likes the M235, you could easily get it into the M2 realm and likely beating it with just a few thousand in well chosen mods. It still won't have that sexy M2 body, but the M235 body isn't bad assuming you choose the right color (the darker colors don't do the car justice at all; black is terrible).

If you routinely track the car and plan to keep it stock, the M2 is the way to go. If you don't, $30K is a hard pill to swallow. Sure you only live once, but damn, some people can just be stupid with money when it comes to cars.

With that said, given that the OP has an M235X, it represents everything I do not like about the M235. That is 1) automatic, 2) AWD, and 3) excessive weight. In his case, the M2 is going to feel and perform lots better. My M235 is a 6MT with the moonroof deleted. It would be hard to spend the extra $25-30K at this point. Never say never though

[Fear-Mongrel]

I've enjoyed following this thread because we originally visited BMW because of the 2-Series. I loved the look and lines of the 230/M240 and then subsequently ended up going for an order on an M2. But this is where situations determine the process...

I've been driving the same paid-for jalopy for almost 14 years, and saving my pennies for my next car. The M2 will be a once-every-15 years splurge for us, and we get to write off the lease payments as a corporate purchase. Add in the decent value retention so far on the M2, and we think total cost of ownership will be very reasonable, completely aside from the fact that we're a little overdue for some fun in the automotive department! But your situation is VERY different...

You've already put some serious love into that M235, it's partially wrapped, it's tuned the way you want it, it has carbon fiber goodies, and it's a great color. Xutvjet is right - your car looks so good in lighter colors. And you can own it for half the cost of the M2.

Trying to approach this objectively, my thinking is:
- If you have plenty of money to play with, cost really is no object, the extra $30K won't be missed, you won't look back and think that you should have replaced old kitchen appliances, or paid down debt, or added that room onto the house that you've always wanted, etc. etc. then absolutely go for the M2. It's true - you only live once, and if you've got it, spend it and enjoy it.

- If that $30K isn't just sitting under the couch cushions covered in Cheetos crumbs, and it would be missed, and there are other things in your life that need to be addressed, that M235i at $30K that is already customized to your personal taste seems like the easy call.

The M2 is sexy, for sure, but only you can look at your balance sheet and know how much that extra $30K will, or won't, be missed. The M235i is a fantastic car - a total sleeper compared to the M2 - and you've got yours just the way you like it. Actually, I'd love to see a photo, if you don't mind posting one. That's the car that originally got me hot for a 2 series in the first place.

[wanofakind01]

Will also say more recent news of the s55 engine completely taking over the base model of the m2, cost and exhaust note will be different going forward when the M2 CS will be the only model available for 2019 until the CSL. One of the main selling points for the M2 now is the performance it's able to provide at the current price point. This may no longer be the case going forward with a starting price speculating above 60-70k.

[knepsterd]

Appreciate all your input. I had chance to drive a 6MT 2017 M3 this weekend to muddy my thought process too....

[knepsterd]

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