[Aloha Joe]

About a year and a half ago, I became interested in the M235i and would occasionally look at my local dealers website to track inventory and prices. From then towards the end of 2015, I have never seen them with more than 2 in inventory.

However since the end of last year, I've noticed their inventory start to grow. In fact, they currently have 9 in stock and now are advertising a $500 discount for these on their website, I've never seen them have anywhere near this inventory and then advertise a discount before.

Just curious to see if you folks have noticed a rise in your local dealers M235i inventory and or deals on them?

[capo180]

Most 235s around me are Xdrive, so idk if the M2 would impact those sales. But I noticed they do sit on lots, idk how big the market is for a small all wheel drive 50k coupe. The M2 is a value proposition for those that want rear wheel drive, LSD, real M suspension, etc.

[atxsk8r]

I've seen more 2 series on the lots these days but most people want a grocery getter and get a 3 series.

I don't think M2 will hurt 2 series sales because it's hard to get a M2 anyways lol unless you wanna pay some crazy markup price.

[dammitcubs]

I don't think so because the amount of M2s vs M235 will be minimal. And most people who want to M2 will either have to cough up alot of money or wait the waiting list.

people who buy M235 will be a different demographic and the deals they can get for that car will be good.

BMW has some smart people too....that's why they have been around. I'm going to assume they did their research..

[Msmall143]

is there a difference between a m235 and an M2? I thought it was the same thing

[ric124]

Originally Posted by Msmall143

is there a difference between a m235 and an M2? I thought it was the same thing

weight, power, engine internals, LSD, suspension, chassis (I believe its a modified version of the f80) im prob missing some other things too

[firestarter2]

Unless you want 4 wheel drive it has to the M235 on my dealers lots where all more then the M2.

[atxsk8r]

Originally Posted by Msmall143

is there a difference between a m235 and an M2? I thought it was the same thing

I knew someone would post this and of course it's an M4 owner, fail

[BEM-S4]

I have had my 235 for 2 years today. Never saw another one aside from on a dealers lot until last weekend when I saw 3 around town in literally 20 minutes. Far from scientific but it does seem that the numbers in the wild are climbing.

[Ex-MINI]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I have had my 235 for 2 years today. Never saw another one aside from on a dealers lot until last weekend when I saw 3 around town in literally 20 minutes. Far from scientific but it does seem that the numbers in the wild are climbing.

Obviously the sampling sizes are much too small to have any statistical significance, but my experience the last few months have been exactly the same as yours.

Up till recently, rarely did I see a 235 on the road. But over the last few weeks I've seen one every few days...always causing a double take to see if it was an M2

[Benzima]

Short answer: yes, in the short run.

But, the 2 cars are different market segments. In the long run, M2 sales will not affect 2er sales.

[gmzanatta]

Think about it like this:

- "Oh, I would love an M2"

- Goes to dealership, is told the wait is 12-18 months

- "Well, I guess the M235i does meet most if not all of my needs"

- Drives M235i off the lot

My guess is that, if anything, the M2 will help move people into thte M235i more than the M3/M4.

[BEM-S4]

Think there are enough things avail only on a 235 to keep it viable. AWD if you need it, convertible, etc.

It's not like S3 vs RS3 when it comes where unless it's really just a $ issue they check all the same boxes but the RS3 is just better in every possible way.

[Destroya]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I have had my 235 for 2 years today. Never saw another one aside from on a dealers lot until last weekend when I saw 3 around town in literally 20 minutes. Far from scientific but it does seem that the numbers in the wild are climbing.

Given the experience with your 235 for 2 years, would you still buy it today or wait months for an M2?

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Destroya

Given the experience with your 235 for 2 years, would you still buy it today or wait months for an M2?

Difficult to answer because at the time the 235 was only RWD. If you're asking me if my choices for my next car were limited to those two 235 RWD and M2, I'd opt for the M2 bc the stuff I don't like about the 235 would be the same in the M2 but only marginally worse and easily fixable. Would downsize wheels and get higher profile tires for roads around me for instance. I do however like to lease so if you told me lease a 235 or M2 I don't think the M2 is worth the extra $. If you're buying I'd absolutely get the M2 vs 235 think better value, lower depreciation risk, etc.

That said I am not considering either for my next car bc I need something AWD at this point since I have moved. I'm also kind of bored so 235 xDrive is kind of low on my list.

Not sure if that answers your question but hope it helps.

[Destroya]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Difficult to answer because at the time the 235 was only RWD. If you're asking me if my choices for my next car were limited to those two 235 RWD and M2, I'd opt for the M2 bc the stuff I don't like about the 235 would be the same in the M2 but only marginally worse and easily fixable. Would downsize wheels and get higher profile tires for roads around me for instance. I do however like to lease so if you told me lease a 235 or M2 I don't think the M2 is worth the extra $. If you're buying I'd absolutely get the M2 vs 235 think better value, lower depreciation risk, etc.

That said I am not considering either for my next car bc I need something AWD at this point since I have moved. I'm also kind of bored so 235 xDrive is kind of low on my list.

Not sure if that answers your question but hope it helps.

Thanks. I don't need AWD and have the X1 for DD so am holding out for the M2. If I bought the 235 I think I would regret not waiting.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Destroya

Thanks. I don't need AWD and have the X1 for DD so am holding out for the M2. If I bought the 235 I think I would regret not waiting.

If you're buying and want a coupe I'd wait. If you were leasing or wanted a convertible I would say 235. If I were in your position, assuming you need a second car, I might think about doing a lease 235 now then buying an M2 once prices have come down, they are easier to get, and the facelift will be done. I'd have a hard time buying in advance of a facelift but that's just me.

[gtaM2]

Originally Posted by gmzanatta

Think about it like this:

- "Oh, I would love an M2"

- Goes to dealership, is told the wait is 12-18 months

- "Well, I guess the M235i does meet most if not all of my needs"

- Drives M235i off the lot

My guess is that, if anything, the M2 will help move people into thte M235i more than the M3/M4.

agreed it could even boost sales of M3/M4...the M2 is doing what it was designed to do

[Bobdaxx]

I am starting to see 235s here in the DC area. The whole last summer I saw NONE. Now I see one every other day or so. I think the sales are increasing.
I dont regret getting mine. I paid 40k ED for a rwd. And I dont think I could do the DD in the m2. 35 miles each way. So not worth the xtra cash.

Now yesterday I did see my first gt350 up close on the road. We were going back and forth, next to each other. He was definitely getting his kicks out of the flat plane crank. And loving every minute of it. It was a metallic gray. I do have some regrets about not getting that beast but then I realize I would rather DD in the M2 over that. So got to be practical. 235 gives me a bit of that with a little bit of a pretend m car feeling. But that ford, I could hear it w my windows up and radio on as it was about a 10th of a mile in front of me before I caught up to it. Its beautiful music but I dont know If I could deal with it all day long, stuck in traffic.

I still havent seen an M2 here in DC and cant wait to see one on the road. I will be very jealous but will give a high if I can catch up to the little beast

[AlpsRider]

I think that in the beginning of M235i/228i production they were difficult to get and in some places were like the M2 in that they were commanding high prices. Over time the production increased and the supply side is to the point now that they are readily available. I have three 2ers in my neighborhood but I still don't see that many on the road. The demographics on these forums are different than the general public and given the options, I doubt the 2er will be forgotten. Believe it or not some people don't want flared fenders and really big wheels and tires...of course I do, but that is beside the point.

[Aloha Joe]

Originally Posted by gmzanatta

Think about it like this:

- "Oh, I would love an M2"

- Goes to dealership, is told the wait is 12-18 months

- "Well, I guess the M235i does meet most if not all of my needs"

- Drives M235i off the lot

My guess is that, if anything, the M2 will help move people into thte M235i more than the M3/M4.

Makes sense to me.

In my case the looking at the M235i moved me into M2 camp.

[Aloha Joe]

Originally Posted by AlpsRider

I think that in the beginning of M235i/228i production they were difficult to get and in some places were like the M2 in that they were commanding high prices. Over time the production increased and the supply side is to the point now that they are readily available. I have three 2ers in my neighborhood but I still don't see that many on the road. The demographics on these forums are different than the general public and given the options, I doubt the 2er will be forgotten. Believe it or not some people don't want flared fenders and really big wheels and tires...of course I do, but that is beside the point.

Totally makes sense.

Regarding this forum's demographic vs the general public. My auto insurance guy who enjoys nice cars and been doing his job for over 20 years. Never heard of the upcoming M2 when I called him to inquire about rates.