[B5toE92]

Currently own a 14’ 235i which I enjoy. I’ve had it nearly a year and its been reliable, no issues at all.
I purchased the car with 63k miles and its almost at 68k; this is my DD and I normally average more mileage (10-12k) yearly.

My M235i is pretty fully loaded, no diff, but other than that it checks the boxes. It’s a stage 2 fbo and I have 19” BC Forged RZ05 wheels with Hankook V2s that are arriving via fedex this Sunday.
My favorite thing and one thing I would definitely miss is the digital m performance steering wheel in my current car.

Is it worth thinking about trading my 14’ 235 w/68k miles in for a 16’ M2 with 105k miles? Payment’s would increase by about $25 monthly going to the M2. I also know I would be acquiring it at a point where it’s going to need a lot of replacement items. Aesthetically the M2 is much nicer, sounds nicer. I haven’t driven this example yet because frankly, I’m afraid I will enjoy it more and make an emotional decision.

[AlpsRider]

I dunno, I've owned a M235i and I have a M2C now. The M2 is way more stable and corners flat but the M235 was a capable car. I'm not sure I'd trade it for a car with over 100k.

[DanG]

Most BMWs turbos over 100K miles are pretty unreliable. I would keep your M235i.

[ASAP]

both of these vehicles are quite high mileage... but i can only assume that OG M2 was driven quite hard for its 100k miles... can you find a sub 60K mile OG in your price range?

[MooMooM2]

I agree, I would pay a little more and try to find something with less miles. However miles matter but maintenance matters even more so just because its over 100k it could still be a good car. Id pay a little more monthly to get an M2 with about 50k miles at most. Specially since its a daily.

Also, the BMW LED wheel, could it not be transfered from a 235 to a m2? Pretty sure they share parts

[B5toE92]

I would be getting for 28k so anything else that I’ve seen would be a 10-15k bump in price which I don’t think couldn’t justify over what I’m in now on the used side of things.

My previous platforms were a B5 S4 (which I had for 5 years) and 335is (n54).
I wasn’t too worried about picking up an N55 with ~60K because compared to those the N55 is the pinnacle of reliability. With 100k+ on the clock I know it’s going to be needing a few preventative measures right after purchase.

[PackPride85]

N55 with over 100k miles is probably going to have a bunch of potential issues if they haven't already been dealt with:

-leaking oil filter housing
-leaking valve cover gaskets
-water pump close to failing
-bearings questionable depending on oil changes and oil quality

Would not touch unless you get a really good deal.

[shaneguags]

my suggestion seems to be the same with others. if I were you, I would honestly keep the 235i for now and try to save up a little more for an M2 with lower miles or maybe get something else. with 100k+ miles, even stock, you're probably gonna be playing with fire. I wouldn't take the risk, the car might be a money pit with all the maintenance that has to be done

[chefczyk]

bad time to swap out cars - would hold off - save $$ in the meantime (aka don't spend 3,500 for wheels) and try to get a nice M2 with less miles than your 235i today in early 2023. You'll be extremely proud of your patience and it'll pay off in 13 months from now. I promise!

[bluescoupe]

Originally Posted by DanG

Most BMWs turbos over 100K miles are pretty unreliable. I would keep your M235i.

That's an interesting comment. I've had 2 BMW's (E92, N54) with well over 100K with no turbo issues, and they were tuned.
Can you clarify this a bit, please?

[DanG]

Originally Posted by bluescoupe

That's an interesting comment. I've had 2 BMW's (E92, N54) with well over 100K with no turbo issues, and they were tuned.
Can you clarify this a bit, please?

PackPride85 in his post above listed the common problems.

[LLB-M2]

Hi,

i had the same question M235/40 or M2 - which to buy.
The chassis are so different, optical as technical. I took the M2.
Yes, replacment (and tuning) parts are much more expensive than the M235, but i want to enjoy the car and its beatiful chassis. Otherwise i could buy any tuned Volkswagen 2.0TFSI, Toyota GT86 or so on.

In your special case: You want a M2?! Buy it and transfer the Steering wheel to it. But not this car. As i think 100k miles is pretty much. Brakes, Suspension, engine parts. There (w)could be some expensive repairs in the near future.

[D22M2]

Originally Posted by PackPride85

N55 with over 100k miles is probably going to have a bunch of potential issues if they haven't already been dealt with:

-leaking oil filter housing
-leaking valve cover gaskets
-water pump close to failing
-bearings questionable depending on oil changes and oil quality

Would not touch unless you get a really good deal.

Other than the bearings all these seem like easy DIY fixes.

[PackPride85]

Originally Posted by D22M2

Other than the bearings all these seem like easy DIY fixes.

I wouldn't call them "easy" just not complex. They are doable without special BMW tools, but you will need ISTA to cycle the water pump when replacing the oil filter housing gasket and water pump itself (both you will lose lots of coolant). Valve cover involves removing a bunch of stuff including intake manifold and fuel lines. It's not difficult until you start breaking all the brittle plastic pieces.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by ASAP

both of these vehicles are quite high mileage... but i can only assume that OG M2 was driven quite hard for its 100k miles... can you find a sub 60K mile OG in your price range?

It probably wasn't driven hard, I'm sure that's mostly highway miles. He's rolling the dice either way because both cars have a lot of miles.

[dadcab]

It would have to be a very very special car with 100k miles for me to have payments on it. Keep paying off your current car and save some money for the dream car with few miles

[B5toE92]

I think that everyone here talked some sense into me. While i'm not afraid of a high mileage N55, probably not smart to pick it up and start payments on it at that mileage.

Probably just hold out as I'm happy with what I have and see how the next M2 looks or a low mileage option down the road.

[GoneIn4Secs]

Good call.

I wouldnt go that high in mileage when buying a used car, unless its just for a daily beater w/ an insane price

[bluescoupe]

Originally Posted by DanG

PackPride85 in his post above listed the common problems.

And turbos were not one of them, hence my question.

[EDWYER]

M2.

[Dasnub]

Having owned both, I wouldn’t upgrade at that mileage. In todays market you’re paying a huge premium to get a car with essentially the same engine. Don’t get me wrong, the cars drive totally differently and don’t regret my M2 even a little bit- it’s just the financial side that doesn’t make sense. If you want to add some fun to the M235i, get an LSD installed.

[whoismorggan]

Get the M!