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      12-08-2019, 12:07 AM   #1
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Upgraded to an M2 (from M235i)

I just picked up my dream car tonight from Portland BMW: a 2018 M2 in BSM with DCT and M Performance exhaust.
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Last edited by jas1598; 04-20-2020 at 03:28 PM..
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      12-08-2019, 12:13 AM   #2
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Congratulations! The LCI M2 is a fantastic piece of machinery. Enjoy it...I love mine.
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      12-08-2019, 12:20 AM   #3
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congrats.
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      12-08-2019, 07:26 AM   #4
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Congrats. I know what you mean. I was debating between the M240 and an M2 and in the end I went with a 2017 M2.

There is something special about the M2. The lack of sound deadening, the feel and sounds of the DCT, the little things that just say 'i am not totally civilized and you better like it'
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      12-08-2019, 09:21 AM   #5
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Congratulations. I also went from an M235i to an M2. I agree that it was an excellent upgrade.
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      12-08-2019, 09:28 AM   #6
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I agree completely, though I only spent a short while in the M235i. Great color choice as well.
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      12-08-2019, 10:29 AM   #7
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Congrats!
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      12-08-2019, 11:29 AM   #8
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Congrats, she's a beauty! BSM is a great color, fantastic when you see it in person vs. photos. I'd own that color, even here in AZ. Enjoy it and keep us posted...
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      12-08-2019, 02:44 PM   #9
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Nice upgrade. The M2 is not for everyone, it is stiffer and noisier but some people like it like that (I sure do). There are some used M Performance exhausts in the classified section. The sound is incredible.
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      12-08-2019, 04:07 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mr_lab_rat View Post
Nice upgrade. The M2 is not for everyone, it is stiffer and noisier but some people like it like that (I sure do). There are some used M Performance exhausts in the classified section. The sound is incredible.
I second the M Performance exhaust. I love mine.
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      12-09-2019, 11:06 AM   #11
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      12-09-2019, 09:16 PM   #12
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I'm curious, what tires did you have on the M235? Anything less than MPSS or better yet MP4S tires is a sin with a street driven 2 series.

The M2 N55 6MT was less than 0.5 seconds faster per lap on a 2 mile road course compared to M235 6MT shod with narrower tires and less power in a Road & Track direct comparison test.

Simply adding 245 width tires to my M235 made a significant difference in handling grip up front as did the LSD.

Don't get me wrong though, if I wrecked my car tomorrow, a white M2 N55 6MT would be in the garage the next day. I love them.
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      12-09-2019, 09:20 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XutvJet View Post
I'm curious, what tires did you have on the M235? The M2 N55 6MT was less than 0.5 seconds faster per lap on a 2 mile road course compared to M235 6MT shod with narrower tires and less power in a Road & Track direct comparison test.

Simply adding 245 width tires to my M235 made a significant difference in handling grip up front as did the LSD.

Don't get me wrong though, if I wrecked my car tomorrow, a white M2 N55 6MT would be in the garage the next day. I love them.
It's more about the feel. For example, the new M5. Is it fast? Certainly. Is it engaging? Probably not. And for the lap times, there are a lot of variables, driver, weather, tire temperature, etc.
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      12-09-2019, 09:29 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XutvJet View Post

The M2 N55 6MT was less than 0.5 seconds faster per lap on a 2 mile road course compared to M235 6MT shod with narrower tires and less power in a Road & Track direct comparison test.
Here's a cool POV video of both vehicles..

The 235i actually took the lead at the top end..

The difference in power between the two is negligible. Where the M2 shines is on a track because of its trick torque-vectoring LSD.

But most folks never see the track, so the advantage is moot..


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      12-09-2019, 10:52 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
Here's a cool POV video of both vehicles..

The 235i actually took the lead at the top end..

The difference in power between the two is negligible. Where the M2 shines is on a track because of its trick torque-vectoring LSD.

But most folks never see the track, so the advantage is moot..


BUT....the looks and the stance...no comparison!
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      12-10-2019, 05:53 AM   #16
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Quote:
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BUT....the looks and the stance...no comparison!
M2 does look better and that would obviously be my first choice but the M235i is not exactly an Aztek.

They still look great..

Some of guys just can't see beyond the badge..
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      12-10-2019, 11:01 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MetalMK View Post
It's more about the feel. For example, the new M5. Is it fast? Certainly. Is it engaging? Probably not. And for the lap times, there are a lot of variables, driver, weather, tire temperature, etc.
I totally agree about the feel thing and that does go a long way. The M2 is no doubt more buttoned down and connected. The M235/240 is like a GT car in comparison. When I first got my M235, the front and rear axles felt at odds with one another. The front was under-tired but sprung and damped well and the rear was somewhat loose and bouncy. The car came with MPSS tires (225 front/245 rear). I added a square wheel and 245 MP4S setup. Added the MP LSD and 30% stiffer Dinan springs in the rear to control roll and bounce. Holy hell the difference and gone is the excessive front tire shoulder wear. It's almost like BMW intentionally neutered the chassis to validate the M2 costs. We have to remember, the M235 was quicker on the Ring than the stellar 1M in BMW's own testing.

The thing that bugs me the most now are the rear subframe bushings/mounts. They're too soft and you can feel the movement under heavy load. The M2 has solid subframe mounts which is awesome. Even with fixes to the rear subframe, my M235 won't feel as buttoned down as a M2 N55, but I would bet it's just as fast/quick on a track.

As for the lap times, the test I'm referring to was done on the same track and with the same drivers. I was actually surprised at how close the two cars were. I also understand that as the laps pile on, the M2 gets further and further ahead.

The OP's M235 looks pretty stock and he was running stretched all season performance tires. That would explain some things. I guess my point is you can improve the M235 pretty easily with some well chosen mods that aren't overly expensive and get it within swinging distance of the M2 all the while being a bit more refined on the street. It still won't have the sexy body though.
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      12-10-2019, 12:28 PM   #18
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My mate had an m235i for years, said M2 not different enough/worth it.

Sat in my M2 and immediately as a passenger said it's completely different in feel to his car .
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      12-10-2019, 02:26 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3t3p View Post
My mate had an m235i for years, said M2 not different enough/worth it.

Sat in my M2 and immediately as a passenger said it's completely different in feel to his car .
The wide fenders alone were worth it for me but I'm super happy about the sharp handling too.
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      12-10-2019, 02:46 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3t3p View Post
My mate had an m235i for years, said M2 not different enough/worth it.

Sat in my M2 and immediately as a passenger said it's completely different in feel to his car .
Hmmm...wonder how I'd feel if I were a passenger in my own M235 being driven hard? Things feel quite different from a passenger seat compared to the one directing and receiving most of the inputs. Just saying.
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      12-10-2019, 05:53 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XutvJet View Post
Hmmm...wonder how I'd feel if I were a passenger in my own M235 being driven hard? Things feel quite different from a passenger seat compared to the one directing and receiving most of the inputs. Just saying.
Any time I've ever let anyone drive a car I've owned, it felt faster from the passenger seat. When you're driving you can predict g forces and you subconsciously compensate for them.
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      12-10-2019, 07:10 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XutvJet View Post
I totally agree about the feel thing and that does go a long way. The M2 is no doubt more buttoned down and connected. The M235/240 is like a GT car in comparison. When I first got my M235, the front and rear axles felt at odds with one another. The front was under-tired but sprung and damped well and the rear was somewhat loose and bouncy. The car came with MPSS tires (225 front/245 rear). I added a square wheel and 245 MP4S setup. Added the MP LSD and 30% stiffer Dinan springs in the rear to control roll and bounce. Holy hell the difference and gone is the excessive front tire shoulder wear. It's almost like BMW intentionally neutered the chassis to validate the M2 costs. We have to remember, the M235 was quicker on the Ring than the stellar 1M in BMW's own testing.

The thing that bugs me the most now are the rear subframe bushings/mounts. They're too soft and you can feel the movement under heavy load. The M2 has solid subframe mounts which is awesome. Even with fixes to the rear subframe, my M235 won't feel as buttoned down as a M2 N55, but I would bet it's just as fast/quick on a track.

As for the lap times, the test I'm referring to was done on the same track and with the same drivers. I was actually surprised at how close the two cars were. I also understand that as the laps pile on, the M2 gets further and further ahead.

The OP's M235 looks pretty stock and he was running stretched all season performance tires. That would explain some things. I guess my point is you can improve the M235 pretty easily with some well chosen mods that aren't overly expensive and get it within swinging distance of the M2 all the while being a bit more refined on the street. It still won't have the sexy body though.
Changing tires and adding springs does a lot for the M235i. I added Dinan springs and a staggered set of MPSS tires to my M235i, when I had it; and it really changed how the car felt on the road, during spirited driving.
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