[KevinM]

My dealer finally received a M225i so I went in for a test drive...

A bit about me for context: I have been driving BMWs since 1999: 1999 E39 528i 5-speed, then 2002 E39 530 5-speed, then 2002 E39 M5, which has been my daily driver for over nine years (10 as of December 2014). Along the way added Z4 M coupe in 2007, replaced by same in 2011 after dealer wrecked the first one (!).

My interest in the M235i is to share daily driver duties with the M5. I really want an M2, but am considering the F80 M3 right now as well. So I will either purchase the M3 or get the M235i to bide the time between a final M2 announcement or the M3 LCI/update.

I didn't take pictures, mostly because I saw nothing different than has already been posted.

The car I drove is MG/black leather with premium package but without the technology package.

Exterior
The car looked much better to me in person than in pictures. MG is what I would order, and it looked very nice with the black tailpipes and the gunmetal wheels. I'm partial to the color of the stock wheels. They are similar to the Shadow Chrome finish on the OE E39 M5 wheels and let me tell you - these hide brake dust very well! The black rear diffuser blended in nicely with the MG. The "air curtain" in front looks suitably aggressive. Overall, it looked very much like a compact BMW sports sedan. It's not going to blow you away, but is very nice.

Interior
Pretty standard BMW. My M5 has the Luxury/Heritage (no-cost) option and thus has leather literally everywhere there can be leather, so I have a high benchmark (and high maintenance, ha ha). That said, the interior wasn't much different in terms of quality than that of my Z4M coupe, which does not have full leather. The dash and upper plastics are soft, the bottom parts rock hard...not a big deal to me. The overall layout will be familiar to all BMW owners. One thing that stood out: this car did not have the technology package and the anemic screen and small iDrive controller looked incredibly cheap to me...sort of the equivalent of having multiple "empty" button spaces on the dash. This was a disappointment, as given my planned use of this car Nav will not be needed. I checked out a 3 series with the technology package - much better. If I order a 235 it will be with the technology package. Oh well. Seats reasonable, all else OK - as long as you realize this is a car with a base price of < $50K. The stereo got me as well. I'm not an audiophile and if I listen to music in my car it is as background. I guess I've been more spoiled than I thought by the "M-audio" in the M5 and the Harmon-Kardon option in the coupe, because this basic system sounded pretty lousy, not even up to background music. One more option I'll need to check that I had not planned on.

The Drive
Disclaimer: My local dealership did not have a demo and thus I was test-driving a car for sale. As such, I only put 10 miles on it. First, I asked about break-in rev limits. The sales-person told me that BMW did not specify break-in parameters for this car and I could hammer it as I pleased. (I saw the usual clear sticker on the upper left corner of the windshield that specifies break-parameters, but did not take the time to read it - I wish I had.) This led to me asking about the lack of an oil temp or coolant gauge (this car did not have the extended display) and how was I supposed to know when I can hammer it? No real answer; I guess if a similar engine (N54) as in the 1 M, you wait until the oil temp is appropriate, but with this car (N55) you can just go to town at will. Anyway, with the salesperson's blessing, that is what I did. Very quick car. I found the suspension to be very good. As for the steering, not at all the amount of feedback from my M coupe's rack-and-pinion set up and not even as much compared to my M5's "servotronic" recurculating-ball set up, but not bad at all. Really I did not notice it, so the EPS is a non-issue for me for street use. (Contrast that to my test drive of a new F10 550 on its release in 2011 - I noticed the numb feeling right away.)

The car of course had the much-praised ZF 8-speed tranny. I had high expectations given the press (although I would/will be ordering a manual). In the end, for me it was an auto with paddles (flame suite on). It did not impress me like the E9X M series DCT (I'd still choose a manual while I can, but what a 'box), but it was efficient enough.

I noted some turbo lag; not sure if this was the auto transmission or intrinsic to the engine despite the twin-scroll technology. Given that all my current cars are naturally aspirated, I may be more susceptible to noticing this.

Overall, I felt the 1 M was more fun, but I have had much more seat time in the 1 M. I would love to have an extended drive in a manual M235i.

Conclusions
This is a fun car and I could definitely see this as a good daily driver. It doesn't feel like an M car of course is not marketed as such. For what it is worth, I think BMW should have continued to market these cars as "s" models and not slapped 15 "M" badges on the car (according to C&D, including brake calipers). After my drive I'm still not sure what I am going to do. I'll either buy a M235i and keep it for a few years (see M2/M3 LCI comments above) or bite the bullet and order a F80 M3 unseen...

[Greenkirby21]

great review!

TBH i think you will love the f80. whole new electric steering rack, and the S55 engine is an extensively upgrade N55

Also.. weighs the same or less than the M235i.

If you liked the M235i, the f80 should be even better!

[italia]

Well written! Good elaboration of your thoughts.

[onatuesday]

I completely agree with the OP. The "M" before the 235i doesn't quite seem to fit. If it were a 235iS that would make much more sense based on my experience of driving the car as it's not a M car. Similar to the OP I thought about driving the M235i for a bit and then getting the M4 when the initial frenzy subsides. But the M235i while a great car just didn't excite me like a true M car would. It was good at everything but just felt 8/10 at everything. Just knowing that BMW left room for improvement for a M2 version left me wanting more.

[Mark's M]

Well done, nicely objective and the compare to the E90 puts it into perspective for others who've not had the pleasure. Thanks!!

[mac128ic]

Today I test drove MG M235ifirat look, it felt exactly like mini 4 series. I did not feel anything special about M performance automobile. The 4.4L m3 parked in front of this felt very special and M like. ( fenders, air intakes and vents etc). Interior is definitely good and more spacious than 128. I would prefer the feel of the older M steering than this soft leather steering.

Power performance delivery and steering are very good. The 128 NA 6 cylinder power delivery always made me feel good. ( I know it is way slower, what counts is how you feel)

[oscr972]

It's great to get all these different perspectives from people with exposure to various levels of the BMW line. Coming from the lower end myself (e46 330 and 3 e92 328s) and being someone whose done modest mods like SSK, sway bars, tires, exhaust I feel the M235i was made for me. I love the fact that it comes with all those mods and more already done. I realize that for those coming from true M cars the M235 does not compare but in reading about the MPerformance Automobile line one sees it is not positioned as a true M car. Call it M lite or Quasi M or whatever, for me it's perfect.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by trinim3

I completely agree with the OP. The "M" before the 235i doesn't quite seem to fit. If it were a 235iS that would make much more sense based on my experience of driving the car as it's not a M car. Similar to the OP I thought about driving the M235i for a bit and then getting the M4 when the initial frenzy subsides. But the M235i while a great car just didn't excite me like a true M car would. It was good at everything but just felt 8/10 at everything. Just knowing that BMW left room for improvement for a M2 version left me wanting more.

I would say your statement indicates that BMW corporate is doing their job successfully. Creating demand for a truly sportier 2 Series, ie the M2, is exactly what the M235i will do. Few of the M235i buyers may go on to get an M2 in time, but that is also as it should be. Not everyone should have a true M car.

[chris719]

Kevin, do you think you'd miss your Z4M if you replaced it with the M235i?

[2ForMe]

Originally Posted by oscr972

It's great to get all these different perspectives from people with exposure to various levels of the BMW line. Coming from the lower end myself (e46 330 and 3 e92 328s) and being someone whose done modest mods like SSK, sway bars, tires, exhaust I feel the M235i was made for me. I love the fact that it comes with all those mods and more already done. I realize that for those coming from true M cars the M235 does not compare but in reading about the MPerformance Automobile line one sees it is not positioned as a true M car. Call it M lite or Quasi M or whatever, for me it's perfect.

I agree. I could care less if it's not up to "M standards" as I have never owned a BMW before anyway. Friend of mine owned an E46 M3 which I liked (never loved) but that was long ago.

I don't really care if they put Ms all over it or not. This car just seems like a smart choice right now for a new car under 50k. It has nice style, great handling, will get me to 60 in well under 5 seconds...and even run the quarter in the low 13s - plus it seats 4. The hell else do I need?

[KevinM]

Thanks for the compliments guys.

I certainly wasn't trying to create a M vs. non-M debate, as the M235i is not being marketed as an M car. Rather, BMW is positioning the M-Performance line between their regular cars and the M cars, ala Audi with their A, S, and RS series. My only point was that BMW has been making similar cars for years (albeit intermittently), often badged as "is", but not always (for example, the E46 330i ZHP). While I personally would prefer the car without ALL the badges, they certainly would NOT stop me from buying the car (and I doubt I'd even debadge it). If this marketing strategy helps BMW remain profitable AND independent, I'm all for it!

I think this car will give the owner 80% of an (future) M2 for 80% of the cost. I think it is a good value and a fun car. No-one NEEDS the extra performance of an M car for the street; these choices are often based on "feel" and emotion, which are time-honored justifications for many purchases! I will say that once you drink the M kool-aid it is hard to go back.

Originally Posted by chris719

Kevin, do you think you'd miss your Z4M if you replaced it with the M235i?

Absolutely. The Z4M is a heck of a car - rare, hard, fun. I love the S54 engine, and having one complements the S62 in the M5 perfectly. I have no plans to sell either of the the Z4M or M5 - I'll be adding the M235i or M3 to the garage.

[ASAP]

M235i w an lsd and basic suspension upgrades is essentially what an m2 will be. Give 40hp (about what a jb4 can provide) and u have an m2. Once again, much hype for next to nothing other than m fanboyism.

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by ASAP

M235i w an lsd and basic suspension upgrades is essentially what an m2 will be. Give 40hp (about what a jb4 can provide) and u have an m2. Once again, much hype for next to nothing other than m fanboyism.

Well, I guess we'll see when the M2 arrives...

Seriously though, good for you. We are all BMW enthusiasts here and there is room for those who want to mod their cars, and those who just want to purchase the M version. To characterize those who wish to purchase an M car as "M fanboys" is as unwarranted as similar condescending comments about those who modify their cars instead of ponying up for an M.

I will say that no-one I know who has purchased an M car has been disappointed.

I'm glad you will be happy with your car and tune and am sure it will even be faster than the M2 (if it arrives at all!).

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by KevinM

Well, I guess we'll see when the M2 arrives...

Seriously though, good for you. We are all BMW enthusiasts here and there is room for those who want to mod their cars, and those who just want to purchase the M version. To characterize those who wish to purchase an M car as "M fanboys" is as unwarranted as similar condescending comments about those who modify their cars instead of ponying up for an M.

I will say that no-one I know who has purchased an M car has been disappointed.

I'm glad you will be happy with your car and tune and am sure it will even be faster than the M2 (if it arrives at all!).

When an M car is worth it, then it's a completely different story. I am holding out for the new M3 because among many reasons; I think it is the only car that will be able to match my modified 135i and in the case of the regular 3, its a huge diffefence. In this case, you may be getting a 4 banger w suspension upgrades. I am just pointing out the obvious... There is no M car magic formula simply basic upgrades.

[Rupes]

Originally Posted by ASAP

When an M car is worth it, then it's a completely different story. I am holding out for the new M3 because among many reasons; I think it is the only car that will be able to match my modified 135i and in the case of the regular 3, its a huge diffefence. In this case, you may be getting a 4 banger w suspension upgrades. I am just pointing out the obvious... There is no M car magic formula simply basic upgrades.

Ask someone who has previously owned a modified 135, 335, etc. that has switched to an M3 if it's just, "simply basic upgrades." You won't find anyone who feels that way. Only people who don't have an M car make these comments.

Not that the 135 modified can't be faster, or whatever, but trust me, there's a huge "feel" difference.

[Esteban15]

thanks for the review and all the follow up..good to learn from experience folks