Help! Modded M235i vs base C7

Greenkirby21 · 03-11-2014, 09:35 PM

Hi! I would like to hear everyone's wise words of wisdom on what i should do! I know these cars are in different categories, but for me they really aren't. The only other person I have in my car is my girlfriend for the most part. I am looking for a good daily driver to replace my 128i which I adore.. but its starting to get old

.

I wasn't too interested in the C7 until I saw on cars.com that some base models are going for 50k. My budget for my next car is 50k max. Now I am considering if I should get a C7 or keep my future modded M235i.

Pros M235i
Cheaper monthly payments
Cheaper insurance
4 year maintenance plan
Seats 4 (I am thinking about the future.. incase somewhere in the next 5+ years I get married and/or have kids)
Better fuel economy

Cons M235i
Electric steering???
Weight

Pros C7
Amazing looks
Performance
Weight

Cons
The opposite of M235i's pro.

I haven't been able to drive a C7 (sold out in my area), so I can't comment. I question myself if i really do need 460hp/450 out of a daily driver, and just from the facts, the M235i is a better all arounder. I'm not even sure how the base C7 is since everyone talks about the Z51 C7.

Anyways, heres my mod list on my M235i:

M235i
Base 43,100
Destination 925
Manual 0
Blue 550
Auto highbeams 250
Total 44825
BMW Loyalty -500
College -1000
LSD 3615
Total 46940

Base C7 cost is around ~51k.

So, that leaves me with about $4,000 in mods for the M235i. I wasn't expecting the LSD to be so darn expensive : (

What I wanted (estimates):
M3/M4 or some type of performance seats ~$2000
intake/exhaust/tune ~$2000
CF parts spoiler, front splitter/mirrors (aftermarket) ~$1,000
Rims ~$1000

I think the advantage of the MODS are that I can do those at any time over the lifetime of the car, when there are good sales online, etc, whereas the C7 I would have higher monthly payments for the duration of ownership.

cmkde · 03-11-2014, 11:29 PM

Well first things first I just purchased an M235i on Saturday and I would have walked out of a dealership with a C7 if I could have but due to impatience and the bmw catching my eye and being able to get it sooner (this weekend hopefully) I went the M235 route. The C7's in my Area are sold out until Late July as quoted by a couple local dealers I was talking to. Also it is good to note that Chevy JUST raised the MSRP on the Corvette coupe to 57k (Including the Z51 package) 53/54 without.

Personally they're both amazing cars, the M a little more practical of course and I'm hoping with some mods responding well faster than a stock C7 which runs about a mid 12 1/4 mile. My M cost me 51,500 which in the end will be about 7k cheaper than the C7 I wanted. Hope this helps you out, cost wise it is definitely more in favor of the M now than it was a month ago.

ridin135 · 03-12-2014, 06:07 AM

C7 without hesitation. They did just increase the msrp though

th1rd3y3 · 03-12-2014, 07:26 AM

I was in the same boat honestly. Though I was considering a C6 Z06 or Grand Sport. I chose the M235 due to it being more practical. I'll get a lot more drives in the car if my wife and two kids can fit in the back vs a car that I can only drive to work (my commute is less than a mile).

Performance won't hold a candle to the Vette, but hopefully the tuning market will add a little more down the road. If you don't need the extra seats and want more performance, the Vette is really hard to beat.

Devon K · 03-12-2014, 07:32 AM

I was excited about the C7 Vette until I actually sat in one. Horrible rearward visibility, and the front end is 10 feet down the road. Makes a Cayman feel like a first-gen Miata size-wise.

sdpauly · 03-12-2014, 10:01 AM

Well, I think they just raised the base price of the C7 to 55-ish...

I really like the C7, but personally I wouldn't daily a Corvette. I'd be too worried about it... It would attract a lot more attention than the 235i would. The BMW will blend into the ocean of other BMWs pretty easily.

So, as a second car, the C7 would make for a nice weekend toy, road tripper, etc...

I think you should get both, and then give us a nice write-up.

five3three · 03-12-2014, 10:13 AM

C7 is an awesome car, but for me it isn't a practical daily driver.

It's just too long, too wide and attracts too much attention.

Size is why I went with a 235 instead of a 435. The 4 just got too big compared to the previous generation 3's which were the perfect size for me.

tuco44 · 03-12-2014, 10:52 AM

I agree with those who would not daily drive a Vette. The 235 is much more practical and less of an attention-getter.

dan99 · 03-12-2014, 12:42 PM

saw one at the dealer today listed @ 67k !

that's m3/m4 territory

Dafttt · 03-14-2014, 11:34 AM

I wouldn't consider the C7 without the Z51 package, so in my opinion, the car starts at $57,995.

Get the M235i, you know you want to!

Red Bread · 03-14-2014, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by five3three

C7 is an awesome car, but for me it isn't a practical daily driver.

It's just too long, too wide and attracts too much attention.

Size is why I went with a 235 instead of a 435. The 4 just got too big compared to the previous generation 3's which were the perfect size for me.

It's only two inches longer than the 2er. It is however four inches wider, and seven inches shorter. It's also lighter, by around 200 pounds.

Red Bread · 03-14-2014, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan99

saw one at the dealer today listed @ 67k !

that's m3/m4 territory

It is, but aside from back seats, it will eat the BMW's lunch.

Red Bread · 03-14-2014, 01:59 PM

This remains a silly comparison, as the C7 is going to be faster, better handling, and more efficient than the M2 or F8x cars, but just a quick line drawing shows the seating position is only around 8 inches more rearward than the 2er. Pardon the crude iPhone photo of Word drawings.

Remember that the BMW has room for a straight six under the hood, the Corvette only needs the space of a straight 4. Of course the C7 has the laid back radiator, transmission, motor oil and steering coolers all laid in front of the engine too. The Corvette also has a lower hood and raised fender, making seeing the actual corners of the car much easier than the 2er.

I'm not arguing that it's a good fit for someone looking at the 2er, but a lot of what's been pointed out as its weaknesses are incorrect. As a data nerd, I'll also point out that someone said the 4er was much bigger than the previous car, which if talking about the E92 isn't true either, it's less than an inch longer. The growth of the 3er was more on the F30 vs the E90, the E92 was already much longer than the E90, a trend they thankfully stopped with the F3x cars.

dmboone25 · 03-14-2014, 02:25 PM

Because this photo is along the lines of what I think of when I see a vette, I could never get one...

Not saying it doesn't have great performance - it obviously does. It is just so cheesy to me...

Red Bread · 03-14-2014, 02:40 PM

Haha, I tend to agree, but also acknowledge that BMW has a similar reputation.

sdpauly · 03-14-2014, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmboone25

Because this photo is along the lines of what I think of when I see a vette, I could never get one...

Not saying it doesn't have great performance - it obviously does. It is just so cheesy to me...

I'm expecting the C7 will break some of these stereotypes. It's a really good looking car now. Much higher quality interior than the C6.

But, I don't think the price compares realistically to the 2er. I went by a local Chevy dealer the other day, they had a single C7 in the showroom. It was priced MSRP at $80k.

Which also brings me to the biggest drawback of the C7. They are sold at Chevy dealers where 90% of the sales staff is absolutely clueless about them.

ecaedus · 03-14-2014, 08:58 PM

If u want practicality, go for the m235i, at least it has two back seats for short trips. But If you are modding your car and planning to track I think a base c7 is a no brainer. It's in a whole different league of performance, think 911. No matter how u mod the m235i I don't think it's gonna match the c7 in terms of performance.

As for refinement and interior quality I sat in the c7 when it was in LA, the quality is definitely on par with the 4 series if it's equipped with the leather package. Visibility is poor, can't see anything out back. But the c7 is quite a lot more expensive than the m235 decently equipped...

Greenkirby21 · 03-14-2014, 09:18 PM

thanks guys!

I'm still considering both... still leaning towards the M235i for now.

For those of you saying the C7 is expensive, you can get base models with manual transmission (1LT) for 50k. It already has leather, and backup camera standard and bose audio.

Example:
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1

pikcachu · 03-14-2014, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

thanks guys!

I'm still considering both... still leaning towards the M235i for now.

For those of you saying the C7 is expensive, you can get base models with manual transmission (1LT) for 50k. It already has leather, and backup camera standard and bose audio.

Example:
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1

I don't think so.... it starts at $54k http://www.chevrolet.com/corvette-st...-zipcode=98033

Greenkirby21 · 03-14-2014, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pikcachu

I don't think so.... it starts at $54k http://www.chevrolet.com/corvette-st...-zipcode=98033

there are still many left unsold that were of the original price before the price increase. Also, I've seen some dealerships sell for up to 3k off. Basically those that have been in lots for many days. That being said, I found this on the c7 forums.. some vendors there are selling for GM pricing.. I don't know what it means, but super sale!

However, I'm still thinking M235i. Its more practical and financially better for me

.

pikcachu · 03-14-2014, 09:32 PM

ah ok I was just going from official pricing...

Probably they have to make some quick money to pay for the ignition lawsuit that is coming :-D

2ForMe · 03-14-2014, 09:44 PM

I also went to see a C7 but unfortunately it's not the right car for me at this point in time. Plus, Chevy raised the price of the C7 in all trims back on March 1st by $2,000.

So now, you can't even compare the it to an M235i at all because a stripped down, barebones base C7 now starts for around the price of a fully loaded 235i ($53k).

A 435i is closer to the C7's price range...but there is no comparison there at all.

03-11-2014, 09:35 PM	#1
Greenkirby21 Vrooom :) 315 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: C7 Stringray Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dream Land iTrader: (1)	Help! Modded M235i vs base C7 Hi! I would like to hear everyone's wise words of wisdom on what i should do! I know these cars are in different categories, but for me they really aren't. The only other person I have in my car is my girlfriend for the most part. I am looking for a good daily driver to replace my 128i which I adore.. but its starting to get old . I wasn't too interested in the C7 until I saw on cars.com that some base models are going for 50k. My budget for my next car is 50k max. Now I am considering if I should get a C7 or keep my future modded M235i. Pros M235i Cheaper monthly payments Cheaper insurance 4 year maintenance plan Seats 4 (I am thinking about the future.. incase somewhere in the next 5+ years I get married and/or have kids) Better fuel economy Cons M235i Electric steering??? Weight Pros C7 Amazing looks Performance Weight Cons The opposite of M235i's pro. I haven't been able to drive a C7 (sold out in my area), so I can't comment. I question myself if i really do need 460hp/450 out of a daily driver, and just from the facts, the M235i is a better all arounder. I'm not even sure how the base C7 is since everyone talks about the Z51 C7. Anyways, heres my mod list on my M235i: M235i Base 43,100 Destination 925 Manual 0 Blue 550 Auto highbeams 250 Total 44825 BMW Loyalty -500 College -1000 LSD 3615 Total 46940 Base C7 cost is around ~51k. So, that leaves me with about $4,000 in mods for the M235i. I wasn't expecting the LSD to be so darn expensive : ( What I wanted (estimates): M3/M4 or some type of performance seats ~$2000 intake/exhaust/tune ~$2000 CF parts spoiler, front splitter/mirrors (aftermarket) ~$1,000 Rims ~$1000 I think the advantage of the MODS are that I can do those at any time over the lifetime of the car, when there are good sales online, etc, whereas the C7 I would have higher monthly payments for the duration of ownership. __________________ 2014 C7 Corvette Stringray - Laguna Blue - NPP Exhaust - Competition Seats
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03-11-2014, 11:29 PM	#2
cmkde Private First Class 36 Rep 104 Posts Drives: Alpine White 15' M4 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Vegas iTrader: (0)	Well first things first I just purchased an M235i on Saturday and I would have walked out of a dealership with a C7 if I could have but due to impatience and the bmw catching my eye and being able to get it sooner (this weekend hopefully) I went the M235 route. The C7's in my Area are sold out until Late July as quoted by a couple local dealers I was talking to. Also it is good to note that Chevy JUST raised the MSRP on the Corvette coupe to 57k (Including the Z51 package) 53/54 without. Personally they're both amazing cars, the M a little more practical of course and I'm hoping with some mods responding well faster than a stock C7 which runs about a mid 12 1/4 mile. My M cost me 51,500 which in the end will be about 7k cheaper than the C7 I wanted. Hope this helps you out, cost wise it is definitely more in favor of the M now than it was a month ago.
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03-12-2014, 06:07 AM	#3
ridin135 Colonel 131 Rep 2,408 Posts Drives: Depends on the day Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Greenville iTrader: (7)	C7 without hesitation. They did just increase the msrp though
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03-12-2014, 07:26 AM	#4
th1rd3y3 Private First Class 31 Rep 199 Posts Drives: '20 M340i xDrive Join Date: May 2013 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I was in the same boat honestly. Though I was considering a C6 Z06 or Grand Sport. I chose the M235 due to it being more practical. I'll get a lot more drives in the car if my wife and two kids can fit in the back vs a car that I can only drive to work (my commute is less than a mile). Performance won't hold a candle to the Vette, but hopefully the tuning market will add a little more down the road. If you don't need the extra seats and want more performance, the Vette is really hard to beat.
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03-12-2014, 07:32 AM	#5
Devon K Lieutenant 38 Rep 570 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I was excited about the C7 Vette until I actually sat in one. Horrible rearward visibility, and the front end is 10 feet down the road. Makes a Cayman feel like a first-gen Miata size-wise.
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03-12-2014, 10:01 AM	#6
sdpauly Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2010 135i, 2008 Taco Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	Well, I think they just raised the base price of the C7 to 55-ish... I really like the C7, but personally I wouldn't daily a Corvette. I'd be too worried about it... It would attract a lot more attention than the 235i would. The BMW will blend into the ocean of other BMWs pretty easily. So, as a second car, the C7 would make for a nice weekend toy, road tripper, etc... I think you should get both, and then give us a nice write-up. __________________ "...couldn't help but make me feel ashamed to live in a land where justice is a game." -Bob Dylan
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03-12-2014, 10:13 AM	#7
five3three Major 163 Rep 1,053 Posts Drives: m2c Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: VA iTrader: (3)	C7 is an awesome car, but for me it isn't a practical daily driver. It's just too long, too wide and attracts too much attention. Size is why I went with a 235 instead of a 435. The 4 just got too big compared to the previous generation 3's which were the perfect size for me.
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03-12-2014, 10:52 AM	#8
tuco44 Colonel 647 Rep 2,292 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	I agree with those who would not daily drive a Vette. The 235 is much more practical and less of an attention-getter. __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
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03-12-2014, 12:42 PM	#9
dan99 Captain 138 Rep 621 Posts Drives: 01' 330xi / 15' M235i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Neb iTrader: (0)	saw one at the dealer today listed @ 67k ! that's m3/m4 territory
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03-14-2014, 11:34 AM	#10
Dafttt Captain 35 Rep 691 Posts Drives: 128i 6MT Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Malibu iTrader: (0)	I wouldn't consider the C7 without the Z51 package, so in my opinion, the car starts at $57,995. Get the M235i, you know you want to!
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03-14-2014, 01:59 PM	#13
Red Bread Major General 4465 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	This remains a silly comparison, as the C7 is going to be faster, better handling, and more efficient than the M2 or F8x cars, but just a quick line drawing shows the seating position is only around 8 inches more rearward than the 2er. Pardon the crude iPhone photo of Word drawings. Remember that the BMW has room for a straight six under the hood, the Corvette only needs the space of a straight 4. Of course the C7 has the laid back radiator, transmission, motor oil and steering coolers all laid in front of the engine too. The Corvette also has a lower hood and raised fender, making seeing the actual corners of the car much easier than the 2er. I'm not arguing that it's a good fit for someone looking at the 2er, but a lot of what's been pointed out as its weaknesses are incorrect. As a data nerd, I'll also point out that someone said the 4er was much bigger than the previous car, which if talking about the E92 isn't true either, it's less than an inch longer. The growth of the 3er was more on the F30 vs the E90, the E92 was already much longer than the E90, a trend they thankfully stopped with the F3x cars.
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03-14-2014, 02:25 PM	#14
dmboone25 Lieutenant General 4972 Rep 10,200 Posts Drives: 2024 Golf R / 2022 718 Spyder Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 328i [10.00] 2007 328i [10.00]	Because this photo is along the lines of what I think of when I see a vette, I could never get one... Not saying it doesn't have great performance - it obviously does. It is just so cheesy to me... Attached Images __________________ Past rides: 2016 981 BGTS, 2020 MINI JCW, 2017 F80, 2015 981 CS, 2014 F22 235, 2011 E82 135, 2008 E82 135, 2007 E92 328, 2007 E92 328 (My lady drives an OG M2. So does my dad)
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03-14-2014, 02:40 PM	#15
Red Bread Major General 4465 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Haha, I tend to agree, but also acknowledge that BMW has a similar reputation.
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03-14-2014, 08:58 PM	#17
ecaedus First Lieutenant 114 Rep 310 Posts Drives: Model 3 LR Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	If u want practicality, go for the m235i, at least it has two back seats for short trips. But If you are modding your car and planning to track I think a base c7 is a no brainer. It's in a whole different league of performance, think 911. No matter how u mod the m235i I don't think it's gonna match the c7 in terms of performance. As for refinement and interior quality I sat in the c7 when it was in LA, the quality is definitely on par with the 4 series if it's equipped with the leather package. Visibility is poor, can't see anything out back. But the c7 is quite a lot more expensive than the m235 decently equipped...
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03-14-2014, 09:18 PM	#18
Greenkirby21 Vrooom :) 315 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: C7 Stringray Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dream Land iTrader: (1)	thanks guys! I'm still considering both... still leaning towards the M235i for now. For those of you saying the C7 is expensive, you can get base models with manual transmission (1LT) for 50k. It already has leather, and backup camera standard and bose audio. Example: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...nal&listType=1 __________________ 2014 C7 Corvette Stringray - Laguna Blue - NPP Exhaust - Competition Seats
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03-14-2014, 09:32 PM	#21
pikcachu Major General 1406 Rep 5,262 Posts Drives: M235i (F22 Red angel) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: undisclosed iTrader: (1)	ah ok I was just going from official pricing... Probably they have to make some quick money to pay for the ignition lawsuit that is coming :-D
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03-14-2014, 09:44 PM	#22
2ForMe Private 8 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 235 maybe? Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I also went to see a C7 but unfortunately it's not the right car for me at this point in time. Plus, Chevy raised the price of the C7 in all trims back on March 1st by $2,000. So now, you can't even compare the it to an M235i at all because a stripped down, barebones base C7 now starts for around the price of a fully loaded 235i ($53k). A 435i is closer to the C7's price range...but there is no comparison there at all.
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