Topic: Day-by-Day Review: 2014 BMW M235i; Day 1

[Autos_Editor]

James gets all giddy over the 2014 BMW M235i.
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[Ex-airbalancer]

This look like it is about the same size as an E46, is that right

[JacobBlack]

This look like it is about the same size as an E46, is that right

Pretty much. From my review: http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/test-drive-2014-bmw-m235i/

The M235i is heavier, though, at 1,590 kg compared to the E46’s 1,549, but the M235i is also shorter both in wheelbase (2,690 mm vs 2,730) and length (4,432 mm vs 4,493) with shorter overhangs, so it is more flickable than the halo model E46. The snappier turn-in is balanced by a slightly wider (12 mm) front track and 30 mm wider rear track.

[JohnnyMac]

I just test drove a BMW 228i on the weekend, so I have a pretty good idea of what this car is about.  I would have taken out M235i but the only one they had on the lot was out on loan to one of their existing customers.  Me and my wife are currently looking for a second vehicle and my preference is to have something more on the performance side.  My wife is not a BMW fan, she thinks they all look the same and she can't tell the difference from a new or 10 year old BMW.  I tried to explain the benefits of a cohesive design and classic styling but she just prefers a more daring design I guess. 

The one we took out was a manual with white exterior and black interior, which is basically the perfect combination to win my wife over.  The interior is quite small but nothing less than what we were expecting.  The seats were very good and huged in all the right places.  Out on the road I was very impressed with the amount of power you get out of that 2.0L engine.  I don't think either one of us would be complaining for more power (not saying I'd turn down a bit more though).  Handling was excellent, the first on ramp we took I didn't really pay attention to the speedo and by the time I got to the merge zone I was doing 140.

After test driving the BMW we headed over to Audi to try a A3 2.0L Quattro.  We both prefer the exterior of Audi's and we generally love interiors of Audi's (basically all VW group interiors are good).  The drive was pretty good but the BMW was better and the interior was just too plain and minimalistic for our tastes.  Plus it was louder out on the highway, so the BMW won out in that group.  Completely changed my wifes view of BMW's and has put the 2 series at the top of our list so far.

I'm sure this M235i will impress, just wonder how well it will do in fuel economy.

[Railton]

Competitors  -Infiniti Q30 - what's that, is it for sale yet or a production unit in the showrooms?
Railton

[mmret]

Test drove this thing a while ago (they didn't have a RWD 335 on the lot, possibly anywhere in the city ). Its an absolute monster. Incredible stuff.

[wing]

Ask Jacob what a Q30 is, I honestly don't know... LOL

[JacobBlack]

Ask Jacob what a Q30 is, I honestly don't know... LOL

Don't look at me! JY added that one. It's a future model though. Not available yet.

[Noto]

Seems like a good size for an empty-nester (to buy) or a young professional (for a lease term).  Price is ok, too.

What I like about the 2-series is that it's a premium-build, priced lower by virtue of its size only.  Otherwise, it shares the underpinnings of the more expensive models.

The CLA, and A3, on the other hand, are purpose-built models with some amount of economy in mind to get the base price down as low as possible.

I took the CLA out for a ride and I felt like I was driving a nice vehicle, but didn't feel like I was riding in a Benz.  Where's that feeling for my $45k+?

In that respect, the 2-series is more substantial, with a hint of badge snobbery (a good thing), and wins my vote.

[mmret]

The A3 seems quite nice, from my test drive. Its just very small.

[Fobroader]

Rear wheel drive, manual tranny, proper I6....this sounds like the BMW to have.

[Weels]

Very interested to read James' thoughts on the car that is at the top of my want list right now..

[mmret]

Very interested to read James' thoughts on the car that is at the top of my want list right now..

Make sure you double check the bank account before you go test drive it, just to make sure. You might not be able to resist after the test.

[Weels]

Very interested to read James' thoughts on the car that is at the top of my want list right now..

Make sure you double check the bank account before you go test drive it, just to make sure. You might not be able to resist after the test.

Exactly.  That's why i'm staying far away... for now.

[Noto]

I do like BMW, but I, myself, wouldn't go smaller than a 3-series, which is so common that I feel my $50k is not well-spent.  The 2-series does a better job of this, but doesn't suit my needs.

Honestly, this is why I like maxing out my budget at $35k.  You can get a lot of car for a very reasonable sum (if you look carefully).  Case-in-point, 2-series base model at $36,000 is a decent package if you don't NEED navi, etc.  As long as I have my HIDs, I'm a happy kid.

[mmret]

I do like BMW, but I, myself, wouldn't go smaller than a 3-series, which is so common that I feel my $50k is not well-spent.  The 2-series does a better job of this, but doesn't suit my needs.

Honestly, this is why I like maxing out my budget at $35k.  You can get a lot of car for a very reasonable sum (if you look carefully).  Case-in-point, 2-series base model at $36,000 is a decent package if you don't NEED navi, etc.  As long as I have my HIDs, I'm a happy kid.

You don't NEED it, but then again you don't NEED anything. Different strokes for different folks but I find buying the base model of anything is usually though not always a bad proposition.

[JohnnyMac]

I do like BMW, but I, myself, wouldn't go smaller than a 3-series, which is so common that I feel my $50k is not well-spent.  The 2-series does a better job of this, but doesn't suit my needs.

Honestly, this is why I like maxing out my budget at $35k.  You can get a lot of car for a very reasonable sum (if you look carefully).  Case-in-point, 2-series base model at $36,000 is a decent package if you don't NEED navi, etc.  As long as I have my HIDs, I'm a happy kid.

You don't NEED it, but then again you don't NEED anything. Different strokes for different folks but I find buying the base model of anything is usually though not always a bad proposition.

I actually prefer test driving base models so I don't get distracted with all the flashy features of a fully loaded model.  Lets you pay a bit more attention to how the vehicle actually drives.

[mmret]

I do like BMW, but I, myself, wouldn't go smaller than a 3-series, which is so common that I feel my $50k is not well-spent.  The 2-series does a better job of this, but doesn't suit my needs.

Honestly, this is why I like maxing out my budget at $35k.  You can get a lot of car for a very reasonable sum (if you look carefully).  Case-in-point, 2-series base model at $36,000 is a decent package if you don't NEED navi, etc.  As long as I have my HIDs, I'm a happy kid.

You don't NEED it, but then again you don't NEED anything. Different strokes for different folks but I find buying the base model of anything is usually though not always a bad proposition.

I actually prefer test driving base models so I don't get distracted with all the flashy features of a fully loaded model.  Lets you pay a bit more attention to how the vehicle actually drives.

Fair enough, I don't find I have any trouble with just ignoring it. Also some of the non base features are mechanical/driveline features (suspension etc.)

Certain things you can test while in the showroom, others have to be tested on the move
how usable is the nav/audio/hvac. while driving? that sort of stuff.

[Fobroader]

I'd spend my money on the stuff that matters, M suspensions, limited slip diffs and wider rims and tires......heated, snakeskin steering wheel, Im good!!!

[Ex-airbalancer]

Seems like a good size for an empty-nester (to buy)

Needs a ragtop for an empty nester