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      06-02-2017, 05:58 AM   #1
wanofakind01
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M235 to M2?

So there happened to be an allocation open up for a MY17 m2 in my area, and I'm a bit torn. I currently have a 6MT m235 which I love. Was originally planning on dinan springs, an LSD, and a jb+ as I have no intentions of going FBO. Wondering what others experiences have been who have gone from an m235 to an m2? What are the significant differences if I were to continue with my mods? There haven't been any m2s physically at the dealers, so test driving hasn't exactly been feasible (not that I realistically believe I'd be able to test drive one as they're getting sold before they even hit the listings).

Last edited by wanofakind01; 06-02-2017 at 06:56 AM..
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      06-02-2017, 07:20 AM   #2
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Have you ever driven an E46 M3? Very similar ride. Just more power, grip, and modern technology. Totally different animal then the m235.
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      06-02-2017, 07:52 AM   #3
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In 1996, I had bought my first BMW an E36 328. I started reading forums and got the bug to start upgrading.

Like you I was bit torn about what I should do. Then I realized who is the best tuner to upgrade my 328? It didn't take long to realize that would be the BMW M division. I traded the 328 for a 1997 E36 M3 and never looked back. Plus it was the cheapest upgrade path and had I know what I know today I would have sold the 328 privately.

Once you go M you never go back
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      06-02-2017, 08:31 AM   #4
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Get the M2. Instantly.

I came from a M135i, which is very close to the M235i and I can tell you that the M2 is a completely different animal. So much more focused, angry and refined. It's unbelievable that they are nearly in the same price range. You will definitely not regret the decision - only if you are just using the car for the daily commute, then the M235i is just fine...

Regarding the comparison to the M346 - I have both cars in my garage and I can tell you, the M346 is not comparable. It is much harder to drive (especially fast) and needs a lot more experience behind the wheel. The steering is hard, the clutch is hard, everyhting about the car is very "hard" and "rough". Both cars are more than 10 years seperated from the development time and you can feel that at every second. The M2 feels much more digital and is way faster and even easier to handle.

If you are a decent driver, you can drive the M2 very fast, no matter where. But to drive the M346 fast, you need to be a very good one!
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      06-02-2017, 10:02 AM   #5
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I'm coming from an 09 135 6MT with MP parts and CO's. The 135 wasn't everything I was looking for as I compromised when it was near impossible to get a 1M. Looking at the upgrades, cost and high mileage, the M2 ticked all the boxes I was looking for.

M2 allocation and SoCal markup made me consider the M235, then the M240 came out. I started crunching the #'s, what I'd need to do to the 235/240 and still not have the car I wanted. I started looking at a used MY15-16 M4, but didn't want to move into a bigger car and deal with a shorter warranty.

I took delivery of a M2 order that fell through and I've been in my MY17 M2 6MT since February. While I've added to the mod list, the M2 gives me a lot more of what I was looking for out of the box.
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      06-02-2017, 10:53 AM   #6
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I've driven an m235i a few times. i bought a 17 M2. Honestly the only similarity between these cars is price which I find odd as the M2 shines in every way. it looks better, sounds much better, and drives and brakes worlds better.
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      06-02-2017, 12:22 PM   #7
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I came from a 330ZHP ->E46M3->E90 M3 and I currently have the M235 & M2.

I've enjoyed every car..what BMW enthusiast hasn't. What most people have said regarding the M2 in relation with the E46 I agree with. It's the new version of the E46 M3, but better and more refined in every way..angrier..hungry. I love how it looks, I love how it feels when driving..very responsive better mid torque IMHO than the E90..although the E90 being a V8 is a beast at a different level. I love how the M2 sounds with just the stock exhaust...just suits me better and although M235 has really the same cabin, it really doesn't compare to the M2.

So get the M2 already ?
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      06-02-2017, 02:04 PM   #8
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I have put about 700 miles on my 2017 BMW M2 (DCT) ; and sold my 2015 M235i (8 speed auto- all options except for leather seats) after putting 10,000 miles. For comparison, the M2 definitely delivers in terms of steering feel, handling, and braking. The ride is actually is only a little more rough than the M235i, definitely comfortable enough as daily driver.

My main reason in getting out of M235i into M2 was I always wanted a proper M car (never owned another BMW before), and wanted an occasional HPDE car for my wife to use. But it was a significant price delta for sure ($25,000 to $30,000). If I already had say an M3 (old or recent) and didn;t plan to regularly track the car, I would have kept my M235i. The M235i is really that good of a car and a used car bargain. With just EBC yellow pads, tune, and and +/- a mechanical LSD, it's more than enough of a capable street car that wouldn;t justify the 25-30K to upgrade to M2. However, if you are talking 2017 M235i to 2017 M2, thats different story.
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      06-02-2017, 07:19 PM   #9
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I made the switch and I'm glad I did. They drive like two completely different cars. The M235i felt "soft" and very disconnected in every way: steering, handling, and overall ride. The engine was fine, but it was stuck in a lackluster chassis with huge understeer, no limited slip differential, Buick suspension geometry, etc. If you can afford to get an M2, I'd do it. Life is short. And, you can spend a lot of money modifying your M235i and it will never drive like the M2. Like I have said before, go to one of the M Driver's schools and sample an M2. You'll see what I mean in about thirty seconds and your decision will be made.

Last edited by bartginger; 06-02-2017 at 07:21 PM.. Reason: typo as usual
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      06-02-2017, 07:27 PM   #10
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I would also get the M2. I have a M235i with just enough Dinan bolt-ons for the badge (short of a tuner box). It sounds nice and I love the way it drives and I still want an M2, and almost had one; but that's another story.

From my experience getting to test drive a M2, you will not notice the difference just driving it regularly. The only thing I couldn't help but notice was the brakes, which was an immediate difference. The ride was also slightly rougher, but not by a lot., and in sport-mode the auto-reving was more aggressive.

I really believe BMW has something built into their cars that limit them slightly during break-in. I noticed this with my M235i. When I first bought it I had it in sport mode a lot, after break-in it seemed more peppier and the exhaust note was more throaty, even in comfort mode. It really got nice after adding some of the Dinan stuff.

This makes me wonder how the M2 would drive after break-in and how much more fun it would be. I have to admit I wasn't overly impressed with it when I test drove it, compared to my M235i. I know some, if not many on here; will disagree. I'm just trying to give you a different opinion of someone who likes their M235i but still wants an M2.

Last edited by qnet; 06-04-2017 at 11:58 AM..
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      06-02-2017, 08:07 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wanofakind01 View Post
So there happened to be an allocation open up for a MY17 m2 in my area, and I'm a bit torn. I currently have a 6MT m235 which I love. Was originally planning on dinan springs, an LSD, and a jb+ as I have no intentions of going FBO. Wondering what others experiences have been who have gone from an m235 to an m2? What are the significant differences if I were to continue with my mods? There haven't been any m2s physically at the dealers, so test driving hasn't exactly been feasible (not that I realistically believe I'd be able to test drive one as they're getting sold before they even hit the listings).
I just went from a 235i to an M2 in April. I loved my 235i and I put 48,000 miles on my 235i and I did everything and went everywhere in my 235i. Did I mention that I loved my 235i. And then.... I got my M2. I love my M2 and I go everywhere in my M2 and I do everything in my M2 and it is really great and terrific. Please do not hesitate to move to the M2
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      06-02-2017, 09:27 PM   #12
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Don't read this...

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...mparison-test/



Seriously though - I think the 228 (my missus has the 125i M Sport which has a detuned version of the same engine) is underpowered enough to make you drive hard - and you should be able to reach its limits earlier and have fun sooner than with an M2.

But I'd still have the M2 now I just need to find some places where I can drive it the way it should.

I sold the Fiesta ST before this and it has an even lower limit - which made that car simply a blast to drive on deserted roundabouts. So easy to provoke it. It took me a long while to get the 125 to even hit the traction control limits but I've finally gotten it done after running in the car. And I think I already exceeded the speed limits of the road

The M2 is going to get me in so much trouble.
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      06-03-2017, 10:25 AM   #13
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I drove a 235 for three years and just upgraded to the M2. About the only similarity is the interior. Even the drive train, despite essentially the same engine, is noticeably different. Once you start looking at styling and handling, there is no comparison. The wider track of the M2 and almost direct bolted connection of the subframe to the car cannot easily or affordably be added to the 235.

The M2 is a sports car. The M235 is a sporty coupe. I have modded cars (I had a supercharged e46 with full coilovers and supporting mods) in the past and can say with 100% certainty that it cost a lot more and still wasn't as good as an e46 M3. Trading the 235 for an M2 will give you more performance for the amount of money than any aftermarket tuning. If you add in what you can do with tuning on the M2, you will never get close for the same money on a 235.

About the only reason not to get the M2 over modding the 235 would be if you really don't like the increased stiffness and rawness of the M2 and want a faster car with the 235 suspension.
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      06-03-2017, 10:22 PM   #14
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M2! Simple as that. I traded in my M235i and don't miss it one bit. Love the M2. An M235i will never be an M2 regardless of the mods. You'll be happy to be in one.
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      06-04-2017, 05:02 AM   #15
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It's been a year since m2 was out and I'm happy to have this reading that still confirms m2 is by far the greatest M today.
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