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08-15-2014, 11:59 PM
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#1 |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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Dave's M235i
 Still processing my thoughts on this rapid exchange, but the details are that it'll end up costing me $100 more a month to drive the car BMW made to replace the E46 M3 for enthusiasts like myself. I've taken a bunch of photos and will share them. My initial thoughts are all over the place, but they're all positive... The E46 was getting long in the tooth and while I restored what I could, you can't make up 11 years of product development in your garage. I've been toying with a new STi, a new Camaro SS, wait for the 2015 Mustang....but in the end, I truly prefer the drive of a proper BMW and the numbers worked. SO...where does this leave things... Well...let's just get to the photos:     DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 105.9 in Length: 174.5 in Width: 69.8 in Height: 55.8 in Curb weight: 3525 lb C/D TEST RESULTS: Zero to 60 mph: 4.3 sec Zero to 100 mph: 10.8 sec Zero to 130 mph: 19.6 sec Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.1 sec Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.6 sec Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.1 sec Standing ¼-mile: 12.9 sec @ 109 mph Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph Braking, 70-0 mph: 153 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.94 g http://youtu.be/hPy0T3Fojt0
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08-16-2014, 02:44 AM
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#2 | ||
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Tri-State Post Whore
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Maryland
Member #20326
My Ride: 06 STi/08 Legacy/10 Forester iTrader: (5)
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Beautiful
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08-16-2014, 05:08 AM
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#3 |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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Lovely car, but as any outsider who see's the two cars, i would have preferred the older of the 2. Doesnt matter, what limited time i have had experiencing BMW, they never failed to deliver, whether its a 1992 525i or a new M3. Outstanding performance and technology.
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08-17-2014, 04:18 PM
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#4 |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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Thanks, I've been enjoying it!
My review of the M235i: Power: Plenty. 375 ft lbs by 2500 rpms means the car gets up to speed very quickly. Power transitions on without any discernable turbo lag whatsoever. It's almost like being in STi midrange boost all the time. You will hit the speed limit before you can blink and can hit 80mph off the onramp with complete ease. The powerband is wide and full of torque. The car does lack the M3 topend at high revs as the turbo is starting to wind out by 6k. However, you're still carrying 300+ hp to 7,000 rpms so this is more of an observation rather than complaint. You can happily select Comfort-Sport-Sport+ modes without any issues with engine bogging down, as the transmission logic happily downshifts a gear or two to put you right in the sweet spot you're digging into with your right foot. I can't say enough about this powerplant, it's tremendous and has a lot of potential. Braking: Good. The 60-0 distance is recorded at 103 ft, which is outstanding. There is some modulation involved with the brakes. I think some stainless steel lines would cure some of the inconsistency in the pedal. However, if you want to stop, stop it will and with aggression. These calipers seem to be pretty strong and a simple pad and line change should transform this aspect of the car. If it sounds like I'm not thrilled with them, then I'd say 7-8/10 for brakes. Worthy of a sports car, just not as good as my typical setups with slotted rotors, upgraded pads and lines which have good initial bite and then HOLD. These have the initial bite but let go so you have to dig deeper to get the stopping power you want...which then almost overcorrects and gives too much. Will have to work with these. Suspension: Not a track suspension, although it tries. As comfortable as the Mercedes over potholes, but with more controlled chassis movements. Typical BMW feel, firm yet not uncomfortable or harsh. Won't lean over in a turn too much, keeps the car pretty flat and there isn't much dive from braking. The 3 selectable modes are noticeably different with Sport+ offering a real sports car feel to it, without the chiropractor visits. I could see a stiffer setup for this car being necessary for real track work but overall for the box this was designed in (dual purpose car), I'm happy. At times you can tell that there isn't loads of strut travel, at other times you can tell the car needs a little more compression in the valving. Steering: Let's just address this right now: There is no electronic replacement for a good hydraulic steering rack. None. With that said, BMW's second or third attempt at EPS has resulted in a steering feel that is decently weighted and responds quickly (2.2 turns lock to lock). However, communication from the front wheels to the steering wheel is now gone. You no longer feel bumpsteer, seams or cracks, potholes, etc. through the steering wheel. I know that FE is the driving force behind this change and that BMW is probably doing the best out there at this adaption, but...it sucks to leave that information behind. So...best of the electronic racks I've driven (including the e92 M3), which leads me to believe that it'll only get better as they develop it more, but for now...imagine having on headphones and then someone pulls the plug. That's what electronic steering is like. Driving Review: Balanced in a turn, steering turn-in is sharp and balanced. Power out of the apex without any drama in the chassis, can thread the needle for slalom work without losing your lunch. Seat grip is moderate to high, despite lack of substantial bolstering. Gear shifts are immediate and fast...no need for a DCT anymore. Can drop gear prior to apex, steer in, punch out and straighten with linearity with the wheel, no fuss in the chassis, no jerkiness in the chassis or gear. Braking requires a tuned foot, that's an area that I'm either over braking or under braking with right now. It's odd. Lateral grip remains strong with suspension compliance in tow. Perfect tires for this car (Michelin PSS) as I envision this to be more finesse than the hammer of an engine would lead you to believe. Exhaust note at WOT is very nice and the cabin becomes focused with all controls within easy reach. Paddle shifters work and work well. Car *needs* a limited slip differential. You can tell the rear balance is slightly off once gas is applied. That's the very first mod that should be done to this car above all others. It's a glaring weakness when transitioning on and off the power through turns. I understand BMW didn't want to cut into M2 sales, but this car really, really should have one. However, with that said, the overall package is pretty impressive and definitely pulls off the modern E46 M3 successor image quite well. The car is tossable, fun, powerful, balanced and RWD. All the attributes that make for the classic approach to driving that made BMW what it is. Overall 8/10. 9/10 with LSD. 10/10 with brakes, suspension firmed up and LSD.
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08-17-2014, 07:00 PM
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#5 |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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Here is AutoCar UK's review. Seems to match mine in places.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/m235i
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08-17-2014, 10:55 PM
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#6 |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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Nice car for sure. I agree with you on the electric power steering. I drove a 991 and it was noticeably less communicative than the last 997 i drove
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current: triumph, abarth gone:RS4 evo lotus(s) noble and a bunch of jeeps |
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08-20-2014, 03:07 PM
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#7 |
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Tri-State Addict
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Prospect Park PA ( DELCO )
Member #8072
My Ride: 2012 Dodge Ram iTrader: (0)
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I haven't been on for awhile, but what a concise review your new classy lady !
I will be checking in on your progress because your mods have always been tasteful, and specifically targeted with a review after each mod. This car sounds well rounded off the bat, but I'm sure this going to turn into a sick GT type build. Good Luck and Enjoy !
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opposite of stanced, and fitted... what am i doing here ??? |
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08-21-2014, 04:09 PM
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#8 |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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08-24-2014, 11:46 AM
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#10 |
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TST Ruined My Life!
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Philadelphia
Member #2029
My Ride: "Honey Badger" Turbo Miata iTrader: (8)
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Looks fantastic! My coworker has a 128i automatic that he thinks is god's gift but this actually looks like it could move out of it's own way
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2004 MAZDASPEED MX-5 : 328whp / 308wtq / 2500lbs 2012 Toyota Prius 2 : Daily Driver Last edited by CleanNeon98; 08-24-2014 at 12:52 PM. |
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08-24-2014, 06:11 PM
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#11 | |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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Quote:
 Looking at the rear dif right now mainly. maybe intake, exhaust and tune. Car makes some solid gains with a tune. It has the M adaptive suspension on it...so waiting to see what's out there.
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08-24-2014, 06:12 PM
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#12 | |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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Quote:
Yeah, those N54's....no bueno. 
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08-24-2014, 06:12 PM
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#13 | |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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Quote:
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08-24-2014, 06:27 PM
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#14 |
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Tri-State Post Whore
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Saylorsburg, PA
Member #5720
My Ride: 05 STi 30R Brotated 400awhp iTrader: (7)
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I can't believe you sold the E46!
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2005 Subaru WRX STi - Brotated 30R - 400awhp 1994 Mazda Miata 2008 Honda Accord 2004 Honda S2000 2002 Subaru Outback LL Bean |
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08-25-2014, 10:08 AM
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#15 |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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^lol.
They gave me too good of a deal and there was some upcoming work due that would have easily eaten into that margin and then some. The M235i is also that good.
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08-25-2014, 04:48 PM
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#16 | |
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Tri-State Post Whore
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Saylorsburg, PA
Member #5720
My Ride: 05 STi 30R Brotated 400awhp iTrader: (7)
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The new car looks great though!
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2005 Subaru WRX STi - Brotated 30R - 400awhp 1994 Mazda Miata 2008 Honda Accord 2004 Honda S2000 2002 Subaru Outback LL Bean |
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08-25-2014, 10:48 PM
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#17 | |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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Quote:
 I may get another E46 someday down the road. It's a modern classic. Here's a guy having a wheelgasm over the M235i: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgaar8zrMTI I suppose the trade in cars doesn't bother me that much because this drives so close to the E46 around bends. It's not as high-strung and frenetic, but its more solid and dare I say quicker.
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08-26-2014, 04:14 PM
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#18 |
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Tri-State Post Whore
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Hightened State of Emergency
Member #1315
My Ride: Lansdale Local iTrader: (1)
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Man sweet car. But I doubt I could go from an M car to a non M BMW.
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08-26-2014, 10:24 PM
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#19 | |
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Tri-State Post Whore
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Quote:
Well, you'd have a slower car then in this case. Here's some dynos for the M235i. Waiting on what the Dinan stage 1 tune does once the AFR issues are cleaned up. http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1023686
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08-27-2014, 09:13 AM
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#20 |
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Tri-State Post Whore
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Hightened State of Emergency
Member #1315
My Ride: Lansdale Local iTrader: (1)
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That car is definitely impressive. It's just that the M's feel a bit more special.
But that is just my opinion. Not knocking your decision at all.
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