Which is more of a driver's car: M235i or 435i?

moldcad · 09-01-2014, 11:18 AM

Now, I know it's a little provocative question, especially when asked by somebody who cruises in an F10 and has fun in a Golf R. But I'm asking seriously, as I will soon be replacing my 528xi with a smaller yet more powerful BMW - and would love to know your opinion which one to pick...

So: which is more of a driver's car: the M235i or the 435i?

COKen · 09-01-2014, 12:10 PM

Guess that would depend on what you mean by "driver's car". I don't think I would be able to give you an answer if you were asking the same thing about my M Roadster and my 435i Coupe. The 435i is a great road car but can also handle the twisties here in the Rocky Mountains, but my Roadster handles the twisties better and is still a good road car. It has taken me to the BMW Roadster Homecoming 8 times (over 3k each round trip) in comfort.

I would define what a "driver's car" is to me and then test drive both and see which one best meets my requirements.

Falafel Combo · 09-01-2014, 12:29 PM

No question here. M235i.

bill1718 · 09-01-2014, 12:32 PM

435i

BobGonwild · 09-01-2014, 12:32 PM

The better driver's car seems to favor the M235i, however, the better all around car IMO would be the 435i.

ft1330 · 09-01-2014, 01:13 PM

The better driver's car is the one that has a driver in it.

ando · 09-01-2014, 01:49 PM

M235i

DrivenByE30 · 09-01-2014, 02:48 PM

Both are drivers car...

One is much much sportier...

Domonicdave · 09-01-2014, 02:52 PM

I debate this in my head too! M235 or 435. 435 or M235. I go round and round in my head.

I worry that the M235 will not be as comfortable over long road trips.

The 435, with the better suspension and wheel base, should handle the metroplex highways better.

The M235 can whip around corner like it's on rails

The 435 has head up display and DHP

The M235 has more hp - the 435 can get the ppk to match hp.

The M235 grey wheels look wrong on BS IMO.

You don't have to pay an extra $980 for the leather dash to get the dash fully black when ordering the CR with a M235. That ticks me off actually.

The M235 is around 10k less expensive. The 435 styling looks 10k more expensive.

My GF would look really hot in the 435, my guy friends will like the M235 small sport car feel.

I think the only thing I can do is back to back test drive and let the test drive tell me what to do.

I'm sure I've not helped one bit...

KFIpro · 09-01-2014, 03:19 PM

M235 is pretty fun to drive but the 435 is more of a daily driver as it's more comfy and bigger. For the track I'd use M235 as it's lighter. Your decision depends on what driving style is more important to you. Both great choices.

BEAR-AvHistory · 09-01-2014, 05:18 PM

The 435 with the MPPK has 15 more horsepower than the 235 but is heavier by 100lbs.

Siopa0 · 09-01-2014, 07:01 PM

I'm having the same dilemma, 435i M sport or M235. I find myself leaning more towards the 435i because I do like to take road trips to San Diego and Las Vegas every once in a while. I never really cared for the HUD until I actually got to test drive one with it, now I have to have it.
But I still want to test drive both back to back, but I can't find a dealer with the M235 available for a test drive. I have test driven both, but on separate occasions. If I had to make my decision now though, I would say the 435i.

rickinaz · 09-01-2014, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

The 435 with the MPPK has 15 more horsepower than the 235 but is heavier by 100lbs.

Which, incidentally, makes the power-to-weight in favor of the MPPK 435i.

newoldbeemer · 09-01-2014, 07:37 PM

The m235i because it's smaller and feels a little bit more chuckable . But I was surprised how close the 435i feels, it's not a night and day change going front the 2 to the 4.

But then, z4.

NorCalAthlete · 09-02-2014, 12:40 AM

I've been debating the same thing.

http://cars.findthebest.com/compare/...2014-BMW-M235i

The 435i is only 0.2 seconds slower than the M235, gets better gas mileage, has a useable rear seat (which also translates to more trunk space if the seats are folded), and far better styling from the taillights to the door handles imo. My brother bought the M235i and loves it. I'm going for the 435i. Minimal price difference and just as fast with more comfort and room? I'll take it.

FWIW, I adjusted the driver's seat in a 435i at the dealer lot to my driving comfort, then got in the backseat behind the driver's seat and still had room without my legs touching the seat. I'm 5'11" 180 lbs. In the M235i, I did the same thing, but could barely maneuver my feet tucking them under the driver's seat, and had to keep my legs spread as my knees stuck out to the sides of the seat. My head had maybe 1" of space in the back of the 435i, but I touched it on the M235.

moldcad · 09-02-2014, 03:27 AM

Thanks guys for your input. My decision will only be made in some 2 years time, after my 5-year extended warranty ends on my F10, and I have put enough mileage on it to justify the swap. And the decision is even more difficult for me coming from the comfort of the F10; I guess the 4 would be much less abrupt a change in the level of comfort (I do lots of long trips), but my heart -as an E46 owner some time ago - goes to the M235i...

MikeVictor · 09-02-2014, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moldcad

Thanks guys for your input. My decision will only be made in some 2 years time, after my 5-year extended warranty ends on my F10, and I have put enough mileage on it to justify the swap. And the decision is even more difficult for me coming from the comfort of the F10; I guess the 4 would be much less abrupt a change in the level of comfort (I do lots of long trips), but my heart -as an E46 owner some time ago - goes to the M235i...

If you're not doing anything for 2 years why not consider the M2?

moldcad · 09-02-2014, 04:34 AM

M2 can also be considered a candidate, but if the lack of comfort in the M235i (relatively to my current F10) is my main reservation in the context of those long trips on the bad Polish roads, the M2 could only be worse in this respect...And as to the "fun factor", I'll soon have the Golf R which arguably can even be compared with the M4, and certainly beats the M235i in this review: https://drive.google.com/folderview?...mc&usp=sharing

F32Fleet · 09-02-2014, 09:29 AM

Out of the box the M235i is more track ready. Both are drivers cars on the street. Different sides of same coin.

GOLFFRR · 09-02-2014, 11:06 AM

tough to answer this, both have their strengths over the other. flip a coin

NorCalAthlete · 09-02-2014, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

tough to answer this, both have their strengths over the other. flip a coin

Agreed. If you don't ever transport anything like snowboards or passengers, then the M235i. If you like a more sporty, stiffer ride - the M235i.

If, on the other hand, you want a bit more comfort, a bit more space, and a bit softer but hardly noticeably slower ride, aren't planning on doing track days, maybe feel like giving more than one friend a ride at a time every once in a while, etc, then the 435i for sure.

Babo335 · 09-02-2014, 06:17 PM

IMO the 435 is more complete vehicle and not mention a much better looking car.

09-01-2014, 11:18 AM	#1
moldcad Major 262 Rep 1,091 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Poland iTrader: (0)	Which is more of a driver's car: M235i or 435i? Now, I know it's a little provocative question, especially when asked by somebody who cruises in an F10 and has fun in a Golf R. But I'm asking seriously, as I will soon be replacing my 528xi with a smaller yet more powerful BMW - and would love to know your opinion which one to pick... So: which is more of a driver's car: the M235i or the 435i? __________________ previous: 2003 E46 330i SMG just sold: 2013 F10 528i xDrive my AWD beater: 2015 Golf R mk7 DSG my RWD pirate & long-distance cruiser: 2015 M235i AT8, LSD
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09-01-2014, 12:10 PM	#2
COKen Lieutenant Colonel 981 Rep 1,560 Posts Drives: M Rster / Z4 M40i / X5 M50i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	Guess that would depend on what you mean by "driver's car". I don't think I would be able to give you an answer if you were asking the same thing about my M Roadster and my 435i Coupe. The 435i is a great road car but can also handle the twisties here in the Rocky Mountains, but my Roadster handles the twisties better and is still a good road car. It has taken me to the BMW Roadster Homecoming 8 times (over 3k each round trip) in comfort. I would define what a "driver's car" is to me and then test drive both and see which one best meets my requirements. __________________ 2002 M Roadster, Steel Gray Metailic, Gray Nappa Leather, HT, TC Kline DA Shocks & Camber Plates, w/H&R Springs, Stromung Exhaust, SSR Type C. Looking for new home. 2022 Z4 M40i, Misano Blue Metallic, Driver Asst Pkg, Prem Pkg 2023 X5 M50i, Phytonic Blue, Black Extended Merion Leather, Driving Asst Pro Pkg, Park Asst Pkg, Exec Pkg, Climate Comfort Pkg.
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09-01-2014, 12:29 PM	#3
Falafel Combo Banned 3773 Rep 6,673 Posts Drives: X5 xDrive50i Join Date: May 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (3)	No question here. M235i.
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09-01-2014, 12:32 PM	#4
bill1718 Lieutenant 19 Rep 463 Posts Drives: 2015 F32 435i ///Msport Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Staten I$land iTrader: (1)	435i
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09-01-2014, 12:32 PM	#5
BobGonwild Enlisted Member 8 Rep 38 Posts Drives: '14 428i Coupe Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	The better driver's car seems to favor the M235i, however, the better all around car IMO would be the 435i.
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09-01-2014, 01:13 PM	#6
ft1330 Major 231 Rep 1,267 Posts Drives: 2014 335i Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: SE PA iTrader: (0)	The better driver's car is the one that has a driver in it.
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09-01-2014, 01:49 PM	#7
ando Colonel 2001 Rep 2,148 Posts Drives: i5 eDr40, G80 and F80 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW i5 eDr40 [10.00] 2022 BMW M3 [7.50] 2015 BMW M3 [0.00]	M235i
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09-01-2014, 02:48 PM	#8
DrivenByE30 Brigadier General 592 Rep 3,870 Posts Drives: '12 F30 Lux 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: OC - SoCal iTrader: (0)	Both are drivers car... One is much much sportier...
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09-01-2014, 02:52 PM	#9
Domonicdave Private 13 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2012 328i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Dallas Texas iTrader: (0)	I debate this in my head too! M235 or 435. 435 or M235. I go round and round in my head. I worry that the M235 will not be as comfortable over long road trips. The 435, with the better suspension and wheel base, should handle the metroplex highways better. The M235 can whip around corner like it's on rails The 435 has head up display and DHP The M235 has more hp - the 435 can get the ppk to match hp. The M235 grey wheels look wrong on BS IMO. You don't have to pay an extra $980 for the leather dash to get the dash fully black when ordering the CR with a M235. That ticks me off actually. The M235 is around 10k less expensive. The 435 styling looks 10k more expensive. My GF would look really hot in the 435, my guy friends will like the M235 small sport car feel. I think the only thing I can do is back to back test drive and let the test drive tell me what to do. I'm sure I've not helped one bit...
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09-01-2014, 03:19 PM	#10
KFIpro Enlisted Member 0 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 335xi M Sport Estoril Blue Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Oakville, ON iTrader: (0)	M235 is pretty fun to drive but the 435 is more of a daily driver as it's more comfy and bigger. For the track I'd use M235 as it's lighter. Your decision depends on what driving style is more important to you. Both great choices.
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09-01-2014, 05:18 PM	#11
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3129 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	The 435 with the MPPK has 15 more horsepower than the 235 but is heavier by 100lbs. __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
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09-01-2014, 07:01 PM	#12
Siopa0 New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: IS300 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	I'm having the same dilemma, 435i M sport or M235. I find myself leaning more towards the 435i because I do like to take road trips to San Diego and Las Vegas every once in a while. I never really cared for the HUD until I actually got to test drive one with it, now I have to have it. But I still want to test drive both back to back, but I can't find a dealer with the M235 available for a test drive. I have test driven both, but on separate occasions. If I had to make my decision now though, I would say the 435i.
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09-01-2014, 07:37 PM	#14
newoldbeemer Major 266 Rep 1,093 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 328i Join Date: May 2013 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0)	The m235i because it's smaller and feels a little bit more chuckable . But I was surprised how close the 435i feels, it's not a night and day change going front the 2 to the 4. But then, z4.
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09-02-2014, 12:40 AM	#15
NorCalAthlete Lieutenant Colonel 3191 Rep 1,667 Posts Drives: '23 M4CX - Tanzanite / Tartufo Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	I've been debating the same thing. http://cars.findthebest.com/compare/...2014-BMW-M235i The 435i is only 0.2 seconds slower than the M235, gets better gas mileage, has a useable rear seat (which also translates to more trunk space if the seats are folded), and far better styling from the taillights to the door handles imo. My brother bought the M235i and loves it. I'm going for the 435i. Minimal price difference and just as fast with more comfort and room? I'll take it. FWIW, I adjusted the driver's seat in a 435i at the dealer lot to my driving comfort, then got in the backseat behind the driver's seat and still had room without my legs touching the seat. I'm 5'11" 180 lbs. In the M235i, I did the same thing, but could barely maneuver my feet tucking them under the driver's seat, and had to keep my legs spread as my knees stuck out to the sides of the seat. My head had maybe 1" of space in the back of the 435i, but I touched it on the M235.
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09-02-2014, 03:27 AM	#16
moldcad Major 262 Rep 1,091 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Poland iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys for your input. My decision will only be made in some 2 years time, after my 5-year extended warranty ends on my F10, and I have put enough mileage on it to justify the swap. And the decision is even more difficult for me coming from the comfort of the F10; I guess the 4 would be much less abrupt a change in the level of comfort (I do lots of long trips), but my heart -as an E46 owner some time ago - goes to the M235i... __________________ previous: 2003 E46 330i SMG just sold: 2013 F10 528i xDrive my AWD beater: 2015 Golf R mk7 DSG my RWD pirate & long-distance cruiser: 2015 M235i AT8, LSD
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09-02-2014, 04:34 AM	#18
moldcad Major 262 Rep 1,091 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Poland iTrader: (0)	M2 can also be considered a candidate, but if the lack of comfort in the M235i (relatively to my current F10) is my main reservation in the context of those long trips on the bad Polish roads, the M2 could only be worse in this respect...And as to the "fun factor", I'll soon have the Golf R which arguably can even be compared with the M4, and certainly beats the M235i in this review: https://drive.google.com/folderview?...mc&usp=sharing __________________ previous: 2003 E46 330i SMG just sold: 2013 F10 528i xDrive my AWD beater: 2015 Golf R mk7 DSG my RWD pirate & long-distance cruiser: 2015 M235i AT8, LSD
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09-02-2014, 09:29 AM	#19
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3572 Rep 10,352 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	Out of the box the M235i is more track ready. Both are drivers cars on the street. Different sides of same coin.
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09-02-2014, 11:06 AM	#20
GOLFFRR 10816 Rep 27,599 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	tough to answer this, both have their strengths over the other. flip a coin __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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09-02-2014, 06:17 PM	#22
Babo335 Officer 7 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 2014 335 Xdrive Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	IMO the 435 is more complete vehicle and not mention a much better looking car.
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