I picked up my M235i Cabrio in late June, and after 2000 miles I'm thrilled overall! Here's some background and the summary of my thoughts.
After 7 years of E90 M3 ownership, I was wondering how I'd feel about losing 100 HP and the thrill of a 8400 RPM redline. What the new car lacks in top end is made up for in the lower rev ranges. This is a great, flexible powertrain. I almost never miss the S65. I have the 6 speed in the M235i, and the shifter is the best I've ever had - by far. Its very accurate with short throws and easy action. Clutch action is great, too.
Even with the extra weight of the folding top, this car is very light on its feet, and feels much more like my E46 than the E90. It feels very planted and accurate. The steering effort is lighter than I'd like, but road feel is good. For me, the sport power steering setting should be comfort and there should be more effort in the sport setting. This is a minor item, and I wouldn't call it a problem. Overall, the car has the traditional BMW combination of precise road feel and a comfortable, firm ride. It's the old magic carpet ride BMW suspension - a major reason I keep coming back to the brand.
I ordered the all-season square tire setup, and I think I'd go with the staggered summer tires if I had to do it over again. I figured I wasn't going to drive a convertible hard, but there have been a couple of times when I wish I had stickier rubber. Come winter, I'm sure I'll appreciate my decision to go with all seasons.
The interior is mostly very well done. Overall ergonomics are great and fit and finish are top notch. I went with Oyster leather and wood trim, and I get lots of positive comments on the look, particularly with the Estoril exterior. I only have two suggestions for improvement (and these are my only complaints about the car) - 1. The armrests need a detent or handle to help control the long door when opening or closing. The existing door handle, although pretty, is too far forward to provide enough leverage to control door movement accurately. 2. This is the first BMW I've ever had without an oil temp gauge. Bad form, BMW - especially with a turbocharged engine that I'm sure is sensitive to proper warm-up.
The car is very comfortable on the road. With the top up, you really can't tell you're in a convertible. It's almost as quiet as a hardtop. I won't hesitate to take this car on long trips. Visibility isn't terrific out the rear quarters, but the backup camera helps. With the top down, windows up, and wind deflector installed, you can have a normal conversation at 75 mph. Really effective wind management, although its a little too noisy to take a long trip with the top down. With the windows and deflector down, its very windy at highway speeds, and the shoulder belts tend to buffet and chafe. This problem goes away completely with the windows up.
For the golfers out there, I can get the clubs in the trunk as long as I take the woods out first. Two thin bags would fit across the trunk (two big golf bags might be tight), and there's enough room left under the stored roof for two gym bags.
I think the look of the car is great, especially with the top down. I agree with the folks who complain about the complexity and cleaning difficulty of the wheels - designed by a descendent of the Marquis de Sade. They look nice when they're clean, though.
This is my seventh BMW (E46 328i (still mine), E83 X3, E90 M3, F25 X3, E30 325iX (bought used, loved for 3 years, and sold to another BMW guy), F15 X5 (great diesel powertrain), and now the M235i. This car could end up being my all time favorite - it's that good. Until now, the E46 has been my benchmark for overall favorite, and this one might be better. (The S65 was a great engine, but I always felt the E90 was a little heavy to be a really great sports car.) I'm looking forward to seeing if I still feel the same way a couple of years down the road, and I'd love to have a matching coupe to take on the track!
After 7 years of E90 M3 ownership, I was wondering how I'd feel about losing 100 HP and the thrill of a 8400 RPM redline. What the new car lacks in top end is made up for in the lower rev ranges. This is a great, flexible powertrain. I almost never miss the S65. I have the 6 speed in the M235i, and the shifter is the best I've ever had - by far. Its very accurate with short throws and easy action. Clutch action is great, too.
Even with the extra weight of the folding top, this car is very light on its feet, and feels much more like my E46 than the E90. It feels very planted and accurate. The steering effort is lighter than I'd like, but road feel is good. For me, the sport power steering setting should be comfort and there should be more effort in the sport setting. This is a minor item, and I wouldn't call it a problem. Overall, the car has the traditional BMW combination of precise road feel and a comfortable, firm ride. It's the old magic carpet ride BMW suspension - a major reason I keep coming back to the brand.
I ordered the all-season square tire setup, and I think I'd go with the staggered summer tires if I had to do it over again. I figured I wasn't going to drive a convertible hard, but there have been a couple of times when I wish I had stickier rubber. Come winter, I'm sure I'll appreciate my decision to go with all seasons.
The interior is mostly very well done. Overall ergonomics are great and fit and finish are top notch. I went with Oyster leather and wood trim, and I get lots of positive comments on the look, particularly with the Estoril exterior. I only have two suggestions for improvement (and these are my only complaints about the car) - 1. The armrests need a detent or handle to help control the long door when opening or closing. The existing door handle, although pretty, is too far forward to provide enough leverage to control door movement accurately. 2. This is the first BMW I've ever had without an oil temp gauge. Bad form, BMW - especially with a turbocharged engine that I'm sure is sensitive to proper warm-up.
The car is very comfortable on the road. With the top up, you really can't tell you're in a convertible. It's almost as quiet as a hardtop. I won't hesitate to take this car on long trips. Visibility isn't terrific out the rear quarters, but the backup camera helps. With the top down, windows up, and wind deflector installed, you can have a normal conversation at 75 mph. Really effective wind management, although its a little too noisy to take a long trip with the top down. With the windows and deflector down, its very windy at highway speeds, and the shoulder belts tend to buffet and chafe. This problem goes away completely with the windows up.
For the golfers out there, I can get the clubs in the trunk as long as I take the woods out first. Two thin bags would fit across the trunk (two big golf bags might be tight), and there's enough room left under the stored roof for two gym bags.
I think the look of the car is great, especially with the top down. I agree with the folks who complain about the complexity and cleaning difficulty of the wheels - designed by a descendent of the Marquis de Sade. They look nice when they're clean, though.
This is my seventh BMW (E46 328i (still mine), E83 X3, E90 M3, F25 X3, E30 325iX (bought used, loved for 3 years, and sold to another BMW guy), F15 X5 (great diesel powertrain), and now the M235i. This car could end up being my all time favorite - it's that good. Until now, the E46 has been my benchmark for overall favorite, and this one might be better. (The S65 was a great engine, but I always felt the E90 was a little heavy to be a really great sports car.) I'm looking forward to seeing if I still feel the same way a couple of years down the road, and I'd love to have a matching coupe to take on the track!
2000 mile review - M235i Cabrio
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