no more 15 nismo tech, looking at M235I

Asheth · 01-28-2015, 07:30 PM

M4 I just can't get with a small 2+2 anymore unless you have passengers that are below 10 years old. The back seats are good for extra trunk space I guess. I'm 6'1 though and I hate driving in them and sitting in them just have a bad taste in my mouth for smaller 2+2's like the M2.

I wouldn't get a M235 myself just my opinion.

m4a1mustang · 01-28-2015, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asheth

M4 I just can't get with a small 2+2 anymore unless you have passengers that are below 10 years old. The back seats are good for extra trunk space I guess. I'm 6'1 though and I hate driving in them and sitting in them just have a bad taste in my mouth for smaller 2+2's like the M2.

I wouldn't get a M235 myself just my opinion.

Have you sat in the back of the 2? There's enough space for adults to fit comfortably for short trips. Headroom is the big issue for taller folks. There's more leg room back there than something like a Mustang.

I'm not overly concerned about the rear seats, but for a DD they'd be nice to have in a pinch. I don't know if a car seat can fit back there easily, but that would be nice, too. Whenever I know I need real back seats I have my wife's 335.

Anyway, I'm not really looking to buy anything right at the moment. I just made the mistake of testing the M235i and was absolutely delighted by it.

axmea? · 01-28-2015, 07:33 PM

M235 with a tune. More refined. The Z's we drive is different. Beastlike to drive. Raw. And even if though it has aged, still much sexier between the two.

m4a1mustang · 01-28-2015, 09:05 PM

Most of you guys are hitting on the right points. The M235i is not going to be as raw as the Z or any other "pure" sports car, but of course that is not what it aims to do. It delivers excellent performance while bringing with it refinement and comfort features that many people look for in a daily driver. No doubt it would be a stellar every day car.

RoshDawg · 01-28-2015, 11:18 PM

I too made the mistake and can't forget about it. I agree with everything Steve said. I also drove an e90 m3 and while extremely excited about it, it just wasn't as light and nimble as the 235i. The '11 m3's weight and stiff suspension was very easily upset and I felt I would barely be able to control it in low traction situations. You had to be very focused to drive that car fast. But it sounded like pure heaven. One of the best sounding cars below 100k (besides 991 C2S with sport exhaust!). It just couldn't serve as a traffic heavy DD.

The m235i was just awesome! Very go cart like. On my 30 minute test drive I often initiated small sweeping drifts, and it was just so controllable, so nice and so precise. And it also sounded great, even if it was fake. I loved every bit of it. The transmission also felt better than the M3 believe it or not. Except the violent shifts in the sportiest mode on the M3 was pretty manly and exciting.

The one I drove was optioned out to 60K, but I think I would have a similar experience with a bare bones. If I were to order one I would just get heated seats and call it a day at $45k. Also for what it's worth my '10 sport touring 6mt 17.5k miles Z was quoted for trade in at 19-20k, but I know I could've brought it up to 22.5-23.

I just hope my test drive of a '15 mustang gt will get my mind off the m235i. Which will save some money on what will essentially be a commuter car.

m4a1mustang · 01-29-2015, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoshDawg

I too made the mistake and can't forget about it. I agree with everything Steve said. I also drove an e90 m3 and while extremely excited about it, it just wasn't as light and nimble as the 235i. The '11 m3's weight and stiff suspension was very easily upset and I felt I would barely be able to control it in low traction situations. You had to be very focused to drive that car fast. But it sounded like pure heaven. One of the best sounding cars below 100k (besides 991 C2S with sport exhaust!). It just couldn't serve as a traffic heavy DD.

The m235i was just awesome! Very go cart like. On my 30 minute test drive I often initiated small sweeping drifts, and it was just so controllable, so nice and so precise. And it also sounded great, even if it was fake. I loved every bit of it. The transmission also felt better than the M3 believe it or not. Except the violent shifts in the sportiest mode on the M3 was pretty manly and exciting.

The one I drove was optioned out to 60K, but I think I would have a similar experience with a bare bones. If I were to order one I would just get heated seats and call it a day at $45k. Also for what it's worth my '10 sport touring 6mt 17.5k miles Z was quoted for trade in at 19-20k, but I know I could've brought it up to 22.5-23.

I just hope my test drive of a '15 mustang gt will get my mind off the m235i. Which will save some money on what will essentially be a commuter car.

I swear we must have been brothers in another life.

Here is my take on the 2015 GT:

It's a big step up from the previous car in terms of interior quality and driving dynamics. We all know the engine is fantastic and it goes like hell, so I don't need to talk about that. If you like the retro-modern styling the cabin is a very nice place to be. The materials all have a premium feel, with some exceptions, and the ergonomics are very good. With the tilt/telescope wheel and lower seating position it's much easier to find the sweet spot.

As far as dynamics go, it's much more composed than it ever was thanks to the IRS, which is very well done, and the revised front suspension. It still has some of that old Mustang charm which makes it entertaining to drive, but it's got a lot more refined European GT car mixed in. I think the GT Performance Package has the car set up almost perfectly for street performance use. It's a very capable car. If I had to compare it to something else, it's a bit like a larger and more civilized E92 M3.

That said, I do have some gripes:

Steering wheel: It's far too thin, and the spokes are too thick with all of the buttons. It's not comfortable to grip, and the leather does not feel very pleasant to me. If I had one, I'd have to get the wheel reupholstered with padded, premium leather.

Gauges: They are so much easier to read than before, but "Ground Speed MPH" on the speedometer is so tacky. It really, really bothers me for some reason.

Seats: The standard seats are heated and cooled. They look nice in pictures, but in reality they are so soft that the bolsters don't do anything to hold you in. It's a shame because the only other option is the manual Recaros with no heat.

Materials: Unless you get the 68P (I think that's the code) option, you get the cheap plastic doors. The option adds the soft touch vinyl to the doors so it feels like every other civilized $30k+ vehicle on the market.

If you end up considering a GT, I'd wait for the 2016 MY. The car will get Sync 3 and they should have sorted out some of the QC issues (panel fit and some interior trim problems) by then.

Long story short, the GT did nothing to keep me from thinking about the M235i. Nothing.

RoshDawg · 01-29-2015, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I swear we must have been brothers in another life.

Here is my take on the 2015 GT:

It's a big step up from the previous car in terms of interior quality and driving dynamics. We all know the engine is fantastic and it goes like hell, so I don't need to talk about that. If you like the retro-modern styling the cabin is a very nice place to be. The materials all have a premium feel, with some exceptions, and the ergonomics are very good. With the tilt/telescope wheel and lower seating position it's much easier to find the sweet spot.

As far as dynamics go, it's much more composed than it ever was thanks to the IRS, which is very well done, and the revised front suspension. It still has some of that old Mustang charm which makes it entertaining to drive, but it's got a lot more refined European GT car mixed in. I think the GT Performance Package has the car set up almost perfectly for street performance use. It's a very capable car. If I had to compare it to something else, it's a bit like a larger and more civilized E92 M3.

That said, I do have some gripes:

Steering wheel: It's far too thin, and the spokes are too thick with all of the buttons. It's not comfortable to grip, and the leather does not feel very pleasant to me. If I had one, I'd have to get the wheel reupholstered with padded, premium leather.

Gauges: They are so much easier to read than before, but "Ground Speed MPH" on the speedometer is so tacky. It really, really bothers me for some reason.

Seats: The standard seats are heated and cooled. They look nice in pictures, but in reality they are so soft that the bolsters don't do anything to hold you in. It's a shame because the only other option is the manual Recaros with no heat.

Materials: Unless you get the 68P (I think that's the code) option, you get the cheap plastic doors. The option adds the soft touch vinyl to the doors so it feels like every other civilized $30k+ vehicle on the market.

If you end up considering a GT, I'd wait for the 2016 MY. The car will get Sync 3 and they should have sorted out some of the QC issues (panel fit and some interior trim problems) by then.

Long story short, the GT did nothing to keep me from thinking about the M235i. Nothing.

Haha seriously. I don't think I've ever disagreed with a single one of your posts in the past 5 years. I gotta buy you a beer man!
and considering how we have the same views, I guess I won't be liking the GT nearly as much as the m235i, especially for extended driving times.
I think I'm gonna wait a bit regardless as I'm gonna get a new house and don't want a loan for a car on my record.
Have you driven the M3/M4? Any thoughts on them even if you havnt?

m4a1mustang · 01-29-2015, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoshDawg

Haha seriously. I don't think I've ever disagreed with a single one of your posts in the past 5 years. I gotta buy you a beer man!
and considering how we have the same views, I guess I won't be liking the GT nearly as much as the m235i, especially for extended driving times.
I think I'm gonna wait a bit regardless as I'm gonna get a new house and don't want a loan for a car on my record.
Have you driven the M3/M4? Any thoughts on them even if you havnt?

The M4 is a beast. I drove one with the DCT and the amount of torque and power it has on tap at any RPM is pretty ridiculous. On the street it's one of those "half-throttle" cars. You'd never give it all the power in any daily driving situation as you are limited by traction, and when you get it, you're travelling at jail speeds.

I'd love to have one. I just hesitate at the $75,000 price tag. Maybe a used one down the line, but even then the M cars tend to hold value pretty well.

RoshDawg · 01-29-2015, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

The M4 is a beast. I drove one with the DCT and the amount of torque and power it has on tap at any RPM is pretty ridiculous. On the street it's one of those "half-throttle" cars. You'd never give it all the power in any daily driving situation as you are limited by traction, and when you get it, you're travelling at jail speeds.

I'd love to have one. I just hesitate at the $75,000 price tag. Maybe a used one down the line, but even then the M cars tend to hold value pretty well.

Ya I would definitely wait for a used one. But I might not want to wait that long. while I do love the m235i, I might need a 4 door car. Last review question, did you ever drive a 335i m sport? Is it any good? There some fully loaded used ones on the market for not too high of price.

Sorry to jack your thread op!

DCNISMO · 01-29-2015, 06:50 AM

Quote:

I just hope my test drive of a '15 mustang gt will get my mind off the m235i.

I suggest holding off till the GT350 is out.....a loaded GT is 46K or so, if the GT350 comes in at low 50's.....that's a better choice. If Its 60's then yes the GT is better for the money, unless you go modding the GT.

m4a1mustang · 01-29-2015, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCNISMO

I suggest holding off till the GT350 is out.....a loaded GT is 46K or so, if the GT350 comes in at low 50's.....that's a better choice. If Its 60's then yes the GT is better for the money, unless you go modding the GT.

More realistically a very nicely optioned GT is around 41-43k MSRP. They sell at around invoice, so you're only paying high 30s.

The GT350s will be going for MSRP, and unless you option it out it will not be a friendly DD.

DLSTR · 01-29-2015, 08:55 AM

Its clear to me after reading this thread, those who have driven the M235i with an open mind see clearly what its about. Those reading reviews and focusing only on the looks wont ever get it and a drive wont happen, as they have already discounted the machine and what it can do.
Good for us who drive it or actually own it. Randy Pobst drove it and I did see his review - he thanked BMW for making a good drivers car. That says alot and overall he gives honest reviews without gushing over the item.
IF I was like alot of people in the car world or here Id never have ordered my 15 WRX-STi either lol! Ugly sure to some. Functional and unique for sure and there is no doubting is superb sound and overall performance and flexibility. Its leaving the dealer for transport to me soon. Cant wait. Best garage Ive had in a while - M235i and 15 WRX-STi on hand. Sux baby lol!

My car is exactly overall as the one Im attaching now. Same color etc. Should be fun!

m4a1mustang · 01-29-2015, 09:02 AM

Too many people value a car purely by its magazine track times.

DLSTR · 01-29-2015, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Too many people value a car purely by its magazine track times.

+1 and at times I have been victim of that. No question.

I have always tried to keep an open mind though, anytime I was driving a car. Ive rented them to test them as well just to see what they are really like. I love cars and I swear I could find a Yugo exciting if I treid lol!

m4a1mustang · 01-29-2015, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLSTR

+1 and at times I have been victim of that. No question.

I have always tried to keep an open mind though, anytime I was driving a car. Ive rented them to test them as well just to see what they are really like. I love cars and I swear I could find a Yugo exciting if I treid lol!

I'm right there with you!

01-28-2015, 07:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
Asheth Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Glen Burnie, Maryland Posts: 917 Drives: 09 Blk 6mt Rep Power: 18	M4 I just can't get with a small 2+2 anymore unless you have passengers that are below 10 years old. The back seats are good for extra trunk space I guess. I'm 6'1 though and I hate driving in them and sitting in them just have a bad taste in my mouth for smaller 2+2's like the M2. I wouldn't get a M235 myself just my opinion. __________________ 180 customs Headlights - Yantech Backup Camera - Projekt 1 - Stillen Gen 3- EVO-R V2 Foglight, EVO-R CF Diffuser, Carbon Fiber Element Steering wheel - Fast Intentions TDX/RHFC's - RJM A.F.P. - Z1 Oil Cooler - 2015 Nismo Conversion.

01-28-2015, 07:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
axmea? A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,238 Drives: WELL ZED PW 6MT Rep Power: 53241	M235 with a tune. More refined. The Z's we drive is different. Beastlike to drive. Raw. And even if though it has aged, still much sexier between the two. __________________ >MyZ's Album< NISMO Convert/ECUTEK/Takeda CAI/F.I. HFC NR CB Carbon/F.I. 34 Row Oil Cooler/4.08 Final Drive /Powertrix+Swifts/Hotchkis/SPL/Whiteline/TWM/Zoom Engineering/EVO-R/AeroJacket Vented CF Fenders + CF Spoiler/Avant Garde-WORK/NST/Morimoto Halo/STi Clear Lenses/Carbon Signal Automotive/RJM Performance/ZSpeed Clutch Flywheel CSC delete

01-28-2015, 09:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Most of you guys are hitting on the right points. The M235i is not going to be as raw as the Z or any other "pure" sports car, but of course that is not what it aims to do. It delivers excellent performance while bringing with it refinement and comfort features that many people look for in a daily driver. No doubt it would be a stellar every day car. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook! Last edited by m4a1mustang; 01-28-2015 at 09:10 PM.

01-28-2015, 11:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
RoshDawg Track Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: NM / CA Posts: 981 Drives: '13 911 C2S Rep Power: 15	I too made the mistake and can't forget about it. I agree with everything Steve said. I also drove an e90 m3 and while extremely excited about it, it just wasn't as light and nimble as the 235i. The '11 m3's weight and stiff suspension was very easily upset and I felt I would barely be able to control it in low traction situations. You had to be very focused to drive that car fast. But it sounded like pure heaven. One of the best sounding cars below 100k (besides 991 C2S with sport exhaust!). It just couldn't serve as a traffic heavy DD. The m235i was just awesome! Very go cart like. On my 30 minute test drive I often initiated small sweeping drifts, and it was just so controllable, so nice and so precise. And it also sounded great, even if it was fake. I loved every bit of it. The transmission also felt better than the M3 believe it or not. Except the violent shifts in the sportiest mode on the M3 was pretty manly and exciting. The one I drove was optioned out to 60K, but I think I would have a similar experience with a bare bones. If I were to order one I would just get heated seats and call it a day at $45k. Also for what it's worth my '10 sport touring 6mt 17.5k miles Z was quoted for trade in at 19-20k, but I know I could've brought it up to 22.5-23. I just hope my test drive of a '15 mustang gt will get my mind off the m235i. Which will save some money on what will essentially be a commuter car. m4a1mustang likes this. __________________ \| EVO X MR \| '11 WRX STI \| 370Z SPRT \| 911 (991) C2S \|

01-29-2015, 09:02 AM	#13 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Too many people value a car purely by its magazine track times. UNKNOWN_370 likes this. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Who here is already driving a 15 nismo or nismo tech ?	evil370z	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	2	12-03-2014 12:59 PM
looking for a white 2015 nismo tech A7	evil370z	Nissan 370Z Pricing / Ordering Discussions	9	11-24-2014 08:06 PM
2015 nismo tech 6mt or auto ??	evil370z	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	88	11-23-2014 04:15 PM
my m235i mods are all done	Mike	Other Vehicles	9	10-23-2014 10:26 PM
BMW E92 M3 or Nismo 370z Tech?	ouchie	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	140	10-18-2014 11:36 AM