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      08-03-2020, 09:33 PM   #1
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Should I buy an F22 M235i or an F30 335i?

Both cars are packed with the n55 and I currently own a 528i f10. I'm looking for a fun to drive car. Which one has cheaper maintenance and parts? I also saw that the m235i is a little more expensive than the 335 but not sure which one to look into. The mods you can do on the f30 are way more than the f22 though so I'm confused which one to go for
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      08-03-2020, 09:40 PM   #2
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Both are fun cars, the M235 should feel smaller and more youth sporty if that is what you are looking for. I’ve had a 135 and two M4’s. The 1&2 series are a great size car, especially if the rear seats are rarely needed.
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      08-03-2020, 10:25 PM   #3
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As someone who had both, the M235i is much more engaging car. The only upside for the F30 would be utility. I suspect running costs are going to be roughly identical. I think it’s going to come down to how much you need the room and backseats. If those aren’t a priority, the M235i is your ticket.
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      08-03-2020, 10:35 PM   #4
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Why would one be more expensive in upkeep than the other? They share pretty much almost all of the same parts and a platform.

As for fun and enjoyment, M235i all day over any 3er, the 2er just is a much more fun car due to its compact size and shorter wheelbase, if you can get by without rear doors and less practicality, its a great car.
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      08-04-2020, 05:00 AM   #5
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I'd personally go for the M235i but if you need the extra space, go for the 335i.
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      08-04-2020, 09:33 AM   #6
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235 is probably better to drive but the 335 has the utility.

And I think F30 looks 10x better than a 2 but that's just me.
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      08-04-2020, 10:09 AM   #7
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I downsized from a F10 535i to a F30 340i a few years ago for the same reason. F10 was just not fun at all. F30 is loads better to drive but it still has all the utility I need from a 4 door car. Im sure the 2 would be a blast to drive but i prioritized the sedan
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      08-04-2020, 11:28 AM   #8
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My wife has a 230i m-sport. It's way, way more fun to drive than my 335i m-sport.

But... I don't find the seats or the seating position very comfortable. It's fine for short trips, but I suspect long trips would be painful. The upper back angle pushes forward a bit too much so I feel a little hunched over and have to recline more to compensate. But then since I'm reclining more, I need to move the seat closer which then causes my knees to bump up against the steering column.

So definitely take a decent test drive and pay close attention to seat comfort and positioning. For reference, I'm 6'1" and 165 lbs. We've owned 5 bmws over the past 25 years since and I've always found the seats to be very comfortable - this is the very first one that I don't find comfortable, which is a shame because I love the car otherwise.
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      08-04-2020, 11:45 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chiefneil View Post
My wife has a 230i m-sport. It's way, way more fun to drive than my 335i m-sport.

But... I don't find the seats or the seating position very comfortable. It's fine for short trips, but I suspect long trips would be painful. The upper back angle pushes forward a bit too much so I feel a little hunched over and have to recline more to compensate. But then since I'm reclining more, I need to move the seat closer which then causes my knees to bump up against the steering column.

So definitely take a decent test drive and pay close attention to seat comfort and positioning. For reference, I'm 6'1" and 165 lbs. We've owned 5 bmws over the past 25 years since and I've always found the seats to be very comfortable - this is the very first one that I don't find comfortable, which is a shame because I love the car otherwise.
The F30 and F22 share the same seats... :
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      08-04-2020, 12:10 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chiefneil View Post
My wife has a 230i m-sport. It's way, way more fun to drive than my 335i m-sport.

But... I don't find the seats or the seating position very comfortable. It's fine for short trips, but I suspect long trips would be painful. The upper back angle pushes forward a bit too much so I feel a little hunched over and have to recline more to compensate. But then since I'm reclining more, I need to move the seat closer which then causes my knees to bump up against the steering column.

So definitely take a decent test drive and pay close attention to seat comfort and positioning. For reference, I'm 6'1" and 165 lbs. We've owned 5 bmws over the past 25 years since and I've always found the seats to be very comfortable - this is the very first one that I don't find comfortable, which is a shame because I love the car otherwise.
How is the 230i more fun? Isnt it a 4 cylinder turbo?
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      08-04-2020, 12:17 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by khanmohammed View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by chiefneil View Post
My wife has a 230i m-sport. It's way, way more fun to drive than my 335i m-sport.

But... I don't find the seats or the seating position very comfortable. It's fine for short trips, but I suspect long trips would be painful. The upper back angle pushes forward a bit too much so I feel a little hunched over and have to recline more to compensate. But then since I'm reclining more, I need to move the seat closer which then causes my knees to bump up against the steering column.

So definitely take a decent test drive and pay close attention to seat comfort and positioning. For reference, I'm 6'1" and 165 lbs. We've owned 5 bmws over the past 25 years since and I've always found the seats to be very comfortable - this is the very first one that I don't find comfortable, which is a shame because I love the car otherwise.
How is the 230i more fun? Isnt it a 4 cylinder turbo?
A 4-cylinder 2er is still more fun than a 6-cylinder 3er in my opinion, the only downside of the 4-pot is sound and less power (although its plenty of power for most situations). Because its a 4-cylinder it also benefits from a lower curb weight as well as a lighter front end, and the 2er in general has a shorter wheelbase and overall size, making it more maneuverable and agile.
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      08-04-2020, 12:35 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by khanmohammed View Post
I'm looking for a fun to drive car.
M235i
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      08-04-2020, 01:15 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by khanmohammed View Post
How is the 230i more fun? Isnt it a 4 cylinder turbo?
It depends what you value in a car. If you want straight-line power, then yes the I6 is much more powerful and sounds way better.

I personally value agility and smaller size. The 230i carries less weight over the front, and as a result feels more tossable and agile. The smaller size helps a lot there as well. In sport mode at non-reckless speeds you don't really notice the power deficit.
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      08-04-2020, 03:45 PM   #14
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      08-04-2020, 03:52 PM   #15
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And F32 435i is out of the consideration? I wanted a coupe and initially looked at a m235i, my gf hates the interior size but she pointed at a 4 series and said it looked better...

But m235i is definitely more nimble than the 435i, while 435i is a pretty comfortable cruiser and can handle some sprint driving.
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      08-04-2020, 04:39 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jstein55 View Post
The F30 and F22 share the same seats... :
Huh, I believe you're right. It must be something about the cabin configuration (roof height, steering wheel angle, etc) that makes me feel all cramped and hunched in the seat. Weird because I absolutely loved my E36 which was about the same size as the 2-series.
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      08-04-2020, 05:22 PM   #17
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There are a couple options/features on the F30/F32 that you cant get on the F22 if you care about such things....

HUD
Fog lights (m235i/240i)
HK has 600W vs 360W on F22
ACC
ambient light strips on the door cards
Oil temp gauge
M Sport Brakes have 370mm rotors on 6cyl F3x vs 340mm on 6cyl F22.

Also f30 platform can fit wider wheels/tires
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