I prefer a 135i M Sport with the DCT. That car was proportional in looks and felt like a go-kart in the turns, absolutely amazing handling. The car was also quite refined once you ditched the RFTs.
X-drive is faster off the line for obvious reasons, but internet "know it alls" that fancy themselves "enthusiasts" will say "only real drivers" get RWD blah blah. It's really a personal choice. I live in a [place that snows, so I would at least consider AWD.
Just the kinda car i'm looking for! Smaller and more agile is more important to me than outright power and speed! Will cross shop with the new Mustang and STI!
Nice Vehicle! I would consider it if feasible alternatives were not available. If you want the social status of owning a BMW by all means go for it. But if are looking into performance as well as reliability and affordability you have options such as the Audi S4, 2015 Golf R, and perhaps the Lexus IS350 F sport. Again, it all has to do with your intentions!
Rather have the 1 with the straight six while it's still available. But honestly, after driving it, I bought an FRS because it's just more fun and even more practical.
A pedestrian, turbo-based BMW is nothing like a the high-revving, naturally aspirated, motorsports inspired E46 M3. But more video hits, right? Not to mention, it's somehow heavier despite being smaller. What happened to the weight loss initiative? Also, the 8sp automatic is NOT close to being a proper DCT. It's horrible laggy on downshifts and only properly upshifts under significant load.
Modern safety equipment. The ability to pass the new offset test. Power seats? BMW not being wiling to outshine the more expensive 4. I love the DCT and the 8 speed. The manual is best. If weight is your concern save $10,000 and 250 pounds and get the 228i.
fatboy19831 You are severely underestimating the E46 M3 which still had plenty of safety hurdles to jump over and had heavier equipment available to use for those purposes at the time. Oh, and it also had power seats. How come the M4 was able to shed so much weight over the outgoing E9x? All I'm saying is.. comparing this turbocharged pig to an E46 M3 is strictly for getting more views.
E46 M3 is a far better car, and if you like oil leaks the please go ahead and get an 8 speed. I also like that they try and make cars safer for When people crash, rather then teach them how to drive and not crash
Those who said this 235i is E46 M3 reborn have not driven the E46 M3 properly. There is nothing M about this 235i. There is no LSD so good luck powering out at tight corner, it uses standard 2-series hydraulic bushing all over the chasiss so the precision is not comparable to any M-car, I guess I do not need to mention the steering feel, right? Standard E82 has better involvement than this mini-GT.
Good looking car. As others have said, it looks similar to the e46 and looks to be about the same or possibly even better performance of the e46 m3. (Because of the extra torque, maybe better suspension tech and maybe a stiffer chassis) still it's going to be around $50,000 with options. Ride feel also seems to be improved which I have read, has been somewhat lost over the years at bmw because of things like weight. The only direct competitor I see is the new audi s3 and I think it starts about the same price. On paper and video, I would pick the m235i if I had to choose. The audi tt, tts, and benz cla45 amg IMO are also going to be competitors in luxury. The m235i does seem to have upgraded interior and looks better to be better build quality over the benz. (Not sat in the amg, but the cla250 and it is def a cheaper interior then other mercs, its fwd and heavier) a poster said he is gonng to also look at the sti and new mustang. The mustang gt will have no problems in the stright and will be interesting with the irs, and weight loss. I don't see it having the better feeling car to drive, will be lacking in interior refinement, bit will be a great bang for the buck. I imagine very fun to drive as well. The 135i I be,ieve is holding its value well because there was not too many shipped to the states.
Apples to oranges, dude. Do you have any idea how much more crash-protection stuff is in current vehicles, vs. ones designed fifteen years ago? Almost all of it adds weight.....
Great review and one of the most exciting BMWs to come out in the past decade. Isn't this a true M-car, though? BMW had to name the M135i so as not to displace the historic M1 supercar. Aren't they just following that "adjustment" with the 2 coupé?
You're thinking of the 1 Series M (E82). The M135i is the current 1 Series hot hatch which has been out for a year or so. These are "M Performance" models, which are positioned between the mainstream cars and proper M cars.
Not a good review. The handling was criticized in an earlier version. But after watching the video again this week the negative comment about the suspension was left out. Don't believe the hype. I'm telling you if you are a car enthusiast you will be disappointed. If you just want the blue oval go for it.
Heard how great the 135i was by reading and watching videos. Bought the car and was disappointed. If you're hoping the car handles like a true M car you will be disappointed. I learned the hard way M or nothing for me.
When bmw sold the one series they said it was made after the 2002 made in 1968 40 years later ..now they are saying the same thing using the 2 series ..bad marketing trying to confuse their people.
Alex Douglas Not to mention the CLA is horrifically unproportioned and downright nasty to look at. Merc (a brand I do love) is tarnishing the three pointed star with cars like the CLA. It's a car made for people unable to afford the CLS. If you want a hair raising smaller AMG, do it right and get yourself a C63 (The have the best exhaust growl going). Am I saying the CLA AMG is a bad car to drive? Not really but it's not doing well the AMG's prestigious reputation. At the end of the day, the 235 is downright smile inducing, which is more that I can say about the CLA.
rick arias Most powerful PRODUCTION 4 cylinder which doesn't mean much. With a ECU tune the M235i will make power power easily. An Evo can make more power with not much money invested and so can a WRX STI. The CLA45amg is a waste of money imo.
At least the CLA45 looks MUCH better than this BMW, the interior of CLA is also FAR better than the BMW, I know the CLA borrows some switch gear from other Mercedes, but the BMW's interior looks pretty much the same as the ENTIRE range. Let's face it, you buy one of these 2 cars is because you enjoy driving, but since when would you have time and be like "I will go for a track day over the weekend"?
Kingsun Cheung The hell are you talking about? First off BMW has fantastic functional interiors all across the range with what is generally accepted as the best standard seats in the business. You literally just tried to claim the CLA45 is a better car because its more satisfying to your subjective tastes. Also I go to the track about once a month and drive my car hard up a mountain road near my home once a week or more, in fact I did last night. The BMW would be better to drive every day, every time you take a corner hard. 50/50 weight distribution makes a difference. It's generally accepted that BMWs drive better than their competition; that's how BMW made its name.
44 grand is a bit much for a car that has 10 mm less in wheelbase than a 2014 corolla. And it's 4 grand more than a 4 series which has more room and the same build quality that this has. It just does not seem worth it at all.
Ant V It's 4 grand more than the base 428i which has the 4cyl turbo. The M235i has a 6cyl turbo. So yea, there is a reason why this is 4 grand more. Its funny when I hear people like you say bigger number in the lineup means a better car. Better at what? Being heavier and slower?
This is an immediate miss for BMW. The shape/lines of the car resemble the 3rd generation Ford Escort Coupe and that's not a good thing. Minus the difference in the front fascia and rear lights, it looks just like it. Not to mention no limited slip diff and no real M suspension components. Bring back the 1M!
WTF!? No DCT and still 44 grand starting? No thanks. I'll take a slightly used 2013 135 with dct and then do Intake/exhaust/chip/IC for the same price.
These guys sound like BMW sales men. Do a proper review because from what you just told us its a perfect car so every human should run out and buy one or risk getting life sentences.
I can't get it - why the hell you would buy small sport coupe with automatic transmission THIS CAR SHOULD BE MANUAL!!!! If someone pretend to love driving and buy a spot car for that but with automatic it is just a vagina on a 4 wheel!!!!
M5pilot Yes I would... but many wouldn't!!! Do you know what happen with Ferarri? They offered manuals for all the models but the clients preferred automatic and double clutch transmissions AND NOW OFFICIALLY MANUALS IN FERRARI ARE DEAD! The same would happen in BMW - lazy dumbasses would order auto and soon in the facelift or in next generation the accountant would stop development and offering of auto because it is an exotic! And you - the right foot drivers pretend to love driving - yeah right...
First, I'm usually not one to comment that, but this is a great video! :)
The most exciting aspect of this BMW is the handling. It's point and shoot accurate and is a blast to drive!
I prefer a 135i M Sport with the DCT. That car was proportional in looks and felt like a go-kart in the turns, absolutely amazing handling. The car was also quite refined once you ditched the RFTs.
Mike Schlee's best review so far. Usually I can't stand them, but this one was great!
VIDEO: We drive the BMW M235i! It's awesome!!!
BMW USA
#bmw #bmwm235i #bmwm2 #germancars #carvideo #carreviews
Beautiful. I shall have one with a manual gearbox. Can't wait for an //M2 version. This is what the 3 series was. Fantastic video.
Watch our video review of the new BMW M235i
BMW USA
#bmwm235i #bmw2series #bmw #germancars #carvideo
At last. Someone who's driven it who doesn't work for BMW. Great insight.
Drove one today for the first time...wow! Lots of torque and feels very nice.
really awesome car
that's what my first thought was, with similar specs to the e46 M3 how do they compare? this car has been given great reviews so far
just test drove this car with X-drive. It went 0-60 in 4.3. nice
X-drive is faster off the line for obvious reasons, but internet "know it alls" that fancy themselves "enthusiasts" will say "only real drivers" get RWD blah blah. It's really a personal choice. I live in a [place that snows, so I would at least consider AWD.
Gonna keep my 1er till the full blown M2 arrives
knowing bmw a gran coupe is in the pipeline.
Wade Higgins this comment aged well
Great car it's either this or the Audi s3.
Just the kinda car i'm looking for! Smaller and more agile is more important to me than outright power and speed! Will cross shop with the new Mustang and STI!
Nice Vehicle! I would consider it if feasible alternatives were not available. If you want the social status of owning a BMW by all means go for it. But if are looking into performance as well as reliability and affordability you have options such as the Audi S4, 2015 Golf R, and perhaps the Lexus IS350 F sport. Again, it all has to do with your intentions!
awesome
best BMW in years.
Rather have the 1 with the straight six while it's still available. But honestly, after driving it, I bought an FRS because it's just more fun and even more practical.
More fun not more practical. The one has a real rear seat. My wife has the N/A I6 128i convertible and I have the BRZ.
This car looks soo nice
A pedestrian, turbo-based BMW is nothing like a the high-revving, naturally aspirated, motorsports inspired E46 M3. But more video hits, right? Not to mention, it's somehow heavier despite being smaller. What happened to the weight loss initiative? Also, the 8sp automatic is NOT close to being a proper DCT. It's horrible laggy on downshifts and only properly upshifts under significant load.
Modern safety equipment. The ability to pass the new offset test. Power seats? BMW not being wiling to outshine the more expensive 4. I love the DCT and the 8 speed. The manual is best. If weight is your concern save $10,000 and 250 pounds and get the 228i.
fatboy19831 You are severely underestimating the E46 M3 which still had plenty of safety hurdles to jump over and had heavier equipment available to use for those purposes at the time. Oh, and it also had power seats. How come the M4 was able to shed so much weight over the outgoing E9x? All I'm saying is.. comparing this turbocharged pig to an E46 M3 is strictly for getting more views.
E46 M3 is a far better car, and if you like oil leaks the please go ahead and get an 8 speed. I also like that they try and make cars safer for When people crash, rather then teach them how to drive and not crash
fatboy19831 i
Great review guys.
Nice review, love the word bombs!
Those who said this 235i is E46 M3 reborn have not driven the E46 M3 properly.
There is nothing M about this 235i. There is no LSD so good luck powering out at tight corner, it uses standard 2-series hydraulic bushing all over the chasiss so the precision is not comparable to any M-car, I guess I do not need to mention the steering feel, right?
Standard E82 has better involvement than this mini-GT.
I will need to wait and see more videos and for the gt350 to come out.
Any chance for a review of the xDrive version of the M235i in a near future?
Good looking car. As others have said, it looks similar to the e46 and looks to be about the same or possibly even better performance of the e46 m3. (Because of the extra torque, maybe better suspension tech and maybe a stiffer chassis) still it's going to be around $50,000 with options. Ride feel also seems to be improved which I have read, has been somewhat lost over the years at bmw because of things like weight. The only direct competitor I see is the new audi s3 and I think it starts about the same price. On paper and video, I would pick the m235i if I had to choose. The audi tt, tts, and benz cla45 amg IMO are also going to be competitors in luxury. The m235i does seem to have upgraded interior and looks better to be better build quality over the benz. (Not sat in the amg, but the cla250 and it is def a cheaper interior then other mercs, its fwd and heavier) a poster said he is gonng to also look at the sti and new mustang. The mustang gt will have no problems in the stright and will be interesting with the irs, and weight loss. I don't see it having the better feeling car to drive, will be lacking in interior refinement, bit will be a great bang for the buck. I imagine very fun to drive as well. The 135i I be,ieve is holding its value well because there was not too many shipped to the states.
very nice car !!
Good review thanks.
funny that we live in a world where the 235 is considered compact
I wish they would bring the 1-Series hatch to the US
You'll feel more connected and have way more fun in the manual.
I agree with 99% of the cars out there...But many stick drivers are actually enjoying BMW's new 8 speed..
Seems like a pretty cool car! How much is the M135i in the US?
Saw this in downtown today, I thought it was fake since m models are usually just one digit. I.e m3 m5 m6 but this is different I got mad
Slightly smaller and 'only' 100lbs heavier than an old M3? Thats not progress.
Apples to oranges, dude. Do you have any idea how much more crash-protection stuff is in current vehicles, vs. ones designed fifteen years ago? Almost all of it adds weight.....
Auto is faster
Great review and one of the most exciting BMWs to come out in the past decade. Isn't this a true M-car, though? BMW had to name the M135i so as not to displace the historic M1 supercar. Aren't they just following that "adjustment" with the 2 coupé?
You're thinking of the 1 Series M (E82). The M135i is the current 1 Series hot hatch which has been out for a year or so. These are "M Performance" models, which are positioned between the mainstream cars and proper M cars.
Exxie Correct, and there will also be an M2, at some point....
Love it.. but what's up with the tails?
I want one!!! Better start working hard
It looks a lot nicer with a license plate on the front!...
wow like the the e46? i'm in
hopefully an M2 is not too far away
camaroman101 glad you had your wish come true!
An M i can afford? Shit i love it, def gonna wait a year or 2 before i get it
No limited slip diff i take it?
Seems decent
Not a good review. The handling was criticized in an earlier version. But after watching the video again this week the negative comment about the suspension was left out. Don't believe the hype. I'm telling you if you are a car enthusiast you will be disappointed. If you just want the blue oval go for it.
The blue oval is Ford, dipshit.
Heard how great the 135i was by reading and watching videos. Bought the car and was disappointed. If you're hoping the car handles like a true M car you will be disappointed. I learned the hard way M or nothing for me.
When bmw sold the one series they said it was made after the 2002 made in 1968 40 years later ..now they are saying the same thing using the 2 series ..bad marketing trying to confuse their people.
I wish they made a 2 series with x drive.
They do, but it's a high-roof wagon.
Dej prosim vas ne mi primerjat mazdo in take druge znamke z bmw-jem.Hvala.BMW je zakon
Lunch for the CLA45 amg
Alex Douglas
awd, 4 doors and the most powerful production 4 cylinder you are right weak!
Alex Douglas Not to mention the CLA is horrifically unproportioned and downright nasty to look at. Merc (a brand I do love) is tarnishing the three pointed star with cars like the CLA. It's a car made for people unable to afford the CLS. If you want a hair raising smaller AMG, do it right and get yourself a C63 (The have the best exhaust growl going). Am I saying the CLA AMG is a bad car to drive? Not really but it's not doing well the AMG's prestigious reputation. At the end of the day, the 235 is downright smile inducing, which is more that I can say about the CLA.
rick arias Most powerful PRODUCTION 4 cylinder which doesn't mean much. With a ECU tune the M235i will make power power easily. An Evo can make more power with not much money invested and so can a WRX STI. The CLA45amg is a waste of money imo.
At least the CLA45 looks MUCH better than this BMW, the interior of CLA is also FAR better than the BMW, I know the CLA borrows some switch gear from other Mercedes, but the BMW's interior looks pretty much the same as the ENTIRE range. Let's face it, you buy one of these 2 cars is because you enjoy driving, but since when would you have time and be like "I will go for a track day over the weekend"?
Kingsun Cheung The hell are you talking about? First off BMW has fantastic functional interiors all across the range with what is generally accepted as the best standard seats in the business. You literally just tried to claim the CLA45 is a better car because its more satisfying to your subjective tastes. Also I go to the track about once a month and drive my car hard up a mountain road near my home once a week or more, in fact I did last night. The BMW would be better to drive every day, every time you take a corner hard. 50/50 weight distribution makes a difference. It's generally accepted that BMWs drive better than their competition; that's how BMW made its name.
What is the curb weight of the 235i ???
Just over 3,500 lbs.
r u the subaru guy?
And that's why they haven't made the Z4 M yet
Big fucking deal. My 04 grand prix GT is "optimized" for the driver to operate. Tilting the console is no revolution.
Its pronounced Cou-pay.
You've been driving bmw's 8 speed automatic for years now ? Really?
Nice :)
Where the hell is Colum Wood?!?!?!?
44 grand is a bit much for a car that has 10 mm less in wheelbase than a 2014 corolla. And it's 4 grand more than a 4 series which has more room and the same build quality that this has. It just does not seem worth it at all.
***** generally yes. but good talk buddy. glad we had it
Ant V It's 4 grand more than the base 428i which has the 4cyl turbo. The M235i has a 6cyl turbo. So yea, there is a reason why this is 4 grand more. Its funny when I hear people like you say bigger number in the lineup means a better car. Better at what? Being heavier and slower?
mini m3
Wait a year get this car for 29- 35k used. That is a bargain!
Does this car have the fake engine sound that comes out from the speakers?
what a shame.
Not so on the 135is. It snarls like a bulldog. Makes little farts on each shift. The best sounding turbo six I have herd from BMW.
I think the 135is also has the fake engine sound. Chris Harris did a review on that car and it sounded awesome.
This is an immediate miss for BMW. The shape/lines of the car resemble the 3rd generation Ford Escort Coupe and that's not a good thing. Minus the difference in the front fascia and rear lights, it looks just like it. Not to mention no limited slip diff and no real M suspension components. Bring back the 1M!
Ok i wont moan then, doesn't put me off getting one tho.
Too heavy. But nice.
WTF!? No DCT and still 44 grand starting? No thanks. I'll take a slightly used 2013 135 with dct and then do Intake/exhaust/chip/IC for the same price.
looks like a new Corolla w/ hoodish wheels. I'll take the Corolla S. put 20k in the BANK baby.
These guys sound like BMW sales men. Do a proper review because from what you just told us its a perfect car so every human should run out and buy one or risk getting life sentences.
buying this in 2022 (INCH), this is gonna be a collection car in the future. the new M2 looks like shit.
Automatic is faster no need for manual
You must not know how to drive a manual.
$44k.... Wtf in uk we pay £35k thats $57k.......
In Portugal we pay €61k, that's £50k...
in israel it's around $100K :'(
You guys are lucky, in Singapore. This car is around US$198,587. Here is the link, www.sgcarmart.com/new_cars/newcars_overview.php?CarCode=11494
I can't get it - why the hell you would buy small sport coupe with automatic transmission THIS CAR SHOULD BE MANUAL!!!! If someone pretend to love driving and buy a spot car for that but with automatic it is just a vagina on a 4 wheel!!!!
Then buy the manual-trans.-equipped version, you turd. It's available either way...
M5pilot Yes I would... but many wouldn't!!! Do you know what happen with Ferarri? They offered manuals for all the models but the clients preferred automatic and double clutch transmissions AND NOW OFFICIALLY MANUALS IN FERRARI ARE DEAD!
The same would happen in BMW - lazy dumbasses would order auto and soon in the facelift or in next generation the accountant would stop development and offering of auto because it is an exotic!
And you - the right foot drivers pretend to love driving - yeah right...
for people that like to live the dream in debt.
Or for people who pay cash for their cars.
If you pay cash for this car...you deserve to be a Madoff victim.
I don't like back face
***** i feel this could replcae your 3 ;P
Sweet car; boring video.
Who cares. AMG all the way!
I bow in understanding that we should all submit to your preferences.
EPIC FAIL.. Not the manufacturers fault
lack of character and look boring