Going from E46 M3 to M235i

[gregharp]

Hi folks. New here (have mostly just read without joining in the past).

I'm expecting my 2015 M235i in early August. I'm selling my 2002 E46 M3 that I've loved for so many years! (see the classifieds forum if you're interested)

I'm looking forward to the new ride and updated technology. It's hard to believe I'll have essentially the same horsepower. :)

Anyone else made that transition yet?

[irollt5r]

Almost as much horsepower and a lot more Torque! Report back when it comes in and let us know what you think.. Congrats!

[gregharp]

True about the torque, and combined with the gearing in the auto it's amazingly fast for not a "not really M" car.

Yes, I went with the auto. It's amazing. I have SMG in the M3 and I'd sworn every car afterward would have a similar transmission.

But they don't offer DCT in the M235i and I didn't want to go back to rowing my own. Some of the many reviewers who get past the fact that it uses a torque converter (really only for first gear) have been recommending it. You can't argue with the numbers that show it's faster and more fuel efficient at the same time. And I do drive in traffic a lot.

During my test drives I was amazed at how similar the car is to the E46 M3. It fits me just the same, and the balance, view, etc., are almost identical. The steering wheel is a little smaller and flatter (same with current true M cars) but still thick. The road feel is almost identical, except it will smooth out the bumps in exchange for giving you a bit more body roll in the curves. I didn't do anything while test driving that made the open differential an issue. :)

The only thing that freaks me out is that it starts going when you release the brake. There's that torque converter in action. :)

[Luftwaffe1O1]

True about the torque, and combined with the gearing in the auto it's amazingly fast for not a "not really M" car.

Yes, I went with the auto. It's amazing. I have SMG in the M3 and I'd sworn every car afterward would have a similar transmission.

But they don't offer DCT in the M235i and I didn't want to go back to rowing my own. Some of the many reviewers who get past the fact that it uses a torque converter (really only for first gear) have been recommending it. You can't argue with the numbers that show it's faster and more fuel efficient at the same time. And I do drive in traffic a lot.

During my test drives I was amazed at how similar the car is to the E46 M3. It fits me just the same, and the balance, view, etc., are almost identical. The steering wheel is a little smaller and flatter (same with current true M cars) but still thick. The road feel is almost identical, except it will smooth out the bumps in exchange for giving you a bit more body roll in the curves. I didn't do anything while test driving that made the open differential an issue. :)

The only thing that freaks me out is that it starts going when you release the brake. There's that torque converter in action. :)

I mulled over a 6 speed and auto for a bit. Honestly the 8 speed in this car absolutely awesome. It is faster than quite a few dual clutch offerings. I am definitely not regretting the decision hehe. It is a lot of fun.

[Pyewacket69]

When I picked up my 235 at the Performance Center (6 speed manual), the car we drove on the track was an auto version of the 235.

I agree with you. It is an impressive, slick-shifting transmission.

I just wanted a manual so I could have one more car with a manual while I was still young enough to enjoy shifting gears. I could easily have been just as happy with the 8-speed automatic.

[Luftwaffe1O1]

When I picked up my 235 at the Performance Center (6 speed manual), the car we drove on the track was an auto version of the 235.

I agree with you. It is an impressive, slick-shifting transmission.

I just wanted a manual so I could have one more car with a manual while I was still young enough to enjoy shifting gears. I could easily have been just as happy with the 8-speed automatic.

Yeah i understand the reasoning I had a hard time myself with this decision. But the z3 is manual, and I swore to myself I wanted paddle shifters haha.

[rich8566]

I went from an E90 335i to an F22 M235i and I'm happy with the transition. The F22 gets back to a better size car for me. I do row my own gears as I have done in most of my other prior cars. It is a joy even in heavy traffic since clutch pedals are so light these days - easy peasy! Congrats and enjoy your new car.

Sent from my iPhone using BF.com

[CUTE0611]

congrats, both are good car

[mitch5]

Are ecu upgrades out for the m235i yet?

[Luftwaffe1O1]

Are ecu upgrades out for the m235i yet?

There is the jb4 tune and Dinan just released a tune as well. Takes the car to I think 364hp and 400 lb-ft.

I wouldn't be surprised if the afe intake, a decent turbo back exhaust and a mild tune would take the car to 400hp easily.

[Ed P]

Wait... They didn't carry-over the DCT from the 135i to the 235i!? That's nuts! :eek:

It's one of my favorite features of the 135i! I don't get it.

[Luftwaffe1O1]

Wait... They didn't carry-over the DCT from the 135i to the 235i!? That's nuts! :eek:

It's one of my favorite features of the 135i! I don't get it.

The auto in the 235i is supposed to be faster than the old gen dct in the 135. I don't have a point of comparison between them but it is what has been said by reviewers.