Wednesday 16th October

BMW M235 update gets DCT, new chassis, 300hp

The M135's slightly stranger sibling gets a fresh look, plus some worthwhile updates under the skin

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It would be reasonable to say that the first M235i xDrive was not the most memorable of M Performance BMWs. The 2.0-litre turbo four was a bit flat, the drive wasn’t all that fun, and it looked a bit odd. When we pitched a 2 Series against a Hyundai i30 Fastback N, the most entertaining car was not the BMW. By a long chalk.

Now the M235i is back, albeit missing the ‘i’, but with what sounds like some useful improvements alongside the usual refreshes for the infotainment and exterior. As with the M135 hatch, power is rated at 300hp, now reaching all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch rather than the old eight-speed auto. BMW says it improves efficiency, opens up the possibility of an M Sport Boost on the left-hand paddle, plus enables ‘fast gearchanges and a high level of shift comfort.’ 

Furthermore, the chassis has been overhauled, hopefully injecting a bit of excitement into BMW’s S3 rival. Both the body structure itself and the connection with the chassis are now said to be more rigid, which is encouraging, along with new damper tech that should make it comfier and as well as less prone to roll.

BMW suggests that both axles have been ‘extensively revised’ with new parts such as wheel bearings and anti-roll bar mounts to the benefit of precision and grip. BMW also mentions a locking diff for the front axle, which doesn’t sound familiar from before. Adaptive M suspension is standard, as is actuator-based wheel slip limitation for more decisive intervention of the assists. All sound like welcome upgrades for injecting a bit of fizz into the experience.

The iDrive now runs through BMW Operating System 9, which means more digital services, more customisation, and the ability to test drive new infotainment features. ConnectedDrive Upgrades will allow owners to have a free trial for a month before deciding whether it’s a bit of kit they wish to continue paying extra for. Your phone can do CarPlay or Android Auto as standard, of course, as well as function as the BMW Digital Key Plus. Even your Apple Watch can do it if for some crazy reason you’ve walked out the front door without a phone.

Probably it’s also fair to assume that the interior of the new M235i will sell it to customers a little more than the ‘particularly extrovert appearance’. It borrows heavily from the more senior M cars, with larger screens, fewer buttons and fancier lighting than ever before. The seats are new and said to be more comfortable, while the cinema screen for driver’s display and dash (10.25-inch and 10.7-inch respectively) is standard fit. Knowing how standard BMW stereos can be, the Haron Kardon hi fi might be a worthwhile option.

Speaking of extras, BMW has introduced Individual colours for this 2 Series refresh if none of the standard seven (six metallic, one solid) hues appeal. There’s a gloss black roof available, which can be extended further with the M Sport Pro pack with further darkened highlights. Despite lots of standard kit, it’ll be easy to add quite a bit again in options - and the BMW Iconic Glow radiator grille is coming in March…

For now, an M235i xDrive costs £44,435, with orders open and the first deliveries expected in the spring. Those thinking it might be the time to grab a good deal on a pre-facelift have just the right idea (though the previous interior does look quite old now): a 2022 car with just 600 miles is less than £31,500, and last-of-the-line 2024 examples are around the £35k mark. So you’ll be paying a fair bit more for the update, though the chassis revisions and cabin refresh do make it sound like a more meaningful facelift than most. Let’s see. Or, for those that see M235is as 3.0-litres and six cylinders only, right this way...

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• 2024 Audi S3 saloon | UK Review
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[David87]

I really dislike these awkward little saloons we seem to be served nowadays by the big German brands. For me it’s no different to this (and no one wanted them either):

[cerb4.5lee]

I know that I'm old/boring/repetitive, but can someone bring the "i" badge back please?

[VSKeith]

David87 said:

I really dislike these awkward little saloons we seem to be served nowadays by the big German brands. For me it’s no different to this (and no one wanted them either):

This came to my mind:

[cerb4.5lee]

Plus as David says...who the hell is buying saloons now anyway? Unless it is a giveaway for free Tesla Model 3?

[pacdes]

... is that steering wheel 'fully' inflated?

[FaustF]

That's an ugly little thing , it just looks wrong from so many angles.

Then again it's not little either.

[fantheman80]

I cant believe BMW have put in 'M2' in big letters and '35' in little, almost like "look, most people will think its an M2 from a distance!"

Edited by fantheman80 on Wednesday 16th October 07:45

[Robertb]

Not surprised the German car industry is going down the pan.

[AmyRichardson]

fantheman80 said:

I can believe BMW have put in 'M2' in big letters and '35' in little, almost like "look, most people will think its an M2 from a distance!"

Reminds me of sugaRAPE, for those who remember such things.

We poopoo small saloons but they do seem to have shifted fairly well, maybe the 3-Series/C-Class have become so big and expensive that something needed to slot in below.

[Jon_S_Rally]

cerb4.5lee said:

Plus as David says...who the hell is buying saloons now anyway? Unless it is a giveaway for free Tesla Model 3?

In the UK, not many people at all, so it is a bit of a surprise that BMW even bother to sell them in Blight. Some markets still love saloons though. Here in Saudi, no one buys hatchbacks. There are obviously lots of SUVs, but almost everything else is a saloon. The Toyota Corolla and Yaris are both saloons, Hyundai sell the Accent and Elantra, the Nissan Sunny (yes really) is a saloon. All the Chinese brands sell saloon models too.

[pycraft]

I can see the point of these cars - I mean, I remember when the 3 series was the same size as the current 4-door 2-series. It's just a shame that this particular car is such a mess compared to the far more cohesive CLA.

[CKY]

fantheman80 said:

I cant believe BMW have put in 'M2' in big letters and '35' in little, almost like "look, most people will think its an M2 from a distance!"

Edited by fantheman80 on Wednesday 16th October 07:45

I was going to say, despite the whole thing being gopping, the work they have done on the badge is particularly tragic. To think, that time could have been served styling a car that doesn't bring vomit to the back of one's throat, but no - let's play about with the font size on our badges. Jesus Christ....

[Earthdweller]

Cars are just getting way too big nowadays so I for one applaud smaller cars

I don't think this looks too bad really and the giant screens aren't to big

[cerb4.5lee]

pycraft said:

I can see the point of these cars - I mean, I remember when the 3 series was the same size as the current 4-door 2-series. It's just a shame that this particular car is such a mess compared to the far more cohesive CLA.

I remember the first time I ever saw one of these a few years back, and it was a genuine laugh out loud moment for me, because it just didn't look like a BMW to me if you know what I mean. I don't mind the CLA either, and this has grown on me in fairness, but it is still a very odd looking thing to my eyes though as you say.

[PRO5T]

CKY said:

fantheman80 said:

I cant believe BMW have put in 'M2' in big letters and '35' in little, almost like "look, most people will think its an M2 from a distance!"

Edited by fantheman80 on Wednesday 16th October 07:45

I was going to say, despite the whole thing being gopping, the work they have done on the badge is particularly tragic. To think, that time could have been served styling a car that doesn't bring vomit to the back of one's throat, but no - let's play about with the font size on our badges. Jesus Christ....

Agreed, first thing I noticed as well! As for the mk1 Focus saloon, When I was young a girlfriends father had one-he specifically went out and bought the spoon version.

First time I met him, we sat down to watch the footy and the ref made a shocking decision. When we both commented on his poor performance I asked "what kind of person aims to be a referee anyways?". Of course he was one, so that's the type who goes for these things I guess.

[Hub]

The badge is amusing!

M2!!!!..........35

It is still an awkward looking thing but the facelift has improved it a bit

[theicemario]

David87 said:

I really dislike these awkward little saloons we seem to be served nowadays by the big German brands. For me it’s no different to this (and no one wanted them either):

Think I'd rather be seen in that than this primer grey chav chariot

[Roger Irrelevant]

AmyRichardson said:

fantheman80 said:

I can believe BMW have put in 'M2' in big letters and '35' in little, almost like "look, most people will think its an M2 from a distance!"

Reminds me of sugaRAPE, for those who remember such things.

It's well fking futile.

[RemarkLima]

CKY said:

fantheman80 said:

I cant believe BMW have put in 'M2' in big letters and '35' in little, almost like "look, most people will think its an M2 from a distance!"

Edited by fantheman80 on Wednesday 16th October 07:45

I was going to say, despite the whole thing being gopping, the work they have done on the badge is particularly tragic. To think, that time could have been served styling a car that doesn't bring vomit to the back of one's throat, but no - let's play about with the font size on our badges. Jesus Christ....

You know the person...

Them: "I have a M2".
Me: "Amazing! Very cool! Any pictures?"
Them: "Here! Isn't it great!"
Me: "..."

A chap where I used to work said he had a BMW Coupe - we all foolishly assumed it was the Z3M Coupe... Turned out to be a 318i Compact FFS!

[Kipsrs]

Is it just me or does the rear end from the wheel arch back looks like it should be on something else? It seems to swoop up and not be part of the car, difficult for me to explain. Just looks wrong and awkward.