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      12-29-2021, 09:43 AM   #1
KennyFSU
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Comparable cars to the M235i?

I'm cross shopping a few other cars now, any ideas?

I like the RC 350 so far, even though it's a little larger chassis. What else is out there?
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      12-29-2021, 09:53 AM   #2
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I'd say the closest to a 235 is probably a 275 horsepower Cayman or maybe a Z4.

RC350 is nice but the 235 is nicer particularly if you will ever drive it hard.
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      12-29-2021, 10:11 AM   #3
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I was going to say Cayman as well.
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      12-29-2021, 11:18 AM   #4
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Camaro varients, like the SS and SS 1LE. Mustang variants, like the GT PP2 and Mach 1/Boss. The SS is only 100lbs heavier than that M235.

If you are looking for AWD though, probably more in the S3/Golf R arena.
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      01-02-2022, 05:28 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonk! View Post
I was going to say Cayman as well cinema hd.
I am also going to say the same.

Last edited by prelein; 01-04-2022 at 09:42 AM..
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      01-02-2022, 08:38 AM   #6
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I would also consider the Supra - it’s really fun to drive!
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      01-02-2022, 08:41 AM   #7
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I would also consider the Supra - it’s really fun to drive!
definitely, Supra is gorgeous.
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      01-02-2022, 09:44 AM   #8
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Nothing is really comparable to the 2-Series. It is unique because it has almost fullsize rear seat accommodations in a compact RWD vehicle (although BMW has been sneakily making the rear headroom smaller with each generation, presumably to make the 4-Series less pointless).

So there is no other hatchback-sized RWD vehicle able to seat 4 adults, but if you're willing to downgrade to AWD I would say the closest competitor is the new Golf R-Type if you can stomach its cheap and hard-to-use infotainment system.
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      01-02-2022, 09:33 PM   #9
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Someone explain how a Mustang GT weighs only 300 pounds more than a 2 series? That is bonkers. Then the SS even lighter?
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      01-02-2022, 10:11 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alfisti View Post
Someone explain how a Mustang GT weighs only 300 pounds more than a 2 series? That is bonkers. Then the SS even lighter?
The 2 is a cut down 3+ platform. I don't think you net a whole lot of weight loss by shortening the car a few inches.
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      01-02-2022, 10:23 PM   #11
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With weight that close, why am I not taking a stonking naturally aspirated V8 instead?
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      01-02-2022, 10:29 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wheelwright View Post
Nothing is really comparable to the 2-Series.
Huh?! 135i/is is a much better version of M235i
(TO didn't mention anything about older or newer cars )
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but if you're willing to downgrade to AWD I would say the closest competitor is the new Golf R-Type
That I'd totally agree with! Infotainment does suck but CarPlay works well enough.
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      01-02-2022, 11:56 PM   #13
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Price-wise, S3 or Supra.

I've driven the RC350 and RC-F on autocross, really didn't like them. They feel large, ponderous, and uncommunicative (both steering and chassis). But it would be far more painless to own long-term.
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      01-03-2022, 12:20 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alfisti View Post
With weight that close, why am I not taking a stonking naturally aspirated V8 instead?
Very specifically, the shorter wheelbase of a 2 series would likely help with short/small track autocross...one of the most accessible and low risk forms of racing BTW. The flip side problem is the weight for the size, as with each generation they've gotten chunkier and chunkier, an even older 135 is probably better in this sense. Apart from that, the torque-rich curve is nice, but yes, quite a few other vehicles will be better tradeoffs of weight, size and power IMO. This still could be a fun 2nd or 3rd car for someone with very specific wants, as in they don't want a Z4 or simply the z doesn't do anything more for them.

The Mustangs ended up about 200lb heavier than the Camaros due to the independent rear end and not as much weight-saving aluminum chassis work.
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      01-03-2022, 01:50 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vt100 View Post
Huh?! 135i/is is a much better version of M235i
(TO didn't mention anything about older or newer cars )

That I'd totally agree with! Infotainment does suck but CarPlay works well enough.
As a 2 series owner and past 1 series owner I tend to agree. Will very likely move back to a 1 series in the next few months. I liked how much more the E82 chassis communicates compared to F87. Obviously the performance envelope is much higher on a 2 series but I don't think what you give up is worth it.
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      01-04-2022, 04:07 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by Fined View Post
As a 2 series owner and past 1 series owner I tend to agree. Will very likely move back to a 1 series in the next few months. I liked how much more the E82 chassis communicates compared to F87. Obviously the performance envelope is much higher on a 2 series but I don't think what you give up is worth it.
Hmm... From M2 to 1 series?! 1M?

PS: I wish I had extra room in my garage... Really want a 135i with manual but can't let my Z4MC go
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      01-04-2022, 09:14 AM   #17
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Hmm... From M2 to 1 series?! 1M?

PS: I wish I had extra room in my garage... Really want a 135i with manual but can't let my Z4MC go
Either a real 1M (purchased and kept in Germany, US prices are crazy) or an N55 135i with handling mods. I haven't decided yet. I might do both. 1 series with OE 1M body and suspension (to get the front track width for handling) with S65 is also under consideration.

I totally understand not wanting to let the M Coupe go. Depending on where you live I'd rather have the 1 series + Z4MC and let the 135i sit outside than not have it at all. The want for an E82 chassis is unrelenting!
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      01-04-2022, 02:05 PM   #18
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1 series with OE 1M body and suspension (to get the front track width for handling) with S65 is also under consideration.
Oh man! That's my dream - to take my wife's 128i and do S65 / manual swap on it Besides I don't think anyone has done S65 swap on a 1 series convertible yet

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Originally Posted by Fined View Post
Depending on where you live I'd rather have the 1 series + Z4MC and let the 135i sit outside than not have it at all.
That's practically what I already have but it's 128i (it's actually my wife' car). But it's automatic and I don't DD it... so... keep enjoying the Z until I can justify dumping >$60k into the swap
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      01-06-2022, 11:15 AM   #19
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Having driven both Z4M and 135i, there is no comparison, the Z4M is more raw and fun IMO.
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      01-06-2022, 01:33 PM   #20
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There's the Q60 coupe, but those are kind of meh.

There's also the previous gen S5/RS5 coupe. Pre-facelift S5 also has the V8, so that's cool and unique. Gorgeous looking car too.

Coupes are more or less dead though. Expanding your search to 4 doors opens up many interesting options. I personally have never owned a 2 door car with more than 2 seats and I never will.
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      01-06-2022, 11:18 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ntg44 View Post
There's the Q60 coupe, but those are kind of meh.

There's also the previous gen S5/RS5 coupe. Pre-facelift S5 also has the V8, so that's cool and unique. Gorgeous looking car too.

Coupes are more or less dead though. Expanding your search to 4 doors opens up many interesting options. I personally have never owned a 2 door car with more than 2 seats and I never will.
So no 911 for you!
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      01-07-2022, 07:23 AM   #22
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So no 911 for you!
That's correct. In case my thumbnail pic wasn't obvious, I chose the R8 instead

I'm well aware of the fondness of the 911 on Bimmerpost and pretty much everywhere else, but aside from the GT3, they don't do anything for me. Just can't come around to them.
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