The BMW M235i coupe looks sportier and more stylish than its sedan siblings. It also comes with better steering and handling than most of its rivals. But is the BMW M235i a good car?
If you’re looking for an elegant car with lots of front row legroom and excellent handling and steering, the BMW M235i is a nice car to consider. On the other hand, if you want a spacious, advanced, reliable, and affordable car, the M235 is not a good option.
History of the BMW M235i
The BMW M235i is a subcompact executive car that is also part of the BMW 2-Series and not the M line of cars. BMW offers this model in the coupe and gran coupe options. Like most BMW 2-Series, the BMW M235 has been in production since 2014. During its introduction, BMW offered this model in the coupe version alone.
Surprisingly, BMW stopped making the BMW M235i, and instead, it converted it to M240i with a new and advanced B58 engine from the N55 engine. Nonetheless, BMW M235i has made a comeback as a gran coupe, starting with the 2020 model year to date.
Features of the BMW M235
Appearance
The BMW M235i is very appealing with the coupe featuring a sportier design than the gran coupe. The coupe is a two-door car, while the gran coupe is a four-door car. Both come with high-end and advanced features, but the interior is quite lacking compared to its competitors.
Performance
The BMW M235i is a high-performing car as it comes with two drivetrain options. It has the M235i and M235i xDrive. The xDrive offers an all-wheel-drive system, while the base model is a rear-wheel-drive option. The coupe is fitted with a powerful 3.0-liter inline-6 gas engine with 8-speed automatic transmission and produces a maximum of 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque.
On the contrary, the gran coupe comes with a 2.0-liter inline-4 gas engine with 8-speed automatic transmission and it delivers a maximum of 301 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Comfort and cargo space
As expected, coupes are quite smaller than sedans. The M235i is not an exception as it comes with a small cabin. Nevertheless, it can comfortably fit two adults in the front row, but the second row is pretty tight for adults to sit comfortably.
What’s more, the coupe can seat up to four people, while the gran coupe can seat up to five people. Unlike most coupes, the M235i comes with ample trunk space that allows you to transport a few things for your trip. It has a trunk volume of 13.8 cubic feet, while the gran coupe is slightly smaller with a total of 12 cubic feet of space.
Fuel efficiency
Whether you pick the older coupe or the latest gran coupe M235i model, you will still get a fuel-efficient car. Regardless, the Gran Coupe is more efficient than the coupe as it comes with an EPA rating of 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, while the coupe has a rating of 20 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Thanks to the efficient N55 engine.
Price
BMW M235i is not a cheap car. It has a base price of around $44,100 for the 2014 to 2016 coupe and $45,400 for the 2021 Gran Coupe. Note that the price can vary according to location. Besides, if you’re looking for a quality used coupe, prices may vary because of various factors, such as the state of the car.
FAQ
Which engine does the BMW M235 come with – N55 or B58?
The BMW M235i is fitted with an N55 engine. This is a single, twin-scroll turbocharger straight petrol engine that is cheaper to maintain and fuel-efficient. On the other hand, the B58 engine is the successor of the N55 engine.
When BMW announced that they were moving on from the M235i to the M240i, they also changed the engine from the N55 to the B58 engine. To sum up, the M235i was converted to the M240i with a new engine that is more efficient, powerful, quiet, and smooth.
What are the common problems with the BMW M235i?
Before acquiring a used BMW M235 car, you need to know some of the problems that you’re likely to face. Common BMW M235 include engine failure, valve cover oil leak, transmission problems, water pump failure, bad brake pads, electrical issues, VANOS Solenoid failure, valve cover oil leak, and leaking oil filter housing gasket, to name but a few.
How fast is the BMW M235?
The BMW M235 runs on a powerful turbocharged inline-six engine that allows for swift performance. It comes with a top speed of 155 mph and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds with the manual transmission and 4.8 seconds with the 8-speed automatic transmission.
Does the BMW M235 hold its value?
No, the BMW M235 doesn’t hold its value. It is estimated that this car depreciates by 48% after 5 years of ownership. This means that if you buy a used 2016 BMW M235i today, you may have to spend around $24,000. All in all, this model doesn’t hold its value well like most of its competitors.
How long does the BMW M235 last?
It depends on the location, driving habits, and how well you take care of the car. Some people live in harsh climates that speed up the car’s depreciation rate, while others have bad driving habits that end up damaging the car.
With proper care and maintenance, the BMW M235 will last for more than 150,000 miles. Nonetheless, some owners have reported clocking over 250,000 miles.
Summary
Buying a new or used car has never been easy. But knowing lots of small details about the car can help you land a reliable and durable car. The BMW M235i has its issues, just like any other car, but it also comes with a reliable, efficient, and powerful engine.
The BMW M235i is also practical, luxurious, and with lots of high-tech features. However, the initial price is quite high and it needs regular maintenance to function optimally and last longer.
