2014 BMW M235i review

Take a spin in the M235i with me. I think this car is often over looked because it is priced so closely to the 435i.

[@VolkerTrue]

Thank you very much for such a detailed description of the gearbox and clutch! Highly appreciated and very useful for the people which are really interested in buying a manual. Way better than other reviews showing nothing but drifts and burn outs...

[@sheeiiittt2012]

One of the best values out there. You can pick these up on the cheap and they are fairly cheap to own and maintain.

[@TheGetawayer]

Great review Nick ! Of the whole BMW range this is my personal favourite. Too bad BMW Germany won't let me review one

[@NickMurray]

TheGetawayer What is wrong with them? Do they not like people promoting their products for free??

[@trevormacdougall9385]

Could you fit okay in this car Guido?

[@trevormacdougall9385]

Nick Murray TheGetawayer Guido, could you fit in this car okay do you think? I'm considering it but am six foot three. Great review as always, Nick.

[@TheGetawayer]

Trevor Macdougall No worries. I'm six four and fit fine :)

[@shawkinguk]

Hey Nick - Great Video One of my close friends is looking into this car for a new lease and this review was a fantastic introduction to the features, options, and everyday practicality of the car. Comprehensive, candid, clear and concise - very helpful to the new car purchaser. Your average test drive just doesnt give you time as a prospective buyer to go through every feature of the car (especially with the dealer yapping away at your ear) so this review is incredibly helpful. Looking into final numbers and possible PCD in South Carolina. talk soon, Oliver

[@azaz911c]

In my view, the 2 Series is the true successor to the 2002 and 3 Series lineage. The current 4 Series has become a quasi grand tourer, somewhat displaced from the sports compact paradigm. I think you are correct about why one should consider the 2 Series. When buying a premium car, the little goodies are what makes the car special. Otherwise, one would probably be as content with a Honda Accord Coupe V6 as a basic 2 Series, as different as those cars ay be.

[@peteregalloway]

Finally, A BMW that harkens back to my earlier days of owning, driving and loving BMW 3 series cars. I bit more welcome HP, torque and cool gadgets, but the affordable "Ultimate Driving Machine" is back.

[@tomlarocque4720]

MANUAL - Thank you, god so many reviews with automatic.

[@102lammy]

I cannot wait for the 2016 BMW M2!

[@NickMurray]

Might be the best M car yet.

[@nickzarnetske9994]

Nick Murray Shut your face, the E30 will be the best M car...ever.

[@102lammy]

Nick Murray it might be like the big brother of the 2011 BMW 1M.

[@J0lker]

Nick Zarnetske well have you ever driven it? or just what you heard?

[@NickMurray]

Nick Zarnetske Didn't I already ban you from this channel Zarnetske? Get back in your Mazda. Still you *might* be right, the E30 will always be king even if it is the slowest.

[@BorisArtemyev]

Hi Nick, I am gladly surprised to see the review up so quickly ))) I am glad you liked the car, and there are good points on its weight and driving dynamics from the audience. I think BMW is a bit confused with all the new company paradigm - aside from the M division, they've dampen the soul of the brand. I did like your M4, but it did feel big, even though it handles like a smaller car. If I stay with the BMW brand most likely my next car is going to be an M2, unless I decide I want to get married, have kids and retire in FL :))))

[@NickMurray]

Boris Artemyev Ha ha, don't do it!! (the kids and FL that is) Thanks buddy

[@computiNATEor]

I would really like to see a review of a well-maintained, great condition e39 M5. Great job! Love this little car.

[@philtechGT3]

Great review ! I couldn't agree more with you. I've got an Estoril Blue M235i for 4 months now and I'm completely IN LOVE. You should test drive the automatic transmission, it's incredibly fast and fits perfectly this little bomb ;-) (and it's good for fuel economy if you care about that sort of things). I was an Audi guy (2009 Audi S3, Audi A5, Audi S5 Sportback) and I was considering buying the new Audi S3 sedan. But after a test drive, there was no doubt, I needed the sound of this straight six !!!

[@MatzeMMz]

Hey Nick, thank you for all the nice videos and reviews you upload, i really enjoy them watching because you have an excellent view for details and stuff, they are way better than the superficially ones on TV. Greetings from Germany

[@NickMurray]

Thanks Matthias

[@juanmj93]

This is the review I was waiting for, thank you Nick, this is amazing! Now I'm gonna watch the video because I first had to comment how excited I was.

[@applesappleapple]

Great review as usual! Please, please keep them coming, you're now my favorite KZbinr! Oh BMW shifters... My dad's old car was an e46 328i Sport Package (still have it) and it has the longest throws! For a replacement manual car, I had him drive an Acura ILX with the powertrain from the Honda Civic Si, which has a manual that is known to be excellent. The throws were so short, he could barely drive the thing! We must've been above 4000 rpm for 3/4 of the drive, and the little 4 cyl only managed 16 mpg on our short test drive.

[@MrNuggetface]

Nick, excellent way to explain the value differences. Great video.

[@zx928]

Thanks again for your prompt reply. I appreciate it a lot.

[@ChrisDorgan]

I borrowed a 435i while I was getting my 'performance parts' colour coded and I have to say I couldn't believe how much bigger it felt than this. Couldn't wait to get it back haha! It feels a hell of a lot quicker than the 435i and it sounds a hell of a lot better as well. It is a little smaller inside but at the moment I don't need a bigger car. The ZF gear box is great, my only complaint I have with the car is the fact that there is no way to find out the temperature of the car and if it's all warmed up. Usually this wouldn't matter but I'm going to Spa this year and hopefully going to a cheeky track day or two. This suprised with it having an M designation, you would have thought it would have at least had it in the cars computer info. Anyways, great review and I'm glad other people saw the benefits of this car like I did :)

[@ChrisDorgan]

Chris Dorgan One other downside actually, the steering doesn't transmit anything from the road. Doesn't matter around town or on the motorway but you get onto a country road and you have no idea what's going on with the front wheels while driving a little spiritedly lol!

[@thatguytom1]

Once again a great review, Nick. The 60fps looks awesome.

[@bakaenkaaka]

You got the passenger seat heater on full blast mate :P

[@NickMurray]

***** Good spotting, that is just in case I pick up a hottie. Her seat needs to be roasting.

[@15october91]

LOL

[@SharkousVanBourbon]

I usually hate BMWs but, I like this one because its small and stands out a bit. Very good review man. Keep it up.

[@1in7.8b]

Exactly the car I wanted to see you review!!! Thank you Nick!

[@Veyronp87]

easily my favorite current bmw

[@andrewward7042]

Hi Nick, I am a 128i owner (plus my dark blue 2014 991S) and test drove the M235i. My principal objection was the lack of steering feel with the electric steering. The hydraulic steering in my 128i is beautiful compared to the newer car and even the salesmen agreed. The clutches on the 128 and 135s were hampered by a restrictor valve in the line which could be removed. I did this and the clutch action was miles better. The new ones have it integral to the booster and can't be removed :(. p.s. driving with your hand on the shift knob is not good for the transmission. If you are curious why, there are lots of descriptions on the web. Did I catch that you are ordering your new 911 in dark blue like your previous one?

[@nicoagliotti1197]

Nick Murray really awesome car review really raw simple to the point

[@ierik]

Love the sock technique. Brilliant.

[@Minutemadex]

Epic Nick!!! I just got caught up in the M235I in the past couple of weeks and basically saw all the reviews already, and the very first next video I see you post is about the M235I, awesome! Coincidence? I think not! ;)

[@naperking]

The stock wheels on the M235i don't look much better than those winter wheels. Great review, Nick!

[@happyidiot9267]

Nice review, thanks ! Excellent camera work. However, I would have liked to see more about the tech features of the car, which are quite futuristic and astounding. Especially iDrive, which is one of the most significant features of this car.

[@shaynumclaynum]

Worth pointing out the significance of the silver door mirror caps which denote M135i / M235i. Great car, great review!

[@JacK-yr8ri]

enjoyed the review. My neighbour has just got one of these in white also and been wanting to have a go in it so you did the next best thing here.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Good review Nick! I like this car, and it's size and lightness, but I still think it's in a tough price bracket. I think I'd prefer a 228 myself if I was going with a 2 series. I think it would have enough power and be much cheaper, even after you option it up.

[@pumpkinpot672]

T Shark You get the Track Handling package standard in the 235 too

[@SWatchik]

Amazing colour interior, and awesome car.

[@chaineffect6437]

You deserve so many more subscribers man! In due time i hope! The amount of work you put into your videos deserves a lot more of a response man! Keep up the great work! Haha, loved the gorilla conversation going on in the back

[@NickMurray]

Thanks for the nice comment. I am going to keep improving my videos steadily and hopefully the subscribers will come.

[@ItisBean]

I'm an Audi fan, and I hate BMW. But I kept watching your M4 updates and reviews over and over again. I just love your videos and your accent! Why didn't you get the Audi RS5? Hope you will get the 911 Turbo asap! :D

[@mowglilp]

Really enjoyed this one Nick, good on ya mate! That sock trapped by the trunk though with a shoved microphone down it's throat? that motor journalism at it's best! I would like to have some stats included as well like 0-100, top speed, MPG, suspension setup, brake characteristics and so on, I think that would be really cool. Sure, we can look that up ourselves, but it makes it much more convenient to have it on screen. cheers PS wish it had the steering wheel with the shift lights, not that I fancy it too much, but then again I didn't see a review on that, showing it's features and so on, but from afar, it really looks bulky and oddly shaped.

[@NickMurray]

Good points on the stats. I will look to include going forward thanks for the comment.

[@thijskennis8757]

Nick Murray once again, nice review! Where has your golf review gone? I wanted to go and watch it just now but I can't find it anywhere anymore!...

[@MihaiP12]

Hey Nick, I love your car reviews.

[@bnumber8]

I've seen 3-4 on the road and every time, they grow on me. I stopped by the dealer yesterday and was back to really disliking the rear end seeing it up close and stationary. We'll see which opinion wins out....hoping to see a convoy drive by me tomorrow to convince me for good : ).

[@Swiftcorgi444]

Best car reviewer on youtube!

[@IceFish.]

ive very recently specced a uk 2 series and had to have the m sport accessories like rear diffuser, side skirts n boot spoiler n front splitter changes the look so much for the better

[@greglaurence7707]

Great review. I purchased an S5. Cant go wrong with 2 series either.

[@AndriodGalaxy]

Awesome review Nick! If i could make a suggestion; it would be great if you could timestamp your videos, making it easy to skip around sections and whatnot! Thanks!

[@screamedthemouth]

Fantastic. Really needs a panoramic roof, but a small sunroof is better than nothing

[@WtZuck]

Nice review. Just a couple suggestions and constructive criticism of course! The sport seats in BMW's have always been some of the best. How do these compare? Would be cool to see how you can adjust them. Open the trunk lid to see how much space is back there. Hop in the back seat with the fronts in position to see what we're working with as far as rear leg/head room back there. The stocking stuffed with a microphone is a good idea, but you didn't showcase the sound? And take it around some twisties man!! Otherwise great review and thank you for sharing with us.

[@kirklandnuts]

Great video, and I would like to add that in Canada you can order one with Xdrive! I have one currently sitting in my driveway (loaned by father in law) and its just as fabulous and that four wheel in the snow is really cool.

[@mik31168]

A sock lol I never would've thought of that. Great review, and I really like the older BMWs with manual transmissions. I've driven the '98 M3 and 328is, and I'm thinking of getting one.

[@NickMurray]

I use a sock for all sorts of things.

[@15october91]

It's an amazing everyday car.

[@freddymedina8101]

Great review as always ! Keep em coming nick !

[@josephberkeley]

Good review, Nick. The wife used to drive a BMW 330ci. After it was totalled in a freak accident involving a bridge, a chunk of ice, and a near-death experience, she opted for the Audi A4. The interior really is head and shoulders above the BMW. I love BMW's motors, but she fell for the styling of the Audi. No regrets. It has been a great car and the dealership experience was quite civilized. Keep up the good work. I'd love to see you review some vintage stuff, like a 911SC. Also looking forward to your next car purchase. Your P-car experience shook me to the core.

[@sufficetosay]

I happen to disagree with Audi interiors being better in any way. I traded my 2013 62k Audi S5 in for the M235i Xdrive. The interior in the audi hasn't changed in SEVERAL years; it was nice 5 years ago. The simplicity and build quality of the M235i interior is as refreshing as it is modern. I have the brushed aluminum interior and tan leather; I love it. I had a 64k Lexus GS350 and it's interior was so beautiful omg BUT I hated the electronic suspension everywhere but the highway.I couldn't take the LOUD clicking sound from the motor when it was cold either Lexus had no answer but they did agree it was too loud. The service guys started several others on the lot and they ALL sounded like diesels it was embarrassing to them and me. Sorry for the tangent.

[@ferrarienzo5252]

If there were Nick Murray merchandise I would totally buy it

[@boysom]

Hi Nick, just wanna confirm that the winter wheels on this car is 17'? I was concerned whether 17 would fit the brake. thanks.

[@FANBMWM]

Nick you make Wonderfull videos and I love your reviews. Please make a review the BMW M5 F10 Competition Package. All the best Nick in the New Year!!!

[@jasperdilincoln2341]

Also alot of people aren't into Coupes anymore. That's another reason why alot of car companies stop making them. But I still like coupes

[@Bours911]

Hey Nick ! Very nice review once again ! Can you tell me why exactly you would pick the golf r on top of this !? Just because you like the shape more thats it ? Any other points ? Btw i love your channel your getting better and better at reviewing car keep up the great work bud !

[@petermartin9494]

Thanks, the car sounds really nice.

[@katanamast279]

I love the car but I just have a hard time justifying 40k-50k for it. Realistically above 30k you start to have alot of options when it comes to picking a car.

[@TheMrsorso]

recently drove 1 Series with the M stearing wheel and despite being also a 2014 it looked may different. Maybe because the engine was the entrylevel 1.4 Liter. I know what you mean, I love the soft leather on the steering wheel, enjoyed also last year a long roadtrip with an X5 through Germany.

[@christianbecker6687]

awesome sound. Perfect fun car in my eyes. But I like the style of the 4series a lot more, because of the rear, and the sideline of the car looks a little bit dissonant because it`s a little bit to small. But it's a really amazing fun car, so i think it's a good price value!

[@roadreg1820]

Guys, how good does that engine sound! Wow!

[@rodasrodas]

Good video as usual. Thks ! These small bmws with the 6 seem the last of the old times.. but here ( Portugal ) they are too expensive. They sell 1000s of 18d and 20d but only a handfull of 35s or petrol. Maybe a m228i would work here. Probably not. Sad but the reality of the times we live.

[@scanspeak00]

I'd like to see an improved interior in terms of styling. The Merc C class sets the standard.

[@NickMurray]

Agree, the C class is currently the best

[@zx928]

I've been looking for some outfit like you're wearing in this video. Can you let me know the brand or even the article# if possible? Plus, what watch are you wearing? Hope you don't mind my asking so stupid and personal questions. I am a BMW fan as well and my ride is E84 X1 with manual transmission. Hopefully one day I can afford a car like this. You just can't imagine how expensive it is to afford such a car in China. Almost double of $43,000. Anyways, enjoy your cars review and its becoming a habit to check if anything new coming from time to time even if there's notifications. LOL. Have a great day.

[@NickMurray]

xi zhou The jacket is from CK, I have had it a while so that is all I can tell you sorry. My watch a Tissot T-touch expert

[@KeokiDude]

Another great review, thanks! I'm not sure if we need the "bubble" humor (my opinion)... could you tell me what type of black wheels those were- brand? Thanks! g-

[@TuddecBMW]

You do realise that you can get a different color trim than the blue, and that you can get the M steering wheel on a regular 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/X5/X6 Series? Also, you always say that you prefer the leather on M cars, rather than non-M. Isn't it that you like Merino leather more than Nappa/Dakota leather (which you can get on non-M BMWs too)?

[@NickMurray]

Good points.

[@DrDodge24]

In America you can't. You only get the M wheel with the M sport package and you can only get merino leather on M cars here. In Europe the options are set-up differently.

[@graysonslusher2569]

Nick, again love your in depth reviews, you do a great job. But you really need to work on not saying CAR as much.. It's a bit overwhelming!

[@amanullang]

Hey Nick, could you perhaps do a video on the benefits/drawbacks of leasing vs buying luxury cars, in a similar as ur self, where you might be looking to replace ur car every 3-4 years or so and get the next best thing the industry has to offer, 3 or 4 years down the road. I'd like to hear ur take. thanks for considering.. love the unscripted reviews. i feel like watching Top Gear New Zealand: The Extended Cut :)

[@nibotkram7743]

Great vids, good details more than any where else. I would love to see a comparo of an e39 M5 and a new M3 as they have very similar curb weights and dimensions now that BMW has enlarged the vehicle line. Thanks. PS a new M4 against the new mustang GT would be good too.

[@musguelha14]

Nice review Nick. Not a huge fan of the 2 series, prefer the 135i myself.

[@alexvenker]

If you will ever be in the DC area, I have a E46 M3 Convertible you can do a review on. Since people are complaining you always do reviews on cars they can't buy, E46 M3s are reasonably priced now a days.

[@t3chn0m0]

Nick, any chance of reviewing a MK7 Golf R? I think the Golf R is a big competitor of the M235i.

[@TABL3SIX]

Loved the review. I've considered this car. Would you be missing much if you got the automanual? What would be a better choice. 2012 BMW M3 ZCP or this M235i? Probably could get them for the same price.

[@internetmemesftw]

Hello Nick a bit off topic but since you plan to switch out the M4 for another 911 have you also considered the new Mercedes- AMG GTS? It seems to be a worthy competitor to the Porsche, has received very positive reviews and IMO looks great and has a very distinct, unique character.

[@tyler951]

Thinking this is what ill move into in a couple of years when I move from my 330ci ZHP

[@razvanyke]

Very nice review man, liked it !

[@RocketJohn]

Nick, another nice thorough interview. Thank you for that. What are your thoughts comparing this car or a potential M2 vs your M4?

[@EVILSPAWN1003]

On the point of people concidering the 3/4 series to be abit more prestigious,i`d probably give that some concideration when choosing the 2 series because somewhere down the line it`s gonna be a 2nd hand car. And the 3K you saved when getting the 235i over the 435i might come back and bite you. Just my initial thoughts... Great review as always

[@NickMurray]

EVILSPAWN1003 Agree

[@oscarlee4531]

And Nick, how's the driftablity? I would love to see you make a video for us mortals how to drift. BTW great reviews sir!

[@VJ-lt9uk]

Great video, very informative and enjoyable.

[@coureurdebois]

would be perfect if that put that 4.0 v8 back into it would make this 2 series just so epic.

[@thereisonlythecave]

Great review! What do you think about the convertible M235i value wise? It's $54,000 with a few options. By the way, what dash cams do you recommend?

[@NickMurray]

I use the Blackvue 500 and 600 dash cams. Just excellent

[@jimmyyao85]

Good Review, I would like to hear your thought about campare to those 2010-2013 M3. I am pretty sure that you can get a used M3 with low mileage at that 43000-49000 price range. Please reply.

[@Oktopus450]

Hey Nick! I'm sorry for repeatting my question but I'm really interested in how you make and prepare your videos. I would appreciate if you could share with me what program do you use to put all this material together:) Greetings from Poland, great review! Lovely car, but if I were to buy something at this price range I would go for Golf R.

[@NickMurray]

Michał Fułek Hi Michal, no problem, I would most likely go for the Golf R as well. I have been thinking about how to answer your comment. The thing is, my videos are very amateur and so is my whole process, so I am a little reluctant to do a video on how I do my videos because I feel I will be just showing everyone how it should not be done! I use Final Cut Pro to edit my video but honestly I only know the basics of video editing, I should really do a class but I get by for now.

[@rohanuva]

Hey Nick - great review. I have literally watched this and your s3 review every day to figure out which one to get... im leaning towards the s3 just because of usable space, 4 doors a bigger trunk. What do you think?

[@hipostang23]

Great review! Would still love to see you review an E550 coupe & the new RC350

[@colinsmith1176]

The 2-series seems to be the same length as the old 3-series-the E30 or E46, for example-but it looks so much shorter. Is it that the 2-series' bonnet is longer and thus the stubby rear end, or that the old 3-series' cabin is smaller in the back to enable a longer rear end?

[@at1357]

Dude, you are a review machine. I don't know how you find the time... As long as you're taking requests, can I put in a request for an A7 review?

[@NickMurray]

Hey Ali, I can... I might even still have access to the RS7. The problem is was not so impressed with the A7 so it might not be such a glowing review... would that be okay?

[@at1357]

Nick Murray Sure, yeah, I don't own one so I won't be offended! I was looking at getting one when they first came out but didn't. It's still on my shortlist so I'd love to hear your take on it, good or bad.

[@pranavmukesh]

How would you compare the m235i against your own M4 and heck even the old 991 c2s!?

[@T2oys]

I prefer the hatchback shape of the M135i. I'm really not a fan of the rear of the 2 series.

[@NickMurray]

We don't even get the hatchback 1's here in the US

[@juanmj93]

Nick, What do you think of the ZF auto gearbox? I think it suits the car quite nicely, and puts it right besides the previous M2 in 0-60 runs, but I'd certainly miss the pleasure of rowing gears by myself

[@GuyRandom]

Unbelievable car!

[@christianbecker6687]

for comparison: a m sport 428i has nearly the same price as a M235i, so you can choice: when you go for style and a sporty comfortable car, i think 4series better choice. But when you go for performance, sound, handling, then the m235i is a very good choice.

[@kr0pp]

Some have said that M235i sounds so good, that it trumps the sound of the M4. Nick, do you agree or disagree?

[@NickMurray]

I think your profile photo entertains me. I think different not better, Outside the M4 has it but inside it depends on taste, I really liked the sound of the M235i

[@jortepap]

M235i sounds great but M4 sounds much better

[@drewyager4020]

I’m thinking of getting a 2016 for $27000. Hope that’s an ok value

[@zappdev2063]

Great review, if you get a chance to try out a 435i that would be super awesome. ;)

[@jareds10]

I completely agree on the steering wheel. It is a must on BMWs, you have to have the M Sport. The non-M Sport wheel is horrible. The material quality is horrible.

[@Chris-qc9dj]

I test drove the be m3 , s3 Audi , new sti, s4, e92 m3, etc.... This m235i had great power but don't confuse it for a true M car. The steering feel is to light and it just didn't feel the same as a true M car.

[@massiveglove2960]

All BMWs now have electric steering and so will the M2. McLaren are still fitting hydraulic steering, but almost no mainstream manufacturer

[@Blackthump]

I drove the M235i a while ago. If you'd ask me the car is way to heavy to be fun. It's quite ok on the german autobahn, since it's performance in straight lines is good, even though it tends to be unstable at higher speeds (over 200 KM/h) an it's terrible on B roads. Cornering is no fun at all. I do hope the M2 comes with a 4 cylinder high revolving engine (8500 RPM :-)), 340 BHP and only about 1250 KG of weight. Most likely BMW will stick to a 6 cylinder, maybe with 360 BHP and unfortunately something in the 1500+ KG range. Cheers Oliver

[@NickMurray]

Good points.

[@misterhartan]

I had the same problem, but with a little bit ajustment of the tire pressure it works fine at 250km/h on the autobahn and on the b roads it's grip very well with the Michelin PSS.

[@Raditram]

I heard that some auto reviewers actually preferred the 228i to the 235, due to it being lighter despite having less power. Idk if it's true but the 228 is actually 300lbs lighter and with 240hp it's really not underpowered.

[@sufficetosay]

Raditram Much slower, and it's not 300 pounds lighter.

[@misterhartan]

The 228i is 155lbs lighter and comes with less features as standard. If you spec it up to the same features like a m235i it's even closer.

[@beachlife2968]

Do you feel safe in wet weather with these cars being rear wheel drive?

[@jinwu3262]

Nick,can you ask the owner. How can he get the speed info on the dashboard. Because I never get that. Did he program the car? Thank you in advance.

[@edinerem]

Hey Nick! I love ur videos. Can you make a review of 370z nismo?