2015 BMW M235i Coupe Review - DETAILED! In 4K!

While we wait for the M2, the M235i is the tastiest thing in this entry level performance category. I like the CLA45 AMG, but I'd buy this instead.
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[@harshadborgaonkar4539]

I own a 2015 M235i x drive for last 5 years . I bought it cpo with 18000 miles on it. It gives me smile every time I drive it. She is great in power , handling and so far has been fairly reliable. All of us owning this car are lucky

[@rickc7496]

Looking at getting one, how's the standard exhaust sound in Sport or Sport+ mode?

[@MrWiiandPS3]

How it running these days and with how many miles do you have on it? I’m considering a coup. Also, how does it do with potholes and uneven city roads? Thanks 🙏

[@dedan2]

⁠it's amazing in all aspects. I've had mine 2 years now and zero issues. 40k miles

[@bluenote1951]

I'm an M3 owner. There is a trade-off. With improved handling comes a rougher ride, for daily use. Shitty road surfaces really make it fun. The M235i (M240i) is a great solution for daily driving. Good review, Alex! Very informative, Thanks!

[@derrickallen2054]

By far the most detailed review on this car. Just bought an M235i xdrive with the ZF8 last week, absolutely love it!

[@90vam59]

daily car?

[@Ryan1236]

Sorry, I completely died when you were going into the trunk, it was so unexpected and you were so serious.. hehe

[@anjdog2003]

I have a M235 and i really enjoy it.

[@cocacola988]

I love your reviews, so clear and detailed yet easy to understand for car newbie like myself 😛

[@chrisbrownaz]

cocacola988 I feel the same way. I'm a young guy who hasn't been driving for many years and has only followed cars for a few years now. I always hate it when I'm reading an article or watching a video and I can't understand half of the terms they're talking about. I also really am impressed with his level of detail. You really don't leave his reviews wondering about any extra details like you do with may others. I stick with Alex on Autos and the Talking Cars videos from Consumer Reports exclusively.

[@ChristopherWalkenActor]

great review alex ! It is indeed going to be very interesting when that new M2 comes out. Many BMW purists turn their noses up at the M235i because it isn't a "real M car" but it might be one of the most fun-for-the-dollar cars in BMW's lineup.

[@nationalenquirer1926]

Great review. This guy can take over Motortrend singlehandedly.

[@texasyank48]

As always, yours is the definitive review.

[@jsiszero]

I really like the new camera angles you've incorporated in your latest reviews :P

[@brianwassup9451]

Great job with having all the information ready for the consumer you certainly know what's up.

[@tvieso]

Very nice, cohesive review. Well done. Also, there is a simple, inexpensive solution to extra cabin noise and low sound system quality via a bypass cable that disables ASD and eliminates its interference with audio.

[@ashleymadison9380]

I just bought a M235 with almost 100k on it for under 20k and I love it. 6 Speed Manual. Fun car for the price. Not that I will, but there are plenty of mods that could easily take this to 400HP

[@dominikvaughan3324]

Looking for an m235 currently, a problems buying a higher mileage bmw so far?

[@yeahnah7220]

@@dominikvaughan3324 find one that's been serviced on time and by the book by BMW or an equivalent independent outlet that's exterior and interior has been obviously cared for. That's about the best you can do.

[@dominikvaughan3324]

@@yeahnah7220 appreciate the reply, ironically I went with a Tesla model 3 lmao

[@jiimmiij4428]

@@dominikvaughan3324 we lost you brother

[@kaneramsey8191]

@@yeahnah7220how can u tell it’d been serviced

[@ltcm777]

Great car, nice review! Thanks for the review Alex.

[@mrdepro]

Must say one of the finest cars I ever owned. Good fuel economy, 8 peed automatic with paddles , very fast 0-60 under 5 secs perfect fit an finish. For the price under 50 grand why pay more.

[@bnumber8]

This was quite the review. To be honest, I have watched so many videos on this car I skimmed through the driving review. But the closing discussion was a good summary with some great, unbiased points that were helpful reminders of the overall car pool for someone currently shopping in this market.

[@jonathanalea]

Very good explanation of the M trim levels versus M models...

[@swysocki2950]

Great review. Just bought one (used). Car is a good performer.

[@GTaylor69]

Epic review. Going to look at one tomorrow.

[@homemovies1012]

Got a like solely for the trunk comfort

[@V10PDTDI]

I'm a European car guy but not offering a manual gear box in any car is a deal breaker for me so in this reason I would pick the BMW because it's a drivers cars this is why they call it the ultimate driving machine. I can't comprehend that Audi is not offering a 6 speed manual in the A3 is crazy it there base car in North America .

[@peterburian8374]

I do enjoy Alex's reviews.

[@TroyLane33]

Well done, Alex! I really appreciate your thorough, well researched review of the BMW M235i. Thank you!

[@xrockerguy]

Excellent breakdown of features.

[@easysnail]

Great review Alex, Thanks!

[@madsmax9273]

skip the nav unless you like tech.... the stock screen does bluetooth streaming and iphone does nav better anyways. also the album you are playing shows on the screen in color without the tech package. skip harmon kardon system the stock hi fi bumps mad bass. all you need is leather, heated seats, and the lsd. comes out to about 48 after ttl with this set up. thank me later.

[@LilTaco777]

What's the lsd?

[@madsmax9273]

limited slip diff so both rear wheels spin when no traction instead of one wheel. makes a huge difference in the way the little car preforms.

[@LilTaco777]

Oh cool thanks bud.

[@4SHO421]

+Mads Max A 400+ HP Camaro loaded is less money. 48K for this?

[@4SHO421]

This car has a lot of plastic, not seeing the build argument. My much cheaper Camaro is all leather interior with better electronics, 20 inch tires and faster. Heads up display bigger trunk.

[@MrCarpediem6]

Wow, Alex watching this video, you have been hitting them out of the park

[@Ground-Robotics]

I love your review! It is so detailed !

[@krisnj3248]

Great explanation in this video! Helped me very much! Checking out a 235i M today!

[@incyphe]

That cheap looking center stack with tiny lcd looks so out of place.

[@freakincrazy6932]

Love your reviews Alex!! Can you do a BMW 3-Series GT review?? Thanks!!

[@myenkos]

Well, I think that answers any questions I ever would have been able to come up with

[@cerebralkaos2385]

Just bought one this week as an upgrade to my 135 MSport

[@TheOswaldo9]

How do you like your new car?

[@cerebralkaos2385]

@@TheOswaldo9 Love my M235. Definitely an improvement on the 135i MSport, Much more responsive. Very little turbo lag compared to the 135. Great handling car. Best compromise between sport car and daily driver.

[@petrocanada7324]

Awesome and definetive review .Subscribed long time ago! Is the ats-v a more high quality made thing, or you find the bmw interior good for the money you pay?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

petro canada The interiors are quite comparable except I really dislike the gauge cluster in the ATS.

[@Therealistjohndough]

Thanks, I remembered asking about the two series a couple of months ago.

[@emillarson89]

A tip, hold the "traction"-button for 10 seconds... Then you're in Sport-mode without any traction control at all :)

[@TassieLorenzo]

6:54 Big dude climbs in small trunk. That's kind of funny. :) Nice job Alex.

[@goons123flofy]

When will your cayman review be up? What I hated about the m235i is zero steering feel and that god awful thick, squishy steering feel. I loved the suspension. Perfect balance of sport and comfort.

[@mp23145]

Really great review. Facts, details and precision.

[@benjaminowen6037]

Nice review Alex, I got a lot out of that.

[@cgereu]

Excellent review!!

[@93455Driver]

Center of gravity and the mid engine handling should be mention when looking at Caymans.

[@TucsonBillD]

Nice review, Alex. Now that the M240i is out, how about an update? Maybe even the convertible?

[@JOFEALVI]

In the internacional catalogue, it says than the 3.0 cylinder engine has 450 N.m thats 332 lbft . not 305 lb ft at 2:59 in the video and is disponible from 1300 rpm to 4500 rpm.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Fernando Alvarado In the USA it is 330 @ 1400-4500 due to differences in the testing and compliance. I added a note correcting the torque number. Thanks

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

***** That is correct, it has an 8-speed auto.

[@gibaniba]

Suggestion: The bottom left window video is kinda redundant, at least i dont find myself watching that subsection :D

[@Clove_Parma]

Every time I see one of Alex's reviews, I wonder if he's ever actually gotten himself stuck in a car boot...

[@spollock3419]

Alex, great review. Any thoughts on how the BMW compares to an ATS Coupe?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

S Pollock The ATS handles better and feels better, but Cadillac thinks of it more as a 4-series competitor.

[@chrisswhites757]

Alex on Autos M235i handles better than 435i!!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

chriss Whites If you put identical tires on them they will handle nearly identically. The suspension design is nearly identical and the 435 is only 100lbs heavier than the M235i

[@manoman0]

I hope you made yourself happy and got an ATS Coupé.

[@matthewtaylor6790]

Are the reflectors on the side of the front bumper a required thing in America? I think they ruin it slightly..

[@bjjace1]

love this car.

[@rolexr]

Great looking car. Only thing that I would change immediately... overspray this cruel reflector on the side by the front wheel! Only overseas models have it.

[@durtcobayn4343]

Looking into getting a 2016 m235i with 60K miles on should I pull the trigger? Iv heard nothing but good things about this car so far and I use to have a 228i. It was fun but I’m looking for that big boy upgrade

[@CrescentLust]

did you do it?

[@durtcobayn4343]

Ended up getting a 2018 540i. Love it

[@CrescentLust]

@@durtcobayn4343 how did your budget go from an m235i to a 540i? genuinely curious

[@PhonesOnaDailyBasis]

Good guy good review

[@helmut3187]

which one brakes better the s3 or the m235i?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Helmut 318 The M235i

[@TheBenners76]

Hi Alex... You mentioned Traction Control in your review and I'm wondering if you know whether it can be completely disabled on the M235i? Great review and you've got a new subscriber right here. =)

[@IYG-x7c]

TheBenners76 You can completely disable traction on all BMWs

[@farzadk.2633]

Sport mode keeps traction on, but sport + mode completely turns it off.

[@LilTaco777]

would you get this or wait for the M2 or even wait for the m240. I like this care but I need some opinions.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Trevor Capps Me? I'd get the M235i I think. xDrive with the 8 speed

[@LilTaco777]

+Alex on Autos yea I am haha. if the base is like 43k or something will most dealers take a little off?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Trevor Capps Probably a little, but in this area of the USA at least the 2-Series has been selling well so they may not want to take too much off.

[@LilTaco777]

+Alex on Autos I appreciate it buddy. you would get the xdrive? Do you need 4 wheel drive on it?

[@LilTaco777]

+Trevor Capps all*

[@JacobWinkle]

Hookers don't fit in the trunk comfortably. Damn. Lol

[@romulus_]

+Jacob W obviously you have to chop them in half using a sawmill.

[@holdensteinhi3421]

+Zapp Rogerstein too far.

[@romulus_]

Holden Steinhi too far would be throwing them into a wood chipper and feeding the bits to a tank full of piranhas. too far because you don't need the car anymore.

[@Shogun1982]

AND there's a glow in the dark emergency trunk release handle inside. Da fuq???

[@maxnix346]

@@Shogun1982 Required by law.

[@jamakif]

i have a suggestion for a video, it would be nice to make a video on how to properly drive a manual gear box given that they are rare now and not many ppl get to learn how to drive them. Just a suggestion and hope you can make it happen. Thank you, good luck.

[@teamboehnisch2854]

Moe Alan I can make one! Thanks for the idea.. do you have special questions? Stay tuned.. :-)

[@teamboehnisch2854]

Moe Alan I already have a "How To" video which focuses on how to drive the right racing line - anyways some points might help you to drive on the normal road!

[@mx5hong]

Is the exhaust note fake? Meaning electronically rendered through the speakers?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

mx5hong Yes

[@mx5hong]

Alex on Autos BOO!!!!!

[@roburboots]

Alex on Autos sorry but it isn't. the noise isn't rendered through speakers. the noise is all real its just passed through the speakers

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

roburboots The answer to his question is yes, it is electronically rendered through the speakers. BMW calls this Active Sound. (R&T goes into detail here bit.ly/1F6XOZx) Now is it "fake" noise? That depends on how you look at it. The system does not use any microphones at all, so it is not passing *your* engine's noises via the speakers. BMW records a 3.0L engine's noises, digitally manipulates the sound track to amplify certain portions then digitizes it and programs the car to play it in coordination with your engine. So depending on how you want to look at that i suppose you could say it's a real engine sound, but I can also see how most folks call it fake noise.

[@matthewtaylor6790]

If you get the m performance exhaust option you can hear the real noise so much better!

[@theunclear]

Good review, but I don't see 4K option.

[@chrisswhites757]

It is relatively a better buy than 435i. Faster and nimble than 435i. Less common than 435i. The only problem with this vehicle is high maintenance cost. Just to replace the tires in California will set you back at $1500 or more. It is almost 400 a piece!!!!

[@ThatWasherNerd]

This might make a good used car after I graduate

[@robertcurry6413]

We need this noise versus Hans Zimmers electric noise in the i4 M50

[@maxnix346]

Well done and articulate with highlights for this car and competitors. Do agree about the HK stereo unless one is totally deaf. I would also recommend the port installed Drexler LSD.

[@maximilianlindner]

Excuse me, but where is this 4K resolution??

[@mt1183]

what's the difference to a 3 series

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

BMW give hp at the wheel, most manufacturers quote for the engine crank. So BMW compared to most other cars underquote what they actually make.

[@captain_bretzel]

Good review but not in 4K, as the title claims

[@melby12]

The exterior of the car looks great except the rear. I don't like the tail light design or the exhaust diffuser. Great car but for the money but I'd choose an S3 for the 4 doors and better interior.

[@matthewtaylor6790]

You can get a rear splitter which lowers the back slightly with the performance exhaust, makes it much better!

[@anksPBN]

Can you put a rear facing child car seat in this Coupe?

[@marksholtes8229]

How much hp?

[@Dragon228833]

Should’ve named this video “why you should buy a cla 45 amg”

[@mr.cubitos9516]

Title is 235i REVIEW not comparisson with all the other cars in the lineup and mercedes

[@Wells306]

Is there an M&M's trim? Seriously, all those trims and naming schemes are a joke.

[@DoronZehavi0]

4k?

[@thecraneapparel]

19.9 gallon?! Dam

[@SGDanielSanchez]

Hi Alex! Would you get this BMW M235i or the Audi S3? Will you make an S3 review in the Future?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Daniel Sanchez Garcia If I had a family, the S3. If I didn't, then the M235i with teh 6-speed manual.

[@tvanb]

Daniel Sanchez Garcia is that even a question ??!?!

[@jermainejpshepherd2778]

Nice looking lil coupe. But I just don't trust BMW's reliability.

[@dennisscipio]

If you look closely the front face looks like it has a smiling face to it.

[@poreansing]

how to keep talking for 10 minutes?

[@SimoneLOrso]

Trunk comfort? 🤣🤣 For the dead enemies?

[@BrooXX856]

Of course. You gotta make sure your murder victims are comfortable

[@SimoneLOrso]

@@BrooXX856 🤣🤣🤣

[@emphermal436]

That’s the very base model of the m235i and doesn’t particularly do the proper car justice in my opinion

[@Wbrooks01]

The M2 would be compared with the CLA45AMG, not the M235i.

[@edgarvarela4234]

This guy would get in the trunk 😂

[@matthewtaylor6790]

The car isn't 3500 lbs it's around 1415 kg or 3100lbs .. So it thats why it feels lighter..

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Matthew Taylor Our tester was 3,505 according to BMW themselves. You're thinking of the outgoing 135is. www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2015/2/M235iCoupe/Features_and_Specs/M235iCoupeSpecifications.aspx

[@matthewtaylor6790]

could the 4 wheel drive system have made up the extra weight?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

No, the AWD version is about 175 lbs heavier than this. The 235 is just a heavy little car.

[@bladeh12]

As always a very informative review, but one day he's going to lock himself in the trunk and be the demise of Alex on Autos BMW will be my next car, what model still haven't decided.

[@jaerofvlogs7558]

damn bmw

[@dunique]

I imagine the manual gear shifting is quite bothersome for those who drive on the right hand side of the road.

[@rockyrhoads1]

does the 2016 xi all wheel drive version come in manual? I cant find one anywhere

[@colinsmith1176]

FYI, we don't need to see two angles of your face at the same time, lol.

[@anthonyd7498]

honestly not impressed with the interior for that kind of money...

[@ericchang5217]

Wow, super disappointed in the interior. So much plastic.

[@Erikpfank]

dislike cause the video is not 4k playback

[@WorldDiscretion]

Slow down.. If you weren't editing your video, you would be out of breath. It sounds like you're in fast forward. If Someone is willing to watch a 22 min video, they'll be willing to watch a 30 min video and actually be able to digest the information.. Otherwise, you did a good job!

[@maestroadam]

That interior looks awful. I think a Chevrolet Cruze has a nicer design! (Just kidding about that last part)

[@cocacola988]

I agree, mercedes does interior much better

[@giaitri5118]

cocacola988 so Mercedes C250 / Audi A4/ BMW 3 series...which one is better? no issues or problem in future.

[@mountainhobo]

Giải Trí "no issues or problem in future." -- Lexus IS 350?

[@giaitri5118]

mountainhobo yeah. but i think lexus must reduce new engine. i love the is250 style/ with the NX engine.

[@nadineslimane122]

Yeah because this is a basic model

[@jonniebegood7179]

That BMW center console and dash is sooooooooo dated! Like when was the last time anyone has seen, let alone played, a CD? Also, that tablet stuck on the dash look for the screen is so tacky. Basically, BMW are just over-engineered German rubbish.

[@MordFustang1966]

Jonnie Begood dont hate because you dont have the money :) now go ahead and stick that aux cable into your aftermarket radio in your '98 civic

[@jonnieinbangkok]

theokan89 typical fanboy...jerks it to bmw videos.

[@MordFustang1966]

Typical lazy hater, watches shit he cant afford then hates on them.

[@radoslawkaczowka4047]

Jonnie Begood I like having a CD player.

[@mortenberg2897]

Dang! He talks and talks ......

[@parasitius]

Where in the hell is the 4k? Max I can pick is 1080p. Very lame I have BOATLOADS of bandwidth.

[@TassieLorenzo]

+parasitius Haha :) Yes, I noticed it was missing even though I have no intention of watching in 4k.

[@prestonstinson5598]

Big trunk for bodies lol

[@youngblood23rb]

The fact that someone would blow 65 grand on this LMNOP12345jkisp just blows my mind really!

[@MordFustang1966]

youngblood23rb then you aren't the intended customer, you should check out this website: mitsubishi.com/mirage

[@youngblood23rb]

theokan89 I'm not the intended customer because I don't waste my hard earned money on something that I will only spend hours a year using, might as well buy a 50 thousand dollar lawn mower, atleast I could use the mower to earn income lol

[@MordFustang1966]

youngblood23rb it's good to hear you're letting go of your laziness habit. This is a good start, now you can maybe afford this car in 10 years, so time to stop hating.

[@youngblood23rb]

theokan89 What makes you think I'm lazy or can't afford a 2 Series BMW? Because I'd rather save and invest my money, maybe because I have a degree and 15 year career with a rather large Corporation at age 35? Yes you're right that makes sense I'm poor. Having an opinion doesn't mean I'm hatter.

[@MordFustang1966]

youngblood23rb your spelling tells everything.."hatter". 15 years as a janitor..

[@elterrible00esb]

43k for this, I would rather have a golf R.

[@Fly2kill1]

elterrible00esb depends on what you want. Front wheel bias AWD or RWD. Both are fun.