Drove my buddy's tuned M2 competition on the track at Lightening Raceway for a full day a few weeks ago and went out and bought an M235i this week. I know it's nowhere near as fast or as special but I needed a good daily, as dailying my 2005 6MT flat top e46 M3 was becoming troublesome and I wanted something a little more comfortable and modern for the commute. Kept the M3 as a weekend car and am pickuping the M235i tomorrow, super excited. Ordered like 2k in bolt-ons lastnight as well as a fresh set of PS4S tires, I'm just so excited! But yeah...that M2 competition was something else! It had so much damn grip and such good brakes I was blown away at what a great little car it is. He had the S55 tuned up to 500hp and I didn't feel like it was over-powered at all, it felt really well suited and balanced.
@@LowBoostFilms thanks man, I really appreciate your input and all the quality content you've put out surrounding the car! A little sad to hear you've moved on from it as well.
As an M235i owner (had it for 6 months) the M235i is a powerful daily driver and not really meant for the track. Running into the same issues as you but you can always get an LSD in the car since getting a new M2/M2C is gonna run you $10-$15K more and you can widen the fenders and grab an LSD. There is way more you can do just look at the F22 Eurofighter or any M235i/M240i Racing setups. I was contemplating trading up but the car is too similar and imo I’d buy a 718 Cayman GT4 or something from Porsche that has superior track configuration out the box. TL;DR- M235i/M240i is a street daily M2 lite. You can upgrade it for track tho. If tracking I’d go for Porsche over M2/M2C.
I have the same thought process you do. I am really really tempted to just buy a dedicated track rat that I don’t need track insurance on like an E 36 M3, or a C-5 Corvette. I would love a cayman !
Low Boost Films to be honest, I’d almost recommend the E39 M5 as a track rat. You might be able to find a Cayman GTS or GT4 a few years older but think the V8 in the E39 M5 would be perfect. S55 Mercedes is also a good one but not sure if you wanted to keep it in the BMW family. M2 repair cost and maintenance cost isn’t worth it vs the M235i so I’d keep it as a daily and get the E39 as the track toy or the cayman.
Norbert Nahoczky e39 m5 are getting more and more expensive and harder to find. I E36 I probably can get for a few thousand bucks. He 39 M5 is one of my favorites though
@@norbertnahoczky9571 I don't want to be rude but dude , 2 ton 20+ year old luxury saloon and S class AMG merc as track cars !!! You out of your mind? Literally none , not even M2 as to get it right for competitive track work it will cost you 30% of cars value . E46 M3 , E92 M3 still expensive to build , but cars cost half F series so overall cheaper. there are so many alternatives if you want to have fun on track , S2k , Turbo miata , Lotus etc etc... lightweight is the key ...
Wish you had spent more time in the M235 talking about the drive feel rather than the tune the car had. I went from an M240 to an M2 5 months ago for the reasons you mentioned. I have been happy with the decision.
Brian Johnson you’re right. I thought the same thing after I was done filming watching it back. The m2 is a lot more track focused and stiffer for sure. If I had one of those I’d probably never sell it.
FYI, I have seen dyno test where a stock M2 is putting down 380HP at the rear wheels. In typical BMW fashion they have understated engine horsepower by 30 to 40 on this car.
@@LowBoostFilms Yep, and I'm gonna say it louder for those in the back, "380 horsepower in a BMW is different than 380 horsepower in an American made car" !!!
@@LowBoostFilmsj’ai utilisé ma m235 sur la piste et l’année d’après une m2 et bien étonnamment le système de freins de la 235 était meilleur , beaucoup de marketing visuel sur la m2 , sur piste les freins de la m2 sont très mauvais 🥰
bro you have the exact (exterior) look i want for my future m235i i have those same wheels planned too... i actually have them in storage especially for when i get the car 😆
LSD is for tracking and for off road. That limits it to probably 15-20% of the people that drive BMW's or mostly young drivers. I can live without it since i don't do either. And close to 2K to replace.
Add an MHD stage 1 tune on these and they’ll beat a stock M2. My 2016 m235ixdrive pushing 340whp and 393wtq now after the tune, doing 0-60 in 3.9-4.0 seconds.
I love my m240i convertible, i spent as much as an m2 cost when i bought it, its fast enough, most likely even more reliable as well as the m2, it maybe the last car ill ever own
How would you rate the turbo lag on this stock M235i? Do you feel like wait for the torque to kick in or is it responsive? And does sport mode reduce the lag?
If they had added an LSD from standard to the M235i, nobody would have bought the M2. With the hatch version, the M135i, you can order one from factory. Or just get the M-performance one put in, but the Quaife is way better and needs less maintenance,
m235i vs Nissan 370Z wanna get the m235i but just scared of reliability but I feel like I get the 370z then I’ll regret not getting the m235i. What are your thoughts?
Good comparison. The m235i is more reliable than other n55 powered cars as it shares a lot of parts with the S55. The M235i is faster in a straight line especially after bolt on mods. They’re pretty close handling wise. The m235inis more functional with a bigger trunk and back seat though.
Low Boost Films unfortunately I live in the uk. I have found one it’s a stage 2 with 415hp, going to test drive it. If it puts a massive smile on my face like the e60 m5 does I think I’ll get it. In a ideal world I would have both!
Nice video. I’ve got a 2016 M235i xdrive currently FBO(intake, chargepipe, intercooler, catless downpipe and BM3 stage 2 agg tune). Thinking about running methanol or some type of E30(?) fuel. How do I go about running methanol or E gas? I’ve seen meth kits online but have been told you can just use 93 octane mixed with E85 to create your own E gas mix. Any advice on how to make sure you’re mixing the right parts of octane plus E85? Or race gas? I see the tunes on BM3 but want to get it set up to run correctly before returning.
That’s a really good question maybe I should do a video on that. There is a really good ethanol calculator you can find on Google. You don’t want to go more than a 30% ethanol mix (e30) Your high pressure fuel pump can’t keep up. You can mix 93 (which is usually 10% ethanol anyway) and E 85 to make e30. Check out my Dyno video comparing 93 to e30
Buy an Rev X ethanol tester on amazon, measure the E85 at the pump to make sure it's actually 85 and not 90 or 70 or whatever. Once you figure that out, use this www.georgebelton.com/E85Calculator.php and mix accordingly.
Great video. Just picked up an m240 and love it but would love a little more grip when taking off in a straight line. You think wider tires would help more for straight line stuff than an LSD? Trying to figure out which to spend the money on
LSD is what you should spend the money on lol. I hooked well with NT05. They’re great on the street and are good in the rain. At the drag strip on my R888R I spun my clutch lol. They hook! But they’re terrible in the rain, and they’re loud.
just get stiffer lowering springs and keep the magna-ride and then 19" wheels 245/30/19 front & 265/30/19 rear.. they will fit, grip and look wider.. good set up for red manual M235i I have it on mine I'm at about 505WHP with BM3 Tune, Catless down pipe, ER charge pipe,VRSF 6.5" cooler, Injen Short Ram cold air intake, DV+ Blow Off valve and Pure stage2 turbo kit installed. the back end still get squirlly but when the road and tires and hot its perfect.
I already have lowering springs, and there is so much more to the M2 that makes it such a stiffer car. I didn’t think so until I drove it. As far as going that wide with tires there is no way I could do that and track it. It’s just too wide especially with the lowering springs, I cut a tire at the track trying to go too wide. You have all the goodies on your car! I made 391whp with FBO but jb4. Probably could have made more with bm3.
@@LowBoostFilms yea bro I know what you mean, I drive more on the streets. But have you ever got a quote or looked into spot/stitch welding you chassis to make it stiffer it make a huge difference especially if you track it and go for time attack. You can have great suspension but if the chassis is jelly and has too much Flex you loose your lines and one wheel spin
I got the car a while ago and jb4 was the only tune available at the time, it worked great and I got used to it. I put together a list of what I’d need to make it a better track car (kw coils, LSD, chassis stiffening etc) and it just wasn’t worth it. I got another dedicated track car for what it would cost to modify this more. C5 corvette, it’s not nearly as nice at all, but I paid cash so I don’t need track insurance. Much cheaper so I can track it more often.
@@LowBoostFilms yea bro that's what I'm planning on doing best option it's get something decent and cheap and put the money into parts. But you have yourself a clean look F22 it's a mint street car with enough power you can daily and Hoon around.. and the Vette it's a good place to build off of just more weight and not as evenly distributed weight, also in my opinion Just a big difference from a BMW especially 2 series.
Have you added an LSD diff to your M235i? That's the real difference. Mod an M235i, xHP the box if the auto, MHD the engine to stage 2+, i/c, downpipe, exhaust, charge pipe, coil overs, a GTS hood, some sick wheels, like 19" BMW 403M from an F30 fit perfect and flush without spacers needed, and you have a car as good as an M2 at a fraction of the price..
I looked into all of those modifications and said to myself I could buy a C5 Corvette for less and it would be faster. And I was right lol. My very first session on track in my Corvette was a second faster than I ever was in the M235i, and that was when the Corvette was bone stock. Also, because it’s such a cheap car, I don’t need track insurance which saves me $300 every time I go. By
@@LowBoostFilms But a stock c5 specs are slower than an M235i. I can imagine that for a C6, but not C5. Unless you put on one of the myriad superchargers you can get for an LS. My M135i, stage 2+, eats my mates mildly modded c5. We both have around 400hp. His is an auto though vs the best auto ever zf8, especially when you xHP the zf8's software. The LS would be better to make big hp on a budget though, if fuel and tyres wasn't a consideration. My M135i is quite a lot faster to 100mph, and they are basically a hatch version on the M235i. I'm not saying you're lying, but the stock times speak for themselves. I would rather have a Corvette C5 in manual though. I just drive 80kms a day to and back from work, and petrol is silly money here in New Zealand. Eco-mode really helps in the BMW. You have one fast C5 there mate, or maybe just suits your driving style more. Cheers
@@Tight--LiNeZhorsepower doesn’t matter as much on track, and it’s lighter than an m235i. The big thing the m235i lacks is tires, I had 255 in the back 235 in the front so not nearly as much mechanical grip as the corvette, which has 315s in the back AND in the front. Now with the cam swap it also makes over 400whp as well so I’m just as fast as I was on the straights as I was in the m235i
@@crescentlust6113 both would be a great daily honestly. The only edge I would give to the M235i is if you wanted something that was also all-wheel-drive if you live in a snowy environment. But you would lose the manual transmission as they only made them in an automatic.
I have a new M2 Competition. I am new to BMW. I am disappointed in the Display. Like the performance. As a track car it should display Engine info. Like temp, pressure. Basic info. I can only find oil temp, But that displaces Digital Speed. So in Europe I had kmh set on the digital and never used the mph Dial. So had to toggle to see Oil temp and wait for measurement. So anyway are BMW car displays all this Bad?
You’re not the first person to complain about these display problems, other models don’t have this issue I don’t know what BMW was thinking. Have you tracked it at all yet? What’s your thoughts on the handling?
@@LowBoostFilms July and August 2019, Nordschleife, 286 laps. 08.08.19 Spin. (click on the round thumb nail by Ring Dave to see my video) only 46 seconds. the cars acceleration is great, the brakes are great. my driving not so good; 3 sets of tires. Needs sport suspension for Nordschleife.
Yea I’ve heard that too. I’ve also heard the brakes struggle a little because it’s heavier than the older m2. Still an awesome car. I’d like to see it some more!
@@LowBoostFilms I did not have any issues with Brakes. Replaced front pads after 200 laps. New tires, oil change, brake pads. I understand that the "Ring Tools" modified M2 comp, replace brake lines, but I really don't know. I do not drive hard enough to really test the car. 1. do not crash 2. complete the lap 3. do not crash, have fun. I coast into corners and then brake, worse than early braking, so my lap times are not fast; 8:32 lap time. Not rich can't be abusive or crash. I like the car, the seats are great; The Display is crap. When the low fuel warning comes on, It replaces the digital speed with a pump image. I can always see the time and outside temp; but braking into Bergwerk and glancing to check speed, I see a fuel pump. Crap.
No need to ask other people for their opinion. It sounds like you really want the M2. Everything you mention points it in that direction. It doesn’t seem like your really happy with your car at all (no LSD, etc). Your probably regretting that you should of waited for the right car. Just sell it, trade it in or use it as a daily beater, and be done with it. Buy the M2 already.
I really still like the M235i and comparatively it’s a lot less than the m2. I actually bought a C-5 Corvette to use as a track rat. No car loan means no track insurance. An m2 would be a lot more expensive to track. I still have the m235i for now.
@@LowBoostFilms I had a C6 also. I should of kept it but I didn't have an extra parking spot. Agree. The M235 is still a capable car and I think you should keep it. Hopefully you can find a nice preowned M2 that has already taken the depreciation hit at a good price.
Low Boost Films honestly I’ve been waiting for someone to make this exact video lol! But I think it’d be cool if maybe you just did some straight line racing against some other cars in your class. Wether it be from a dig or a roll race I personally think it’d be pretty cool to see some races like that
Chris Hopkins We ended up not doing the race between the two because we didn’t think it was fair. My car makes about 60 more horsepower to the tire and they weigh almost the same. I have roll raced a stock m2 and I beat it by almost 4 cars. I Might do a segment like you said against some other cars in its class, but of course those would be found on a track or in Mexico LOL
I got it used so that wasn’t an option. I looked at buying one and they’re $3,000 :/ juice isn’t worth the squeeze, plus the suspension I’d need is over $4,000 so for that I could get another track ready car
Good content, as a N55 M2 owner I’d say it’s worth the trade up as it would address most of the issues you have with the M235i. As you mentioned the S55 comes with a risk of crank hub issues and also has a lack lustre exhaust note. There is not much out there that will give you what the N55 M2 offers at that price point. You could wait for the next gen M2 possibly with the the S58 however you’d be looking at a lot more $.
You’re right! But Deep down I want to be able to track more often for less $$. So I actually bought a car I don’t need a loan on so I don’t need track insurance. But I really was considering getting an N55 m2 if I was only gonna track it 2 times a year. But i want to go 10 lol
@@cammgt3rs370 no, but not because it’s not an amazing car. I wanted a car that I could take to a race track all the time without track insurance and not cry if it broke, so I ended up with a C5 Corvette.
@@cammgt3rs370I had 50 plus laps of experience at my home track in the m235i and had a 1:43.7. First session with the stock C5 I had a 1:42.7 now I have a 1:38.4 in the vette modded. Not having an lsd kills the m235i, and honestly I don’t think I’d be as fast in an m2. But both bmws drive and feel better than the c5, the c5 is just a better handling and faster car. I have 315/30/18 tires in the front and back!
m8 ive seen two of your video and love ya but cant you just buy the lsd and install it yourself? ive heard its simple todo as a former evo owner(totaled by senior citizen) the car was very mushy when i got it....before it was totaled it was stiffer than a 18 year old after eating a box of viagra...the open diff scares me i know what its like bc my evo awc would break and the car would become open diff ;/ not fun
Drove my buddy's tuned M2 competition on the track at Lightening Raceway for a full day a few weeks ago and went out and bought an M235i this week. I know it's nowhere near as fast or as special but I needed a good daily, as dailying my 2005 6MT flat top e46 M3 was becoming troublesome and I wanted something a little more comfortable and modern for the commute. Kept the M3 as a weekend car and am pickuping the M235i tomorrow, super excited. Ordered like 2k in bolt-ons lastnight as well as a fresh set of PS4S tires, I'm just so excited!
But yeah...that M2 competition was something else! It had so much damn grip and such good brakes I was blown away at what a great little car it is. He had the S55 tuned up to 500hp and I didn't feel like it was over-powered at all, it felt really well suited and balanced.
You’re gonna love the M235i, I miss mine every day lol. Reminded me of my old e46 m3 as well.
@@LowBoostFilms thanks man, I really appreciate your input and all the quality content you've put out surrounding the car! A little sad to hear you've moved on from it as well.
@@StereoSoundAgent I have a g30 540i (more of a family car now that I have 2 kids), so I’ll be making some b58 content with it.
As an M235i owner (had it for 6 months) the M235i is a powerful daily driver and not really meant for the track. Running into the same issues as you but you can always get an LSD in the car since getting a new M2/M2C is gonna run you $10-$15K more and you can widen the fenders and grab an LSD. There is way more you can do just look at the F22 Eurofighter or any M235i/M240i Racing setups. I was contemplating trading up but the car is too similar and imo I’d buy a 718 Cayman GT4 or something from Porsche that has superior track configuration out the box.
TL;DR- M235i/M240i is a street daily M2 lite. You can upgrade it for track tho. If tracking I’d go for Porsche over M2/M2C.
I have the same thought process you do. I am really really tempted to just buy a dedicated track rat that I don’t need track insurance on like an E 36 M3, or a C-5 Corvette. I would love a cayman !
Low Boost Films to be honest, I’d almost recommend the E39 M5 as a track rat. You might be able to find a Cayman GTS or GT4 a few years older but think the V8 in the E39 M5 would be perfect. S55 Mercedes is also a good one but not sure if you wanted to keep it in the BMW family. M2 repair cost and maintenance cost isn’t worth it vs the M235i so I’d keep it as a daily and get the E39 as the track toy or the cayman.
Norbert Nahoczky e39 m5 are getting more and more expensive and harder to find. I E36 I probably can get for a few thousand bucks. He 39 M5 is one of my favorites though
@@norbertnahoczky9571 I don't want to be rude but dude , 2 ton 20+ year old luxury saloon and S class AMG merc as track cars !!! You out of your mind? Literally none , not even M2 as to get it right for competitive track work it will cost you 30% of cars value . E46 M3 , E92 M3 still expensive to build , but cars cost half F series so overall cheaper. there are so many alternatives if you want to have fun on track , S2k , Turbo miata , Lotus etc etc... lightweight is the key ...
If you want a track car, get a cheap 370z and boost it, trust me, it looks the part, it will be a great performer, great sound and wider wheel base
Wish you had spent more time in the M235 talking about the drive feel rather than the tune the car had.
I went from an M240 to an M2 5 months ago for the reasons you mentioned. I have been happy with the decision.
Brian Johnson you’re right. I thought the same thing after I was done filming watching it back. The m2 is a lot more track focused and stiffer for sure. If I had one of those I’d probably never sell it.
FYI, I have seen dyno test where a stock M2 is putting down 380HP at the rear wheels. In typical BMW fashion they have understated engine horsepower by 30 to 40 on this car.
380 seems on the high end. But you’re right. I’ve seen 350-360. My m235i made 323whp stock lol. Rated at 320 crank from bmw.
@@LowBoostFilms Yep, and I'm gonna say it louder for those in the back, "380 horsepower in a BMW is different than 380 horsepower in an American made car" !!!
Hello from the one of the members from the N55 group:)
great video!
Thanks! I appreciate any feedback! What would you like me to do next?
@@LowBoostFilmsj’ai utilisé ma m235 sur la piste et l’année d’après une m2 et bien étonnamment le système de freins de la 235 était meilleur , beaucoup de marketing visuel sur la m2 , sur piste les freins de la m2 sont très mauvais 🥰
@@fredericberthou I wonder if you had different fluid because the M2 brakes are significantly bigger
@@LowBoostFilms j’avais mis rbf 700 fluid et Durit avia mais c’était très mauvais
bro you have the exact (exterior) look i want for my future m235i i have those same wheels planned too... i actually have them in storage especially for when i get the car 😆
I am selling it if you are interested
LSD is for tracking and for off road. That limits it to probably 15-20% of the people that drive BMW's or mostly young drivers. I can live without it since i don't do either. And close to 2K to replace.
I track my cars. It was noticeably bad without the LSD on corner exit.
Quality content and informative as always 🔥
Thanks! I can’t wait to see what you do to the s13!
Add an MHD stage 1 tune on these and they’ll beat a stock M2. My 2016 m235ixdrive pushing 340whp and 393wtq now after the tune, doing 0-60 in 3.9-4.0 seconds.
Yea mine is Full bolt on and made 391whp on a very conservative dyno. I beat a few tuned M2 and a stock M3. Def easy to make more power
I love my m240i convertible, i spent as much as an m2 cost when i bought it, its fast enough, most likely even more reliable as well as the m2, it maybe the last car ill ever own
That’s the engine they should have put in it!
Would like a convertible xdrive myself.
I just bought a 2019 white convertible M240i. Love it but may get an M3 next time.
@@4merxtian432why?
How would you rate the turbo lag on this stock M235i? Do you feel like wait for the torque to kick in or is it responsive? And does sport mode reduce the lag?
In a stock car, there is very minimal turbo lag. When you start tuning the car is when it canl start to feel laggy.
If you want to spend 16K more for basically the same engine. go for it. The refinements of the M2 aren't enough. I'll take my M235.
M2 isn’t worth the 16k more, M2C maybe
@@LowBoostFilms A new M2 base is 66k to 75k where as the base M235 is 50k to 55k
If they had added an LSD from standard to the M235i, nobody would have bought the M2. With the hatch version, the M135i, you can order one from factory. Or just get the M-performance one put in, but the Quaife is way better and needs less maintenance,
m235i vs Nissan 370Z wanna get the m235i but just scared of reliability but I feel like I get the 370z then I’ll regret not getting the m235i. What are your thoughts?
Good comparison. The m235i is more reliable than other n55 powered cars as it shares a lot of parts with the S55. The M235i is faster in a straight line especially after bolt on mods. They’re pretty close handling wise. The m235inis more functional with a bigger trunk and back seat though.
I’m on my second Manual M235i > you will never go wrong.
Its going to sound crazy that I want to trade my e60 m5 for a m235i!
It’s not crazy, it’s a much more reliable platform and can be just as fast with a few mods. I’m selling my m235i if you’re interested.
Low Boost Films unfortunately I live in the uk. I have found one it’s a stage 2 with 415hp, going to test drive it. If it puts a massive smile on my face like the e60 m5 does I think I’ll get it. In a ideal world I would have both!
Not many things sound like that beautiful V10 just a heads up!
Nice video. I’ve got a 2016 M235i xdrive currently FBO(intake, chargepipe, intercooler, catless downpipe and BM3 stage 2 agg tune). Thinking about running methanol or some type of E30(?) fuel. How do I go about running methanol or E gas? I’ve seen meth kits online but have been told you can just use 93 octane mixed with E85 to create your own E gas mix. Any advice on how to make sure you’re mixing the right parts of octane plus E85? Or race gas? I see the tunes on BM3 but want to get it set up to run correctly before returning.
That’s a really good question maybe I should do a video on that. There is a really good ethanol calculator you can find on Google. You don’t want to go more than a 30% ethanol mix (e30) Your high pressure fuel pump can’t keep up. You can mix 93 (which is usually 10% ethanol anyway) and E 85 to make e30. Check out my Dyno video comparing 93 to e30
Buy an Rev X ethanol tester on amazon, measure the E85 at the pump to make sure it's actually 85 and not 90 or 70 or whatever. Once you figure that out, use this www.georgebelton.com/E85Calculator.php and mix accordingly.
You don’t have tire temp in you m235i?
Edit: i have MY16 and it has temps and pressures
Great video. Just picked up an m240 and love it but would love a little more grip when taking off in a straight line. You think wider tires would help more for straight line stuff than an LSD? Trying to figure out which to spend the money on
LSD is what you should spend the money on lol. I hooked well with NT05. They’re great on the street and are good in the rain. At the drag strip on my R888R I spun my clutch lol. They hook! But they’re terrible in the rain, and they’re loud.
@@LowBoostFilms 👍🏼👍🏼
Because of the LSD comment, i subbed lol. Good job! Great info and content. 🤙
Thanks! That still gets me going today lol
Dope Video Ken
Thanks!
just get stiffer lowering springs and keep the magna-ride and then 19" wheels 245/30/19 front & 265/30/19 rear.. they will fit, grip and look wider.. good set up for red manual M235i I have it on mine I'm at about 505WHP with BM3 Tune, Catless down pipe, ER charge pipe,VRSF 6.5" cooler, Injen Short Ram cold air intake, DV+ Blow Off valve and Pure stage2 turbo kit installed. the back end still get squirlly but when the road and tires and hot its perfect.
I already have lowering springs, and there is so much more to the M2 that makes it such a stiffer car. I didn’t think so until I drove it. As far as going that wide with tires there is no way I could do that and track it. It’s just too wide especially with the lowering springs, I cut a tire at the track trying to go too wide. You have all the goodies on your car! I made 391whp with FBO but jb4. Probably could have made more with bm3.
@@LowBoostFilms yea bro I know what you mean, I drive more on the streets. But have you ever got a quote or looked into spot/stitch welding you chassis to make it stiffer it make a huge difference especially if you track it and go for time attack. You can have great suspension but if the chassis is jelly and has too much Flex you loose your lines and one wheel spin
@@LowBoostFilms Also would highly recommend BM3 and if you don't mind can I ask you why you when with a JB4 instead of BootMod3?
I got the car a while ago and jb4 was the only tune available at the time, it worked great and I got used to it. I put together a list of what I’d need to make it a better track car (kw coils, LSD, chassis stiffening etc) and it just wasn’t worth it. I got another dedicated track car for what it would cost to modify this more. C5 corvette, it’s not nearly as nice at all, but I paid cash so I don’t need track insurance. Much cheaper so I can track it more often.
@@LowBoostFilms yea bro that's what I'm planning on doing best option it's get something decent and cheap and put the money into parts. But you have yourself a clean look F22 it's a mint street car with enough power you can daily and Hoon around.. and the Vette it's a good place to build off of just more weight and not as evenly distributed weight, also in my opinion Just a big difference from a BMW especially 2 series.
Have you added an LSD diff to your M235i? That's the real difference. Mod an M235i, xHP the box if the auto, MHD the engine to stage 2+, i/c, downpipe, exhaust, charge pipe, coil overs, a GTS hood, some sick wheels, like 19" BMW 403M from an F30 fit perfect and flush without spacers needed, and you have a car as good as an M2 at a fraction of the price..
I looked into all of those modifications and said to myself I could buy a C5 Corvette for less and it would be faster. And I was right lol. My very first session on track in my Corvette was a second faster than I ever was in the M235i, and that was when the Corvette was bone stock. Also, because it’s such a cheap car, I don’t need track insurance which saves me $300 every time I go. By
@@LowBoostFilms But a stock c5 specs are slower than an M235i. I can imagine that for a C6, but not C5. Unless you put on one of the myriad superchargers you can get for an LS. My M135i, stage 2+, eats my mates mildly modded c5. We both have around 400hp. His is an auto though vs the best auto ever zf8, especially when you xHP the zf8's software. The LS would be better to make big hp on a budget though, if fuel and tyres wasn't a consideration. My M135i is quite a lot faster to 100mph, and they are basically a hatch version on the M235i. I'm not saying you're lying, but the stock times speak for themselves. I would rather have a Corvette C5 in manual though. I just drive 80kms a day to and back from work, and petrol is silly money here in New Zealand. Eco-mode really helps in the BMW. You have one fast C5 there mate, or maybe just suits your driving style more. Cheers
@@Tight--LiNeZhorsepower doesn’t matter as much on track, and it’s lighter than an m235i. The big thing the m235i lacks is tires, I had 255 in the back 235 in the front so not nearly as much mechanical grip as the corvette, which has 315s in the back AND in the front. Now with the cam swap it also makes over 400whp as well so I’m just as fast as I was on the straights as I was in the m235i
@@LowBoostFilmswhat car would you choose as a daily, now having experienced both?
@@crescentlust6113 both would be a great daily honestly. The only edge I would give to the M235i is if you wanted something that was also all-wheel-drive if you live in a snowy environment. But you would lose the manual transmission as they only made them in an automatic.
Say that manifest to McLaren, none of their supercars has LSD.....XD
What?!?! That’s insane
to this day we still do not know what stassis chiffness is
Haha I guess not
I have a new M2 Competition. I am new to BMW. I am disappointed in the Display. Like the performance.
As a track car it should display Engine info. Like temp, pressure. Basic info. I can only find oil temp, But that displaces Digital Speed.
So in Europe I had kmh set on the digital and never used the mph Dial. So had to toggle to see Oil temp and wait for measurement.
So anyway are BMW car displays all this Bad?
You’re not the first person to complain about these display problems, other models don’t have this issue I don’t know what BMW was thinking. Have you tracked it at all yet? What’s your thoughts on the handling?
@@LowBoostFilms July and August 2019, Nordschleife, 286 laps. 08.08.19 Spin. (click on the round thumb nail by Ring Dave to see my video) only 46 seconds.
the cars acceleration is great, the brakes are great. my driving not so good; 3 sets of tires. Needs sport suspension for Nordschleife.
Yea I’ve heard that too. I’ve also heard the brakes struggle a little because it’s heavier than the older m2. Still an awesome car. I’d like to see it some more!
@@LowBoostFilms I did not have any issues with Brakes. Replaced front pads after 200 laps. New tires, oil change, brake pads.
I understand that the "Ring Tools" modified M2 comp, replace brake lines, but I really don't know.
I do not drive hard enough to really test the car. 1. do not crash 2. complete the lap 3. do not crash, have fun.
I coast into corners and then brake, worse than early braking, so my lap times are not fast; 8:32 lap time. Not rich can't be abusive or crash.
I like the car, the seats are great; The Display is crap. When the low fuel warning comes on, It replaces the digital speed with a pump image.
I can always see the time and outside temp; but braking into Bergwerk and glancing to check speed, I see a fuel pump. Crap.
Is the m2 a good daily driving car?
Yea it is, not so much in the winter unless you get a nice set of snow tires.
Hey, what is the Name uff the App you are using to track your temperatures ? Great video !!!
Thanks! That’s the JB4 mobile Bluetooth app. It only works with JB4 tuned cars
No need to ask other people for their opinion. It sounds like you really want the M2. Everything you mention points it in that direction. It doesn’t seem like your really happy with your car at all (no LSD, etc). Your probably regretting that you should of waited for the right car. Just sell it, trade it in or use it as a daily beater, and be done with it. Buy the M2 already.
I really still like the M235i and comparatively it’s a lot less than the m2. I actually bought a C-5 Corvette to use as a track rat. No car loan means no track insurance. An m2 would be a lot more expensive to track. I still have the m235i for now.
@@LowBoostFilms I had a C6 also. I should of kept it but I didn't have an extra parking spot. Agree. The M235 is still a capable car and I think you should keep it. Hopefully you can find a nice preowned M2 that has already taken the depreciation hit at a good price.
Great video!
Thanks! What would you like to see me cover next?
Low Boost Films honestly I’ve been waiting for someone to make this exact video lol! But I think it’d be cool if maybe you just did some straight line racing against some other cars in your class. Wether it be from a dig or a roll race I personally think it’d be pretty cool to see some races like that
Chris Hopkins We ended up not doing the race between the two because we didn’t think it was fair. My car makes about 60 more horsepower to the tire and they weigh almost the same. I have roll raced a stock m2 and I beat it by almost 4 cars. I Might do a segment like you said against some other cars in its class, but of course those would be found on a track or in Mexico LOL
But you could have gotten an LSD put on by the dealer for an optional extra. Why didn't you and you still can.
I got it used so that wasn’t an option. I looked at buying one and they’re $3,000 :/ juice isn’t worth the squeeze, plus the suspension I’d need is over $4,000 so for that I could get another track ready car
Good content, as a N55 M2 owner I’d say it’s worth the trade up as it would address most of the issues you have with the M235i. As you mentioned the S55 comes with a risk of crank hub issues and also has a lack lustre exhaust note. There is not much out there that will give you what the N55 M2 offers at that price point. You could wait for the next gen M2 possibly with the the S58 however you’d be looking at a lot more $.
You’re right! But Deep down I want to be able to track more often for less $$. So I actually bought a car I don’t need a loan on so I don’t need track insurance. But I really was considering getting an N55 m2 if I was only gonna track it 2 times a year. But i want to go 10 lol
Where did you get your rims on the 235?
Which ones? The silver ones are VMR v710, the black are reps but almost identical
Never understood why my 235 doesn’t have LSD
Me neither, it should be standard!
So you don't consider the E46 M3 CSL one of the greatest handling cars BMW ever made?????
No because you can’t find them in the US no matter how hard you try. And the m2 handles better.
@@LowBoostFilmsDid you get the M2. I am hungry for one now.
@@cammgt3rs370 no, but not because it’s not an amazing car. I wanted a car that I could take to a race track all the time without track insurance and not cry if it broke, so I ended up with a C5 Corvette.
@@LowBoostFilms how do you like the handling C5 Vette vs BMW?
@@cammgt3rs370I had 50 plus laps of experience at my home track in the m235i and had a 1:43.7. First session with the stock C5 I had a 1:42.7 now I have a 1:38.4 in the vette modded. Not having an lsd kills the m235i, and honestly I don’t think I’d be as fast in an m2. But both bmws drive and feel better than the c5, the c5 is just a better handling and faster car. I have 315/30/18 tires in the front and back!
m8 ive seen two of your video and love ya but cant you just buy the lsd and install it yourself? ive heard its simple todo as a former evo owner(totaled by senior citizen) the car was very mushy when i got it....before it was totaled it was stiffer than a 18 year old after eating a box of viagra...the open diff scares me i know what its like bc my evo awc would break and the car would become open diff ;/ not fun
I could install the LSD, but on this car it’s $3,000. So it’s not worth it.
@@LowBoostFilms i just checked the prices...i didnt expect 2500+ bimmer tax :( im getting another evo i dont like how the parts are 5x normal prices
It’s because it’s the M2 diff basically. Between the LSD and hood coil overs I could buy a better track car lol. So I did. I got a C5 corvette now.
@@LowBoostFilms you savage ....the 235 is a weapon no doubt ...i’ve never seen so many sour m2 and m4 owners before the 235 triggers them lol why?
@@LowBoostFilms could check junkyards for a lsd but maybe a difficult search i cant imagine them being more then 1000 used
7:15 What is that app his running on his iPhone?
That’s the JB4 Mobile app. It allows you to change tunes on the fly, as well as log and code check as well. Also has gauges!
Lol made me laugh about the lsd 😄 I hear ya brotha! I wanted to bitch slap Porsche for making the 981 without an lsd smh
Haha thanks! I fee you fir sure!
How did you get a 235i for 30 grand?
Well, I got it used. I sell it to you now for 25k as I got another car.
Whenever he says different/difference read M2 is better.
M2 diff is 'different'
More or less haha
B58>
Agreed, they should have put that in the M2. Even in the M240i, the car has its limitations with handling performance.