Having recently spent time behind the wheel of both the 2016 BMW M2 and the M235i, I wanted to share my initial driving observations and provide a detailed comparison for those considering either of these performance coupes. This review dives into the key differences and similarities, focusing on aspects from daily drivability to track performance, to help you make an informed decision.
Overall Driving Experience: Stepping Up the Performance Ladder
Right off the bat, it’s clear the 2016 M2 is a significant step up in performance compared to the M235i. The engine note is noticeably more aggressive and engaging, hinting at the increased power and capabilities under the hood. The handling is far sharper and more precise, making the M2 feel incredibly agile and responsive. Braking performance is also significantly improved, providing confident and powerful stopping power. However, this heightened performance comes with trade-offs. The ride in the 2016 M2 is firmer, and the cabin is considerably louder, especially on rough road surfaces, with more rattles and road noise permeating the interior.
Ride Quality and Comfort: Striking a Balance
The ride quality is one of the most discussed aspects when comparing the M2 and M235i. The 2016 M2 delivers a noticeably firmer ride. While some might perceive this firmness as harsh, I found it to be perfectly acceptable, especially considering the performance gains. In fact, having owned a Porsche Cayman previously, I can attest that the M2’s ride, while firm, isn’t punishing. It’s compliant enough for daily driving, but it can become bouncy over larger bumps.
The M235i, in contrast, offers a more compliant and comfortable ride, especially in comfort mode. However, this softer setup results in more body roll during cornering. While the M2’s stiffer ride might be less forgiving on imperfect roads, it provides superior control and feedback, contributing to its sharper handling. One area where the M235i truly shines is in cabin quietness. It significantly reduces tire noise, rattles, and overall road noise, creating a more refined and luxurious cruising experience. It’s a shame the 2016 M2 doesn’t offer an adjustable suspension system similar to the M3/M4, which would allow for a better balance between comfort and performance.
Powertrain and Transmission: DCT vs. ZF 8-Speed
Delving into the powertrain, the 2016 M2’s throttle response, surprisingly, doesn’t feel as immediate as the M235i. This could be attributed to turbo lag or tuning differences. When it comes to transmissions, the ZF 8-speed automatic in the M235i is remarkably superior to the M2’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) in automatic mode for everyday driving. The DCT in the M2 tends to upshift to second gear too quickly in comfort mode and feels sluggish to respond in automatic modes overall. The gear ratios in the DCT also feel taller, which, combined with the slight increase in turbo lag, diminishes the sensation of low-end torque that the M235i, with its ZF transmission, delivers so effortlessly. The M235i felt like it had readily available torque at any moment, and the ZF transmission intuitively knew how to access it in automatic mode.
However, switch to manual mode, and the DCT in the 2016 M2 comes alive. In manual mode, the DCT offers lightning-fast gear changes that the ZF 8-speed can’t quite match. Despite this manual mode advantage, the automatic algorithms of the M2’s DCT are not as refined or intuitive as Porsche’s PDK or even the ZF 8-speed. Furthermore, the DCT can exhibit some mechanical noises, including rattles and whines, which can raise concerns about long-term reliability. Interestingly, despite being demonstrably faster than the M235i, the 2016 M2 sometimes doesn’t “feel” as quick in daily driving due to the taller gearing and initial lag.
Performance and Handling: Track-Ready Prowess
In terms of outright performance, the 2016 M2 is undeniably faster, but the difference in perceived speed isn’t always dramatic. The M235i, with its strong low-end torque delivery, often “felt” quicker in everyday driving situations below 70 mph. However, when it comes to handling, the M2 is in a different league. The 2016 M2’s handling is significantly superior; it’s incredibly precise, agile, and exhibits minimal body roll in corners, making the M235i feel comparatively less focused and more like a comfortable sedan.
Side-by-side comparison of the 2016 BMW M2 highlighting wider fenders and aggressive stance compared to the more understated BMW M235i.
Braking is another area where the 2016 M2 excels. The brakes are significantly more powerful and require less effort, providing much shorter stopping distances with reduced brake dive. The steering in the M2 is also vastly improved, offering quicker reactions and a more direct feel thanks to a faster steering ratio. The car corners incredibly flat, and the M-differential makes controlled drifts out of corners both exhilarating and surprisingly easy. While the DCT could use further refinement, it remains preferable to the manual transmission, at least in my opinion. BMW’s manual transmissions often have a rubbery feel, although some enthusiasts appreciate them. It’s worth noting that ZF manufactures both BMW’s 8-speed automatics and Porsche’s acclaimed PDK. One might wonder why BMW doesn’t utilize PDK for even greater transmission performance, but the DCT, especially in manual mode, still provides a very engaging driving experience in the 2016 M2.
Ideally, even more performance could be unlocked with shorter gearing, reduced turbo lag, and perhaps an additional 50-75 horsepower coupled with a slight weight reduction. However, even in its current form, the 2016 M2 feels incredibly alive and eager, like a spirited and playful bulldog, ready to attack corners and deliver thrills. The M235i also possesses this playful character, but the M2 amplifies it significantly.
Appearance and Design: Aggressive vs. Understated
Visually, the 2016 M2 stands apart from the M235i. The wider fenders and larger brakes of the M2 make the M235i appear somewhat subdued in comparison. While the M2’s design might not be universally considered beautiful, it undeniably exudes a more aggressive, wide, and purposeful stance. The wider fenders, in particular, give it a more muscular and track-ready aesthetic, almost like it rolled straight out of a DTM race. Personally, I find the M2’s appearance very appealing in its purposeful aggression.
Summary and Conclusion: Choosing the Right 2-Series
In summary, the M235i is surprisingly accomplished, delivering around 90% of the M2’s overall experience in many respects. Parked side-by-side, however, the more restrained appearance of the M235i becomes apparent. The M235i offers a more comfortable ride in comfort mode and is generally easier to live with on a daily basis due to its quieter cabin and smoother transmission in automatic mode.
However, for driving enthusiasts seeking ultimate performance and engagement, the 2016 M2 is the clear choice. The sharper handling, more aggressive exhaust note, and especially the visually striking wider fenders and larger brakes are compelling reasons to opt for the M2. The decision between the two is closer than initially expected, highlighting just how good the M235i is as a performance coupe. If BMW offered a widebody kit for the M235i/M240i, the decision might be even more challenging.
Update After a Month with the 2016 M2:
After living with the 2016 M2 for about a month, my appreciation for it has only grown. While I’ve become more accustomed to the firmer ride and increased interior noise, I now find myself wanting even more engine and exhaust sound. The stock M2 exhaust note is already more aggressive and meaner than the M235i with the M Performance exhaust, but the desire for an even richer sound experience is definitely there. Conversely, the tire, wind, and road noise remain a point of concern, and I am considering adding more insulation to mitigate this. What has become undeniable is the sheer speed of the 2016 M2.
Switching back to the M235i for a direct comparison after a month with the M2 revealed some stark differences:
- Seats: The M235i seats are significantly more comfortable while offering comparable bolstering. The 2016 M2 seats, in contrast, feel very firm, almost like sitting on a hard bench. Interestingly, my experience with 2018 M2 seats in a rental car was much more positive, suggesting potential seat upgrades in later model years.
- Ride Quality (Revisited): The M235i’s ride, which I initially praised, now felt excessively soft and floaty, even in Sport+ mode. The 2016 M2, in comparison, feels incredibly connected to the road and alive. The body roll in the M235i, while still respectable, is now much more noticeable. The lack of a limited-slip differential in the M235i also becomes more apparent, with the inside wheel spinning during aggressive cornering.
- Interior Noise and Transmission (Revisited): The M235i is considerably quieter inside, and the ZF transmission proves to be superior to the DCT for about 90% of driving situations, excluding maximum attack track driving. The ZF shifts more smoothly and intuitively in automatic mode and is only marginally slower in manual mode. The ZF 8-speed’s overall excellence is truly remarkable. The DCT, while superior in manual mode, can exhibit surprisingly violent full-throttle upshifts, unlike the smoother PDK in my previous Porsche Cayman.
- Perceived Speed (Revisited): Initially, the 2016 M2 didn’t feel dramatically faster. However, after driving the M235i again and immediately jumping back into the M2, the M2’s acceleration felt genuinely explosive.
In conclusion, the 2016 M2 is a much more serious performance machine, bringing back memories of my Porsche Cayman and 911 in its precision and aggression. This engaging character is addictive, despite the increased road noise and firmer ride. The M235i remains a fantastic car, but in direct comparison, it feels more like a comfortable and fast 2-door sedan rather than the hardcore, focused experience of the M2. My decision is firmly in favor of keeping the 2016 M2 and selling the M235i. The M2 has won me over with its short, squat, and assertive personality – a genuinely fun and characterful sports car that stands out in today’s automotive landscape. This comparison hopefully provides valuable insights for anyone considering these two exceptional BMW coupes.
