I thought I would share my experience on testing the BMW M235i coupe and Audi S3 Saloon. I ordered the M235i over an S3. My thoughts were that on paper the Audi is better in many departments: it's lighter, has 4WD, Dual-clutch box, better interior, and is cheaper to run. However, having test-driven both, it's clear that the BMW is set up as a car to use every day. I didn't choose the adaptive suspension as it's comfortable enough, where as the Audi has two settings for ride comfort: uncomfortable and intolerable. The 8-Speed on the BMW makes long journey noticeably quieter too. However, when you push it, the BMW makes a nicer noise [vitally important :-)] Whilst the Audi has more grown-up looks, it's has a more extreme setup. Also, I managed to haggle more money off the BMW, which was a factor! The BMW is a hot-rod that's designed to be used daily, the Audi is a hot-rod that you can also use daily. In summary, there are pro's and con's to both. The differences are down to personal choice. If you buy either, you'll enjoy it.
I appreciate you comments on this because I'm in the same boat. Now when you say the Audi is cheaper to run that sparked my attention. In what ways in particular ? And speaking from your experience how has the M235i been with cost to run?
I've had the M235i for 4 months now and I'm still really loving it (I'm normally bored of a car by now!). The Audi has slightly better fuel econ. figures, and is in a lower tax band as a result. It also has a lower insurance group, although the affect of this will vary from person to person. Running costs of 235i are as expected. You can easily hit high 30s MPG on a long run and more if you're really sensible. One thing to note, the 8-speed in the BMW makes for much better long journeys as it's quieter and runs about 800RPM lower than the Audi. If you look at the extra-urban figures on the official fuel economy figures, the two cars are the same. Suggesting the 8-speed box offsets the larger engine, and heavier car. Ride comfort is acceptable in the BMW. My brother has an S3 and its a lot firmer. On a test drive, I was glad to get out after 15 minutes. The interior of the S3 though is sublime. BMW's is good , but not quite as elegantly finished.
I love the way that ALL motoring journalists say the want to test the top of the range model for the viewers when in reality they just want to drive faster more comfortable cars. You never see them driving the bottom of the range models.
+Calvin Chann That's because motoring Journalists get more views, more readers and more interest from people when reviewing the top end model.. People watch these video's not because they want to buy the car, but because they want entertainment... Take it from me - a motoring journalist.
Really great looking car. Bored with my 987.2 Boxster S and looking for a more comfortable but not boring convertible. This looks like it may fit the bill
I'm really struggling. I will buy one of the two - but which? These comments don't really help. I'm not a racing driver I like a decent performance. Current car 6cyl 2.3 Z4 - lovely. So which of these two is best? I really don't care about cup holders!
It's already April, aren't there supposed to be 15 plates from March? I know, you won't have a 15 plate on the first review of March, since you guys pre-record it, but it's April now...
Can someone explain to me who is a targeted buyer here? Obviously younger people cannot afford it, so only what comes in my mind is that the intended buyer is male, in 50s, divorced and in " desperate to copulate" mode
Ernesto Ortega R Its one of the cheapest bimmers you can buy as well as it being a convertible.. If your concerned about the sound.. don't buy a mercedes that's super overpriced, just get soft touch doors!
I thought I would share my experience on testing the BMW M235i coupe and Audi S3 Saloon.
I ordered the M235i over an S3. My thoughts were that on paper the Audi is better in many departments: it's lighter, has 4WD, Dual-clutch box, better interior, and is cheaper to run. However, having test-driven both, it's clear that the BMW is set up as a car to use every day. I didn't choose the adaptive suspension as it's comfortable enough, where as the Audi has two settings for ride comfort: uncomfortable and intolerable. The 8-Speed on the BMW makes long journey noticeably quieter too. However, when you push it, the BMW makes a nicer noise [vitally important :-)] Whilst the Audi has more grown-up looks, it's has a more extreme setup.
Also, I managed to haggle more money off the BMW, which was a factor!
The BMW is a hot-rod that's designed to be used daily, the Audi is a hot-rod that you can also use daily.
In summary, there are pro's and con's to both. The differences are down to personal choice. If you buy either, you'll enjoy it.
I appreciate you comments on this because I'm in the same boat. Now when you say the Audi is cheaper to run that sparked my attention. In what ways in particular ? And speaking from your experience how has the M235i been with cost to run?
I've had the M235i for 4 months now and I'm still really loving it (I'm normally bored of a car by now!). The Audi has slightly better fuel econ. figures, and is in a lower tax band as a result. It also has a lower insurance group, although the affect of this will vary from person to person. Running costs of 235i are as expected. You can easily hit high 30s MPG on a long run and more if you're really sensible. One thing to note, the 8-speed in the BMW makes for much better long journeys as it's quieter and runs about 800RPM lower than the Audi. If you look at the extra-urban figures on the official fuel economy figures, the two cars are the same. Suggesting the 8-speed box offsets the larger engine, and heavier car. Ride comfort is acceptable in the BMW. My brother has an S3 and its a lot firmer. On a test drive, I was glad to get out after 15 minutes. The interior of the S3 though is sublime. BMW's is good , but not quite as elegantly finished.
Thumbs up for reviewing a Cabrio during UK winter
I love the way that ALL motoring journalists say the want to test the top of the range model for the viewers when in reality they just want to drive faster more comfortable cars. You never see them driving the bottom of the range models.
+Calvin Chann That's because motoring Journalists get more views, more readers and more interest from people when reviewing the top end model.. People watch these video's not because they want to buy the car, but because they want entertainment... Take it from me - a motoring journalist.
Really great looking car. Bored with my 987.2 Boxster S and looking for a more comfortable but not boring convertible. This looks like it may fit the bill
Looks superb in red. Quite amazing value for money. Can anyone think of a better purchase at that price point?
Door shut sounded like my mk2 escort!
I'm really struggling. I will buy one of the two - but which? These comments don't really help. I'm not a racing driver I like a decent performance. Current car 6cyl 2.3 Z4 - lovely. So which of these two is best? I really don't care about cup holders!
This car really reminds me of my E36 325i Convertible. The door shut on the 2-Series Convertible sounds cheap if I am honest.
Oh shut up.
Getting a straight-six into such a short car is not an easy task.
It could well be at the expense of a star in NCAP.
Hello, how tall are you? Wondering for the sizing of back seats
BMW it will always be better then those posh VW they call Audi so, BMW wins :). Thanks for that video and see you with the next one
***** I'm still recovering from possibly the dumbest comment I've read today.
Mature, another thoughtfully planned, oh, sorry, I meant completely baseless comment. But yes, yes I do, because I'm not a guy. Well played.
It's already April, aren't there supposed to be 15 plates from March? I know, you won't have a 15 plate on the first review of March, since you guys pre-record it, but it's April now...
Can someone explain to me who is a targeted buyer here? Obviously younger people cannot afford it, so only what comes in my mind is that the intended buyer is male, in 50s, divorced and in " desperate to copulate" mode
Where I live I just see 40+ year old women driving these cars..
That's so true, a lot of M235i owners where I live are women between 30 and 40 years old and few men in their 40s also.
Curious, what kinda car do y’all drive?
I’m 24 and got this car 😂
This guy should get sacked Rebecca is 100X better at reviews then him, why are you comparing a shit car again the awesome bmw
£40k are you fucking joking me... For me I would get a decent spec 4series coupe!
It's not a convertible so not really comparable...
Ech... the way that door sounds when it shuts... I dunno, it just sounds tinny and cheap.
I was thinking that exact thing. Theres nothing like a solid Mercedes built quality car
Ernesto Ortega R Its one of the cheapest bimmers you can buy as well as it being a convertible.. If your concerned about the sound.. don't buy a mercedes that's super overpriced, just get soft touch doors!
It's got a double lock system that's why it sounds like that, i have the e90 335i so i now lol
My 14 year old Mercedes is a convertible too, and the doors give a reassuring "THUNK" when they're closed.
hahha i also have an older mercedes (98) and the whole car feels solid, even the newer benz's feel well put together.....
BMW M235i looks incomplete in terms of design. Somebody did something cruel to its rear.
All it needs is a bootlip and rear diffuser. I've done it to mine and it looks aggressive
I think you're incomplete in terms of a brain.
Theres something wrong with your zoom.
Brits love their BMWs more than they should. It's unreliable and noisy. BMW lost their way with their recent models.
Another BMW POs.
Pedro Pedrosoy wise words from someone that probably could never afford one.