Having recently spent time behind the wheel of the 2016 BMW M2, I wanted to share some initial thoughts comparing it to the M235i. This comparison focuses on key aspects from daily driving to performance handling, providing a detailed look at how these two models stack up.
Ride Quality and Comfort
The first thing noticeable is the ride. The 2016 M2 definitely offers a firmer ride compared to the M235i. While some reviews have described the M2’s ride as harsh, I wouldn’t go that far. Having owned a Porsche Cayman previously, I can confidently say the M2 is significantly more compliant than that. You do feel bumps more, and on rough roads, there’s increased rattling inside the cabin, likely a byproduct of the stiffer suspension. The M235i, in its comfort setting, is undoubtedly softer and absorbs road imperfections better, but this comes at the cost of increased body roll during cornering. Personally, I prefer the M2’s sharper responses and find the stiffer ride acceptable for daily driving. However, if outright comfort and a more luxurious feel when cruising are priorities, the M235i has a clear edge with its quieter cabin and less road noise. It’s a shame the 2016 M2 doesn’t offer the adaptive suspension found in models like the M3 and M4, which would provide a greater range of adjustability.
Powertrain and Transmission Performance
Moving to the powertrain, the throttle response in the 2016 M2 feels slightly less immediate than in the M235i. Regarding transmissions, the ZF 8-speed automatic in the M235i is noticeably superior to the M2’s DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) when driving in automatic mode. In comfort mode, the DCT in the M2 tends to upshift to 2nd gear almost immediately and feels sluggish to react in automatic modes. The gear ratios also feel taller in the M2. Despite the M2 being demonstrably faster, the initial torque delivery and responsiveness of the M235i, paired with the ZF automatic, create a sensation of greater low-end grunt in everyday driving. The M235i’s ZF transmission always seemed to be in the right gear, offering instant power delivery. In contrast, the M2’s DCT in automatic mode can feel a bit hesitant. However, switch to manual mode, and the tables turn. The DCT comes alive, providing lightning-fast shifts that the ZF, as excellent as it is for a traditional automatic, simply cannot match. Despite the performance advantages of the DCT in manual mode, I find the automatic algorithms of the DCT in the 2016 M2 to be less refined compared to Porsche’s PDK or even the ZF 8-speed. Furthermore, the DCT in the M2 can exhibit some mechanical noises, including rattles and whining, which raise minor concerns about long-term durability. Interestingly, although the M2 is objectively quicker than the M235i, the taller gearing and slight lag in throttle response can sometimes make it feel subjectively slower, especially in daily driving scenarios.
Performance Handling and Braking
In terms of outright performance, the 2016 M2 is undeniably faster than the M235i, though the difference in perceived speed isn’t always dramatic. The M235i delivers its torque in a more immediately rewarding manner, particularly from a standstill and at lower speeds (below 70mph), which contributes to a feeling of briskness in everyday driving. However, when it comes to handling, the M2 is in a different league. The precision, agility, and flat cornering of the M2 make the M235i feel comparatively less focused, almost sedan-like in its handling dynamics. The braking performance of the 2016 M2 is also significantly superior. The brakes offer immense stopping power with minimal effort and reduced brake dive compared to the M235i. Steering feel and responsiveness are also vastly improved in the M2. The quicker steering ratio translates to faster reactions and a more direct connection to the road. The M2 corners incredibly flat, and the M-differential makes controlled drifts out of corners both exhilarating and surprisingly easy. While the DCT transmission could benefit from further refinement, particularly in automatic modes, I still prefer it over the manual option in the M2. BMW’s manual transmissions are often criticized for a somewhat rubbery feel, although some drivers do appreciate them. It’s worth noting that ZF, the manufacturer of BMW’s excellent 8-speed automatic, also produces Porsche’s PDK transmission. One might wonder why BMW doesn’t utilize the PDK, which is widely regarded as superior to their DCT. Overall, the 2016 M2 is a thrilling performance machine. While shorter gearing, reduced turbo lag, and a modest power increase (around 50-75hp) combined with a slight weight reduction could potentially elevate it to perfection, the M2’s character is already captivating. It consistently feels eager and alive, like a spirited and assertive bulldog, ready for spirited driving. The M235i also possesses this playful nature, but the M2 amplifies it significantly.
Exterior Appearance
Visually, the 2016 M2 stands apart. The wider fenders and larger brakes of the M2 make the M235i appear somewhat understated when parked side-by-side. While the M2’s styling might not be universally considered beautiful, it exudes a purposeful, aggressive stance that is very appealing. The wider fenders especially contribute to a more muscular and track-ready aesthetic, reminiscent of DTM racing cars. From an appearance perspective, the M2 is undoubtedly the more visually striking and aggressive car.
Summary and Final Thoughts
The 2016 BMW M2 has highlighted just how impressive the standard M235i truly is. In many respects, the M235i delivers approximately 90% of the M2’s overall driving experience. However, when viewed together, the visual distinction is undeniable, with the M235i appearing quite subtle in comparison. The M235i does offer a more comfortable ride in comfort mode and is arguably easier to live with on a daily basis due to its quieter cabin and smoother transmission in automatic mode. Despite these merits of the M235i, the M2 ultimately wins me over. The sharper handling dynamics, more aggressive exhaust note, and especially the visual appeal of the wider fenders and larger brakes are compelling. The decision between these two models is closer than I initially anticipated. If BMW offered a widebody option on the M235i or M240i, the choice might have been significantly more difficult, potentially even swaying me away from the M2.
One-Month Ownership Update (November 12, 2019)
After a month of driving the 2016 M2, my perspective has evolved. I’ve become more accustomed to the firmer ride and increased interior noise. Interestingly, I now find the engine and exhaust note to be almost too quiet, whereas the tire, wind, and road noise are still prominent and something I intend to address by adding some sound insulation. However, the sheer speed of the M2 is undeniable and truly impressive. While the M235i with the M Performance exhaust sounds good, the stock M2 exhaust has a more aggressive and meaner tone. In fact, I’m considering installing a catted downpipe to further enhance the engine sound, based on recommendations from online forums.
Switching back to the M235i for a direct comparison revealed further nuances. The seats in the M235i are considerably more comfortable than the M2’s seats, while still providing comparable bolstering. The M2 seats feel remarkably firm, almost like sitting on a hard bench. This is surprising, as I recall renting a 2018 M2 in Cancun and finding those seats comfortable. Perhaps the seats were updated in later models? My 2016 M2 seats are quite unforgiving on longer drives.
Furthermore, the ride quality of the M235i, which I initially praised, now feels excessively soft and floaty, almost like a Cadillac, particularly in Sport+ mode. The M2, in contrast, feels incredibly connected to the road and alive. I now recognize the considerable body roll present in the M235i, although it still handles remarkably well for what it is. The absence of a limited-slip differential in the M235i becomes more apparent now, with noticeable inside wheel spin during spirited cornering.
The M235i is significantly quieter inside, and the ZF transmission continues to impress, outperforming the DCT in the M2 for about 90% of driving situations, excluding truly aggressive, track-focused driving. The ZF shifts more intuitively and smoothly in automatic mode and is only marginally slower than the DCT in manual mode – around 90% as quick. The ZF transmission is truly exceptional. The DCT, while superior in manual mode for ultimate performance, exhibits surprisingly violent full-throttle upshifts, unlike the smoother PDK in my previous Porsche Cayman.
Initially, I underestimated the speed difference between the M2 and M235i. However, after driving the M235i again and immediately transitioning back to the M2, the M2 felt like a rocket in comparison.
In conclusion, the 2016 M2 emerges as a significantly more serious performance car, evoking the feel of my previous Porsche Cayman and 911, with an addictive level of precision and aggression, despite the increased road noise and firmer ride. The M235i remains a fantastic car, but in comparison to the hardcore M2, it now feels more like a comfortable and quick two-door sedan. Ultimately, I’ve decided to keep the M2 and sell the M235i. I’m genuinely developing a strong affection for the M2. It embodies the character of a compact, assertive, and playful bulldog of a car – immensely fun and brimming with character, a quality often lacking in modern sports cars.
This comparison hopefully provides helpful insights for those considering either the 2016 BMW M2 or M235i.
