2014 BMW M235i

This BMW M235i is a superb example of one of the best performance coupes of recent years, finished in a vibrant factory colour combination and with a high specification. It is powered by the 322bhp 3.0-litre straight-six N55 engine, driven through the rear wheels via the eight-speed ZF Sport Automatic transmission with wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The odometer indicates 39,502 miles from new.

First registered in June 2014, this M235i has just two previous registered keepers on the V5C log book. The seller has owned the car for approximately one year, and has covered around 8,250 miles on the road.

The car is not yet six years old, and as you would expect the bodywork remains in superb condition. There are no dents, scratches or other damage to any of the panels, and the stylish Estoril Blue paint has a smooth and glossy appearance all around the body.

All of the light lenses and window trims are in good order, with no visible wear, and the bright paintwork is complemented by the high-gloss Shadow Line trim accents. The car sits on the original 18-inch double-spoke Ferric Grey light alloys, which have a couple of small chips in the paint on the nearside front wheel, but which are otherwise in pristine condition.

Inside, the colour scheme consists of Coral Red Dakota leather with contrasting black accents. The upholstery is in great shape throughout, with only a tiny patch of discolouration to the inside of the driver’s door-side seat bolster. The cabin trim around the centre console, dashboard and door handles features an aluminium hexagonal finish. The trim fixture around the driver’s door handle has lifted off its backing slightly, and there is a small scratch in the panel surrounding the iDrive controller.

The electrically adjustable Sport seats have memory settings for the driver, as well as extendable thigh support squabs. Other factory-fitted equipment includes dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, auto-dimming rear-view and wing mirrors, and the BMW Professional media system with satellite navigation and DAB digital radio.

The last scheduled maintenance was on 3 May 2019 at 34,142 miles at Charles Hurst in Belfast. This comprised of replacement of the engine oil and oil filter, a new sump plug gasket, topping up of all fluid levels, checking tyre pressures and re-torquing the wheel nuts. In early 2020, it also had the boot latch replaced at BMW specialist Munich Legends.

Prior to this, the previous services are recorded on the iDrive system in the car, dating to June 2018 at 27,854 miles, May 2017 at 20,151 miles, and June 2016 at 13,409 miles.

Its most recent MOT test was on 2 August 2019 in Northern Ireland, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or notes on defects. The alloy wheels are fitted with a set of Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres in size 225/40 R18 at the front and 245/35 R18 at the rear. The front tyres are date-coded to 2018 and the rears to 2017, and all remain in good condition with a decent level of tread remaining.

The car is accompanied by a complete book pack, including the owner’s manual, quick reference guide, warranty and servicing booklet, and other user guides, as well as sundry paperwork for previous MOTs and the recent service visit. Two original keys are also present.

During the car’s launch, Autocar magazine stated: “the sweet spot between the frenzied 1-series M Coupé and rather more neutral M135i has been brilliantly realised, yielding a compact rear-drive sports car of the highest order”.

Later, in a comparison against BMW’s own M4 and Alpina’s B4 Biturbo, Andrew Frankel said: “the M235i sets the bar unexpectedly high for a car not meant to be seen as a proper M car”, and it went on to win the group test.

This BMW M235i is an exciting and responsive car, which is arguably one of the performance bargains of the decade. It boasts everyday practicality and surprisingly good long-distance fuel economy, while remaining a thrilling rear-wheel-drive coupe. This is a cherished example with a great specification, which is now offered to another enthusiast to enjoy.