beebs
Skip to main content

2016 BMW M235 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

BMW M235 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Coupe or convertible
  • Potent engine
  • Nimble handling

Cons

  • Small back seat
  • Stiff suspension
  • No smartphone integration

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 30 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

View our BMW M235 inventory
Lighting bolt logo
Can an EV fit my lifestyle? Image of woman on smartphone while charging an EV

Does an EV fit my lifestyle?

On this page

Find your M235
then buy online or in-store

Learn more about getting pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score
Price
Year
Search our M235 inventorySearch for a different car

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

Two door fun

If you are looking for a fun two-door coupe to tackle your favorite back road or a nimble convertible for open-air motoring, the 2016 M235i has you covered. While the standard BMW 235 has 240 horsepower for 2016, the M235i gets 320 horsepower from its 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine. That's quite an upgrade, and it doesn't end there. BMW engineers added upgraded suspension and brakes, a sport exhaust, and sportier steering to make you want to take the back way home every day. The inside also gets sporty trim upgrades and LED accent lights as well.

All BMW M235 years

What is new for the 2016 BMW M235?

  • New advanced safety features added to all models.
  • Enhanced infotainment system with larger touchscreen and improved connectivity options.
  • Increased fuel efficiency ratings across the model range.
  • Standard inclusion of premium audio system for higher trims.
  • Removal of manual transmission option from base model.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 BMW M235

1. Lots of standard features 

For the 2016 model year, the formerly optional Premium package is now standard on all M235i models. That means that you'll find standard features like leather upholstery, keyless ignition and entry, auto-dimming mirrors, interior ambient lighting, automatic dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-way power front sport seats, and an M Sport steering wheel. More standard features mean more comfort and more fun.  

2. Great engine 

Take a test drive in a 2016 M235i and you'll get access to a really fun engine — and therefore, a fun driving experience. The 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine makes 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is a no-cost option, or you can pair the 3.0L with an eight-speed automatic transmission.  

3. Technology onboard  

If you want to bring your favorite tech along with you, check out the standard Bluetooth® phone connectivity, BMW's iDrive® infotainment interface viewed through a 6.5-inch display and a 10-speaker sound system. The optional Technology package delivers a host of tech upgrades. You'll get a higher-resolution 8.8-inch display screen, navigation, an upgraded iDrive controller with a touchpad, and also a suite of BMW Apps and BMW Remote Services.

4. M-specific upgrades 

The larger engine is great, but the motorsport-inspired upgrades don't end there. The 2016 M235i has adaptive suspension dampers and a sportier variable-ratio steering to help with cornering, plus upgraded brakes to help you stop quicker. There are a bunch of exterior upgrades like darker trim, adaptive xenon headlights with LED accent lights, a sports exhaust system, gray mirror caps, a cool body kit, a rear spoiler, and a sunroof (coupe only).  

5. Tons of options 

The Technology package delivers great updates to the tech side, but there is more. The Cold Weather package gets you great additions like heated seats and a heated steering wheel while the Driver Assistance package provides additional driver aids like parking sensors and a rearview camera. There is also a Driver Assistance Plus package with even more driver aids like automatic headlights, a lane departure warning system, and a forward collision mitigation system. 

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

9 customer reviews
The 2016 BMW M235 impresses with its powerful engine, precise handling, and strong braking. Buyers appreciate its sporty design and high-performance feel. Though rear seating and fuel economy are noted drawbacks, it remains a thrilling choice for driving enthusiasts. Cabin noise and maintenance costs are occasional concerns.

BMW M235 features and specs

Curious how BMW M235 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

I 2D Convertible 2WD

Standard Features

  • Overhead Airbags
  • Heated Mirrors
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Soft Top
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • CD Audio
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Optional Features

  • Leatherette Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Automated Parking
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear View Camera
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Soft Top
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Manual Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.0L

Horsepower

320

Torque (ft-lbs)

330

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

13.7

Wheelbase

105.9"

Overall length

175.9"

Width

69.8"

Height

55.6"

Leg room

F 41.5"/R 31.8"

Head room

F 40.5"/R 37"

Front tires

P225/40YR18

Rear tires

P245/35YR18

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2016 BMW M235 FAQ

Research other vehicles


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.