THE BMW M235i CONVERTIBLE F23.
The open-top BMW M235i F23 introduced maximum sportiness to the premium compact segment in a convertible thanks to M specific chassis components and a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and 240 kW (326 hp). In addition, the M235i was distinguished by rear-wheel drive with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, unique in this segment. The offer was complemented by the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system. The BMW M235i Convertible F23 thus offered a driving experience that spanned the entire spectrum from relaxed cruising to ambitious cornering dynamics and was leading in its class.
5 POWERFUL FACTS:
- 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine (N55B30)
- Max. output: 240 kW (326 hp)
- Max. torque: 450 Nm
- M Performance convertible in the compact segment
- From 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds*
* with 8-speed Steptronic sport transmission and BMW xDrive
CONVERTIBLE DESIGN MEETS DRIVING DYNAMICS.
CONVERTIBLE DESIGN MEETS DRIVING DYNAMICS.
True to the motto “character before conformity”, the BMW M235i Convertible F23 offered driving freedom that effortlessly combined everyday comfort with genuine driving dynamics. The distinctive exterior design – which also characterised its closed-top sibling, the BMW M235i Coupé F22 – caught the eye at first glance. The convertible presented elegantly elongated lines and a flat silhouette with a distinctive character line. This was complemented by dynamic short overhangs with a long engine bonnet and rearward passenger compartment, a long wheelbase and wide track. The powerfully sculpted rear wheel arches were a particularly eye-catching feature of the bodywork, hinting at the rear-wheel drive. Subtly contrasting design details such as the exterior mirrors, model lettering and accent strips in Ferric Grey on the front side air intakes were further features.
The proven 50:50 weight distribution, which already ensured stable and agile handling in the closed models, has been retained. In addition, the engineers optimised the body based on the BMW 1 Series body structure that achieved a 5‑star rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) crash test. They also increased torsional rigidity by around 20 percent compared to the previous E88 convertible.
Another outstanding feature of the convertible was its high-quality, electrically operated soft top. Thanks to additional insulation, it offered optimised acoustic comfort when closed. What's more, it could be opened while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h – in just 20 seconds.
The BMW M235i Convertible F23 also set new standards in terms of performance. Its powerful inline six-cylinder engine with 240 kW (326 hp) produced 450 Nm of torque which was transferred to the road via a 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. With both transmission types, power was transferred to the rear axle. This rear-wheel drive, unique in its segment, was very popular with enthusiasts for good reason, as it gave the BMW M235i Convertible F23 unique driving dynamics.
In the version with 6-speed manual transmission, the rear-wheel drive catapulted the performance convertible from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, and in 5.0 seconds with the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. In summer 2015, the open-top M235i also became available with intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive and an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, a first for a compact convertible from the brand. This reduced the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h to 4.9 seconds. The top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h for all drive variants.
TRIUMPH AT READERS’ POLL.
M Performance in an open-top compact model turned out to be a combination that sparked strong enthusiasm in the community. During a poll for the sportiest cars of 2016, readers of the German trade magazine “sport auto” couldn’t ignore the performance convertible. As a result, the BMW M235i Convertible F23 secured the “sport auto Award” in its category.
OPEN FOR A SECOND ROUND – THE BMW M240i CONVERTIBLE F23.
OPEN FOR A SECOND ROUND – THE BMW M240i CONVERTIBLE F23.
The BMW M235i Convertible F23 raised the bar in the premium compact class in terms of dynamics, looks and emotion. With the model update in 2016, the BMW M240i Convertible F23 consistently continued this successful concept. Visible modifications to the exterior gave the vehicle an even more athletic appearance. The optional black kidney grille made the front of the new model appear wider and gave it an even sportier look. The performance convertible now came with Bi-LED headlights as standard, with adaptive full-LED headlights available as an option. The rear also produced a more muscular impression due to the revised rear lights. Coming in LED as a standard, the lights are a one-piece construction in distinctive L-shape – typical of the time – that extends far into the flanks. In addition, the drive system received a noticeable performance boost. The new B58 engine delivered 250 kW (340 hp), while torque increased to an impressive 500 Nm. Equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the performance convertible broke the 100 km/h mark in just 4.7 seconds, and in the version with BMW xDrive, it even managed the sprint in 4.6 seconds.
5 POWERFUL FACTS:
- Max. output: 250 kW (340 hp)
- Max. torque: 500 Nm
- 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine (B58B30)
- More power and efficiency
- From 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds*
* with 8-speed Steptronic sport transmission and BMW xDrive
"SPORT AUTO AWARD“– TAKE TWO.
Like its predecessor, the BMW M240i Convertible F23 achieved an excellent result in the readers’ poll the following year. The dynamic convertible secured the 2017 “sport auto Award”. Readers were particularly impressed by the new generation under the bonnet. This once again confirmed the position of BMW M among performance-oriented readers.
Open-top driving pleasure with a powerful dash of typical M driving dynamics made the BMW M235i Convertible F23 and its successor, the BMW M240i Convertible F23, unique characters in their vehicle class. These were compact premium convertibles with six cylinders, rear-wheel drive, and genuine driving performance that offered a diverse, wide-ranging driving experience from casual open-top driving to dynamic sprinting. Thanks to this attractive combination of performance and open-top driving pleasure, the convertible remains a popular choice on the used car market today – and a future young classic with potential.
