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BMW M235i Racing Impresses on and Off the Track

‘Something’s fishy about the 2 Series’ we thought to ourselves when the Germans launched the privateer racing car, the M235i Racing. Something didn’t feel right and we didn’t believe for a second the denials of various officials about a possible M2.
BMW M235i Racing 1 photo
Photo: Screenshot from Youtube
When we saw that the M235i will be offered for VLN Endurance Races and other motorsport events, we knew something big was going to follow, something more radical than the ‘normal’ M Performance Automobile. Not because the Racing variant looked better but mostly because we knew that the chassis was capable of more.

Fortunately, we were right, and just weeks after the M235i first reached dealerships around the world, we spotted the first M2 prototype testing on public roads. We were relieved.

You might think we’re exaggerating a bit but, I assure you, we’re not! It’s not just because we’ll get a new model from BMW’s M division but also because this is a true return to basics for the Bavarian company.

Small, agile, powerful rear-wheel-drive models are what built the M reputation and they have gone missing in the last few years. Even the E92 M3 grew a little too big for our taste, despite having that awesome naturally aspirated V8 under the bonnet.

The new 2 Series platform is perfect for all sorts of racing. That’s why the M235i Racing model is selling like hot cakes these days and, if you’re lucky enough, you can get to see one on the track and hear it’s impressive roar.

Unlike the road-going model, those prepared for track have different specs. The engine makes 333 HP instead of 326 HP while the torque figure remains the same at 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque.

Under the body, a new racing exhaust was fitted with racing catalytic converters. This new system meets up with a limited-slip-differential at the rear axle and a TANK Motorsport safety tank, all of them specially fitted to the car to make it track safe.

The suspension was also tweaked, the standard kit being replaced by KW dampers and H&R springs and anti-roll bars font and back.

All the seats have been removed and Recaro ones were installed in the front, with 6-point racing harnesses from Schroth. All these changes add up to a more expensive car, of course, the M235i Racing starting at €59,500 (including VAT). That’s €17,000 more than the standard model.

If you want the added performance but don’t want to give up on the comfort of the car, you can go for TuningWerk’s 450 HP monster that will surely address your thirst of adrenaline. Check them both out, below.

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