[superjiji]

Hi guys I'm really close to placing an order on the 228i.

Are there any "must-have" options? As a first time BMW buyer I'm not too familiar with some of their options.

Please share some of your opinions!

Thanks

[superjiji]

This is what I'm planning on doing:

i228
Black Sapphire Metallic
Cold Weather Package
Driver Assistance Package
Dynamic Handling Package
Lighting Package
Moonroof
Parking Assistant

[VeryBadman]

IMHO, these are what I want to have in any of my cars:

- Navigation...It looks better with integrated system without anything hanging on your windshield or vent
- Memory seat...It's convenience if it's not just you who drive the car
- Parking assistant...The shared driveway at my house can be crowded from time to time so it's much easier to have parking aid

The rest is up to your taste. While body kit and steering wheel in M Sport package look very good, I like black side mirrors, some black accents in the body, red accent interior of sport package more but I have decided to go with sport package. Now I'm just waiting for M Steering wheel to arrive so I can have retrofit and it will be perfect for my liking.

[SteveMaguire]

Reviewing your list I didn't see where you stated the Sport Line or M Sport Line. If you plan on adding other M Performance Parts down the road I'd suggest adding the M Sport Package, otherwise a few of the M Performance cosmetic items will not fit; front splitter and rocker panel graphics and possibly the blades.

Also you didn't indicate which transmission, so I'm assuming your going with M/T, if not consider the sport automatic.

I'd also suggest you consider the technology package if your budget will allow.

[superjiji]

My budge is pretty much limited to around 35000 before tax so I really cant pick too many options unfortunately...

I got the dynamic option cause I heard it makes driving it a lot more fun? also I'm getting a automatic, what is a sport automatic??

Thanks guys

[Greenkirby21]

The upcoming track package + M Sport!

[overcoil]

Parking Assistance - have you tested it on the 2-series to know you like it.

Sunroof - will you use the sunroof ? I ask because I seldom use mine.

Cold Weather Pkg. I run with shorts on in freezing weather - so I guess I like the cold.

Dynamic Handling Pkg. That's a tough one - I'd probably skip that to keep the cost down. I thought the base suspension was good.

I'd be interested in the 18inch wheels, however if you think the larger sidewall of the 17inch will hold up better in your environment then that'd be smart.

The coolest items with the two series are standard; rear wheel drive, capable of sub six-second 0-60, an 8 spd automatic with a wild shifter.

[MikeG12]

Sports or MSport package--this gets you the sport seats, amongst other things, that are must haves IMO. Without the sport seats, the interior is like sitting in a Camry.

[Delnari]

I like the blacked out exterior option.

Black grills, black mirror caps, and emblems.

[SteveMaguire]

Originally Posted by superjiji

My budge is pretty much limited to around 35000 before tax so I really cant pick too many options unfortunately...

I got the dynamic option cause I heard it makes driving it a lot more fun? also I'm getting a automatic, what is a sport automatic??

Thanks guys

Sport Automatic gives you the paddles behind the steering wheel.

I see you live in Vegas. I wouldn't have thought you'd need the cold weather package.

[superjiji]

Originally Posted by SteveMaguire

Sport Automatic gives you the paddles behind the steering wheel.

I see you live in Vegas. I wouldn't have thought you'd need the cold weather package.

I'm from a tropical island so I'm really afraid of the cold >< Vegas gets like a freezer sometimes but I do have a garage now so maybe I wouldnt need the cold weather package since the car wont get as cold.

I dont see a sport automatic option on the site, is it in the US??

Thanks

[superjiji]

Originally Posted by notime

Parking Assistance - have you tested it on the 2-series to know you like it.

Sunroof - will you use the sunroof ? I ask because I seldom use mine.

Cold Weather Pkg. I run with shorts on in freezing weather - so I guess I like the cold.

Dynamic Handling Pkg. That's a tough one - I'd probably skip that to keep the cost down. I thought the base suspension was good.

I'd be interested in the 18inch wheels, however if you think the larger sidewall of the 17inch will hold up better in your environment then that'd be smart.

The coolest items with the two series are standard; rear wheel drive, capable of sub six-second 0-60, an 8 spd automatic with a wild shifter.

Yeah I used the sunroof of my old car almost everyday for some reason haha.

As far as Dynamic Handling Pkg, I only test drove 1 228i and it didnt have that, i have only heard that its more fun to drive cause you can switch modes?? I'm actually not too sure what it is...

I think I'm ok with the 17inch, I live in Vegas i think it'll be ok?

Thanks again

[valentinbmw]

1.- m pack or sport pack
2.- 18"...
3.- lightning pack...
4.- tech pack...
5.- premium pack...

in that order...

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by superjiji

Yeah I used the sunroof of my old car almost everyday for some reason haha.

As far as Dynamic Handling Pkg, I only test drove 1 228i and it didnt have that, i have only heard that its more fun to drive cause you can switch modes?? I'm actually not too sure what it is...

I think I'm ok with the 17inch, I live in Vegas i think it'll be ok?

Thanks again

The dynamic handling pkg as far as I can tell is a shock absorber that is computer controlled - sensors control how oil is manipulated in the shocks through opening and closing valves - dampening and control of the springs is the idea.
I haven't tested or compared to have any opinion - though most reports of the dynamic handling shocks on the M235 are very impressive.
I drove a base 228 and liked the smoothness on the highway, I though it was smoother and less fatiguing then the Audi A3 I tested.

[adrianv]

Originally Posted by superjiji

Are there any "must-have" options? As a first time BMW buyer I'm not too familiar with some of their options.

BMW likes to bury inexpensive desirable features behind expensive options packages. I.e, to get a homelink universal garage door opener you have to buy the premium package.

Want the extended instrument cluster? Too bad, $3000 tech package.

As other people have said, its really up to what you want. There is no option that is priced so cheaply that you would be a fool not to purchase, which is the basic point of your question.

Would you pay for leather on its own? then you should get the premium package. Would you buy nav on its own? then you should buy tech.

Do you want to track you car and use the cool BMW integrated telemetry app but you know you will never use nav? You either hold your nose while grabbing your rear end and buy tech or do without.

[2+3=5]

comfort access

[adrianv]

Originally Posted by 2+3=5

comfort access

Which is nice, for sure, but not $2300 nice if you can't tell the difference between sensatec and leather.

[SweetDee]

Originally Posted by Delnari

I like the blacked out exterior option.

Black grills, black mirror caps, and emblems.

Blacked out emblems? Is this really an option or part of a package that isn't really advertised?

[Gaviin]

Originally Posted by SweetDeeVI

Blacked out emblems? Is this really an option or part of a package that isn't really advertised?

I don't know, but that's how my rear badging looks too. I was actually sort of curious about it because it looked darker than I thought it would. Not sure how or why it was set up that way.

[bladeomatic]

First thing to remember is that you're getting an excellent base car. If you drive a bone-stock bottom-end 228i, it's still a BMW and will look and drive well with good comfort. So don't torture yourself too much on options.

The trick is to add the things that would be impossible or expensive to do later. Mirror caps and rims can always be added later, after you've saved up a little more money. Retrofitting an active suspension may be impossible.

I'd also ask yourself to be honest and ask yourself if you're more interested in comfort, appearance or driving performance?

I wanted all and spent a lot to get it, but if you're on a budget, then try to really focus on the area that's most important:

Driving: Adaptive suspension, paddle shifters, etc.
Appearance: M Sport package, Leather, Alcantara trim, etc.
Comfort: Upgraded seats, Tech package, etc.

Like others have said, BMW is like my cable TV company…they bundle the ONE thing you really want with 4 things you don't so they can justify a higher package price.

Having driven mine for a few weeks now, I gotta say that the tech package with the larger screen, though costly, seems to have a lot of small extras and hidden features that I'm finding through others on this list.

Plus that big, bright screen would be a bitch to replace down the road.

One other surprise for me was the parking helper. I'm a fine parallel parker, but I've used that little button a couple times now and it's pretty damn nifty at poking my little M235i into a tight spot w/o scraping the wheels on the curb.

good luck!

[yep]

Originally Posted by superjiji

Hi guys I'm really close to placing an order on the 228i.

Are there any "must-have" options? As a first time BMW buyer I'm not too familiar with some of their options.

Please share some of your opinions!

Thanks

tech
driver's assist (rear view camera and corner sensors)
cold weather package (if you have winter where you live)

I could live without all the rest I think. If you call that living .

You don't buy a BMW to skimp on the options. If you can spend 36K on a car you can spend 44K or whatever, you get the point.

[Canaletto]

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

The upcoming track package + M Sport!

Does the track package actually give you anything you can't already get with the M Sport Line?