08-08-2014, 07:02 AM | #23 |
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Having owned a 2010 MS3, I can tell you that the car had a ton of personality. However, the torque steer was ridiculous, the ride quality beat the hell out of you, the shifter was notchy, and the clutch takeup was horrible. It was fun, but having come from a 2007 GTI, it was actually a disappointment. It completely lacked any refinement....but it did have a ton of power.
Current cars are a 2013 Focus ST and a 235i. The Focus is the first American car that I've owned since my '79 Firebird Formula....back in 1979. The ST has far exceeded my expectations, as the fit/finish, power, ride quality, handling, shifter and clutch are even better than my son's 2010 GTI. The 235, however, is in a completely different league. Hard to describe, but the car just has "it", whether it's the ride, the power, the sound. It can be anything you want...from a cruiser to a race car. |
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08-08-2014, 08:54 AM | #24 | |
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I would say that if you're looking for a backroad weapon, a speed3(GTI, Focus/Fiesta ST) is probably the better car(s). It is way more focused and devoted to absolute performance. I wouldn't trade my 235 for any of them though, but I would like to replace my Mini Cooper S with a Fiesta ST though. |
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08-08-2014, 11:31 AM | #25 |
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Well I have never driven either...but I can atest that my 228i has a wonderful ride. I can also atest that besides the superior engineering and driving dynamics of the 2er nothing else on the 2er is close to LUXURY. The interior is very plastic looking. The leather looks and feels like vinyl...may hold up better in the long run....but not LUXURY. I bought my car to drive. THE AUDIs are more luxurious as far as interior goes. If you want luxury out of a BMW it will cost you north of $60000.
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08-08-2014, 11:53 AM | #26 |
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I have driven the MS3 many times, but never owned one so my opinion may not be as truthful as you need OP. However, I have driven 350z, GTI, MS3, WRX hatch, etc.. Basically I am (was) a huge hatch fan in the past. That is until I discovered the F22.
I think one of the biggest differences between the F22 and the hatches is the weight distribution. The F22 just seems to sit right and handle turns and corners with amazing ease. It makes the car much more enjoyable to ride. I am not saying that the hatches do not do this well, but the F22 seems to master it. Now when discussing transmissions, I cannot say much since I have the AT. But to be honest, in my opinion, BMW makes some of the best MT on the market so I think this should not be an issue. Quality is the last characteristic I think is important to mention. A BMW means quality. Now that being said, the F22 does not have the most luxurious interior, but the build quality is supreme. Attention to detail is key, and this is hard to find on Mazda and VW cars. |
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08-08-2014, 01:27 PM | #27 | |
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Thanks Daddycat.....
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08-08-2014, 01:31 PM | #28 | |
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Thanks again danimal.......
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Thanks! |
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08-08-2014, 01:41 PM | #29 | |
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To be honest, I never liked the GTI steering wheel. The circumference was always too large and the thickness too small. But thats my opinion. The BMW steering wheel is much different - it's all personal preference. |
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08-08-2014, 01:46 PM | #30 | |
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Also, given that I wanted Alpine White with black interior, I preferred the Sport Line's red trim and stitching vs. the M Sport's blue. Finally, I know this is very subjective, but I actually like the Sport Line wheels a bit better than the M Sport wheels. I'm not crazy about the glossy black mirrors, but they're not too bad if you go with a monochrome exterior color (white, black, or gray).
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alpine white | sport line | 6-speed manual | lighting package | driver assistance package interior - black Sensatec | aluminum & red trim Last edited by danimal; 08-08-2014 at 01:52 PM.. |
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08-08-2014, 02:19 PM | #32 |
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Great! What did you decide on?
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08-08-2014, 03:12 PM | #33 |
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My config:
228i, Sportline, Midnight Blue Metallic, Black SensaTec/Red Highlight, High-Gloss Black Trim, Manual Transmission, Lighting Package, Track Handling Package, Heated Front Seats, HK Sound.
Sad to hear from posters that the HK Sound Upgrade is not very good. Considering the basic stereo, then aftermarket it? I hate the idea of potential seals being compromised and rattles happening though. Thoughts on the stereos? |
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08-08-2014, 03:26 PM | #34 | |
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08-08-2014, 03:28 PM | #35 | |
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Then again, I'm coming from E36 HK, then E46 HK, then E90 Logic 7. So basically a cardboard box would sound good to me. |
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08-08-2014, 03:52 PM | #36 | |
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I passed on the HK sound because the consensus seemed to be that it just wasn't all that impressive. It's basically a choice between passable and competent. If you want audiophile quality, you'll have to turn to the aftermarket.
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08-08-2014, 05:09 PM | #37 | |
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2018 BMW 430i RWD
2018 Lexus NX300 AWD |
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08-08-2014, 05:17 PM | #38 | |
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08-08-2014, 11:44 PM | #39 |
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lol
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Follow my builds:
The Racecar (2018 M2 - M0010): Build Thread | @_m0010 The Daily (2024 X1 M35i - X001M35):Build Thread | @_x001m35 |
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08-11-2014, 09:51 AM | #40 | |
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The 235i might give it a run, but a 228i.. .. |
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08-11-2014, 10:56 AM | #41 | |
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08-11-2014, 12:41 PM | #42 | |
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P.S. Except for the sound at low RPMs, the B48 is making me extremely happy.
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08-11-2014, 01:46 PM | #43 |
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I've owned 2 Gen 2 Mazda3s. First a 2010 S hatchback with a manual, I loved that car...At the time it had all the power I wanted, and handled great. I then downgraded and moved to NYC, I leased a 2011 mazda3i sedan with an auto. That car handled great, but I hated the auto, and the power was way down over the 2.5L in the S models.
I now have an M Sport 228i. I've always loved sporty cars and thought I didnt mind the rattles and wind/road noise that came with the mazda3. Now that I've had my 228 up on the highway it's just pure bliss...it handles just as good as the mazdas without being stiff ALL the time. It pulls awesome on the highway. Unexpectedly my favorite part is the silence...on the highway the 228i has the same noise inside at 100mph as the Mazda did at 60 (maybe less!). I have the HK sound in mine and it's just pure bliss to hear pretty much just the music and not have to raise my voice to talk to my wife...I never thought this would be my favorite part, but it really is just an amazingly pleasant place to be on the highway. The 228i m sport just struck the right balance to me between a commuter car, a sporty car, and mild practicality. The Focus ST felt cheap inside, the GTI was boring all around (but drove nice), the Audi A3 (2.0 sedan) drove dull and looked boring...the 228i m sport with a manual trans was just sweet...I don't know what else to say, I couldn't be happier. |
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08-11-2014, 10:51 PM | #44 | |
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Having SEEN the Mustang you prefer it?
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