[F22me]

Been reading a lot of posts lately as well as overwhelming my self with videos of reviews. Got as far as test driving a 228 sport, but what is a bit harder to gauge are the real life benefits of some of the optional equipment. What makes it especially difficult is the very limited number of 2 series available to fully cross benchmark with their different options at this time.

I have narrowed it down to the following (4) car choices. I am seeking some insight from some current 2 series owners that have faced similar debates between the packages.

Some key points of concern:
-Living in the PNW or any wetter climates with a M235i, is getting traction a nuisance with such high low end tq figures?
-Still on the fence with using cellular gps vs getting the tech pkg. The larger screen and the integration aspect are tempting
-For those that have a 228i with the track handling pkg, have you guys noticed a night and day difference in spirited daily driving?
-I am somewhere between B and C ish. The mpg and the nibleness of the 228i is more appealing, but at the same time option C is only ~3k more but lacks tech pkg that B has.

[angelbones]

I'd go with C because you're basically getting all the goodies plus a stronger engine for only $3000 more than the 228i. Makes it great bang for the buck. I almost went with the 235 for that exact reason, but other concerns such as color, mpg, premium package took precedence in the final decision for me, so I chose the 228. I should also mention that the track package (aka the DHP in 2014) was a must for me on my 228, and if you end up getting the 228, I would definitely factor that into your cost. Either way, you can't go wrong.

[Sportstick]

Definitely B. The 228i with the THP is the sweet spot of this series. The overall balance and steering response from the lighter weight powertrain, with plenty of power, makes this an excellent package, and several members of the press have made the same observation. Tech Package/Nav are great and also enhance the instrument cluster. THP provides a great range of calibration from Comfort to Sport, and adds the delightful Variable Sport Steering and MSport brakes. Here was my vote.....



Negotiated with dealer to $43,990.

[scottomfg]

Hey F22me, no matter which you choose, you can't go wrong really. I'd suggest taking a long look at the Cold Weather Package, for not much more $$ you get that heated steering wheel, which is the best advance in driving-in-brisk-weather-with-the-windows-down-technology ever, which comes particularly handy up here in the PNW—I'm always eager to get some fresh air in the spring and fall when there is no rain for a few minutes.

My take on the Tech Package is that the upgraded iDrive and bigger screen are worth it by themselves, and in my experience, the Nav UI, GPS latency and large screen, are a marked improvement over those functions on a smartphone. But are they essential? No. All depends on your budget.

Also, I'd like to plug my CA, who I bet can get you a really great deal. You might not be in Portland, but I can promise it's worth the drive, the deals he has hooked up for me are better than most that I see posted on here, and he's a real straight shooter. http://www.dealerrater.com/sales/Dav...review-164666/ dpadgalskas[at]bmwportland.com

[Meeni]

C, you want the THP, and the 3k difference to get the 35i will command a better resale price, so the difference between B and C is effectively low.

[PHX767]

Originally Posted by Meeni

C, you want the THP, and the 3k difference to get the 35i will command a better resale price, so the difference between B and C is effectively low.

D..life is short.

[uberspeed]

B without Tech for me, current NAV solution is sub par when it comes to fresh maps data. Smaller screen size is an eyesore though.

[Vervain]

C or D

[ska///235i]

C

[HarmOG]

I spent waaaaaaay too much time having the same debate. I would either choose C or B w/o the tech package. I wanted to have the most fun car possible while not wasting money on items I didn't really care about. While I think that the 235 is definitely the more wild/ fun car of the two, you can make the cars essentially identical except for the two engines. My ultimate decider was that there were just enough things I didn't like about the 235 (ugly wheels, stupid default moon roof, first production year) that I wasn't willing to commit to having it for the next decade. Instead, I choose to save a little money for the hope of M2 shopping down the road.

Had the car for 6 months now and have regretted the choice at any point.

[Kiwi]

I would buy the new 2 convertible than a coup but if you want more room buy the 1

[golf_234]

C. If it were me I would drop driver assistance as well. But parking sensors and rear view cam would be kind of nice.. So that depends on budget. Who cares about the technology package all of that stuff sucks anyway. Car GPS has always sucked. Use your phone, and pocket the 2 grand. You still get the screen you just don't get the stupid apps that nobody wants anyway. Pretty much everything in the technology package is lame I don't see why anyone would pay 2k for that. Smart to not include premium as well, now that the 2015 has illuminated door handles and sills, and all of that standard, that was really the only thing in premium I wanted minus standalone leather as you have done. Comfort go is standard on all BMWs now, so comfort access, also, who cares. Just hit the unlock button on the remote. I like doing it that way anyway. Lights up your car for you from afar. The final thing that is in premium that you won't get is auto dim. My E90 doesn't have auto dim, and at first it was a little annoying, but you can manually just turn the knob and dim. It is not that bad and is actually kind of cool. If you tint the car even better. Also, those auto dim mirrors are prone to failure and cracking and getting all weird at older age. My build is almost identical to your C but I have done Alpine White/Terra and have the H/K and no driver assistance.

[golf_234]

My build, similar

[mvallido]

C plus MP Exhaust, JB4 and Cold Air Intake.

[gaijin]

C hands down! Value and enjoyment. Did I say "fun factor" already?

[Steven1077]

D, if you're spending this much on a car a bit more won't hurt and you may get a bigger discount, and as long as you're careful getting the power down is not a problem

[Bimmer86]

My vote is for B w/o the tech pkg, but no matter what you choose you can't go wrong .

Brings you $5500 lower than C before negotiating if that is an important consideration. As far as the THP goes, I have it on my 228i and I think it's great!

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

If you're the type of person who's constantly going to kick yourself and wonder about the 235? -- don't get the 228. It will take all the joy away from ownership.

I went 6 and I like the integrated Nav even though you pay dearly for it.

Two thoughts:

1). Get the cold weather package for a few hundred $$ more than the heated seats. You'll get the heated steering wheel and you'll thank us forever for the input

2). If you get the I6, consider the M Performance Exhaust if you can budget it...

Good luck...Nice choices to have to make.

[Bimmer86]

Another thought to add, I ended up test driving both and found even the 228i to have more power than I would use on a daily basis, and while I was considering the m235i as well, I got a much better deal on the 228i which basically sealed the deal for me and I couldn't be happier .

[jwr0721]

She looks like my baby

[overcoil]

A or C
Choice 'A' is a really nice balanced car, great highway cruiser. The car is so good you don't need options to occupy your time while in the car. Great engine and power.

Choice 'C' the drivetrain the chassis. The faster you go the better things get.

The heater in the six-cylinder works so fast and gets so toasty I rather prefer no cold weather pkg.

[Sportstick]

So, OP, you've gotten inconsistent, if not diametrical, advice and the sample size of the poll is so small, you cannot find significant differences among the answers. This community has a diverse range of tastes, preferences, and priorities....where do you come down?