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      05-25-2015, 11:28 AM   #1
angelbones
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well equipped M235 vs 428i

I guess I have too much time on my hands, as I'm playing with the BMW (and admittedly other manufacturers) configurators to see what I can get. Sad thing is that I have a couple years left on my 228 lease not to mention I'm really very happy with my car.

One thing, however, that the 2 doesn't have that the 4 series can get is HUD. I also think the 428 is a better looking car overall, but then it loses the 2 series charm and lighter weight, and all the other advantages of the 2 that are constantly discussed on this forum. So I could get all the performance and most of the features I want on a M235, including leather and the premium package (but no tech package, which on a 2, is not as important to me). Fyi, I like leather and like the goodies in the premium package, although admittedly some could argue it's a little over-priced. When built, it's around $49k. For around the same price, I could get a no-line 428, which has the same engine as my 228 so I know I would enjoy it, but with obviously less features, and less performance the M235. There are way more 4 series out there than there are 2, so that's also a mark against the 4 for me. However, I could build a 428, get the tech package which has the HUD, and also the DHP, but if I want to keep it around the same price, I couldn't get the premium package. I could certainly live without the leather, but the biggest thing I would miss is the keyless entry and satellite radio, both features I've had in my cars for the past decade and don't think I could do without them now. I've heard that the radio can be coded for satellite. Is that true? Also, any way to get keyless entry "coded" into a vehicle? For those without keyless entry, does that mean there is an actual keyhole for entry and/or starting?

These are questions I'm just musing as I look ahead, and was wondering others take on this.
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      05-25-2015, 01:12 PM   #2
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I don't see the point in a no-line 428i. IMO, That's just reaching up. I would regret going for the larger base model, just because it looks a little better (subjective) and has more cache than our entry-level 2'ers.

For me, Loaded M235i > 428i in any configuration. The car is for you, not to impress others.
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      05-25-2015, 01:21 PM   #3
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You lose a lot and not much to gain from by going from a fully equipped 228i to a stripper 428i. In Canada, these two cost almost exactly the same.

You lose the option to get Estroil blue and M-Sport trim for 428i.
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      05-25-2015, 01:21 PM   #4
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BMW HUD (not the ones on the M's) is such a gimmick in my opinion
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      05-25-2015, 02:11 PM   #5
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The 4-series is a beautiful car, and if it's just a question of looks, maybe the 428i wins. But if it's a question of driving and enjoying the car, the choice between a 428i and an m235i is a no-brainer, IMO. At roughly the same price, the m235i offers a much, much better car for the money.
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      05-25-2015, 03:16 PM   #6
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The 4 just looks too busy to me and also kinda resembles a mustang. Someone at BMW is pushing the 80's boy racer aesthetic...

That being said, props to BMW for taking risks, but sometimes I wish for some coherency
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      05-25-2015, 03:37 PM   #7
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Concerning the OP's ? about keyless entry, no keyhole just use the key fob to transponder doors or trunk to open and lock.
Not sure, really a guess, but I do think Satellite can be coded to operate.

Really like the base 428, probably negotiate a good deal. The 435 with adaptive suspension was my favorite cruiser car, felt as good as a Mercedes E-class to me during test drives.
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      05-25-2015, 05:33 PM   #8
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Would not reach up a line if I could not equip it they way I wanted. Would choose the M235 if a 435M-Sport was over my budget.
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      05-25-2015, 07:45 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by caycep View Post
The 4 just looks too busy to me and also kinda resembles a mustang. Someone at BMW is pushing the 80's boy racer aesthetic...

That being said, props to BMW for taking risks, but sometimes I wish for some coherency
i think the 2er with all the extra garb on it looks more boy racer than the 4 series.
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      05-25-2015, 08:06 PM   #10
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I would strongly consider vehicle size first, as the 4 series just felt a lot bigger to me, particularly at city speeds, than the 2 series during test drives. I prefer small cars so of course I would say get an M235.
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      05-25-2015, 09:55 PM   #11
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For me this is a no brainer, but I don't even like the way the 4 looks. I've always thought the 2 was much better proportioned and more like the previous e92. The m235 would be a whole lot more fun to drive and just because they have the same engine does not mean that the driving experience would be close. Get the car that will make YOU the happiest, you are paying for it.
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      05-25-2015, 10:04 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kd0t View Post
BMW HUD (not the ones on the M's) is such a gimmick in my opinion
I had HUD in my 328i and I enjoyed it, especially for the nav. My 2 doesn't have HUD of course and I don't miss it at all. I thought I would, but I like the 2 to DRIVE so much better than the 3 that it's a non issue.
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      05-25-2015, 10:12 PM   #13
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I was in the same boat. Liked the looks of the 428 just a little more then the 235. Then i test drove both back to back. Boy, what a difference. The 235 feels like a sports car. 428 doesnt feel close, the 4 cylinder just doesnt feel right almost like it is struggling. Comparing the interriors, i had a sense that the 428 is over priced by about 4k. The interrior upfront is identical, the only huge difference are the air vents for the back seat in the 428.

I ordered a 235 5/2 and it is currently waiting to leave port.
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      05-26-2015, 09:24 AM   #14
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4 series is just TOO big for what it's trying to be...IMO the 2er is much better proportioned then the 4 series, it's just too long IMO...

2series would be perfect if the tailights didn't look so dated and weren't as big though...other then that the 2 series is gorgeous
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      05-26-2015, 11:21 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3PedalMINI View Post
4 series is just TOO big for what it's trying to be...IMO the 2er is much better proportioned then the 4 series, it's just too long IMO...

2series would be perfect if the tailights didn't look so dated and weren't as big though...other then that the 2 series is gorgeous
Exactly, dead on with the tail lights. I'd even add that I like the way the 4's headlights blend into the kidney grill, compared to how they are separated on the 2.
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      05-26-2015, 11:47 AM   #16
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The E92 has the perfect tail headlights.

The 4 Series was a step backwards in that aspect.
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      05-26-2015, 01:41 PM   #17
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Have you driven a no-line BMW? It's not very fun. I've had several no-line loaner vehicles. No bueno. If that was my only option, I would save my money and buy a Lexus instead.
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      05-26-2015, 01:56 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hyperzulu View Post
Have you driven a no-line BMW? It's not very fun. I've had several no-line loaner vehicles. No bueno. If that was my only option, I would save my money and buy a Lexus instead.
Plus one. Lack of sports suspension and sports seats is a death knell. Also without a sport or M sport package you used to not even get Sport+ tuning available so the Nannies are either 100% on or off. Looks like the sport Auto transmission is now standard though. When I had my F30 that was an option and the cars without it made the ZF8 feel like crap. It was BMW's sneaky way of selling you paddles and free software.
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      05-26-2015, 07:57 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hyperzulu View Post
Have you driven a no-line BMW? It's not very fun. I've had several no-line loaner vehicles. No bueno. If that was my only option, I would save my money and buy a Lexus instead.
Good discussion. I would point out that I drive a no-line car. HOWEVER, I added the Dynamic Handling Package, along with the larger wheels and tires. You'll notice in my OP that I included the DHP in the 428 I built. Totally agree that I would not get a Bimmer without a DHP or THP. The only major thing I'm missing with the no-line (that matters to me anyway) is the Sport seats, and to a lesser extent the improved instrument cluster. So, I save over a $1000 by going no-line yet I still get the suspension goodies. The cosmetic additions mean nothing to me and actually it keeps my side mirrors the same as my car color.

Also, would agree that while I think the 4 series is better looking, it has gotten too big.
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      05-26-2015, 08:00 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by angelbones
Quote:
Originally Posted by hyperzulu View Post
Have you driven a no-line BMW? It's not very fun. I've had several no-line loaner vehicles. No bueno. If that was my only option, I would save my money and buy a Lexus instead.
Good discussion. I would point out that I drive a no-line car. HOWEVER, I added the Dynamic Handling Package, along with the larger wheels and tires. You'll notice in my OP that I included the DHP in the 428 I built. Totally agree that I would not get a Bimmer without a DHP or THP. The only major thing I'm missing with the no-line (that matters to me anyway) is the Sport seats, and to a lesser extent the improved instrument cluster. So, I save over a $1000 by going no-line yet I still get the suspension goodies. The cosmetic additions mean nothing to me and actually it keeps my side mirrors the same as my car color.
Some people, minority here on these forums, might prefer the standard seats. You're right though that with BMW now offering a sport option, a no-line BMW is not necessarily un-sporty. To clarify my position, a true stripper no-line 428i is not going to be much fun to drive, imo.
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      05-26-2015, 09:11 PM   #21
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We have a 428iX Sport and a 228 sport with Track pack. .... I greatly prefer driving the RWD 228, except when it is snowing OR I need a bit more space for hauling something.
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      05-26-2015, 09:18 PM   #22
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I drove the 2,3, and 4 back to back. The difference between the 2 and the 4 were very clear, and other than the benefits of more interior room, the 4 lost on all other counts. When I drove the 4, I actually started to think I was not going to get a BMW, as it just felt.....uninspiring....too heavy, boaty....not fun. Then, I drove the 2, and made the buying decision in a moment. The cost didn't matter...the 2 was the only one I actually wanted after the three drives. So, you can imagine my advice on this topic!
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