[josedebardi]

Hey,

So I'm coming back to the x35i/x40i fold! Previously had a 2011 135i Convertible DCT, but since then had a string of Audi's (SQ5, S1, RS3). Decided I missed having the roof down option and given the insanely cheap starting price of the x40i's (when you consider the performance available) plus the excellent discount available, 2/3's the cost of the RS3 was enough to allow me to say goodbye to it (it will be a VERY hard farewell all the same!).

Per signature ticked every box bar the smokers pack, and to try and make up for the RS3 sound I'm losing, I will be removing the mid silencer and adding the MPE with carbon tips. Also adding the carbon bootlip spoiler as I always wished I had that on the 135i, and balancing it with the front splitter. Will likely do the diffuser as well, plus the various interior carbon trim bits available but not sure if it will be at the time of delivery or not yet.

A bit worried about how I'll feel going to RWD again having got to used to Quattro and not ever thinking about full throttle being a problem, but I don't live where it ever gets more than a few days below 0'C per year so it's not really going to be a big problem. Just have to see if I can get more than 5k miles out of the rears unlike the 135i!!

Anyway, nice to be back!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Congrats!

[bozman9]

Congrats and welcome back to the top-down crowd.

Bozman

[crabu2]

You guys are making me doubt myself on my order.. Maybe I should have ordered the M240i instead of the 230i..

Why does it seem like most everyone on this board has a I6 turbo?

[josedebardi]

Originally Posted by crabu2

You guys are making me doubt myself on my order.. Maybe I should have ordered the M240i instead of the 230i..

Why does it seem like most everyone on this board has a I6 turbo?

I've driven a coupe of x30i's (friend has a 130i and took a 230i out the other day at the stealers) and it's a lovely and capable car/engine.

Just depends if you really want stupid power or not!?

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by crabu2

You guys are making me doubt myself on my order.. Maybe I should have ordered the M240i instead of the 230i..

Why does it seem like most everyone on this board has a I6 turbo?

Dude, don't think twice about your decision.
I've had the 228xi cabrio and now have the M235xi cabrio and, as I've mentioned here in several threads over the past year, in many ways I found the 228i was more fun.
The 230i has even more power than my old 228i so you're gonna have plenty of what you need to have a blast.
The increased fun factor, for me, in the 228i/230i over the M235i/M240i was that you can push the 228i/230i a bit harder.
So, stick with your decision, you will not be disappointed.

[harma24]

Originally Posted by crabu2

You guys are making me doubt myself on my order.. Maybe I should have ordered the M240i instead of the 230i..

Why does it seem like most everyone on this board has a I6 turbo?

Don't regret your choice. Look at it this way; you saved some $10k vs. having the inline 6 and too much power to fully utilize with any regularity on public roads. 99% of the time, I'd be perfectly content with a 230; of that I have no doubt. It's only when I feel like being dumb that the extra power is nice!

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by crabu2

You guys are making me doubt myself on my order.. Maybe I should have ordered the M240i instead of the 230i..

Why does it seem like most everyone on this board has a I6 turbo?

I've driven the 228 and 230 they are both a lot of fun and more engaging to drive in some respects than a 235/240. Have to work at it a bit which is entertaining.

If you're not happy with the power after you finish the break in give Uncle Steve $1K and get a Dinan tune. If you "need" anything faster than that on public roads you should check your ego, not your engine. It's more than quick enough.

[Kayevman]

Originally Posted by josedebardi

Hey,

So I'm coming back to the x35i/x40i fold! Previously had a 2011 135i Convertible DCT, but since then had a string of Audi's (SQ5, S1, RS3). Decided I missed having the roof down option and given the insanely cheap starting price of the x40i's (when you consider the performance available) plus the excellent discount available, 2/3's the cost of the RS3 was enough to allow me to say goodbye to it (it will be a VERY hard farewell all the same!).

Per signature ticked every box bar the smokers pack, and to try and make up for the RS3 sound I'm losing, I will be removing the mid silencer and adding the MPE with carbon tips. Also adding the carbon bootlip spoiler as I always wished I had that on the 135i, and balancing it with the front splitter. Will likely do the diffuser as well, plus the various interior carbon trim bits available but not sure if it will be at the time of delivery or not yet.

A bit worried about how I'll feel going to RWD again having got to used to Quattro and not ever thinking about full throttle being a problem, but I don't live where it ever gets more than a few days below 0'C per year so it's not really going to be a big problem. Just have to see if I can get more than 5k miles out of the rears unlike the 135i!!

Anyway, nice to be back!

If you ordered the "x," it's not rear wheel drive.

[crabu2]

How come you guys with the I6 are the ones telling me I should be good with the I4?

I started off wanting a Mustang GT convertible, but I looked at the 230i because the Ford and BMW dealership sit next to each other. I also liked the idea of getting 33 hwy mpg with AWD. If the Mustang would have gotten close to 30 hwy mpgs, I would have ordered a Mustang.

Still, I test drove the 230i, I thought it had plenty of power. I just didn't like the turbo lag. But being I drive over 130 miles a day, I figured the 230i was a better choice compared to the Mustang. I did test drive a M235i. It felt a bit quicker, but not by much... With the better mpg rating on the 230i and BMW saying it was in the mid 5's for 0-60, I thought I'd be good.. That was until this board.

You guys on the board all seem to have the I6. There are some with the I4, but most all the discussions seem to surround the M235/240. Most of the mods seems to be around the I6 too. So it's got me 2nd guessing myself... And being that I haven't taken delivery, I'm really starting to think maybe I should just request a M240 build. When I looked at the pricing, the difference was going to only be like 3 grand because I've got most all the options that come on the M240 added to the 230 order.
My sticker is already at $53K.. and the only thinks I think I'm missing is the M Sport package and the I6.. Boy would I love to get the M steering wheel.

Maybe I should stay off the forums for a while.. At least my car got built today and is waiting for a ride over to Bremerhavan... It won't be long till it's here, assuming it was built with the convertible boot cover.

Thanks all!

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by crabu2

How come you guys with the I6 are the ones telling me I should be good with the I4?

.................................................. .....................

Thanks all!

'cause the I4 didn't come with 100 //M badges

[crabu2]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

'cause the I4 didn't come with 100 //M badges

Bwahahahahahaha!! That's got to be the best answer yet!

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by crabu2

Bwahahahahahaha!! That's got to be the best answer yet!

That and we like having the lowly i4 folks to mock and ridicule. The aggressive amongst us i6 ruling class like to end arguments with "next time buy a better car loser"



Seriously though there's nothing wrong with the i4 it's a nice engine. Pros and cons to each. That's why they don't make just one.

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

Dude, don't think twice about your decision.
I've had the 228xi cabrio and now have the M235xi cabrio and, as I've mentioned here in several threads over the past year, in many ways I found the 228i was more fun.
The 230i has even more power than my old 228i so you're gonna have plenty of what you need to have a blast.
The increased fun factor, for me, in the 228i/230i over the M235i/M240i was that you can push the 228i/230i a bit harder.
So, stick with your decision, you will not be disappointed.

Ditto here, my 228ix vert is a blast to drive fast and the handling is awesome. Enjoy yours.

[barbecuejoe]

CA and BMW Genius now show May 8 delivery date, due to the missing boot cover, but date is "subject to change." I've seen others are being told June, so I don't trust their estimated dates.

My CA has located 2 available vehicles he can get me.

One 230i same color, etc. as mine on order, but missing one option I wanted, and has a couple I didn't want. Sticker is about $1k higher, but he is willing to do the deal essentially at same lease terms as the one I have on order. Also heard back from BMW Customer Service today (since I have been complaining) and they are offering to pick up 2 months of my lease payments due to the delays (anyone else in same boat should ask for similar compensation for being patient.)

Also located a M240i xdrive vert that I am now seriously considering. Higher sticker, of course, but not by much, may do it to get that sweet 6-cylinder. Estoril Blue instead of Deep Sea Blue, but I think I am ok with that. We are negotiating...Stay tuned...

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by barbecuejoe

CA and BMW Genius now show May 8 delivery date, due to the missing boot cover, but date is "subject to change." I've seen others are being told June, so I don't trust their estimated dates.

My CA has located 2 available vehicles he can get me.

One 230i same color, etc. as mine on order, but missing one option I wanted, and has a couple I didn't want. Sticker is about $1k higher, but he is willing to do the deal essentially at same lease terms as the one I have on order. Also heard back from BMW Customer Service today (since I have been complaining) and they are offering to pick up 2 months of my lease payments due to the delays (anyone else in same boat should ask for similar compensation for being patient.)

Also located a M240i xdrive vert that I am now seriously considering. Higher sticker, of course, but not by much, may do it to get that sweet 6-cylinder. Estoril Blue instead of Deep Sea Blue, but I think I am ok with that. We are negotiating...Stay tuned...

My last car (an E91 wagon) was Deep Sea Blue; my current one is Estoril. Estoril hides a LOT more dirt, for sure. Like Black, DSB looks great right after its been washed, otherwise not so great.

[barbecuejoe]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

My last car (an E91 wagon) was Deep Sea Blue; my current one is Estoril. Estoril hides a LOT more dirt, for sure. Like Black, DSB looks great right after its been washed, otherwise not so great.

Thanks! I was curious which looks better when dirty. My current 328 is White which surprisingly doesn't look as bad when dirty as my previous A6 in Black did.

[josedebardi]

Originally Posted by crabu2

How come you guys with the I6 are the ones telling me I should be good with the I4?

I started off wanting a Mustang GT convertible, but I looked at the 230i because the Ford and BMW dealership sit next to each other. I also liked the idea of getting 33 hwy mpg with AWD. If the Mustang would have gotten close to 30 hwy mpgs, I would have ordered a Mustang.

Still, I test drove the 230i, I thought it had plenty of power. I just didn't like the turbo lag. But being I drive over 130 miles a day, I figured the 230i was a better choice compared to the Mustang. I did test drive a M235i. It felt a bit quicker, but not by much... With the better mpg rating on the 230i and BMW saying it was in the mid 5's for 0-60, I thought I'd be good.. That was until this board.

You guys on the board all seem to have the I6. There are some with the I4, but most all the discussions seem to surround the M235/240. Most of the mods seems to be around the I6 too. So it's got me 2nd guessing myself... And being that I haven't taken delivery, I'm really starting to think maybe I should just request a M240 build. When I looked at the pricing, the difference was going to only be like 3 grand because I've got most all the options that come on the M240 added to the 230 order.
My sticker is already at $53K.. and the only thinks I think I'm missing is the M Sport package and the I6.. Boy would I love to get the M steering wheel.

Maybe I should stay off the forums for a while.. At least my car got built today and is waiting for a ride over to Bremerhavan... It won't be long till it's here, assuming it was built with the convertible boot cover.

Thanks all!

The majority of people on forums will be those with the top end fast cars - as generally petrol heads buy the fastest available. So what you are seeing here is a skewed view of the world. Given your situation/mileage I think you've done the right thing. I drive like 130 miles a week so can justify having a fun car to do it in, if I was doing 130 a day I'd have a less thirsty machine!

[josedebardi]

Originally Posted by Kayevman

If you ordered the "x," it's not rear wheel drive.

If I lived in a LHD country I would have. BMW don't offer the 'x' version here in the UK as I think the extra development to make it work for RHD couldn't be justified for the small market that RHD is.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by josedebardi

The majority of people on forums will be those with the top end fast cars - as generally petrol heads buy the fastest available. So what you are seeing here is a skewed view of the world. Given your situation/mileage I think you've done the right thing. I drive like 130 miles a week so can justify having a fun car to do it in, if I was doing 130 a day I'd have a less thirsty machine!

I drive 30 miles a day, for the most part, and fill my tank twice a week now that it's Dinan Stage 2. If I had a longer commute I definitely wouldn't do Dinan and may actually rethink the bigger engine all together.

[wdc330i]

I am always suspect about the claims that the 4 cylinder gets better mileage. In my experience with BMW loaners, the difference was not as great as claimed. Much of it has to do with driving style.

That said, my 240 gets MUCH better mileage than my 328iT with the NA six cylinder. I get around 20 in all city driving in the 2, driving in sport. And the wagon got about 13-14 also in sport. Same driving conditions.

I'll bet highway mileage is much closer. The wagon could pull off about 29-32 in those conditions. And I can't image the 2 does much better.

[harma24]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

I'll bet highway mileage is much closer. The wagon could pull off about 29-32 in those conditions. And I can't image the 2 does much better.

You'd have to be really gentile on the throttle to get that kind of gas mileage out of the 240. The best I've eked out is maybe 27 - 28 mpg on highway trips with no traffic, and that was keeping it to ~70. I wouldn't know how much better it can do if you keep it around 55! I do know I get around 25 - 26 mpg at 80 mph, where my car seems to want to cruise!