INITIAL IMPRESSIONS m235i and 228i

HowardM · 06-13-2014, 05:55 PM

I had my first drive today of both an M235i and a 228i WITHOUT M SPORT PACKAGE.
Having seen literally hundreds of photos of the cars online, I must start out by saying that the photos flatter the car somewhat as compared to seeing the cars in the flesh. Whatever you do, do not buy this car in black; it is highly unstatisfying. Otherwise, the car is a touch better looking than the 1 series it replaces.
I drove both cars at my new york dealer for about 25 minutes each; both highway and backroads. Firstly, both have wonderful suspensions; firm but really plush; this both in comfort and sport for both models. The m235i when put into sport plus was highly engaging and though a touch firmer on the well paved roads, the ride still is wonderful and not unduly harsh. I imagine that on a city road or with a worse pavement, you will not be punished at all... just a touch more bouncy, but well planted.

The m235i feels a bit heavier and rounder when driving than the 228i (which it is) yet the smaller engined car still can move pretty well. In these tests, for some reason, the 228i did not suffer much at all in terms of start off acceleration; to the contrary. It felt like the m235 when hitting throttle needed a touch more PUSH to get it moving, along with a nice engine moan when accelerated. After that the car really moved and was quite nice to drive.

The Steering: After reading many many reviews on the handling and steering of both cars my time was here for evaluating. Both cars I put in comfort, and sport....the m235i in sport plus as well (the 228i had no m sport added, so sport was the top suspension setting). In comfort and sport the 228i (without msport) steering was firm but a touch lacking in tighness of the weel. It got better by a bit in sport over comfort but I would not buy this car without a msport option (or even now the 2015 track package which should tighten everything up in the 228i). As for the M235i, the best steering firmness and heaviness and wheel feel was in sport plus mode. It appears that the steering on both cars is MORE affected in different modes than the superb suspension. Overall, however, the m235i appears to be more effective in steering feel than a base or non m sport 228i. Having said that, I dare say that BMW is still missing the final touches of finesse and tactility on there EPS steering system. Even the M235i in sport plus gives you a bit of on center WHEEL PLAY,, something I did not expect although otherwise the feeling is really good. On the other hand, would it be sacriligious to say that driving home in my second car (Hyundai Sonata) that the Sonata "steering feel and tightness" might surpisingly (and sadly) give the 228i and M235i a run for there money!!!! So as you may see by now, this is an IMPORTANT facet of the sporty car enjoyment; firm, tight straight line and securely heavy steering. Something that I am afraid to say, I have not felt in these cars and in any BMW since I drove a 2010 or 2011 3 series coupe. Yes, the 3 coupe was hydraulically assisted steering.

I will be driving these cars again very soon as I was (and still am) very interested in leasing one. A second evaluation is mandatory to confirm any types of doubts about any future car purchase and especially a car like these two. Right now, they are taking orders for 2015 models on the m235i and m228i if you cant find one thats in the country with what you want. 2015 models would arrive sometime in mid August I am told, depending on when you order the car. Again, sadly, the m235i will have NO additonal color options in the 2015 year. YOU MAY, however, order other colors offered on the 228i later on in the fall, for about $5k more...

To sum up, I was a touched underwhelmed by the cars INITIALLY.....BUT make no mistake, I will be working them out again before I take my new car plunge sometime in August.

jgunnz · 06-13-2014, 06:04 PM

Interesting impressions, thanks for sharing. You're definitely the only person I've ever heard say the car looks better in pictures than in person...

c1pher · 06-13-2014, 06:07 PM

I didn't notice any play in the steering. Odd.

Lynn_228i · 06-13-2014, 06:28 PM

HowardM, thank you for your review and observations. I feel now when the 2015 cars come out, you need to test the BMW M235i and the BMW M228i with the Dynamic Steering, M Suspension and the premium package and please review again. You need to test these cars on long winding roads going fast like I did and I think you will fall in love.

I currently have a BMW 128i in Alpine With the Oyster/Dark Oyster leather interior combination and I love the way my car handles and looks.

I tested the BMW 228i with the Sport Suspension and bigger tires and the BMW 228i and just prefer no sport suspension but I know most driving enthusiasts prefer the M Suspension that lowers the car. I prefer no lowering since I am so petite.

I found the BMW 228i and BMW M238I looking better in person than the pictures. I also tested a beautiful blue with Venetian Beige BMW 328i and loved the car but wished I was sitting up a tiny bit higher and was a tiny bit closer to the floor with my feet. If I was taller, I would have bought that car as the BMW dealer would have given me a great price and it has the parking sensors in the front and back that I wanted, as well as the back-up camera.

Again, thank you for your review and observations. We look forward to you testing the 2015 models with the M Suspension.

By the way, I ordered an Alpine White BMW with many packages and options and I can't wait for it to be here in the middle of July, right before my lease ended.

I tested over cars and decided to stay with BMW as the 10-way power seat and the handling just was more comfortable for me.

DanG · 06-13-2014, 06:31 PM

I don't have any play in my steering. All modern cars have gone to electronic steering assist to save gas. None is quite as satisfying as the old hydraulic. But, the M235i steering is much improved over the 3 series.

ManCityFan · 06-13-2014, 07:13 PM

This review is IMPORTANT. It has a lot of CAPITAL LETTERS.

ryancolucci · 06-13-2014, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowardM

I had my first drive today of both an M235i and a 228i WITHOUT M SPORT PACKAGE.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowardM

Firstly, both have wonderful suspensions; firm but really plush; this both in comfort and sport for both models.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowardM

The Steering: After reading many many reviews on the handling and steering of both cars my time was here for evaluating. Both cars I put in comfort, and sport....the m235i in sport plus as well (the 228i had no m sport added, so sport was the top suspension setting).

Just want to point out that there are NO suspension settings unless you get the dynamic handling package.The eco/comfort/sport toggle is for throttle control and something else which i cant recall at the moment.

Lucky13 · 06-13-2014, 09:37 PM

HowardM, I have no fricking idea what you are talking about when you say "Center Wheel Play". You must have been drinking or the 100 magazine writers and the other 500 owners on this web site are all wrong. Based on the fact you did or currently drive a Hyundai you lost 100% of any credibility you may have had. Maybe you need to stick with driving Hyundai's and not buy a BMW if you actually think that a Sonata steers better.

patbrass · 06-13-2014, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky13

HowardM, I have no fricking idea what you are talking about when you say "Center Wheel Play". You must have been drinking or the 100 magazine writers and the other 500 owners on this web site are all wrong. Based on the fact you did or currently drive a Hyundai you lost 100% of any credibility you may have had. Maybe you need to stick with driving Hyundai's and not buy a BMW if you actually think that a Sonata steers better.

LOL, was thinking the same! I always welcome feedback that is not in line with what everybody else is saying but this one is just non sense.

Lynn_228i · 06-13-2014, 10:22 PM

I did test the Hyundai Sonata and the BMW 228i handled much better for me and was more comfortable for me in the seating position. My client who loves cars bought the Hyundai Sonata as a commuter car but still has his fun cars for when he is not going to work. I thought I would see what everyone loved about the car. The Sonata is pretty and you do get a lot in the car for the money. My seating position was not good and the car was not comfortable for me going around jug handles. I am sure it is a nice commuter car for someone tall.

We all are allowed our opinions.

deathsliver · 06-13-2014, 10:31 PM

The black sapphire metallic looks awesome IMHO...

Lynn_228i · 06-13-2014, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathsliver

The black sapphire metallic looks awesome IMHO...

I agree that the BMW M235i looked awesome in the black sapphire metallic in pictures and even better in person!

Mark's M · 06-13-2014, 11:13 PM

With due respect to our newest automotive journalist and his avid reader Lynn who looks forward to Howard's review of the 2015 models (which personally I can't wait for) .honestly, is this thread a joke??? If it isn't and the M235 actually feels "rounder" to drive than the 228, I'm definitely buying a Mustang.

jeremicium · 06-13-2014, 11:29 PM

Choke yourself Howard! I jest. Give him a break guys...No one deserves to be told they should just stick to driving Hyundais. Well, maybe my mom, but she's a really bad driver.

I didn't drive the 228i, but as good as the M235i was, it didn't wow me enough to feel like i have to get one. It did look much better in person than in pics. However the 1 series had an "I don't care if i'm kind of short and squat" look to it. And it pulled it off well. 2 series is similar dimensions but trying to be sleek. My E92 does a better job of looking sleek.

In terms of handling, traction, agility, and feeling lighter than it really is, it kills my car. Hydraulic steering is obviously better, but M235 steering wasn't half bad.

I had exceptionally high expectations for the M235i. If I was blindfolded, placed in the car, all signs of BMW were disguised, and I was told to romp on it, I would be thoroughly impressed. But based on my expectations I came away satisfied, but not blown away. The car only had 30 miles on it and I promised my SA not to abuse it, maybe thats the problem.

Lynn_228i · 06-13-2014, 11:55 PM

Mark'sM, I had not realized that the poster had tested the M Suspension on the BMW 235i when I wrote that so when he would come back to test both with the M Suspension AND the adaptive steering, I wanted to read his review.

I personally love the way the 2-series looks and handles and did not like the Hyundai Sonata.

I still find my little White BMW 128i car the cutest and it fits my personality on the outside so well. But I love the interior of the BMW 228i better and I felt it handled better with a more comfortable base seat as the sport seat is too long for me. I can't wait for my new car to arrive in July!

Mark's M · 06-14-2014, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn_128i

Mark'sM, I had not realized that the poster had tested the M Suspension on the BMW 235i when I wrote that so when he would come back to test both with the M Suspension AND the adaptive steering, I wanted to read his review.

I personally love the way the 2-series looks and handles and did not like the Hyundai Sonata.

I still find my little White BMW 128i car the cutest and it fits my personality on the outside so well. But I love the interior of the BMW 228i better and I felt it handled better with a more comfortable base seat as the sport seat is too long for me. I can't wait for my new car to arrive in July!

God bless you Lynn!! Sounds like you're more than capable of choosing what's right for you. Just be careful of who...and what...you listen to or take advice from. Cheers and GL with the new 228, it'll be an exciting change!!

Lynn_228i · 06-14-2014, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark's M

God bless you Lynn!! Sounds like you're more than capable of choosing what's right for you. Just be careful of who...and what...you listen to or take advice from. Cheers and GL with the new 228, it'll be an exciting change!!

Thank you Mark's M. I can't wait for my new car to arrive with the amazing handling and the wonderful new technology that I added to the car!

horsepower_and_hounds · 06-14-2014, 07:34 AM

Well...
I had a '11 Sonata SE prior to getting my current '09 128 w/sport pack and I cannot even compare them to each other. Don't get me wrong the Sonata was a very nice car and straight line acceleration was good but not as near sporty or razor sharp handling as the 128. Then I drove a M235 and bam....... i became a junkie on crack. I even thought the servo steering was way better then the Sonata was...period. I must admit I do love the steering on my 128 and if I had a 135 I would probably keep it but i don't and am getting the M235 for my next fix.
Just my 2 cents

06-13-2014, 05:55 PM	#1
HowardM Banned 6 Rep 41 Posts Drives: Mercedes clk Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: New york iTrader: (0)	INITIAL IMPRESSIONS m235i and 228i I had my first drive today of both an M235i and a 228i WITHOUT M SPORT PACKAGE. Having seen literally hundreds of photos of the cars online, I must start out by saying that the photos flatter the car somewhat as compared to seeing the cars in the flesh. Whatever you do, do not buy this car in black; it is highly unstatisfying. Otherwise, the car is a touch better looking than the 1 series it replaces. I drove both cars at my new york dealer for about 25 minutes each; both highway and backroads. Firstly, both have wonderful suspensions; firm but really plush; this both in comfort and sport for both models. The m235i when put into sport plus was highly engaging and though a touch firmer on the well paved roads, the ride still is wonderful and not unduly harsh. I imagine that on a city road or with a worse pavement, you will not be punished at all... just a touch more bouncy, but well planted. The m235i feels a bit heavier and rounder when driving than the 228i (which it is) yet the smaller engined car still can move pretty well. In these tests, for some reason, the 228i did not suffer much at all in terms of start off acceleration; to the contrary. It felt like the m235 when hitting throttle needed a touch more PUSH to get it moving, along with a nice engine moan when accelerated. After that the car really moved and was quite nice to drive. The Steering: After reading many many reviews on the handling and steering of both cars my time was here for evaluating. Both cars I put in comfort, and sport....the m235i in sport plus as well (the 228i had no m sport added, so sport was the top suspension setting). In comfort and sport the 228i (without msport) steering was firm but a touch lacking in tighness of the weel. It got better by a bit in sport over comfort but I would not buy this car without a msport option (or even now the 2015 track package which should tighten everything up in the 228i). As for the M235i, the best steering firmness and heaviness and wheel feel was in sport plus mode. It appears that the steering on both cars is MORE affected in different modes than the superb suspension. Overall, however, the m235i appears to be more effective in steering feel than a base or non m sport 228i. Having said that, I dare say that BMW is still missing the final touches of finesse and tactility on there EPS steering system. Even the M235i in sport plus gives you a bit of on center WHEEL PLAY,, something I did not expect although otherwise the feeling is really good. On the other hand, would it be sacriligious to say that driving home in my second car (Hyundai Sonata) that the Sonata "steering feel and tightness" might surpisingly (and sadly) give the 228i and M235i a run for there money!!!! So as you may see by now, this is an IMPORTANT facet of the sporty car enjoyment; firm, tight straight line and securely heavy steering. Something that I am afraid to say, I have not felt in these cars and in any BMW since I drove a 2010 or 2011 3 series coupe. Yes, the 3 coupe was hydraulically assisted steering. I will be driving these cars again very soon as I was (and still am) very interested in leasing one. A second evaluation is mandatory to confirm any types of doubts about any future car purchase and especially a car like these two. Right now, they are taking orders for 2015 models on the m235i and m228i if you cant find one thats in the country with what you want. 2015 models would arrive sometime in mid August I am told, depending on when you order the car. Again, sadly, the m235i will have NO additonal color options in the 2015 year. YOU MAY, however, order other colors offered on the 228i later on in the fall, for about $5k more... To sum up, I was a touched underwhelmed by the cars INITIALLY.....BUT make no mistake, I will be working them out again before I take my new car plunge sometime in August.
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06-13-2014, 06:04 PM	#2
jgunnz Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 222 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	Interesting impressions, thanks for sharing. You're definitely the only person I've ever heard say the car looks better in pictures than in person...
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06-13-2014, 06:07 PM	#3
c1pher Primo Generalissimo 4661 Rep 4,021 Posts Drives: All of them Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: DC area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Porsche 911 Ca ... [10.00] 2023 BMW M2 [9.00] 2023 Porsche Macan GTS [10.00] 2022 Ford F-250 Tremor [8.50]	I didn't notice any play in the steering. Odd.
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06-13-2014, 06:28 PM	#4
Lynn_228i AW BMW 228i with Black Dakota Leather Seats 24 Rep 225 Posts Drives: BMW 228i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	HowardM, thank you for your review and observations. I feel now when the 2015 cars come out, you need to test the BMW M235i and the BMW M228i with the Dynamic Steering, M Suspension and the premium package and please review again. You need to test these cars on long winding roads going fast like I did and I think you will fall in love. I currently have a BMW 128i in Alpine With the Oyster/Dark Oyster leather interior combination and I love the way my car handles and looks. I tested the BMW 228i with the Sport Suspension and bigger tires and the BMW 228i and just prefer no sport suspension but I know most driving enthusiasts prefer the M Suspension that lowers the car. I prefer no lowering since I am so petite. I found the BMW 228i and BMW M238I looking better in person than the pictures. I also tested a beautiful blue with Venetian Beige BMW 328i and loved the car but wished I was sitting up a tiny bit higher and was a tiny bit closer to the floor with my feet. If I was taller, I would have bought that car as the BMW dealer would have given me a great price and it has the parking sensors in the front and back that I wanted, as well as the back-up camera. Again, thank you for your review and observations. We look forward to you testing the 2015 models with the M Suspension. By the way, I ordered an Alpine White BMW with many packages and options and I can't wait for it to be here in the middle of July, right before my lease ended. I tested over cars and decided to stay with BMW as the 10-way power seat and the handling just was more comfortable for me. Last edited by Lynn_228i; 06-14-2014 at 12:03 AM..
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06-13-2014, 06:31 PM	#5
DanG Major General 10569 Rep 6,917 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [7.68]	I don't have any play in my steering. All modern cars have gone to electronic steering assist to save gas. None is quite as satisfying as the old hydraulic. But, the M235i steering is much improved over the 3 series.
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06-13-2014, 07:13 PM	#6
ManCityFan Banned 7 Rep 197 Posts Drives: Evo IX MR Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	This review is IMPORTANT. It has a lot of CAPITAL LETTERS.
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06-13-2014, 09:37 PM	#8
Lucky13 Lucky13 211 Rep 1,762 Posts Drives: 2014 M235 manual, 2020 X3 30X Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, S.C. iTrader: (0)	HowardM, I have no fricking idea what you are talking about when you say "Center Wheel Play". You must have been drinking or the 100 magazine writers and the other 500 owners on this web site are all wrong. Based on the fact you did or currently drive a Hyundai you lost 100% of any credibility you may have had. Maybe you need to stick with driving Hyundai's and not buy a BMW if you actually think that a Sonata steers better. __________________ 1995 325i, 1996 328ci, 1997 528i, 1997 Z3 2.8, 2000 528i, 2001 X5 3.0, 2001 330i Convertible, 2002 M3 Convertible, 2003 M3 Coupe, 2004 M3 Coupe, 2004 Z4 3.0, 2004 X3 3.0, 2007 X3 3.0, 2007 335i Convertible, 2013 X1 28 sdrive, 2014 M235 manual, 2020 X3 30i Xdrive
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06-13-2014, 10:22 PM	#10
Lynn_228i AW BMW 228i with Black Dakota Leather Seats 24 Rep 225 Posts Drives: BMW 228i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I did test the Hyundai Sonata and the BMW 228i handled much better for me and was more comfortable for me in the seating position. My client who loves cars bought the Hyundai Sonata as a commuter car but still has his fun cars for when he is not going to work. I thought I would see what everyone loved about the car. The Sonata is pretty and you do get a lot in the car for the money. My seating position was not good and the car was not comfortable for me going around jug handles. I am sure it is a nice commuter car for someone tall. We all are allowed our opinions.
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06-13-2014, 10:31 PM	#11
deathsliver Private First Class 13 Rep 113 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: May 2014 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	The black sapphire metallic looks awesome IMHO...
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06-13-2014, 11:13 PM	#13
Mark's M Lieutenant Colonel 617 Rep 1,820 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Individual Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Stoney Creek, ON iTrader: (3)	With due respect to our newest automotive journalist and his avid reader Lynn who looks forward to Howard's review of the 2015 models (which personally I can't wait for) .honestly, is this thread a joke??? If it isn't and the M235 actually feels "rounder" to drive than the 228, I'm definitely buying a Mustang. __________________ 2016 Individual Silverlake/Amaro M3 Conceived by ///M
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06-13-2014, 11:29 PM	#14
jeremicium Major 170 Rep 1,178 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 328i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tacoma, Wa. USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00] 2009 Porsche Cayman S [0.00] 2016 BMW M2 [0.00] 2001 Honda S2000 [0.00]	Choke yourself Howard! I jest. Give him a break guys...No one deserves to be told they should just stick to driving Hyundais. Well, maybe my mom, but she's a really bad driver. I didn't drive the 228i, but as good as the M235i was, it didn't wow me enough to feel like i have to get one. It did look much better in person than in pics. However the 1 series had an "I don't care if i'm kind of short and squat" look to it. And it pulled it off well. 2 series is similar dimensions but trying to be sleek. My E92 does a better job of looking sleek. In terms of handling, traction, agility, and feeling lighter than it really is, it kills my car. Hydraulic steering is obviously better, but M235 steering wasn't half bad. I had exceptionally high expectations for the M235i. If I was blindfolded, placed in the car, all signs of BMW were disguised, and I was told to romp on it, I would be thoroughly impressed. But based on my expectations I came away satisfied, but not blown away. The car only had 30 miles on it and I promised my SA not to abuse it, maybe thats the problem.
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06-13-2014, 11:55 PM	#15
Lynn_228i AW BMW 228i with Black Dakota Leather Seats 24 Rep 225 Posts Drives: BMW 228i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Mark'sM, I had not realized that the poster had tested the M Suspension on the BMW 235i when I wrote that so when he would come back to test both with the M Suspension AND the adaptive steering, I wanted to read his review. I personally love the way the 2-series looks and handles and did not like the Hyundai Sonata. I still find my little White BMW 128i car the cutest and it fits my personality on the outside so well. But I love the interior of the BMW 228i better and I felt it handled better with a more comfortable base seat as the sport seat is too long for me. I can't wait for my new car to arrive in July! Last edited by Lynn_228i; 06-14-2014 at 12:06 AM..
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06-14-2014, 07:34 AM	#18
horsepower_and_hounds Brigadier General 1836 Rep 4,203 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	Well... I had a '11 Sonata SE prior to getting my current '09 128 w/sport pack and I cannot even compare them to each other. Don't get me wrong the Sonata was a very nice car and straight line acceleration was good but not as near sporty or razor sharp handling as the 128. Then I drove a M235 and bam....... i became a junkie on crack. I even thought the servo steering was way better then the Sonata was...period. I must admit I do love the steering on my 128 and if I had a 135 I would probably keep it but i don't and am getting the M235 for my next fix. Just my 2 cents
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