[RPM90]

I configured each model to have the same things as much as possible.
228i Msport with track pkg. and an M235i.
Price difference is only about $3600.

For leasing as I do there really isn't a reason why not to get the M235i, well except for the nicer wheels that the 228i Msport gets. Personal preference.

Anyone make the decision to go with the 228i Msport over the M235i where the difference is under $4K for a lease?
If so, why?

I'm thinking I should wait for the convertible though.
Saw some picts and I really like it.
I've wanted a convertible for a very long time and I always talk myself out of it.
This time I may just do it.
Anyone know how much more the vert will add to the price?

[Cyberdemon]

FWIW It seems one of the bigger differences in the price is going to come down to allocation and cost negotiation. Dealers are going to get more 228 slots and have more leverage with cutting down further on the price, which will be somewhat of a better deal, but yes, once you load up the 228 it does get closer.

I'm contemplating the same thing at the moment but I have til Spring to decide.

[Amessforone]

I opted for the 228i M-sport over the M235i. Personally after test driving both cars, I was content with the 228i.

[Ramos]

228 with few options is a no brainer but once you start loading up and get this close to the price of a similarly equipped M235, then the M235 becomes the obvious choice

[Steven1077]

Thing I like about the 228 is the mirrors are the same colour as the car and the wheels look better, yes I'd like the bigger engine but I'm not sure I'd use the extra power much, if its just $3500 I'd go for the M235, but in the UK it's more like $7000 more for same spec

[DSTR]

Get the M235i when you approach that kind of cost. No question. Get it and dont ever wonder why you were so close and didnt.

[pikcachu]

+1

[ska///235i]

What? Buy 228 cuz the wheels look better?

Really

[Sportstick]

This can involve preferences of product and philosophy. One could continue the original theory and ask why for the price of a M235i, one doesn't start to consider the 4 Series for a larger and more comfortable car....presuming those are the primary qualities one seeks over fun-to-drive and auto-entertainment.

I added significant options to a 228i Sportline, and did not even select MSport, and got exactly what I hoped for. I personally don't want any more engines larger than 4 cylinder. Part of this is the feeling of heritage to the 2002s I drove and the original 3 Series I had. Even the BMW office tower is designed to emulate the 4 cylinder design. 4 cylinder is the corporate history, and to me, that means something.

Further, I see no need to pay for and feed a 6. The 228i produces plenty of power for my needs and wants. I am much more entertained by the overall balance and feeling of a lighter front end with the excellent chassis than I am by straight-line acceleration.

And, I happened to really like Valencia Orange, only available on Sportline. So, I ordered to my specifications a well-loaded Sportline. Sticker was $46,500 and I got it out the door (excluding tax/fees, etc) for $42,490 after all incentives/negotiation. With Track Package (MAdaptive suspension, Variable Sport Steering, MSport brakes, and Michelin PSS tires) and 6MT, the only possibly meaningful difference vs 228i MSport is the design of the steering wheel. By not getting MSport, I also got to keep my fog lamps, actually a bonus over a minor difference in fascia surface contouring. But, the base steering wheel is great! Nice thick rim and good ergonomics in the section surfacing.

I bought the car....not a lease...and extended the BMW warranty to 7 years/70,000 miles, so I'm in it for the long run and got exactly the car I wanted.....well, almost exactly....it's not a Gran Coupe.

[bladeomatic]

Originally Posted by DSTR

Get the M235i when you approach that kind of cost. No question. Get it and dont ever wonder why you were so close and didnt.

The 228i is a sweet little car. And tweaked out with the M-Sport package, it's even sweeter. But like the post above ask yourself one question:

Did anyone ever opt for the more powerful car and wish they hadn't?

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Both equipped the way you want & if the price is close the M235 is IMHO the choice. If you are stripping things you want out to get the M235 priced right then get the 228.

[issaacrumel01]

I went through the same internal negotiations with myself and like one of the previous posts I opted for the 228i Msport for a few reasons. First, the cost was well below $40k after dealer incentives etc and I got the track package and lighting as well as carbon fiber interior bits. I loved the old E30 when a friend had one years ago and liked the idea of getting a 4cycl. If I decide I want/need a bit more power I can always add some performance parts for added hp and torque. The lighter weight and additional power will make this car scream and I came in $10k less than the 235. I don't consider the gas mileage a differentiator as I know the way I will be driving it will not be economical. Good luck with your choice whatever you decide.

Now, I just have to wait for mine to arrive.

[Canaletto]

I haven't finalized my decision yet, but I'm leaning towards a 228i over the M235i.

I'm more concerned about handling than power, and I think that the 228i (at least the way I will option it) will have better handling than the M235i for two reasons:

(1) You can't get the M Performance Suspension on the M235i.

(2) The smaller engine gives the 228i better weight distribution.

[issaacrumel01]

Tend to agree with you Canaletto. Just curious if you test drove a 228i as of yet? My dealer only had 328i's so I purchased 228i sight unseen as I knew what I wanted. Preferred balanced handling, good power, and price under $40k. I am interested to hear people's feedback on the 228i real world handling/power.

[Canaletto]

Originally Posted by issaacrumel01

Just curious if you test drove a 228i as of yet?

Yep, see my thread here: http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=987965

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by Canaletto

I haven't finalized my decision yet, but I'm leaning towards a 228i over the M235i.

I'm more concerned about handling than power, and I think that the 228i (at least the way I will option it) will have better handling than the M235i for two reasons:

(1) You can't get the M Performance Suspension on the M235i.

(2) The smaller engine gives the 228i better weight distribution.

I'll be keeping the stock suspension as I don't track.
The M Perf suspension issue is the same with the 3 series.
If you get the M adaptive suspension BMW doesn't show the M Perf as available.
However, that's more of a coding thing really, because the M Perf will bolt up as it's the same mounting.
Difference is that the M adaptive uses sensors that can trigger error codes.
But I think some owners worked around that.

The only suspension change I was considering on my 335i Msport is to try the M Perf springs with the adaptive dampers.
I think that would make a good combination, and same idea for the 2 series with M adaptive.

Weight distribution is better in the 3 series as well with the N20 as it's lighter, and it's smaller size allows BMW to place it farther back in relation to the front axle line for better mass and weight centralization.
But again, that's more relevant to those who track.
For daily driving and spirited driving days the difference is barely noticeable.
I've driven the 328i sport and compared to my 335i Msport the 328i does have a bit lighter feel at the front, a bit quicker transitional handling.
Still the 335i is no slouch.

I agree that those who value the extra degree of handling and feel over the extra power it makes sense to stick with the lighter engine and better weight balance.
I really like the N20 engine, plenty of power, but there is something about a BMW inline 6 that really appeals to me, the smoother feel, more linear power delivery, better sound, and of course more power.
For daily driving I enjoy using that extra power.

I'm leaning towards the M235i.
But, if I go with the vert I may likely go with the 228i, cause a vert is going to be heavier in both variants.

[USPSALIMITED]

Seems like any handling advantage you might get with a suitably equipped 228i would be tough to notice under "real world" driving conditions, that is just one persons wild guess though.

Kind of hard to see much downside to either choice, in this case the worst choice you could make might be excellent .

[Amessforone]

The M235i is a great car, but when autocrossing the 228i I found that the little 4 cylinder was more then enough and plenty of fun. A truly exhilarating experience.

[issaacrumel01]

Thanks! Already felt relatively confident about my choice, but more so now. Thanks!!

[krhodes1]

I really want a 228i, but may end up with an M235i for one stupid reason - the sunroof delete option! I autocross, and there is no way I can fit in a sunroofed 2 with a helmet on. Just not happening. I have fingers crossed that the sunroof delete makes its way to the 228i by the time I am ready to order next year. I want everything else that is in the premium package other than the stupid hole in the roof!

[MikeG12]

I bought the 228 M-Sport with minimal options and saved a lot of $ over a minimal M235. The 228 engine is a delight, sounds great for a 4 cylinder, and pulls as hard as most anyone needs. Handling is very responsive. The car compares very well with my E36 M3. I drove the M235 also and that was also a great car with a great engine, just more than I needed. You won't be disappointed either way.

[Kayevman]

[QUOTE=RPM90;16555624]I'll be keeping the stock suspension as I don't track.
The M Perf suspension issue is the same with the 3 series.
If you get the M adaptive suspension BMW doesn't show the M Perf as available.
However, that's more of a coding thing really, because the M Perf will bolt up as it's the same mounting.
Difference is that the M adaptive uses sensors that can trigger error codes.
But I think some owners worked around that.

The only suspension change I was considering on my 335i Msport is to try the M Perf springs with the adaptive dampers.
I think that would make a good combination, and same idea for the 2 series with M adaptive.

Weight distribution is better in the 3 series as well with the N20 as it's lighter, and it's smaller size allows BMW to place it farther back in relation to the front axle line for better mass and weight centralization.
But again, that's more relevant to those who track.
For daily driving and spirited driving days the difference is barely noticeable.
I've driven the 328i sport and compared to my 335i Msport the 328i does have a bit lighter feel at the front, a bit quicker transitional handling.
Still the 335i is no slouch.

I agree that those who value the extra degree of handling and feel over the extra power it makes sense to stick with the lighter engine and better weight balance.
I really like the N20 engine, plenty of power, but there is something about a BMW inline 6 that really appeals to me, the smoother feel, more linear power delivery, better sound, and of course more power.
For daily driving I enjoy using that extra power.

I'm leaning towards the M235i.
But, if I go with the vert I may likely go with the 228i, cause a vert is going to be heavier in both variants.[/QUOTE


I'm not sure all of that suspension stuff is accurate. The M Sport, as I understand it, is superfluous when you have adaptive dampers because when set on Sport, the dampers achieve the same handling as with the M Sport.