THE LARGEST BMW 2-SERIES FORUM ON THE PLANET
2Addicts
2Addicts
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum BMW 2 Series (F22) Forum BMW 2 Series Coupe and Cabriolet (F22/F23) General Forum The eternal 228 vs 235 decision.. my thoughts

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-30-2016, 04:39 PM   #45
BarryJI
Captain
BarryJI's Avatar
United_States
424
Rep
980
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 228i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ParkerJarvis View Post
I never tested the 235. I got behind the wheel of a 228 AT with two passengers on board, hopped on the on-ramp, and was doing 80 without "trying" when the salesman pointed out the police car on the shoulder. Done. I was getting 18 mpg in my 2009 X3 with the 3-liter inline six with mixed driving, so my 25 mpg now is fantastic, and this little i4 is brilliant, IMO.
Yeah, it's a great engine. Tons of torque, even stock, and 100 mph comes up making less than 4000 rpm. Tuned, it's very fierce indeed, light and well-balanced.
__________________

2015 BMW 228i M Sport w/Track Handling Package
DAP | Lighting | Premium | Tech
DINANTRONICS Performance Tuner Stage 1 | DINAN Shockware | DINAN Free Flow Exhaust | DINAN Performance Spring Set + Ride Quality and Handling Kit
Appreciate 0
      05-30-2016, 10:35 PM   #46
ParkerJarvis
New Member
ParkerJarvis's Avatar
United_States
8
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW 228i M-Sport
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BarryJI View Post
Yeah, it's a great engine. Tons of torque, even stock, and 100 mph comes up making less than 4000 rpm. Tuned, it's very fierce indeed, light and well-balanced.
We have the DINAN ECU upgrade for our 2015 X1 i4 -- I'm not as impressed with it as I was hoping for the $1500; I'm happier with the 228i out of the box than I am with the DINAN-mapped X1. Of course, I'm sure it's different on every car, and I may have a different impression on my car.
Appreciate 0
      05-31-2016, 12:38 AM   #47
BarryJI
Captain
BarryJI's Avatar
United_States
424
Rep
980
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 228i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ParkerJarvis
Quote:
Originally Posted by BarryJI View Post
Yeah, it's a great engine. Tons of torque, even stock, and 100 mph comes up making less than 4000 rpm. Tuned, it's very fierce indeed, light and well-balanced.
We have the DINAN ECU upgrade for our 2015 X1 i4 -- I'm not as impressed with it as I was hoping for the $1500; I'm happier with the 228i out of the box than I am with the DINAN-mapped X1. Of course, I'm sure it's different on every car, and I may have a different impression on my car.
The stock tuning of the same engine across different platforms varies wildly. For example the N20/N26 in the 2-Series coupe pulls a lot harder than the same engine in a 3-Series sedan. I have no idea of the effect of a tune on an SUV.
__________________

2015 BMW 228i M Sport w/Track Handling Package
DAP | Lighting | Premium | Tech
DINANTRONICS Performance Tuner Stage 1 | DINAN Shockware | DINAN Free Flow Exhaust | DINAN Performance Spring Set + Ride Quality and Handling Kit
Appreciate 0
      05-31-2016, 09:58 AM   #48
Viffermike
Colonel
Viffermike's Avatar
United_States
1753
Rep
2,942
Posts

Drives: '18 black-n-blue 718 Cayman
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Big D

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y0tsuya View Post
That Buick thing is a bad comparison. 228i and M325i can be spec'd to be pretty much equal in all but the motor. It all comes down to what people think is a better value to them. 228i gives you better mileage and is sufficient for people who are OK with less torque. I switched from a e46 330i and the 228i gives little to no difference in power so I don't think I'd be satisfied with the 228i. When I priced out 228i vs M235i I found I can get 33% more power for 9.5% more $$$, I find the M235i to be the better value.
It's not a bad comparison; it's an exaggeration to demonstrate a point. As you know, there are those who will tell someone, "Car A has more horsepower than Car B, therefore Car A must be the better performance car." Which, as you know, is baloney.

Let's get even more exaggerated: Is a supermotard motorcycle with 65HP a poorer performer than a literbike race replica with twice as much horsepower? Not on your life. The performance capabilities are simply different ... particularly when operator skill is taken into account ...

... which brings us right smack dab back to how each individual defines what is 'better', doesn't it?

__________________
--Life is a journey made more exciting with a fast car.--
--Helmets are for closers.--
<<Current: "Blackened" '18 NBM Porsche 718 Cayman ... Gone (but not forgotten): "Blackened" MG '15 228i M Sport w/aFe filter/scoop, Hertz drivers, P3Cars multigauge, other goodies>>
Appreciate 1
      05-31-2016, 10:10 AM   #49
Sportstick
Major General
Sportstick's Avatar
4606
Rep
5,979
Posts

Drives: '15 228i and '24 X3 sDrive30i
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Southwest USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Viffermike View Post
... which brings us right smack dab back to how each individual defines what is 'better', doesn't it?

Has a familiar ring to it....and no one has the objectively definitive answer!
__________________
2015 228i 6MT/Track Handling/Tech/Cold/Premium/Lighting/Driver Assistance/KCDesign Strut Brace/M2 LCAs/Rogue SSK/BBS SR/PS4S/ER Chargepipe/AA Intercooler/Dinan Shockware/MPerformance Spoiler/Black Grilles/Xpel Ultimate PPF & Prime XR+ Tint/Adam's Ceramic/no CDV
2024 X3 sDrive30i/MSport/Premium/Dynamic Handling/Shadowline/Parking/Xpel Prime XR Plus/Weathertech Cargo Liner
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 12:38 PM   #50
BimmerLOVER1234
Enlisted Member
16
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: Porsche 718 CAYMAN S
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Singapore

iTrader: (0)

Well i guess its natural for everyone to defend their purchase, but fact is. things can indeed be better. Its like me buying a economy car and saying its perfect for my needs so therefore its as good as some other luxury car. Its easy and politically correct for everyone to just say " oh i bought what i needed" and "oh its perfect for me, i don't need more". But fact is, as a raw performance perspective, the m235i is indeed better to MOST people, and in this particular field as clearly shown by the demographic on this forum, and spending more "Tends" (in most cases) to get you something better. It is after-all always good to have more budget. i say that as a current 228i owner. part of life after all is to always strive for more ain't it? Don't get why you guys are so bothered by an m235i owner saying their car is better. lol. Thats just an opinion being stated and opinions are always good. It is the more premium version of the 2 series after-all, intended to be higher up the food chain.

Its like someone says the m235i is better and BAM, suddenly its always the same 2-3 people out to say the "228i could be better for some people". Well, yes. it could be better for people who want better mpg or have a smaller budget, but hey, whats wrong with letting the m235i dude state why he picked that car? obviously cause he happened to think its better? Why else would someone pay more for a car if they didn't think it was better? if your already supposedly so happy with your purchase, why would you care. Honestly when i read some of the posts it sounds like people are trying to convince themselves they didn't make the wrong choice.

Last edited by BimmerLOVER1234; 06-01-2016 at 12:53 PM..
Appreciate 2
      06-01-2016, 01:01 PM   #51
Merc for hire
First Lieutenant
Merc for hire's Avatar
Canada
157
Rep
387
Posts

Drives: M235i 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

iTrader: (0)

I was too harsh on the 228i.
It's a good car. The engine has great power and economy. It''s got a 300 lb lighter nose weight advantage over the M235i which the M235i can do nothing about.

It just needs a couple "must-have" mods to cure its fatal flaws to car enthusiasts. First is the exhaust note, 228i desperately needs a performance exhaust upgrade. Stock noise is TERRIBLE.

Second is throttle response. The N20 takes a split second too long for it to rev up in neutral during gear shifts. I wonder what type of mods can fix this.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 01:38 PM   #52
bozman9
Private
United_States
15
Rep
72
Posts

Drives: 2016 M235xi CV
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Worcester, MA

iTrader: (0)

"Honestly when i read some of the posts it sounds like people are trying to convince themselves they didn't make the wrong choice." LOL I think this is the basis of 90% of the internet. Crowdsourced validation because most of our friends will just say "I dunno. Get what you like." Or "I dunno, I have a Camry. It seems nice".

This has been a terrific feedback thread for me (the OP) because it points out little things I might have not considered or real world pros/cons beyond the 'x' is faster argument. Thanks! Incidentally, I had pretty much decided on a loaded 228 vert but have been unable to find anything on a lot. Looking for mineral gray/coral red. So I am probably faced with a 235 now at a good price or a 230 in a few months (then I miss the summer months and pay almost the same). So, now I am leaning back towards a m235i if I can find the right deal.

Bozman
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 02:21 PM   #53
BEM-S4
Major General
BEM-S4's Avatar
United_States
4515
Rep
8,942
Posts

Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (5)

In this debate, M235 vs S3, M4 vs C63, etc etc none of the options are really bad options. You're basically choosing between very good, very very good, and great a lot of times. I myself have said the CLA is a piece of shit, but only compared to better options out there. In and of itself it's a nice car. Whatever you end up with you'll be happy.
__________________
2022 Macan S
2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon
2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
Appreciate 1
      06-01-2016, 02:24 PM   #54
BimmerLOVER1234
Enlisted Member
16
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: Porsche 718 CAYMAN S
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Singapore

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
In this debate, M235 vs S3, M4 vs C63, etc etc none of the options are really bad options. You're basically choosing between very good, very very good, and great a lot of times. I myself have said the CLA is a piece of shit, but only compared to better options out there. In and of itself it's a nice car. Whatever you end up with you'll be happy.
Spot on. If your happy with it, so what if others come in and say one car is better than the other. People come to the forums to get information and opinions. and having people with-hold their opinions to stop some from getting butt hurt is just dumb. That is misinformation. If i'm a new buyer. i want to hear WHY people think their choice is the better one. I want to hear them proclaim their rationale.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 02:36 PM   #55
XutvJet
Major General
5488
Rep
5,334
Posts

Drives: 2011 Cayman Base, 2016 M235
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Kansas City

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Merc for hire View Post
I was too harsh on the 228i.
It's a good car. The engine has great power and economy. It''s got a 300 lb lighter nose weight advantage over the M235i which the M235i can do nothing about.
300lbs lighter in the nose? Where does that data come from? The 228i 6MT with the M-sport package weighs ~3,340lbs. The M235 6MT weighs in at 3,490lbs per BMW. So we're really talking 150lbs, if that. My 2016 M235 6MT with the moonroof delete and 3/4 tank of fuel weighed in at 3,350lbs on a CAT scale.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 03:11 PM   #56
bimmerfile
Colonel
bimmerfile's Avatar
621
Rep
2,069
Posts

Drives: 2019 BMW X2 F39
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: GTA, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Since OP was looking for the relative merits of a 228i ragtop vs the M235i ragtop, and having owned a 2015 228xi ragtop before it was recalled and crushed by BMW and now having had my new M235xi ragtop replacement for over 7 months, I'll throw in my 2 cents into the conversation.
My opinion of the difference between my 228i ragtop and my 235i ragtop has not changed since I posted my comment on the subject back in March 2016 (url below).
http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showt...3#post19518853
__________________
2019 X2
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 03:29 PM   #57
jaboyd
Private First Class
39
Rep
127
Posts

Drives: 2015 M235i black/black
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: TN

iTrader: (0)

If it was my choice I'd go with the 228 but add the rear LSD and a tune (maybe an exhaust). That would make the 2 cars about the same overall cost but the 228 would be more fun, more flexible and a better handling car, IMO.
Appreciate 1
      06-01-2016, 03:42 PM   #58
Anthony235
Lieutenant Colonel
Anthony235's Avatar
United_States
715
Rep
1,541
Posts

Drives: m235i
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: OC, Ca

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2015 BMW  [0.00]
The only reason to get the 228 over the 235 is budget. Other than that it's a no brainer.

Seems like a silly discussion.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 03:51 PM   #59
BEM-S4
Major General
BEM-S4's Avatar
United_States
4515
Rep
8,942
Posts

Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony235 View Post
The only reason to get the 228 over the 235 is budget. Other than that it's a no brainer.

Seems like a silly discussion.
That's not entirely accurate - price difference isn't really an issue but if I were getting one for a weekend car or for my GF, I'd absolutely get the 228 and save the extra cash. She's afraid of my car (has it at the beach for the weekend) and drives it in Eco mode only. Getting her a 235 vs a 228 would just be pissing money away.

There's something to be said for getting what the primary driver of a vehicle would enjoy and actually use vs throwing money at extra performance purely for ego purposes. Not saying that's what you did, but a lot of people do.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 03:56 PM   #60
BarryJI
Captain
BarryJI's Avatar
United_States
424
Rep
980
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 228i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony235 View Post
The only reason to get the 228 over the 235 is budget. Other than that it's a no brainer.

Seems like a silly discussion.
Seems like a silly response.
__________________

2015 BMW 228i M Sport w/Track Handling Package
DAP | Lighting | Premium | Tech
DINANTRONICS Performance Tuner Stage 1 | DINAN Shockware | DINAN Free Flow Exhaust | DINAN Performance Spring Set + Ride Quality and Handling Kit
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 04:02 PM   #61
BarryJI
Captain
BarryJI's Avatar
United_States
424
Rep
980
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 228i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Merc for hire View Post
It just needs a couple "must-have" mods to cure its fatal flaws to car enthusiasts. First is the exhaust note, 228i desperately needs a performance exhaust upgrade. Stock noise is TERRIBLE.

Second is throttle response. The N20 takes a split second too long for it to rev up in neutral during gear shifts. I wonder what type of mods can fix this.
All easily fixed. My aftermarket exhaust note (whether heard from inside or outside the car) makes me cackle and the N26 revs a lot more freely with a good tune. With these additions, plus a performance suspension, the driving dynamics of the 228i can be revolutionised. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing and the weight distribution makes a significant difference once the engine and suspension are tuned.
__________________

2015 BMW 228i M Sport w/Track Handling Package
DAP | Lighting | Premium | Tech
DINANTRONICS Performance Tuner Stage 1 | DINAN Shockware | DINAN Free Flow Exhaust | DINAN Performance Spring Set + Ride Quality and Handling Kit
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 04:04 PM   #62
Anthony235
Lieutenant Colonel
Anthony235's Avatar
United_States
715
Rep
1,541
Posts

Drives: m235i
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: OC, Ca

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2015 BMW  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by BarryJI View Post
Seems like a silly response.
No, just a straight forward response.

Where does the 228 excel over the 235 except in price?
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 04:06 PM   #63
BarryJI
Captain
BarryJI's Avatar
United_States
424
Rep
980
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 228i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony235 View Post
No, just a straight forward response.

Where does the 228 excel over the 235 except in price?
Just read some of the more thoughtful responses already written in this thread. You seem to be ignoring them as an act of will.

Also, since I couldn't put it better then bimmerfile, let me paste in his quote from another thread, as I can only assume you didn't care to click on the link he supplied on the subject:

Before this becomes too much of "a 228i vs M235i as a DD" pissing contest, let me say this about that.
I had a 2015 228xi MSport ragtop for about 6 months before I had to turn it back to BMW because of a total vehicle recall.
While I loved that 228i, I decided to replace it with an almost identically equipped 2016 M235xi ragtop.
If it wasn't for the sound of the engine and exhaust and slightly faster acceleration, there is very little (if anything) difference in handling and performance (imho) - and both of those differing attributes have both positive and negative aspects.
1. The sound of the N55 engine and exhaust are nicer under acceleration, but the loud engine/exhaust drone in D on highways is annoying.
2. Acceleration in the M235i, while faster is not as much fun as it was with the 228i. With the 228i, I could put the hammer down for 4 -5 seconds on an on-ramp and the N20 would sing with a beautiful note. With the M235i, you're lucky to get 2 seconds with the hammer down before you're 20Kmph over the posted limit.
Overall, I'd say that for me, they equally as much fun. But, the 228i is definitely better value.
__________________

2015 BMW 228i M Sport w/Track Handling Package
DAP | Lighting | Premium | Tech
DINANTRONICS Performance Tuner Stage 1 | DINAN Shockware | DINAN Free Flow Exhaust | DINAN Performance Spring Set + Ride Quality and Handling Kit
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 04:11 PM   #64
Anthony235
Lieutenant Colonel
Anthony235's Avatar
United_States
715
Rep
1,541
Posts

Drives: m235i
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: OC, Ca

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2015 BMW  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
That's not entirely accurate - price difference isn't really an issue but if I were getting one for a weekend car or for my GF, I'd absolutely get the 228 and save the extra cash. She's afraid of my car (has it at the beach for the weekend) and drives it in Eco mode only. Getting her a 235 vs a 228 would just be pissing money away.

There's something to be said for getting what the primary driver of a vehicle would enjoy and actually use vs throwing money at extra performance purely for ego purposes. Not saying that's what you did, but a lot of people do.
As for it being too fast because someone can't properly get used to a gas peddle; that's a driver issue not a problem with the car.

Again car for car (apples to apples) there is no reason to go for a 228 over the 235 unless it's for budget reasons (which is perfectly valid).
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 04:18 PM   #65
BarryJI
Captain
BarryJI's Avatar
United_States
424
Rep
980
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 228i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony235 View Post
Again car for car (apples to apples) there is no reason to go for a 228 over the 235 unless it's for budget reasons (which is perfectly valid).
Nonsense. Sorry, but there it is. It depends on what you look for in a car, the kind of driving dynamics you like and how you wish to modify it. There are many more 228s being raced than 235s because it's lighter. To make such a confident assertion that the only possible advantage is budgetary is simply ignorant. I do not understand why people take such pride in this form of ignorance.
__________________

2015 BMW 228i M Sport w/Track Handling Package
DAP | Lighting | Premium | Tech
DINANTRONICS Performance Tuner Stage 1 | DINAN Shockware | DINAN Free Flow Exhaust | DINAN Performance Spring Set + Ride Quality and Handling Kit
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2016, 04:20 PM   #66
Anthony235
Lieutenant Colonel
Anthony235's Avatar
United_States
715
Rep
1,541
Posts

Drives: m235i
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: OC, Ca

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2015 BMW  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by BarryJI View Post
Just read some of the more thoughtful responses already written in this thread. You seem to be ignoring them as an act of will.

Also, since I couldn't put it better then bimmerfile, let me paste in his quote from another thread, as I can only assume you didn't care to click on the link he supplied on the subject:

Before this becomes too much of "a 228i vs M235i as a DD" pissing contest, let me say this about that.
I had a 2015 228xi MSport ragtop for about 6 months before I had to turn it back to BMW because of a total vehicle recall.
While I loved that 228i, I decided to replace it with an almost identically equipped 2016 M235xi ragtop.
If it wasn't for the sound of the engine and exhaust and slightly faster acceleration, there is very little (if anything) difference in handling and performance (imho) - and both of those differing attributes have both positive and negative aspects.
1. The sound of the N55 engine and exhaust are nicer under acceleration, but the loud engine/exhaust drone in D on highways is annoying.
2. Acceleration in the M235i, while faster is not as much fun as it was with the 228i. With the 228i, I could put the hammer down for 4 -5 seconds on an on-ramp and the N20 would sing with a beautiful note. With the M235i, you're lucky to get 2 seconds with the hammer down before you're 20Kmph over the posted limit.
Overall, I'd say that for me, they equally as much fun. But, the 228i is definitely better value.
1. Engine sound is subjective. I don't think anyone would call the engine sound of a 235 in D/comfort annoying. It's almost nonexistent. If anything the drone he mentions is road noise from the PSS tires. Also the 235xi that he had comes with run flats if I remember correctly. Those will produce more road noise.

2. Saying not to get the 235 because it accelerates too fast is silly in my opinion and again completely subjective. The gas peddle is not an on/off switch and you can easily modulate it. In fact most people will say the extra TQ on the 235 is what makes it so fun to drive everyday. It's one of the reasons I bought mine.

Yes, the 228 is better value for most people on a budget.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:23 AM.




2addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST