[000000]

Almost deleted this thread thinking It a much too negative subject. I should have known better as everyone here just loves the 2 no matter the cyl. count.

[Ron Jeffries]

BMW still makes some nice little cars. The 2 series, to me, is kind of the end of an era. Everything else is bigger, quieter, smoother. Even the M3 and M4 are immense.

I'm all about the 2. Just as I was all about my 135is.

[aaaaah]

I have no problem with people choosing them either way.

I just love straight sixes.

[RoundelM3]

Given the nearly $5K price difference between an M235i and the 228i convertibles, we chose an in-stock loaded M-Sport 228i, which we were able to buy at $47K. I was skeptical about the N26 SULEV engine, but since it's my wife's daily driver, it had more power than her previous 128i convertible and a better ride as well. I prefer the 6-cylinder in my F30 335i, but have no issues with the 4-cylinder after getting used to it. We drove it through the mountains in Western NC on a vacation and it had no problems with the climbs up to 5200 feet. That it's turbocharged made a big difference at that altitude.

[Maynard]

My 228ix still puts a grin on my face every time I drive it, almost 2 years in. The toughest (most disappointing) thing is that it is hard to find a road twisty and deserted enough to even begin to exploit the capabilities, so I'm usually having to restrain myself on the DD (I left the warning bell on for >75mph, and it is often reminding me). I think the phrase is 'zero to jail in 7 seconds'. I would think that a 6 would only make this worse. I also appreciate the lighter front end and more balanced feel, but it is subtle, not like comparing to a Mustang (and saving the $8K wasn't bad either - 'look honey, I just saved 8 grand, I'm a super shopper now!').

[happyjack]

Originally Posted by Maynard

My 228ix still puts a grin on my face every time I drive it, almost 2 years in. The toughest (most disappointing) thing is that it is hard to find a road twisty and deserted enough to even begin to exploit the capabilities, so I'm usually having to restrain myself on the DD (I left the warning bell on for >75mph, and it is often reminding me). I think the phrase is 'zero to jail in 7 seconds'. I would think that a 6 would only make this worse. I also appreciate the lighter front end and more balanced feel, but it is subtle, not like comparing to a Mustang (and saving the $8K wasn't bad either - 'look honey, I just saved 8 grand, I'm a super shopper now!').

ditto! except i'm only 10 days into my ownership of a 228i xdrive...so the new car halo effect is certainly in play, but i'm looking for reasons to extend my daily commute (100 miles round trip) to search out alternate routes that provide for more spirited driving on twisty roads.

highway passing is effortless, and i love tapping the paddle to drop down and hearing the revs as i change into the left lane. even in eco mode the responsiveness is really nice.

it's certainly early in my 4-cylinder 2-series ownership lifecycle, but i have absolutely zero regrets about choosing the 228i!

[Mr Carrots]

To each their own, the stock b58 is pretty underwhelming and the 330i loaners I've had have been noticably slower so I certainly wouldn't get one, but then again I'm not in charge of spending your money.

[aozer]

I had a 228i and now own a 235i. When I had the 4 cyl I didn't know what I was missing but now that I have the 6 I can't imagine going back. The 4 wasn't bad tho.

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by BM235iW

Thanks, its a great article. Great side by side comparison of these fine cars.

Yup, and it's the article that convinced me to buy my 228ix. No regrets after 1.5 years.

[voltaire]

I am also in Sydney - and have lurked on the forum for just over 18 months: basically since testdriving a 2 and then placing an order!

I came from a 2003 E46 330ci which was fantastic until my mechanic asked me how much emotional attachment I bore to the car...at 230,000km

So I thought I would buy a 4series but should do some testdriving first: alfa fun (but my wife would not accept an Italian car), Lexus (even the mechanic said you're not old enough), MB (A45 AMG rocket in straight line but not manual & boring, CLA I hated, 500S bit out of price range and not manual), Cayman (really fun but not practical as daily driver), Audi TT (impractical) & S3 (no character and reluctance to give manual).

So I went to drive 4 series and liked the feel on sitting but then driving it felt like a boat and discovered it was more htan a foot longer and also wider...so I tried a 2series.

Unfortunately there was no manual to try so I played through the range: virtually same size as my 330ci and just about everything improved in terms of use of space (would have preferred soft feel visor and light on mirror of visor for wife)... 220 too slow, 235 super quick, M2 a bit too hard (like the old e46 M3) for daily driver and decided to order white 228 manual Msport with HK sound, comfort package to get the electric lumbar support but proximity is convenient.

The 4pot is still about a second quicker than my old car at its best... and I had to take the manal gearbox on review and trust as people did not order them and I am told my car's configuration in Aus is unique...

Interestingly, the motor writers' criticism of the interior of BMW reminds me of many restaurnat critics: always loking for something different & new. I like the analogue dials and ergonomic placement so I can get to everything pretty easily an dnaturally and maybe I am longarmed but the pull handles on the doors are fine for me (and my wife who is shorter). Would I have liked HUD: maybe but in Oz in summer the glare on the ones I tried seems to render it untenable and that is not good if you become reliant ... possibly my other gripe is lsightly less feedback in steering than the old e46 and I would have preferred higher quality leather than the Dakota available....but love the reversing camera and memory for not only seats but mirrors etc activated by the proximity unloick from driver's side.... this car has the toys but also puts the fun back into BMW and doesn't scream "look at me"...

Did BMW advanced driving course and played with 240i and M2....and M4. So I concede on track the ZFAT is both quicker and more practical than any manual - but I bought my car for driver engagement. The M2 is a fantastic track beast - but I ahve no regrets about not buying it to drive daily. The combination of the turbo4 and RWD with manual is beautifully balanced andby far the best gearbox I have driven (except the trial in the Cayman) and temendously engaging for daily driving with enough space for skiing trip or even to carry the occasional 3rd/4th person (not to mention golf clubs).

Track day convinced me even further that the 228i (now 230i for you) is the right car if you are NOT tracking a car: enough get up & go to lose your licence, almost perfect balance (ok the Cayman has it beaten but lacks practcality and costs more).

Note I don't prpetend to race, but love to drve aggressively through bends - and the price differential in Oz is not for sneezing.

My old car was still on its original clutch and although I think the ZFAT8 is a great box with paddles, it is not as entertaining/engaging for me - and when (not if) something goes wrong with an automatic transmission it will be a PINTA - so no regrets as the 25,000km service comes up next week!

cheers

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by Radmobile

One of my favorite articles regarding the 228i, M235i, M2, and even 1M considerations:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...mparison-test/

How about this one ? also by RT

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...st-scion-fr-s/

[BillD1953]

new 2016 228i base coupe 6MT RWD.....just turned 34,000

Absolutely love the car...4 banger is perfect.

I got two options...back up camaera..heated front seats...nothing more....paid 33,295

Car has been flawless.....I'll see how many miles I'll rack up over the next few years.

[voltaire]

I should add that our (Oz) packaging is somewhat different to US packaging: my 228i 6MT has the equivalent Msport THP and lowered suspension, reversing camera (MY 2016) std, sports seats come with Msport, comfort package adds electric & memory lumbar, adjustments to seats, mirrors, radio, a/c, telephone & nav & proximity entry. Oh yes and they included heated seats - which is hardly needed in Sydney or even skiing but configuring it separately without that would actually cost more (go figure!!).

Don't really miss the inline 6 from the 330ci and the hardest thing to get used to was the need to automatically turn off the stop/start and adjust to sport...but that is now on autopilot...

Balance of car for a DD is really very good iideed and it has exactly enough space for what we need (alas the Cayman did not).

I think part of the exaggerated price differential in Oz betweeen 4pot and 6pot is the luxury car tax imposed - and that the consumption figures for the 228/230 allowed me to take advantage to avoid that tax (even with my configuration) whereas the 6pot 235/240 did not.... we still pay substantially more than US but when adjusted for equipment included and ALL taxes it is closer than it used to be (and still nowhere near the Porsche differential).

Unless you are dragging/tracking, this 4 cylinder tuned provides pretty good bang for buck since it is not far off M3 times of 2003...and certainly quick enough to lose a licence speedily!

One thing I would recommend: the BMW rubber floor mats and tray for the boot both to prevent sliding and aid in cleaning out grot from golf, tennis, skis, grocery shopping...and the boot actually is more usable although smaller than the e46 in litres while the interior is definitely more user friendly for space.

[snaketh]

I got the 6 purely cause I had 4 bangers my whole life and I don't think larger engines will be around for that much longer. That and the sound.

I'd have got the 230i if they had the config I wanted. Then I'd be able to look forward to the 240 as a future upgrade. Now I don't know what my next motor will be.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by 000000

I'm a 230i owner. Sometimes disappointed if a poster says they would like to buy the 230i . Most responses go, you should get the m240i because when optioned up price is not much different & imply you'd be crazy not to. I don't want to upset the m240i owners , but I feel the 4 cyl. are worth a second look . In Australia price gap between models seem to be larger the 220i Au$52900, 230i Au$63000 & m240i Au$76800 . Yes I wanted the m240i just thought I would like to afford groceries as well as petrol. Where I live the max. speed limit is 100kph. ( 0-100kph 220i 7.2sec/ 230i 5.6sec / m240i 4.6sec approx) The car is plenty fast enough, for me the way it handles is more important. The 2 things about the 230i I don't like are the runflats ( which can be changed ) and the lack of 6cyl. engine sound (which can't).
If I could choose again would it be the 230i? I think so.
4 cylinder 2's have merit ? I think so. (but what would I know.)

228/230 has a lot of merit. It feels more nimble, you can get it with lighter manual seats and once warmed up sounds great. The 228 feels like a rear drive GTI. I went to Coronado speed fest and autocrossed a 228i and 235i back to back. The 235i had more push in the back but not by much but the 228 turned better and you could feel the weight difference. I ended up dissapointed with 235i and impressed by the 228i. I was seriously thinking of going 228i with big brakes and M sport but sadly, I couldn't get over the stupid top of dash display and iDrive. Also, the stopped offering the big brakes by themselves. You had to buy the "track" package which had variable steering which I didn't want. So 228i congifured in M-Sport is an awesome connosseur car. When I see a 235i around, it's just OK for me but when I see a manual 228i M-Sport, I feel, that guy or gal "gets it!"

[FX TR8R]

I love my 2018 230i. I want for nothing. I'm constantly receiving compliments on the Seaside Blue color (it really is beautiful in the sun).

[SteveInfante]

Originally Posted by FX TR8R

I love my 2018 230i. I want for nothing. I'm constantly receiving compliments on the Seaside Blue color (it really is beautiful in the sun).

Same here with the Midnight Blue Metallic. Even 3 years later.

[Maynard]

Can't resist cross posting this ongoing thread - supports my sense that the extra you get w/ the 6 isn't all that usable (nice, no doubt, but diminishing returns):

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1444861

[3rdcoast228i]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Can't resist cross posting this ongoing thread - supports my sense that the extra you get w/ the 6 isn't all that usable (nice, no doubt, but diminishing returns):

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1444861

I'm sure the extras are a blast, and I even consider it sometimes. But then I drive my car and it reassures me every time, without doubt, that it is plenty of car.

[Mr Carrots]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Can't resist cross posting this ongoing thread - supports my sense that the extra you get w/ the 6 isn't all that usable (nice, no doubt, but diminishing returns):

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1444861

I'm pushing just under 400 AWHP and mine puts down the power just fine. This is why I didn't go RWD despite being told that AWD is "not a real bmw" etc.

Mine will eventually be pushing 500+ once I swap out the turbo and add meth, not something that would be possible with the 4, so the tiny premium for a vastly increased potential was totally worth it.

[Shovelman]

Actually with the hp bump in the 230i to 248, it's not so much slower than the 235. It easily goes 135 mph which for me is fast enough. And the time and money saved at the pump is nice too. Only the turbo lag is disappointing, but that's the price paid for great mileage.

[Y0tsuya]

Let's just say none of us really NEED a 2-er when a Toyota Yaris will get us to and from work each day just fine. It's all about WANT at this point. And different people want different things. It just so happens my M235i 6MT has most of what I want (minus the NA engine and extra 2 doors). And with the way things are going I'm prepared to hunker down and keep this running for a long time.