[Transfer]

My wife has an X1 xDrive 28i. Between the weight of the thing, the terrible throttle lag, and raised suspension, it is not exactly "sporting". The engine is decent but I had thought there was no way I would want another BMW with the 28i setup. My mind has been changed.

I have an M235xi on order arriving first week in August. I'm a former M3 owner and want the 2 series with the best engine available. I used to think that was a no brainer for the 235 but today I took a 228i out for a solo road test and it is pure fantastic. Is it straight line as fast as the 235? No, but it isn't that far off and it feels incredibly light on its feet. The woes I have with that engine in the X1 do not translate into the 2er and depending on your price point and speed needs of the car, you can't go wrong with either 235 or 228.

The car I drove was at the BMW UDE outside of Seattle today and it was a Sport line 228i coupe with 8sp and Pilot Super Sports. I also drove a 328d, 428i, 335xi GT as well. The 2er was easily by leaps and bounds the best of those cars and is really quite a package for the price. As good as the 228 was, it made me even more excited for my upcoming 235.

[Sportstick]

Absolutely correct! I drove the 4, the 3, and checked out the 2s, and ordered the 228i with THP. Incredible, balanced, excellent automobile!

[yeezy]

Agreed. Having driven a variety of the 3 and 4 series thus far I honestly prefer the 2 not even for the price but it definitely just feels a lot more fun to drive. The longer body of the 3 and 4 (still small cars of course) just makes it feel slightly more awkward especially when driving through traffic in the city. Most people instantly assume someone would only get a 2 because of the lower price point which is an additional bonus but if you're looking for a car that's easier to drive and don't need much passenger space I would definitely opt for the 2 over the 3 or 4 but that's just my personal opinion.

With regard to the 228 vs the 235 I've never driven the 235 and I'm sure it's definitely noticeably faster and more responsive even during daily driving byt I picked the 10k cost savings of the 228 since I wasn't planning to track it or anything and living in the NYC area I'd never really get an opportunity to experience the added power

[Kiwi]

Want the X drive ruin the driving ability of the 235 rear wheel only?

I do agree after my experience driving other BMW's the 2+1 series are the true BMW drivers cars left.

[yeezy]

I personally would get the xdrive if necessary but would prefer to have gotten the RWD

[Merc for hire]

228i is great! Except for the exhaust note

[nachob]

Originally Posted by Merc for hire

228i is great! Except for the exhaust note

The exhaust is awful only during cold startup. Once warm it sounds great to me. The 228 feel more nimble and exceeds my expectations. You can also order it with manual seats and no folding mirrors to make it even lighter. It would be really difficult for me. I might take the 228i over the 235.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

I agree with the OP, the 228 is an exceptional vehicle.

Not sure if it's still being built with the N20? We had that motor in our last X3 and paired with the 8sp, I thought it was a fun little SAV.

[BarryJI]

It's a fantastic sports coupe, plenty luxurious but also very fierce, performance-wise, when the opportunity arises. Much as I love manual transmissions, the 8AT is a stunning gearbox that is so well harmonized with the sports suspension and the engine's high HP/torque output.

I bought the 228i because I felt it was better value for money vs. the M235i but the bargain I made with myself was to get every available performance option (the THP is indispensable, IMO) and to tune the car to the point at which it's basically as fast as the 235i. For me, the Dinan Shockware suspension mod and the Stage 1 engine tune make an already superb car even better and great value. It is a terrific tuner platform.

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by nachob

The exhaust is awful only during cold startup. Once warm it sounds great to me. The 228 feel more nimble and exceeds my expectations. You can also order it with manual seats and no folding mirrors to make it even lighter. It would be really difficult for me. I might take the 228i over the 235.

Really...seats I can see...how much extra weight can a folding set of mirrors be. I would not have a car without them.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by sstarrx3

Really...seats I can see...how much extra weight can a folding set of mirrors be. I would not have a car without them.

All the stuff adds up! The m235 is heavy. On more fluff item that adds weight.

[SteveInfante]

I love mine. Had to get the manual though.

[vladberca]

28i - is lighter
M Pack for the look.
THP for better dynamics.
6 MT for fun. ☺