[GMe90]

Have any of you made the switch from the e90 335i to the 228i? If so, what are your impressions? I could see myself making the switch to a 228i with MT. It's a beautiful car!

[danimal]

Originally Posted by GMe90

Have any of you made the switch from the e90 335i to the 228i? If so, what are your impressions? I could see myself making the switch to a 228i with MT. It's a beautiful car!

Not exactly what you're looking for, but I made the switch from an E90 328i manual to a 228i manual, both with sport package (or Sport Line in the case of the 228). Overall, couldn't be happier.

I notice the reduction in steering feel in the 228i when I push the car on a winding road, but otherwise, the electric-assist steering is very user friendly, starting out very light at parking speeds but firming up nicely as you increase speed.

Compared with the 3.0-liter inline-6 in the E90, the 2.0-liter turbo sounds a bit like a tractor engine at low RPMs, but as the revs go up, it sounds pretty nice (part of this is sound piped in through the stereo system, but I don't care how they do it, it works). The power of the turbo, however, is what really excites me about the 228i. It really pulls hard whether accelerating 0-60 or flooring it in 6th on the freeway. The 235i is of course all the more impressive, but the 2.0-liter is more than enough for my needs.

Final note: I like the manual transmission better on the 228i. It's just so slick in comparison.

[Krisms]

yep, that's me. switched from a 2007 335i AT to a 2014 228i MT. only did it coz the 335i started having too many mechanical issues. here's my take on the 228i...

pros:
• better exterior & interior
• torque kicks in a lot sooner
• nice feeling MT
• comfortable yet very nimble

cons:
• less power is quite apparent
• numb-feeling steering wheel
• exhaust sound is undesirable
• a bit of body roll on corners

[e90post_user]

I switched from a 2011 E90 335i xDrive 6-MT to a 2014 F22 M235i 6-MT.
The E90 lacked the sports suspension due to the xDrive.
The M235i is a vast improvement overall. A few nagging points include the ever so intrusive hill assist, and the default setting in Comfort mode upon start-up (it does not remember last mode used). As far as the ride quality, handling and comfort - the specifically tuned suspension with the combination of non-RFT Michellins PSS are absolute win over the E90 xDrive - the car does not jump over the creases on a highway, etc. The steering on M235i can be light but it is precise, and I don't really have any complains about it.

[Cyberdemon]

I'm contemplating going to a 228 from my F30 335i as well. I question how often I ever need the power in my daily driving and it seems like the demand of the M235i is going to keep dealer prices heavily inflated compared to the deals I was able to land on my 335i, seems like the 228 M-sport will probably be a good bit cheaper.

Also considering going back to a MT from the 8speed auto...my left leg is getting really bored.

[bimmerbuff]

I didn't do a direct switch, but I had an E90 a few years back.

I miss having some of the extra goodies that I ordered for the E90 but skipped on the 228i. I miss the 6-cylinder, but am pleasantly surprised with the 4! Overall I'm happier with the 228i.

Both of those complaints should be rectified when the 228i is swapped for an M2.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by GMe90

Have any of you made the switch from the e90 335i to the 228i? If so, what are your impressions? I could see myself making the switch to a 228i with MT. It's a beautiful car!

Man you missed me gushing over the 335i M-Sport 6MT on the 3 series thread. I think the e46ZHP and 335i M-Sport 6 mt are about as good as BMW sedan as ever made and I wouldn't let go of it. The steering is nice, the sound is nice, the shifter is nice and if you have the fixed M-Sport suspension a great balance of performance and comfort. I think you are asking because I think you know what you would miss. Only you can decide. Drive it. The M235i, while being nice looking weighs about the same your sedan and it has active sound, you give up some feel on the steering and a temp gauge in your dash. The 228 is surprisingly fun but again, I think a step down.

If you're 335i is automatic, then no brainer, swap it but if you are lucky to have the 6mt m-sport, I would keep it pay it off then in a few years buy a 235i for autocrossing or sundays. There are a lot of M-Sport parts you can add to your car too. You can add the limited slip diff I believe and they sell a performance kit with extra radiator that takes you 320 hp too, from BMW.

If the M235i or 228 was significantly lighter, sportier, etc then maybe but you will be giving up the "best of breed" in my opinion. If it's the 6mt you have one of the best BMW sedans ever made and you would be trading it in for a nice sport coupe that as cool as it is, it's not best of breed yet!

Finally, if you just have to have something new or enjoy the digitized environment. What color is your 335i and is it 6mt? If it doesn't have NAV there are some people looking for 2011 cars like yours.

Good luck.