[Scott2414]

I have read some other threads on this but would like some additional input. I can get a great deal on either of these cars, but I live in the Midwest and do have some issues with snow for a few months a year. m235 is at invoice with additional $1000 extra from ultimate test drive and 228i xDrive is 7% off with a few more options (HK and Back up cam) and the $1000 off. Would like to hear some differing opinions on which you would choose, I am torn as my wife really supports the 228i due to the xDrive. I keep telling her snow tires will make a difference on the m235. Thanks to anyone who weighs in.

[mjposner]

It depends on whether you value power over traction. Growing up our rear wheel drive cars ran snows without much issue. Is this your only car? We have an suv as well (wife's car) so for me I would always go rear drive and power.

[Scott2414]

I grew up in RWD also, so really not an issue and we have a GLK 350 for if the weather gets bad. I love the power increase on the m235, but the 228 felt pretty fast and nimble on a test drive. My past RWD experience has been in mustangs, which absolutely sucked in rain and snow, but lacks the modern safety features the RWD BMW has. It really comes down to getting my wife on board.

[WI_Rob]

I'll "bump" this thread since I'm wondering the same thing. Not trying to hijack.

In support of the OP's question, has anyone driven an M235i in "real" snow with snow tires yet? I also live in the upper midwest US (Wisconsin). I'm curious how the car handled too.

Yes, most of us CAN drive a rwd in snow if we need to. I guess the real question is, for those of you who have driven this car in the snow, is it like driving a "pig on ice"?

Some cars are just better than others, irrespective of the tires.

Thanks!

[phoenixbmwlife]

Not to sound over simplistic but why not get the M235I with XDrive?

[PJGP13]

It is a difficult choice, sound like great deals!

I was going to buy a new Audi A3 or an used S4 due to the quattro system. Nice cars, but never my #1 in the list. When I saw the xDrive in the 2 series, I was totally in for it.

I went for the 228xi with few extras (M sport, Winter, Lights and Moonroof), because my commute is through county roads, which are not cleaned frequently after snows. We have a Grand Cherokee too, which can beat anything in front, but that is the wife's SUV. I guess it depends on the daily use. I might have gone for the M235xi if my job was in the city, not sure though, the 228xi seems like it will be a very composed car with good amount of power too.

Can't wait for it to arrive!!

[PJGP13]

Originally Posted by Bennu

Not to sound over simplistic but why not get the M235I with XDrive?

Different price point according to the OP details. A new M235xi will get at best the 7% he is getting for the 228xi. That is minimum $3,000 over the M235i I guess. Few dealers are willing to go low in the '15 models; specially knowing that the xDrive is popular in upper Midwest.

[phoenixbmwlife]

Originally Posted by PJGP13

Different price point according to the OP details. A new M235xi will get at best the 7% he is getting for the 228xi. That is minimum $3,000 over the M235i I guess. Few dealers are willing to go low in the '15 models; specially knowing that the xDrive is popular in upper Midwest.

Oh ok I didn't see that in the OP. Makes sense though.

[Cavpilot2k]

I drive my 135i in snow all the time (I live in New England). The key is that dedicated snow tires are an absolute must! If you have a set you can switch out seasonally (even easier if you have a dedicated set of wheels for the tires too), then run summer performance tires in the summer and snows in the winter (in New England I have to go about 6 months with each, because late October and April snows are not uncommon).

With snows and the fantastic traction control on these cars, yo uwil be fine. In fact I keep up with my gf's subaru just fine.

[Scott2414]

I could not get even close to the same deal on the m235 xDrive as I could on the 228i xdrive. I could bite the bullet and do it but I had a set limit in mind when I decided to buy a car and I am trying to stick to it.

[PJGP13]

Originally Posted by Scott2414

I could not get even close to the same deal on the m235 xDrive as I could on the 228i xdrive. I could bite the bullet and do it but I had a set limit in mind when I decided to buy a car and I am trying to stick to it.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. You decided on the 228xi then? Do you have a production week yet?
Good luck!

[Scott2414]

My production week is next week. But calling BMW has reulted in some vague answers. Until I see the build started I will continue to be stressed.

[MikeG12]

My 228 is RWD but I have not driven it in snow yet, so have no input. I previously had a 325i and E36 M3, both RWD, and both did fine in New England with snow tires. I plan on putting snows on my 228.
BTW, the xdrives are showing up at the dealers. My Cape Cod BMW dealer has a 228 and M235 both with xdrive. They have sold only a couple of 2 series so far including mine, but expect that to change with xdrive. Almost all the other BMW's they sell are xdrive.

[MA128]

I live north of Boston and have used my 128s (2009 and now 2013) daily for 56-mile round trip commute. My preferred winter tire is the Dunlop WinterSport 3D (there is now a 4D). Easily <$900 mounted. Not as good as a Blizzak in deep snow but MUCH better driving feel and performance and very good in all other cold winter conditions.

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by MA128

I live north of Boston and have used my 128s (2009 and now 2013) daily for 56-mile round trip commute. My preferred winter tire is the Dunlop WinterSport 3D (there is now a 4D). Easily <$900 mounted. Not as good as a Blizzak in deep snow but MUCH better driving feel and performance and very good in all other cold winter conditions.

Side question, but I'm coming from an Audi - How hard is it to find a set of steelies or OEM rims to put a winter set on? I don't really want to mess up the PSS's and M235i wheels - they look far too nice.

[w3rkn]

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

I drive my 135i in snow all the time (I live in New England). The key is that dedicated snow tires are an absolute must! If you have a set you can switch out seasonally (even easier if you have a dedicated set of wheels for the tires too), then run summer performance tires in the summer and snows in the winter (in New England I have to go about 6 months with each, because late October and April snows are not uncommon).

With snows and the fantastic traction control on these cars, yo uwil be fine. In fact I keep up with my gf's subaru just fine.

This..^^

Just invest in winter tires & wheels, & mentally include them in the cost.