[Scotlac]

Originally Posted by Devon K

Does anyone know if the 228i pictured above is a Mineral Grey? Seems to have too greenish a tint for that though - what is it? It would be my first choice for a 228.

Definitely Mineral Grey.

[Scotlac]

Originally Posted by YOLO89

Yep I agree in this. I'm in that dilemma right now trying to decide between a 4 or a 6. The exhaust note of the m235i is just so intoxicating compared to the 228i.

LOL, that's what got me too. The 228 would have been plenty of power for me but once I heard that sound there was no going back!

[jsublime]

This same issue came up when the 1 series was released. There was a Roundel article about why the 128 was the better "drivers car" compared to the more powerful 135. The OP basically rewrote the article, just replace the 1 with a 2. Of course the comparison to the e36 m3 was nice

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=407873

[dalrx]

Saving $10000 buying my 228,vs m235 has been a no brained for me. I can only go so fast and the 228 is more than enough. Put it in sport mode and the torque just comes on...I can be in 4 through 6th gear and when I floor it a sudden thrust just comes on. The sound in sport mode is decent but not same throaty as m235. But the diesel clacky clack is not there compared to a 2012 320 I had as loaner once. If I get a tune on this and after market exhaust look out!

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by DarkstarZero

I went to the dealer to test drive the new 2 series today, the best drivers car BMW has made in a long time, or so all the reviews said - I read and watched all of them the night before because car fever keeps me up . The problem was the reviews were all for the M235i and I wanted a comparison between that and the cheaper 228i. I also own an e36 '95 M3, the car that the M235i is said to be just as fun as, so I drove that to the dealer.

A bit about myself; I've owned many BMWs, mostly M cars, I'll list them at the bottom if you're interested. I drive at the track regularly. I'm almost a BMW CCA track instructor, a role that takes many years of track time and training to achieve. And some of you may know me from leading the Skyline Run events.

Ok, so my thoughts on the M235 and 228. My sales guy knows me pretty well so he just threw me the keys to both of them so I could take my time. The first car was the M235, it was fully loaded and had a 6-speed manual transmission. That was good because all of the reviewers tested the car with the 8-speed auto. The manual was great, it had good feel, short throws, the clutch was light and easy to control - it's just a great transmission. The car drove as expected based on the reviews we've all watched. It was quick, nimble, fun, everything the reviewers said it was. But I was surprised to find that when I threw it into a corner, it had a tendency to understeer. Not a lot, but it was noticeable, like there was a little more weight in the front than in the back. Other than that, just like the reviews said, it was a great car.

Now to the M-Sport 228i. Walking to the less powerful, more ordinary 228 from the M235 I thought maybe I should have done this in reverse, but it was too late. Looking at the car with the $3,000 M-Sport package and M-Sport brakes, it looks exactly the same as the M235. From the front and the side, you can't tell them apart. It was the same on the inside, same seats, same steering wheel, same amount of M badges on everything. The only difference being this was the 8-speed auto. Pulling out of the lot and onto my makeshift track of local deserted roads I was extremely surprised by how similarly the 228 performed. Acceleration was really good, far better than I expected. Turbo lag was virtually non-existent. BMW says it does 0-60 in 5.4, I think it might be a bit faster. The huge surprise though was cornering, it was fantastic, better than the M235! The slight understeer I felt in the M235 wasn't there in the 228 and it just felt more nimble, more precise, more fun. I was chucking into corners and the balance was dead-on, confidence inspiring and made me want to go faster. The 8-speed auto with it's short gear ratios keeps it in the power-band though it can really feel like too many gears some times - I know it's faster but for a driver's car, I'd go with the manual.

I came back convinced the 228 was better and more fun than the M235, how was that possible!? I read the specs when I got back, it all comes down to weight. The M235 does not have a 50/50 weight distribution, it's 52/48 - a bit front heavy, and it was noticeable. The 228 does however have that perfect 50/50 distribution and the one I drove weighed 205lbs lighter than the M235. That's a lot and explains why it felt more alive and nimble. To put that into perspective, it's like filling the entire trunk with 20lb bowling balls, you're going to notice it. The only thing missing is the straight line acceleration but the BMS piggy-back tune for the N20 has been proven to give around 40-50whp for just $500. I'm convinced a M-Sport 228i would keep up a M235 on the track, and with a $500 piggy-back tune it would unquestionably pass it. I'm surprised to say it, the 228 is the better drivers car, and thousands of dollars cheaper. Even with money no object, it's the 228 for me.
228 specs:

Good concise review.

The same has been said of the F30.
The 328i has less weight up front, and the suspension calibration seems better for the 328i's weight distribution.
The 335i has more weight up front, and likely more weight forward of the front axle line. That too contributes to handling, as I'm sure you know.

For those who track regularly, and for people like you who know and are more sensitive to such things, will notice it and may end up with the conclusion you did.

I don't track, but I do like spirited driving. Also, I prefer the sound of the inline 3.0 more so than the excellent 2.0. And, I like the high speed acceleration better in the 3.0 than the 2.0.
Off the line acceleration, and daily driving acceleration both engines provide great torque and feel close in that regard.
At higher speeds, such as for passing, the 3.0 shows it's advantage, and of course at acceleration beyond 80 or 90 mph. But that's a given as the 3.0 has more HP.

I preferred and got the 335i over the 328i for the reasons stated above.
If I did more track driving, or if I lived in an area with a lot of twisting turning roads, then I would likely have opted for the 328i sport.
In those conditions the greater power of the 3.0 can't be fully and properly utilized.

For the F30 both the 328i and 335i sport models are very nice, and no neither driver/owner should feel superior or inferior to the other.
From you review it seems the same holds true for the new 2 series.
Sounds like either car is great and which one to get needs to be assessed by what the driver wants more of, and then go with that one with full confidence.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

Nice review...did the 235 have rft or pss?
What abouy the 228...did it have sport tires or all seasons?

200lbs is alot as far as handling goes but for acceleration that 200lbs difference translate to roughly 16hp...not alot for a 3300 pounder (228)

I still dont get how the 28i is getting 0-60 in 5.4 (not hating)..unless bmw is seriously underrating the HP numbers

It's because the 2.0 is a torquey bugger. It gives you most of it's torque at a relative low RPM. Combine that with good short gears in a fast shifting AT, and it's not hard to see how and why the 2.0 can do what it does.

Also, 0-60 is a good test by which to judge daily driving.
The 0-100 run is different, and of course favors the car with higher HP.
Since the vast majority of us don't live on the track as we drive in the real world, the lighter 228i makes for a serious consideration that may fit more drivers.
The 235i and 335i offer a different fell in power delivery and sound.
Whether or not that appeals to a particular driver, only that driver knows.

I choose the 335i over the 328i, but it was really close. It came down to the torque and sound of the 3.0.
I'll be shopping the new 2 very soon, and even though I'm thinking I want the M235i, I'll keep an open mind and definitely test both versions before making a final decision.
The 228i and 328i are very compelling options with that excellent BMW
2.0 turbo.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by Lucky13

I've read two car magazines that got a 5.2 and another get a 5.3 in the 428 with an auto so 5.4 may be on the high side for the 228. The N20 is definitely underrated and has outperformed the Caddy 2.0 which is rated at 272 hp. By the way, the 10 bowling balls would need to be in the engine compartment not trunk if its 52/48.

Indeed, bowling balls in the front.

Just for fun and for my own information I gathered up some info.

This is based on the standard model of each car, which means the 235i will show more weight as it comes with certain standard items not included in the standard 228i. When both cars are equipped with same features and options the weight difference will be less.
On BMW's site the spec's are listed only for the base model.
I'll list the spec's for the AT since both cars use the same trans.

235i AT:
Power - 320hp 330lb ft.
Weight - 3535 lbs
Weight distribution - 52.2% frt and 47.8% rear
Weight front half - 1845.27 lbs
Weight rear half - 1689.73 lbs
Power to weight - 11.05 lbs per 1hp or .091hp/lb & torque - .093lb ft./lb

228i AT:
Power - 240hp 255lb ft.
Weight - 3300lbs
Weight distribution - 50.3% frt and 49.7% rear (Manual version 50/50)
Weight front half - 1659.9 lbs
Weight rear half - 1640.1 lbs
Power to weight - 13.75 lbs per 1hp or .073hp/lb & torque - .077lb ft./lb

Total weight difference is 3535lbs - 3300lbs = 235lbs.

335i front half weight is 1845 lbs.
228i front half weight is 1660 lbs.

1845 - 1660 = 185lbs.

Most of the 235i's greater weight is indeed at the front.

Reminder, when both cars are equipped equally the front weight difference will likely be lower.
The 235i comes standard with a sunroof, xenon headlights, power seats, larger brake calipers and rotors, body kit, larger wheels and tires.

The 328i and 335i have a similar weight and distribution difference.
With equal equipment I think the front weight difference was closer to
110-120lbs.

Still, the 235i carries more weight of front, and I believe the 3.0 inline 6 puts more weight forward of the front axle line.
The weight and it's placement do make a difference in handling and feel.

Just like the 3 series, I feel, BMW didn't optimize the suspension calibration to compensate for the extra weight on the 3 series, and it appears same holds true for the 2 series.
Granted, you can hide the weight cause it's there, but suspension tuning can go a long way to compensate for that difference.

[mikkemille]

Originally Posted by RPM90

This is based on the standard model of each car, which means the 235i will show more weight as it comes with certain standard items not included in the standard 228i. When both cars are equipped with same features and options the weight difference will be less.

Total weight difference is 3535lbs - 3300lbs = 235lbs.

Reminder, when both cars are equipped equally the front weight difference will likely be lower.
The 235i comes standard with a sunroof, xenon headlights, power seats, larger brake calipers and rotors, body kit, larger wheels and tires.

Excellent points. I've been trying to figure out what accounts for the difference in weight between the two. As far as I can tell, the N55 engine is about 130lbs heavier than the N20; the sunroof adds ~40lbs; power seats add about 5lbs each; wheels and tires might be a couple pounds each; same with M brakes. Am I missing any big items?

Starting to think the weight difference between an M235i and a comparably equipped M-sport 228i is a lot less than 235lbs.

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by mikkemille

Excellent points. I've been trying to figure out what accounts for the difference in weight between the two. As far as I can tell, the N55 engine is about 130lbs heavier than the N20; the sunroof adds ~40lbs; power seats add about 5lbs each; wheels and tires might be a couple pounds each; same with M brakes. Am I missing any big items?

Starting to think the weight difference between an M235i and a comparably equipped M-sport 228i is a lot less than 235lbs.

235 can have moonroof delete and 228 rfts you need to add back 20-30lbs...its only slight difference in weight (unless you have a bone stock 28)

I can understand the money savings of a 35 vs 28, but for 100 lbs??? Comon now

[DanG]

Originally Posted by dalrx

Saving $10000 buying my 228,vs m235 has been a no brained for me. I can only go so fast and the 228 is more than enough. Put it in sport mode and the torque just comes on...I can be in 4 through 6th gear and when I floor it a sudden thrust just comes on. The sound in sport mode is decent but not same throaty as m235. But the diesel clacky clack is not there compared to a 2012 320 I had as loaner once. If I get a tune on this and after market exhaust look out!

I found in equally equipped models, the M235i is about $5,000 higher. It was well worth the extra price for the nice i6.

[ska///235i]

Originally Posted by DanG

I found in equally equipped models, the M235i is about $5,000 higher. It was well worth the extra price for the nice i6.

I agree, its $7k more on the 35 but then if you add the price on the MPPK (20hp) thats another $2k...so you're right on at the $5k difference which is standard across all the bmw lineup ($5k 28i vs 35i)