[N2S2]

New member, first post. I'm planning to test drive a 2015 228i xDrive soon. It will be my first time operating a BMW that has more than two wheels.

Is there anything I should look/listen/feel for? This one has less than 15k miles, Driver Assistance Package, no nav, no upgrades that I'm aware of.

I'm shopping to replace my dear departed pickup, so I expect the handling may be just a touch different. :-)

Thanks!

[Rayscott]

I own a 2016 228ix. I would ask for a car fax to see if there have been any issues and if any service has been performed. 15K is low mileage so I would check for any wear and go through all the driving modes (eco/comfort/sport/sport+) It should still be under warranty so that is good. Good Luck, and yes the handling will be quite different than your truck. Welcome, there is a lot of great information, members and advice to take advantage of on this site. I love mine.

[BEM-S4]

Also have another dealer you're friendly with run the VIN for any flags. Stuff shows up in BMW system that isn't on Carfax anywhere.

[N2S2]

Thanks, Gentlemen. It's nice to see that there isn't a list of 152 things to watch out for.

I appreciate the input.

[TheCaptain]

Have you considered one with the M sport package? You get different seats with more adjustments and a smaller, thicker steering wheel (among other things), and these change the feel of the car significantly.

[HeyMoe53]

BEM's idea of checking the car through another dealer makes a heck of a lot of sense. I never thought about that myself. But then, I am old and feeble : 0

[MikeG12]

The 228 with and without the M sport package is a completely different car. Different suspension, wheels/tires, seats, wheel etc. I was very unimpressed by the non-M sport version. Didn't even feel like a BMW.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by MikeG12

The 228 with and without the M sport package is a completely different car. Different suspension, wheels/tires, seats, wheel etc. I was very unimpressed by the non-M sport version. Didn't even feel like a BMW.

...and 228/230 with and without Track Handling Package are also completely different, which goes a step further!

[Maynard]

Main thing you will need to look out for are speed traps. Don't buy the trackboy hype, the non-m 228 is a fantastic car, and the suspension has enough compliance to give great handling on real roads, instead of needing a manicured track (tires don't grip when they are bouncing from one ripple to the next). But do have somebody put it up on a lift to verify no bodywork - that is often kept off of carfax via home/moonlighted repairs, but fairly easy to spot from underneath, if it was anything major that tweaked the frame. If it has been hit, walk away.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Maynard

Main thing you will need to look out for are speed traps. Don't buy the trackboy hype, the non-m 228 is a fantastic car, and the suspension has enough compliance to give great handling on real roads, instead of needing a manicured track (tires don't grip when they are bouncing from one ripple to the next). But do have somebody put it up on a lift to verify no bodywork - that is often kept off of carfax via home/moonlighted repairs, but fairly easy to spot from underneath, if it was anything major that tweaked the frame. If it has been hit, walk away.

A couple of issues:

1) There is no frame. This car, as most, is unitized construction.
2) The name of the THP is hype,but the stuff is good substance, as some who track their cars (I don't) have pointed out that the Variable Sport Steering is not really preferred on a track versus a constant input.

THP combines great tires (if you live somewhere where you can enjoy them), improved MSport brakes (who wouldn't want higher capability brakes?), the steering noted above, which is excellent in daily spirited usage, and the MAdaptive suspension which really gives you two cars in one, with great capability in Sport/Sport+, but with a noticeable improvement in ride comfort in Comfort for those situation or with those passengers when it's preferred.

Yes, BMW did a very good base car, but the THP clearly takes it to the next level of the BMW brand core values. Once you have that, MSport is mostly aesthetic.