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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum BMW 2 Series (F22) Forum BMW 2 Series Coupe and Cabriolet (F22/F23) General Forum Arguments against buying a 228i?

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      04-14-2014, 02:24 PM   #1
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Arguments against buying a 228i?

I test drove a 228i (automatic) this weekend. I loved it for what it is, which is a smallish, classy car with decent acceleration and a smooth/quiet ride. Base price is ~$35K, with the options I would want it would end up being ~$45K.

Talk some sense into me. Why does the 228i suck, and what should I look at instead?
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      04-14-2014, 02:36 PM   #2
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I don't see anything wrong with buying a 228i. If you like it, why wouldn't you buy one?

You said so yourself, you love it for what it is. If you love it and think the $45k cost is worth the price of admission, I say pull the trigger.
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      04-14-2014, 03:39 PM   #3
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As long as you don't trade the M roady for it, then it's all good
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      04-15-2014, 05:33 AM   #4
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45K for a meh 4 banger in this class of car IMHO does not make any sense. That's an A4, not a proper roundel

Prices in general have gotten out of hand. BMW did a nice job with the high output turbo for delivering good area under the curve but I am a purist, and prefer my engines strait and with 6 cylinders in a BMW.

That's my only talking you out of it.

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      04-15-2014, 08:20 AM   #5
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44K gives you a base model M235i!

What do you want the car for?
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      04-15-2014, 08:27 AM   #6
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      04-15-2014, 08:44 AM   #7
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228 is a great car, but the question is if you're really willing to pay for the overpriced options that add nothing to the car's performance. Is tech package that important when you have a phone? Is it really worth it to pay over 4k for the pitiful premium package?

Only packages I intend to go for are Dynamic Handling, Xenon lights, M sport brakes, xdrive, and maybe heated seats.
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      04-15-2014, 08:55 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by intoflatlines View Post
I test drove a 228i (automatic) this weekend. I loved it for what it is, which is a smallish, classy car with decent acceleration and a smooth/quiet ride. Base price is ~$35K, with the options I would want it would end up being ~$45K.

Talk some sense into me. Why does the 228i suck, and what should I look at instead?
I'm planning to buy a 2015 228i as well.



There is no absolute measure for "suck". All relative to what you want. If pure acceleration is the overwhelming requirement, this is the wrong choice. I've had enough "power" in my past that I am now looking for a well-balanced, outstanding handling (for a non-sports car), fun, efficient car. I've fed enough gas to a variety of cars, including the likes of a Viper, that just mashing the pedal to get to the next red light a bit quicker has lost its charm. I see no reason to feed a 6+ cylinder motor anymore, and pay so much for the privilege in the first place.

However, if value is the overwhelming driver, and BMW pricing is floating out of reach or reason for you, the new 2015 VW GTI or Jetta GLI also strike a good balance for the price paid, and still provide that "German car feel"! It would be interesting to go back and do back-to-back drives of the 228i and the VWs and quantify the difference you perceive versus the price. 80% of the car for 65% of the price, or similar????
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      04-15-2014, 09:04 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Detlev Bronk View Post
228 is a great car, but the question is if you're really willing to pay for the overpriced options that add nothing to the car's performance. Is tech package that important when you have a phone? Is it really worth it to pay over 4k for the pitiful premium package?

Only packages I intend to go for are Dynamic Handling, Xenon lights, M sport brakes, xdrive, and maybe heated seats.
Performance is just one aspect. The others are that I will be in that car, along with my wife, for several years, and don't want to compromise on other desires. I want satellite radio and I don't want hang-on, non-integrated navs anymore. Phone navigation while driving....tried it and it doesn't work very well, is hard to see, and very tired of stuff hanging from the windshield. They brilliantly split up satellite from nav to sell both packages...annoying, but less so than going without.

OTOH, I would not spend the money and have the parasitic performance and handling losses of the weight and mechanics of X Drive. Michigan winter experience has reinforced that a set of Blizzaks on rear wheel drive does just fine, and then there is no daily penalty the rest of the year.
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      04-15-2014, 10:23 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sportstick View Post
Performance is just one aspect. The others are that I will be in that car, along with my wife, for several years, and don't want to compromise on other desires. I want satellite radio and I don't want hang-on, non-integrated navs anymore. Phone navigation while driving....tried it and it doesn't work very well, is hard to see, and very tired of stuff hanging from the windshield. They brilliantly split up satellite from nav to sell both packages...annoying, but less so than going without.

OTOH, I would not spend the money and have the parasitic performance and handling losses of the weight and mechanics of X Drive. Michigan winter experience has reinforced that a set of Blizzaks on rear wheel drive does just fine, and then there is no daily penalty the rest of the year.
I agree, if the cost-benefit analysis makes sense to the individual, go for it. I still think tech and premium are overpriced for what they offer, but of course we're talking about BMWs.

As for xdrive, the extra weight is something I'm concerned about, which is partly why I'm reluctant to go for other options that add weight. But if I'm not mistaken, the xdrive actually improves 0-60 time performance.
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      04-15-2014, 10:23 AM   #11
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If money wasnt an issue, i say go for it with all those options

Personally I'll step up to a 235 if its already priced at over $42k. Resale value is better on a $44k 235 than a $44k 228
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      04-15-2014, 10:36 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Detlev Bronk View Post
As for xdrive, the extra weight is something I'm concerned about, which is partly why I'm reluctant to go for other options that add weight. But if I'm not mistaken, the xdrive actually improves 0-60 time performance.
You may be right, but I would be very surprised, as mass (power-to-weight ratio) is the leading obstacle to performance. Perhaps the test should be run with non-OE tires which will have improved grip if rear wheelspin is the culprit for a WOT launch. I have long questioned the value of all wheel drive systems for on road use. On flat winter surfaces, dedicated winter tires are excellent and have proven themselves over many years. Going uphill, weight transfer requires more traction at the rear as the front wheels unload. Going downhill, the traction needed at the front is for braking/turning, which is a function of tires, as you already have gravity helping with motion. So, why add 100lbs or so over understeering weight over the front wheels of a rear wheel drive car 24/7/365?? Especially one already working to cope with a 6 cylinder engine in a M235? Especially one that costs more to buy and maintain and drinks more gas (due to increased mass)? For the sake of the incredibly rare instance where a front tire will find traction when at standstill when the rear tires won't? Not worth it.

Until I get my BMW, I've been driving a rear wheel drive 09 MB C300 6 speed stick (any buyers????) and using Blizzaks for Michigan winters. No problems. I've had C Class 4MATIC loaners, and they just don't feel the same....and not for the better!
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      04-15-2014, 10:50 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sportstick View Post
OTOH, I would not spend the money and have the parasitic performance and handling losses of the weight and mechanics of X Drive..
i'm thinking just that, but, flame suit on, with respect to rwd vs fwd!; which brings me to the aforementioned gti!
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      04-15-2014, 10:53 AM   #14
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i predict that the 228 will be much more common among women and just in the general public. whereas if i spot a m235i, i will assume the driver is a true enthusiast. not to take anything away from the 228i bc it's a fantastic car, might even handle better.....
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      04-15-2014, 11:49 AM   #15
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nice work inferring an indirect transitive relation between the two models. if 228 = chick car, m235 = enthusiast car, therefore no male enthusiast could drive a 228?

not exactly the class of argument I'd expect from a BMW forum. FWIW, in the DC area, I see more women in 3 series, probably only outnumbered by women in Jettas. doesn't mean a thing.

in short, what's your point?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dan99 View Post
i predict that the 228 will be much more common among women and just in the general public. whereas if i spot a m235i, i will assume the driver is a true enthusiast. not to take anything away from the 228i bc it's a fantastic car, might even handle better.....
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      04-15-2014, 11:53 AM   #16
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OP, if money is not the issue, I'd splurge for the M235i. Otherwise there is absolutely nothing wrong w the 228i, as it has more than enough power.
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      04-15-2014, 11:56 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bubsterino View Post
nice work inferring an indirect transitive relation between the two models. if 228 = chick car, m235 = enthusiast car, therefore no male enthusiast could drive a 228?

not exactly the class of argument I'd expect from a BMW forum. FWIW, in the DC area, I see more women in 3 series, probably only outnumbered by women in Jettas. doesn't mean a thing.

in short, what's your point?
+1

Oh gawd,, not the chick car crap again
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      04-15-2014, 11:57 AM   #18
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I bought the 228i because I don't need the extra power, and when I can take a relatively well packaged car vs a base car just for the extra horse power, in my mind I don't see the gain.

I don't doubt there will be a little bit of missed thrill with my 228i, but rarely would I be able to use the extra power, legally at that.
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      04-15-2014, 12:09 PM   #19
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Wasn't worth it to gain a half a second or so 0-60 when I'm not gonna be racing it anyway. Plus we got most of what we wanted under 40k. Insurance is probably cheaper too.

Edit: I guess this is the opposite of the point of the thread huh? Oops.
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      04-15-2014, 12:38 PM   #20
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To each his own... but personally I'd rather have a m235i with minimal options than a loaded 228i.
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      04-15-2014, 01:22 PM   #21
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The N20 is a great engine with plenty of power, I have it on an X1. If you feel like you'd like more power you can get a $400 tune from Burger Motor Sports. I ordered the M235 but if the convertible had been available I would gave gone 228 M Sport. Not everyone that buys a BMW has to have a track car or race at each stop light. It will be plenty fast so don't sweat the decision.
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