[bozman9]

ARgh, so torn right now. There are 2 very similar cars on the same lot - 228i and m235i. Both convertible, xdrive, mineral gray, coral red interior. Exactly what I'm looking for. Both have the same upgrades (technology package, drive assistance, cold weather). The 235 has the HK included. Otherwise, the 228 is spec'd with enough extras to be similar.

Price difference is only about $5500 MSRP. Any ideas if I would be able to get a better "deal" %-wise on the 228 vs m235 or does it really depend on region, dealer inventory, etc? I.e. is out the door price closer to 4k? And are the comparative residuals going to be higher for the 235 in 3 years? I've been checking the pricing forums and it always seems like people get way more below invoice on the m235 sales.

Before, it seemed like they were so far apart in price, but now that I've found such a similar configuration, it doesn't seem like much to bridge the gap to m235. I've driven both - they are both amazing. I was not able to discern the difference in the 228 being lighter and more balanced vs the 235, as many have noted, nor do I intend to ever track the car. The sound and power of the 235 is intoxicating, but I don't think I could ever really utilize a fraction of it on the street. I think I would rather be blasting the 228 vs limping in a 235, if the end result is I'm going the same speed (hope that makes sense).

Part of the reason why I am ditching my Audi (2015 A6, 3.0T prestige) is that the upper limit is too high. The supercharged V6 is so damn fast, most of the time I feel like I am barely driving it. In order to "push" the car, I would be going dangerous speeds, in order to feel the capabilities of the car, at low or higher speed roads. Net result = I don't really have fun in it anymore, despite it being a magnificent car.

I think the m235 had a lot more low end torque, so this may not be the case there. I do know, however, my wife hated it every time I pushed it a little, but was fine doing the same in the 228, even though we were actually going similar speeds. I think the massive torque of the 235 made it feel to her like we were driving recklessly, even though it wasn't the case. The 228 just felt fast and fun.

Comparison link with the 2 cars:
http://www.bmwofridgefield.com/new-i...1dc27847a40798

Anyway, I think I've made up my mind (228), just wanted to walk through my thought process in case it is helpful to anyone else reading that is trying to make the same decision.

Bozman

[BEM-S4]

Being in the Northeast as well, and not a track guy often either, I definitely realize there's a limit to what one can actually use where we are. My brother had a fully loaded 911 Turbo that as you would say he "limped around in" most of the time.

I will say I do enjoy the M235 for some of the reasons you mention, and I also do really push it on occasion. It's nice knowing it's there. For instance on a daily basis there's one blind intersection with a hill and a curve involved that I go through, you have to stop and then make a left. I always smash the throttle there, top out at maybe 50mph, just to get the hell out of a dangerous spot as quickly as I can. So while yes I agree you won't be driving on "full attack" all the time I am sure you will find some spots where you can really get on it. That said either both are great cars, you cannot go wrong and will have fun with either.

[XutvJet]

I'd get the M235. For the type of driving you say you do, the MPGs should be very similar, but you'll have that extra power in reserve. The M235 is quick and fast, but it never feels like it's out of control. It feels like a small V8 and the torque is great, even at the lower rpms. Plus the N55 sounds great and is arguably more reliable. The 4 banger in the 228 can sound like a diesel and not exactly sporting in some situations.

[bozman9]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

I'd get the M235. For the type of driving you say you do, the MPGs should be very similar, but you'll have that extra power in reserve. The M235 is quick and fast, but it never feels like it's out of control. It feels like a small V8 and the torque is great, even at the lower rpms. Plus the N55 sounds great and is arguably more reliable. The 4 banger in the 228 can sound like a diesel and not exactly sporting in some situations.

Hmm, curious why you would say it (the i-6) is arguably more reliable. the 4 cylinder has been used in a variety of platforms for years, right? I thought it was a fairly reliable engine. And, given that it can be tuned up quite a bit, I didn't feel that it was near the edge of its limits in stock form, like some 4-cyl turbos (which could reduce longevity).
Granted, I love the inline 6's - my 3 series I had about 17 years ago was one of my favorite cars ever. But is there something to the statement about the 4 being less reliable, or just gut feeling?

-Bozman

[Sportstick]

A very personal choice, depending solely on your preferences. In your situation I would (again) choose the 228i, however, I must admit the entire issue of exhaust sound is unimportant to me. The radio is on. While some live the "more is always better" life, I have never been in a situation where the power of 228i didn't do what I wanted, returning to the key question of "what do you want"? For me, the balance of that engine with the Track Handling Package is an overall sweet spot...that sense when the entire "system" of an automobile harmonizes.

BTW, our other car is a 2016 version of your Audi....3.0 Quattro with supercharger. I know exactly what you mean...we have to remain vigilant to "under-drive", so as not to find ourselves unexpectedly approaching triple digits. It's a nice car, but not a fun car, despite the power.

Although economics are not a factor for me, maybe shy of spending six figures, I still can't escape early lessons that $5,500 is not "only" when I think of what else I could do with it.

Good luck with your decision!

[bozman9]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

BTW, our other car is a 2016 version of your Audi....3.0 Quattro with supercharger. I know exactly what you mean...we have to remain vigilant to "under-drive", so as not to find ourselves unexpectedly approaching triple digits.

I got pulled over in dad's Allroad on the turnpike doing 95. Still had a temp tag, registration etc. Officer was not amused when I was laughing, asked me if speeding was funny. I just thought it was hilarious that I was in my mid-30s getting pulled over for "joy riding" in my father's borrowed station wagon. Anyway totally agree, I thought I was doing like 75 the thing was just so damn smooth.

[Cyberdemon]

If you drove the 228 and are happy with the power, then get the 228 and don't look back.

The 228 Msport has the nicer wheels anyways.

[1LegitM235i]

Regrets are a bitch! Find the one that better suites you with practical use.

[BeeDrill]

Based on what you've said here it sounds like both you and your wife well enjoy the 228I more. You'll also get better mileage and save a bit of money. For me it was M235, no question, but based on your post it sounds like the 228 makes the most sense. Without additional information I would say go with that and have fun.

[Luftwaffe1O1]

I don't know that the M235i would be the wiser choice for you if you are worried about speeding... Consider it is faster than the A6 by a noticeable margin (actually faster than the S4/S5 which have your same motor, but a bit uptuned if im not mistaken).

Normally I would say if they price differences are that close, go for the M235i, it is overall the more capable car street wise, and the torque is just lovely. The 228 isn't something I would call slow either exactly, its more than a capable car, but in your case, if you are that worried about the power, the 228 is probably the better pick.

[BentZero]

I drove both and decided that I'd appreciate the torque more than handling and bought the M235i.

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

If you drove the 228 and are happy with the power, then get the 228 and don't look back.

The 228 Msport has the nicer wheels anyways.

Not sure which wheels are nicer.....but my car came with both I like both

[BarryJI]

They are both great cars. A lot of people faced with this choice lease the M235i because the monthly payments can be so close to those for a 228i that the decision to "step up" seems to be a no-brainer.

However, I decided to buy (not lease) my 228i M-Sport vs. an M235i for the following reasons:

- In stock form the car is both very nimble yet very quick in city driving, which is most of what I do. And it still makes no more than 3500 to 4000 rpm at 100 mph on the freeway. It is a VERY capable engine.

- I wanted to do a lot of performance modding (see sig below). I knew that I could mod this car, sensibly but aggressively, to the point at which I would use all that enhanced performance -- when safe -- on the street, where tweaking a 235 to the equivalent level would cost a lot more and give me more than I could practically use. The result, for me, has been a very high-performance sports coupe which I can drive to within 80 per cent of its capability almost every day.

- The weak point in both cars, stock, is a soft, un-visceral suspension with too much body roll in all axes and killjoy understeer. It is much cheaper, and arguably more effective, to dial it all out in a 228i. With a good aftermarket suspension and reprogrammed shocks you really feel the liveliness of the lighter 228i.

- Having said all this, I would never, EVER, consider a 228i without the Track Handling Package. This option narrows the performance differential between the 228 and the 235 significantly and is a much better modification platform. With the THP and high-quality mods, the 228 can become a livelier and, in some respects, quicker car than the 235.

None of the above may be relevant to the OP, however, as, if he is leasing, he may not want to go down the mod route.

[chattanooga240]

There is no way I'd buy a 228 if the price difference between the two was only $5000.

[Kolyan2k]

I am not sure what the deal is with LSD only selling for 235s, can you even fit that on 228 ? If its only for 235 then that alone is worth it if you care about some performance handling, launching, and just a weather aid safety in general

[bozman9]

I certainly wish I could find THP on a 228. I agree, I would much prefer that. However, I can't find a THP 228 vert within 500 miles and it is too late to order a 2016, according to my dealer. Not thrilled about the warranty/maintenance reduction in the 2017, plus I should be able to land a good deal on the 2016 right now.

If I can't nail something down this weekend, I will probably end up waiting until next year and do a PCD order instead.

Bozman

[raleedy]

If the THP matters to you, along with the better maintenance terms for the 2016, then just get the M235i, which comes equipped with all the elements of the 228i's track handling package.

[Rayscott]

I get a 4K price difference with the 228 getting the THP. For 4K it is a no brainer. My payment would be 32/month higher on a home equity and you get the better engine, wheels and sound. Better resale value too, I'm thinking. Insurance not much difference. Drive it in comfort mode with the wife aboard (I have the same issue) and take your pick when you drive it. I'm retired so traveling in the 235 appeals more to me. I will be test driving both. But get what floats your boat.

[huma]

The $5k-$6k was a deal breaker for me. If it was $2k-$3k more I would have purchased the 235.

[OpenAir]

I debated the same thing, and I chose to go with the 228i cab and take the savings and invest in a good tune, a nice sounding exhaust, wheels and clear bra. If you don't plan on a tune, I would say the 235 as the extra weight of the vert makes a big difference.

The best 0~60 time I have is 5.3 seconds (tuned)

I will also say that I like the sound of my 2.0l with my tune and exhaust more than the 235's sound...but that's just me. My only regret was not getting the THP w/adaptive suspension.

[23fizzer]

These guys are all wrong. The 235 is better. Get it and don't look back.