[Rayscott]

I am trying to decide and think I know the difference between the 2 of them. The packages/options get confusing. I know the engine and performance differences. I did a build on both, same packages/options but I added the M sport aero and handling package to the 228i. The M235i was only 3k more as you get the M features as standard, sport seats and retuned exhaust) I'm leaning to the M235i as I think that engine is a better choice and I think that if my wife drives it (Boulevard cruiser Patty) the normal mode would suit her and the sport, sport plus would suit me. I know I can eliminate the fake exhaust feature so I think the choice is M235i. Please correct me if I am wrong about this comparison. I owned 2 S2000's and I think I would regret getting the 228i. I am not ready yet but am looking at late 2017. I plan to test drive both if the rain ever stops here in Delaware. Thanks.

[eflatminor]

I drove both and opted for the 228i. The six cylinder is a FANTASTIC engine, no doubt. But I just fell in love with the fun factor of the four cylinder. It was better balanced, more nimble, and just more fun. In comparison, the M235i felt nose heavy, with enough power that it felt like it could jump out of its own skin at any moment. Can't go wrong with either, but I preferred the 228i. Doesn't hurt that it cost me under $30k and gets over 30mpg. That made the choice easy for me.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by eflatminor

I drove both and opted for the 228i. The six cylinder is a FANTASTIC engine, no doubt. But I just fell in love with the fun factor of the four cylinder. It was better balanced, more nimble, and just more fun. In comparison, the M235i felt nose heavy, with enough power that it felt like it could jump out of its own skin at any moment. Can't go wrong with either, but I preferred the 228i. Doesn't hurt that it cost me under $30k and gets over 30mpg. That made the choice easy for me.

I did the same for some of the same reasons, although I contented mine to over $40k but still wanted the 4 cylinder. With the Track Handling Package, you can make the 228i and 235i dynamically the same, other than the two cylinders. The Variable Sport steering, MAdaptive suspension, Michelin PSS tires, and MSport brakes are the same. And the Sport Seat is already included. Once the THP is chosen, MSport on a 228i becomes cosmetic.

If pure power is the most important attribute, no doubt an automatic trans M235i wins, but a range of other considerations can result in being thrilled to choose the 228i.

If you test drive, be sure the 228i you try has THP....otherwise the comparison is not as meaningful...it transforms the car from the base condition.

[savethemanuals]

I honestly think this one is up to personal preference...The extra $3000 or so (given that you actually want all of the extra features the M235i comes with) and the MPG penalty just has to be worth the bigger engine for you

The 228i is definitely enough power in the real world, and the MPGs are great. Definitely a wise choice.

I only chose the 235i because I wasn't a big fan of the sound/feel of the 4-cylinder. I had driven that engine in a number of other BMW models, but I personally like the straight-6 sound and feel. The extra power isn't really necessary on such a small car (although it is a lot of fun )

Again, this was personal preference. If you like the 4-cyl (and there's a lot to like), go with it. If you have the money and like the 6-cyl, go with that.

[Kolyan2k]

8>6>4

Ideally I wanted V8, settled for N55 due to its power delivery. Not sure why anyone would pick 4 cylinder other then cost savings. I am coming from S2000 as well

[Rayscott]

Thanks for the great information. It does get confusing. I think the best thing to do is test drive both. I will ask for the 228i with THP so I am comparing apples to apples.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by Rayscott

I am trying to decide and think I know the difference between the 2 of them. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................

I own(ed) both.
I had the 2015 Msport 228i xDrive cabrio (which was recalled by BMW) and now have the 2016 M235i xDrive cabrio.
First, you can't go wrong with either. Both have more get-up-and-go than you will really need in real world daily driving. Both are equally fun (albeit for slightly different reasons). I would have been very happy to replace the 228i ragtop with another 228i, but I was given the option to upgrade & I opted for the M235i.
The biggest plus for the M235i over the 228i is in the ragtop version of the 2er because the engine sound (burbles and pops) when you have to top down (which you really don't get to hear all that well with the top-up or with the coupe version) makes the $8K diff in price worth it for me.
If the $ diff for you is only $3K, then don't think twice, get the M235i ragtop...

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

I own(ed) both.
I had the 2015 Msport 228i xDrive cabrio (which was recalled by BMW) and now have the 2016 M235i xDrive cabrio.
First, you can't go wrong with either. Both have more get-up-and-go than you will really need in real world daily driving. Both are equally fun (albeit for slightly different reasons). I would have been very happy to replace the 228i ragtop with another 228i, but I was given the option to upgrade & I opted for the M235i.
The biggest plus for the M235i over the 228i is in the ragtop version of the 2er because the engine sound (burbles and pops) when you have to top down (which you really don't get to hear all that well with the top-up or with the coupe version) makes the $8K diff in price worth it for me.
If the $ diff for you is only $3K, then don't think twice, get the M235i ragtop...

Thanks.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

8>6>4

Not sure why anyone would pick 4 cylinder other then cost savings.

So many threads on this over the last two years. I can understand that someone might value two more cylinders more than do I, but there does seem to be a lack of reciprocal empathy in the community!

For reasons other than cost, as mine stickered at $46k, I prefer a 228i to an M235i because:

- Less nose-heavy
- Better weight distribution (and it can be felt/more nimble)
- Historical tradition of BMW (note HQ building architecture in Munich)
- Don't value that additional increment of performance. At some point fast enough is fast enough, and 228i reaches that for me.
- Regardless of fuel cost, don't wish to waste it by using it for something I don't value.
- M235i has fewer other choices, such as exterior color
- M235i has tiny spoiler; 228i leaves deck clean for MPerformance spoiler which looks far better on this body.
- 228i has fog lamps; M235i loses fog lamps
- Split camp on this, but 228i has nicer steering wheel feel with grained leather vs. M235i much less grained, shinier leather.

Not sure how else to make it clear. For a $46k grand sticker, easily could have had a M235i, 3 or 4 Series (with content adjustments) or just spent a bit more. Electively declined all of those choices. Economics were not an issue.

http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-228i-is-...buy-1662847106

[internetguru]

I am a HP hog and would have bought an 8 cylinder in my M235i if it was an option.

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

So many threads on this over the last two years. I can understand that someone might value two more cylinders more than do I, but there does seem to be a lack of reciprocal empathy in the community!

For reasons other than cost, as mine stickered at $46k, I prefer a 228i to an M235i because:

- Less nose-heavy
- Better weight distribution (and it can be felt/more nimble)
- Historical tradition of BMW (note HQ building architecture in Munich)
- Don't value that additional increment of performance. At some point fast enough is fast enough, and 228i reaches that for me.
- Regardless of fuel cost, don't wish to waste it by using it for something I don't value.
- M235i has fewer other choices, such as exterior color
- M235i has tiny spoiler; 228i leaves deck clean for MPerformance spoiler which looks far better on this body.
- 228i has fog lamps; M235i loses fog lamps
- Split camp on this, but 228i has nicer steering wheel feel with grained leather vs. M235i much less grained, shinier leather.

Not sure how else to make it clear. For a $46k grand sticker, easily could have had a M235i, 3 or 4 Series (with content adjustments) or just spent a bit more. Electively declined all of those choices. Economics were not an issue.

http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-228i-is-...buy-1662847106

That's just my opinion and I would assume opinion of the most. There are many reviews as well saying M235i is the best BMW ever made etc....

Yes, if I had money I would be driving M2 or M4 now or M235i V8 if that was an option

Not even sure if you can get LSD on 28, that's just a killer option right there

[Y0tsuya]

I came from a e46 330i which I thoroughly enjoyed, and felt this car needs to feel like an "upgrade". I'm not happy with the 225->240hp bump, which along with turbo lag and extra 200lb actually feels like a downgrade. I'm still not entirely happy with throttle response on the M235i, but I made it work. I don't think I could make it work on the 228i.

[Cyberdemon]

Since your specifically comparing vert to vert - I would recommend the M235.

The 228 coupe is a pretty light car around 3300 lbs. You take a ~300lb weight penalty with the convertible top, so you've always got ~2 extra passengers with you at all times. The extra power of the straight 6 helps to make up for that and as mentioned, it sounds much much better when the top is down and you get to open it up. That alone is worth it to me.

[SMB F83]

Another note is that you can't spec a 228 convertible with a manual. A M235i is the only way to get it with the soft top.

I was open to considering both, but the decision was made for me since a stick was a personal requirement.

[Rayscott]

I am probably thinking 2017, any changes in either model.

[DRitch]

Yes - New engines are coming: http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1262859

[BimmerLOVER1234]

I went with the 228i, and honestly, i felt the engine( even with a stage 1 tune + bolt ons) , was not enough for me in the end. Kinda heavy finanical mistake for me since a 228i is 150k usd where i live (singapore). Another thing that really bothered me was the low rpm vibration with the 4 cylinder engine. it annoyed me like hell and when i recently tested the m2 (240k usd pricetag here) and the m235i cabrio, this vibration in the seats and steering wheel was not present. Its a tiny vibration but i really just found it unacceptable. Also the n20 engine has an annoying rough spot between 1250-1450 rpm as u rev through it where it vibrates a little more. I tested it on a 5 series to be sure and sure enough, the rough spot was there. The N55 engine just feels alot better in general (not to mention the power) and revs smoother for the N55, and as such i'm convinced the refinement on the 228i just isn't up to it for me personally. 228i owners always site the light weight engines as a plus, but frankly, when i tested the m2 and the m235i, i could not feel this was much of a difference/ benefit. The sheer smoothness , refinement and power of the N55 however, was as clear to me as night and day.

I've got a feeling the B58 will be even better. I'm planning to dump the 228 and go for a m2 or a m240 once the m240 is avalaible for a test drive. Gotta learn the hard way from my recent purchase (collected 3 months ago and im gonna change in another 3 months).

I'm sure the 228i will be enough for some users since it is after all a great car.(and i own one!) But imo, u can't go wrong just going for the bigger engine. In the end, its best to test drive and make your decision based on that, since i looked at the forums and based my decision on people justifying the car was enough for them (well everyone wants to convince themselves that they made the right choice) - my mistake. use your own judgement via a test drive, always the best way.

I don't think its a lack of empathy honestly as its stupid to always have to tiptoe around people's feelings when giving an opinion, when people come here for advise, they want to hear what others think, and its best to get a wide variety of opinions, even the extreme ones that are not "politically correct" and may trample on egos. Mine is simple. As a 228i owner who has gone stage 2 and full bolt ons. If performance is what your looking for, get a 235i. The 228 does not feel powerful enough. The 4 cylinder is a compromise in that respect though i can see it as the more feasible option for users on a budget or who don't need so much power/ want better mpg. But having been through using both, it just came up short as MUCH as i wanted to fall in love with this car.

The 228i article from japlonik is always linked and cited (kinda sick of seeing it refrenced everytime), but frankly there is 20x more articles praising the m235i. (more likely 40-50x more) i myself used that article as justification to select my 228i (or to convince myself or so i thought.) but in the end, after driving both M235I feels more premium HANDS down because of the way power is delivered and the sheer lack of annoying vibrations and the muted engine noise. Throttle lag in the 228i made it feel much less sporty as well, even after the tunes.

Yes. From one persons perspective, something that is enough for him could be the sweet spot. but frankly. its not wrong to say that 6>>>>4 from a power/sound/delivery perspective. It all depends on your perspective in the end, not the perspective of someone else who was satisfied going with 4. Thats the mistake i made in basing my judgement this way. Its good that people come in with blunt opinions. having to stay politically correct all the time so as not to hurt people's egos kinda sucks and it DEFINITELY does not help the OP. BMW Is known for the inline sixes, and now i know why. 3k more for a 6 over a 4, i think its a easy decision. the price difference here between the two is 40k. so its not such an easy decision.

Test drive them both, Use that to make your final decision!!!! the forums will always have people defending the purchase and its GOOD to read their opinions, better so if these opinions are stark in contrast with each other. I learned from my mistake, the next purchase is gonna cost me a ridicilous 200 k usd at least for the m240i or m2, and i'm going to do it purely based on the test drive experience as i don't want another financial blunder and regret. lmao. IF POWER is what your looking for, the 228 , even with tunes, is just a semi brisk car, not a FAST one, imo at least.

[RoundelM3]

Since my wife uses her 2016 228i convertible mostly for commuting, and we take it on pleasure trips during top-down weather, the N26 is right for her. It's got 10 hp more than her previous 128i convertible and the 8AT suits commuting in traffic better than the 6MT. An M235i convertible would have been overkill, particularly with about a $4K premium pricetag. It's not as quick as my 335i with MPPK/MPE, but it's lighter and seems to handle a little better (both are M-Sports with the adaptive suspension). The biggest factor in buying the 228i was that it was pretty much fully-loaded (except for the track package), was on the showroom floor, it was the end of the month, and we got an exceptionally good price versus MSRP.

[OpenAir]

As long as it's a vert, life is good! I wanted the 3.0l for the added torque as our cars are heavier, but with the Enzo tune, much of that has been made up for...and I saved several $$$ in the process.

[Rayscott]

Wow, I learned more about these 2 series in this post than all the months of reading reviews and car mags. Nothing better than getting real world experience and I really appreciate all the great input. I will be 74 when I get one of these so it is at the top of my "Bucket List".

[Kolyan2k]

I would put at least M2 on a bucket list ))

[Y0tsuya]

Originally Posted by roundel335

8AT suits commuting in traffic better than the 6MT

Them's fightin' words!

I'm sure many MT drivers here would agree that there's not much difference in effort driving in heavy traffic between MT and AT. Once you're used to it it's all just muscle memory.