[bimmerfile]

I don't think this has appeared here yet - and I think it worth a view.
Featured in recent BMWblog "Do you need the BMW M2 to have fun with a 2 Series?"

[USA-RET]

The 230i and M240i are great alternatives to the M2. Certainly, the M2 is a great car and built to perform on the track. That being said, for those that don't track their cars, the other two 2 series cars make great sense.

Also realize the M2 was a manual while the 230i was a auto and Xdrive, and that 0-60 test compares the best to the worst set up. If the M2 was a DCT, you could bet the ET would be shaved by at least a couple of .tenths. If the 230i was RWD car, it's 0-60 time would increase by a couple (add a stick and it would even get worse).

IMO for the average buyer that wants a fun, small, and relatively affordable BMW, the 230i is a great choice. BMW published 0-60 number is 5.5 seconds which is very respectable, and likely more than enough power to satisfy the average street driver.

Just my .02, I could be wrong.

[NVHoo]

I think it was Road & Track or Automobile but their take was that the M2 was the best of the group but its stiffer suspension was not the best choice for a daily driver. They thought that the 230 RWD manual tranny track package was the most fun to drive for a daily driver and still respectable on a track.

My complaint when trying to do a comparison myself is it is nearly impossible to find these cars. Best I have been able to do was a 230 RWD auto vs an M240 RWD auto and I like the M240 although the suspension is noticeably stiffer but not punishing. 225 or 230 with track package and/or manual are really scarce

[USA-RET]

Originally Posted by NVHoo

I think it was Road & Track or Automobile but their take was that the M2 was the best of the group but its stiffer suspension was not the best choice for a daily driver. They thought that the 230 RWD manual tranny track package was the most fun to drive for a daily driver and still respectable on a track.

My complaint when trying to do a comparison myself is it is nearly impossible to find these cars. Best I have been able to do was a 230 RWD auto vs an M240 RWD auto and I like the M240 although the suspension is noticeably stiffer but not punishing. 225 or 230 with track package and/or manual are really scarce

I'm afraid the comfort the M240i and 230i display would be decreased w/ the addition of the Track Pak. Again, IMO, unless someone tracks their cars or does extreme driving on twisty roads, staying w/ a base suspension makes more sense. Straight line speed and acceleration (where 90% of the drivers sense the cars speed and abilities) and is unaffected w/o the Track Pak.

Certainly do not intend to diminish anyone's choice, just share my perspective (having had a number of sport suspension cars). They are great for short hauls and fun outing, but for daily use, I prefer the comfort.

[Rayscott]

Originally Posted by USA-RET

I'm afraid the comfort the M240i and 230i display would be decreased w/ the addition of the Track Pak. Again, IMO, unless someone tracks their cars or does extreme driving on twisty roads, staying w/ a base suspension makes more sense. Straight line speed and acceleration (where 90% of the drivers sense the cars speed and abilities) and is unaffected w/o the Track Pak.

Certainly do not intend to diminish anyone's choice, just share my perspective (having had a number of sport suspension cars). They are great for short hauls and fun outing, but for daily use, I prefer the comfort.

I agree, I have had suspension cars and not I am very satisfied with 228ix Msport vert. It will never be tracked and for every day driving it is quite capable. 0-60 times are not important to me now and this is not in the DNA of the 228, unless you get it tuned. Handling is close to what my S2000 could deliver and I am fine with that.

[9t2hoo]

Originally Posted by USA-RET

I'm afraid the comfort the M240i and 230i display would be decreased w/ the addition of the Track Pak. Again, IMO, unless someone tracks their cars or does extreme driving on twisty roads, staying w/ a base suspension makes more sense. Straight line speed and acceleration (where 90% of the drivers sense the cars speed and abilities) and is unaffected w/o the Track Pak.

Certainly do not intend to diminish anyone's choice, just share my perspective (having had a number of sport suspension cars). They are great for short hauls and fun outing, but for daily use, I prefer the comfort.

The comfort setting on the adaptive dampers that come with the THP makes the car extremely compliant. I haven't tried the base suspension, but it wouldn't surprise me if a THP car is more comfortable than a car without it.

[harma24]

Originally Posted by USA-RET

I'm afraid the comfort the M240i and 230i display would be decreased w/ the addition of the Track Pak.

Unless something has changed for 2018, the Track Handling Package (ZTR) is only an option in the 230i. The M240i comes standard with the adaptive M suspension.

That being said, I have no issues with comfort in my 240 A friend of mine who has a Mustang GT remarked at how remarkable it is. It's compliant in comfort mode, but ready to handle corners when you want it to (yet it's actually still not overly harsh on bumps).

[Dylan86]

Love that the X4 M40i is almost as fast as the 230, it's impressive for a small SUV! Also love how close behind the "little" brother is, to the M2. Cool to see the 228/230 crowd taking interest in the 4cyl "lite" package, it should be cool to see how some develop into track cars, and their outcomes.

D