[clubspec330i]

Thank you for a comprehensive write up. I am thinking of picking up in a few short months.

Possible Build:
AW 228i with M Sport
Track Pack
Automatic.
& Heated Seat

Please update after the break-in.

Thank you,

Mack

[snaimpally]

Nice review. I test drove the 228i and it is a blast to drive. If you want a little more fun, you could always slap a JB4 on it.

[clubspec330i]

Thank you for a comprehensive write up. I am thinking of picking up in a few short months.

Possible Build:
AW 228i with M Sport
Track Pack
Automatic.
& Heated Seat

Please update after the break-in.

Thank you,

Mack

[tony20009]

Nice review. TY for sharing.

I concur re: lighting and the shortness of their illumination as go BMWs in general.

Question:
Is the jerkiness something you've experienced on a track or just on public roads?

All the best.

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by tony20009

Question:
Is the jerkiness something you've experienced on a track or just on public roads?

All the best.

Public roads.

[Imola.ZHP]

Good stuff, nice stable.

[EzequielR]

Originally Posted by kd0t

Good review!!

Just curious, how is a M235i redundant when compared to your F80 M3?

I never sat in a F80 but I would still assume it far exceeds the M235i in terms of performance and overall driving experience. Curious to know your thoughts!

+1 Also interested!

[Diver]

If I had a 2015 M3, I would drive it until the wheels fell off and not buy a second car. Now a truck, that's a different story.

[Jeffe]

Great write up as others have said. I love the 2 series and I think this is such a practical daily driver. What really annoys me is how the 228 is only available with manual in a rear wheel drive configuration. For guys like us who live where snow and icy roads are everyday realities, it'd be nice to have all wheel drive and a manual. I really wish xDrive was available with a manual. How is the rear wheel drive with snow tires handling the weather where you live?

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Jeffe

Great write up as others have said. I love the 2 series and I think this is such a practical daily driver. What really annoys me is how the 228 is only available with manual in a rear wheel drive configuration. For guys like us who live where snow and icy roads are everyday realities, it'd be nice to have all wheel drive and a manual. I really wish xDrive was available with a manual. How is the rear wheel drive with snow tires handling the weather where you live?

It's actually fine for me (although you were asking someone else). I never even considered AWD. I am willing to use the softer WS80 model of Blizzaks for max capability and do just fine in Michigan. I had the same strategy for the prior six years with a rear wheel drive manual trans C Class and did fine as well. Success in winter is 90%+ about the right tires, not how many wheels are powered for most typical road situations.

[MasterP]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Nice review.


ALL F-series cars have electric steering. No hydraulic steering, sorry. IF you toggle the suspension button from eco/eco+/comfort to Sport or Sport+, you should be able to feel a difference in steering feel and response.

Basically the steering only has two modes: Comfort and Sport

Sport = in Sport and Sport+
Comfort = Eco/Eco+ and Comfort.


Dackel

F10 M5, F12/13 M6 are both Hydraulic.

[Jeffe]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

It's actually fine for me (although you were asking someone else). I never even considered AWD. I am willing to use the softer WS80 model of Blizzaks for max capability and do just fine in Michigan. I had the same strategy for the prior six years with a rear wheel drive manual trans C Class and did fine as well. Success in winter is 90%+ about the right tires, not how many wheels are powered for most typical road situations.

Interesting. I have a lifted Jeep Wrangler to handle my winters up here, but I've been thinking of investing in a set of snow tires for the winter for my m4. This post just peaked my interest. OP what's your view?

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by Jeffe

Great write up as others have said. I love the 2 series and I think this is such a practical daily driver. What really annoys me is how the 228 is only available with manual in a rear wheel drive configuration. For guys like us who live where snow and icy roads are everyday realities, it'd be nice to have all wheel drive and a manual. I really wish xDrive was available with a manual. How is the rear wheel drive with snow tires handling the weather where you live?

Check the weather reports for South East Michigan today. I was out running errands all over town today in my RWD ZHP with 18" Blizzak WS80's. I got back and there was at least 8" in my driveway . . . the car made it up with no problems.

The only time I have a concern is if the snow is deeper than the ground clearance of the car, but x drive won't help you much there either.

I will say that there's a big difference between REAL snow tires and "performance" snows. I had performance snows on my ZHP for 4 years and they were marginally better than all-seasons. If you're going to go the RWD+snow tires route, and you live where there's real snow, get the Blizzaks or Michelin X-Ice.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Racer20

Check the weather reports for South East Michigan today. I was out running errands all over town today in my RWD ZHP with 18" Blizzak WS80's. I got back and there was at least 8" in my driveway . . . the car made it up with no problems.

The only time I have a concern is if the snow is deeper than the ground clearance of the car, but x drive won't help you much there either.

I will say that there's a big difference between REAL snow tires and "performance" snows. I had performance snows on my ZHP for 4 years and they were marginally better than all-seasons. If you're going to go the RWD+snow tires route, and you live where there's real snow, get the Blizzaks or Michelin X-Ice.

We must be neighbors. I'm in Oakland County. Your advice is wise and absolutely correct, especially the difference between "performance winter" and studless winter tires!

EDIT: Phone app didn't show location. Now, on the laptop, I see you're in Ann Arbor....I think you got hit even harder than we did tonight!

[The long haul]

Originally Posted by TrakBch

F10 M5, F12/13 M6 are both Hydraulic.

No. No they're not. We wish. That's why the comp pack has updated steering software. As Dack said ALL f series are electric. The last hydraulic unit was in the E84 X1.

[Macphisto]

Originally Posted by The long haul

No. No they're not. We wish. That's why the comp pack has updated steering software. As Dack said ALL f series are electric. The last hydraulic unit was in the E84 X1.

...and the steering is glorious!

[MasterP]

Try again. They are. Read the press releases. Take a look at the engine bay. You'll see the reservoirs.

...and here's a power steering pump for them.

http://parts.bmwmonterey.com/a/BMW_2...p/32_2088.html

[The long haul]

Originally Posted by TrakBch

Try again. They are. Read the press releases. Take a look at the engine bay. You'll see the reservoirs.

...and here's a power steering pump for them.

http://parts.bmwmonterey.com/a/BMW_2...p/32_2088.html

[Fraggy]

If I had an M3 or M4, it would be my daily driver LOL.

[The long haul]

Originally Posted by TrakBch

Try again. They are. Read the press releases. Take a look at the engine bay. You'll see the reservoirs.

...and here's a power steering pump for them.

http://parts.bmwmonterey.com/a/BMW_2...p/32_2088.html

It's actually servotronic. I just double checked.

[MasterP]

Originally Posted by The long haul

Really?

http://m5carblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/steering.html?m=1

http://www.bimmerpost.com/goodiesforyou/new_m5.pdf

[MasterP]

Originally Posted by The long haul

It's actually servotronic. I just double checked.

Lol. Servotronic doesn't determine if it's hydraulic or electric.

Servotronic is BMW's trademark for their steering mapping "technology"

It's been around since M drive was fitted on the E60 M5's which are hydraulic.