[ntrinsik]

Originally Posted by maxdriver

Ok thanks! See you have a miata..had a '92 for years!

Miata's are some of the best (an cheapest!) driving fun you can have.

[maxdriver]

I had mine tuned up with sport suspension, header, intake and exhaust...go kart for sure...!

....didn't mean to hijack the thread OP...

[BMW13x]

I have to differ with the response to this thread. The 8 speed steptronic is more than adequate and is very similar to the sport automatic transmission in response time. I have both a 2013 335xi M-Sport with dynamic handling package, power pack, and steptronic 8 speed; and 2015 M235xi with the sports automatic transmission. They are nearly identical in response.
I have recently tested a 2013 M3 with competition package which of course comes with a dual clutch transmission (DCT). I have to say my two cars beat it off the line. My 335 x-drive with the power pack (330 HP) does 0-60 in 4.3 seconds, which is the advertised time of the M3. I have not tested the M235xi as it is still in break-in period, so don't want to kill it yet.
The steptronic is very fast throughout the gears either in DS or Manual with DDC set to SPORT. Sure the steptronic does not have the paddles, but it is a performer in my 335xi. My 335xi may be faster than my M235xi...not sure. It is only 25 lbs heavier than the M235, but has 10 more Horsepower. I can't wait for the power pack to come out for the M235.
My advice would have been to skip the 228 and get a 235 which has the dynamic handling package already and EDC. Power and handling is where it’s at. Focusing on steptronic vs sport automatic transmission is in the noise level.

[sstarrx3]

The 228i handles just as well as the M235i properly equipped. The M235i is just quicker. Some on these forums that have driven both have even said the 228i handles better than the M235i.