Current BRZ Owner Interested in a 228i RWD, Driving Enthusiasts Please Chime In! |
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02-12-2019, 09:39 PM | #1 |
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Current BRZ Owner Interested in a 228i RWD, Driving Enthusiasts Please Chime In!
I currently own a Subaru BRZ and I'm considering purchasing a BMW 228i RWD. Coming from the BRZ, I want to retain all the sporty driving characteristics and nimbleness of the car, but add some refinement for everyday driving comfort. My BRZ has minor suspension mods, lowering springs and cambered set to -2 all around. RPF1s in 17x9 with RE71R tires for the flush with the fender look and grip for track days. I also have a tune and exhaust for smoother power delivery and added noise.
I understand that the 228i is around 500lb heavier than the BRZ, which is expected with being a car with more sound deadening and being a slightly larger car. Does the 228i still feel relatively nimble and provide a solid driving feel? How is this car on consumables when driven hard? Mainly on brakes and tires. What are some popular autox/track setups for the 228i? How much camber adjustability is there with the stock suspension? Will I need camber bolts or adjustable rear lower control arms? What are some popular suspension setups to really dial in the car? Do coil overs or a set of quality dampers such as Koni and Bilstein with a set of lowering springs able to turn this car into a great handling car? Can I run a square setup with an aggressive offset and wider wheels without having to roll any fenders? What are some popular power mods on the 228i? In the BRZ majority of owners install a header to smooth out the torque band. I've seen some videos on YouTube of owners installing an aftermarket down pipe with a JB4 tune and it gives them some noticeable power. What are the off the shelf tuning options here? Any complaints with the car from owners? I see poor steering feel brought up quite often. Anything else from owners? I've yet to drive the 228i, I want to do some research before I bug the dealers to try the car. Which package to buy? The M package is a must for me as it looks much more aggressive than the base model. Do owners recommend the track package? Do the bigger brakes limit the options of aftermarket wheels? What is the active suspension and does it limit my options for aftermarket suspension mods? Such as a coil over kit or dampers/springs? Lastly, reliability. Are there any common issues with any of the models years? I'm mainly interested in purchasing a 2014 CPO. The earlier BRZs had a number of faults with the engine before being ironed out in later production models. Are there any carbon build up issues with the N20 engine? |
02-12-2019, 10:20 PM | #2 |
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Sounds like you know what you want, and are just trying to narrow down the options. That's cool. I might drive the car first in stock form, and then think about if it's still in the running. Seems like you have very specific ideas for what you want, so drive that car and see if it's something you could work with. I just got a 2019 240ix, my first BMW, so I'm just poking around to learn.
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02-12-2019, 10:38 PM | #3 |
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Drives: 2018 230i MSport
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That's a lot of questions... BUT, I test drove a BRZ and then the 230 and a 240. The extra 10k wasn't worth it for a slightly faster car when it was going to be my daily driver, and most opinions online leaned toward the 230 being more nimble and fun in corners on a public roads.
I purchased a 2018 230i 6spd with the Msport package, sunroof delete, and led lights package. After market I have a Dinan stage 1 V2 tune, Dinan 240 exhaust with a 240 rear m performance diffuser, a cold air intake, and Dinan lowering springs and bump stops. The tune with the exhaust and intake is amazing and adds all the power I feel I could want out of the car. It's extremely well balanced and fun to drive. Smooth enough as a daily driver, and still handle amazing on the twisty back roads. I definitely recommend the suspension from Dinan. It cleans up the look a bit and provides more feedback and less body roll when cornering without sacrificing ride quality. One benefit to buying the track package is the adaptive suspension which allows you to upgrade with the Dinan suspension tune chip. From what I have read it makes the springs upgrade even better. The brakes stock feel fine to me to me and wasn't worth the extra $. The exhaust for a 240 is a direct bolt on with the LCI cars. I prefer the symmetry of the look, so when I spent the money for exhaust anyway I bought a diffuser along with it to match the cutouts. With a pre LCI this is still possible but you need an adapter. A thread covers the mod. I've seen people posts a variety of various wheel set ups with offsets and no one seems to have issues. I'm still running stock wheels and tires. 15000 miles in, still on the same tires and brakes, getting 28mpg driving in sport+ pretty much everywhere in town. I get about 36mpg in Eco mode on the highway. Also a side note, if you care about audio quality a lot you may want to look into aftermarket upgrades through Bavsound and bimmertech vs the HK Hifi system. It's not really the greatest, but there are still benefits to starting with it for the wiring. Overall you should definitely pick up a 2er. I love mine and I'm really glad I considered it over the BRZ because I never looked back after testing one. Of course opinions may vary but I have zero regrets with my decision. |
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02-13-2019, 07:51 AM | #4 | |
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If you're not already aware, these cars don't have LSDs. It sounds like you'll be tracking the BMW. Because it's so different from your BRZ, I suggest that before deciding you arrange a test drive where you can really lean on the car; ideally, you'd take the car for a couple of hours without a salesman in the passenger chair. If you do get some quality test time with one, don't forget to check the tire pressures! Good luck with it. If you're ready to move from real sports car to a "sports coupe", you'll certainly find the 2 Series to be worthy of your consideration.
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TC Kline Coilovers; H&R Front Bar; Wavetrac; Al Subframe Bushings; 18X9/9½ ARC-8s; 255/35-18 PS4S (4); Dinan Elite V2 & CAI; MPerf Orange BBK; Schroth Quick Fit Pro; GTechniq Crystal Serum Ultra Ceramic; Suntek PPF Last edited by dradernh; 02-13-2019 at 08:01 AM.. |
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02-13-2019, 09:03 AM | #5 |
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The 2 does feel a bit larger and less nimble than the BRZ in my experience but is notably more comfortable. I have a 228i with JB+ tune and Dinan springs and bump stops and these two fairly cheap and easy things absolutely transform the car. Very fun on back roads and can be a really solid road trip cruiser. Back seats are also notably more roomy than in the BRZ.
Given you want to track it I think you might want to go the Clear Blue route above me and check out the JB4 along with an intake. You can do an LSD aftermarket but it is fairly expensive from what I have heard. Someone correct me if I am wrong on that one. Finally, I think Dradenh said it best, it's a sport coupe not a pure sports car. You can make it your own but it is a different driving experience. |
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02-13-2019, 09:24 AM | #6 |
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I appreciate the valuable input given me so far. Clear_Blue22 the modifications you've done to the car are exactly that I would do as well. The adaptive suspension seems to stiffen up the dampers. I think I would forgo the track package if I'm not able to find a used example. This would be because I would want to go for aftermarket dampers and brake pads should suffice. The M callipers do look awesome though.
I believe all the 2's, aside from 228i have an LSD. That alone with the added power might be a reason for me to look for a 235i / 240i. I've also read that the 228i has timing chain issues, which is worrisome. Do the other 2's have this issue? |
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02-13-2019, 09:37 AM | #7 |
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That is incorrect. In fact, it's probably the principal complaint among owners and potential buyers who are serious about non-straight line performance.
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2017 M240i: 23.8K, 28.9 mpg, MT, Sunroof Delete, 3,432#, EB, Leather, Driving Assistance Package, Heated Front Seats | Sold: E12 530i, E24 M635CSi, E39 520i, E30 325is, E36 M3 (2)
TC Kline Coilovers; H&R Front Bar; Wavetrac; Al Subframe Bushings; 18X9/9½ ARC-8s; 255/35-18 PS4S (4); Dinan Elite V2 & CAI; MPerf Orange BBK; Schroth Quick Fit Pro; GTechniq Crystal Serum Ultra Ceramic; Suntek PPF |
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02-13-2019, 09:40 AM | #8 |
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30 series are great cars... If i cant fix my turbo issue, im trading the 235 in for a 330 loaner lease.
The power seemed to always be available... no lag, and at times, felt faster than my 235 since no lag. Now for most ppl it will be fine and fast enough, but if your the guy whos going to buy ps2, add meth, and tune, dont get it. your limiting your options. If you want to tune, buy a pre owned 235 and spend the 5k to have a 400 wheel car.
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02-13-2019, 07:14 PM | #9 | |
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02-13-2019, 08:00 PM | #10 |
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dradernh nails it. BTZ feels completely different. Drove it extensively when deciding whether to keep my M235 at lease end. You have to drive it to assess. The BMW is absolutely NOT going to be as nimble.
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