Pull the trigger on 2019 6MT 230i?

JosephH6 · 03-01-2021, 08:49 AM

Hi all,
New to forum. Appreciate any input. Looking at neighbor's '19 230i 6MT, he ordered few options (paint, sunroof and heated wheel), 20K mi, nice Med Bl paint, nice window tint done, added Bimmertech MMI which he claims works well. Cared for it well since new, wants $29000. I think price is a little high, but OK since I've seen car babied and garaged. Want the 6MT and love color. My questions:
1. Coming from 2017 Civic Si will standard suspension disappoint? OK if it's a little plusher, but want fun on back roads. Hard to be sure on test drive, seemed a tad soft, but stuck well in curves, stable.
2. Will I miss adjustable lumbar on driver seat? Seat feels great, but I have minor back issues, anyone think lumbar makes a big comfort difference?
3. Any other options I'll really miss since car is lightly equipped?
4. Seems to have ambient lighting (door handles, footwells, LEDs above), what is extra ambient lighting in convenience pkg?
5. Bimmertech MMI wireless CarPlay seems to work fine, but aftermarket, any concerns?
6. How long till Pirelli Runflats need replacing? Surprised for runflats--were not too noisy or harsh, seemed to stick well.
7. More lightly optioned than I would order, anything so critical missing you think I'll have buyer's remorse?
7. Any thing else I should check out on car before pulling trigger?
Really appreciate input!

MarcoZandrini · 03-01-2021, 09:11 AM

Check the retail used car prices at Kelly Blue Book, etc.

Outlaw 06 · 03-01-2021, 01:14 PM

If you're correct about the options and mileage, then the car is worth $22,200 trade-in (wholesale). IMO, it's not worth the $29,000 asking price by any stretch of the imagination.

4Hockey4 · 03-01-2021, 01:39 PM

Looks nice but yea thats probably $2K-$3K high. (how much time left on bumper to bumper ? ) Now, finding a low mileage 2 series used in manual not easy, and you know history. Did you drive in Sport+ mode or comfort ? decent difference there.

I hated my Runflats and went to Michelin PS4S, tough to do in PA unless you are switching out. Other better tire options for weather.

Good luck and nice looking.

JosephH6 · 03-01-2021, 01:57 PM

Just over 2 years of warranty left.
Seems used 6MT in a good color is v hard to find.
Drove it in Comfort and Sport, steering got firmer and throttle seemed more responsive in Sport. Liked it a whole lot more than I expected from base set up.
There's room in price but holding off negotiating since he's a neighbor until I'm sure I want it. JH

Outlaw 06 · 03-01-2021, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JosephH6

Just over 2 years of warranty left.
Seems used 6MT in a good color is v hard to find.
Drove it in Comfort and Sport, steering got firmer and throttle seemed more responsive in Sport. Liked it a whole lot more than I expected from base set up.
There's room in price but holding off negotiating since he's a neighbor until I'm sure I want it. JH

I noticed that you drive a 10th generation "2017 Honda Civic SI".

I have a 10th generation 2020 Honda Civic SI Sedan, and that car is a lot of fun to drive. My youngest son has it with him at college right now, but I look forward to driving it again this summer. The SI's sport-tuned suspension, adaptive dampers, responsive steering and light weight make it a very well-handling car. The SI's manual gearbox is one of the smoothest I've ever operated (almost as smooth as Porsche's 981/982 manual gearbox). The SI also comes standard with a helical limited slip differential (LSD), while (non-M) BMWs like the 230i have open differentials. You can see my Civic SI in the background of one on my 718 Spyder photos (in my Garage List).

The Honda Civic SI is an amazing little performance car AND an amazing value too. Honda's front-wheel-drive 10th generation Civic SI and BMW's rear-wheel-drive F22 230i have VERY similar horsepower to weight ratios, turbocharged I4 engines, suspensions, electric steering racks, etc. While I prefer BMW's rear-wheel-drive layout, the open differential is detrimental to putting the power down as effectively as the Civic SI's LSD. I honestly don't think the 2019 BMW 230i you're looking at is a significantly better performance car than your current 2017 Honda Civic SI.

GoldfishRT · 03-01-2021, 04:29 PM

I will never own another car with seats I don't love ever again. And that makes lumbar support a requirement.

The Civic SI is a fantastic car. I'd be hard pressed to get rid of it for a 230, especially at that price and spec. That's well into M235 territory if you don't mind a few more miles...

Shovelman · 03-01-2021, 04:54 PM

No used car is going to check all the boxes, in this case it's the price that's not right. That one will be forgotten.

JosephH6 · 03-01-2021, 06:02 PM

Love SIs--I've owned 3, 2006 sedan, the '17 sedan, and an '18 coupe my oldest son drives. Before those 1990 Maxima SE, 1995 Integra GSR, 1999 Acura CL, 2003 A4, all manuals. Always liked 2 series. Want another manual and a change. Surprised at how solid 230i felt, also heavier (not in a bad way) w more quiet interior. Careful about used cars and know where this one has been, actually wish lower miles, used to mostly trouble-free Hondas.
Main concerns about this '19 230i--seats seem great but on long drives will I miss lumbar, aftermarket Bimmertech CarPlay, and hard to tell how good base chassis is. All felt good on 15 min drive, but couldn't really push neighbor's pampered car. BTW he's selling for new auto 430i.
Sorry for long list of original questions OP, but appreciate input on any issues.

4Hockey4 · 03-01-2021, 07:02 PM

I have a Civic turbo and drove the Si manual when we were looking. Great car, and love Honda's, have owned 3. Hell maybe even fun factor is awesome...but its not CLOSE to the same car in feel, track or street IMO.

Thats a nice ride, and $27K wouldn't be horrible, anything more would be too much $$.

HogFan760 · 03-01-2021, 07:50 PM

For reference, I just paid $35K for my ‘18, 21K miles, CPO Manual with every option except the upgraded LED lights. Pricing for used ones are through the roof right now. Step back and think about it and be honest with yourself. Will you really like the car or are you just imagining that you might like it?

JosephH6 · 03-02-2021, 04:54 PM

Taking car out again tomorrow afternoon.
Will now sell for 27K, he'll trade or sell to Vroom otherwise. Key questions:
1. Seats felt OK w/o lumbar on first short drive, anyone have experience on long drives with or w/out? Adj lumbar needed for these seats?
2. Thoughts about the BTech MMI wireless CarPlay owner added to it?
3. Problems areas, etc to check out?

4Hockey4 · 03-02-2021, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JosephH6

Taking car out again tomorrow afternoon.
Will now sell for 27K, he'll trade or sell to Vroom otherwise. Key questions:
1. Seats felt OK w/o lumbar on first short drive, anyone have experience on long drives with or w/out? Adj lumbar needed for these seats?
2. Thoughts about the BTech MMI wireless CarPlay owner added to it?
3. Problems areas, etc to check out?

I dont have a "bad" back but long car rides can mess with mine. I also like putting on the heater some, tends to help. Better price and pretty solid with that much remaining warranty.

Good news with warranty, problem areas shouldnt be issue BUT, you could pay $150 and take to BMW dealer and they'll run through paces. Sounds like the car is clean and no need for.

Good luck and post more pics when you buy it !

JosephH6 · 03-02-2021, 06:29 PM

Saw all local dealer receipts since delivery 3/28/19--2 oil changes, 5 visits for vehicle inspection and 5 full details. Audio shop installed the Bimmertech MMI for 1025.00
Tell ya more tomorrow after drive it again tomorrow.

GoldfishRT · 03-03-2021, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JosephH6

Taking car out again tomorrow afternoon.
Will now sell for 27K, he'll trade or sell to Vroom otherwise. Key questions:
1. Seats felt OK w/o lumbar on first short drive, anyone have experience on long drives with or w/out? Adj lumbar needed for these seats?
2. Thoughts about the BTech MMI wireless CarPlay owner added to it?
3. Problems areas, etc to check out?

1. I took a drive this morning and deflated the adjustable lumbar support and wasn't very comfortable, but, this is a personal decision. I would consider it a deal breaker. I don't have a bad back but I do get some back ache in unsupportive seats.

2. Reputable and good product. I would love to have wireless Carplay.

3. It's not even close to the mileage and wear that I would worry about it, especially under warranty. I'd still get a PPI but I doubt anything will show as wrong.

RE on the cost. 27 is pretty good value at that mileage. I will say, you'll still eat a lot of depreciation - something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to that sort of thing. I reckon my '14 with 55k is worth probably 15 now. Just how it is with a lot of BMW products. It's not something I worry too much about personally, my perspective is I'm paying X to get Y product and if I can recover anything after the fact that's gravy. If you're super value oriented it's worth considering that a few extra miles and years could save you a bunch of money though.

Sportstick · 03-03-2021, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JosephH6

1. Seats felt OK w/o lumbar on first short drive, anyone have experience on long drives with or w/out? Adj lumbar needed for these seats?

Despite the best intentions of all posters, this cannot be reliably answered for you. Variations in anatomy, bodytype, pain sensitivity, etc. will all combine to make each person's assessment unique. Seat suppliers aim to please the greatest number of people with designs that most report as eliminating discomfort, but for any given individual, the assessment will be a personal one.

celsdogg · 03-03-2021, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shovelman

No used car is going to check all the boxes, in this case it's the price that's not right. That one will be forgotten.

thats almost poetic man.

JosephH6 · 03-05-2021, 01:09 PM

Drove her again and seats felt better than most I've owned, she's a stable and fun runner, plus wifey gives thumbs up. So I will join the ranks of 2ers late next week.
Thanks for all the sage advice and great prose...much appreciated.
Attached 2 Pics from last test drive.
Will post better pics once I get her home.

Artdnj · 03-05-2021, 01:46 PM

Just got a 2017 low mileage 230i. Car is fantastic

4Hockey4 · 03-05-2021, 01:52 PM

Congrats, you'll love the manual in these cars.

bensanford · 03-17-2021, 11:49 AM

I am very happy with my '18 230i & Manual Transmission. Plus you won't need to worry about being car-jacked by some teenager.

JosephH6 · 03-17-2021, 07:20 PM

Took the plunge about a week ago. Loving the 2er so far--smooth power, great build quality, nice clutch and MT. Rev matching was an interesting surprise, still getting used to that. Got a complement from 3 young dudes walking by as I pulled out of my office lot last night, "Cool BMW!" Haven't heard one of those since I was driving my wife's 2000 black Xterra when those were hot.
Anyway, so far just great. Snapped this pic today: Name: 230iLSide.jpg
Views: 775
Size: 661.0 KB

Name: 230iLSide.jpg
Views: 775
Size: 661.0 KB

03-01-2021, 08:49 AM	#1
JosephH6 New Member 9 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2017 Honda Civic Si Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 230i [0.00]	Pull the trigger on 2019 6MT 230i? Hi all, New to forum. Appreciate any input. Looking at neighbor's '19 230i 6MT, he ordered few options (paint, sunroof and heated wheel), 20K mi, nice Med Bl paint, nice window tint done, added Bimmertech MMI which he claims works well. Cared for it well since new, wants $29000. I think price is a little high, but OK since I've seen car babied and garaged. Want the 6MT and love color. My questions: 1. Coming from 2017 Civic Si will standard suspension disappoint? OK if it's a little plusher, but want fun on back roads. Hard to be sure on test drive, seemed a tad soft, but stuck well in curves, stable. 2. Will I miss adjustable lumbar on driver seat? Seat feels great, but I have minor back issues, anyone think lumbar makes a big comfort difference? 3. Any other options I'll really miss since car is lightly equipped? 4. Seems to have ambient lighting (door handles, footwells, LEDs above), what is extra ambient lighting in convenience pkg? 5. Bimmertech MMI wireless CarPlay seems to work fine, but aftermarket, any concerns? 6. How long till Pirelli Runflats need replacing? Surprised for runflats--were not too noisy or harsh, seemed to stick well. 7. More lightly optioned than I would order, anything so critical missing you think I'll have buyer's remorse? 7. Any thing else I should check out on car before pulling trigger? Really appreciate input! Attached Images Last edited by JosephH6; 03-01-2021 at 09:25 AM.. Reason: Add pic
	Appreciate 1 abraxas61310.00 Tweet Quote

03-01-2021, 09:11 AM	#2
MarcoZandrini Major 444 Rep 1,264 Posts Drives: 2018 M240i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Check the retail used car prices at Kelly Blue Book, etc.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2021, 01:14 PM	#3
Outlaw 06 Major 212 Rep 1,071 Posts Drives: M240i (daily driver) Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	If you're correct about the options and mileage, then the car is worth $22,200 trade-in (wholesale). IMO, it's not worth the $29,000 asking price by any stretch of the imagination. __________________
	Appreciate 2 BrettKA7566.50 makrop151.00 Quote

03-01-2021, 01:39 PM	#4
4Hockey4 Banned 832 Rep 674 Posts Drives: Pinto Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Here iTrader: (0)	Looks nice but yea thats probably $2K-$3K high. (how much time left on bumper to bumper ? ) Now, finding a low mileage 2 series used in manual not easy, and you know history. Did you drive in Sport+ mode or comfort ? decent difference there. I hated my Runflats and went to Michelin PS4S, tough to do in PA unless you are switching out. Other better tire options for weather. Good luck and nice looking.
	Appreciate 1 BrettKA7566.50 Quote

03-01-2021, 01:57 PM	#5
JosephH6 New Member 9 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2017 Honda Civic Si Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 230i [0.00]	Just over 2 years of warranty left. Seems used 6MT in a good color is v hard to find. Drove it in Comfort and Sport, steering got firmer and throttle seemed more responsive in Sport. Liked it a whole lot more than I expected from base set up. There's room in price but holding off negotiating since he's a neighbor until I'm sure I want it. JH
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2021, 04:29 PM	#7
GoldfishRT Private First Class 76 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 228i M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	I will never own another car with seats I don't love ever again. And that makes lumbar support a requirement. The Civic SI is a fantastic car. I'd be hard pressed to get rid of it for a 230, especially at that price and spec. That's well into M235 territory if you don't mind a few more miles... __________________ 2014 228i M-Sport 6MT "And the Porsche is still behind us..."
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2021, 04:54 PM	#8
Shovelman Lieutenant 244 Rep 525 Posts Drives: 2017 230i Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	No used car is going to check all the boxes, in this case it's the price that's not right. That one will be forgotten.
	Appreciate 1 celsdogg323.00 Quote

03-01-2021, 06:02 PM	#9
JosephH6 New Member 9 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2017 Honda Civic Si Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 230i [0.00]	Love SIs--I've owned 3, 2006 sedan, the '17 sedan, and an '18 coupe my oldest son drives. Before those 1990 Maxima SE, 1995 Integra GSR, 1999 Acura CL, 2003 A4, all manuals. Always liked 2 series. Want another manual and a change. Surprised at how solid 230i felt, also heavier (not in a bad way) w more quiet interior. Careful about used cars and know where this one has been, actually wish lower miles, used to mostly trouble-free Hondas. Main concerns about this '19 230i--seats seem great but on long drives will I miss lumbar, aftermarket Bimmertech CarPlay, and hard to tell how good base chassis is. All felt good on 15 min drive, but couldn't really push neighbor's pampered car. BTW he's selling for new auto 430i. Sorry for long list of original questions OP, but appreciate input on any issues.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2021, 07:02 PM	#10
4Hockey4 Banned 832 Rep 674 Posts Drives: Pinto Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Here iTrader: (0)	I have a Civic turbo and drove the Si manual when we were looking. Great car, and love Honda's, have owned 3. Hell maybe even fun factor is awesome...but its not CLOSE to the same car in feel, track or street IMO. Thats a nice ride, and $27K wouldn't be horrible, anything more would be too much $$.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2021, 07:50 PM	#11
HogFan760 Private 40 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2018 m240I Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	For reference, I just paid $35K for my ‘18, 21K miles, CPO Manual with every option except the upgraded LED lights. Pricing for used ones are through the roof right now. Step back and think about it and be honest with yourself. Will you really like the car or are you just imagining that you might like it?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-02-2021, 04:54 PM	#12
JosephH6 New Member 9 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2017 Honda Civic Si Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 230i [0.00]	Test Drive tomorrow Taking car out again tomorrow afternoon. Will now sell for 27K, he'll trade or sell to Vroom otherwise. Key questions: 1. Seats felt OK w/o lumbar on first short drive, anyone have experience on long drives with or w/out? Adj lumbar needed for these seats? 2. Thoughts about the BTech MMI wireless CarPlay owner added to it? 3. Problems areas, etc to check out?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-02-2021, 06:29 PM	#14
JosephH6 New Member 9 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2017 Honda Civic Si Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 230i [0.00]	Saw all local dealer receipts since delivery 3/28/19--2 oil changes, 5 visits for vehicle inspection and 5 full details. Audio shop installed the Bimmertech MMI for 1025.00 Tell ya more tomorrow after drive it again tomorrow.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-05-2021, 01:09 PM	#18
JosephH6 New Member 9 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2017 Honda Civic Si Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 230i [0.00]	Pulling the trigger and thanks! Drove her again and seats felt better than most I've owned, she's a stable and fun runner, plus wifey gives thumbs up. So I will join the ranks of 2ers late next week. Thanks for all the sage advice and great prose...much appreciated. Attached 2 Pics from last test drive. Will post better pics once I get her home. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-05-2021, 01:46 PM	#19
Artdnj Captain 394 Rep 706 Posts Drives: 2023 X3 X30i Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Garden State iTrader: (0)	Just got a 2017 low mileage 230i. Car is fantastic
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-05-2021, 01:52 PM	#20
4Hockey4 Banned 832 Rep 674 Posts Drives: Pinto Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Here iTrader: (0)	Congrats, you'll love the manual in these cars.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2021, 11:49 AM	#21
bensanford Private 32 Rep 90 Posts Drives: Grey '18 230i & Grey '21 330ix Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (0)	I am very happy with my '18 230i & Manual Transmission. Plus you won't need to worry about being car-jacked by some teenager. __________________ __________________________________________ '18 m230i, Mineral Grey, MT, M-sport, Track Handling, Premium, H-K audio, CarPlay, no Moonroof, '21 m330ix, Mineral Gray, Navi, Driver Assist, Park Assist, 19' orbit grey wheels (wife's car)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2021, 07:20 PM	#22
JosephH6 New Member 9 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2017 Honda Civic Si Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 230i [0.00]	Took the plunge about a week ago. Loving the 2er so far--smooth power, great build quality, nice clutch and MT. Rev matching was an interesting surprise, still getting used to that. Got a complement from 3 young dudes walking by as I pulled out of my office lot last night, "Cool BMW!" Haven't heard one of those since I was driving my wife's 2000 black Xterra when those were hot. Anyway, so far just great. Snapped this pic today:
	Appreciate 0 Quote