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      07-05-2017, 04:06 PM   #1
BMTwoYou
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Coming from an STI

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I have an stock STI hatchback that has served me very well for the past 8 years. It was the perfect 1 car to do everything while still being fun.

However, time moves on, my 2 kids are now able to get into the car themselves (so 2+2 coupes are now back on the table) and I'm going to go to a 2 car setup.

The 228i 6MT with track handling pack is at the top of my list for fun daily commuter car that can also handle canyon duty if/when I'm working on my TBD dedicated fun car.

Just curious if any of you have made the transition from STI to 228 and had perspective to offer up. Finding a 228 spec'd with 6MT and the track pack to test out seems rarer than I had hoped.

I'm a fan of smaller cars in general, but need 4 seats these days. For context my previous cars from recent to oldest have been: S2000, bugeye WRX, Sentra SE-R so this would be my first German car.

Thoughts?
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      07-05-2017, 04:44 PM   #2
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I moved from a 2004 STi that I kept for 10 years to an M235i. I loved my STi and I seriously thought about getting a new one to replace it. My wife convinced me that I was too old to do that and should think about a more 'mature persons' car. I can't comment on the 228i as I didn't test drive one but the 235i is a magnificent drivers car. I also planned on replacing my STi with a manual but the 235i I test drove was an automatic and despite wanting to hate it I didn't. I've had my 235i for 18 months now and couldn't be happier (well maybe with an M2).
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      07-05-2017, 04:59 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMTwoYou View Post
I have an stock STI hatchback that has served me very well for the past 8 years. It was the perfect 1 car to do everything while still being fun.

However, time moves on, my 2 kids are now able to get into the car themselves (so 2+2 coupes are now back on the table) and I'm going to go to a 2 car setup.

The 228i 6MT with track handling pack is at the top of my list for fun daily commuter car that can also handle canyon duty if/when I'm working on my TBD dedicated fun car.

Just curious if any of you have made the transition from STI to 228 and had perspective to offer up. Finding a 228 spec'd with 6MT and the track pack to test out seems rarer than I had hoped.

I'm a fan of smaller cars in general, but need 4 seats these days. For context my previous cars from recent to oldest have been: S2000, bugeye WRX, Sentra SE-R so this would be my first German car.

Thoughts?
I assume you're referring to the Subaru WRX STI? If so, I'm thinking you're going to take a hit in horsepower - something like a drop from 300 HP to 240 HP?
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      07-05-2017, 05:29 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3.0L View Post
I assume you're referring to the Subaru WRX STI? If so, I'm thinking you're going to take a hit in horsepower - something like a drop from 300 HP to 240 HP?
He would, but (assuming the OP has an '09 STi) the 228i is still a more capable car because of gearing, lighter weight, slightly better braking, and roadholding/handling.

Example (all from Car & Driver testing):
'09 STi = 5.1-second 0-60 time
228i = 4.9-second 0-60 time

Another:
'09 STi = @ 3,400 lbs
228i = @ 3,150 lbs

Plus, the STI's AWD system robs some of that extra power from getting to the pavement.

Honestly, that generation of STi was a prime example of how not to maximize power output in a modern AWD car. I had an '09 WRX (non-STi), and in some measures it was actually quicker than the STi despite being down about 60hp on it because it was a far simpler and more focused drivetrain. That one reason was why I chose the WRX over the STi, even though I could afford both.
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      07-05-2017, 05:53 PM   #5
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I can see finding a 6mt with the THP and color you want being very hard. Order one?

Dont discount the M-sport only option if you are looking at used cars. Yeah you won't get those cool looking brakes or adaptive suspension but it's still a very fun, capable, and good looking car.
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      07-05-2017, 06:06 PM   #6
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Yes, there is significantly more drivetrain loss out of the STI AWD system than a BMW. But that's not the point of the STI, it's all about clawing out of corners earlier and faster than should be allowed.

Honestly, if I was concerned about horsepower I would have tuned my STI and would have been looking at a 235 now. I'm generally more concerned with handling and balance, that (and in the STI the 6mt is way better than the WRX 5mt) is why I picked an STI over a WRX (I also owned a WRX before the S2000) and it's the same reason I'm looking at the 4 cylinder 228 over the 235.

Hope that adds some more context to my priorities.
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      07-05-2017, 07:42 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMTwoYou View Post
However, time moves on, my 2 kids are now able to get into the car themselves (so 2+2 coupes are now back on the table) and I'm going to go to a 2 car setup.

Thoughts?
I have a pair of 4-year olds and they love my car! They love the acceleration and cornering. Car seats fit nicely in the back. Go for it!
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      07-05-2017, 09:21 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3rdcoast228i View Post
I can see finding a 6mt with the THP and color you want being very hard. Order one?
Yeah, I've been looking on CL, Carmax, Autotrader for a few weeks and feel like I'm looking for a needle in a haystack.

Planning to do a Euro vacation in Summer 18 for anniversary w/ the wife , so if I end up striking out locally, will order Euro-delivery 230i next year and work it into our vacation.
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      07-05-2017, 09:29 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Viffermike View Post
(snip)
Example (all from Car & Driver testing):
'09 STi = 5.1-second 0-60 time
228i = 4.5-second 0-60 time

(snip)
I'm guessing that my M235i is a bit quicker than I thought it was.
4.5 seconds to 60 is danged quick!
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      07-05-2017, 11:54 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3.0L View Post
I assume you're referring to the Subaru WRX STI? If so, I'm thinking you're going to take a hit in horsepower - something like a drop from 300 HP to 240 HP?
Don't you know how BMW plays the horsepower game? Both cars are making around 240 at the wheels in stock form. Obviously, the STI is putting it to 4 corners rather than 2, but at the end of the day, BMW laughably underrates their turbo cars.
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      07-05-2017, 11:57 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Viffermike View Post
He would, but (assuming the OP has an '09 STi) the 228i is still a more capable car because of gearing, lighter weight, slightly better braking, and roadholding/handling.

Example (all from Car & Driver testing):
'09 STi = 5.1-second 0-60 time
228i = 4.5-second 0-60 time

Another:
'09 STi = @ 3,400 lbs
228i = @ 3,150 lbs

Plus, the STI's AWD system robs some of that extra power from getting to the pavement.

Honestly, that generation of STi was a prime example of how not to maximize power output in a modern AWD car. I had an '09 WRX (non-STi), and in some measures it was actually quicker than the STi despite being down about 60hp on it because it was a far simpler and more focused drivetrain. That one reason was why I chose the WRX over the STi, even though I could afford both.
Do you have a link to the 4.5 second 0-60 on the 228i? That's hard to believe.
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      07-06-2017, 12:00 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMTwoYou View Post
Yeah, I've been looking on CL, Carmax, Autotrader for a few weeks and feel like I'm looking for a needle in a haystack.

Planning to do a Euro vacation in Summer 18 for anniversary w/ the wife , so if I end up striking out locally, will order Euro-delivery 230i next year and work it into our vacation.
That would be awesome!
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      07-06-2017, 12:05 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B58togo View Post
Do you have a link to the 4.5 second 0-60 on the 228i? That's hard to believe.
Yeah I think that is a typo... 5.4 is about the best i've seen in reviews.
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      07-06-2017, 12:35 AM   #14
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Best I've seen is 4.9.

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...e-specs-page-5

Last edited by pz619; 07-06-2017 at 12:35 AM.. Reason: Autocorrect
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      07-06-2017, 01:37 AM   #15
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I had a 2012 WRX with an expensive Bilstein suspension setup, wheels, MPSS tires, and a Cobb AP Stage 1. I owned that car for 3.5 years. It was a great car but damn that interior was a rattle box. I spent so much time fixing rattles. Once my kiddos were 6 and 10, I ordered a M235 6MT. WHAT A MASSIVE STEP UP in everything. I'm so happy with my M235. By far the best car I've ever owned. So much fun and would just obliberate my tuned WRX. No more laughable turbo lag. My kids absolutely love riding in it and always ask for daddy to drive.

Go for it. You won't be disappointed. Just keep in mind that finding used 6mt 228 and M235 is damn near impossible. If you do find one, the chances are very high that the 6mt will command a premium. I had to order my M235 because no dealers stocked 6mts, much less a fully loaded M235 6mt minus nav and no moonroof.
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      07-06-2017, 09:06 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pz619 View Post

That's impressive. I find any car that can do 0-60 in the 5 second range to be quick...and a 13.7 1/4 mile time. WOW!

Being a teen of the 60's, I recall most all the muscle cars were mid 14 sec cars (certainly the G70's didn't help that much). 1970 Buick GSX was the only advertised 13.9 second car I recall.
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      07-06-2017, 09:06 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pz619 View Post
DANGIT. Typo!

Shoulda been 4.9, not 4.5. My bad, y'all ... post fixed ...

... and for the record:
'09 STi: 5.1 sec. 0-60
'09 WRX: 4.7 sec. 0-60

OP: I found the 5-speed to be more than decent. A weighted-ball shifter end helped smooth shifts, and the gearing was a better match for the torque curves.
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Last edited by Viffermike; 07-06-2017 at 09:13 AM..
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      07-06-2017, 09:08 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by USA-RET View Post
That's impressive. I find any car that can do 0-60 in the 5 second range to be quick...and a 13.7 1/4 mile time. WOW!

Being a teen of the 60's, I recall most all the muscle cars were mid 14 sec cars (certainly the G70's didn't help that much). 1970 Buick GSX was the only advertised 13.9 second car I recall.
In almost all respects, the 228i/230i outperforms almost all early-1990s iterations of the Lamborghini Diablo. Howzat for progress?
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      07-06-2017, 09:55 AM   #19
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OP- While I did not come from a Subaru my 230i is my first performance German car and I couldn't be happier with the decision.
The 6MT is very enjoyable to use, even in stop and go traffic.
The power output is more than sufficient at making a back road drive smile inducing and I have yet to reach the limit on what the MPSS tires can take.

I do know the struggle in finding a 6MT to test drive and actually ordered my car with only test driving an auto 228i at a BMW Track event and 230i from the dealer so I was nervous until I finally got behind the three pedals.

Good luck on the search.
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      07-06-2017, 01:59 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pz619 View Post
I don't believe that either, even with an ideal launch... unless someone with a vbox can post a legit RWD 228i doing under 5 and prove me wrong
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      07-06-2017, 03:45 PM   #21
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Quote:
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I don't believe that either, even with an ideal launch... unless someone with a vbox can post a legit RWD 228i doing under 5 and prove me wrong
Believe whatever you want, but it's not like Car and Driver counts using the "Mississippi" method. They use vbox.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...-c-d-test-cars
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      07-06-2017, 03:48 PM   #22
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Also motor trend:

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/bmw/2...pe-first-test/
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