[c1pher]

I am currently looking at 228is and M235is and am at odds about which one to select. I haven't been able to test an M235i yet, but did drive a 228i with M-Sport package which is what I would get if I did buy a 228i. I really liked it, but couldn't tell if it would really out perform my 3.7L Mustang that I'd be trading.

Admittedly, my Mustang is modded and pretty quick. From the factory it is rated 0-60 in the low to mid 5 second range and it does better than that in its current form. I noticed that out of the box the 228i is fairly similar in performance, so was wondering is that due to the transmission (two extra gears) since it's quite a bit lower in power? It didn't really feel faster than my v6 Mustang.

I'm not hung up on motor size (obviously), but do like to mod some. The main reasons I opted for the v6 Mustang over the 5.0 was how they both drove. I preferred the balance of the v6 over the v8, felt it handled better, stopped shorter, was more efficient, felt very similar in street driving where you can't really use 420hp and basically had everything the v8 had other than 2 cylinders and 100 more HP.

So using that logic again, I'm wondering if I could get similar or better numbers out of the 228i (being better balanced) either stock or maybe with just a JB4 added. I noticed BMW rates the 228i at 0-60 in 5.4 seconds but some of the magazines are getting aroun 5 seconds to 60. I'm curious how much better the 228 would do on a JB4 with no other mods.

Price isn't the concern as I could afford either car. Just interested in some thoughts. I'd like equal or better performance than what I'm currently driving, but the thought of 36 mpg in a performance coupe is compelling to me too. Kind of like having and eating my cake too. Will a JB4 make fuel economy worse if my driving is the same? If it would become worse, I'd probably opt for the bigger motor.

[alz0rz]

You seem pretty hung up on power. If price is not an issue, as you say, then the M235i would be the way to go.

[ska///235i]

228 folks will tell u to go with 28i and the 235 folks will tell u to get the 35i....find a dealer that have a 235 and drive it.

After owning a few turbo4s and 1 inline6...i will never go back to a 4 banger if I can afford a bigger engine IMO, it just dont feel the same

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by alz0rz

You seem pretty hung up on power. If price is not an issue, as you say, then the M235i would be the way to go.

Actually if I was, I'd always get the bigger motor. For me it's all the dirivng factors, power being one of them. If a car is underpowered, then it's going to suck. If it handles poorly, it will equally suck IMO. I don't necessarily need my car to be a complete hoon-mobile. I have a Ducati when I want to feel real speed.

In my mind, I'm wondering how a lighter 228i M-Sport with maybe a JB4 would compare to an M235i. And yes, I plan to drive an M235i when I can find one, but haven't yet.

There's also that part of me that says just wait for the M2, but I know that car will be difficult to get.

[ska///235i]

And then someone will tell you to get te new mustang...in 3, 2....1

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

And then someone will tell you to get te new mustang...in 3, 2....1

You're telling me the Mustang is better than the BMW? Not really interested in another Mustang. It's a good car, but in it's own way. I'm looking for something somewhat improved and more evolved.

[843two]

I drove the 35 and 28i when deciding and while the 35 was definitely faster I decided that coming from an E36 M3 track car and modded Audi that I didnt need the extra power. Now, I find that the 28i is more than enough for the street and probably will get another track car before taking it to the track so really the extra power is irrelevant but if it's your only car and you don't have a track car or bike (as someone mentioned) then maybe the 35 is for you. I personally felt like the 28i was more balanced in cornering and not too much slower in a straight line. I think a JB4 tune would be more than enough to make up the power gap given the weight difference.

Like others have said, drive both and make up your mind because what I say, feel and think may be completely different from your experience with either car. You cant go wrong with either.

[c1pher]

Thanks I really appreciate the feedback.

[843two]

Originally Posted by kpiskin

Thanks I really appreciate the feedback.

Any time

[Safety2213]

I have a n20 328i. I wish I had a 335i for the refinement, smooth engine and sound. Not at all an issue of power as with a jb4 the thing rocks.

[soghetto]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

After owning a few turbo4s and 1 inline6...i will never go back to a 4 banger if I can afford a bigger engine IMO, it just dont feel the same

^^what he said! If I can afford it, im not getting another 4banger.

I have not driven the 235 yet either. drove the 228 M sport and was blown away. I would be happy with that all day.

I ordered the 235 knowing its even better, even though it was a 3 month wait vs driving something off the lot. Id kick myself for not doing it down the road.

[jtzako]

228i is no slouch and is faster and handles better than the v6 Mustang. (228i w/auto can do under 5 seconds 0-60). They are definitely not in the same league quality wise.

[joshbromberg]

228i with jb4 matches up pretty closely to the m235i speed wise especially if you run 93 oct

if you get adaptive suspension and all the other things the m235i has over the 228i you basically have the m235i for 10k less with better fuel economy

im getting my 228i soon and plan on going jb4 as soon as i get it

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by joshbromberg

228i with jb4 matches up pretty closely to the m235i speed wise especially if you run 93 oct

if you get adaptive suspension and all the other things the m235i has over the 228i you basically have the m235i for 10k less with better fuel economy

im getting my 228i soon and plan on going jb4 as soon as i get it

That's what I was thinking too since there's a little less weight.

As far as 0-60, my v6 Mustang is pretty quick. I have 3.73 gears plus a lot of other mods. It's in the mid 4 second range already, but there's not much else I can do to it without making it completely unenjoyable. And it starts to lose steam over 100mph.