[Dylan86]

You'll resell a M-Sport/THP 228/230 10x before a base, make sure you find one with those options, you won't be disappointed.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Dylan86

You'll resell a M-Sport/THP 228/230 10x before a base, make sure you find one with those options, you won't be disappointed.

And you will also cross off the first what 10-12 things at least you'd want to upgrade on a base car bc it's already done? From there make sure you hav good tires, get a used 235 exhaust for next to nothing and a stock diffuser and you're pretty much done.

[Maynard]

I'd second what others have said in favor of the 228: lighter and more dynamic feeling to me, and plenty of power (not just something you 'putt around town in' for sure). It will hit felony speeds before you know it; and with almost full torque from just off idle, it pulls like a monster (sure the 235 will pull harder, but the 228 is no slouch). I'm pretty new to track-driving, and it is still well above my limits on track.

[aozer]

Originally Posted by SammT

Because it's a better drive or are there other factors?

exhaust/engine note and smoothness of the inline 6.

[SammT]

Originally Posted by Dylan86

You'll resell a M-Sport/THP 228/230 10x before a base, make sure you find one with those options, you won't be disappointed.

Yeah they're the only ones that I'm interested in.

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

And you will also cross off the first what 10-12 things at least you'd want to upgrade on a base car bc it's already done? From there make sure you hav good tires, get a used 235 exhaust for next to nothing and a stock diffuser and you're pretty much done.

Thanks I'll make a note of those parts, this is definitely sounding like the better option!

Originally Posted by Maynard

I'd second what others have said in favor of the 228: lighter and more dynamic feeling to me, and plenty of power (not just something you 'putt around town in' for sure). It will hit felony speeds before you know it; and with almost full torque from just off idle, it pulls like a monster (sure the 235 will pull harder, but the 228 is no slouch). I'm pretty new to track-driving, and it is still well above my limits on track.

Thanks for the input! Yeah from what others have said it seems like the 228i with some add ons is the best way to go! I can't wait to start test driving and buying one now!

[NVHoo]

I did an extended drive of used 230i and 240i convertibles back to back over the same route, each had about 10k on the ticker. The 230 had more than ample power and the 240 was a real screamer. In the US, the cost differential between a low mileage 230 vs 240 is only a few $k if you are a patient shopper, so on paper I was favoring the 240. The deciding factor for me was the 240 has a much much stiffer suspension, even in comfort mode, as compared to the 230. On all but the smoothest roads, the 240 ride can be punishing as compared to the 230. Prior to that drive, I was assuming that if I got a 230 I would try to get one with the M or Track package (my demo had neither) but that would make the ride like the 240. So my choice is the 230 without the performance packages. I assume the answer would be the same for 228 vs 235.

[SammT]

Originally Posted by NVHoo

I did an extended drive of used 230i and 240i convertibles back to back over the same route, each had about 10k on the ticker. The 230 had more than ample power and the 240 was a real screamer. In the US, the cost differential between a low mileage 230 vs 240 is only a few $k if you are a patient shopper, so on paper I was favoring the 240. The deciding factor for me was the 240 has a much much stiffer suspension, even in comfort mode, as compared to the 230. On all but the smoothest roads, the 240 ride can be punishing as compared to the 230. Prior to that drive, I was assuming that if I got a 230 I would try to get one with the M or Track package (my demo had neither) but that would make the ride like the 240. So my choice is the 230 without the performance packages. I assume the answer would be the same for 228 vs 235.

Great thanks for the comment! I have read that the suspension can be stiffer in the 235i so that's not really ideal for general driving. I think from what I'm seeing is that the 228i is more well rounded and would probably provide me with a better experience for daily use.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by SammT

Great thanks for the comment! I have read that the suspension can be stiffer in the 235i so that's not really ideal for general driving. I think from what I'm seeing is that the 228i is more well rounded and would probably provide me with a better experience for daily use.

228 w 17" wheels is what you need to be doing - at least based on what you sound like you're looking to accomplish.

[kivyee]

OP, at this point unless if you go test drive both you can't really compare the two...I don't find the m235i to be overly stiff, especially when it's in comfort mode. "Punishing ride" is also not something I have come across in the numerous reviews I've seen on the 235/240.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

228 w 17" wheels is what you need to be doing - at least based on what you sound like you're looking to accomplish.

Completely agree....larger wheels are almost exclusively for appearance. Even with all the mods I have, i moved from 18" to 17" due to the legendarily awful roads in Michigan. Results are excellent, assuming you choose great tires!

[Wakka]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

And you will also cross off the first what 10-12 things at least you'd want to upgrade on a base car bc it's already done? From there make sure you hav good tires, get a used 235 exhaust for next to nothing and a stock diffuser and you're pretty much done.

Funny you mention that... I just so happen to have a stock M240 exhaust/diffuser with exactly 40 miles on them that I will be happy to sell to anyone on here

[000000]

I'd go for the 228/230i, it's like goldilocks locks porridge "just Right" (i'm biased as mine is a 230i, e/blue, cloth int., no sunroof, m sport ,a/dampers, harmon kardon, 8 sp auto .) The 2016 would still have factory warranty in Aus. As others have said goes fast enough , handles nicely , looks incredibly beautiful , yeah the sound of a 6 cylinder would be good though .
Most of all get what you can comfortably afford. You will love either, if you buy the " right " used car .

[MetalMK]

I will take the 228i. First, it is newer so lesser things to replace. Second, because of its smaller engine, the front end is a lot lighter, makes it more nimble around town. Third, in UK you guys don't have Xdrive F22, the 235 is more likely to loose traction, while the 228 can still burn rubber, but it is a lot less likely to loose control. Trust me, you won't notice the extra vibration, and get a better exhaust so that it sounds good.

PS: I am jealousy of your lack of reflectors, makes the car look a lot cleaner

[SammT]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

228 w 17" wheels is what you need to be doing - at least based on what you sound like you're looking to accomplish.

Great I'll make a note of that, thanks!

Originally Posted by kivyee

OP, at this point unless if you go test drive both you can't really compare the two...I don't find the m235i to be overly stiff, especially when it's in comfort mode. "Punishing ride" is also not something I have come across in the numerous reviews I've seen on the 235/240.

Yeah I do plan on test driving both but unfortunately during test drives you can't really push the car or accelerate quickly etc. which sucks. I don't want buyers remorse so I will give both cars a drive.

Originally Posted by 000000

I'd go for the 228/230i, it's like goldilocks locks porridge "just Right" (i'm biased as mine is a 230i, e/blue, cloth int., no sunroof, m sport ,a/dampers, harmon kardon, 8 sp auto .) The 2016 would still have factory warranty in Aus. As others have said goes fast enough , handles nicely , looks incredibly beautiful , yeah the sound of a 6 cylinder would be good though .
Most of all get what you can comfortably afford. You will love either, if you buy the " right " used car .

Yeah I'm definitely loving the Estoril Blue colour! Yeah that's the plus with going for the 228i, I would be able to afford a newer version.

Well this is my first big purchase as I've just started a great new job and I want to celebrate and treat myself to something nice! I'm travelling a lot for training so I have time to wait for the right one to pop up, I'm just very impatient and want it now! Been binge watching videos on them for like a week straight

Originally Posted by MetalMK

I will take the 228i. First, it is newer so lesser things to replace. Second, because of its smaller engine, the front end is a lot lighter, makes it more nimble around town. Third, in UK you guys don't have Xdrive F22, the 235 is more likely to loose traction, while the 228 can still burn rubber, but it is a lot less likely to loose control. Trust me, you won't notice the extra vibration, and get a better exhaust so that it sounds good.

PS: I am jealousy of your lack of reflectors, makes the car look a lot cleaner

Yeah that's the bonus of the 228i, I would be able to afford a newer model! Ah right didn't know about that, last thing I'd want is to lose control and ruin it. Yeah previous posters have mentioned buying a used 235i exhaust and adding it.

Just googled the reflectors, I see what you mean! They just look out of place on the car, definitely ruins the aesthetics of it.

[CP911]

I took my wife out for a drive in my m240i yesterday. When it came time to show her what it would do in a straight line, I could not find a road or the lack of traffic to even do so. It was quite annoying. I then went on about how, "It really is pointless to have a car this fast unless you're going to take it to the track." I meant it, too. To be honest, it is a bit stressful having the car on the roads because I constantly seek the ability to wind it out past 5k rpm, but I rarely get to do so. There is either too much traffic in my way or I am going waaay too fast for public roads before I can even dig into 3rd gear.

Now, in my case, I will be taking it to the track, so hopefully in the end it will have been worth it. However, if I knew 100% I would never be tracking the car, I'd go back and get a 230i instead without a doubt. What can I say? This m240i is my first car that taught me a lesson on how fast street cars really need to be before they actually become less fun.

All that being said, it does sound heavenly, and as someone else already posted, YOLO!

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by SammT

Just googled the reflectors, I see what you mean! They just look out of place on the car, definitely ruins the aesthetics of it.

You just have to find a Valencia Orange car! In all seriousness, they do add to the safety at night for a small effect on initial aesthetics....car looks better without crumpled sheetmetal!

[SammT]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

You just have to find a Valencia Orange car! In all seriousness, they do add to the safety at night for a small effect on initial aesthetics....car looks better without crumpled sheetmetal!

Yeah I see what you mean, blends right in :P Yeah looks like we don't have them, not a big fan of it.

Originally Posted by CP911

I took my wife out for a drive in my m240i yesterday. When it came time to show her what it would do in a straight line, I could not find a road or the lack of traffic to even do so. It was quite annoying. I then went on about how, "It really is pointless to have a car this fast unless you're going to take it to the track." I meant it, too. To be honest, it is a bit stressful having the car on the roads because I constantly seek the ability to wind it out past 5k rpm, but I rarely get to do so. There is either too much traffic in my way or I am going waaay too fast for public roads before I can even dig into 3rd gear.

Now, in my case, I will be taking it to the track, so hopefully in the end it will have been worth it. However, if I knew 100% I would never be tracking the car, I'd go back and get a 230i instead without a doubt. What can I say? This m240i is my first car that taught me a lesson on how fast street cars really need to be before they actually become less fun.

All that being said, it does sound heavenly, and as someone else already posted, YOLO!

Yeah exactly that's what I've started to think! Pointless to have such a fast car if I never really get to enjoy the speed and just have wasted. That's another point, as much as I'd like to go fast I don't really fancy having points on my license, and I'd be all too tempted to speed around with it. Yeah tracking doesn't really interest me at all, and I can just get the 235i exhaust as others have suggested to get the same kinda sound!

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by CP911

"It really is pointless to have a car this fast unless you're going to take it to the track."

I believe this to be true for cars like the 228/230 and the 235/240. You can't begin to do on the street or highway what you want to and must do on the track, so why wouldn't you take them there. Expense issues aside, of course.

[Kolyan2k]

I use my car for normal road use I even have car seat installed. I wouldnt even consider 228/230. I am looking for my next car now and wouldn't mind some AMG model or Porsche Turbo. Buddy of mine drives his kids in X5M and loves the power !

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

I use my car for normal road use I even have car seat installed. I wouldnt even consider 228/230. I am looking for my next car now and wouldn't mind some AMG model or Porsche Turbo. Buddy of mine drives his kids in X5M and loves the power !

Our company is an OEM automotive industry supplier. Our consumer database has a couple of hundred-thousand respondents. One of the questions is "reason for buying", and there are dozens of possible answers. "Power" is among them and varies widely not just among all the nameplates, but within a nameplate for the range of buyers attracted to a single model name. This helps remind that there is no right nor wrong answer but only personal preferences.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by SammT

Yeah I see what you mean, blends right in :P Yeah looks like we don't have them, not a big fan of it.

I get it....no one would ever want it for looks. It's just a matter of the research data proving its value in reducing the frequency of side impacts at night. The analysis that led to the requirement is that the benefits outweigh the costs.

[babaikram]

I would differ with others.

The general advice is that if you are doing such a low mileage you should buy the car of your dream that is older than 3 years or 4 years that is has been well taken care of irrespective of the mileage (the higher the mileage the cheaper) otherwise you would be paying for depreciation based on age not based on mileage. Almost all depreciation in the first 3 years are based on the age of the car not on mileage.

After 5 years you would have only added 10,000 miles to the car (you are unlikely to need to change the tyres or need much maintenance at your mileage per year and the BMW comprehensive insured warranty that covers wear and tear is quite cheap for 2 series ) or after 3 years you would have only added 6000 miles to the car and you might end up selling the car for almost the same price you bought it. Most brits change their cars at year 4 according to surveys and being a BMW guy you are likely to change earlier

You could check AA website on advice on buy used cars based on your yearly mileage

So my advice look for the cheapest m235i that is about 3-5 year old that has been well taken care of irrespective of mileage, that have all the options you want (a lot of of used m235i cars have been fitted with LSD and performance exhausts) and enjoy it. You would be surprised how close in price 228 and m235i cars would be around the age of 4 and 5 years.

You would surely enjoy the m235i MORE than 228i. i have both 2 litre diesel and 3 litre BMW cars and the difference in fun factor is so wide. I just came back from doing 10 random miles on my m240i on A1(M) motorways which I did enjoy. Eco Pro with performance exhaust still has the bass tone that is good and economical (30-4-mpg) whilst the pops and crackles in Sport mode would put smile on your face even at speed of 20 mph.