[mcompact]

I brought my wife's i3 in for it's annual service and my Service Advisor set me up in a 2018 230i xDrive. The car was very well optioned, notably with the M Sport and Track Handling Packages. Those two packages essentially upgrade the trim, suspension, steering, and braking to the same level as an M240i, minus the sweet B58 inline six.

So, how did I like it? Quite a bit, actually. As an LCI, the car has acquired minor but mostly welcome upgrades. Inside, the main instrument cluster is now a glass cockpit, with the added feature of being able to display oil temperature at all times. The iDrive is version 5.0 which gets you a touchscreen(meh) as well as a more sophisticated menu layout. Trim is a bit different but otherwise it's virtually the same as my M235i. This car had the base audio system, and-while I still prefer the Harmon-Kardon upgrade-it was surprisingly listenable.

LED headlamps aside, the exterior changes are very minor; unless you are a BMW geek-like me-they will mostly go unnoticed.

As for the driving experience, I was pretty happy with it overall. That said, I would never get a 2er with xDrive- and I would only get a 230i with a manual. The AWD reins in the fun significantly as does the ZF 8HP automatic when bolted to the B48 inline four. I would probably like it better if I had never owned/driven a M235i; A 14 second quarter is just adequate these days, but it's tolerable. As noted, the xDrive doesn't allow any power oversteer antics, which is a major negative for me(the only AWD BMW car that I think I could live with would be the F90 M5, with it's ability to select a RWD mode). As for fuel economy, the 230i averaged around 26 mpg- not much better-if any-than my M235i
If I was buying a 230i I'd option up a RWD model with three pedals, throw in the M Sport and Track Handling Packages, and delete the sunroof. The downside is it's only about $4,000 less than a similarly equipped M240i. I know which one I'd pick.

In case you are wondering, here's how I'd rate the various RWD 2 Series permutations(and yes, I've driven all of them):

1. M2 manual
2. M240i automatic
3. M2 DCT
4. 230i manual
5. M240i manual
6. 230i automatic

Out of all the above cars, an M2 manual is the only car I'd prefer to my M235i automatic(which I bought as a 2 year old CPO for a very good price).

[BEM-S4]

Think you're spot on but two points I'd add...

- The 240 will hold its value better so that $4k isn't a real $4k

- I've driven both 228 and 230 and depending on mood and driving conditions sometimes they can be a fun change vs 235 / 240, takes a little more effort which can be more engaging. Slow car fast vs fast car slow dynamic.

[mcompact]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Think you're spot on but two points I'd add...

- The 240 will hold its value better so that $4k isn't a real $4k

- I've driven both 228 and 230 and depending on mood and driving conditions sometimes they can be a fun change vs 235 / 240, takes a little more effort which can be more engaging. Slow car fast vs fast car slow dynamic.

I agree- that's why I've held on to my Club Sport for going on 23 years. I can beat on it like a red-headed stepchild with absolutely no fear of attracting the attention of law enforcement.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by mcompact

I agree- that's why I've held on to my Club Sport for going on 23 years. I can beat on it like a red-headed stepchild with absolutely no fear of attracting the attention of law enforcement.

There's definitely something to be said for that. I'm a huge fan of stealth. We had a 500E way back when that started the trend.

Our Dinan F31 I've passed cops going VERY fast and they assume wagon not causing trouble.

[mr_clueless]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Think you're spot on but two points I'd add...

- The 240 will hold its value better so that $4k isn't a real $4k

- I've driven both 228 and 230 and depending on mood and driving conditions sometimes they can be a fun change vs 235 / 240, takes a little more effort which can be more engaging. Slow car fast vs fast car slow dynamic.

I'll also add that it's easier to find a good deal on a 230i than on an M240i because of allocation, so that $4K is likely a real $4K.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by mr_clueless

I'll also add that it's easier to find a good deal on a 230i than on an M240i because of allocation, so that $4K is likely a real $4K.

That could very well be true, the only things I'm in the market for these days are Es. E46, E39, etc. so I really haven't been keeping up w pricing.

[Tyresian]

Did you drive mostly in Comfort or Sport? During my test drives I had to pretty much leave the 230xi in Sport and I imagine that's what I'll do once I own it unless I have the dogs or my fiancee in the car. Even then from what I recall Sport was just fantastic and much more drive-able than in my 335xi as the 335 hangs on to high revs for too long and the 230xi with Sport just felt more natural. I think the M240 is also improved vs what the 335 was but honestly I didn't really like the M240, it was fast but for my daily use not as fun.

[mr_clueless]

Originally Posted by mcompact

In case you are wondering, here's how I'd rate the various RWD 2 Series permutations(and yes, I've driven all of them):

1. M2 manual
2. M240i automatic
3. M2 DCT
4. 230i manual
5. M240i manual
6. 230i automatic

Out of all the above cars, an M2 manual is the only car I'd prefer to my M235i automatic(which I bought as a 2 year old CPO for a very good price).

Is this rating for a daily driver or weekend/track car?

[mcompact]

Originally Posted by Tyresian

Did you drive mostly in Comfort or Sport?.

Mostly Sport.

[mcompact]

Originally Posted by mr_clueless

Is this rating for a daily driver or weekend/track car?

Both. The slot my 2er filled is for my DD/HPDE instructor car.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Thank you for the review