[AleksanderSuave]

my m240i is in for the 4g upgrade, and I sat there thinking "please dont stick me in one of these hideous new 2 series".

Lo and behold, the 228i is about the only thing they have for the loaner fleet. The porter could see I was disappointed so he didnt talk much.

Long and the short of it is, no its not the prettiest thing they've ever made. Yes its slower. But (and its a big but), in sport mode, with ASS off, this car was decent to drive. It also doesnt look anywhere near as hideous in person. The neighbors in my sub consider me a BMW snob, and 2 separate ones texted me saying "nice looking new car" not realizing it was a loaner.

If the price point was just a tiny bit lower (say 29,995 entry level), I think they'd have a solid commuter car competitor. I dont think this is quite a CLA 250 killer by any means (those are, IMO, MUCH prettier), but, its definitely an ok entry level vehicle.

Also...I was blown away by the new cockpit and beautiful resolution giant touch screen. Interior materials (minus the seats and steering wheel) looked better as well, much needed upgrade to the HVAC area too. It really reminded me how incredibly dated the F series interiors really are.

I mainly just wanted to say that my expectations were SUPER low, and it didnt quite exactly blow me away, but it certainly wasnt the anemic 320i loaner I have gotten before, and the beautiful new infotainment system really stands out..

Only thing I cant get used to is the gear shifter, the drive/reverse are in opposite direction of how they were on the old cars, and its odd to have the park button embedded into the shifter itself, in an odd not quite top dead center spot...

However, this enterior refresh...definitely overdue. Now if they can get the new M2 right...without an ugly front end, and stick this interior in it (with the nicer seats of the m3/m4), I'll be willing to give them another chance with convincing me out of buying a porsche next.

[RoundelM3]

So you drove the 228i "Gran Coupe" that is basically a re-bodied Mini? I suspect they're using those as loaners because of slow sales. Good review, though - thanks for the insights. Not a car I'd ever consider, but might suit someone looking for a commuter car as you mentioned.

[Climate Changer]

I had that as a loaner. thankfully a couple of hours. felt like I was driving my mother in law's Honda CRV

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by RoundelM3

So you drove the 228i "Gran Coupe" that is basically a re-bodied Mini?

Just as true to write that the Mini is a "re-bodied" BMW. Both brands share a common ULK2 platform developed by BMWAG. Pick your sheetmetal and badge.

[734jeant]

Originally Posted by AleksanderSuave

my m240i is in for the 4g upgrade

Were you notified by BMW about this upgrade?

[AleksanderSuave]

Originally Posted by 734jeant

Were you notified by BMW about this upgrade?

It was buried in an email, yes.

Unfortunately I was not notified of the fact that the software upgrade would also involve them locking my DME.

Its currently in the mail to be bench unlocked. A "free upgrade" resulted in what will likely be a week with no car now.

[AleksanderSuave]

Originally Posted by RoundelM3

So you drove the 228i "Gran Coupe" that is basically a re-bodied Mini? I suspect they're using those as loaners because of slow sales. Good review, though - thanks for the insights. Not a car I'd ever consider, but might suit someone looking for a commuter car as you mentioned.

I would likely take the styling of the mini over it, either way.