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2014 NYIAS: BMW 228i with Track Handling Package

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The BMW 228i Coupe with Track Handling Package

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 14, 2014. . . BMW announced today the availability of the all-new Track Handling Package for the 2015 BMW 228i Coupe. Inspired by the original formula of BMW “S-package” vehicles manufactured in the course of the past three decades, the new Track Handling Package embraces the desires of the most enthusiastic BMW drivers. It includes the M Adaptive Suspension, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on unique 18-inch light-alloy wheels , Variable Sport Steering, and M Sport Brakes. The package will be available from July 2014 (production) for both 6-speed manual and 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission-equipped BMW 228i Coupe models. The Track Handling Package may be added to any 228i Coupe during the vehicle ordering process. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

A chassis that speaks to its driver: Adaptive M Suspension.
With a starting stance 10 millimeters lower than the suspension of a standard BMW 228i Coupe, lowering the car’s center of gravity, the Adaptive M Suspension adds front axle and central accelerometers. These sensors gather data instantaneously and, when combined with data from the existing steering angle sensor, throttle position, and brake pressure sensors, form a comprehensive real-time profile of damping needs at all four corners to effectively read and adapt to the road. The valves of the dampers adapt in milliseconds to the conditions of the road and the wishes of the driver, minimizing vehicle squat, dive, and roll, to ensure the BMW 228i Coupe feels equally at home on a smooth canyon road, unusually rough surfaces, or during the daily commute. The desired suspension setting can be selected using the Driving Dynamics Control switch in the center console.

BMW Variable Sport Steering.
Long suggested to be part of the mythical “Bavarian black magic” of balanced vehicle handling, BMW Variable Sport Steering employs a mechanical steering rack with a directness ratio that varies in a prescribed way throughout its range of travel. At steering angles near center (for example, when driving straight ahead), the ratio is slower, providing maximum vehicle stability for highway speeds and straight-aways. As the driver bends the car into a corner, the mechanical ratio of the steering rack becomes faster and provides the driver with precise, lightning-quick response for mid-corner adjustments to “the line.” At extreme steering angles such as those required to negotiate a hairpin turn or during “opposite lock” maneuvers, the ratio is quickest.

M Sport Brakes system.
The M Sport Brakes system features fixed, four-piston calipers at the front axle and two-piston calipers at rear, with particularly large brake discs (front disc diameter 13.4 inch, rear 13.6 in. ). The calipers are painted dark blue and carry the M logo at the front axle. Brake pads chosen for sharp responsiveness, long term thermal stability and linear pedal feel on the street are fitted at all four corners. In exchange, enthusiast customers likely won’t mind that the pads of the M Sport Brakes emit slightly more dust under heavy use than the standard 228i Coupe brake pads.

Race-derived tire technology.
Ultra-high performance, non-run-flat Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, similar to those featured on the BMW M235i Coupe, are also included with the Track Handling Package. Developed with technology transferred directly from years of world championship-level sports car racing in Europe and the United States, they provide superb feedback and the ideal balance between agility and stability. The Pilot Super Sport design places top priority on giving the BMW driver massive grip in both wet and dry conditions. Wider rear tires are used as an additional traction improvement measure. A BMW Mobility Kit is featured as standard equipment, as is 24-hour BMW Roadside Assistance for the first four years of vehicle service.

Source: BMW 228i Coupe with Track Handling Package

BMW 228i with Track Handling Package

[Falafel Combo]

This thing will sell like hot cakes! Might even make more money off it than the M235i!



Looks great too.

[haitham87]

No LSD or will the optional lsd fit the 228?

[cbrando68]

I don't understand the bland wheel design. Maybe they should have consulted HRE?

[ska///235i]

Dont see the excitement unless its a dirt cheap pkg that bmw will charge

[paulbrenneman]

Huge win for BMW. I think the development of this new 228i track pack, the m235i and the m235i racing really show BMW has heard the complaints of many enthusiasts these last few years that bmw has drifted too far from their raw, driving experience oriented roots to more of a higher priced, premium, luxury-centered lineup. These new cars I think really answer those complaints and show how much they care about their loyal customers, well done BMW.

[kevinlevrone]

They should have included the LSD and charge more for the package, otherwise they can't call it 'track handling package'. Also, those don't really look like track wheels...but this is a matter of taste anyway.

[SoCali E36]

Can someone please clarify what the Mechanical Steering Rack is? I assume it has nothing to do with the power steering (hydraulic/electric)?

[Blown850]

Originally Posted by SoCali E36

Can someone please clarify what the Mechanical Steering Rack is? I assume it has nothing to do with the power steering (hydraulic/electric)?

ditto, they make such a statement out of it but it seems more marketing than actual difference from the normal variable steering (electronic).

[tommy]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

Dont see the excitement unless its a dirt cheap pkg that bmw will charge

I'd agree with that. Unless the wheels are really light (say, in the 15-18 lb range), it's not really a track package instead of a marketing package. I'd prefer a track delete package, where more of the luxury stuff is removed, and the customer gets a % back on the stuff that's removed. That would be more "heritage" worthy, imho, instead of stuffing things in that I'm guessing would be better handled in the aftermarket.

[lonestar22]

this shouldve been the 228iS

[3liter1]

I am tired of ruining the balance of OEM/stock cars with endless progessions of aftermarket tweaks that address some shortcomings but create others.
By the way - you could already "check the right boxes" as someone else mentioned, and get very close to this configuration. Not sure i'd really want to thrash a turbo engine too much at the track anyway - but if you can keep it to "8/10'ths" - it could be a good car for a few fun track days a year

[F30form]

Originally Posted by tommy

I'd agree with that. Unless the wheels are really light (say, in the 15-18 lb range), it's not really a track package instead of a marketing package. I'd prefer a track delete package, where more of the luxury stuff is removed, and the customer gets a % back on the stuff that's removed. That would be more "heritage" worthy, imho, instead of stuffing things in that I'm guessing would be better handled in the aftermarket.

Maybe if you actually read the press release, you would understand that it is exactly what you are saying. You now DONT have to get M Sport etc to get all the good handling goodies.

Also, in what alternate universe do you get a % back for de optioning a car? What does that even mean? How exactly would the aftermarket take care of variable sport steering and dynamic dampeners? Are you sure you are a human or are you a dog typing away at the computer trying to fool us?

[F30form]

Originally Posted by AudiS4

I am tired of ruining the balance of OEM/stock cars with endless progessions of aftermarket tweaks that address some shortcomings but create others.

Like?

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by paulbrenneman

Huge win for BMW. I think the development of this new 228i track pack, the m235i and the m235i racing really show BMW has heard the complaints of many enthusiasts these last few years that bmw has drifted too far from their raw, driving experience oriented roots to more of a higher priced, premium, luxury-centered lineup. These new cars I think really answer those complaints and show how much they care about their loyal customers, well done BMW.

I agree to a certian extent (believe me, I REALLY like the 2-series) and will probably replace my e90 with a 2-series (M2 please!).

With the M235 weighing 3500lbs, I think they're getting away from a complete enthusiasts car. 3500lbs is heavy for a small, 2-door coupe. Why does the Subaru WRX weigh so much less with AWD?

I have taken great pains to drop as much weight off my e90 (a 330) as I could. My car weighs 3,260 lbs with the standard BMW battery. Yes, I can feel the difference in weight when I drive my buddies cars that weigh over 3,500lbs. Anyone that drives my car thinks it's a 335.

In the end, I'm more interested in the 228 with the track package because it weighs so much less than the 235. It will handle better and be so much more fun in the twisties.

I really hope BMW goes balls out with the M2. Drop the weight to what the 228 weighs and give it about 360 - 380hp and they'll hit a grand slam!

[paulbrenneman]

Originally Posted by TSM330i

I agree to a certian extent (believe me, I REALLY like the 2-series) and will probably replace my e90 with a 2-series (M2 please!).

With the M235 weighing 3500lbs, I think they're getting away from a complete enthusiasts car. 3500lbs is heavy for a small, 2-door coupe. Why does the Subaru WRX weigh so much less with AWD?

I have taken great pains to drop as much weight off my e90 (a 330) as I could. My car weighs 3,260 lbs with the standard BMW battery. Yes, I can feel the difference in weight when I drive my buddies cars that weigh over 3,500lbs. Anyone that drives my car thinks it's a 335.

In the end, I'm more interested in the 228 with the track package because it weighs so much less than the 235. It will handle better and be so much more fun in the twisties.

I really hope BMW goes balls out with the M2. Drop the weight to what the 228 weighs and give it about 360 - 380hp and they'll hit a grand slam!

Weight is a huge factor in the dynamics of a car of course but (not to point the finger at you) but I think the importance of the numbers are blown way out of proportion on the internet sometimes. We can't really know how it really feels until driving it and further driving it back to back with a M235i. In my opinion, it really isn't the specific number of lbs that matters its how it feels to drive, in the same way I don't think the specific number of horsepower is as important as how powerful it feels.

But I'm with you, I think reducing weight is important and I can't wait to see how it performs on the track. I watched this video earlier today with the M235i on Willow Springs and man it looks fun! The 2 series seems like a really great chassis, hopefully this new 228i track pack will bring that epic M235i driving experience down to an easier to reach price

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[r3dbimmer89]

How different is the M235i from a 228i track package besides the N55 motor and M sport body kit?

[conradb]

"Track Handling Package"

Really? It's just some adaptive dampers, some stiffer springs, and some decent brakes (finally). They don't even include an LSD. I hope that's at least an option across all these new track package cars.

[jms644]

This really doesn't provide much that isn't available as of now. The car pictured here that is being passed off as a 228i with Track Handling Package is actually just a sport line 228i with Dynamic Handling Package, PSS tires, and M Sport Brakes. The only options this track package adds that aren't currently available are the PSS tires and the ability to have the M Sport Brakes without having to spec the M Sport Package. I'm not sure why they're claiming "unique 18-inch light alloy wheels", they're the exact same wheels that are available now on the sport line model (hence what you see pictured). If you're skeptical then go build a 228i on BMW's website, spec it with sportline, and compare the wheels to what you see pictured here.

So let's work out projected costs for this track handling package: it includes adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport Brakes, and PSS tires. Currently both the adaptive M suspension and variable sport steering are available through the Dynamic Handling Package ($1000), the M Sport Brakes are $650, and then that leaves the PSS tires. I like to state facts and not make speculations based on nothing but intuition so I won't speculate as to what I believe this Track Handling Package will cost. But I'm sure it will be quite a bit more than the $1650 total cost (for the Dynamic Handling Package and M Sport Brakes) + what the average enthusiast values the PSS tires at. Putting it together in a package just helps to mask the individual costs/values of each item individually. BMW marketing at its finest.

As per the confusion for the "mechanical steering rack", this isn't some entirely new rack and it is not a hydraulic rack. It's the same electric power steering setup that is currently available on the 228i through the dynamic handling package and the one that's standard on the M235i. In the most non-technical explanation possible, the mechanical steering rack just refers to the gears that mesh together and allow you to turn the front wheels by turning the steering wheel. Every steering setup on every car has a mechanical steering rack. The power assist is what varies car to car, and the only type of power-assist that is available on any 2-series is electric power assist. The only reason there is mention of the mechanical steering rack is so that they can add in the bit about the variable ratio of the gears themselves which help to make this "variable sport ratio" BMW speaks of. The ironic part is that most track enthusiasts actually prefer a direct ratio since it is more predictable and doesn't vary with the number of degrees off center the wheel has been turned. Hope this helps clarify any confusion or ambiguity, which is something I strongly believe BMW utilizes to it's own advantage when determining pricing for these packages.

[Bahn360Photo]

Originally Posted by alpinweiss 335i

This thing will sell like hot cakes! Might even make more money off it than the M235i!



Looks great too.

wait until you see the price tag...you will be able to get M235i for same $$

[flyga3]

I see there is a posted info stand next to the car. Any pricing on this package?

[SuitedUp]

Don't get so hung up on the name of the package. They're just repackaging things you could already get and giving it a name that will get people's attention. It's really not more than that, so don't get all bent out of shape about an LSD. Unlike the 6 cyl engine, this one really is just marketing.