[bigsmoke08]

So I had a pretty odd experience.

Last wknd I got to drive a 2014 328i sport package and 2014 228i base (no sport) back to back.

And to my thrill, the 328 was great fun. Torquey and good handling. A real blast up and down the PCH and on and off some basic on ramps.

Ive owned a 2001 330i sport so knew I was going to look fwd to this, and it didn't disappoint.

BUT then I took a test drive of a 228. Same engine, was really looking forward to tossing an even lighter car!

But no, it didn't happen! It felt slower, it felt looser, it was far less fun by a factor of 2

I didn't know what was wrong. Now this didn't have the sport package and was all base, and I was with the BMW salesperson so maybe that affected me psychologically? But I don't know... If I had to choose on the spot, the 328 sedan would have got my $$ hands down!!

Any ideas? Could this be true??

Really wanting a 228 m sport cnv when it comes but now I feel like my bubble has been burst!!

[tccox]

Originally Posted by bigsmoke08

So I had a pretty odd experience.

Last wknd I got to drive a 2014 328i sport package and 2014 228i base (no sport) back to back.

And to my thrill, the 328 was great fun. Torquey and good handling. A real blast up and down the PCH and on and off some basic on ramps.

Ive owned a 2001 330i sport so knew I was going to look fwd to this, and it didn't disappoint.

BUT then I took a test drive of a 228. Same engine, was really looking forward to tossing an even lighter car!

But no, it didn't happen! It felt slower, it felt looser, it was far less fun by a factor of 2

I didn't know what was wrong. Now this didn't have the sport package and was all base, and I was with the BMW salesperson so maybe that affected me psychologically? But I don't know... If I had to choose on the spot, the 328 sedan would have got my $$ hands down!!

Any ideas? Could this be true??

Really wanting a 228 m sport cnv when it comes but now I feel like my bubble has been burst!!

Must be lack of sport package cause I far prefer my 228 Msport to a 328

[pz619]

I have a friend who has the 228i. Versus my 328i I would take his car for driving dynamics every time. My guess is that without the sport package, you lose a lot of feel.

[superjiji]

Originally Posted by pz619

I have a friend who has the 228i. Versus my 328i I would take his car for driving dynamics every time. My guess is that without the sport package, you lose a lot of feel.

Would it feel the same if just adding the dynamic handling package?

[VeryBadman]

I have opposite experience. I tried 328i and I think it's painfully dull while 228i may not be as brutally pulling as my other car but it's very decent.

[Lucky13]

This was discussed about 2 months ago but here's the recap. It's the tires. Same engine, same gear ratio, shift points are different and times are slower with the base 17" tires on a 228. Same tires and the 228 should be slightly faster, can't remember what the thread was called but it's been discussed in detail and some engineers weighed in on why.

[pz619]

Originally Posted by superjiji

Would it feel the same if just adding the dynamic handling package?

I would assume better. The sport package (sportline or M-sport) is a must in my opinion. Also worth noting car and driver banged out a 4.9 0-60.

[vinny84]

Originally Posted by Lucky13

This was discussed about 2 months ago but here's the recap. It's the tires. Same engine, same gear ratio, shift points are different and times are slower with the base 17" tires on a 228. Same tires and the 228 should be slightly faster, can't remember what the thread was called but it's been discussed in detail and some engineers weighed in on why.

I would say it depends.

If you're driving a sport vs non sport package then you will probably feel a slight difference in acceleration.

Don't forget, sport and M Sport increases the top speed limiter to 155mph and I'm pretty sure BMW uploads a sportier map in the ECU.

I've driven BMW's with sport and some without sport package and I could certainly tell a difference in acceleration.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by bigsmoke08

328i faster then 228i??

Any ideas? Could this be true??

Really wanting a 228 m sport cnv when it comes but now I feel like my bubble has been burst!!

Short answer is No, nein, nyet.
Several tests show the 228i in the 4.9 - 5.1 sec range for 0 - 60mph while the 328i does the 0 - 60mph in the 5.4 - 5.5 second range.
So the 328i may feel faster to you. but it is actually slower off the mark.

That said, if the 328i feels better to you, go for it.

[ntrinsik]

I felt quite a difference test driving a standard 228i and M Sport 228i. Ended up with the M Sport.

[Lucky13]

I was referencing the manual transmission not auto being slower. The stock tires on a 328 and 228 are different sizes so on a manual it causes the 228 to have to shift to 3rd while the 328 shifts over 60 into 3rd due to the tire ratio and size. In the real world it wouldn't matter and with the same tire sizes it would change. Look up the stock size on a 228 and 328 and they are different.

[jeremicium]

Sports package is the #1 must have option in my opinion. Go test drive a 328i without sports package and I bet it feels more lifeless than the 228 did.

[castilla]

What sport package changes in the car except exterior ? Engine has same hp/torq but what is the difference

[jeremicium]

Different suspension, significantly better seats. The suspension set-up changes how the car feels. Like going from stock crappy shocks and springs to performance after market. If you cannot tell the difference between a sport and non-sport after driving the two then you belong in a Prius or Camry. And the non-sport seats are really no better then what you'd find in a cheap rental car. Sports seats are wonderful, supportive and so comfortable.

[threepac3]

Sport package gives you M Sport suspension. That right there is probably why it felt looser. It also includes 18 inch wheels and performance tires, which can affect acceleration.

[mathis.]

Originally Posted by jeremicium

Different suspension, significantly better seats. The suspension set-up changes how the car feels. Like going from stock crappy shocks and springs to performance after market. If you cannot tell the difference between a sport and non-sport after driving the two then you belong in a Prius or Camry. And the non-sport seats are really no better then what you'd find in a cheap rental car. Sports seats are wonderful, supportive and so comfortable.

sport pack (sport line) changes the exterior and interior of the vehicle, along with wheels and tires. dynamic handling package gives you different suspension. if you didn't know that you belong in a prius or camry

[tccox]

Originally Posted by mathis.

sport pack (sport line) changes the exterior and interior of the vehicle, along with wheels and tires. dynamic handling package gives you different suspension. if you didn't know that you belong in a prius or camry

Per BMW web site MSport and Sportline gives you M Sport Suspension calibration, firmer and car sits slightly lower. I have a 228 Msport and trust me it has a totally different feel from a non MSport 228.

[jeremicium]

Originally Posted by mathis.

sport pack (sport line) changes the exterior and interior of the vehicle, along with wheels and tires. dynamic handling package gives you different suspension. if you didn't know that you belong in a prius or camry

Several flaws in this statement. First, if you do not choose the sport line or M-sport line, you get standard, non-sport tuned suspension. That suspension is no bueno. Second, there is a big difference between someone not knowing the specifics about which BMWs come with which suspension set-ups, and someone that cannot tell the difference in driving dynamics between a sport and non-sport suspension.

I've now become that poster that I hate...quibbling over details with another member because I think i'm more right.

[threepac3]

You also get Sport Plus mode in both Sport and M Sport Trims.

[VeryBadman]

Originally Posted by threepac3

You also get Sport Plus mode in both Sport and M Sport Trims.

Funny that many 228i owners have similar build...sport, tech, premium, lightning, and heated seats. Of course I'm included.

[JS919]

I've had a M-sport 435i and a M235i and I I'll take the driving dynamics of the M235i hands down any day without a doubt. I have read more than once that the F32 > F30 as far as dynamics go, so it safe to say that the M235i would be quite noticeably better than a 335i. I've never driven *28i of any type so can't comment on that comparison.

[hoyasaxa]

Originally Posted by threepac3

You also get Sport Plus mode in both Sport and M Sport Trims.

I'm not sure that this is correct. I don't see that on the spec sheets.

Sport+ is standard per the website:

Originally Posted by Lucky13

I was referencing the manual transmission not auto being slower. The stock tires on a 328 and 228 are different sizes so on a manual it causes the 228 to have to shift to 3rd while the 328 shifts over 60 into 3rd due to the tire ratio and size. In the real world it wouldn't matter and with the same tire sizes it would change. Look up the stock size on a 228 and 328 and they are different.

but on an auto 228 vs auto 328, then you believe the 228 is still quicker? do you have the link to that thread?