[issaacrumel01]

I obviously see TONS of info/feedback on owners of the 235, but not much from 228i owners. I would be interested to hear your reasons behind the purchase, how it drives, feels, etc.. My thinking with my choice for a 228i with Msport, track and lighting was the N20 engine in the 328 seemed to be plenty powerful for someone who has never had a car with more than 200hps. Owned a Mini Cooper S for three years and thing was a blast to drive. Figured and expecting as much if not tons more from this when it does arrive. Interested to hear other owners and soon to be owners thoughts. Thanks!

[tccox]

Ok. Traded in my much loved 2012 128i sport, steptronic for my 2014 228i, alpine white, Msport, HK, adaptive lights, manual trans. Just had to have a manual trans, otherwise I'd still have the 128. Love everything about the 228, really a better car in almost every way than the 128. The 128 six made better sounds and steering feel was of course a bit better than my 2. But totally love the 228, zero issues in 4000 miles and of course I'm loving the additional power over the 128. A great car for way less that forty grand.

[sstarrx3]

I have the 228i with Premium and Tech packages. I liked the rims on the 17s best so I went with 17s. Its a really nice driving car as is without any suspension changes. If you are not going to track your car I dont see the point in sport suspension. The Msport does have a beefier/sportier steering wheel and the sport seats have better side bolsters and the thigh support. All 2ers come with the god awful plastic coated Dakota leather that looks a feels cheap...but it will probably hold up better over time like sensetec. Its fun to drive has great growl for a 4 banger. Its got the same 0-60 as the Porsche Cayman...so it is plenty quick.

[Sportstick]

After deciding on the 2 (and rejecting the 3 and 4 for being too large/isolated in feeling), the next step was powertrain. 6MT was a must. I had always enjoyed the 2002 and early 3 Series, so I had some nostalgic/philosophical softness for the 4 cylinder. I've come to also feel there is no reason to support a 6 cylinder any longer with the outstanding performance of the BMW 4. I then realized the lack of unique substance in the MSport and built up a 228i Sportline with Track Package and some other goodies and have the best combination of great power, light weight up front, and suspension choices of the MAdaptive suspension that allow me to have fun in Sport or Sport+ when I'm alone, and satisfy my wife (who has a Mercedes E Class) with ride comfort in the Comfort setting when she's aboard! Pretty much ideal! I really believe this combo...Sportline 228i with Track Package, is the "sweet spot", unless you are one who has bought in to "bigger is always better". But, the car is a true joy!

[kz1000]

I ordered my 228 with a manual trans as the only option. Cheaper, lighter and simpler. Don't need all the extra stuff.

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by issaacrumel01

I obviously see TONS of info/feedback on owners of the 235, but not much from 228i owners. I would be interested to hear your reasons behind the purchase, how it drives, feels, etc.. My thinking with my choice for a 228i with Msport, track and lighting was the N20 engine in the 328 seemed to be plenty powerful for someone who has never had a car with more than 200hps. Owned a Mini Cooper S for three years and thing was a blast to drive. Figured and expecting as much if not tons more from this when it does arrive. Interested to hear other owners and soon to be owners thoughts. Thanks!

I wouldn't say TONS more than a mini cooper. My wife drives a MCS, and I've test driven a 228i a few times. I'm considering replacing the MCS with the same spec 228i as you.

The 228i will be faster, more capable, and more refined than the Mini, but the Mini has a rawness, tossability, and character that makes it fun to drive in a way that most modern BMW's can't match.

I'm not arguing that the Mini is the better car (It's not, in any objective way), but it's is kind of like comparing an E30 to a E90.

[issaacrumel01]

Excellent feedback from everyone and confirms many of the thoughts I had in ordering the car. I ended up adding the entire m performance interior line as I didn't like any of the trim choices to go with terra dakota interior. Thinking of adding some of the exterior parts as well. If there's ever a Dinan tune for the N20 engine I am heavily leaning towards adding that with a limited slip diff (further down the line). Thanks for the feedback!

[issaacrumel01]

Car as ordered:
228I MG w/ terra dakota interior
Alcantara interior with shift and brake
Manual
Track pack
Lighting pack
Front side splitters
Rear diffuser

All in under $40k. Late Oct.delivery.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by issaacrumel01

Car as ordered:
228I MG w/ terra dakota interior
Alcantara interior with shift and brake
Manual
Track pack
Lighting pack
Front side splitters
Rear diffuser

All in under $40k. Late Oct.delivery.

Congrats and welcome! You'll love it, even if it's not orange!

[issaacrumel01]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Congrats and welcome! You'll love it, even if it's not orange!

Living in the Denver area the orange had it's own special appeal to be sure (Broncos). However, was bummed it couldn't be paired with the M Sport pack. Do love that color though.

[mike@x-ph.com]

As a previous owner of a 328 (shares the same engine as the 228)
the N26 engine is a powerful one.
response and power delivery is great ( i had JB stage 1, but stock was also fun).
Im also pretty sure that the 228 has better handling than the 328.
I needed more power so i went with a N54 335 (that is FBO now)
My GF really liked the 328 and she kept her car.

[akuan99]

I'm trading my 128i sport/premiun auto to buy a new 2015 228i with following options.
M-Sport
Track Handling
Lighthing
Estoril Blue Metallic
6MT

My reason for choosing 228i over M235i was mainly to stay under my original budget.
I was not really looking to purchase new car this year as we recently bought a new Lexus SUV but my car warranty expires on December and I also wanted to get back to driving car with MT.
I could have pushed my budget and ordered a base M235i but I felt I did not really need extras that came it like moonroof and power seats.

My new car should be here in 2 weeks and my first mod will be replacing Hifi amp and speakers.

[issaacrumel01]

Originally Posted by 2msport

I also have a 2014 MT 228 Msport. Mbrakes, Dynamic handling, HK, Lighting. It's a fantastic car. You'll love it. I hope you have some good curvy roads to take it on because thats when you really feel what the car does well. The car stays very planted and feels extremely balanced. (obviously 50/50) It's a real joy to drive. Consider the JB4 stage 1 or 2. Stage 1 is so easy and safe. And really ups the fun factor for a small price. Congrats on the order!

And to the poster who said M sport suspension is only for people who track...... That was a joke right?... =/ You couldn't be further from the truth... IMO every BMW needs sport suspension as a minimum. Otherwise it handles like a Buick.

I love in Colorado so will certainly be doing enty of needless day drives to the mountains.

I was considering the JB stage one but liked the idea of Dinan with the warranty. Price is $1500 more when it finally comes out but I am ok with that for piece of mind. I definitely want to add a time to get a bit more power. The only quibble I had with the N20 was the lag in first at start up.

[issaacrumel01]

Originally Posted by 2msport

I hear ya. I can't speak for dinan, although I assume it would be the same, but with the JB that lag gets greatly reduced and it pulls much harder. I put up a review in another thread and one of my points was that 1st becomes useful after installing the JB.

That is so good to hear. With that eliminated there really is nothing to "complain" about. Well, looking forward to driving it and comparing progress with folks once it arrives. I really appreciate this forum. I don't usually jump in on websites, but everyone here has a shared passion and it is great. Thanks!

[MikeG12]

Getting in late on this thread, but I have a 228 MSport and can vouch for all the good comments above. One of my best friends, who owns a Nissan GTR, 350Z, and other cars, drove mine and was very impressed with both power and handling. He is hard to impress!

[jgunnz]

Originally Posted by 2msport

Consider the JB4 stage 1 or 2. Stage 1 is so easy and safe. And really ups the fun factor for a small price. Congrats on the order!

What kind of numbers are 228 owners seeing with stage 1/2?

[issaacrumel01]

Originally Posted by MikeG12

Getting in late on this thread, but I have a 228 MSport and can vouch for all the good comments above. One of my best friends, who owns a Nissan GTR, 350Z, and other cars, drove mine and was very impressed with both power and handling. He is hard to impress!

That is always good to hear. Love feedback from folks coming from "pure" sports cars. Thanks for the info!

[issaacrumel01]

Originally Posted by 2msport

I hear ya. I can't speak for dinan, although I assume it would be the same, but with the JB that lag gets greatly reduced and it pulls much harder. I put up a review in another thread and one of my points was that 1st becomes useful after installing the JB.

2msport, I would love the price/improvement for the JB4 stage 1, but hesitate to pull the trigger lacking the warranty. It is tempting though.

[dredog1984]

My 228i:
HK, Lighting, Adaptive Suspension, Deep Sea Blue, Cold Weather, Moonroof.

Summary:
This car is the hotness. The looks are something I'm still trying to get used to. (See below for at least one ugly duckling I owned.) It's so damn pretty. The fact that I snagged 36.2 MPG driving west (read: into the wind) for four hours at 75 mph and can nearly run with a Cayman S to 60 mph is something that I struggle to wrap my head around. The torque is plentiful and is a joy to call up.

In support of the automatic:
My recent priors are an '08 WRX, and an '06 A4 with an APR Stage 1 tune. (Yes, in that order... I got poorer in-between.) 5MT and 6MT, respectively. So, this is my first automatic in over seven years. It was going to take a very special automatic to win me over, and this one did just that. The ZF 8-speed is all it's cracked up to be. In Comfort it feels like a standard auto which, in a word, sucks. Slid over into S with the car in Sport, it's 1-2 shift and 2-3 shift is outstanding it's just so bang bang.

Knocking on the stock 17s:
Do not order the stock wheel/tire combo. I did not have the track pack as an option for the '14 and did not feel that the MSport was quite worth the price. 205 section Continental all season run flats make me want to die inside.

Options that I somewhat regret skipping:
1. $2000 for the tech package is really an f-ton of money. That being said, there is a serious gap between the base iDrive/gauge cluster and the tech package's.
2. ANY upgraded wheel package. My wife's '05 A4 has 235s. Come on BMW.

[issaacrumel01]

Originally Posted by 2msport

Yeah it's been a great forum to read and learn on. And I hear you about the warranty. I guess for me, I searched and searched and searched about the jb on the F30 and other models. And I never found one issue due to the device malfunctioning or causing problems. (Stage 1) There is a bit of risk with the BMW warranty but if you do it right. You shouldn't have a problem. So take it for what it is. Dinan will be great too though!

That's good to know. Might end up going that route. What's the JB4 specs in terms of hp and tq?

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by dredog1984

My 228i:
HK, Lighting, Adaptive Suspension, Deep Sea Blue, Cold Weather, Moonroof.

Summary:
This car is the hotness. The looks are something I'm still trying to get used to. (See below for at least one ugly duckling I owned.) It's so damn pretty. The fact that I snagged 36.2 MPG driving west (read: into the wind) for four hours at 75 mph and can nearly run with a Cayman S to 60 mph is something that I struggle to wrap my head around. The torque is plentiful and is a joy to call up.

In support of the automatic:
My recent priors are an '08 WRX, and an '06 A4 with an APR Stage 1 tune. (Yes, in that order... I got poorer in-between.) 5MT and 6MT, respectively. So, this is my first automatic in over seven years. It was going to take a very special automatic to win me over, and this one did just that. The ZF 8-speed is all it's cracked up to be. In Comfort it feels like a standard auto which, in a word, sucks. Slid over into S with the car in Sport, it's 1-2 shift and 2-3 shift is outstanding it's just so bang bang.

Knocking on the stock 17s:
Do not order the stock wheel/tire combo. I did not have the track pack as an option for the '14 and did not feel that the MSport was quite worth the price. 205 section Continental all season run flats make me want to die inside.

Options that I somewhat regret skipping:
1. $2000 for the tech package is really an f-ton of money. That being said, there is a serious gap between the base iDrive/gauge cluster and the tech package's.
2. ANY upgraded wheel package. My wife's '05 A4 has 235s. Come on BMW.

I have the 17s on mine and they are fine. I like the wheels better than any of the offerings for the 2ers on the 2014 model. Mine does not have Continentals though it has Pirelli P7s.

[tccox]

Originally Posted by dredog1984

My 228i:
HK, Lighting, Adaptive Suspension, Deep Sea Blue, Cold Weather, Moonroof.

flats make me want to die inside.

Options that I somewhat regret skipping:
1. $2000 for the tech package is really an f-ton of money. That being said, there is a serious gap between the base iDrive/gauge cluster and the tech package's.
2. ANY upgraded wheel package. My wife's '05 A4 has 235s. Come on BMW.

Very true. I really really regret not getting the tech package