[web99992002]

hi. im about to pull the trigger for a 228i. cant afford the 235i

aside from the power difference, will a 228i with Msport pack and the M sport suspension drive similarly to the m235i?

[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by web99992002

hi. im about to pull the trigger for a 228i. cant afford the 235i

aside from the power difference, will a 228i with Msport pack and the M sport suspension drive similarly to the m235i?

I think you would need the Track pack for the same handling characteristics, braking, etc. 228 owners would know, but pretty sure you need both M sport or sportline and the track pack to have the same suspensions as the M235.

Other than M-sport kit and Track pack, I would recommend the lighting kit for sure. Many can do without the premium and tech pack. HK is a waste (imo) for the money.

Good luck on the purchase!

[web99992002]

thanks for the reponse. on the bmw builder. a 228i with track pack, m sport and premium pack will still be around 7,000 dollars cheaper compared to a similarly equipped m235i

[2msport]

Yes, if you get Msport with track pack it will handle exactly like the 235. Some say better because its 200-300lbs lighter. Spend $400 on a bms stage 1 tune and you'll be approaching 235 acceleration 100mph and under. I also recommend the lighting package and HK speakers (not a waste of money). That's my build any way and a great one it has been. You won't be sorry and you'll love the car. And yes it's fast enough even without the tune.

[skitsos]

I would say, if you can wait a little longer to get the money for the M235i, you should do it. You would be much happier, and you would enjoy the car more. If you need the car right away, go for the 228i with the upgrades.

[web99992002]

i appreciate the response guys! hoping for more feedback from 228i owners! also does it have a comfortable ride in Comfort mode with the M suspension?

[akuan99]

Originally Posted by web99992002

i appreciate the response guys! hoping for more feedback from 228i owners! also does it have a comfortable ride in Comfort mode with the M suspension?

You'll need to get track package to get the adaptive suspension which allow you to change shock absorber damping rate.
There is no difference in ride in comfort mode if you do not get track package.

[mfourn20]

I have an M Sport 228i and I LOVE it. I do not wish I got an M235 like many say will happen. The 228 on its own is enough to get you into serious trouble and the car's abilities are above what you should be doing on the street. I like my cars to be very responsive and sharp. I found that the M Sport suspension/brakes on its own is fine for street use. I've never driven a car with the adaptive though. I find the suspension to be a near perfect balance. If I had to change it, I'd reduce body roll just a touch but people say this even about the m235.

I drive it like I (almost) stole it and still get 26mpg. I came from 2 Mazda3s and I'm pretty young (30) so this is my first venture into expensive cars. I cross shopped this with the 2015 GTI ,A3, S3 was not out at the time, the bmw was the only car that excited me. I've learned a couple things, never want to go back to front wheel drive its got to be rear (even in new england) or a rear wheel bias was system. I've also learned that if you're obsessed with cars like I am the extra money is worth it within reason

My build
228i
Estoril Blue
M Sport
Premium
Tech
HK Sound
Cold Weather
Manual trans

Had I not gotten such a good deal on this car that was on the lot, over 11% off I would have done the following:

M sport
Alpine white
Lighting but in all honesty the halogens are fine
Cold wx
Track package
Manual trans

[drivethemachine]

I have a 228i with Track package. Already done Euro Delivery and currently waiting for redelivery in the US.
With that said, I have some experience on how it drives.

I was -like you- asking the same question before I bought it: how will it handle and is the track package worth it. The short answer is yes.
The long answer is, yes it handles very tight when in Sport mode, and very comfortably when in Comfort mode.
The steering is incredibly direct and responsive. You can make any turn without lifting your hands off the steering wheel, it's so tight.
I found myself putting it in Sport mode more often than not, and there is plenty of power on tap.

[tccox]

2014 228 MSport, HK Stereo, Lighting Package, Manual trans here. 9000 miles on it and love it, no regrets about not getting the 235. Plenty of power and handling is wonderful. I'd advise skipping the HP and getting the lighting package

[bluemeanie]

Another happy 228i owner with M Sport and Track packages. The car just dances through corners. It's perfectly set up for heel and toe if you get the manual.

[Bimmer86]

I currently have the 228i m-sport w/ THP and I love it! I test drove both a while back before I placed my order, and the 228i simply already had more than enough power than I would reasonably use. I also found the 228i to be more nimble and I like having the better MPG.

If you order the 228i m-sport w/ THP, the only difference between that car and the base m235i is the engine. The adaptive M suspension with the THP is the same one on the m235i. Though I do like the suspension on the sport setting better. I have sport mode setup to only affect the chassis, and if I want to have the sportier drivetrain, I just tick it up to sport+.

There was also more negotiating room on the 228i. My 228i ended up below invoice around 11% below MSRP. I could only get the m235i down to about 7% below MSRP. Now this was in the east coast during winter, so your results will vary.

If you like to drive it like you stole it 90% of the time, you may still want to consider the m235i. But the 228i is more than capable for my needs. I chose the 228i simply because it was the best value for my money IMO.

Oh, and whatever you do, get the lighting package. And if you get the automatic high beams, you can actually code back in the anti-dazzle high beams which is pretty awesome (the high beams move around as to not blind on-coming traffic and cars in front of you).

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by drivethemachine

I have a 228i with Track package. Already done Euro Delivery and currently waiting for redelivery in the US.
With that said, I have some experience on how it drives.

I was -like you- asking the same question before I bought it: how will it handle and is the track package worth it. The short answer is yes.
The long answer is, yes it handles very tight when in Sport mode, and very comfortably when in Comfort mode.
The steering is incredibly direct and responsive. You can make any turn without lifting your hands off the steering wheel, it's so tight.
I found myself putting it in Sport mode more often than not, and there is plenty of power on tap.

Another one here....agree completely about 228i with Track Handling Package. Plenty of power and great range from tight to comfortable with THP. One early journalist reviewer said that this THP had one of the largest ranges of difference he had experienced between Comfort and Sport settings. Once you make that basic decision, MSport becomes only cosmetic, and I decided to pass.

1) I like the Sportline steering wheel better for its grained leather than the shiny leather on MSport. Same rim thickness.

2) I want to keep my fog lamps

3) More color choices

4) Fascias look different, but to me, not much different and not better.

5) MSport comes with a very minor rear deck spoiler, part of what you pay for. Much prefer the MPerformance spoiler, which I just added without wasting the original.

As I recall, MSport is about $700 over Sportline with THP. I don't see it.

[web99992002]

Thanks for the responses guys!

Here's my final build.
228i
M sport
Handling Pack
Lighting Pack.

Is Leather worth it? i find sensatec to look and feel almost the same

[drivethemachine]

I actually wanted sensatec over leather this time. I was curious and it saved me some $$. No issues (but it's too early to tell).
I think it's also easier to clean - you could almost just hose it off.

[2msport]

Originally Posted by web99992002

Thanks for the responses guys!

Here's my final build.
228i
M sport
Handling Pack
Lighting Pack.

Is Leather worth it? i find sensatec to look and feel almost the same

Definitely not necessary. Sensatec is fantastic. Durable, looks and feels 90% like the leather, will last forever, easy to clean/no preventative maintenance. In fact when it's new its softer than the leather. The leather will soften up over time though. It does get hot in the summer, but so does leather. Either way if you throw a little tint on the car it will go a long way.

Looks like a good car build. You won't be sorry. I think 2015 and up allow you to plug in your phone to the USB connector for a direct connection. For free. (can someone verify that?) I'm not sure if they added Bluetooth audio as standard.. but if thats important to you, you might want to think about it. And again, HK is worth it lol unless you plan on upgrading some of the speakers yourself.

[shark715]

Originally Posted by 2msport

Yes, if you get Msport with track pack it will handle exactly like the 235. Some say better because its 200-300lbs lighter.

I've driven them back to back, and I thought the extra weight in the 235 was absolutely noticeable, and the 228 a better handling car...not by a substantial margin, but noticeable, especially when pushing both cars hard on entrance and exit ramps. But I loved the extra power and much prefer the engine note of the 235, so that's what I'm going for.

[2msport]

Originally Posted by shark715

I've driven them back to back, and I thought the extra weight in the 235 was absolutely noticeable, and the 228 a better handling car...not by a substantial margin, but noticeable, especially when pushing both cars hard on entrance and exit ramps. But I loved the extra power and much prefer the engine note of the 235, so that's what I'm going for.

Theres no denying the extra power and awesome engine note

[SteveAustin]

There should be no sad faces on your post - you aren't compromising anything by getting a 228i it is one of the best cars on the road. You should read the Jalopnik article on the 228i it's spot on. I know this has been posted before but check it out. . Don't get caught up in the numbering and engine size as any kind of compromise. http://jalopnik.com/the-bmw-228i-is-...buy-1662847106

[mfourn20]

Only thing that ticks me off about the THP is you don't get the sport seats. The seats have no lateral support without either the sportline or M Sport...

Bean counters did well there.....they knew someone getting the THP would pretty much be forced to go with m sport or sportline.

[Jay H]

Originally Posted by web99992002

Is Leather worth it? i find sensatec to look and feel almost the same

My 2012 328i coupe (RIP) had Sensatec. My '15 228i has leather. Both cars had/have heated seats and were the Oyster interior choice. With the (admittedly) cheaper painted leather that is used in the 2 Series (this ain't no S Class), the initial difference is minimal. However, I feel the leather "breathes" a bit more due to it being a natural material. Visually, it's kinda hard to tell which interior is leather and which is vinyl. On a hot day, it's easy to tell which interior is vinyl.

In 20 years, the leather interior bits will probably smell pretty cool (if you keep the thing clean). In 20 years the Sensatec will probably be holding up better.

You'll note that that Sensatec interior may come with different carpets and interior panels depending on color choice.

If you gotta sit on leather or like the smell, then it's worth it. Otherwise, sit on the vinyl, save the $1,450.00 and make sure you get the heated seats if you live anywhere it gets below 50. I simply like sitting on the 2' leather vs. the high quality vinyl in the 3'.

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by web99992002

Thanks for the responses guys!

Here's my final build.
228i
M sport
Handling Pack
Lighting Pack.

Is Leather worth it? i find sensatec to look and feel almost the same

I have leather honestly the leather is vinyl like...so the only advantage is resale. The sensatec is very similar. I dont think the sensatec will be any different maintenance wise than the leather. The leather is coated so all you do is clean it with the same stuff you would clean the sensatec.