[Solo_M_Tech]

So I had the opportunity to test drive a demo model of the new 228i a couple weeks ago and I have been asked to post a review. The car has been touring all of the major dealerships here in Germany and it happened to be at the BMW of Grafenwohr Bavaria when I was purchasing my 128i.

First off you should know the test drive was short and I did not get on the autobahn. Aside from that it was a normal test drive. The first thing that got my attention was the size comparison. It is marginally bigger than the 1 series but smaller than a 3 series, but just. Inside it's big enough for Kobe Bryant and stylish enough for Armani lol. Here are the specs:

"2014" 228i Msport premium.
Idrive, Dakota leather, sport line interior, etc.
it's was LOADED!


Sorry I do not have pictures, the car was gone by the next day. Gone to Munich.

Driving impressions:
Compared to the 128i I purchased, the car feels heavy but balanced. Much like a 3 series. The electronic power steering is terrible, provides no feedback and according to bmw it shuts off when your cruising to save fuel. The suspension was firmer than my 128i, since it had the Msport package, but softer than a 135i with the Msport package. Under the hood was the 4 cylinder turbo engine and DCT 8 speed transmission. I will say the engine is a torque monster but feels numb and uneventful compared to the n52 inline 6. It is smooth with no noticeable turbo lag and gets better mileage. The transmission is direct and rewarding when shifting manually, but very boring in normal mode. The exhaust note is unrewarding. Rev it out to redline and the engine just whines. You get some sort of induction noise but I don't know if it's real or artificial. It drives like a typical BMW, interior fit and finish is typical BMW as well.

The Idrive has not improved much over the updated e92 with the buttons. The car I drove had the premium sound according to the sticker, but I did not see Harmon kardon badging on the interior. Seats are very comfortable and supportive for me, 5' 10" and 170 lbs. there are plenty of adjustments for the driver and passenger seats. Back seat isn't much better if at all from the 1 series.

Overall impression, it is a two door 3 series that has made too many compromises for comfort and lost some of its performance. For its size and presence it should be faster. If your buying a 2 series for performance and driving dynamics get the 235i. The extra power will alleviate the "sluggish" feel and better tires and wheels would make it a good performer. The estimated price was around $45,995 with every option ticked. They say a bone stock base model 228i should retail for $32-33k delivered. In ending, if your too tall for a 1 series and want 2 doors, this could be the perfect car for you.


Thank you for reading.


Disclaimer: do not base your decision to buy this car or not on me. The car I drive was a demo model and could change dramatically. My opinions are my own. I was in no way paid or solicited to write this review. I am not a professional driver or automotive reviewer. Please take this with a grain of internet salt.

[Clorus]

so will the 228i be available in north america only or in europe as well?

[Greenkirby21]

Great review!

Although I have to disagree on performance a little bit. The new 228i definitely does not sound as good, but from what I have read, it is lighter then the outgoing 128i, and from personal experience, the N26 is much faster then the N52. Even the very boring and bad steering feel loaner 328i I have gotten from my dealership seem to accelerate much quicker than my modified 128i! (The 8ZF feels much better than my 6AT as well)

The steering feel may not be as good, but I think if you put both a 228i and 128i on track, the 228i would win.

That being said, I do not have any doubt that the 128i is the more pure BMW and more engaging to drive on a daily basis.

[BimmerMat135]

Thanks for the review! It's seem that all of the F generation cars are softer and not as interesting to drive. As it is now confirm that the M2 will have a 4 pot, the F22 m235i and the F82 M4 are my only hope.

[M.barnes]

Gearbox is an 8 speed zf box too, not dct.

[Rupes]

Sorry to hear about the electric steering. It was my hope they would have improved that on the 2. Might just hang onto my e92 a bit longer after all.

[Solo_M_Tech]

I talked to the head technician today when my car went in for a check up and he told me the test 228i was a preproduction model and the one they will be selling is different. He said they refined the stop start feature and reprogrammed the steering due to complaints like this.( I never told them of my findings but it seems I'm not alone on that one) plus he said the base model 228i is lighter than the 1 series and about the same price. Best part here, he told me you can purchase a M235i base for 39,700 and that's an official price. I might be upgrading in a couple years!

[Vervain]

Thanks for the review! I was expecting the 228i to feel like a beast though

[ska///235i]

Good review

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by SinisterBlack128

I talked to the head technician today when my car went in for a check up and he told me the test 228i was a preproduction model and the one they will be selling is different. He said they refined the stop start feature and reprogrammed the steering due to complaints like this.( I never told them of my findings but it seems I'm not alone on that one) plus he said the base model 228i is lighter than the 1 series and about the same price. Best part here, he told me you can purchase a M235i base for 39,700 and that's an official price. I might be upgrading in a couple years!

THAT is very interesting if true

that reminds me, wheres that US order guide again?

[Neph]

I hope you're right and the 2 series steering issues will be resolved once its in production!!

[DrFranknFurter]

Don't forget the steering on the M235 is the performance version so hopefully is much better than the standard steering on the other models?

[BMWinGE]

Originally Posted by SinisterBlack128

I talked to the head technician today when my car went in for a check up and he told me the test 228i was a preproduction model and the one they will be selling is different. He said they refined the stop start feature and reprogrammed the steering due to complaints like this.( I never told them of my findings but it seems I'm not alone on that one) plus he said the base model 228i is lighter than the 1 series and about the same price. Best part here, he told me you can purchase a M235i base for 39,700 and that's an official price. I might be upgrading in a couple years!

That's a military/diplomatic price, not the MSRP.

You can build a 228i almost to the same spec as the M235i with the following options:

Msport $3000
Dynamic Handling $1400 (adaptive suspension, mbrakes, variable steering)
Xenons $900

There are a few additional items on the M235i (power seats, moonroof, lumbar) that you would need to add the premium package to get on the 228i. Other than that, they appear to be the same car but with a different engine and exhaust.
I don't think will be a difference in the steering between a M235i and 228i Msport because the option codes look identical.

[chicochico]

Thanks for the review.
Did you think the car looked better in person than in these and other photos?

[asus389]

ugh i sure hope they fix the steering. not what i wanted to hear.

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by BMWinGE

That's a military/diplomatic price, not the MSRP.

You can build a 228i almost to the same spec as the M235i with the following options:

Msport $3000
Dynamic Handling $1400 (adaptive suspension, mbrakes, variable steering)
Xenons $900

There are a few additional items on the M235i (power seats, moonroof, lumbar) that you would need to add the premium package to get on the 228i. Other than that, they appear to be the same car but with a different engine and exhaust.
I don't think will be a difference in the steering between a M235i and 228i Msport because the option codes look identical.

There will almost certainly be a different steering calibration between the M235i and 228i. HOW different it will be is the question.

[jetblackone]

One of the primary reasons I bought my 128i was the steering. It's the best of any car I've had. I'm thinking of buying a 228i but not if the steering is inferior to my car !