228i vs M235i

"Saracen" (manualdoucheelitist)
07/16/2014 at 12:44 • Filed to: None

If you option out a 228i to the same equipment level of an M235i, you're only paying about $3500 more to get that delicious turbocharged straight six.

The M235i's higher price tag includes the M sport package, moonroof, power front seats, track handling package, and the lighting package. A base M235i with leather seats starts at $46k, and a 228i optioned out to the same level is $42,600.

So if you're going to go with a fully loaded 228i, an M235i isn't a whole lot more expensive.

I think the best value you can get for the 228i is M sport + lighting package + power seats. Though $38,495 is still a lot of coin for such a sparsely equipped car..

DISCUSSION (32)

AM3R > Saracen
07/16/2014 at 12:47

Personally I wouldn't get any 28i engine BMW because it's no longer a NA I6. I love my E90 328i with the N52 engine. If I stepped into a new BMW I'd make sure it's an N55 like the 335i and M235i.

Saracen > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 12:49

I would get a 320i.

Actually, if the 320i were available when I was car shopping I probably would have stepped into that instead of my Golf R.

AM3R > Saracen
07/16/2014 at 12:53

I almost forgot about the 320i, I'd step into one of those with a manual, m-sport, and xenons. That would be a great DD. I don't like the F30 328i after test driving one. The 4 cylinder felt strained. I've driven E90's with the N55 engine and it's an impressive powerplant.

B_dol > Saracen
07/16/2014 at 12:59

Girlfriend spec'd a 228i M sport, estoril blue with a stick. I drove both the 228i and 235i, and both are very stellar engines. The 4banger is surprisingly quick and has some character of its own.

Picking up the car later today as a matter of fact.

Saracen > B_dol
07/16/2014 at 13:01

I test drove a 328i and 335i when I was car shopping a couple of years ago. the 335i was as expected, but the N20 was shockingly quick. Can't imagine it in a lighter car.

jtzako > Saracen
07/16/2014 at 13:13

I own a 228i and I like the feel of it driving in the real world better than the m235i. (Its also only marginally slower 0-60) It also gets a fair bit better city MPG which is a plus since that is nearly all my driving. Also, at the time I was buying mine it was possible to get a decent deal on the 228i, but the m235i was being marked up above msrp.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Saracen
07/16/2014 at 13:16

320i... and a tune.

Saracen > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
07/16/2014 at 13:18

Exactly!

n54 & s38 > Saracen
07/16/2014 at 13:27

I drive an e90 335xi. I've driven the F30 3 series. The 4 cylinder is suprisingly strong. I wonder if the lighter weight over the nose would inprove the handling?

Side note: Been reading Jalop for over a year and finally just signed up for an account. So pumped. Want to post to Oppo but can't figure out how. Please help.

TulsaMtnBiker (OkieRising) > Saracen
07/16/2014 at 13:30

I really like the 320, it surprised me at how fun it was to drive.

Saracen > n54 & s38
07/16/2014 at 13:40

You need to be added as an author to Oppositelock. Ask DasWauto in a reply to one of his posts. http://daswauto.kinja.com/

n54 & s38 > Saracen
07/16/2014 at 13:45

Thank you. Also, I'm of a similar mindset. I'd rather go with fewer options and more performance. The only two options that my 335xi has are the sport package and, weirdly, rear parking sensors.

AM3R > n54 & s38
07/16/2014 at 13:45

Was it a 328i? Auto or manual? I drove an auto 328i and it didn't feel slow but the engine just seemed to be working harder than the N52 in my I6.

N51fanatic > Saracen
07/16/2014 at 13:47

I just spent two days with a 328d loaner. Looks are subjective, but i hate the exterior. The interior i did like. I briefly entertained a jalopnik edition 320i last summer. 320i, 6sp, sport package, xenons. Sticker was like 35k. I couldnt fathom spending that much for 180 hp/200 torks in a 4 banger. I bought an N52 powered 128i M Sport 6 sp instead. 230hp, 200 lb/ft tq

Back to my 328d loaner, the car hauled @$$. I was like whoa, instant torque off the line. Got back to office 1st day i had it and looked up specs. This thing only had 180hp, but had 300 torks.

My ultimate 228 spec would be msport, 6 sp and xenons. Thats it. I'm sure the car flies.

N51fanatic > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 13:50

can't get a 320 w/msport, only the plain jain sport package.

AM3R > N51fanatic
07/16/2014 at 13:51

no estoril blue?! Alright I'm sticking to my E90.

E92M3 > Saracen
07/16/2014 at 13:52

Forget the power seats. Just extra money and unnecessary extra weight. I only adjust my seats after a valet.

n54 & s38 > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 14:01

It was actually a 320i auto that I had as a loaner. They were actually on sale in Canada for a year before they went on sale in the US. I figured it would feel anemic coming from an N54 but I was really impressed with the torque. I figured the uprated 240 hp version must be a lot stronger. Also, I'd only buy it with the manual. Surprised to hear that it seemed to be working harder. If anything, I'd figure that with so much low rpm torque, it would feel more effortless. Either way, it's definitely not as smooth as a nice naturally aspirated straight six.

AM3R > n54 & s38
07/16/2014 at 14:11

Yeah I'm just a big BMW I6 fan. Welcome to Oppo by the way!

It felt stronger on the low end but the power quickly tapered off. It was a short drive so take this lightly.

Got any mods on the N54?

n54 & s38 > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 14:32

Not so far. I've been worried about messing with the reliability although my CPO warranty is now done so that might change. I've never really felt like there wasn't enough power. Honestly, the amount of torque it has makes me drive it like a grandpa sometimes. 1-2, skip 3, straight to 4, skip 5, straight to 6.

AM3R > n54 & s38
07/16/2014 at 14:49

honestly I'd just throw on a BMW performance exhaust and call it a day. 335i's sound MEAN.

n54 & s38 > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 14:53

Yeah, I'm not usually a loud exhaust guy. But every 335is I've ever heard (which comes standard with the BMW PE) sounds amazing. What kind of vehicle does your N52 reside in? Is it also an E90?

gabbo241 > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 15:09

I have a E90 328i with the SULEV-equipped N51 variant of the N52. I love saving polar bears, but I don't love the high frequency vibration at idle. I've seen other people mention in this discussion boards when I googled the problem. Have to say the engine is not nearly as smooth as my mom's 2002 325i, and its quite a disappointment given the reputation of the I6. Had the dealership look at it and "reprogram" the engine, but no change. I'm just assuming that the extra SULEV equipment did something to diminish the idle quality and general smoothness, I just can't imagine what or why. Only thing I dislike about the car. Well, that and the ride quality and height with the sport suspension.

AM3R > n54 & s38
07/16/2014 at 15:11

Yup it's in an E90 in sparkling graphite. I love the car, I'm actually getting rid of the awful runflats right now.

I think BMW nailed it with the performance exhaust for the N52 and N54. Both sound PERFECT. Not too loud, but immensely better than stock.

n54 & s38 > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 15:15

Awesome call on ditching the runflats. I did when I first bought the car (used) because in the middle of winter in Calgary, you NEED winter tires. Kept the original set the first summer. Replaced them last year. Huge improvement. Ride is way quieter and now I don't wince and tense up automatically at the sight of potholes...

AM3R > gabbo241
07/16/2014 at 15:17

That's unfortunate, I've read about the vibration on E90post. I'm not sure how they remedied it but a quick search might help you out.

On the ride height, do you find it too low or too high? Are you still on runflat tires? Those KILL ride quality. I'm actually at my mechanic switching them out right now. My car isn't a sport but i plan on putting some eibach springs and bilstein shocks on in the future. Pairing those with non RFT apparently has a nice ride according to other forum members.

AM3R > n54 & s38
07/16/2014 at 15:19

when I bought my car (also used) last summer it came with brand new runflats. I was able to tolerate them until now, the wear was also horrible and my rears need to be replaced. My guy is finishing up the alignment right now, I can't wait to feel the difference.

gabbo241 > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 15:24

The Dunlop Wintersport 4Ds I have are conventional, presently its on the OEM Bridgestone RFTs (staggered 225/255). I'll probably switch those to Conti DWS when they wear out - and I understand it won't take them all that long. I think the car's stance looks fantastic on the lowered suspension but it really is too low to be practical. The car scrapes the front bumper lip like its a NSX, and turns into a snowplow with 2 inches on the ground. For a sedan, it really is shockingly low. I doubt there's another sedan on the road with less ground clearance. There's about zero gap between the sidewall and the fenders.

n54 & s38 > AM3R
07/16/2014 at 15:26

The only thing I liked about them was that they made the steering feel nice and direct because of the stiff sidewalls. But the ride and noise difference was remarkable.

AM3R > gabbo241
07/16/2014 at 15:29

I'm putting on Conti DWS right now. Great tire for the price.

It really is surprisingly low. My car is a non sport and when I first sat in it I practically fell into the seat. The fender gap isn't very large on my car either, maybe 2-3 fingers. I'm still on the stock 16's running a 205/55. I'm actively looking for 219m's though.

AM3R > n54 & s38
07/16/2014 at 15:30

Yeah from what I understand the Conti DWS that I'm putting on will be a lot softer, so the turn-in won't be as sharp. To remedy that I'm raising the psi by 2 all around.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Saracen
07/16/2014 at 17:29

Like you say, similar equipment = very little premium for much more power and a great engine. The 228i is no slouch, and can be tuned. But that N55 is a wonderful engine.