OppoReview! BMW 228i MSport vs FR-S

"B_dol" (bdolan40) 11/11/2014 at 11:45 • Filed to: FRS, BMW, 228i, Review

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( Full disclosure: Neither BMW nor Toyota wanted this review to happen, releasing these cars two years apart and in substantially different market segments. However, one Jalopnik user did clamor for a comparison. As it so happens, my girlfriend's BMW 228i MSport shares garage space with my Scion FR-S and for the small price of a Sunday afternoon and "honey-do" list I was able to get the keys. )

Now most people would be hard pressed to cross shop the budget sports car Scion FR-S (also known as the second coming of automotive nirvana in select circles) with the German luxury coupe BMW 228i. However, I know that Jalopnik readers are hardly rational individuals and a mere $8-10K difference in MSRP does not merit a new category.

The Scion FR-S was released in 2012 with great fanfare and rave reviews as Toyota and Subaru brought the 'sport' back to sports car for the entry level segment. Its 2.0 litre boxer engine, agile handling and driver-focused interior helped to complete its bare bones image and move cars off dealer lots. A few years later, the car still holds is own and has been embraced by the tuning community (and some tasteless examples).

The BMW 228i is an all new platform for 2014, offering a replacement to the RWD 1 Series and introducing a turbocharged four cylinder engine. The 1 Series has grown up a bit, showing sleeker lines and a slightly longer wheelbase. The MSport package adds all the necessary bells and whistle to take this from an ivy league college graduate car to a respected sport coupe. It's a top contender for best car in its segment against the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA250, and a real bargain for what it offers.

As a sidenote: This FR-S is hardly stock and houses a TRD Cold Air Intake, TRD Catback exhaust, FT86SpeedFactory UEL Catted Header, RCE Suspension Kit, Rota 17x9 Grid-V wheels and Hankook Ventus12 Evo2 245/40/17 tires. Arguablly a fairer comparison when $$ comes into play.

Exterior

I'll be the first to admit that the Scion FR-S exterior is not everyone's cup of tea. It's boxer engine lends itself well to a low hood line and classic GT looks however, with the wheel arches protruding slightly into the drivers view a la Porsche 911. The falling roofline merges nicely into a stylish yet vanilla rear end. As it sits stock, the car has a bit of a rally stance on stock tires with large fender gap. In a world full of ever larger and boxier cars, it is a breath of fresh air.

The 288i on the other hand, is Germany's latest gift to those still seeking out "enthusiast cars" in BMWs lineup. It is a slightly more grown up, refined and in my opinion stylish remake of the previous 1 series. A crease wraps around the car into BMWs new rear end which feels the same for nearly every numerical designation, this time it gets a tiny integrated spoiler. The front hood extends further to a menacing grill only given to the M235i and Msport packages(pain to clean!), but it works. In estoril blue, it is an attractive car no doubt, however it still feels a bit emasculated in the face of the 3 series.

Interior

The FR-S has a fairly Spartan interior, lending itself while to a driver focused cockpit yet lacking in the finer features. The tach is front and center, easily readily as you sit in supportive, well bolstered seats. The shifter falls into place in the palm of your hand and visibility is relatively good. For a budget minded car, its pretty great until you find the stereo or HVAC controls. 6.5/10.

The BMW brings the German touch once again, with leather and a great looking interior. The M seats and steering wheel really shine here, bolstering the driver and providing a near perfect steering wheel size and shape. Indeed, the M sport is a much better car to drive than the base 228i. With ample rear seats (hey, we are are comparing against the FRS here!) and a large trunk, it really is quite livable. 8/10

Acceleration

We all know that the stock FR-S is a bit slower than the public would like, handedly losing stoplight races to a Civic SI, GTI and your neighbors Honda Odyssey. Below 3000rpm it's a mundane grocery getter sipping gas, above 5000rpm it begins to push and really hurl you through twists and turns. As it stands now, my car will embarrass a stock FR-S. The addition a full aftermarket exhaust and header setup has done wonders to the lack of oomph and bumped up the power and torque nearly 15% (this still amounts to a measly 220 HP). Still excite in a straight line it does not, I'll give the car a 6/10.

The 228i is a bit of surprise in this segment, with the turbocharged four cylinder providing low end grunt and laughter inducing acceleration. Sport mode, check. Blip the throttle, point and go and the little BMW obliges, offering a slight woosh as the turbo comes off boost. The 240hp/255lb-ft engine feels nearly WRX like and is a hoot to drive in a straight line. 7.5/10

Braking

What can I say, both of these cars provide stellar brakes in light of modern technology. 8/10.

Ride/Handling

The FR-S ride is harsh, there is no two ways around it. The suspension is stiff and purpose driven, and while a long drive is still comfortable in the car, the small amount of sound deadening is not enough to save you from road noise and vibration. Reviewers all state this cars track oriented design, and after 175 miles on Thunderhill's West Track a few weeks back, I can attest this car really corners and maintain speeds with cars twice to three times it price. If you're seeking a car to run the twisties in, you should give the FR-S a long look. 8/10

Like the FR-S, the BMW also boasts a near 50/50 weight distribution making it rather agile and confidence inspiring. Steering is quick, but it lacks feel. General comfort is a bit softer and more compliant, making it joyful to cruise in morning traffic. Press the //M button and you get another animal altogether with more poised steering and sharper inputs. 8/10

Gearbox

The two car's once again show their European and Asian roots in the gearbox. The FR-S has a snappy 6 speed shifter with short throws and a clutch pedal lacking real feedback. It's light and odd, but you do get used to it and are extremely thankful in stop-n-go traffic. 8/10

The 228i features a silky smooth shifter with mid length throws (too long for my taste), however the BMW clutch pedal is magic. Plenty of feedback and weight, just the way a clutch should feel in my mind. 7/10

Value

Let's face it, the average joe is not going to cross shop these cars. I will say this though, they both offer tremendous driver and economic value in their respective segments. For the casual sports car driver looking for class and agility the 228i M Sport is a serious sleeper at the bottom of BMWs current lineup. Capable of driving to work and hauling a small family without a sweat, yet poised enough to hit the track on Sunday. The FR-S (I might be a bit biased here) is one helluva car, offering a driver focused platform capable of teaching and growing with a young or experienced driver. It might be underpowered, it might be cheap, yet you won't hear people complaining about that when driving it on the right roads. Yes, by my own rating system the 228i wins slightly...damnitt. I still take the FR-S keys most often. I cannot wait to see how both companies develop these platforms in years to come.

2014 BMW 228i MSport

Engine: 2.0-liter turbo four

Power: 240 horsepower at 5400 RPM, 255 lb-ft of torque at 1900 RPM

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual

0-60 Time: 5.1 seconds

Drivetrain: rear wheel drive

Curb Weight: 3,350 Pounds

Seating: 4 people

MPG: 23 City/31 Highway/26 Combined

MSRP: $32,100 base (36,000 as tested)

Rating: 38.5/50

2013 Scion FR-S

Engine: 2.0-liter flat four

Power: 200 horsepower at 7000 RPM, 151 lb-ft of torque at 6400 RPM

Transmission: 6 Speed Manual

0-60 Time: 6.2 seconds

Curb Weight: 2,747 pounds

Seating: "4" - 2 comfortably, 4 if necessary.

MPG: 26 city/30 highway

MSRP: $ 25,500 base (29,000 as tested YAY MODS)

Rating: 36.5/50

FromCanadaWithLove > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 11:58

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Great review. I regret not testing the 228i (the dealer didn't have one when I was looking at my M235i).

Also, fake vents on the 228i? The vents on my 35i are all functional.

emanresu > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 12:19

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Attack of the plastic! I'm guessing the nav box was left unchecked, and this is BMW's way of saying screw you!

Car-less Car Guy > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 12:20

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Let's face it, the average joe is not going to cross shop these cars.

I disagree. I think that someone (like me) could be comparing buying a used FR-S/BRZ versus leasing a 228i.

tsmit > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 12:24

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can't stand the electric steering in the new BMWs, its like moving a joystick more than moving a steering wheel.

Nick Has an Exocet > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 12:27

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I was unimpressed with the 228i Msport when I drove it. Granted, I drove it hard on an autocross course and not in every day driving. I think I tend to prefer a bit more of a turbo-car experience in my turbo cars. The torque curve was pretty flat and the steering was kind of vague for my taste.

Jonathan Harper > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 12:29

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which vents are fake?

PS9 > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 12:31

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0-60 in five seconds flat with just 240HP?

ekimp > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 12:32

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Generally good review, but I think you may have done your homework wrong. The 228 you tested is at least 38K with the Dakota interior ($1,450 option). May seem minimal, but as-tested price you noted would include a pleather interior, which I imagine would bring down the score in your interior comparison and also upset the overall value of the car.

I think you would have had a much better comparison with an optioned-out FR-S with mods vs. the base 228 M sport. Because prices (and options, to an extent) would be far more similar, potential buyers would be more likely to cross-shop those particular cars-thus, you'd probably have a much more compatible comparison.

Just my two cents.

Jonathan Harper > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 12:32

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Great write up. If I were to lease a BMW today it would most likely be a 228i M-sport.

That said, I do really like the FR-S . But the BMW is just a bit more refined.

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > emanresu 11/11/2014 at 12:32

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I saw that same pop-up screen in a loaner 328d I had the other day, and it is pretty ugly.

Party-vi > emanresu 11/11/2014 at 12:34

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It's a screen that controls in-car settings, radio, etc.

 V8 Rustler > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 12:36

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the BMW clutch pedal is magic

Glad they fixed the clutch feel. The clutch in my 1 series is the worst I've ever used. Do you happen to know if BMW still used CDV on non true M models?

Earthbound And Down > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 12:45

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Rotas?

Dude.

(Solid comparo though!)

Mike N. > Jonathan Harper 11/11/2014 at 12:46

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Probably the ones in the left and right of the bumper cover. On my X5 and GTI, which both also have similar bumper covers with lots of "vents", they are fake.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 12:49

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Good read. I agree the 228i (esp with the 6SP) is a really good car in BMWs range in a way the old 328i really just wasn't.

PetrolHead > Jonathan Harper 11/11/2014 at 12:50

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Actually none. All vents on the front end are functional. Including the two side vents on the lower end of the bumper used to cool the brakes (not included in your cropped pic).

Jonathan Harper > Mike N. 11/11/2014 at 12:52

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Center opening has a radiator in it, side vents route air to the brakes. The only recent BMW I'm aware of with a "fake" vent was the E92 M3, only one of the openings on the hood was actually an opening.

Du09 > PS9 11/11/2014 at 12:53

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Yeah that seems wrong.

hankolerd > PS9 11/11/2014 at 12:54

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It has 255 ft-lb of torque from 1450 rpm, quick indeed. C+D tested the auto at 4.9.

Jonathan Harper > PetrolHead 11/11/2014 at 12:54

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Yeah, that's what I thought. Thanks.

felixpotvin > emanresu 11/11/2014 at 12:58

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Correct. That's the non-navigation infotainment screen. It looks better in a 228i than it does in a 3 series at least.

optomistic > Car-less Car Guy 11/11/2014 at 13:00

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Can't say I am cross shopping with a 228i M Sport, but i did just look at an '08 135i and have been thinking more about my friends FRS after driving it. I would echo the sentiments of this review. 135i fast enough for lots of trouble, better interior but lacking steering feel. For me I think I prefer my buddies FRS, more steering feel, tighter ride (its a sports car right?) more comfortable interior. That last one may sound weird, but honestly I felt a bit cramped in the 1 series and I'm not giant.

B_dol > emanresu 11/11/2014 at 13:02

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No Nav indeed, only the bare bones stuff. MSport, heated seats, 6MT

B_dol > Jonathan Harper 11/11/2014 at 13:03

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I stand corrected! I'll have to check again today, I was a bit under the weather writing this...brainfart

B_dol > Jonathan Harper 11/11/2014 at 13:06

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100% agree. For where I am in life right now the FR-S is perfect, the BMW is just a bit more grown up than I really require! Now... a 2M, that is tempting.

B_dol > FromCanadaWithLove 11/11/2014 at 13:07

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The M235i is a sublime package as well i'm sure. I doubt the 6 cylinder will be left in the 2 and 3 series for much longer.

guiltymexican > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:08

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Hey great reviews! How do you not have a million front license plate tickets? I get them all the time with my Miata that I finally slapped it on. I hate it! Anyways great job and I hope to hear form you.

B_dol > PS9 11/11/2014 at 13:10

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It sure feels snappy, but yes that the instrumented test stats (not my own doing).

http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/2-series/2…

SNL-LOL > PS9 11/11/2014 at 13:11

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Never trust Germans with their HP numbers.

B_dol > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 11/11/2014 at 13:13

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It is surprising and I am glad to see journalists finally coming around to it. I often listen to The Smoking Tire podcast who gave the 228i glowing reviews after wringing it out trackside.

B_dol > Earthbound And Down 11/11/2014 at 13:14

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Wider than stock, check. Lighter than stock, check. Survived 175 miles on the track, check. Rumors what they are, pretty solid wheels. Eventually i'll get the real deal (TE37s)

TommyK154 > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:15

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nice review I've actually been really interested in the 228 with the M package. It is a bit more than id like to spend, but it's small, has great power for its weight/size, rwd and comes with a stick. If any car will get me to leave my beloved hot hatches it might be this. (At least if we're talking about cars I could ever afford)

Jonathan Harper > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:17

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I have a great deal of anticipation for the M2. I firmly believe that the 1M was one the best if not THE best contemporary M car.

jeffywk > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:19

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Holy crap the BMW is HUGE!

Rusty Shackleford > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:22

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I would buy the FR-S, except for the fact that I get Taco Neck Syndrome (TNS). I did manage to find a way to negate said neck issue, however I have long legs too, so the steering wheel sits in my lap making it hard to shuffle it around. DAMN YOU SUBARU AND TOYOTA!

For those who are unfamiliar with Taco Neck Syndrome, Shaq had it pretty bad in the 90's.

Stang70Fastback > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:22

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I should add that the spartan interior of the FR-S can be slightly un-spartanified if you opt for the slliiiigghhttllyy more expensive BRZ Limited instead. For that you get automatic, dual-zone climate control, a (not particularly great) navigation unit, heated seats and mirrors, push-button start, and... uhm... I'm pretty sure one or two other things, lol.

B_dol > Jonathan Harper 11/11/2014 at 13:23

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It has been hyped, a lot. Tremendous pressure, but BMW has been killing it recently (2 series, i8) with its enthusiast offerings.

I may put a deposit down if the car looks anything like it does below, however I tend to like my sports cars a bit more bare-boned. Childhood dream is a Cayman/911, which falls into a similar price range.

B_dol > Stang70Fastback 11/11/2014 at 13:27

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The FR-S also has a similarly optioned out "release series" and other special editions to get you those HVAC controls. I'm OK with everything except for the HVAC and clock, it looks straight 90s.

#becauseracecar Toyota raided the parts bin clearly and spent the entire budget on the drivetrain and suspension.

Andrew Kizewic > emanresu 11/11/2014 at 13:29

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You can tell by the decreased screen size that the NAV was not checked. That extra inch of plastic on each side is filled with screen when NAV is equipped.

Doug Nash > PS9 11/11/2014 at 13:32

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"just 240hp" is the operative point here. BMW has been under-rating almost all their engines for some time now. I'm not bothering to look, but it wouldn't surprise me to find that people are getting that power to the wheels, on dynos.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > PS9 11/11/2014 at 13:34

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As with all BMW turbo engines, it's under-rated.

Jonathan Harper > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:36

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Cayman is one of my favorite sports cars of ever. It inspires so much confidence, there should be a disclaimer for anyone who drives it: "Don't let this car taunt you into breaking the law". Here's a little vid I made a while ago in a Cayman S slightly dropped on sport springs and has a Remus exhaust, on one of my favorite back roads:

Earthbound And Down > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:36

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I know that Rotas provide a good value and they're not as fragile as all the naysayers would have us believe. Rota, Varrstoen, and other replica-wheel companies all build solid wheels at good prices. And reducing unsprung weight is the key to having a fun-to-drive car.

I don't have an issue with the quality of Rota's wheels; I have an issue with how they can blatantly rip off every other wheel manufacturer's designs. I'd love them if they made their own designs and sold unique wheels at attractive prices.

(Full disclosure: the TE-37 is my favorite wheel of all time, just ahead of the HRE S101.)

Dsscats > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:40

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The slant in the grill kills it for me.

Dsscats > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:40

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This just looks too chubby IMHO

mhadden > Party-vi 11/11/2014 at 13:40

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Yes, but the non-nav equipped Bimmers look cheap.

Non-nav:

Nav:

RiceOwl > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:44

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Excellent review! I'm about to graduate and thinking about replacing my old Lincoln Aviator with something new, and these two are high on my list. Also, I must congratulate you on the girlfriend who drives a manual 228i M-sport! A rare breed from my experience hahaha

DipodomysDeserti > Jonathan Harper 11/11/2014 at 13:44

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On my pop's M235i the vents on the side house the split intercoolers. Where are the intercoolers on the 228i?

Stang70Fastback > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:45

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And all of that is Subaru stuff, so clearly Toyota was just being lazy with their share of the work :P

B_dol > Earthbound And Down 11/11/2014 at 13:48

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I agree and I do not believe in false advertising a wheel, not going to pretend they are Volks like some tuner cars.

I generally believe in paying for the best quality, but the price tag was so high for a minimal difference in performance/quality.

Party-vi > mhadden 11/11/2014 at 13:48

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The difference between cheap and nice for you is a few square inches of plastic?

Jonathan Harper > DipodomysDeserti 11/11/2014 at 13:49

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I think it's part of the radiator in the middle bit.

Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:49

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Your GF drives a BMW with a real transmission...!?

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:50

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For me, it's gotta be the M228i. The power boost is worth the money. And I can assume you live in the SF area?

Earthbound And Down > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 13:58

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Your last point is very, very true. It's really hard to justify spending $3k+ on a set of wheels when you'll get 90% of the experience for just 20% of the price.

Then, you move up to the boutique wheel manufacturers like ADV.1, and the prices will make your head spin. No set of four wheels is worth $15k, unless they're milled from billet unobtanium or you have so much money that you'll never be able to spend all of it.

B_dol > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 11/11/2014 at 14:03

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SF Bay Area local yep, Steven's Creek BMW gave us a great deal on the car (custom order)!

R W > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:04

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gf is slumming huh?

dr861 > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:04

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Jesus. The 228i looks GIGANTIC compared to the scion.

matttdrewww > Party-vi 11/11/2014 at 14:05

3

thats not the point, its a luxury car it should at least be aesthetically pleasing

B_dol > RiceOwl 11/11/2014 at 14:08

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Two very good cars, let me know if you have any more questions. There are a lot of nuances a short review cannot capture. Hah, yes. She is a special type of girl.

R W > Jonathan Harper 11/11/2014 at 14:15

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wonder if bmw will neuter it to keep it slower than the m3/4

StormCrow > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:17

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You missed the bullet point for seating on the FRS nice article.

Kevin Barrett > mhadden 11/11/2014 at 14:18

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It does look pretty horrid. I prefer designs that still look good when I delete the options I don't want (which is why I love the "tacked on" nav systems that look like an iPad floating on the dash). That BMW punishes you for not optioning up is one more reason to stay away from the 3,350 pound coupe.

Party-vi > matttdrewww 11/11/2014 at 14:18

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Do you not see the acres of plastic elsewhere in the F30 cabin?

Just Joshing > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:19

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The real news here is that you're in a relationship with a woman that drives a stick-shift BMW - well done, son.

R W > Party-vi 11/11/2014 at 14:20

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its not about the plastic, its about knowing it could be better, but it isnt, because you didnt work hard enough to make a few more k

mhadden > Party-vi 11/11/2014 at 14:21

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By the same token, does a car with a bunch of blanks where switchgear would go if you paid for the options seem cheap to you? Case-in-point, Toyota:

Cheap-looking:

Not-so-cheap looking:

So my answer to your question is: yes. Yes, some plastic does look cheap, especially so if you are a car guy and know that plastic is the indication of a missing option.

Brosenkranz > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:25

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I very much disagree with the Scion's suspension being called "harsh". It definitely isn't. It's stiff, not harsh. The word harsh implies overall badness as a result of poor structure and damping. The Scion doesn't have either of those problems. And despite being stiff, the car still has a well-controlled, decent ride.

Jonathan Harper > R W 11/11/2014 at 14:25

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It will have to be slightly lower power than those two, but it will in no way be neutered.

nmalinoski > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:28

0

You make it sound like the FR-S is an all-Toyota thing.

RedPir8Roberts > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:28

0

Nice writeup. I'm SF Bay Area also—curious if your mods on the FR-S are CARB legal, or if you'll have to undo some of them at smog time? Such a buzzkill that virtually any modification will cause you pain a few years down the road.

Car-less Car Guy > optomistic 11/11/2014 at 14:29

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I guess the question is: is the FR-S fast enough for you? I imagine the BMWs are quicker.

B_dol > Earthbound And Down 11/11/2014 at 14:29

1

Amen. There is also the fact that the wheels shouldn't out-cost the car. Rotas on an FR-S, HRE on a Porsche/Ferrari

ZweiDeutschesAutos > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:30

1

For what it's worth, I don't think the 228i is a great value. For that price a GTI is more appealing (or the FRS).

It's worth stepping up to the M235i for the huge bump in performance.

I've had two GTIs and now DD an M235i which I'm insanely in love with.

B_dol > nmalinoski 11/11/2014 at 14:31

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The engine bay and nearly every component stamped Subaru would beg to differ. It's hard to write an article saying FRS/BRZ and Toyota/Subaru the entire time...

nmalinoski > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:31

1

"Toyobaru" and "Subieyota". Interchangeable. Go! :D

Party-vi > mhadden 11/11/2014 at 14:34

0

It's not like the plastic shroud is a knock-out panel. Sure they could have gotten a bigger base-screen for the non-nav, but it's also the cheapest BMW they offer in the US. You know what else looks cheap? The blank-off buttons for the missing seat heaters in your picture for the nav-equipped BMW, but I don't hear you complaining about those.

Party-vi > R W 11/11/2014 at 14:36

0

It's a 2-Series, one of the cheapest BMWs you can purchase in the US. Besides, the shroud for the infotainment system looks better than the blank non-buttons for the missing seat heaters in the other picture.

Anyone who purchases a 2 or 3 series without nav is not going to lament the extra .5" of plastic surrounding their screen. it appears as if only people who don't own them make a big deal about it (you and me).

R W > Party-vi 11/11/2014 at 14:40

1

ill own one in a few months

Mattbob > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:42

1

These wheels look very good on this car.

RichardNixon72 > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:42

0

Yeah...its getting harder and harder to rationalize an FR-S as a credible alternative to any of these other cars.

And with its buy-it-as-it-is equipment offering, lack of 'normal buyer' appeal (i.e. better interior, a convertible version, more power), the presence of a comperable if not more appealing-on-paper alternative (tC) in the same showroom, the baffling partnership with Subaru that added...nothing, and the shortsightedness to saddle this car with the baggage that is the Scion brand in spite of the superior Celica nameplate with accompanying Toyota sales channel was available, all signs point to a one-generation wonder.

Sorry.

Party-vi > R W 11/11/2014 at 14:42

1

Fantastic - that means you have time to write BMW a letter and complain about the shroud they made so your infotainment screen fits so they could decrease the cost and let you buy the cheapest BMW for sale in the US.

RichardNixon72 > mhadden 11/11/2014 at 14:43

0

No, the cheapness lies in the wide swaths of dead gray boringness.

R W > Party-vi 11/11/2014 at 14:44

1

what fucking point are you trying to make? like i would get the base options.

FromCanadaWithLove > emanresu 11/11/2014 at 14:44

0

It's the same on the M235i. I've got a near base model. $45k gets you; no nav, bluetooth audio, back-up camera, or voice command.

B_dol > RedPir8Roberts 11/11/2014 at 14:48

0

So far my modifications have been CARB legal, the header has a high-flow cat similar to stock and the remaining stock cat converter is still in place (mid pipe). Sans tune it will pass smog.

B_dol > Mattbob 11/11/2014 at 14:51

1

Another shot for ya

FromCanadaWithLove > jeffywk 11/11/2014 at 14:52

2

It's smaller than a Jetta in every proportion, the Scion is just a Hot Wheel in comparison.

B_dol > ZweiDeutschesAutos 11/11/2014 at 14:52

1

I have seen your review and pictures of the M235i, great car! I think you can admit when you want a BMW a GTI just won't do. Girlfriend has no love for hatchbacks either...

FromCanadaWithLove > TommyK154 11/11/2014 at 14:53

0

The good news is the 2-series isn't selling too well (unfortunately). It's a great car. You should be able to get a deal on one (and there may be '14s still in stock).

MrPrevention > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 14:54

4

Hysterical. I have a nearly stock FR-S and my wife has a 2012 128i, so this article is fascinating and relevant to me.

I come to many of the same conclusions - I make NO argument that the BMW is not the better all-rounder. It's the better commuter, it's faster in a straight line, more comfortable and just a nice machine to be in and around. It's even pretty fun to drive in almost all situations. I 'get' why BMW has made a mint making small sporty coupes and sedans.

HOWEVER, in terms of a SPORTS CAR, it is completely outmatched by the FR-S. And that's OK.

I wanted the sacrifice - I came from a GTi - which has the same advantages as the BMW, faster nicer, better materials, etc.. But I wanted to get out the "jack of all trades, master of none" category. Enter the little Scion.

It's underpowered, it's cheap and it comes with crap tires. But it's MILES beyond the BMW (and VW) in terms of a driver's car, and especially as a sports car. You can absolutely cross-shop the FR-S with a slightly used 1-series, price wise so this comparison with the new 2-series is absolutely going to be the head to head in a couple of years.

It just depends - the FR-S separates the drivers from the bench racers - the people who want to just go fast in a straight line and/or just want to pose next to a badge will always laugh and turn their nose up at the FR-S / BRZ / GT86. BUT, the people who buy the car to drive it, become a better driver and really push the machine and be a part of the experience "get it."

GREAT read. Thanks!

B_dol > Jonathan Harper 11/11/2014 at 15:01

1

There is a 99% chance of this being my next car, here's to hoping that day comes soon.

RedPir8Roberts > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 15:02

0

Awesome, thanks.

B_dol > RichardNixon72 11/11/2014 at 15:04

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Those who own an FRS or BRZ sincerely hope its a one-generation wonder, exclusivity! It appeals to a unique crowd and I think it is a mark of accomplishment that many folks find the car so polarizing.

A rational and all-around purchase it is not, and I concede that point many times.

ZweiDeutschesAutos > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 15:06

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Haha. Fair enough. I know what that lust feels like.

My girlfriends have always seemed to prefer the GTIs. Who knew?

Jonathan Harper > B_dol 11/11/2014 at 15:07

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Well you've got about a year to figure it out :)

Party-vi > R W 11/11/2014 at 15:09

4

You are saying people who don't get nav on a 2-Series didn't work hard enough to "make a few more k" and buy nav, and yet you're gloating about the fact that you're buying the cheapest BMW they sell . I bet you're a cool guy.

0ds > mhadden 11/11/2014 at 15:09

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Weirdly enough, my '11 328xi has no nav and no nerfed screen, I like it that way.

AudiB5Hawaii > emanresu 11/11/2014 at 15:12

2

I dont always get this "Plastic" complaint. For the price points, environmental regulation and competition that car manufacturers have to overcome what do you expect these cars to be made of inside metal and leather? These are sub 50K cars and even if they were more expensive I have no idea what people expect them to be made of inside? Wood? Gold? Sterling Silver??? Plastic is affordable, easily produced in quantity, easily replaced if damaged and light weight. Is there some kind of better miracle material that should replace it (that can make cars still affordable) so that cars don't use plastic?? Please help me understand why Plastic is a BAD thing to have in cars and if so what is the alternative that still keeps the car affordable for the masses?? What affordable car does NOT have plastic in it??

B_dol > Jonathan Harper 11/11/2014 at 15:12

1

The decision is already made, its basically a 987 vs 981 decision now. Ohh and raising funds