BMW 2-Series

"djmanila" (djmanila)
02/19/2014 at 18:36 • Filed to: BMW, 228i, M235i

We got our first 228i in today. Short first impression, I love it. The short wheel base makes the car more nimble. The 240 hp is more than enough. The artificial or real engine sounds better than the current 328i. I actually like the standard wheels over the M235i's wheels.

It would be the perfect Jalop car out of all the "budget" BMWs in my opinion.

Who wants to buy one from me?

DISCUSSION (46)

Lets Just Drive > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 18:40

Sticker?

Also, don't hoon it down a residential street while recording it only to post on Youtube because that's been proven a bad idea.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 18:41

The 1/2 has been and will continue to be the most Jalop car in the entire BMW lineup.

maximillious > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 18:42

I promise this isnt trolling, but the 1 series was just so much prettier. Oh well.

djmanila > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:42

The MSRP on this one is only $38k. It is one of the launch cars so the only option I believe is Cold Weather Package and Premium Package. In my opinion more than enough for most people. I am not big into the back up camera and tech package hoopla

TFen > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 18:44

The E46's spiritual successor - Love it!!

Wheels kind of look tiny, no?

djmanila > maximillious
02/19/2014 at 18:44

I almost purchased a 1. I like this one better. The 1series only appealed to me in M-Sport form. The standard 128i looked to sterile while the standard 228i has a certain agressiveness.

hethoughtofcars > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 18:44

Oh definitely want! I love the interior which doesn't appear to be covered in "wood". However, I notice a conspicuous photo missing of the transmission stick.....

Lets Just Drive > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 18:46

That's not bad.

Also, I'm a Canadian, so if you can give me that price in CDN, you gotta deal!

I'm only kidding of course, but that's actually pretty legit. If you know anyone with BMWNA you should tell them to have a word with our BMW dealership because it's huge and awesome and filled with boooooring.

ReallyColorful > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 18:47

Looks tight in there, how big are you?

djmanila > hethoughtofcars
02/19/2014 at 18:47

It is auto, so not worthy of taking a picture haha.

The chances of getting a manual unless ordered are very low in BMW centers nowadays.

hethoughtofcars > maximillious
02/19/2014 at 18:47

I prefer this one too (2?). The 1 series looked great in 3 and 5 door configurations, but as a coupe it's proportions were slightly off.

djmanila > ReallyColorful
02/19/2014 at 18:48

That was my co-worker. I am only 5'7 so I fit nicely. He is 6 ft plus

maximillious > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 18:48

I think the OPPOsite. I think its the 2's wheels and ass, or the combination of the two that i dont like. Front, I understand what your saying (still like the 1 front end better) Idk. This will take some time for me. Maybe the 2m, m2 m235i whatever they call it or whatever it is will win me over more.

ReallyColorful > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 18:52

Rad. Thanks!

djmanila > maximillious
02/19/2014 at 18:53

maybe this will win you over ;) both the non sport models

Kinja'd!!!

hethoughtofcars > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 18:56

Yeah, I've noticed that. You have to go to the MINI showroom next door to find any three pedal cars it seems. Do you ever get buyers who are looking for a stick? How many a year would you say? And what do they want? M cars? 335is? 128i?

Manuél Ferrari > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 19:01

This car makes the 4 Series kind of pointless to me. The 4 Series is stuck in the middle now. It's not as affordable or nimble as the 2 Series. And it doesn't have the cachet or interior space of the 6 Series.

Plus I think the 2 Series looks better than the 4 Series. But I know looks are subjective...

djmanila > hethoughtofcars
02/19/2014 at 19:07

I actually work for MINI but I could sell both. I've worked for BMW in the past very very very few would ask about a manual. They sell maybe less than 10 a year.

Last year we sold 328i Coupe in manual, and a few 335i. There also isn't many available manuals in the line up. 2-Series and 3-Series non Xdrive and the new M3

djmanila > Manuél Ferrari
02/19/2014 at 19:09

The 4-series is always there for the brand conscious consumer. They don't want to look at the 2-series as it is a downgrade or too small.

I think that is one of the main reasons why the 1 did not sell as good as they hoped.

hethoughtofcars > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 19:11

Interesting. Slightly depressing, but interesting. :) Thanks for the info! Since I'm already bugging you: what percentage of MINI Coopers/Clubmen do you think go out the door with a manual?

Manuél Ferrari > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 19:13

I get that some people care about the number more than the car. What I should have added is that it's weird to me that people like that buy the 4 Series since it's common enough to not have a ton of cachet. If one cares about brand and status more than driving dynamics then they should save up and get the 6 Series. If they care about how the car drives then they should save money and just get the 2 Series.

BMW may have split the 3 Series coupe name off and called it the 4 Series, but I think everyone still knows that it's a 2 door version of the 3. And the 3 Series is a very common car in many locales so there isn't much status that goes with it...

Louros > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 19:23

I spy a Maryland plate... Which mini dealer? I bought my Mini from a dealer in MD.

djmanila > Louros
02/19/2014 at 19:27

Annapolis

Louros > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 19:28

Ah ok, I got mine from MoCo

djmanila > hethoughtofcars
02/19/2014 at 19:29

I would say with the MINI's its still probably 3 out of 10 manuals. More so on the JCW and the Cooper S.

I am actually excited for the new generation MINI with the new numbers

djmanila > Louros
02/19/2014 at 19:31

I'll be here for your next MINI or BMW :)

gabdere > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 20:23

no HIDs is a no for me tho. I read it has CW package and Premium, I agree it's enough but it should roll in the HIDs. I see so many X3s with halogens, its driving me nuts lol

Rico > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 20:32

Agreed I like the 2 way more, but the 1 does have a more "classic" small BMW look but the 2 looks like the perfect evolution of that.

Rico > Manuél Ferrari
02/19/2014 at 20:36

For me I look at the 4 series, Gran Coupe specifically, as something that looks more sleek than a 3 and I don't really care for the 5 outside of M trim. Same thing with the Audi A7, I'd prefer it over both an A6 and A8.

Manuél Ferrari > Rico
02/19/2014 at 20:46

I agree. I prefer the look of the 4 Gran Coupe over the standard 4 Coupe and the 3 Series. If I was picking on looks alone I would go for a 4 or 6 Gran Coupe. If I was going for handling I'd pick the 2 Series. Shorter wheelbase cars are fun to chuck around.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Manuél Ferrari
02/19/2014 at 21:40

I'm not sure if the 2-series is made for rear seat passengers with legs.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > djmanila
02/19/2014 at 21:42

Does it have a usable rear seat, or is it really more of a 2+2?

Manuél Ferrari > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/19/2014 at 22:10

Probably true. But then again no 2 door is good for that really. I'm sure the 4 series coupe is much worse for rear passengers than the 3 series.

The way I see it if you buy a couple you don't care about the people who sit in back. The 2 Series probably isn't any worse for rear passengers than the E46 coupe was. And everyone loves the E46 coupe.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Manuél Ferrari
02/19/2014 at 22:38

I'm 6'1" and have three kids (that will eventually all be out of car seats). If the rear seats of the 2-series are functional for "small people", the M235i might be an option for me at some point down the line. If there's zero leg room behind me once I get my seat positioned, then it's pretty much a no-go. I'm not sure if I'd give up the convenience of four doors, but I do like options!

Manuél Ferrari > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/19/2014 at 23:10

Wow you get props for even considering a coupe!

If I had 3 kids I wouldn't consider any coupe as a DD, even a large one like a 6 Series or S Class coupe. It's just so hard to get kids and their stuff in and out of 2 door cars!

djmanila > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/20/2014 at 01:25

I would say it is a usable as the E46 coupes. If the front passenger is around 6 ft it will be tight if at all possible

djmanila > gabdere
02/20/2014 at 01:27

It is one of my pet peeves to not have Xenons but there is a good majority that don't care so the manufacturers are still doing halogens.

I like the JDM luxury brands as 99% of them have Xenons standard.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Manuél Ferrari
02/20/2014 at 08:39

Yeah, I know, but my wife works just 30 hours / week, so she takes care of the vast majority of shuttling the kids places. I need to have the ability to have them in my car, but it's fairly rare. Obviously, things will change once they're all in sports and other activities. I'm sure the thought of a small coupe at this point it a pipe dream, but the thought of waiting until I'm 50+ to have a small, lightweight car is too depressing.

My hope is to hold on to my M3 for long enough that I can get a 2nd car, dedicated for fun and track (Cayman S, Elise/Exige, turbo BRZ...).

maximillious > djmanila
02/20/2014 at 10:24

Honestly like the 1 series more. I know its almost completely irrational but there is just something about the 2 that I dont like and I cannot put my finger on it. I love the front end of the 1 and how short its wheelbase appears, its like a bulldog....and i like that. The 2 series, while nice looking just doesn't have it, there is nothing that unique about it, it doesn't turn my head like a 1 series does. There are a few types of BMW's i notice when I drive: 2002's, e30's, any M3, and any 1 series. The new 2's just kinda blend in with the flock.

Manuél Ferrari > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/20/2014 at 18:07

Yeah once they start sports and have gear to tote around a coupe will be tough!

If you have the garage/driveway space to have multiple cars then there are so many cool combinations you could have:

1. Small: M3 + Elise

2. Medium: E39 M5 + Cayman

3. Large: E38 7 Series + M3

4. Extra Large: used Audi Q7 TDI, Porsche Cayenne or Chevy Suburban + M3

Or you could mix and match and have the biggest DD with the smallest weekend car!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Manuél Ferrari
02/20/2014 at 18:15

My wife has a big, AWD 7-passenger crossover/SUV, and will for the foreseeable future, so our "getter" and trip car needs will be filled by it. As I see it, I'll always need one car that can fit us all in a pinch, like my M3 does (barely), but I would love to have a smaller, lighter toy to drive on nice days when it's just me, and on weekend jaunts with the guys to the Ozark hill country, and that would be fun (and cheaper on consumables) on the track.

Now I just have to convince my better half that that's a good use of family resources - ha! Very happy with my One Car To Do It All in the mean time.

Manuél Ferrari > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/20/2014 at 18:21

Nice. Glad you have one large vehicle.

When thinking about your situation my first instinct is to recommend keeping the M3 for fun driving, AutoX and track use and get an E39 M5 for DDing.

The M3 may not be as nimble as a Cayman or Elise but it's still pretty damn nimble. And you already own it.

An E39 M5 is a hell of an investment. 98.5% of people on Oppo and bimmer forums are in love with it. Prices can't go down. Any depreciation due to mileage and use will eventually be offset by the price of the cars themselves going up!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Manuél Ferrari
02/20/2014 at 18:31

I'd love to own one. I nearly went that way instead of my E90, but decided to go newer (with some remaining warranty when I bought it). And buying a car that won't depreciate is very attractive.

But I can't say I've regretted my decision one instant! It's truly amazing what this thing is capable of on the track. And then you get to drive it home in comfort as if you hadn't just been flogging the hell out of it all day.

Catch you later - time to go drive it.

Manuél Ferrari > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/20/2014 at 18:32

the newer E90 is sooo nice on a day to day basis

have fun driving!!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Manuél Ferrari
02/20/2014 at 21:19

Always.

e_dash > djmanila
02/28/2014 at 11:38

Yeah it really bugs me when I see cars like the A5 with halogens.

My parents brought one earlier in the year and the Sportback is absolutely gorgeous. The lights are a major disappointment though and it is hardly cheap or easy to fit them afterwards :/