[alte schule]

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For context, I wanted to add a small sporty car for seasonal use in my winter home in Florida. Being a Porsche fan, my initial thought was to buy a used Carrera T but Porsche prices have gotten to be so ridiculous lately (for me anyway) that I decided to look at options downmarket. I considered a Miata (love Miatas), BRZ, GR86, Audi RS3 and BMW’s 2 series. After evaluating these choices and my driving environment, (southeast FL) I decided on a factory order of a 230i which, from reviews at least, seemed reminiscent of the old E46, a car that I really liked but never could own. I test drove the car with both the four and the six and preferred the former so ordered one. M sport in Brooklyn Grey with the red interior, dynamic handling package, staggered summer tires and some other comfort/convenience options. MSRP $ 50400. Negotiated price 48k. With taxes, 52k. Order placed on December 19th and the car was delivered on February 15th.

I’ve had the car now for more than a month and after 400 miles, these are my impressions:
Exterior, size and build quality: Small compact size, easy to maneuver and park (in a land of giant SUVs) and reasonably roomy inside for 1-2 adults. Very tidy size. Love it. Styling is subjective of course. I don’t like the rear styling or the gloss black plastic but it is what it is. It is an attractive car, if somewhat blocky-looking but not hideous like the 4 series that I owned previously. Good build quality. Feels solid with no squeaks or rattles. Paint, fit and finish are excellent.
Interior: I notice some cheap bits like hard plastics on the doors and lower parts of cabin although appropriate for a car in this price range. The seats are a little stiff but comfortable with the optional lumbar support. Good driving position. UI is excellent and user-friendly. Excellent visibility all around. Nice functional cabin.
Drive: This is where the car truly shines. I found comfort setting to be too lazy with the throttle mapping and steering feel to be lacking so I always drive in sport or sport plus mode.
The non-adjustable suspension is superb and compliant and better than the adjustable dampers in the 240i which either felt too floaty (in comfort) or too firm/unsettled (in sport) to me. The suspension is certainly much softer compared to my current 4 liter Boxster or my previous 911. Upgraded M sport brakes are strong. Turn in and agility are superb. Much better than the six cylinder version that I drove which felt nose heavy to me. Power is more than adequate. Slightly laggy off the line but very strong midrange response. Excellent powertrain with a great combination of the 2 liter engine and the ZF tranny.

Overall, this is a very sweet and agile car and reminds me very much of an old 330i. The steering is its weak point. There is some play at center where nothing happens with steering input but it is a BMW. This steering certainly feels better to me than my previous M440i convertible or the M240i. If I had to give this car a grade, I would give it a B+. A very affordable, fun, agile and fuel-efficient cart. Very Alte Schule than Subwoofer. LOL!

It is not as agile as a Miata or a BRZ or a GR86 but overall, it is a much more usable and fun car and well priced (before the impending tariffs). Personally, I don’t think the six adds much except more weight, better straight-line acceleration while suffering from poorer turn in, poorer chassis tuning, less ride comfort and less agility. YMMV.

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by alte schule

For context, I wanted to add a small sporty car for seasonal use in my winter home in Florida. Being a Porsche fan, my initial thought was to buy a used Carrera T but Porsche prices have gotten to be so ridiculous lately (for me anyway) that I decided to look at options downmarket. I considered a Miata (love Miatas), BRZ, GR86, Audi RS3 and BMW’s 2 series. After evaluating these choices and my driving environment, (southeast FL) I decided on a factory order of a 230i which, from reviews at least, seemed reminiscent of the old E46, a car that I really liked but never could own. I test drove the car with both the four and the six and preferred the former so ordered one. M sport in Brooklyn Grey with the red interior, dynamic handling package, staggered summer tires and some other comfort/convenience options. MSRP $ 50400. Negotiated price 48k. With taxes, 52k. Order placed on December 19th and the car was delivered on February 15th.

I’ve had the car now for more than a month and after 400 miles, these are my impressions:
Exterior, size and build quality: Small compact size, easy to maneuver and park (in a land of giant SUVs) and reasonably roomy inside for 1-2 adults. Very tidy size. Love it. Styling is subjective of course. I don’t like the rear styling or the gloss black plastic but it is what it is. It is an attractive car, if somewhat blocky-looking but not hideous like the 4 series that I owned previously. Good build quality. Feels solid with no squeaks or rattles. Paint, fit and finish are excellent.
Interior: I notice some cheap bits like hard plastics on the doors and lower parts of cabin although appropriate for a car in this price range. The seats are a little stiff but comfortable with the optional lumbar support. Good driving position. UI is excellent and user-friendly. Excellent visibility all around. Nice functional cabin.
Drive: This is where the car truly shines. I found comfort setting to be too lazy with the throttle mapping and steering feel to be lacking so I always drive in sport or sport plus mode.
The non-adjustable suspension is superb and compliant and better than the adjustable dampers in the 240i which either felt too floaty (in comfort) or too firm/unsettled (in sport) to me. The suspension is certainly much softer compared to my current 4 liter Boxster or my previous 911. Upgraded M sport brakes are strong. Turn in and agility are superb. Much better than the six cylinder version that I drove which felt nose heavy to me. Power is more than adequate. Slightly laggy off the line but very strong midrange response. Excellent powertrain with a great combination of the 2 liter engine and the ZF tranny.

Overall, this is a very sweet and agile car and reminds me very much of an old 330i. The steering is its weak point. There is some play at center where nothing happens with steering input but it is a BMW. This steering certainly feels better to me than my previous M440i convertible or the M240i. If I had to give this car a grade, I would give it a B+. A very affordable, fun, agile and fuel-efficient cart. Very Alte Schule than Subwoofer. LOL!

It is not as agile as a Miata or a BRZ or a GR86 but overall, it is a much more usable and fun car and well priced (before the impending tariffs). Personally, I don’t think the six adds nothing except straight-line acceleration while suffering from poorer turn in, poorer chassis tuning, less ride comfort and less agility. YMMV.

In the words of Bon Jovi....It's all the same, only the names will change.

You are still at it...we know, the only thing the M240 and M2 have over the amazing 230 is straight line speed.

See you at Bimmer Invasion...

[alte schule]

Originally Posted by M_Power Rob

In the words of Bon Jovi....It's all the same, only the names will change.

You are still at it...we know, the only thing the M240 and M2 have over the amazing 230 is straight line speed.

See you at Bimmer Invasion...

Eh, this was meant for prospective 230i buyers and my impressions. Not to start another argument with 240 guys. I felt I owed that after owning the car(Alte Schule in German is old school) and my initial impressions are confirmed. It is indeed an old chool car with modern technology. Enjoy your M Power. LOL! Goodbye.

[wb8164]

Glad to hear that the purchase meets your needs and expectations.

I don't know if you tried it but didn't mention it, but do you knock the shifter nub a second time to set the transmission into sport mode? I always do this regardless if I'm in comfort for Sport/+. I find that if I do that the auto shifting in comfort is pretty good. Otherwise, I go Sport + and sport transmission and use the paddles.