[02M3ForMe]

I did a short test drive in the 230i M-Sport tonight and came away very impressed. The combo of ~300 pounds less weight and RWD really changes the handling in a noticeably positive way. I clearly felt the difference in weight throwing the car around corners. On top of the excellent grip, you get even more responsive steering and handling that’s super obedient. You steer it and it eagerly goes in the direction you want. Chassis stays surprisingly tidy. Pile on the speed and steering angle and it keeps going and going. This is going to be a really fun car on backroads and autocross and other tight stuff.

I was reminded again of the leap in overall quality of this generation. The car is a joy to drive normally, with the excellent 3-Series interior and amenities, a very adjustable drive, and the torquey 4-cylinder motor that gets you off the line so confidently. Driving it at night, I got to enjoy the ambient lighting; I like this execution better than what I got in my old G82. Driving it sanely then spiritedly, the car feels like one of the best bargains on the market. Maybe the best. It does both things really well.

Ultimately, I’m going to stick with my M240i order. The B58 and its power and sound are just too great and that package represents a total-package daily performance bargain in its own right. There are a couple of things that I can’t get on the 230i (heads up display). I need xDrive for 4-seasons usage here in the PNW. However, for anyone going for a 230i, don’t worry - you’re in for a treat. Highly recommended.

[yanks1]

great little review... I had 2018 230i M Sports and echo your comments even w/the prior generation. But I also decided to order M240 due to the extra 127 HP & more torque. Sounds like both vehicles are great choices

[CDN-Driver]

Yes, thanks for this!

[Dinosoar]

I want to second the thought. I am taking delivery of a 230i M-Sport with only the Dynamic Handling Package added.

The lightweight nature of the 230i (albeit without a monster 0-60 time) is the better option for me. I want handling over acceleration. Much more affordable too. Hell, the 230i is lighter than an M2 Comp! But not by much. :-)

Already put aftermarket wheels on it...255/35 on all four corners. Updated pix...going for that 2002 Alpina look. I may have the centers paint black...we'll see.

[CDN-Driver]

Originally Posted by Dinosoar

I want to second the thought. I am taking delivery of a 230i M-Sport with only the Dynamic Handling Package added.

The lightweight nature of the 230i (albeit without a monster 0-60 time) is the better option for me. I want handling over acceleration. Much more affordable too. Hell, the 230i is lighter than an M2 Comp! But not by much. :-)

Looking forward to the "required" pictures

[solstice]

And it pay homage to the 2002 inspired design. 2002 = 2 liter, 2 door coupe

For me though, the 4 cylinder isn’t an option as long as the six is available. The six just feel so much more premium in every way.

[RJ-EVO]

i would like a m230i as well.

[PeterWT]

I saw the 230i in person the other day. I think the rear end is MUCH better looking than the M240i.
I configured one on the website when I got home. But, that wonderful B58...

[CDN-Driver]

They make it so hard, if one could get M-Sport goodies with no body kit. E.g Adaptive M Suspension, Brakes, Differential, and Steering Wheel as factory options.

Not to mention the requirement to get M-Sport to get PB paint.

[O5E46M3]

230i seems closer to an e46 m3 in specs, even the tyre specs are almost identical only 58 lb heavier than the e46 kerb weight apparently.

So for me I think I'd get the M240i still but in RWD.

[moebiuz]

I wish the 230i was also a 6 cylinder. Yeah i know it's been almost 10 years since the last 30i was actually a 6 cylinder, but still. It would have been pretty cool to keep it like that.

[Dinosoar]

Originally Posted by moebiuz

I wish the 230i was also a 6 cylinder. Yeah i know it's been almost 10 years since the last 30i was actually a 6 cylinder, but still. It would have been pretty cool to keep it like that.

My first BMW was the 2001 330Ci with that new 3.0L 225HP six. Five-speed manual. The specs on this 230i are better in every way, except the weight, but only about 160lbs more. BMWs were beautiful back then. Now, they're just good looking (for some), but everyone thought they were beautiful back then.

[yanks1]

Originally Posted by Dinosoar

My first BMW was the 2001 330Ci with that new 3.0L 225HP six. Five-speed manual. The specs on this 230i are better in every way, save weight, but only about 160lbs more. BMWs were beautiful back then. Now, they're just good looking (for some), but everyone thought they were beautiful back then.

I owned 2002 325ci for 3 years... but then in 2009 purchased a certified 2006 E46 330ci w/6 speed manual & owned for 5 years. My favorite all time car, fast as heck & handled great w/M Sports wheel pkg with 255/35 rear tires and the inline 6 was smooth as silk. If my pending M240i is even close to this... but of course w/more tech & safety goodies I'll be one happy camper

[02M3ForMe]

Originally Posted by Dinosoar

I want to second the thought. I am taking delivery of a 230i M-Sport with only the Dynamic Handling Package added.

The lightweight nature of the 230i (albeit without a monster 0-60 time) is the better option for me. I want handling over acceleration. Much more affordable too. Hell, the 230i is lighter than an M2 Comp! But not by much. :-)

Already put aftermarket wheels on it...255/35 on all four corners. I didn't take too may pix yet, even few with the OEM wheels (791M) on.

Looks beautiful - nice wheel choice!

[Dinosoar]

Originally Posted by 02M3ForMe

Looks beautiful - nice wheel choice!

Thanks...was going for the 2002 Alpina Turbo look.

[Dinosoar]

Another reason to consider the 230 over the M240 (bear with me), the front block of the 2.0L engine in the 230 appears to be at or behind the front axle...technically classifying the 230i as a [front] mid-engine car. No way that B58 can claim that.

Okay, I know what follows...who cares!? Well, probably few, but it just shows the front balance and handling dynamics of the 230 over the M240i Xdrive. I think the 230's lower weight, more rearward center of gravity, and engine-behind-the-axle arrangement outclasses the M240 in the handling department. After that, it's all about the tires.

When the RWD M240 arrives, that lower weight may come close to the 230, but then it's about all that power. I am hoping my eventual Dinan Stage I tune will really give the M240 challenge.

Don't get me wrong, I love that B58 power plant, especially since these cars are all so heavy these days. I remain a huge fan of the M240 and see myself "upgrading" possibly in a few years. For now, I love my little four-banger sports coupe!

[Barathon]

I'm just jealous that the 230 has the option to delete the moonroof. I wish I could delete that from the M240i. I never open the moonroof so it's just added weight and decreased headroom. In this size car that extra headroom would be really nice.

[Dinosoar]

Originally Posted by Barathon

I'm just jealous that the 230 has the option to delete the moonroof. I wish I could delete that from the M240i. I never open the moonroof so it's just added weight and decreased headroom. In this size car that extra headroom would be really nice.

Yeah, that was a huge incentive for my preferences as well. The previous M240 (RWD) could delete it, but not this new M240 XDrive.

BTW...it was an $800 discount by deleting it too!

[yahweh]

Anyone know if the 4 banger is going to get the manual gearbox in the US?

[PNW_Sonics]

What dealership did you order from? What type of wait time did they give you? I haven't seen a single m240 on any Washington dealership websites in months. I've seen a decent amount of 230s though.

[MichaelL]

Originally Posted by yahweh

Anyone know if the 4 banger is going to get the manual gearbox in the US?

I would love that, but I doubt it is going to happen. Better chance (still very slim) is the 6 cylinder with a manual since the Supra added a stick and they share the same drivetrain. One can hope!

[Skeeter44]

Originally Posted by Barathon

I'm just jealous that the 230 has the option to delete the moonroof. I wish I could delete that from the M240i. I never open the moonroof so it's just added weight and decreased headroom. In this size car that extra headroom would be really nice.

I deleted it - my first BMW without a Sunroof, although I know that they have been available in Europe for years. I am very tall and let me tell you there is huge headroom in there without that Sunroof.