The BMW M235i is definitely the pick of the range. If you’re into hardcore Bimmers that can also be used every day, the M Performance Automobile offers all you can wish for. You’ll get the smallest coupe from Munich with an inline six cylinder engine making 326 HP and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) available from down low.
However, ever since the 2 Series range was revealed, there has been an ongoing discussion around the internet concerning whether you should get the 3-liter or the 2-liter engine on these Coupes. The pros and cons are pretty obvious.
On one hand, you get more power, a more track focused suspension and more torque with the M235i. At the same time, there’s more weight to carry around and you might not use all that power on a daily basis.
The 228i, on the other hand, has a 2-liter 4-cylinder plant that makes 245 HP and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, considerably less than its bigger brother but enough for a car that weighs 1,460 kg (3,219 lbs). Furthermore, the weight distribution is better and so is the fuel consumption. If you live in a country that taxes you on account of engine size you’ll be better off too in this regard.
How about the performance on the track?
On the track there’s only one winner, though. The M235i steals it with its better dynamics, power, torque and suspension. It’s faster and feels a lot more focused than the 228i. That doesn’t mean the cheaper alternative isn’t capable though.
As you’re about to see, Matt Farrah took it for a spin at Willow Springs and he was impressed with the way the car handled itself. It’s even better than the Mustang EcoBoost too according to him and feels faster.
Considering the performance and how easy it would be to drive it daily as well as the comfort it offers, this is a really good alternative to the M235i, especially if you’re not going to go to the track every day. The pricing remains its biggest selling point though, as it is $11,000 cheaper than the M235i, starting at $32,100 MSRP in the US.
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