Originally Posted by EM3RLD
Ordering process
- On 2/1/2022 Ordered M240i with BSM + Cognac + 792 wheels (no allocation)
- On 2/20/2022, the dealer where I placed my order received a Brooklyn Grey 230i with Black wheels
- On 2/21/2022, I test drove the 230i to find out what it's like to drive a car of that size because I was coming from a combo of E46M3 and Honda Accord. I loved the way it drove, the thick steering wheel and its great agility. So after the test drive, I asked my CA to give me the numbers. It was $8k less than the M240i and put a good cushion on my wallet
- On 2/22/2022 (great date btw), I made a decision to take what's already on the lot. I asked my CA to move my deposit to this car, put a SOLD sign and no more test drive
- On 2/26/2022, picked up this car
First impressions
Power
I don't know what the M240i would feel like but compared to my 333HP E46 M3 that I had before this car, the 230i has enough power to handle any kind of drive on the city streets and in the highway. The only difference is, with the M3 all I had all I had to do was press the gas pedal to overpass a car in the freeway, with the 230i, I use the "Sprint" function to downshift and pass em. And lemme tell you, that Sprint function turns the car into a beast. The engine sound becomes deep and loud and you get into the 3 digit speed in no time. Scary but exhilarating at the same time. Around the city streets, comfort allows you to drive comfortably but when you need to speed up, when you apply more pressure on the gas pedal, it picks up. If you want quick pick up, get on Sport of Sport plus and you're good to go. Again, I don't know what the M240i is like, but for me, the 230i is enough. When it stopped becoming enough, I can trade up when the time is right. But overall, this is a good place to start my BMW journey, especially if you are new to the brand.
Handling
It's a rear wheel drive so it drove just like my E46 M3. Making turns are steady and tight. The thick steering wheel promotes that perception even more. Whenever I hold the steering wheel, I feel like I am handling a solid, structured car, which is a great feeling. And expected out of a German BMW car. I can only compare the handling with my wife's X3 that is an X-drive. In comparison, I would say that when I drive my wife' X-drive, I can feel how the car won't budge in turns, especially in the snow. But with the 230i because of the rear wheel drive, I get a sense that it's lighter on the front and allows me to throw it around a little more. More fun. Again, glad I chose the 230i. Will update you again if it changes during rainy season coming up.
Looks
The decision maker, in regards to looks, for me on this car instead of waiting for the M240i was two things. The black wheels and the black rear spoiler. I know some of you don't like the duck bill, but I think it is unique. And probably unique to the 230i because as far as I know the M240i comes with body color spoiler (correct me if I'm wrong). With the shadowline package on the 230i, the car practically looks JUST like the M240i and this time plus a different color on the spoiler, (that matches the black wheels) making it even more sporty. There is no doubt this color is outside of my comfort zone (as my wife says it), probably the purple would be more in my comfort zone (I had a bright blue and bright red car before this one), but it is this unique color with the black wheels (also my first time) is what makes this brand new design unique
Suprises
I love it when something I buy gives me more than I expected. Here are a few things I didn't expect to get out of this car
- I can open the car with my Apple watch, in addition to my phone
- I car START and drive my car without a key, just with my phone on the dock and a PIN entered (mind blowing to me at least)
- I can schedule the car to start on its own at a scheduled time every day (never had this on my previous cars)
- The menu allows you to set the engine sound as 3 levels or adaptive to the mode you are in. Meaning, if you want your car to be loud all the time… it can.
- Sprint function … enough said.
- The Adaptive LED lights … enough said.
- Steering intervention = lazy lane keep. It's not exactly lane keep but when I am sleepy and my car swerves, at least I know that it will auto correct
- The combination of speed limiter and setting the Cruise control to the speed limit helps me stay aware of going within a safe speed. Going 10+ speed limit on this car feels like going at speed limit. I dont know what it is, so when I overpass, I almost always end up at a speed that is about 20+ speed limit. The live cockpit has a "set" text next to the speed limit it reads, when you click Set at this point, the speed will automatically set the speet to the speed limit. It may not be what you want, but when you see a police car in a distance, all you have to do is press SET, and you automatically brings the speed down to the speed limit. Convenient.
After 1 week of commute:
Gas mileage
- I ended up at around 28mpg according to the live cockpit. I drive 80 miles every day total and starting with a full tank on Monday, I ended up with 20 miles of gas left on the end of Thursday. I combined driving comfort, sport plus and eco plus near the end of the week.
- Eco PRO is a horrible way to drive btw, Even though it may have given me more mileage but I hate pressing the gas pedal and seeing no response. If you want the best gas mileage with the best experience, Comfort is still the best mode
- Sprint function is cool but it is a gas guzzler
So far that is my full report of the car from the point I changed my mind until today when I have driven it a full week of commute.
Here's my advice (just my 2 cents):
- If you are reluctant about getting the 230i instead of the M240i … dont. The 230 is a great car, you won't miss out on anything, especially from the looks department.
- If you are worried about the color combo, wheel combo, seat color etc … again, which I was because there was none on the road to compare to … don't. I have seen this car in grey and purple in person. They both look awesome. They look nothing like the pictures and videos. In real like, the car looks big and muscular, unique and proportional.
- If you are worried about not getting ACC (Active Cruise Control), which I was, … also dont. The way the car drives, you may not miss it. Trust me, you'd rather be driving it than it driving you
Here you go with the pictures. Thanks for reading.
And thank you for everyone who have answered my questions from my previous posts, and /or provide your photos to help me with my decision.
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