230i is BMW's Brilliant-Driving Best Kept Secret

azuki · 08-10-2022, 08:57 AM

Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

I liked the commentary on this review! 4k 60fps is a plus too, feels like playing gran turismo lol. loving the back more and more, already love the front! the waiting kills me

Diet Pepsi · 08-10-2022, 11:02 AM

Hate to be that guy, but if they offered a manual....

Sublime00 · 08-10-2022, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diet Pepsi

Hate to be that guy, but if they offered a manual....

Nothing wrong with being that guy… I'd want a third pedal too.

Germanauto · 08-10-2022, 11:31 AM

I drive these roads occasionally and rarely feel the need for more power. It's all about nimbleness. The 230 fits the bill.

TheBingoBalls · 08-10-2022, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I drive these roads occasionally and rarely feel the need for more power. It's all about nimbleness. The 230 fits the bill.

I agree. Anything around 300HP/300TQ is more than enough for most people - everything else is excess if you just want to enjoy driving. Heck, even any of the naturally aspirated N52's on the E90 felt more than enough.

Too bad the feel and sound of the B48 relative to the B58/straight-six is a downer, but we all know that.

Habber · 08-10-2022, 01:17 PM

Isn't that why so many people like the Miata? Less power but very light and controllable?

MPR · 08-10-2022, 01:45 PM

If I bought a 230 I would regret not getting the 240 every day

M2PDX · 08-10-2022, 02:52 PM

If it came with a manual I would buy it in a heartbeat!

playswcars · 08-10-2022, 03:09 PM

Not a fan of Farah..

Germanauto · 08-10-2022, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPR

If I bought a 230 I would regret not getting the 240 every day

Agree. But there are very few cars (especially in the luxury segment) that are as fun to drive in the low-to-mid $40ks.

donnyfontaine · 08-10-2022, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPR

If I bought a 230 I would regret not getting the 240 every day

I bought a base Macan instead of a Macan S… there was about a month or 2 I was happy with it, but the rest of the time I was kicking myself for not getting something with more power. Wasn’t gonna make the same mistake twice

MPR · 08-10-2022, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Agree. But there are very few cars (especially in the luxury segment) that are as fun to drive in the low-to-mid $40ks.

This is true, if funds were limited and there was no way I could swing it, then maybe I'd get the 230.. actually no, I'd probably select a different car where I could buy a higher trim. The 230, while likely fun to drive, I think lacks the little specialness that the M240 gets for being an M-lite and having the B58. I'd see an M240i pass me on the highway and be like "damnit"

Quote:

Originally Posted by donnyfontaine

I bought a base Macan instead of a Macan S… there was about a month or 2 I was happy with it, but the rest of the time I was kicking myself for not getting something with more power. Wasn’t gonna make the same mistake twice

Yeah, buyers remorse is the worst with such a large purchase. Back in 2010 I was shopping for a 335i and ended up settling for a 328xi because the former was a little out of my price range. I completely hated it and regretted the purchase and will never make that mistake again. Sold it within a year.

Hoosiers · 08-10-2022, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by playswcars

Not a fan of Farah..

Agree, and I bet Zach can't stand this dude either.

bquatt · 08-10-2022, 07:12 PM

The B48 is a great engine and deserves respect. Farah is spot on. Not everyone needs the power of an M340 or M3. The 2/330 are great, fun daily drivers. The excess of todays world has caused some people to become numb to what was once very great performance. Not everyone needs 3 second 0-60 times. By no means am I arguing that the B48 models are superior but it's refreshing to see a car enthusiast give respect to the "lesser" models.

MPR · 08-10-2022, 07:22 PM

I was surprised on the closing where he said the 230 was pretty much enough, good to see him give it some respect

dr_frankfurter · 08-10-2022, 10:33 PM

The 230i weighs in at 3,519 lbs while the M240i (RWD) weighs 3,749. I think the 230 pound weight penalty is more than worth it for the B58.

Cklam1209 · 08-10-2022, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPR

If I bought a 230 I would regret not getting the 240 every day

I've tested 240i before, but hornestly i didnt feel it faster too much (just in 5 mins

) compare with 230i. Can't afford 240i anyway, at least ive tested 240i and the only thing i might be regret is Supra 2.0 instead 230i 🤣 not for 240i

azuki · 08-10-2022, 11:20 PM

everyone will have their own special reason to get a 230i or a m240i. for me I'm not a "want more power" person, I'm a 5'4'' asian guy that likes tech and wants a cute little coupe bmw

donnyfontaine · 08-10-2022, 11:59 PM

The G42 is just so compelling. Want something that’s sufficient when merging and fun on back roads? We got you. Want something that’s faster than most older Ms, and still pretty fun on back roads? We also got you

///MFrankie · 08-11-2022, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by playswcars

Not a fan of Farah..

How come?

Only ever watch this One Takes and he seems decent enough?

CarsAndGuitars · 08-11-2022, 06:05 AM

In 2014 to avoid buyers remorse, my wife *made me* get the larger Hemi Scat Pack (392 / 6.4L vs the 5.7). After 3 years, I got a little tired of keeping on top of it all the time, and went to an Audi A5. I gave up the power for manners. Talk about engineering out the fun.

I didnt have many regrets getting out of the Challenger itself, but counted the days till I got out of my Audi lease 5 months early.

My new 240 is in the same league as the Dodge in straightline (maybe exceeds it) and I can easily state is the best car I have owned in 40+ years of driving.

TheStanman · 08-11-2022, 06:29 AM

Totally agree with this review. Ironic that one of BMW's cheapest cars is also it's purest driver's car and most akin to what made BMW famous.

I remember when BMW was so adamant about a 50-50 weight distribution. I think this is closest to that of any current BMW?

I do wish the B48 had a bit more character, but it is an incredibly effective and efficient powertrain.

08-10-2022, 08:57 AM	#1
azuki First Lieutenant 330 Rep 300 Posts Drives: 2023 230i Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Texas, USA iTrader: (0)	230i is BMW's Brilliant-Driving Best Kept Secret - Review by The Smoking Tire Featured on BIMMERPOST.com I liked the commentary on this review! 4k 60fps is a plus too, feels like playing gran turismo lol. loving the back more and more, already love the front! the waiting kills me
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08-10-2022, 11:02 AM	#2
Diet Pepsi Enlisted Member 212 Rep 40 Posts Drives: past: 335i coupe 6spd Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Phoenix iTrader: (0)	Hate to be that guy, but if they offered a manual....
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08-10-2022, 11:31 AM	#4
Germanauto Major General 9703 Rep 6,084 Posts Drives: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Rosso Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	I drive these roads occasionally and rarely feel the need for more power. It's all about nimbleness. The 230 fits the bill. __________________ Former -2008 E90 328 black/brown -2012 Lexus IS250 black/black Last edited by Germanauto; 08-10-2022 at 11:37 AM..
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08-10-2022, 01:17 PM	#6
Habber Colonel 3515 Rep 2,005 Posts Drives: BMW M3 2024 Brooklyn Grey SOLD Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Canada iTrader: (1) Garage List [9.83]	Isn't that why so many people like the Miata? Less power but very light and controllable?
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08-10-2022, 01:45 PM	#7
MPR Lieutenant Colonel 1811 Rep 1,954 Posts Drives: 22 BMW M240i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	If I bought a 230 I would regret not getting the 240 every day
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08-10-2022, 02:52 PM	#8
M2PDX Lieutenant Colonel 2939 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	If it came with a manual I would buy it in a heartbeat!
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08-10-2022, 03:09 PM	#9
playswcars ///M-Thusiast 3634 Rep 936 Posts Drives: '23 X5 M50i Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Zurich iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [0.00]	Not a fan of Farah.. __________________ Current: 2023 G05 X5 M50i xDrive Soon: 2024 G87 M2 Past: G80 M3x, G80 M3, G05 X5, F82 M4, F87 M2C, F20 M140i
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08-10-2022, 07:12 PM	#14
bquatt Second Lieutenant 219 Rep 262 Posts Drives: 2020 330xi m-sport Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	The B48 is a great engine and deserves respect. Farah is spot on. Not everyone needs the power of an M340 or M3. The 2/330 are great, fun daily drivers. The excess of todays world has caused some people to become numb to what was once very great performance. Not everyone needs 3 second 0-60 times. By no means am I arguing that the B48 models are superior but it's refreshing to see a car enthusiast give respect to the "lesser" models.
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08-10-2022, 07:22 PM	#15
MPR Lieutenant Colonel 1811 Rep 1,954 Posts Drives: 22 BMW M240i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I was surprised on the closing where he said the 230 was pretty much enough, good to see him give it some respect
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08-10-2022, 10:33 PM	#16
dr_frankfurter non-essential 504 Rep 452 Posts Drives: '21 330i Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	The 230i weighs in at 3,519 lbs while the M240i (RWD) weighs 3,749. I think the 230 pound weight penalty is more than worth it for the B58.
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08-10-2022, 11:20 PM	#18
azuki First Lieutenant 330 Rep 300 Posts Drives: 2023 230i Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Texas, USA iTrader: (0)	everyone will have their own special reason to get a 230i or a m240i. for me I'm not a "want more power" person, I'm a 5'4'' asian guy that likes tech and wants a cute little coupe bmw
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08-10-2022, 11:59 PM	#19
donnyfontaine Private First Class 175 Rep 198 Posts Drives: Porsche macan Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: NE USA iTrader: (0)	The G42 is just so compelling. Want something that’s sufficient when merging and fun on back roads? We got you. Want something that’s faster than most older Ms, and still pretty fun on back roads? We also got you
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08-11-2022, 06:05 AM	#21
CarsAndGuitars Lieutenant 2064 Rep 544 Posts Drives: 2022 M240i Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: South FL iTrader: (0)	In 2014 to avoid buyers remorse, my wife made me get the larger Hemi Scat Pack (392 / 6.4L vs the 5.7). After 3 years, I got a little tired of keeping on top of it all the time, and went to an Audi A5. I gave up the power for manners. Talk about engineering out the fun. I didnt have many regrets getting out of the Challenger itself, but counted the days till I got out of my Audi lease 5 months early. My new 240 is in the same league as the Dodge in straightline (maybe exceeds it) and I can easily state is the best car I have owned in 40+ years of driving.
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08-11-2022, 06:29 AM	#22
TheStanman Private First Class 318 Rep 183 Posts Drives: 992 C2S Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Totally agree with this review. Ironic that one of BMW's cheapest cars is also it's purest driver's car and most akin to what made BMW famous. I remember when BMW was so adamant about a 50-50 weight distribution. I think this is closest to that of any current BMW? I do wish the B48 had a bit more character, but it is an incredibly effective and efficient powertrain.
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