228i Specs

With the upcoming 228i getting the N20, I am assuming it will roughly just be a nimbler and perhaps slightly quicker version of the 328i sedan (~34mpg highway, etc.), and would probably start around $34k. Should I have reason to believe otherwise on any of these assumptions?

I know that enthusiasts are excited about the M235i, but for my uses the fuel efficiency of the N20 is preferable and the F30 is a little bigger than I'd like, though I like the 4 doors. Not sure I can wait for the 2 GC. Too bad they are not bringing a 228d. Maybe they'll surprise me and offer the 328d in a manual, in which case might go that route.

Originally Posted by DJ Vitamin Zee

With the upcoming 228i getting the N20, I am assuming it will roughly just be a nimbler and perhaps slightly quicker version of the 328i sedan (~34mpg highway, etc.), and would probably start around $34k. Should I have reason to believe otherwise on any of these assumptions?

I know that enthusiasts are excited about the M235i, but for my uses the fuel efficiency of the N20 is preferable and the F30 is a little bigger than I'd like, though I like the 4 doors. Not sure I can wait for the 2 GC. Too bad they are not bringing a 228d. Maybe they'll surprise me and offer the 328d in a manual, in which case might go that route.

Sounds reasonable to me. Probably won't have a list price higher than the 320 so 34k at most I'd think. Might even be less since the current 128 starts around 31 and they probably won't want to introduce that big a price jump.

Sonuds like we will eventually get a 328d but maybe not on your timeframe. I'm in the same boat; have a lease on an e92 that ends next year. a 2 GC would be perfect but I can't wait that long.

Originally Posted by bmw325

I'm in the same boat; have a lease on an e92 that ends next year. a 2 GC would be perfect but I can't wait that long.

Thanks for the reply. Anyone have guesses as to the difference in driving dynamics between the 228i and 328i? Will a few inches in length and a few hundred pounds make any significant impact?

I test drove a 328i manual yesterday. It was very nice but, like I feared, felt a little big as a commuter car (45 miles each way). I would have preferred a little more sporty and a little less luxury. A little disappointed in the pick-up at low RPMs. I know I shouldn't expect much from a fuel-efficient 4-cyl turbo, but I wanted the car to feel just a little sportier than it did. I've recently driven both my friend's 2004 manual 330ci as well as a 2010 328xi automatic wagon, and both felt like they had significantly better giddy-up. Of course they both are 6-cyl and get 20% worse fuel economy as well. :-)

I'd probably give up the 4 doors and get a 2-series if the difference in driving dynamics was better than the 3.

Closest thing we have to go on at this point are reviews of the current 125i (basically a slightly detuned version of what bmw gives with the x28 motor):
http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/2012...-review/263658

Originally Posted by bmw325

Closest thing we have to go on at this point are reviews of the current 125i

Right, thanks. I didn't realize the 125i also uses the N20. I always expect first-year models to have kinks, but if the 228i has a lot in common with the 125i then those could perhaps be minimalized.