My 328d lease is coming to an end and while I just love the car, I am thinking of something else for a fun weekend driver.
Read a number of 228 reviews, most seem to be positive.
So I am toying with the idea of getting a 228i, RWD, with a 6-speed stick. In this configuration, would it be a pretty reliable car? No auto, no transfer case.
This would not be a daily driver just a car for getaways and an occasional car show.
Are there particular years that are better than others?
My 2015 is now past 5 years in service from the 2014 delivery date. Early on, the dealer fixed a rattle. That has been it. RWD, 6 MT, Track Handling Package.
'14 228i M sport here. 6sp. Bought CPO about 3yrs ago at 22k miles. Now closing in on 40k. Only odd issue was a clip that broke holding e-brake wire or something. Sounded like loose change rolling around in center console when I accelerated hard. Really odd. $400 to fix. Not covered under wty. Other than that zero issues. Really enjoy it.
You want to be wary of (i.e. avoid) early-2015's and earlier N20/N26 engines. They have problems with the timing chain and tensioner. Google is your friend. BMW fixed the problem with later engine, starting with January 2015 engine production. But, it might have taken a month of two for the pre-fix engines to get installed in cars.
The F22's going out of production soon. This is the last chance to get a new, non-M BMW with a manual transmission.
AP,
"The F22's going out of production soon. This is the last chance to get a new, non-M BMW with a manual transmission."
Are you sure or are you just saying that the 2020 F22 will make way for the 2021 model? I hear that the F23 convertible will cease productions but I am thinking the F22 will still be produced.
The F22 came out in late 2013 as a MY 2014. So, it's been around a full seven years. That's the normal run for a BMW "platform." I recall my last BMW salesman said F22 production would end in March or April 2020. But his lips were moving, so me might have been "mistaken."
It costs about as much for BMW to make a 230i and it does for them to make a similarly equipped 430i. The curb weights are less that 200 pounds different. The F22 is a "loss leader:" lower prices, less profit, but it increases sales volume and keeps people out of Audi dealerships.
Sales of the F22's have dropped off. Heck, sales of the F87 M2C have dropped off to the point that they're now discounting them. 4-doors sell better, even in small cars. People who buy small two-doors generally only plan on carrying one passenger, and that's a small group of potential customers.
It wouldn't surprise me if BMW stops making the RWD 2 Series after the F22/23/87 are gone. There aren't any news articles and "spy photos" of a F22/23/87 replacement on the Interwebs.
My high school dream car was a BMW 2002: small, two-door, RWD, manual transmission. My cousin-in-law had one that he'd let me drive. The 230i is about the closest thing around to a 2002. The M240i is about the closest thing around to a 2002tii. I was at Spartanburg picking up a 535i when the M235i came out. They'd dusted off the 2002tii they had in the museum there, put some gas in it, and were letting journalist play with both cars on the track.
I've thought about replacing my 2014 535i early with a 230i before they're gone. But, my 535i has a manual (built in the last week they made 535i manuals), it's in great shape, and it's only worth about $19k now. I can't justify throwing in $30k to downgrade to a 230i.
Frau Putzer's X3 30i is our first automatic BMW. I've come to terms with it, to the point that my 535i will likely get replaced with a 330i when the time comes in three or four years.
Thanks. Not up on my BMW numbering series What exactly is the G42/GB87?
I purchased the last year the Toyota Solara convertible was made and now the last year of the BMW 2 series convertible!
I'm a jinx for convertibles.
I had to circle back and look at the work order: broken e brake tube mount. Only part was a $10.99 clip retainer. But labor to tear down and fix, out the door..$446.66. Rubbing sound coming from under armrest area.
2014 228i M sport 6sp. Other than that issue rock solid great car.
Nope these are the last of the mohicans as far as small RWD, manual fun to drive BMW. No other new BMW interests me really..I'd prob just go new '20 corolla SE next if I were getting a new car tomorrow.
I had to circle back and look at the work order: broken e brake tube mount. Only part was a $10.99 clip retainer. But labor to tear down and fix, out the door..$446.66. Rubbing sound coming from under armrest area.
2014 228i M sport 6sp. Other than that issue rock solid great car.
Nope these are the last of the mohicans as far as small RWD, manual fun to drive BMW. No other new BMW interests me really..I'd prob just go new '20 corolla SE next if I were getting a new car tomorrow.
I keep a beater. I get a special deal on GM stuff, so my last two have been new GM vehicles. My Chevy Cobalt SS will soon be 13 years old, have 125k miles, and will need tires. I refuse to put $1000 of tires on a $2500 car. But, the choices for new GM passenger cars are now so limited that I've opened up the window to other makes, adding the Corolla SE and the Ford Transit Express ("the thinking man's pick-up truck") to the list.
It's easier to smoothly engage the clutch on my Cobalt SS than it is on my 535i. … better throttle response too, thanks to natural aspiration.
Autoputzer..you're posts are a trip. You deep dive everything! haha. Yeah I could never have a GM anything..even beater..but I'm sure you've run the numbers and it's most cost effective. I've test driven a couple corolla SE's lately..CVT and 6sp. Really impressed. Probably the best daily one could have. Just worry I'd miss the 228 too much, it's paid for etc. I only commute 2mi RT per day. I'd prob go CVT in the corolla since it's so good. The stick is good too but the car feels a little light in the pants with the manual. I think the '20 corolla SE is real homerun with the tech, safety, and just looks really good too. Great stance.
I'm an old geezer. Even the Corolla SE's ricey styling is annoying to me. But, modern M cars' ricey styling is also annoying to me. I don't even like M Sport Packages on non-M BMW's. I'm hoping my next go-fast, look-cool car will be a 911.
I own a 2002 z3 with less than 65,000 original miles. Actual miles 61,000 I want to sell it; the car does need a lot of TLC the car does run great. I would like to get at least $5,000.00 for it or, best offer. The car is not the M version, it has a 5 speed manual transmission 2.5 liter straight 6 engine.
I***8217;ve had a 228i manual, M Sport, well equipped, custom ordered, for over 5 yrs, about 30K mi.
Out of many prior and current German cars including several BMWs, this one ranks #1 in pleasure to drive and in the top 2 for build quality.
Reliability has been just perfect, never ever a single issue.
Not a single squeak or rattle anywhere.
Every day, whatever the weather or my mood, it would make me smile and happy the second I sat in it.
So I would strongly recommend that model, you should of course carefully check the prior maintenance and care.
Certainly would echo the sentiment my M sport certainly does make me happy the second I sit in it. M Sport manuals are tough to find. In the new year I'll prob have to do tires and will go with the OEM Bridgestone Potenza RF's on now...will prob run about $1500.
Bought My 2014 M235i with 9300 miles on it because it had the dealer installed LSD already. took it in for a recall fuel pump but other than that not a single hiccup at 57k miles. It is a collision magnet though. was rearended while cruising at 70mph on interstate 40 in NC. then a truck ran a redlight and clipped the front bumper. lastly got a vicious parking lot ding that left a ding 1/4 inch deep and a half inch across... Mechanically though its been perfect!
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