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      04-24-2014, 08:21 PM   #1
math4scher
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Driving myself crazy - please help!

Driving myself crazy/going back and forth between: 2015 228i with Track Handling Package, M Sport, Manual, Premium Package, Technology Package, Driver's Assist, Driver's Assist Plus, Lighting Package, Harmon Kardon or similarly loaded 2014 M235i for approximately $5000 more? I would really appreciate your insights to help me pull the trigger on the right car for me - members on this forum are/have been so very helpful.

A little about me: I'm 65, I have never taken a car to the track, I have always driven a manual, I'm anxious to purchase but I could be patient so I buy the right car for me -as I do not want buyer's remorse, I could afford either but I teach/I'm closing in on retirement, present car is a 2011 Audi A4 Prestige and previous cars: VW Eos, Acura RSX, Acura RSX, VW Passat, Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Ford Pinto.

Thanks so very much for taking the time to help!
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      04-24-2014, 08:33 PM   #2
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Buyer remorse only happens when you dont get the best/top of the line....get the 235, there's no such thing as too much HP
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      04-24-2014, 08:57 PM   #3
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Is the M235i a 6MT? If so, go for the gusto!
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      04-24-2014, 09:09 PM   #4
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I'm gonna go with the crowd here and vote for the 235. I was in a similar situation and did away with a lot of the bells and whistles to get the 235 down into my price range. If the $5000 is not a major sticking point for you then this should be an easy decision.
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      04-24-2014, 09:22 PM   #5
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My advice would be to go for the M235. Further, I'd drop the Premium pkg frills, and the leather as well. The BMW Sensatec leatherette is BETTER. I don't know if you can get manual with the M235, but even if you can I'd recommend the ZF 8 speed sport auto with shift paddles. Every bit as "involving" as the manual, and faster, too. I'm 74. I'm guessing like me you've done hundreds of thousands of double clutch, heel and toe downshifts - all with perfect rev matching of course - and after awhile, boring. Try something a little different. I don't think the 8 speed sport auto will disappoint.
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      04-24-2014, 09:25 PM   #6
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I'm 66. I've had numerous performance cars, some high horsepower, but never a BMW until now. Like you, I carefully thought about 235 vs 228. I wanted a car that would come close to replicating the balance of useful/useable power and handling found in my test drives of older BMW models. Lots of tire burning horses is fun for awhile, but I don't see it as necessary for me any longer. I'm due to pick up my 228i 6-speed with M-sport next week at the Performance Center. I'm confident it will be a well-balanced car to drive spiritedly when desired with just 240 hp.
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      04-24-2014, 09:29 PM   #7
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it really depends what you want!!

When I got my 128i, I got a 128i loaded with options instead of the 135i. At this point in time, I wasn't really into performance vehicles. I cared more about the fancy tech and premium stuff.

I regret not getting a 135i after 4 years. I LOVE MY 128i SOO MUCH!! It is what got me into cars to begin with. However, looking back and seeing I paid $550 for an "iPod/usb adapter" option is a joke.

Moonroof? $1,000 that I use maybe once or twice since Texas weather likes to go from extreme hot to extreme cold.

Heated seats? 500 They were already on the car, but don't need them for Texas weather!



My brother was a smart man and had gotten a 135i with 0 options for 36k? back in 2008 when they came out?

Now I am getting an M235i
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      04-24-2014, 09:30 PM   #8
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+1 on the 235. Understand you can afford fully loaded but not sure even at "money is no object" you'll really use all that stuff. If you plan to keep the car and you can live without some of the questionable upgrades (ie premium vs just leather) you can get a VERY nice 235, with extended maintenance/warranty and a set of winter wheels and tires for the same money.
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      04-24-2014, 09:34 PM   #9
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I would get the M235i with Manual tranny. No question in my mind. I am 70 next month, and am trading in my 135i 6MT for a new MINI Cooper S with 6MT. If you enjoy driving and being involved in it, manual is the only way to go.

Just my 2c. You do what is best for you.
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      04-24-2014, 09:40 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tuco44 View Post
I would get the M235i with Manual tranny. No question in my mind. I am 70 next month, and am trading in my 135i 6MT for a new MINI Cooper S with 6MT. If you enjoy driving and being involved in it, manual is the only way to go.

Just my 2c. You do what is best for you.
You'll love the Mini. My cousin has a dozen cars, GT3, Dino, Alfa 4C en route, etc. etc.. His DD is a Mini Cooper S and he swears by it.
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      04-24-2014, 09:45 PM   #11
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honestly if you're at a point where its only 5k diff, you should go with the m235i. your already paying a lot, why not get the best? also when i first saw the 228i in person, i mistook it as a m235 and was super disappointed. can't beat the aggressive look.
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      04-24-2014, 10:54 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
You'll love the Mini. My cousin has a dozen cars, GT3, Dino, Alfa 4C en route, etc. etc.. His DD is a Mini Cooper S and he swears by it.
Thanks. The new S has a BMW 2L modular engine, B48. Previous Gen 2 MINIs had a BMW-Peugeot engine that had some issues. Looking forward to getting that little sucker, but it's a 3 month wait, just like BMWs.
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      04-25-2014, 03:29 AM   #13
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Wow, 11 replies already. As I alluded to before, everyone on this forum is so helpful/informative. Thanks for the valuable insights so far. I would greatly appreciate hearing more.
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      04-25-2014, 03:36 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CMDRRET View Post
I'm 66. I've had numerous performance cars, some high horsepower, but never a BMW until now. Like you, I carefully thought about 235 vs 228. I wanted a car that would come close to replicating the balance of useful/useable power and handling found in my test drives of older BMW models. Lots of tire burning horses is fun for awhile, but I don't see it as necessary for me any longer. I'm due to pick up my 228i 6-speed with M-sport next week at the Performance Center. I'm confident it will be a well-balanced car to drive spirited when desired with just 240 hp.
A very similar scenario as mine - it makes me think this is the way to go until someone else says if it's only about $5000, then go for the gusto/get the very best. On the other hand "a well-balanced car to drive spirited when desired" sounds like the car for me. One could see how I'm driving myself crazy as I go back and forth. Could you please share your exact build with me. THANKS!
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      04-25-2014, 03:38 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tuco44 View Post
I would get the M235i with Manual tranny. No question in my mind. I am 70 next month, and am trading in my 135i 6MT for a new MINI Cooper S with 6MT. If you enjoy driving and being involved in it, manual is the only way to go.

Just my 2c. You do what is best for you.

My wife has had two Mini Coopers in a row and she loves them! Thanks for your valuable 2c.
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      04-25-2014, 03:40 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SmallTownBoy View Post
Is the M235i a 6MT? If so, go for the gusto!
Yes, it's between 2015 228i manual and the 2014 M335i manual. Thanks for sharing.
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      04-25-2014, 03:46 AM   #17
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Awesome input/advice so far - thanks! What about the 2015 (228i) versus the 2014 (M235i) perspective?

I'm concerned that the 2015 might come out with options that they don't offer now and I just might like - for instance: HUD and/or blind spot alert or whatever else. These aren't deal breakers for me, but they'd be nice to have. As I alluded to in my previous post, I'm worried about having buyer's remorse with a $50,000 car purchase. THANKS!
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      04-25-2014, 03:57 AM   #18
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I'm thinking that a 2015 228i with the Track Handling Package, being approx. 300 lbs lighter than the M235i might just be almost as fun to drive?

I never ever had/drove a 6-cylinder car - so I really don't know what's that like compared to a 4-cylinder car or otherwise. I don't know what I could be missing!
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      04-25-2014, 03:59 AM   #19
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Get the m 235 i with lsd and some pref. parts, life is way too short man!!!
Actually if i was you i'll get the m3/4 if you have the $$$.
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      04-25-2014, 04:03 AM   #20
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My dealership is only alloted one slot initially for each of the 2015 228i and the 2015 M235i. I could have either one, but I have to act quickly - so time is of the essence. I was also told that there would be no discounts on the 2015's at first, because they are so new. However, I do have TrueCar Savings Certificates for the 2014 M235i and can save about $1000 off the MSRP - good deal?
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      04-25-2014, 04:07 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by valentinbmw View Post
Get the m 235 i with lsd and some pref. parts, life is way too short man!!!
Actually if i was you i'll get the m3/4 if you have the $$$.
I agree life is way too short. However, I've been a Math Teacher for 43 years and I certainly do not have the money. Buying a car for $50,000 is somewhat of a stretch, but life is too short - thus, I will spend that kind of money to enjoy probably my last manual as I am getting older. Thanks!
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      04-25-2014, 04:09 AM   #22
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Go for it don't think to much about it, i got the m 235 and i couln't be happier, the 6 sounds awesome, if you can, get upgrade the breaks...
If you are going to track it.
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