[P454905]

Hey guys, it's time for me to finally get a new car. I'm trying to decide between a 228i with the M-Sport package, lighting package, and the technology package for the MSRP of $39,025, a m235i with the technology package for the MSRP of $46,125, and a 428i with the technology package for the MSRP of $45,450. All Alpine White (I know I'm boring but it's what I like) and the harman/kardon premium sound.

I definitely prefer the style of the 4 series and the standard features over the 2 series, so I've pretty much eliminated the m235i. But the $6,000+ difference inprice between the 228i and 428i is appealing. Keep in mind I'm not a gearhead or planning to go to the track, so things like LSD, x-drive, mods, etc. aren't important to me. Would the resale value of a 4 series be significantly better? I'm sure there's a lot of factors I'm not considering here... Thanks for any help

[puma1552]

$6k is a lot of money when you start shaking out monthly payments, and is indeed tough to ignore. Though I'm not considering the 235i, I did take a peek at a 428 and see if I could live with a virtually bare bones 428i but in the end, it's still more expensive than a decently optioned 228i and it will have the same engine as the more nimble 228i. Add in the better Msport suspension on the 228i, and the door pretty much closes on the 428i, even though I do agree that the 4 series styling is better.

I don't think resale will make much difference on either model, probably be about the same.

[P454905]

Glad someone is in the same boat as me! I should also say that I'm a person who keeps their car 8-10 years (part of my personal economic philosophy), so that only works out to an extra $600-750/yr. for the 4 series vs the 2.

[jetblackone]

What car does you inner child want ?

[Math]

I agree that the 4 series is (a lot) better looking. But is it worth the 6grand? Especially with the same engine in it, the 2 is going to be a better ride. And its not ugly at all, its just competing with the top-line 4 series...
I vote 228!
Good luck and let us know

[vinny84]

If you need extra space in the back, go with the 428i.

Otherwise, save some money and go with the 228i.

[Vervain]

Originally Posted by vinny84

If you need extra space in the back, go with the 428i.

Otherwise, save some money and go with the 228i.

+1

[pocoyo_3]

Saw the mentions on the M-Sport suspension being different between the 228i and 428i. Does anyone know what the details are and why the 228i's M-Sport suspension is considered better?

[Wheelwright]

Originally Posted by vinny84

If you need extra space in the back, go with the 428i.

Otherwise, save some money and go with the 228i.

Wrong. 4-series has less headroom in the back because of swooping roofline (style > function). When it comes to rear legroom my 1-series is quite tolerable and 2-series only improves on that.

[psuibmw]

As you said, if you keep your car for 8 to 10 years, then the price difference is negligible. Let's say you keep the car for 8 years, that translates to $750 a year, or $62.50 a month. You can get it by skipping that fancy dinner once a month. I would drive both and decide which one makes me happier!!!

[markmatthews]

Originally Posted by Wheelwright

Wrong. 4-series has less headroom in the back because of swooping roofline (style > function). When it comes to rear legroom my 1-series is quite tolerable and 2-series only improves on that.

Have you been inside the back of a 4-series? It has a surprising amount of head room. I've only sat in the 1 series' back in the dealership so don't quite remember, but I'm pretty sure the F32 has a much bigger back area.

For the OP, I would get the 235i. For me the N55 is a big deciding factor as we drive in straight lines 99% of the time, and the extra power/torque is important to me.

[Seagull]

Originally Posted by markmatthews

Have you been inside the back of a 4-series? It has a surprising amount of head room. I've only sat in the 1 series' back in the dealership so don't quite remember, but I'm pretty sure the F32 has a much bigger back area.

For the OP, I would get the 235i. For me the N55 is a big deciding factor as we drive in straight lines 99% of the time, and the extra power/torque is important to me.

Yeah, the back seat was fine for me on the F32. I guess it depends on the height your anticipated guests. In terms of rear leg room, it was definitely fine. I wonder what the ( usable ) trunk space difference would be.

[Wheelwright]

Originally Posted by Seagull

Yeah, the back seat was fine for me on the F32. I guess it depends on the height your anticipated guests. In terms of rear leg room, it was definitely fine. I wonder what the ( usable ) trunk space difference would be.

Below reviewer found rear headroom severely lacking in 4-series and he is not even tall:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...ltxiP0WE#t=296

[Swadeness]

Drive/sit in/play with all of them. Get familiar with all the option packages to know what you like and what has real world usability to you. And you don't have to be a gear head or track your car to enjoy the added thrust the 235 will give you. That being said, a fully optioned 228 MSport is going to be a fantastic car.

Whatever you chose. The best thing you can do is order the car exactly as you want it. Be patient and don't compromise. There is no better way to purchase a BMW than to get it delivered exactly as you want it and "Virgin" (not abused on test drives or sitting out on the lot for two months).

[Seagull]

Originally Posted by Wheelwright

Below reviewer found rear headroom severely lacking in 4-series and he is not even tall:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...ltxiP0WE#t=296

That's great. I'm 5'7". It was okay for me. Must be the hair cut.... This is why you have to actually sit in it yourself and make a judgement.

As the other poster said, sit/drive it yourself. You will never know for sure unless you do this. Do not blatantly discard F32 vs F22 unless you know for a fact something is not suitable for you/your needs. Unfortunately most things aren't black and white in life. Also, this lets you test drive both

[P454905]

Thanks guys for all of the responses! I definitely will be test driving all 3.

I agree with a lot of the points that have been made, my heart is telling me the 4, but brain is telling me the 2

I'll keep you guys updated

By the way, extra room is not a factor for me, 5'9", single 27 year old, no kids, and no pets.

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by Seagull

Yeah, the back seat was fine for me on the F32. I guess it depends on the height your anticipated guests. In terms of rear leg room, it was definitely fine. I wonder what the ( usable ) trunk space difference would be.

Originally Posted by Seagull

That's great. I'm 5'7". It was okay for me. Must be the hair cut.... This is why you have to actually sit in it yourself and make a judgement.

Sorry...no offense. But you should never be giving your input on legroom and headroom in a car, being only 5'7".

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by markmatthews

Have you been inside the back of a 4-series? It has a surprising amount of head room. I've only sat in the 1 series' back in the dealership so don't quite remember, but I'm pretty sure the F32 has a much bigger back area.

How tall are you? My head easily hits the roof in an E92 rear seats. I haven't sat in the back of a F32. Can you compare it to the E92 headroom.

[Seagull]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

Sorry...no offense. But you should never be giving your input on legroom and headroom in a car, being only 5'7".

LOL, love the disadvantages of tall people... especially on flights.

.... and that goes to my point to review for yourself and test drive.

[puma1552]

I'm glad I'm 5'5".

[Math]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

How tall are you? My head easily hits the roof in an E92 rear seats. I haven't sat in the back of a F32. Can you compare it to the E92 headroom.

Well I sat in an F32 today and the back is really cramped. I couldn't even sit up straight without hitting the ceiling! I'm not that tall, 178cm (so about 5'10"). Even my little 1 series hatch has a lot more headroom in the rear. Legroom I would say was ok but that depends on the person sitting in front ofcourse.

[Math]

Originally Posted by markmatthews

Have you been inside the back of a 4-series? It has a surprising amount of head room.

I'm sorry but thats just not true. I don't know what car you're comparing it to.