Used 2017 BMW 2 Series Consumer Reviews
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I bought this car to drive for fun
I bought the basic 'plain Jane' model because I already own a 2016 5 series which we use for long trips. Never was really considering this model until I drove it at the dealership....it was fun. I am 72 years old and 6'2" and yes, I go through a circus act to get in the back seat area. But in reality, at home there is only the wife and myself. If we have to share the car with adult passengers, you can make it work. Frankly, I enjoy just getting out and driving this little coupe. I have taken it out on a road trip, and it is a comfortable ride. It is not made to be a luxuary riding vehicle, so yes, you will feel bumps..so what? My only complaint is that the seat belt is a far reach behind me, and I do not have satellite radio, or a navagation system but like I say...I bought the 'plain jane' and I can live without the extras......after all, I grew up in those years where you paid extra for an AC radio, and later, air conditioning was extra when it came on autos. The insturment panel reminds me of the old racing cars. This 4 cylinder turbo gas car has neck popping pick up, tracks true and will hug the curves. It is comfortable, and BMW put some style and nice lines on this car. Take a test drive and see if you remember when you once had a car that put a smile on your face, just driving no where in particular. December 29, 2016: My review of this car remains unchanged. Believe it or not, I wrote BMW about the navagation system on my 5 series asking why, with all their technical knowledge, they did not have a simple way to update navagation. My 2 series does not have navigation, but I solved it with a 10 year old Nuvi I put on the console held with a rubber band when I took a long trip. I get free life time updates on a hand held Nuvi that I paid around $200 for, and it has voice directions and shows filling stations hospitals etc...everything the high priced autos have, only the new car systems of major brands, are already 2 to 3 years old when they hit the show room floor. I can update my Nuvi by plugging it into my computer. I get ALL of North America on it. Right down to the new bypass installed around a park near my home. Again. I love driving the 228i. Have had absolutly no problems with it, hugs the road and curves. Great pickup and will get you around slow moving traffic in a flash on the expressway. You can also pack more into the trunk then you think. I do carry an air pump and a can of sealant because I have run flat tires, and while they have been no problem, I am just old school and needed peace of mind. UPDATE Jan 2018. I traded in the 228i for a 2017 M240 series. It was like saying goodbye to a family member, but I wanted to move up to a six cylinder with more options. The 228i did not remain on the lot of the dealers very long, and hopefully the new owners realize it was well cared for. The dealer did not even have to have it detailed for the advertising photos as I do that to my cars as a hobby. UPDATE July 2019. I still have a photo of the 228 in the garage. Was a great car.
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Do It All M240i xDrive
I love this car. I live in the midwest so decided to get xDrive, which is only available with the 8 speed ZF automatic. My last 4 BMW's had manual transmissions and rear wheel drive but I wanted a car that handled well in both good and bad weather and one my wife wouldn't complain too loudly about driving occasionally. I can't afford to buy both a weekend fair weather car and a commuter car for year round driving so I bought a car that does both well. The car is a rocket-the xDrive is faster than its' manual or automatic rear drive counterparts and only about .1 second slower to 60 than the M2. I do miss the manual trans. but this ZF is unreal, upshifting and downshifting when it should. I wish BMW would go to a touch screen interface for radio, nav., etc. because the iDrive can be tedious. The car could use a couple more USB ports-there's ONE in the console, that's it. Voice recognition works great for both on board and Siri use with Apple Car Play. The 360 degree distance sensors are excellent and will even warn you of a curb your front or rear end is about to scrape. Haven't tried auto-park yet. The suspension adjusts from firm to firmer, but hey, I didn't buy the car to drive grandma to church. Trunk room is more than adequate and the rear seats fold if more room is needed. Before I bought the BMW I looked at the Camaro SS-like sitting in a tank, no visibility (but that LT1 sounds fantastic!) and the Ford Mustang GT-nice but bland. Both Camaro and Mustang have less rear seat room than the BMW, which has adequate leg room but limited head room (those over 5'5 will be uncomfortable). They also had belt lines so high you couldn't rest your arm on the door. I find myself looking for excuses to drive this car-it reminds me of my first BMW, a '69 2002, but on steroids. In an age when cars are constantly getting bigger and heavier BMW has gone the other direction and created a modern day throwback-thanks, BMW! Update-I now have 12700 miles on the car and love it more than ever. I had a Dinan Elite piggyback ecu mod. installed which raised hp to 414 and torque to 479lb ft and has a warranty that is the same as factory, 4 years/50,000 miles. Wow, talk about making something great into something special-blindingly fast but still quiet-no drama just seamless speed. The car and I are one, she is an extension of me. I dream, like all car nuts do, of having other cars but the bottom line is that for the money I can't think of a car I'd rather have as a daily driver; it's near perfection.
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- 230i xDrive SULEV CoupeMSRP: $20,20474 mi away
- 230i SULEV ConvertibleMSRP: $22,000160 mi away
- M240i xDrive CoupeMSRP: $29,990177 mi away
Great toy
The car is a great toy for the mid life crisis male without kids to haul around anymore. Great performance without being too flashy, very practical for the day to day use, can be both a regular commute car and the car to have fun with. Hits the sweet spot for me of practicality, comfort and features, power, convenience and fuel economy. I have the manual RWD option, and the car is surprisingly well balanced and stable. All the electronic nannies manage to keep the car jumpy enough to give you good thrills without really putting you in dangerous situations. Want more fun, just disable most nannies and engage the sports driving mode with a couple of button pushes. Want a comfortable commute, just set it in eco pro mode, with a smooth suspension and more sedate engine configuration. The summer tires are an absolute blast to drive on and I got a set of studless winter tires for the cold weather, which worked remarkably well in snow and ice. I was a bit worried about a RWD car this powerful in the snow, but winter tires work wonders, handle better than an AWD with all seasons. Love this car, and got a really good deal purchased late in the year.
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WOW! Hold On!
I have owned the car for about a month so far. Love it in sport plus with the DSC off. I have had the car sideways a few times and it is fun. The late lock-up of the active differential does sometimes catch me off guard and I have to struggle to keep it under control or can spin out. The car is capable an a hoot to drive with acceleration that will keep you scanning down the road a ways as it gobbles up the pavement. My modified 2007 Scion tC is fun to drive, but this car is the definition of ultimate driving. The title of this review came from the car, the center display actually displayed that message on one of my sideways excursions. Kudos to BMW on bringing driving back.
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Great Car So Far
I bought a 2017 230i coupe. I ordered it from my local dealership. It took about 2 1/2 months to arrive. I've had the car about 7 months. So far it's been a great car. I had one electrical issue when the car was only a few weeks old. It was fixed and no problems since. It's a fun car to drive and it handles really well. It's only a 4 cylinder but the twin turbos provide more than adequate acceleration. No other car that I've had drives quite as nicely as a BMW does. I've had the car for about a year now. I still really enjoy driving it. I would definitely recommend the 230i coupe. A fun car to drive and I get about 30 mpg. I've now had the car for about 2 1/2 years and I still really enjoy it. Rides well and it has been reliable. The only complaint is that the tires from the factory didn't last very long. I had to replace them after only about 25,000 miles.
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M Performance Icon--M235i
The best value in a BMW projecting M performance. Consumer Report's highest rated BMW model ever!
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Fun car to own and drive.
I have owned this 230xi convertible for 38 months and have 28,000 miles on it. I drove it to Fla. in 2017 accounting for 3,000 miles. I got 34 mpg and it held the road very well. The front seats are very comfortable but the back seats are short on legroom and somewhat difficult to enter and exit. I knew this shortcoming when I bought the car and a 9 yr. old is the only passenger in the back. The performance is excellent and I have had no mechanical difficulties. The service was free for 3 yrs./36 K miles! (the last free service was in Sept. 2019). The warranty is 48 months/50,000 miles. I strongly recommend this car. (The 2019 is unchanged). Purchased in Oct. 2016. In convertible weather with the top down, I get a lot of compliments—it is navy blue metallic with a cognac leather interior—very striking
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The M235i xDrive is an absolutely Favotite Car
I have owned most BMW models throughout my life. M models as well as X's, 3's, 5's & 7 series. This is my most fun car to drive and a very quiet cabin. It's hard to read some of the negative reviews in which people had a completely different experience with their 2 series. The M235i xDrive is not a cheap car. Options add up quickly but leaves me with a big smile while driving. When it's time to take it out look forward to the drive. Was looking at getting the 2016 X1 but it did not put a smile on my face. It was boring to drive and rode just OK. Tried the M235i xDrive and loved it right away. Bought one less than 1 week later. 2016 is the last year of BMW's 4year/50,000 mile COMPLETE warranty. Everything is covered except tires. No more so I opted not to wait for the M340i. I believe it is as good as most reviewers say. Consumer Reports gave it a score of 94. Get it, enjoy it.
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If you ever owned a 2002tii you will love this car
This car provides great handling with barely noticeable body roll. The variety of driving mode options allows great fuel economy if wanted for your daily commute, (I'm currently running 25.1mpg on an 9 tank combined freeway/city average ), or if on the open road great handling, and fantastic acceleration. Steering provides just the right amount of feedback. Trunk space is good for a car this size. If you frequently have back seat passengers, forget it, but I don't so i really can't find anything I don't like about this car. Other things I like are the ability to load 30gb of music onto the cars hard drive, and as a long time manual transmission snob, I find the the 8 speed automatic sublime. I'm 6'3", 175lbs, so while getting in and out of the car is a little bit awkward, moving the seat back when exiting makes it easier, but hey, what sports car is easy to get into? I can achieve perfect seat and mirror positioning with the electric seats. Which by the way are remarkably comfortable. If you are the type of person who starts the car up and just uses the same driving mode you will love it; but if you are someone who spends the time to understand all the features and variety of driving modes you can use, it will be even better. This car is made for drivers and doubles as a super daily duty commuter/errand runner.
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Spectacular small convertible - really awful tires
This is a great little car with excellent curb appeal - gets stares from everywhere. Outstanding acceleration and handling, excellent braking. The low profile tires are just awful - if they had not been for run-flats, I would have been stranded 3 separate times. Everyone hates the run-flats but they did save me when on three separate occasions, after hitting the ubiquitous Boston area potholes, the sidewalls were damaged beyond repair. And, the wheels - gorgeous - but, again, too prone to damage. I traded the car after only 2 years and 20,000 miles. It was a sad day to get rid of this neat little convertible but I just got tired of buying tires and straightening bent wheels. And no, I did not buy the wheel and tire insurance - I didn't buy it for my 328 coupe nor my 528. Never a problem. But the 40 series tires on the 2017 M240x drive convertible- I should have known better. But it sure was fun...
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Almost "GREAT". Whynot?
I've had the car for a year and it does everything quite well. But three areas need to be addressed: 1) I have factory installed NON run-flat tires. At highway speeds, I have to wear ear plugs, the road noise is so intolerable. 2) "Dakota" leather is little more than embossed cardboard, compleately lacking in suppleness. Research indicates it's the cheapest grade of leather. 3) The hard plastic door handle presses uncomfortably against my leg while driving. I had to apply moleskin to the handle as a cushion. Updated after 16K Miles: I’ve recently returned from 18k road trip thru West Texas up to Colorado. Roads are very good. The car performed quite well. Passing slower cars on open road was a dream. Response was quick enough (a few times) to 120mph, with More available if I needed it. Comfort wise, well, the car is not for touring. It’s a sports car. Surprisingly, no aches or fatigue on my 76 y/o body. Update: 4/26/17 Now "retired" (not driving as much. Car Is "fun" for distances <25 Mls. Road noise: excessive. Feel a little cheated on the "leather" interior. (correction for above: road trip was 800miles, Not 18k.....sorry). Update: 10/30/18 Only 17.6K miles, thus far. Interestingly, tires cannot be rotated b/c of different sizes on front and back. Warranty on tires expended after 1/2 mileage. I opted for factory installed non-runflat tires (despite dealer’s insistence). Update: 10/31/19 <20K miles no problems. Orig tires, notice front outside treads wearing more than expected, due to factory installed Michelin “sport” tires. Update 10/30/2020: installed Michelin “a/p” on front tires, expecting them to last longer than “sport” (<21 K miles). BC of COVID, driving a lot less. Odometer <21K. As an aside: I just sold my BMW 1200R motorcycle w >57k miles.
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Fun to drive.
Spent quite a bit of time deciding which small, all-wheel convertible to buy. There aren't too many choices in the premium category. Tried Audi TT and didn't like the ride or visibility. Didn't consider the other Audis because I have a hard time getting by that big Audi nose. Have only had the car for a few days, but like it a lot. The acceleration and handling are great for such a small car. It's certainly no bargain and we spent another $2,000 for a different wheel and tire package because we didn't like the M's all-grey rims. We have now owned the car for over a year and we absolutely love it. My wife uses it as an everyday car and I for the convertible and fun to drive. Would absolutely buy the car again if making the choice. Only caution is that it is very low in the front, which causes it to rub on low treadles and drives.
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Fantastic
This vehicle is beyond what I would have imagined. I'm 6'2" and my wife is 5'11"... and we fit fin, even for +4hr journeys with the dog, too. The xdrive makes the car very forgiving, as well as a flat out riot to drive. I traded in an 09 M3 convertible for this vehicle and had high expectations... one might even say hopes and dreams with a fair amount of suspicion and doubt. It was all unfounded... the car has been nothing short of a dream and I couldn'tbe happier. I would recommend it to anyone. Note that once you drop traction control and unleash the beast, it's more agile and athletic than my M3 ever was. I loved my E92 and found her to be more sexy, but this new version has truly urned out to be the best BMW I have ever owned. Not a single service issue either at 40k miles... not too shabby at all.
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BMW as it used to BE
Superb handling in all driving modes. 4 runflat tires, no spare! (I don't know where a person would buy a BMW with non-runflat tires, ALL models have them) I don't know if I mentioned this, but great handling!! All modes. Very comfortable seats My local dealer, is second to none. Especially where service is involved. Great visibility Great MPG Very tight body with no creaks or rattles.
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I've named it "The Beast."
This is what a sports car should be. Fast and nimble with enough creature comforts to make driving a pleasant experience. The torque is downright scary. One has to watch the speedometer when driving onto a freeway, or before you know it you are doing 80-90+. The suspension dampens those little bumps well, yet allows for good road feel. Cornering is a delight.
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Handled amazing for a 4 seater
Refined and bad at the same time. Awesome
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Love our TOY
My husband and I own a 5 series, X3 and now the 228i convertible. This was this most spontaneous purchase ever. We were at a dealer looking at a 911, and I saw this gorgeous gem in Mineral Gray , Black top and interior. It was “Love at first drive”. It’s quick and responsive. And what a value! Nearly half price in just 2 and a half years! Really grips the road, takes corners on a dime. Of course the ride is a little taut, but is not punishing, and the seats are quite comfortable.
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My friend has a Lexus F-Sport
The BMW M240i is so much nicer. Love this car
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This car is awesome!
I love this car. Fast, comfortable and so fun to drive. Great leg room and nice ride. Was worried that the ride in a car this small would be choppy, but the adaptive suspension smooths it out nicely in Comfort mode. Handling is so effortless and precise. Complaints about back seat room are stupid, it's a tiny sports car! It's basically a roadster. If you want leg room in the back, buy a sedan.
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.5 Seconds Slower than my 2007 335i
Yes, just a half second slower than my 2007 BMW 335i from zero to sixty, 4.9 vs 4.4. 13.7 vs 12.9 in the quarter, ending at 108.9 vs 101. And $39k vs $52k. The Sport Display shows torque and HP used, rarely reaching max around other cars so more would be a waste here in South Florida. I also skipped the sport suspension this time and am much happier on the daily drive. Loved the sport suspension when pushing the 335i, but the opportunities were very rare and the punishment constant. The 228i is also one of the few cars i cannot drive with the seat all the way back, at 6'2" that rarely happens. This is a gem I recommend test driving. A year later, I still really like this car. No complaints or regrets.
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218i coupe 2016
I own this model which I have owned for 3 years it’s a lovely car to look at and drive. The car has done 26000 miles and has full BMW approved service history. The car stopped performing suddenly has been off the road now in garage over a week. Reason Vanos control and timing belt failures in the engine. This is a known manufacturing fault BMW aren’t taking responsibility for. Having been a long standing customer I am so upset I am faced with bills well onto the thousands. Also had to replace the window mechanism which I assume is due to the rimless windows not opening in the cold weather. I’d avoid ubless you want to end up bankrupt.
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Great Car
Nobody else wanted this car but once I sat in it I had to buy it. I also think it has much better look to it than the 430. Excellent for city driving and great for commuting in all weather conditions except ground clearance will be a problem for some. My thin 6' 4" inch son has no problem in the back seat but I have a much bigger nephew that barely fits in the front seat. The only problem I have with this car is I lost two 18" tires from huge potholes this spring and one of my electronic keys went out which the warranty is covering. This may be BMWs lowest priced model but for the money it is probably the best. I have no regrets so far.
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My M240i is a keeper!
This is an awesome car period. There are some things I would like to see changed but you can find that in any car. I had a 2011 E90 M3 and loved everything about the car except for the 14 Mpg City and 21 Hwy. Maybe gas mileage doesn't bother you and that's fine but it bugs me a lot. I have a history of only keeping a car for two years but I am keeping this one. I call the M240i the perfect car, great performance, superb handling plus super gas mileage. You better get great MPG with the cars 13 gallon fuel tank, that's one of my gripes about the car. Another is the car wont stay in a paddle shifted downshift, it will revert to automatic shifting w/o notice. I know that fake engine noise comes over the stereo speakers but I have not heard that. The upgrade Harman Kardon for $850 isn't worth it, the speakers are lacking and even though the radio head unit does have a 12G music box storage you can't enter the artist name or album name so finding it again is a pain. I replaced the Harman Kardon speakers in my car with the Bevsound ones and it was a vast improvement. Entering an address into the navigation system is a pain and I have trouble entering numbers. I use the voice command it is as easy a saying the address, it works very well. The ride in comfort mode isn't the most comfortable but I guess with an M car that's what you get. Personally I would like it a little softer but it's not a deal breaker. The electric power steering took a while for me to get used to, the slightest movement of the steering wheel and the car starts heading that way. The Xdrive works seamlessly and gives me a sense of good traction on hard driving through the corners. I can't feel that it's working but the way the car holds the road you know it is. BMW resale values might not be the best but I don't care. You can bury me in this car, I plan on keeping it. 5 ***** 4/10/20 I don't know how long ago I wrote this first review but I am still a huge M240i fan. I have had no problems except when my diet coke spilled around the I Drive controller and made the functions unreliable. My dealer took it apart and cleaned it up for no charge which I thought was awesome. Only had it in to the dealer for that and oil changes. Still plan on keeping this one, you don't get rid of perfection, I love this car.
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Quick comfort, showy Valencia Orange
I replaced my beloved Mazda MX5 with a 230i, and honestly it was a hard transition. My wife hated the Miata, so I was left with no choice but to trade it in. I got a 2017 BMW 230i, with a stick shift, and it has been ok. I have the moon roof, and the car handles great, is a lot quicker than the Mazda, and gets a lot more oohs and aahs. That said, the Mazda is much more about driving, this car is more about looking cool while you get there faster. If I had not had a real sports car, I think this review would have been more positive, the BMW does everything quite well, just without the driving thrill. Update after 1.5 years of owning this car. I now have about 28K miles on it, and a number of issues have come up. I have had to top off the coolant twice, each time needing over a quart of coolant, dealer says there is no problem?? Check engine light came on, then off, was not gas cap but never figured out what it was. Took car in snow and now wheels (part of 2500 competition upgrade) have like a clear coat coming off, dealer says looks like someone tried to repaint the wheels. I did not, and think they just don't want to deal with it. When this car is approaching 50 k and no longer has the free factory service I will dump it.
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The Swiss Army Knife of Autos
As a long-time German car aficionado and high-performance driving instructor, I can say that this is the most amazing car I have ever owned. BMW handling is the best in the business, and this car is not only nimble but fast. And yet, it gets great fuel economy (upper 20s) and has all-wheel-drive. There are not many AWD convertibles for all-season fun! The cloth top allows for a very generous trunk and the rear seats fold flat for more cargo room. It has all the electronic bells and whistles and creature comforts, first-rate GPS and human-interface, comfortable sport seats, M-options, and it looks great. The ideal car.
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great but Audi may have an edge
2016 BMW 228xi convertible is not a perfect car but after a lot of research, we narrowed down to this model. We really wanted an Audi A3 convertible but there were simply not that many of them for sale. The 228xi has been great. We have 20k miles on it and it runs great, it is sporty, quiet with the top up. It is comfortable for two adults and we were able to fit two more adults in the back seat but it was a tight fit. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power for daily driving. The convertible isn't as engaging to drive as the coupe, but we wanted a small economical convertible with four seats for fun drives to wineries and what not. I haven't driven many other convertibles other than a Mustang and an A5. The A5 is far better than the 228 and the Mustang's cheap quality and terrible ride was evident...please stay away from the Ford product. Some of the CONS to the 228: It is low to the ground so it may be hard to get in and out for some folks. It is hard to fish out the seatbelt to get bucked. There are a lot of hard plastics. PROS: soft top is wonderful. As a matter of fact, BMW discontinued hard top convertibles in 2020 and it will make soft tops only. I am a big fan.
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Great car
Immensely fun to drive, relatively practical and (so far) reliable. Still... if you have children think twice before buying. Also, the price is a bit too high to qualify this vehicle as a "good value," per se. Here's hoping maintenance costs don't rise exponentially in the future...
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Awesome Car!
Hands down, the best performing car for the price out there, together with excellent comfort, quite a combination.
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Oh so much fun!!!
This car is the funnest toy I have ever had! Incredibly fast, AWD holds the road in any weather, comfort and layout feel like a cockpit, and fuel economy is surprisingly high. It draws compliments from people who talk to me about its appearance. Back seats are serviceable and trunk adequate, but the car is best for two adults who have no kids and infrequent needs to carry passengers. Cannot wait to drive it each day. No complaints..."The Ultimate Driving Machine" tagline fits perfectly. UPDATE at 3 years of ownership: I am still in love with this BMW 2-series. No mechanical or any other problems and it runs as perfectly as it did the first day I drove it. It is STILL my favorite toy!
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2017 m240i bmw xdrive convertible
I had a 1999 M3 convertible. Unfortunately I skipped the e46 convertible and was faced with the v8 and the hardtop convertible. The 2017 is the exact same size on the outside that the 99 M3 was. It also has 90 horsepower more and with the all wheel drive and all the safety nannies is "almost" impossible to break loose. The handling is superb. The top speed seems to be a little higher as well. I have taken both of them up to 140mph and they both have superior handling. The current set of run=flats seem to not have the bad characteristics of the earlier ones. The car is very comfortable and the voice recognition recognises all the addresses I have put into it. The power steering is unobtrusive and the car really gives you a feeling to the road. I have had the car 5 years now and it is still as good as ever. What I really like is the really comfortable seats. I had a minor accident and my front wheel scraped the side if another car. It cost 7500 which is very high.
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My first BMW
Best convertible that’s not tiny...and not too big. Have had the car almost a year and love driving it! Top up or top down! I find it really difficult to get off the road and into my garage. I need to plan a long road trip with it. It’s very comfortable I haven’t even figured out half of all the amenities it handles fabulously and it is very fast! I have the Valencia orange metallic with tan seats. The version I bought is fully loaded and was a $50,000 vehicle new. I got it for less than half price just three years later. I limit my driving to weekends and Special trips. I kept my Honda SUV. All I can say is I love it beautiful styling and top quality.
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Best of many worlds
I've owned about 30 cars... including 2 Miatas, 2 Corvettes (2006 coupe, 2002 convertible), a 2011 Mustang Convertible, a Cadillac STS and bunch of other, less exciting cars. I seriously loved most of the cars on this abbreviated list, but no car has impressed me more than the humble, near-bottom-of-the-line 2016 228i I bought 3 years old. If you like taut suspensions, will-to-play responsive throttles, and a brilliant handling chassis (and great gas mileage when you behave) you will love this small coupe. I also love the wonderfully supportive standard seats, but large drivers need not apply - not that a large driver would likely be drawn to a 2-series. The backseat are barely usable for anything but kids/teens, but that's not what I bought it for. I was on my way to buy a VW GTI when I found one of these for less money, with more features, absolutely like new and I have been amazed by it every time I get in it for the last 18 months.
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This little car is unbelievable!
This is an amazing car! This is my first BMW and to be honest, I can't believe I've lived this long without one! I have the convertible and it is so beautiful. I love driving it and can't get enough of it. I have a 2006 GTO as well and they look quite nice in the garage together! I've had this car for 6 months now and it is still as fantastic as ever. It gets so many compliments!!! So glad I purchased this quick little beast. Update....my car is one year old. Is it possible to love a car TOO much? I probably do. This car is everything I've dreamed of. It's a head turner and I am so proud that I own this little bundle of fun. Best purchase I've ever made.
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Very Good Car, But 135 is Better
I leased a 2013 135i convertible with M Sport for three years. It is a great car. It was zippy and fun to drive. It was comfortable. I should have kept it, but at the end of the lease, the residual was much higher than the current market price, so I turned it in and purchased an M235i convertible, figuring it would be an "upgrade" to the 135. BIG MISTAKE. Although the M235i is a nice car, it is not near as much fun as the 135. The main reason for this is the electric steering. The electric steering on the M235i is simply numb. Also, even though the M235i is only 3 inches longer and one inch wider than the 135, it drives like a much bigger car--more akin to a 3 series. It lacks that zippy feel that you get with the 135. As a whole, the M235 is a nice car. It has a nicer interior, it feels more roomy inside, it has a much improved navigation system, and it has a backup camera. The seats are comfortable, but the seats in the 135 are better. The M235i comes standard with non-runflat tires, which is a huge improvement (first thing I did when I got my 135 was switch out the run-flats for non-run-flats). The M235 has adjustable dampers, which I almost never use, but some might see this as a benefit. Gas mileage is significantly better on the highway--30-31 vs about 25 with the 135, but gas mileage in town is pretty bad--I average around 12-14 in city driving. The M235 is a decent car, but I miss the much better steering and feel from the 135. The 135 drives like a much smaller car than the M235i, and is more likely to plaster a permanent grin on your face. I also think the 135 convertible looks better with the top down--it has cleaner and simpler lines and the wheels look much better than the dark gray wheels on the M235i--but this is a matter of personal taste, and I understand that some might prefer the newer look. Overall, the "improvements" to this model do not make up for the incredibly numb and lackluster steering. If you're considering the M235i, you might pause and look for a good used 135 instead. I wish I would have kept mine.
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Tires are defective
I have had 10 flat tires on the car since I leased it 17 months ago. I am not even driving it much due to fear of getting another flat. On one pothole, 3 tires blew.
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Very decent
Very decent convertible, especially when compared to other convertibles in the price range.
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A fine car with an idiosyncratic suspension
228i with track package.....Unless you enjoy being on a track, everyday driving with adaptive m suspension (THp) is frustrating. The adaptive suspension in comfort but mostly sport is jittery and jiggly on ever road that has even a " slightly" less than perfect Tarmac. Tire and road noise is disgusting. The car does not feel planted on the road except for highway driving. Steering is very capable and firmly hefty in sport( if you can bear the suspension) and accurately tight in comfort mode. A great car except for overall ride . Try basic suspension to smooth out each "jitter in drivers seat on roads that are " slightly " less than track quality ! If you like M cars suspension ride .. this is best coupe at price. If you can't take ROAD NOISE and " jitteriness over small road imperfections, try basic suspension or maybe 4 series ( with looser steering). If not, try out ( as I will) Mercedes c coupe in different suspension options or Jaguar SE Finito!
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Blast to drive
This car is a blast to drive. Smaller dimensions with engine from regular size car give it a different personality. I drive a Subaru BRZ and absolutely love it. However, my better half (who drives an Audi) hates to ride with me for poor ride comfort. The 2 series solves the comfort problem while still being almost as much fun to drive as my little BRZ. Still not decided however.
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Love the Styling
Not a big car guy...just know what I like...and what I have experienced...YMMV. Traded in a 2014 Honda Accord Coupe, loved it and would have bought a 2016 but Honda gussied it up, added chrome and lost the clean lines I prefer. Also, took delivery of a new Colorado last year (worst purchase ever), just replaced it with a new Tacoma (a great truck). For me, the comparison between the Japanese products with which I am familiar and the German offering is quite interesting. While I would not trade my BMW coupe for anything, I think the Japanese are a bit ahead in a couple of areas. The 2 Series coupe auto shift is not nearly as smooth as what I am used to in the Tacoma or Honda. In fact, I sometimes think I could manual shift smoother. It was not a deal breaker but my 2014 Honda had perforated leather seat inserts, just like i used to spec out when I sold new business jets. It makes the leather softer to sit on and cooler in the summer. The leather on my new 2 Series did not come perforated which I would have preferred. In spite of BMW's very clever use of computer technology, the main gages are what we in the aircraft industry call steam gages. I would have preferred to have digital read outs. After all, this is 2016!!! While there is a bit of wind noise, it provides a great driving experience. Sept 2016...Received a note from Edmunds to update my review so will oblige: Was in France last week and had the occasion to ride in a nearly new Renault. Loved the one piece digital instrument panel that was deep set under a full length glare shield. The digital drive info and navigation screen all integrated into this one piece display. Arrived home and was picked up at the airport by a friend driving her new Series 5 BMW. While the display appeared to be electronic, the instruments depicted analog or steam gauge presentations. Guess the Germans are wedded to this technology!!!
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Dissapointing
The BMW M235. Automotive journalists seem to love this car. It ranks highly in every road test or comparison test. I think Consumer Reports rated it as the best new car you can buy. I've test driven it a few times and scratch my head. People say is faster than the old E92 M3 and maybe it is, but the joy of driving it is gone. It is a stellar performer. On my last test drive, triple digit speeds were no problem. It handled well, the brakes work well and the auto tranny is great to shift in manual mode. For me, the car did everything too well, but there was no sense of purpose or drama. I love to drive and want a visceral experience every time I'm behind the wheel. While the car is fast and comfortable (The inflatable seat bolsters are a nice touch), it lacks mojo. The engine is too smooth. I want to FEEL THE POWER, but haven't been able to. Honestly, I think the BMW 228 has better power delivery, it just needs more power/ torque. The problem with that car is the small power band. It feels great between 4000-6300 RPM, but feels flat everywhere else in the powerband. Meanwhile, it's better reviewed brother has more power, is faster, but feels less alive. I haven't driven the M2 yet so I can't compare. If BMW made a high-pressure, turbo four cylinder 2 series, that might be better. As for features- BMW makes one of the best built in nav systems there is. The H&K stereo is just OK. Its not super hi-fi in this BMW. I was able to fit 2 short adults in the backseat without them complaining. Overall, if you want to go fast and aren't a driving enthusiast I'd say to get the car. If you're a driving enthusiast like me, where speed is good but dynamics are key, I'd skip the car. I think the 228 is the better car and is cheaper then the M235. The slogan is The Ultimate Driving Machine, but ultimately, the M235i was a letdown. It was fast, smooth and comfortable, but it lacked the undefinable quality which is driving pleasure.
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No active safety whatsoever!
Although BMW provides some of the active safety on other cars, Blind spot detection and surround cameras are not available on 230i Convertible whatsoever. In addition, it hurts that BMW otherwise has it on other cars but not on this model. The worst this for me was that BMW representatives assured me that the car will have all of these active safety options if Driver Assistance Plus is ordered, which came bundled with Navigation system and Premium Package, and which increases the price for additional $4,900. BUT IT WAS NOT INCLUDED!
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A CONVERTIBLE WITH A TOP THAT RIPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It "Is" a convertible with a top that rips for $40,000! Hey BMW can I have my money back? My fourth bavarian money waster----never, ever again! Edmunds you need to rethink your rating of this vehicle! I thought you were a reliable source of information until now. Some owners are on second or third headliners and tops because of tensioning strap problems!
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Best car I had so far!
I would need a couple of hours to describe this car in detail, but for the short review I would say this is an excellent sport car. First of all is the performance: acceleration is impressive and once you start, you can't stop. On the highway I have left all sort of cars behind....from mustangs to mercedes! It is incredible quick. For the city, the car handles really nice and fits everywhere. This is a car to be used as an everyday car without the worries of more typical sport cars
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Pocket rocket
Fast car not quite as sporty unless driven in sport mode then much more impressive. Do not like that tires are not runflat and there is no spare. Still flawless performer. 12k miles lots of fun. Only concern is tires. One significant problem with trunk lock malfunction caused by short in the glove box lock out switch.
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M235xi--interior is a let down
This is my 4th BMW. There are so many things that are just well thought. The door opening is awkward without a handle like other BMWs have where your hand would naturally go. Other controls are awkward and not very ergonomic. I'm quite disappointed in the interior of the car for a $50000 car.
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Best car I have ever driven dont want to get out
High quality in a great package . I mean that . I have driven them all and very picky . The only con i see in reviews would be people say the back seat is too small. Guess what who cares who buys a small roadster for a back seat ? So with that said there are no cons and if you want a real roadster that is quick , safe , best ride in its class then the 228i XDrive is the one . I have 2016 basically the same as the 2019 and BMW is now not making the convertible 228i anymore so this baby will become a nice rare item in demand , I tried was going to get an SLK so glad I did not for many reasons reliability , ride , getting in and out , seats , sound system , rood speed , repair history the list goes on . BMW makes one heck of very nice made in Germany auto . I am keeping this a long time some day it will be in Hagertys collectables
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They don't make them this good anymore Perfect!
This is the best auto I have every had . What a ride , quality , seat, fast , great MPGs . Should start to go up in value now that is it a discontinued model ( the roadster soft top) . Just love everything about it 2016 228i X convertible . Many people ask if I want to sell it ! 10 out of 10
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Still going strong at 120k miles!
This review is from a used car perspective: I am the third owner of the lovely M235i convertible and I am very pleased with it so far! I am entering my 9 months of ownership and still is an absolute thrill to drive on a daily basis. Cold morning starts are always fun and love hearing the exhaust! My car came with all the options available in 2016 and I can say the car has held up very well even with high mileage. The engine is still in excellent condition and does not hesitate to pull when pushed. As I hit past 120k miles last month, the only things I did myself to keep the car in good shape was replace the alternator and will be replacing the front struts soon. One other issue I noticed was my pump for the windshield fluid stopped working. It is a common issue and a fairly simple job to replace at home (FYI you will need to remove the passenger from tire to get to the washer fluid pump). Then N55 engine is very reliable in my opinion and I do not foresee any issues with the life of the car. The convertible top still functions very well and takes approx 20-30 secs to open or close. One thing I wish the car had was Apple CarPlay, but if you want to hear music just roll down your windows and put it in sport+ to get the exhaust fully open :) I plan on keeping this car with me even if I purchase my next car, as it is a blast to drive and is aging well!
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Does Everything Well
My 230i RWD Manual has most option packages including M Sport 1, full Oyster Leather, Harman Kardon, NAV, back-up cam, reverse senors, sunroof, Xenons, power folding mirrors, etc. I replaced my 2014 Mercedes E350 Wagon with this and honestly I've never been more content with a vehicle choice. Great on gas, more than enough power, fantastic sound system, fun to drive yet soaks up bumps better than my E Class did. Would recommend this car to anyone.
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Most Fun Car I Have Ever Owned
I have owned Porsche, BMW, Lexus and Audi models the last twenty years, and my wife wanted a small, sporty, four seat convertible (for dog, bags, or ocaissional passenger). The car is an absolute blast to drive and the perfect amount of power, smoothness, and handling. A six speed manual is a must, and have really loved the rev-matching feature for butter smooth shifts. This car is a beast and cars that are well taken care of will age well.
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