I’ve got a 24 230i rear wheel drive only. You’re absolutely right about the ride quality and livability. I’m 71 and the B48 keeps me out of jail but still a blast to drive.
Purchased a 2301i after this review. Everything you stated in the review was correct. The car is way smoother than it has any right to be for how well it handles. It also gets very impressive fuel economy, especially on the highway. It's not as fast as the m240 or m2 but honestly, how fast can you go on public roads? I would argue that neither of those cars would get down a back road much much faster or with a bigger grin on the drivers face. I see people with msport package complaining about the stiff ride, and wanting to change out the run flats etc. its not the tires, its the suspension that makes them so stiff. it you aren't tracking you dont need mport suspension. Even the base seats without adjustable lumbar support are fantastic and have enough bolstering to hold you in while hustling the car. All without being too narrow for a larger driver. BMW absolutely nailed this car. On top of that, I was in an M3 competition recently and the interior is very similar. Some better materials here and there but it's not that far off. It's the exact same layout......The regular 230i non msoprt is the one to have. One area i will disagree with the review is lack of steering feel. It's by no means an air cooled porche for steering....but it does have feel. The road tecture is transmitted trough the wheel....its a bit muted yes....but its there. Great review! You helped me purchase this car.
Coming from a 2015 228i, I have to agree that the steering feel is worse on the newer generation. There's too much assistance and I often feel you have to turn the steering wheel far more for parking maneuvering. It's a big adjustment coming from the last generation and I kind of hoped we could dial down the assistance a bit. I even tried Sport mode and I still found the steering to have way more assistance than necessary. Sigh.
@armensarkisian7927 the steering is very light at slow speeds to make maneuvering easier but it gets much heavier as speed increases, and is firm in the highway. It's a nice compromise IMO. And I'm someone who has experienced their heavy hydraulic steering as well.... I take this all day. I don't notice having to turn the wheel excessively to park... It's fine for me.
I own the same 2024 230i that you're driving. It's my daily driver and what a joy it is to drive! I agreed with everything you said about this very refined quality coupe in this video. Well done review!!
Hello Buddy, thank You so much for the great Video !!! Now I drive a wonderful BMW 128ti with 265 Hp. I'm very happy with that great car. I'm very interrested for the M240i.......but after Your great Video I have to think about it !!! I like the RW drive a lot !!! Best wishes from Hamburg ❤
That $600 19 inch wheel option actually only came with run flat's. I had to zoom in to make sure and I did see the run flat designation on the tire. I avoid run flat as a tradeoff for a nicer ride that isn't too harsh, but it seems like even with those run flat's, you found the ride quality to be good.
I have a 2022 230 M Sport (RWD & Roof delete)...for three years now, and it is just a great handling car, better than the M240 and any xDrive. I did put 255s on each corner, so the turn-in and front-biased handling is not usual for the 2 Series with those "tiny" 225s up front. But, this car is a front mid-engined set up as the block does sit at and behind the front axle, and lighter than the M2 and M240, of course. With engine tuning, this car has wonderful potential that does rival a stock six-cylinder M240. I would make these claims without the qualifier of "but as a daily driver." It is just a great car, full stop! The M2 is another discussion as that car has massive tires, M settings, and almost wasteful excess power. Great review, thanks!
Own one and love it. Fun, quick, beautiful, tons of drive modes from eco to dynamic which is pretty raw and you can throw it around corners. Great driver focused car with excellent mpg. Great review.
I think you make a good point about the power. It's what I love about my GTI. It's the right amount of power and I never feel like I need more to do what I'm doing. I've driven the M2 Comp and that thing was very eager, like a dog that's always ready to play even when you aren't. I've driven a Hellcat and 1000HP GTR. Those have way too much power and you could never really use it. (and when I did use it, I was certainly doing things that get your license taken away from you).
You look exactly like my nephew, and you are exactly the same height. If you think it’s inconvenient being 6 foot three flying in America, try flying in Australia. Everywhere is 20 hours away.
Interesting in Europe.. You get a cover net and net pocket and the full hazard set (triangle and first aid kit) as part of the car's default accessories :) Did you check under the lid in the boot? where the battery lies? (The hazard triangle should be situated on the boot lid though :( ) I don't get it? Why is a run flat tyre "stupid"? You are supposed to replace those as well, but they don't leave you stuck in the middle of the motorway ?!
U.S spec....do not come standard with a warning triangle and first aid kit. In my prior '19 230i xDrive, I purchased the mounting clips and triangle...and installed in the trunk lid indentation.
Great review! I agree: Every day comfort is very important. I've always wanted to drive a 2 Series but BMW never brings them to their drive events. I think the new 3 Series rides like trash though - hopefully the basic 2 Series gets a better ride than the 3.
Nothing. It's the same engine :) It's in BMW since 2014. It replaces the N20 which was used in previous generation, (same ZF semi-automatic Gearbox as well). Agree with you on the tyres. The new 2021+ generation only differes in "looks" vs the older F22/F23 generation (interior and exterior) and some minor ECU tuning.
A great review in my opinion but I am biased I suppose. Having purchased my 230i at the beginning of the year having owned in quick succession the new M240i followed by the M2 (I lost a lot of money obviously) but the M2, which was supposed to be my "dream car", was not at all enjoyable to drive so rather than not look forward to driving it, I sold it back to the dealership who eased my pain a little with quite a good deal on the 230i. For me it's the perfect car, sufficient power, great handling, I found the M2 far too twitchy, and a joy to drive. I now look forward to every drive which of course is what all petrol heads desire.
@@chop7214 Hi, my car is RWD (not sure if the x drive is available in the uk but wouldn't have chosen it anyway). I bought my M240 x drive, having previously owned the old shape M240i manual and then the old shape M2 manual. Although I quite liked the new M240i I still was that impressed with the handling but would have kept the car had BMW not launched the new M2. However, as I said previously my current 230i is a great "drivers car" in my opinion and definitely the best BMW I have owned (316/320/328/M240i/M2/M240i/M2). It's just perfect for my requirements.
@@michaelcox4344- I’m thinking of getting a 230i but not sure about getting the M Sport and Dynamic Handling which adds about $5k more so you’re at almost $45-$50 here with other options. What about just a base with lumbar and convenience stuff? Thad’s closer to $40 which I like for a better value.😮
@@rembo183 Hi, I specified my car with comfort access, sunroof and M Sport package but in my opinion it was well worth the expenditure. Good luck with your purchase.
I’ve got a 24 230i rear wheel drive only. You’re absolutely right about the ride quality and livability. I’m 71 and the B48 keeps me out of jail but still a blast to drive.
Purchased a 2301i after this review. Everything you stated in the review was correct. The car is way smoother than it has any right to be for how well it handles. It also gets very impressive fuel economy, especially on the highway. It's not as fast as the m240 or m2 but honestly, how fast can you go on public roads? I would argue that neither of those cars would get down a back road much much faster or with a bigger grin on the drivers face. I see people with msport package complaining about the stiff ride, and wanting to change out the run flats etc. its not the tires, its the suspension that makes them so stiff. it you aren't tracking you dont need mport suspension. Even the base seats without adjustable lumbar support are fantastic and have enough bolstering to hold you in while hustling the car. All without being too narrow for a larger driver. BMW absolutely nailed this car. On top of that, I was in an M3 competition recently and the interior is very similar. Some better materials here and there but it's not
that far off. It's the exact same layout......The regular 230i non msoprt is the one to have.
One area i will disagree with the review is lack of steering feel. It's by no means an air cooled porche for steering....but it does have feel. The road tecture is transmitted trough the wheel....its a bit muted yes....but its there. Great review! You helped me purchase this car.
Coming from a 2015 228i, I have to agree that the steering feel is worse on the newer generation. There's too much assistance and I often feel you have to turn the steering wheel far more for parking maneuvering. It's a big adjustment coming from the last generation and I kind of hoped we could dial down the assistance a bit. I even tried Sport mode and I still found the steering to have way more assistance than necessary. Sigh.
@armensarkisian7927 the steering is very light at slow speeds to make maneuvering easier but it gets much heavier as speed increases, and is firm in the highway. It's a nice compromise IMO. And I'm someone who has experienced their heavy hydraulic steering as well.... I take this all day. I don't notice having to turn the wheel excessively to park... It's fine for me.
bro, I love your content. Your sense of humor is on point. I have a 2023 version and absolutely love it!
I own the same 2024 230i that you're driving. It's my daily driver and what a joy it is to drive! I agreed with everything you said about this very refined quality coupe in this video. Well done review!!
Great review. You are a natural, stick with it 👍
Hello Buddy, thank You so much for the great Video !!! Now I drive a wonderful BMW 128ti with 265 Hp. I'm very happy with that great car. I'm very interrested for the M240i.......but after Your great Video I have to think about it !!! I like the RW drive a lot !!! Best wishes from Hamburg ❤
Glad to see a non msport review
That $600 19 inch wheel option actually only came with run flat's. I had to zoom in to make sure and I did see the run flat designation on the tire. I avoid run flat as a tradeoff for a nicer ride that isn't too harsh, but it seems like even with those run flat's, you found the ride quality to be good.
I have a 2022 230 M Sport (RWD & Roof delete)...for three years now, and it is just a great handling car, better than the M240 and any xDrive. I did put 255s on each corner, so the turn-in and front-biased handling is not usual for the 2 Series with those "tiny" 225s up front. But, this car is a front mid-engined set up as the block does sit at and behind the front axle, and lighter than the M2 and M240, of course. With engine tuning, this car has wonderful potential that does rival a stock six-cylinder M240. I would make these claims without the qualifier of "but as a daily driver." It is just a great car, full stop! The M2 is another discussion as that car has massive tires, M settings, and almost wasteful excess power. Great review, thanks!
any maintenance issues?
Own one and love it. Fun, quick, beautiful, tons of drive modes from eco to dynamic which is pretty raw and you can throw it around corners. Great driver focused car with excellent mpg. Great review.
Thank you!
Picked up 22, with 17k miles for under 27k so much fun to drive. Great review keep it up man
good price in the uk lowest price 230i is around 30k rn
great review bro 💫
I've been really considering this car. It looks so great to me. Seems like a blast to drive. I still need to take one for a spin.
I think you make a good point about the power. It's what I love about my GTI. It's the right amount of power and I never feel like I need more to do what I'm doing. I've driven the M2 Comp and that thing was very eager, like a dog that's always ready to play even when you aren't. I've driven a Hellcat and 1000HP GTR. Those have way too much power and you could never really use it. (and when I did use it, I was certainly doing things that get your license taken away from you).
Have you driven the MSport with the Dynamic Handling Package? How does it feel compared with the 19” wheels on the 18” wheels on the base car.
You look exactly like my nephew, and you are exactly the same height. If you think it’s inconvenient being 6 foot three flying in America, try flying in Australia. Everywhere is 20 hours away.
Sounds good and fast enough for me.
Have you driven the new Camry yet? Nice riding and handling car with a hybrid system. Only $30-$40 depending on the trim.
How would you compare this with the Mustang Ecoboost? Have you driven one?
Interesting in Europe.. You get a cover net and net pocket and the full hazard set (triangle and first aid kit) as part of the car's default accessories :) Did you check under the lid in the boot? where the battery lies? (The hazard triangle should be situated on the boot lid though :( )
I don't get it? Why is a run flat tyre "stupid"? You are supposed to replace those as well, but they don't leave you stuck in the middle of the motorway ?!
U.S spec....do not come standard with a warning triangle and first aid kit. In my prior '19 230i xDrive, I purchased the mounting clips and triangle...and installed in the trunk lid indentation.
Runflats are stupid cause they're rock hard and very uncomfortable. I'd rather have normal tyres with a space saver spare than having a runflat.
This is amazing
The M sport looks about identical to the non. For 44k well optioned, it's a better deal than the supra by a long shot.
Great review! I agree: Every day comfort is very important. I've always wanted to drive a 2 Series but BMW never brings them to their drive events. I think the new 3 Series rides like trash though - hopefully the basic 2 Series gets a better ride than the 3.
What's wrong with the previous 4 cylinder? I have a 2017 230i and the 4 cylinder is great! Also, you need runflats since there's no spare.
Nothing. It's the same engine :) It's in BMW since 2014. It replaces the N20 which was used in previous generation, (same ZF semi-automatic Gearbox as well). Agree with you on the tyres. The new 2021+ generation only differes in "looks" vs the older F22/F23 generation (interior and exterior) and some minor ECU tuning.
This or 240?
He kept saying it throughout the video, the 230i is the best bang for the buck.
A great review in my opinion but I am biased I suppose. Having purchased my 230i at the beginning of the year having owned in quick succession the new M240i followed by the M2 (I lost a lot of money obviously) but the M2, which was supposed to be my "dream car", was not at all enjoyable to drive so rather than not look forward to driving it, I sold it back to the dealership who eased my pain a little with quite a good deal on the 230i.
For me it's the perfect car, sufficient power, great handling, I found the M2 far too twitchy, and a joy to drive.
I now look forward to every drive which of course is what all petrol heads desire.
Michael did you buy the 230i x drive or the rwd m230i? Also what were your thoughts on the m240i vs your current 230i?
@@chop7214 Hi, my car is RWD (not sure if the x drive is available in the uk but wouldn't have chosen it anyway). I bought my M240 x drive, having previously owned the old shape M240i manual and then the old shape M2 manual. Although I quite liked the new M240i I still was that impressed with the handling but would have kept the car had BMW not launched the new M2. However, as I said previously my current 230i is a great "drivers car" in my opinion and definitely the best BMW I have owned (316/320/328/M240i/M2/M240i/M2). It's just perfect for my requirements.
@@michaelcox4344- I’m thinking of getting a 230i but not sure about getting the M Sport and Dynamic Handling which adds about $5k more so you’re at almost $45-$50 here with other options. What about just a base with lumbar and convenience stuff? Thad’s closer to $40 which I like for a better value.😮
If you add too many options your within range of a M240 which sells at about $57-$60 with tax. I’d B like to be at about $45 max
@@rembo183 Hi, I specified my car with comfort access, sunroof and M Sport package but in my opinion it was well worth the expenditure. Good luck with your purchase.
What did you say about the sedan you dont like, could not catch it in the video. I short haul adults, mature one. Any other poo-poos of the sedan?
I laughed at “poo-poos.” You’re probably right about the maturity thing
a constructive review to your review. dont continually divert to the m sport.
concentrate only this model you like, and not the m sport you dont.
Thank you! Will do
B48 not B46, LMAO.
Oh oops 🤣
Both are the same