BMW Has a Secret - Two Takes 

always good to hear positive reviews of models lower down the range - rather than always chasing the top models...

I really appreciate the comedic genius of what you guys are doing with the RU-vid thumbnail faces. The balancing act of bending over and jumping through the algorithm's hoops while in the same photo expressing your contempt and disgust at having to do it is a masterclass. I'm sorry/love that you have to do it.

I like the idea of Zack starting with the initial drive while Matt goes through figures and some opinion, then Matt reaffirming what was said on his drive.

As an owner of a last gen M235i, and having gotten to drive the lesser '21 330i with this engine, I can attest it is a fantastic 4cly with plenty of power and torque for everyday fun

The M240i just became available with rwd this month, I would love to see a review on that!

"You're not compromising you're just losing" LOL spot on Zach

The B48 is one of the best 4 cyl turbos on the market. Underrated power from the factory and with a remap you’re looking at 310 hp and 355 tq. Great daily driver

2017 230i owner here, your on-track video of the 228msport was what convinced me to buy it. After three 3yrs of ownership and a few upgrades, this is fantastic daily and really fun weekend warrior. Its decently quick, practical, and I rarely see another one on the road. These are pretty cheap in the used market, I paid 20k for a low mileage car with clean title. If you want a RWD lightish car but don't want something slow like a gt86, then this is a great choice.

I totally get the sentiment. Had a base 318i as a loaner a few weeks ago when my M340i was in for service and had so. much. fun. with that car. RWD and the light 4cyl in the front totally transforms these cars back to what BMWs used to be.

I purchased an Alfa Romeo Giulia back in 2017, MSRP around $46-$48k w/sport pkg., which included an LSD (Torsen), adjustable dampers, sport seats, and probably the best paddle shifters this side of a Ferrari (maybe same as, since they’re actual aluminum, & column mounted). Received ‘conquest discount’ for a BMW + Subaru (?), and got it for closer to $40k - the good ole days! Realize it’s a sedan, not a coupe, but looks better IMO, + 280hp/306tq, but only revs to around a diesel-like 6k rpm. Aggressive gearing helps alleviate that, along with super quick steering rack ratio, & double wishbone front suspension vs. struts(BMW), not to mention a lot of aluminum body panels, and carbon fiber driveshaft to boot! Similar to a bicycle/motorcycle, I care about what ‘components’ come on a car & what they’re made of, especially it you’re paying essentially the same amount of $$ overall. End of year 2001, I paid sticker ($48k) for a MY2002 ‘no options’ E46 M3 6-speed manual (they were selling for above MSRP back then); crazy that they’re essentially double that today! Getting back to the Giulia - it was completely trouble-free the entire time I owned it (four years), still miss it, too, would purchase again, especially since there’s probably discounts available, even nowadays.

5 seconds to 60 and mid to high 13s in the 1/4 mile is plenty quick and its fuel efficient too. this is a great coupe for those who dont need sedan space

That entry in the corner at 13:05 was 🔥 and the car just said yes please. Such a nice machine

Excellent video. You've touched upon several issues which are rarely discussed among car reviewers: 1) it's the Feel of the car which matters most 2) Sometimes a lower horsepower car is more desirable 3) AWD is great, but if you don't need it, it's extra weight and moving parts 4) Only under certain specific circumstances(i.e. track) does the extra power have an advantage--in other words--sometimes less power is more fun! Thank you, most informative and entertaining. Gentlemen, the previous generation was much prettier, right?

BMW needs to redo the E30/E36 318is coupe with the new 2 series coupe. Give it the 30i engine, a crisp manual gearbox, RWD, and a simple, lightweight interior with cloth bucket seats. Something for enthusiasts, but more affordable than the big M cars. It would be so cool.

Man I know I’m living in the past but the old analog gauges from the 90’s and early 2000’s were so perfect.

Thank you for touching on the concept that sometimes less power is faster. Maybe not in a straight line (but sometimes), but in corners or linking corners or on the track a predictable ramp can sometimes be better. My 404whp dyno tuned shitbox is quicker, has less wheelspin, and has a less obnoxious ramp when detuned to 360whp -- in addition to being a lot more fun to drive.

🤩I LOVE you pushing (responsibly) cars on the road and enlightening us with how they FEEL🤩

Ordering one of these as soon as certain option packs and colors become available again. Glad to see the back to basics, small, rear-drive sports coupe is alive and well going into 2023. Disappointed with the lack of a manual but I think I can live with that knowing the ZF 8-speed is fantastic. The car is also phenomenal on fuel. I believe it gets something like 26/34 mpg which is super impressive for this kind of performance. This car does indeed rule.

You can tell you can feel the road nice in this cat thanks Matt you always got good vids man!

I put in an order for one back in March, but with some delays it got pushed to Aug (in production now), which bumped it to a 2023 MY, which was an absolute blessing, as it now gets that gorgeous long iDrive 8 display and a couple features they had removed (heads up display, wireless charger, etc.). Super excited, I always hear nothing but great things about how it drives.

Guys your video made me decide for this car, you transmited well what this car is (that is what I was looking for): authenctic and pure (despite being automatic) sport car. I am getting the car in April, cannot wait!!

I love momentum cars. Nothing better for a spirited road drive or a fun day at the track. Also the insights in this video are superb

I just purchased one in base trim without the MSport and Dynamic handling options for $39,500! Still a great buy and plenty of power and wonderful handling! Cool in white with tinted windows.

Seems like a great overall value and I love the performance chops of this lower-level BMW coupe. Just wish they'd design a prettier front & rear fascia for it.

In my '22 230i owner. I consistently average over 40mpg (Eco Mode) on my 35 mile commute running at 72-75mph. On a road trip this last weekend I averaged 45.3mpg on the highway cruising @ 74mph. I absolutely love this car.

Sounds like a great car to get a 6MT.

It is nice seeing an lsd available as a factory option. The last non m car that had optional lsd was probably e36 or e46 generation. In some ways the 230i feels like a “deluxe package” version of the GR86. Turbocharged, more luxurious but still a driver’s car. For 43k with a diff, I’d take this BMW over a Golf R.

Good review and great double act chaps. Love it

Well done BMW and great review Matt and Zack. Love the 230i!

I have one of these on order, and I'm very happy to hear everything you said about the 230i.

I went to an autocross this saturday, and the guy who got 1st overall in PAX was driving an M240i (awd). It seems like a great little car!

One of the favorite things of my 23 230i is the placement of my left elbow. My old 540i had the B pillar much more forward not being a coupe. My elbows now rest equally when I drive. A small thing but important to me.

Great review!!! IMO the only thing missing here is a proper 6 speed manual and a analog dash. But even still it looks like BMW cooked up a really nice car! Thus isn't a slow car fast but it isn't a race car made for the street. Great daily driver and looks like blast in the canyons.

Loved my 2015 228! Sold it as me and my wife were having a child and I miss that thing every day. Great commuter, and a fun weekend car. This one is way too expensive when I can get a m2 for the same price, or an m2c for a little more. Looking at a 23 m240 in a few years I think that will scratch my itch!

This is the same reasoning behind the i4M40 being better than the i4M50. Its slower, but has that light crisp turn in of a free running front wheelset. This is the BMW way, one wheelpair for traction, one for steering.

Great review, team. These M-sport, 4 cylinder 2 series cars have been pretty good for a while, especially with the M-diff.

I’m picking up a 2023 230i M sports in a couple months. Just FYI you can get the M sport package, ELSD, and delete the sunroof and the price will be under $43k. Considering how quick it is and the amount of standard options, nice interior, usable back seats , brimbo brakes, and amazing driving dynamics, a $43k sticker price is well worth it. Keep in Mind that the Supra 2.0 has single piston brakes, open diff, no back seats, lower quality interior , less warranty, and less options for the same price.

This review was really revealing! Plus I enjoyed this one!

This has plenty of power to have fun in a car this size, with this chassis tuning. No doubt it’s a awesome car to drive. I think it’s less ugly than the m240i, but still not a good looking car. But that was also my opinion of the 1 coupe and last gen 2 coupe, and I like both of them a lot now. So maybe the design needs to grow on me. I still think the last gen BMW 2 and 4 series coupes are the sweet spot.

This is really what I want to get my wife cause she wants a 2dr sports car again. She is leaning to a new GR86 but I prefer the size of this better as I am 6'1" and a bigger guy. We have had a 2020 Camaro LT1 which was awesome but I want a more practical daily than what the Camaro was. Awesome review and it helped solidify my thinking that this car is worth it.

Sweet car and great video. Kind of weird doing the questions to answer twice back to back though.

Less is more! Sounds like fun 🤩 Thank you Matt & Zack 🙌

In October 2021 I ordered an almost fully spec'd out M240i and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately it broke within 3 weeks of delivery and it's been at the dealship for over 4 months now. Replacement parts are absolutely nowhere to be found. I almost regret spending the extra $12k after seeing this.

I was going to say that this would be a good comparison to the Giulia. Similar weight/specs ZF8, 2.0 turbo, etc.

A very interesting video considering I moved from a 230i to an M240i, both cars being of the previous generation. I loved my 230i and it always felt light and agile but also a little soulless with the 2.0 turbo. It just felt like any other engine from any other hot hatch so i I traded it in for an M240i which felt just as agile but better steering tuning, a lot more power and that signature straight six howl. The weight penalty was only 70kg (155 pounds) so really the extra power was a worthy trade. I don’t think I’d do the same thing for the current generation now they are auto only and the 240i is so much heavier and more complex with all wheel drive. Now the 230i is a more obvious purist choice and it’s easier to add power with these cars than it is to reduce weight. For perspective this new 230i is around 1535kg without a driver and a full tank, my manual M240i is around 1480kg under the same conditions so still a mid-weight car in the grand scheme of things.

When you describe the suspension it sounds like a well sorted aftermarket coilover suspension. Kind of harsh on bumpy roads, But great on canyon roads

2:35

Mine's on order can't wait!

Now we just need a 230ti with manual box and a bit of extra boost. All the funs.

I had an order placed for a bare-bones but with an M Sport package (brakes, diff), even w/o sunroof for 41-42k - that was an awesome deal! Yet, had to cancel because it got moved to 2023 m.y. with a stupid curved screen and technology that added to the cost. Such a shame, although I got 981 instead, 230 could be a bit more practical with rear seats that fold down...

Does the m230i come with m differential or is it only on the awd m240i?

The taillights look…..odd 🤨

Glad I stumbled on this review

Exceptional review thank you!

One thing that jumped out at me, disc size does not equate to stopping power right? It's clamping force and friction of the pads on the discs right? Disc size aids in cooling for repeated stops yes?

Bought a f36 430i m sport. Chassis and turn in is fkn great. Great car to stretch out in the turns. Not a drag car. Not for “car guys”, more “driver”. IMO needs more top end power but my last car was gt350 so.. Mpgs are great. Engine is also co-signed by Toyota and zf8 is great so hopefully reliability matches. So far it does. would buy again.

It’s weird times when a 4 cylinder bmw is better drivers car than a bmw 6. Great review lads

I'm making a JZA80 Supra based on what you guys have been saying for years. Pretty much the opposite of the Supras you have driven. 550rwhp, 1.5 way Cusco LSD, a T56 Magnum 6 speed box. Upgraded bakes from top top bottom and Im up to the point of coil overs and tires. It's A street car with a lean to circuit racing. It's cars like this and the latest Lotus that make me say maybe I'll sell the supra but the lack of power puts me off.

Ordered a 2023 in BSM M sport fully loaded but without the dynamic handling package. Can't wait. My first brand new BMW.

With regards to the ride harshness. That sounds like the tell tale sign of run flat tires. I'd be curious to know what you guys had fitted for the test.

2018 Cadillac ATS 2.0t RWD vs 2022 BMW 230i RWD. Cady/BMW curb weight 3373/3519 lb., similar power, perfect weight distribution and beautiful chassis on both, lazy gearbox on Cady but 2 extra doors. Still looking for a replacement for my 2018 ATS rwd, BMW 230i rwd doesn't seem to be the one.

I see a lot of nostalgia in the comments for the E46 analog configuration. I can attest to that since I drive a 2002 M3 convertible. Currently for sale for $18K, it's a bargain compared to the cost of these new BMW cars. Not to mention more powerful, faster and more fun overall.

Your review bodes well for the new M2.

Matt's watch is worth more than that whole car. lol Awesome review as always.

Can you get cloth seat in the 230i still

but....i REALLY love my 08 135i CONVERTIBLE with twin turbo straight 6. and for 68K it only cost me 8K two years ago wonder what the car would sell for today at 70k.

Masterworks got me feelin' like Jay Z "when the war calls for warhals hope you got enough space on your halls walls"

Could they make the steering wheel any thicker?

I'll keep my 2018 with a 6 speed manual.... About the get the Stage 1 to open up the engine :)

I agree about the previous generation car. Before I bought my M2, I had a 228 with the sport package. I also instructed in several M235s. The latter always felt like there was too much engine and nose weight for the rest of the car. The 228 was a well rounded package which could punch well above its weight class on the track. Looks like they did it again.

I really wish they had a manual version. Even if it had to be ordered.

What watches are you guys wearing?

Is it necessary M diferential? What do you think?

Tryna stay close to the 40K mark, and this is the packages that I believe are a must. -M-sport Package $3250 (must have) includes: Shadowline Exterior Trim, Wheels: 18" x 7.5" M Double-Spoke (Style 848M), Bi-color, Tires: 18" All-Season Non Run-Flat M Steering Wheel, Rear Spoiler, Variable Sport Steering, M Sport Suspension, Aerodynamic Kit (Aero kit includes full front bumper with triangular intakes, side skirts, and rear diffuser from m240i, just like in the video. Dynamic Handling Package $1,900 M Sport Differential, Wheels: 19" x 8.0" Fr & 19" x 8.5" Rr (Style 797M), M double-spoke bi-color, Increased Top Speed Limiter, Tires: 225/40R19 Fr & 255/35R19 Rr Perf Non RF, M Sport Brakes w/Blue Calipers. (not only do you get the rear LSD, but some beautiful 19s with some really wide summer rubber, and the upgraded m240i brakes with 4 pot calipers in your choice of blue or red up front, and two pot calipers in the rear. obviously the dynamic handling package includes the 19s with the better rubber so the all season 18 inch wheels and tires that come with the 'M sport package' could be used as a second set of wheels and tires if you live in a four season area. they come included in the cost of the m sport package so why not use them or sell them. the the car already comes pretty well equipped as standard including :adaptive cruise control, front and rear park distance control, front collision warning, active blind-spot assist, lane departure warning, and speed limit information. In terms of comfort and gadgets, it gets an 8.5-inch touchscreen interface with all the latest connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And a ten-speaker sound system as standard as well. Premium package is $4,050 and I can absolutely live without any of it. but here's what's included: Ambient Lighting, Adaptive Full LED Lights, Comfort Access Keyless Entry, Live Cockpit Pro w/Navi, Head-Up Display, Heated Steering Wheel, Moonroof, Automatic High Beams, Connected Package Pro, Universal Garage-Door Opener, Heated Front Seats And if you are absolutely set on getting the double spoke by color 893m 19-in wheels that come on the top trim m240i, there is an option for them in the package named "Cooling and tire performance package" which for $2,400 include: M Technology Package, Wheels: 19" x 8.5 Fr & 19" x 9.5 Rr Double Spoke, Bicolor, Style 893M, Tires: 245/35R19 Fr & 255/35R19 Rr Perf Non-RFT These are some pictures of the wheels I'm talking about. if you can't live without these wheels, maybe you can work something out with your dealer for this set since your M sport package and dynamic handling package both come with a set of 19s and 18s (which I'm going to try and do) as these wheels are fantastic IMO. www.bmwblog.com/2021/09/10/live-photos-of-the-2022-bmw-m240i-coupe-in-thundernight-metallic/ Not quite sure why they call it the "cooling" and tire performance package. and I'm not sure what the M technology package consists of within this cooling and tire performance package. the final thing that I really would like is a moonroof and as opposed to spending over $4,000 on the premium package, they have something called the convenience package for $1,400 and includes: Ambient Lighting, Comfort Access Keyless Entry, Moonroof, Automatic High Beams. not sure about that one but I'll see if the dealer can play around with the packages a bit since some of them overlap each other on certain items. anyway if we're just discussing the M sport package and the dynamic handling package. total comes to $5,150 on top of the 36,350 which is a final price of $41,500 before destination, tax and tag etc. I think that's a great price, and nothing at around $40,000 is close to as good as an all-around daily driver with great power, and beautiful materials and refinement, that's also a true rwd driver's coupe that harkens back to some of the Great beamers like the E36 and E30 models...in my opinion

Just bought one with xdrive. It is a fantastic car!

I am considering a BMW 230i but without the excess ( no track handling package, no sunroof, no premium or convenience pkg....Just color and 19s as options) stickering around 40k -41k....( the other choice is a Mk 8 GTI)...Still deciding..

What’s the better drivers car Integra Type S or 230i?

How much per month for heated seats and carplay?

Nice review guys! Is this available with a manual?

I'm waiting for and hoping the g42 m240i rwd will come to the uk

Wasn’t this video released a month ago? Was that also an accident like the sport classic?

Todays video is brought to you by solid gold Rolex Daytona. Total boss watch. Very nice Matt…very nice!

Any advantages of this over getting a used prev gen M4 or M2?

I got it last May (Thundernight metallic amazing). Very good car with a great engine. The M240 is too heavy and 380Hp are too many on this car. I prefer to drive the 230i very fast than the M240 at half power. BTW the base version is only 38K and it's already beautiful.

I DRIVE NEW CARS EVERYDAY AND RIDE QUALITY JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER😎

Definitely to really test cars gotta hit the same roads.. to get the best feel of the vehicle 🔥🔥❤️🎯

If you floor this from a dig (no brake boost) does it have horrible lag like many other 2.0ts do? And from a driving dynamics perspective, would you take this over a Giulia Ti?

This seems like a really nice car, it's a shame there's no manual option.

Great design and size, but did BMW get rid of the quality issues (timing chain guide) in their 4 cylinder engines? Their gasket supplier should also be shot as 100% of them turn to glass by 80k miles.

I was "building" one of these on their website and in order to get the blue color not only do you have to pay $650 but you have to add a $3k package. At least you can get the seats in colors other than black without paying more.

I am just happy that the big guys like BMW, are still making proper drivers cars and not just 20,000 kg EV trucks

I’ll back y’all on this being a perfect money saver vs the punchier M240. Put the extra $ into all the MSport packaging to get the M Sport suspension and brakes and you’ll love it! Put mine on the track 2 weeks ago and was very impressed Vs my M340XI. Hands down more fun and more communicative with the driver

An interesting comparison in terms of weight for turbo-4 cars. The Mustang is pretty much the same as this 230i: 3,512 lbs. auto versus 3,554 lbs., respectively, although it makes 55 more HP and torque. However, the Camaro 2.0t is closer in power to the 230i: 275 HP/295 tq. but it comes in at 3,351 lbs. making it a full 200 lbs. lighter than the Bimmer. Even in 4-cyl 1LE guise (discontinued trim) it weighs 3,414 lbs. The Camaro's back seat is useless compared to the other 2, but it might be another notch better, as the 230 is to the 240, in terms of light-on-its-feet handling.

Wtf? A modern BMW with a great engine and is actually really beautiful? I like this reality.

So this or the M240i rear wheel drive?

i’m hoping to get the 230i or 228i with m sport and hopefully get payments to around. 475 -500 if I can and trade in my 2023 xt4 I hate.

Speaking of the Gulia, it has the same weight and transmission, and more power and space. How does it compare?

Rented a 2023 in vegas this past week, i must say i enjoyed the car alot. RWD made the car fun.

I weighed a ‘20 CS with a brake kit and half a tank of gas and it was 3425 lbs. Hard to believe that the 4cyl is now ~100 lbs heavier than one with an S55 in it…

Loved the outro lmao😂