I just bought the exact same configured one last month- m sport package, heated seats, heated steering wheel, blacked out- got it for 42k and love it! Great car to toss around and lots of fun for the value. The luxuries you get for the price is insane too
I’m happy that Bros Four speed gave the 230i back seats some credit. It was actually one of the main reasons I chose the 230i over the Supra. My kids fit back there great and they aren’t all squashed up like in the back of a Camaro or 86.
@@dodgers4121 I am 5’8” and I can fit behind myself just fine. I’m not sure how big the old 230 eyes backseats were however, I highly doubt they were way bigger. The backseats aren’t even what I would consider tiny. The main issue is mostly just a head room
@@postalpancho Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful car and the backseats are ok for kids and not too tall adult. I have this car and I love it. My point is, why this car is longer and wider than the F22 and the backseats have less leg room, less shoulder room and less head room?
I had the last generation 2 series B-48 with the M Sport package and a few other upgrades. The thing is though, by the time you have configured the 230I the way you want, it's not that much more for the 240I and the resale on the 240 allows you to recover the initial cost differential. The 230 is amazing but I just think spending a bit more to get the 240 is worth it, if you like to drive fast.
@@BrosFOURRSpeed yeah and putting my sons car seat in the back. I’m amazed at how much it room it has. I have a mini countryman with no safety features. This is the best bmw at the 50,000 price range fully loaded with features. The other cars same features are like higher in price. Plus this is like so much more safer then a mini and almost the same size or bigger slightly. The only problem is right now lease prices at like 800 a month I’m hoping to be 600 something a month.
I love this car. When it first came out, the styling took me a while to get used to. But I do like the proportions a lot, and the color is fitting for it. Seems like maybe they tweaked the piped-in sound to be less fake, from the video at least?
Looks like this 230i has the m sport package but it doesn’t have the dynamic handling package….. if you get this car you absolutely want that ELSD. You can feel the ELSD smooth out the back end of the car during hard turning. You can actually feel the ELSD work it’s magic. It is likely the most important option you can get with the 230i, unfortunately you have to buy a bunch of extra crap in packages before getting it. But this thing feels absolutely amazing when you get the e diff. I’ve had multiple cars with mechanical diffs and I can tell you the E diff is much better. It amazes me every time I take a corner with my 230i. Just amazing!
It's not an e-LSD, Dynamic Handling incorporates a rear locking diff - the bone stock 230i comes with an e-LSD as a subsystem of DSC(dynamic stability control) called ADB(Automatic Differential Braking), which pinches the brakes to produce a roughly similar effect to a mechanical LSD. Dynamic handling is way less important than the M Sport suspension; the stock e-LSD is good enough for spirited driving and light drifting, the M Diff will certainly make the experience a bit better but isn't necessary to get the car sideways or corner effectively. I drove both a 230i without it and an M240i with it and noticed very little difference - I'm sure it'd be more noticable in the snow/rain but driving like a clown in the snow will get you killed M Diff or not. However, comparing an M-Sport 230i to a 228i without the sport suspension, it's straight up night and day. Wouldn't even bother buying one without the M Sport package, literally not even a sports car anymore. You can feel the sport suspension at work literally every second you're driving the car for the lifetime of ownership, whereas the Adaptive M differential will only come into play when you're pushing traction to the absolute extreme (powersliding, driving in a blizzard/thunderstorm) - and even then, it's inferior to a limited slip differential and produces inconsistent effects due to being dynamically controlled. For anyone who really wants to drift or track the 230i/M240i, the answer will be an aftermarket mechanical limited slip differential once BMW, Quaife, or Wavetrac makes one. The fact that the M diff is computer controlled and therefore inconsistent will not sit well with people who need to know exactly how their car is going to react going around a tight corner fast.
@@BrosFOURRSpeed I test drove both the m sport and non m sport, the variable steering ratio on the m sport makes a big difference for me so that’s what I went with. Also the runflat tires that came on the car were garbage. Bad grip and ride quality. Pilot sport 4 fixed that quick
I'm undecided between buying the 230i / 330i or leaning towards something like an Audi S3 or Golf R (they have the same price in my country). Which one would you recommend?
All are really good options. We like our S3 quite a bit. More fun than the 330i I'd say. 230i with M Sport package is really fun if you can do 2 doors. Golf R would be on the bottom of my list since it feels a bit cheaper. But really can't go wrong with any
Hi, thanks for a very informative video. I wonder if you could offer some advice based on your experience of BMW please. I recently purchased a 2023 M2 but I'm considering selling if already due to the fact that I find the steering very twitchy especially when "on centre" which I find very disconcerting and I'm not sure I will get used to it. So the question is (if it's not too long since you drove the M230i) how did the steering feel to you on this model as I'm considering moving to this car if I go ahead and sell my M2. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I always felt the M2 would be my "forever car", given that I'm no youngster, so I'm really disappointed that it probably won't be. Thanks
Yeah the 230 would have a bit more relaxed steering feel. However you'd lose so much horsepower and performance going from the twin turbo 6 cyl to the 4 cyl. Have you adjusted your drive modes? You can put the steering feel into comfort mode and it should relax it quite a bit and drive like a normal car. You might like the M240i better then. Similar power to the M2, but drives in normal mode just like the 230
Thanks for getting back to me. I have tried all the different settings on the steering but it still feel uneasy to me and I know I will find it difficult to get past my initials feelings. I did own a M240i before the M2 and certainly the feel of the car didn't give me an issue so it may be a case of getting another M240i. I think the moral to the tale is test drive before you buy but of course with my M2 it wasn't possible. Thanks@@BrosFOURRSpeed
I’ve got same car without MSPORT for $39,500. Nice car for sure. Rides nice in base trim with 18” rims for smooth and peppy driving experience. Luxury car and affordable! A plus is the MPG!
@@geneforte9038 It’ll be a fun choice. You won’t notice much of a difference compared to RWD. However pushing the car hard in turns the xDrive will grip better. And inclement weather you’ll have more traction
@@BrosFOURRSpeed - me too! My dealer has it on his computer and I’m looking forward to watching the Utube reviews. It’s going to be awesome and relatively affordable. Better than the Supra I think.
I’m confused. In this review you repeated call this car an impressive “sports car,” while in your three-month earlier review of the “purple” one you explicitly and repeatedly say it is NOT by any means a sports car. 🤷♂️
You’ll have to time stamp and show me that, don’t remember that long ago with the videos that I make. However we had one without the M sport and it’s just a basic car, so the M sport does make a huge difference and maybe that’s what I was talking about.
@@BrosFOURRSpeed He is correct. There is no M230. However, you can get a 230 with the msport package. The M + 10 that comes before the number usually have a bigger engine. For example, M240, M340, etc.
An indention? Usually describes the negative space left on an area. Like if you hit a piece of wood with a hammer. It would leave an indention. So maybe on a car and embossed logo on the leather seats would be an indention in the leather. Or maybe two pieces of leather sown together. That crease would be an indention. or a body panel curving under the headlights would be an indentation of the body work. What the context you are referring too?
That black gloss trim on the side door isn't on American version for the 230 or the M235. Only the M240 gets that so I do like the non american versions of these cars
I just bought the exact same configured one last month- m sport package, heated seats, heated steering wheel, blacked out- got it for 42k and love it! Great car to toss around and lots of fun for the value. The luxuries you get for the price is insane too
Nice! This with the M Sport package really comes alive! Good affordable luxury sporty car
Do you have the LSD installed? If not, how does it feel without it?
I’m looking at getting same spec just in purple!
I can't believe it's 45K and it doesn't include the $1,900 handling package which comes with m sport brakes and calipers and a rear diff.
My first BMW coupe car!! Good video bro.
Glad you enjoyed this bmw review!
Anyone know why the M Sport package doesn't show up for the 230i on BMW USA anymore?
Check with the dealer, I’m not sure!
I’m happy that Bros Four speed gave the 230i back seats some credit. It was actually one of the main reasons I chose the 230i over the Supra. My kids fit back there great and they aren’t all squashed up like in the back of a Camaro or 86.
It’s not bad for smaller people or quick trips! People hate on small back seats until they need to use one!
The previous 230 had a way bigger backseats. With my old 230 I could have 2 adults in the back, with this one only 2 kids.
@@dodgers4121 I am 5’8” and I can fit behind myself just fine. I’m not sure how big the old 230 eyes backseats were however, I highly doubt they were way bigger. The backseats aren’t even what I would consider tiny. The main issue is mostly just a head room
@@postalpancho Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful car and the backseats are ok for kids and not too tall adult. I have this car and I love it. My point is, why this car is longer and wider than the F22 and the backseats have less leg room, less shoulder room and less head room?
@@dodgers4121 wider wheel base = better performance.
Just bought this car m sport with xdrive in Brooklyn Grey. Love this little beasty of a car!
Good choice! Congrats!
I had the last generation 2 series B-48 with the M Sport package and a few other upgrades. The thing is though, by the time you have configured the 230I the way you want, it's not that much more for the 240I and the resale on the 240 allows you to recover the initial cost differential. The 230 is amazing but I just think spending a bit more to get the 240 is worth it, if you like to drive fast.
I’m buying this when my lease is up in late September
Cool!
@@BrosFOURRSpeed yeah and putting my sons car seat in the back. I’m amazed at how much it room it has. I have a mini countryman with no safety features. This is the best bmw at the 50,000 price range fully loaded with features. The other cars same features are like higher in price. Plus this is like so much more safer then a mini and almost the same size or bigger slightly. The only problem is right now lease prices at like 800 a month I’m hoping to be 600 something a month.
I love this car. When it first came out, the styling took me a while to get used to. But I do like the proportions a lot, and the color is fitting for it. Seems like maybe they tweaked the piped-in sound to be less fake, from the video at least?
Idk, I’m sure it has a bit of that sound. It’s not a very loud exhaust so it could have that!
I love my in grey but i think in the Blue is very nice too 🥰
Really can’t go wrong with any of the bmw colors!
Nice, cute little car
It’s a cool little bmw!
A most excellent review!
Thank you kindly!
Thanks for the great and honest review! I got the 2022 Mineral White Metallic convenience packet BMW X2 and it’s doing great! 😊😊👋👋👋👋👋
Sweet! BMW has some nice cars these days!
Looks like this 230i has the m sport package but it doesn’t have the dynamic handling package….. if you get this car you absolutely want that ELSD. You can feel the ELSD smooth out the back end of the car during hard turning. You can actually feel the ELSD work it’s magic. It is likely the most important option you can get with the 230i, unfortunately you have to buy a bunch of extra crap in packages before getting it. But this thing feels absolutely amazing when you get the e diff. I’ve had multiple cars with mechanical diffs and I can tell you the E diff is much better. It amazes me every time I take a corner with my 230i. Just amazing!
It's not an e-LSD, Dynamic Handling incorporates a rear locking diff - the bone stock 230i comes with an e-LSD as a subsystem of DSC(dynamic stability control) called ADB(Automatic Differential Braking), which pinches the brakes to produce a roughly similar effect to a mechanical LSD. Dynamic handling is way less important than the M Sport suspension; the stock e-LSD is good enough for spirited driving and light drifting, the M Diff will certainly make the experience a bit better but isn't necessary to get the car sideways or corner effectively. I drove both a 230i without it and an M240i with it and noticed very little difference - I'm sure it'd be more noticable in the snow/rain but driving like a clown in the snow will get you killed M Diff or not. However, comparing an M-Sport 230i to a 228i without the sport suspension, it's straight up night and day. Wouldn't even bother buying one without the M Sport package, literally not even a sports car anymore. You can feel the sport suspension at work literally every second you're driving the car for the lifetime of ownership, whereas the Adaptive M differential will only come into play when you're pushing traction to the absolute extreme (powersliding, driving in a blizzard/thunderstorm) - and even then, it's inferior to a limited slip differential and produces inconsistent effects due to being dynamically controlled.
For anyone who really wants to drift or track the 230i/M240i, the answer will be an aftermarket mechanical limited slip differential once BMW, Quaife, or Wavetrac makes one. The fact that the M diff is computer controlled and therefore inconsistent will not sit well with people who need to know exactly how their car is going to react going around a tight corner fast.
@@junglman3429 all those packages aren't available anymore
Have you driven one without the m sport package?
It's no different lol, at least for normal day to day driving. But I have!
@@BrosFOURRSpeed I test drove both the m sport and non m sport, the variable steering ratio on the m sport makes a big difference for me so that’s what I went with. Also the runflat tires that came on the car were garbage. Bad grip and ride quality. Pilot sport 4 fixed that quick
I'm glad they updated infotainment so quick. (and glad I didn't buy 2022 model)
It’s a nice upgrade from bmw!
Great review. Very thorough. I’m looking at getting one. Love the color but looks like it is no longer available!?
If you recall in individual sport settings could you adjust the exhaust noise?
I'm undecided between buying the 230i / 330i or leaning towards something like an Audi S3 or Golf R (they have the same price in my country). Which one would you recommend?
All are really good options. We like our S3 quite a bit. More fun than the 330i I'd say. 230i with M Sport package is really fun if you can do 2 doors. Golf R would be on the bottom of my list since it feels a bit cheaper. But really can't go wrong with any
Hi, thanks for a very informative video. I wonder if you could offer some advice based on your experience of BMW please. I recently purchased a 2023 M2 but I'm considering selling if already due to the fact that I find the steering very twitchy especially when "on centre" which I find very disconcerting and I'm not sure I will get used to it. So the question is (if it's not too long since you drove the M230i) how did the steering feel to you on this model as I'm considering moving to this car if I go ahead and sell my M2. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I always felt the M2 would be my "forever car", given that I'm no youngster, so I'm really disappointed that it probably won't be. Thanks
Yeah the 230 would have a bit more relaxed steering feel. However you'd lose so much horsepower and performance going from the twin turbo 6 cyl to the 4 cyl. Have you adjusted your drive modes? You can put the steering feel into comfort mode and it should relax it quite a bit and drive like a normal car. You might like the M240i better then. Similar power to the M2, but drives in normal mode just like the 230
Thanks for getting back to me. I have tried all the different settings on the steering but it still feel uneasy to me and I know I will find it difficult to get past my initials feelings. I did own a M240i before the M2 and certainly the feel of the car didn't give me an issue so it may be a case of getting another M240i. I think the moral to the tale is test drive before you buy but of course with my M2 it wasn't possible. Thanks@@BrosFOURRSpeed
@@michaelcox4344 Yeah if you’re not really driving super performance oriented the M2 could be overkill. M240 is a good sweet spot!
Hi, agreed that's probably the brutal truth in that the M2 is an overkill for me. Thanks@@BrosFOURRSpeed
Love me my M package mike!!
It’s a great package for the bmws!
@@BrosFOURRSpeed only the best!
I’ve got same car without MSPORT for $39,500. Nice car for sure. Rides nice in base trim with 18” rims for smooth and peppy driving experience. Luxury car and affordable! A plus is the MPG!
Very nice! It’s certainly a cool bmw model!
@@BrosFOURRSpeed - Yes it’s a really great little sports coupe. Easy on the pocket book too.
Hi, is yours a Base 2023?
@@jaysworld5378 - Mine is the 2022 base 230i… same car but it doesn’t have the large computer screen on the dash. It looks better.
@@rembo183 Oh ok, very nice car!
Does the xdrive option drive just as sporty ?
As sporty as what? Xdrive gives it more grip, any awd performance car would drive great.
BMW 230xdrive M sport I am contemplating ordering 2024 model.
@@geneforte9038 It’ll be a fun choice. You won’t notice much of a difference compared to RWD. However pushing the car hard in turns the xDrive will grip better. And inclement weather you’ll have more traction
2023 BMW 230i M Sport Package Coupe!
Thanks for checking out this bmw review!
I’m looking forward to getting more performance from the new M2! I may trade in my 230i for the M2 because I want a manual
I can’t wait to check out the M2!
@@BrosFOURRSpeed - me too! My dealer has it on his computer and I’m looking forward to watching the Utube reviews. It’s going to be awesome and relatively affordable. Better than the Supra I think.
@@BrosFOURRSpeed - local dealer advises that they’re putting on $20k markups. At least initially but may reduce to $10k! Ridiculous!
you won't do it
This or the GR86? I know the GR is cheaper but which one would you choose as far overall performance and quality?
Both are fun. If you want a manual and the more light weight feeling car go 86. If you want some good creature comforts and extra power go 230i
46K? Not a bad deal at all
It’s not bad when you compare it to other cars in that price range!
@@BrosFOURRSpeed yeah exactly, for that price it’s a good amount of car
Nice car!
I get i Hope in February (After 6month waiting)a 220d Coupé in the Same colour 👌👍🏎🏎🏎🐺
I’m confused. In this review you repeated call this car an impressive “sports car,” while in your three-month earlier review of the “purple” one you explicitly and repeatedly say it is NOT by any means a sports car. 🤷♂️
You’ll have to time stamp and show me that, don’t remember that long ago with the videos that I make. However we had one without the M sport and it’s just a basic car, so the M sport does make a huge difference and maybe that’s what I was talking about.
there is no 2023 m230i msport...
Yes there is, it’s in this video as you see it!!! If you do some research you will find that to be accurate.
@@BrosFOURRSpeed He is correct. There is no M230. However, you can get a 230 with the msport package. The M + 10 that comes before the number usually have a bigger engine. For example, M240, M340, etc.
❤
Thanks for checking out this bmw review!
@@BrosFOURRSpeed how is the reliability of this model??? After the video, I am definitely considering one since I am on the market for a new vehicle.
I had an M240 on order, but I canceled it and ordered an M2. I just can't drive an automatic.
Yeah, a manual is more fun for a car like this!
The new M2 is ugly as hell though and no AWD option for winter driving
What the hell is an “indention”?! 😂
An indention? Usually describes the negative space left on an area. Like if you hit a piece of wood with a hammer. It would leave an indention. So maybe on a car and embossed logo on the leather seats would be an indention in the leather. Or maybe two pieces of leather sown together. That crease would be an indention. or a body panel curving under the headlights would be an indentation of the body work. What the context you are referring too?
Debating switching from a Toyota Tacoma to one of these.
These are pretty cool! I'm ordering an M240 after I sold my Tacoma!
I dont like bmws..
..but
They are some fun to drive!
Better by toyota Camry
Not really the same class. But this is much nicer to drive and more sporty. Camry's are just normal cars
That black gloss trim on the side door isn't on American version for the 230 or the M235. Only the M240 gets that so I do like the non american versions of these cars
This is an American car though with the black..confused by what you’re saying.
The dashboard is super ugly!!!! Thank God I got mine in April and I have the old dashboard
I honestly like it way more than the previous design!
100%! 2022 is more old school design and outdated vs 2023-24