1st Drive New 220i Coupé £35k RWD | 4K

[@paulmstevenson]

I agree with the sweet spot theory. I'd rather have a 225d over a 220d so I'd imagine 220i vs 230i is the same story. Seems a small difference on paper but in the real world makes a big difference. Great video Joe.

[@kevlarnegative]

I'd be quite happy with that. 184bhp is not bad and that torque. I daily 140bhp insignia and its good power just lacks torque down low.

[@ApurtureSci]

Yeah I think the numbers are more than adequate for a small car. I've got an older Audi A5 with 170PS/320NM and that's perfectly fine for UK roads, if not exactly exhilarating! Good MPG too.

[@MatthewA7]

Have you tried walking? 140hp insignia will be slower

[@Ross6041]

@Kevlar this will lack torque down low too. you might be better with the diesel, which will have over 400nm and power down low too.

[@BoldBrandFlakes]

In American standards that amount of hp is super low, even a mid range Honda Civic has around the same hp at 180hp. Good thing the lowest trim you can get is the 230i for us. At that price you'd be better off getting a GR86 or MX5 Miata

[@jonmayhew4468]

Joe, any chance you could do a 'drivers guide' for BMW cars please? Given your experience with both track and normal road driving across practically every BMW, your tips and insight would be really helpful as I always feel like there's more to extract from the car than I'm actually getting. Don't get me wrong, I'm not asking for a 'how to drift' video or encouraging breaking speed limits/dangers driving etc, just general tips/guides that could really help people to better understand and use their BMW's rear wheel drive mechanics. Thanks

[@KilaByte33]

Go to M school, how is a video going to teach you how to drive?

[@EdwardTheAussie]

@@KilaByte33 lmao 🤣 you got a couple grand spare and live ina county that its actually accessible go ahead

[@skrypka]

Drivers car as it's widely accepted is not neccesarily good car on the track. If you watch some ex race car drivers they don't worry about concepts like road feel and steering wheel communication, are not hungry for HP numbers, because in race track other things start to play. Don't believe journalists talks - 99% of them have 0 understanding about driving on a race track.

[@cawashka]

and PLEASE include APLINAS

[@paulmstevenson]

I really like the look of the new 2 Series. They've done something very right with it.

[@danI43541]

I really love the new 2 series design. Of course the M240i is amazing but I really like this base model. Probably quick enough and lots cheaper than the 240. But it’s very close to a 3 series when it comes to pricing… it’s not on the cheap/affordable side. But at least it’s proper RWD. Also I think they’ll do a 218i or so to lower the price (maybe even non M sport)

[@Toymonkeyjr]

lego brick car

[@danyalahmed929]

It's so ugly

[@Howie_Dewitt.]

Thanks! I've been waiting for the 220i review. 17:51 actually it's not only remap, the 220i engine doesn't have the piston head cooling of the 230i, also the compression ratio is different. Best!

[@441stainesphil5]

It’s always good to see reviews on the base model. Thanks

[@tonyc3995]

Good to see the base car featured, look forward to the full review.

[@Seeyan86]

love it how you go through the specs/options in configurator and real life - very useful!

[@KarelBeelaertsvanBlokland]

Never a fan of the first gen BMW 2 series but this one, on the BMW 3 series platform looks really good!

[@voqzmk2]

This thing looks amazing, I love what BMW did with the new 2 series and M3, M4.

[@charlieb9688]

With the anti diesel sentiment at the moment. Do you think people would choose this over bmw's 2.0 diesel? Maybe do a hyper mile video to see if it can get anywhere near the diesels economy 🤔

[@TeacherToolkitDemo]

The new petrol engines are very efficient. My mates 330i gets 48mpg on a long run.

[@CowsmiIk]

My old man daily drives a 2018 420i (same engine) and I daily a f31 335d and I get better mpg, especially on a run. Not as efficient as they seem

[@charlieb9688]

@@CowsmiIk my sisters fella has a 335d . I think it's the best all around car money can buy.

[@CowsmiIk]

@@charlieb9688 I love it mate, highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great all-rounder

[@charlieb9688]

@@CowsmiIk he's got the darkside development intercooler. It's proper rapid. 👌

[@kyleash3614]

Great to see you reviewing the 220i was worried we’d just get M240i overkill. I’ve got a 230i with these same options on the way. And I was getting some M240i FOMO due to the heavy attention it’s getting. Super happy to see the entry level models are good too!

[@joelk7424]

230i is a great choice. The balance between performance and running costs is perfect with the higher output b48 engine.

[@BIG2hats]

The 240i is only going to bring you much much higher costs in every way, I doubt the extra costs would be worth the extra fun

[@10essee10titans]

@@BIG2hats you say that until you've had one and driven it on a multitude of roads

[@henryhol8538]

Phew! I was worried that when the 1 and 2 series front wheel drive platform was introduced we will loose these driver focused RWD variants. Thank goodness they are still available. The car looks good, we dont all need a gazillion horsepower in our sports coupes. The only thing I'm not sure of is the rather high rear. Some would call it a big ar**!

[@joelk7424]

I drive a 2018 125i with 225/240bhp (b48 same engine) and it feels quick enough for every day driving. Also when it's a wet or damp road the car will lose grip very easily in sports.

[@joelk7424]

@Jesus tried to compensate for not getting an M140I so I put the M in front 😂

[@billymania11]

I see this car as being good for students in college and paradoxically, good for older folks like myself who want to cruise out their golden years in something that retains a hint of sportiness.

[@christianolsen9781]

I would love an M340i Touring (need the space and practicality) but the added price over 330i Touring Sport is ridiculous here in DK. Close to double. So here the 30i is really the sweet spot between price and performance.

[@Gary-pp6bg]

The B48 is a great engine. Have it in my F30. Would deffo go to the 330 sweet spot next time. The 320i is nifty coming out of a 1L focus and I still enjoy putting my foot down in it but with a few years of use, I'm more drawn to the 330 being the best all rounder sub 300hp

[@rare6499]

I think that looks superb in red! I love it

[@theaveragemalaysian]

I suspect the difference between the B48 outputs in the 220 vs 230 is not just down to a state of tune. At least the pistons looked different when i looked at a few stripped down B48's from a F30 320i and 330i. The 330i looked like it had lower compression pistons to run more boost. Granted those were F30's from 2018 but it still did have B48's

[@shorecarul]

The 220i with a remap becomes really good fun. My old 220i n20 stage 1 runs about 260bhp and 430nm of torque.

[@ivannagy9668]

Would it be safe to remap a 220i to stage 1, gaining around 76 HP and 120 NM of torque? Thank you.

[@rhodriedwardwilliams]

@@ivannagy9668 yes superchips stage 1 is close to 280hp n20 is an easy 300hp without risk

[@ivannagy9668]

@@rhodriedwardwilliams many thanks. Are we talking about the chip or remapping the ECU? What is a better and safer option?

[@shorecarul]

@@ivannagy9668 go for a proper custom remap, on a dyno if possible. Don't be cheap! You will be impressed with the gains

[@ivannagy9668]

@@shorecarul many thanks!

[@tomspain6696]

The modern BMW conundrum "Ugly face or weird arse?" I miss the 90's

[@fabers92]

In this case, both! Last gen had the same issue. I saw a 1 series coupe today, and it is aging wonderfully.

[@yorkshirejags7410]

Joe revisit the M2 vs M240i you did a few years back, on the back of that I bought a m240i and never regretted it! One of the best vids you ever did imo!

[@ivannagy9668]

Would it be safe to remap a 220i to stage 1, gaining around 76 HP and 120 NM of torque? Thank you.

[@juliankent8875]

Great video Joe. I really like that. It sounds better than my wife's 520i. It's a great looking car, I think BMW have got the proportions just right on this new one. Quick question though, you being a tall guy, how do you feel in the cabin, plenty of room?

[@andrewmontague2636]

Great vid as ever, Joe. I think this model is great value. Inspired by your passion for the brand, I have an M240i on order for later this year. It looks far better in the metal than in photos and is a wonderful thing to drive. Looking forward to hearing all about your long-termer!

[@peterwatson9047]

I've got a manual old 230i and the rear can come into play in non-slippery conditions if you are aggressive with foot to the floor upwards of 4k rpm.

[@t-bone9239]

Cool to see a „entry“ level 2 series. Personally I am very interested in those because for me they are like an old 1 series replacement. Low powered rwd cars for daily usage

[@final_mile_music9713]

There’s a lot to be said for a motor that you can wring out on the public road. This is a great motor. I do like my M340 xdrive though….;)

[@desha1084]

We want more videos about your new M3 Competition Xdrive

[@jamesward5551]

I have just ordered my 220i in Brooklyn grey. I just added the M sport performance pack. I have had a Audi S3 then moved to a A class with all the kit on which I didn’t use to be honest. I think the 220i will be something in between the models I have had before also costs will be done compared the those other models I had.

[@5amH45lam]

So, is it still 'Harry's Corner', or are we calliing the 'Metcalfe Achilles Chicane'?? ;) £35k seems steep for a near entry level, near base model vehicle from BMW, no?

[@alasdairstuart3394]

Great video, many thanks. Really refreshing to hear your comments about the 230 v M240. Clearly a terrific car (prick of the range…??) - just needs a couple of design tweaks.

[@rtw9655]

Great video, good insight into a “lower” level model. Real world driving, what would you suggest is the best driver’s car at the moment. By that, I mean NOT zooming around tracks but feeling the driver is making the car work, and those instructions give feedback WITHIN the realms of speed limits, road surfaces and (dare I say) economy.

[@lollypop9580]

Focus/mazda3.

[@leefoster8015]

In this price range I'd probably say the best balance for what you mentioned would be somthing like a 330e. If you can sacrifice handling and mpg for speed a m135i. Or if you want handling and speed at expense of mpg and tech a previous gen 340i.

[@ikraam19]

How is the steering feel compared to the M240i given this car is RWD?

[@rtw9655]

…pressed send by mistake! The other factor was economy. I have had the pleasure of owning M2 Comp, M3s and M4, plus Audi RS. But the car that gave me the thrills largely within the parameters I lists was a manual golf R32…. Anyway, please compare the m240 to the m4 for rolling acceleration, braking and some tight corner “when does the limit bite and how does it bite” action. Great stuff, thank you

[@davidbillberg2203]

A friend of mine has the 220d, the old version. the new one looks nicer. Thanks for the review!

[@peterwatson9047]

My suggestion as someone close to being the type of buyer for this car and as someone who likes slow-car-fast and handling>power type of motoring, and as someone who does a 50 mile rural B road commute: do a 20-30 mile blast along your favourite B roads to see what fun (if any) you can have, and describe what the car is like doing this. Then turn round and head back (or repeat the loop) in eco pro mode, driving sedately at ordinary traffic speeds, avoiding higher rpms and anticipating so you don't have to brake that much - report on the mpg for that second bit and also if it was enjoyable or at all engaging driving in that relaxed way. Might I suggest Oxford Wheatley services to Stow on the wold or can extend another 10 miles further west on b4077 to Teddington Hands Roundabout north of Cheltenham.

[@jackmccourt6180]

I have a b48 in my 1 series and with a simple bootmod3 tune you can add 100hp to it making it properly quick. Official 0-60 time is 7.1s but my car does it in 5s dead on my dragy. The b58 is a stonking engine, but you can get the 2l for pretty good money and it's amazing just how much power they hide behind a tune from the factory.

[@rhodriedwardwilliams]

Yes I am with you you’re getting a modern day Sierra Cosworth with a couple of well picked mods

[@RstewDstew]

Always the same with so many car reviewers nowadays.. unless it's got 700 bhp.. it's not much good??? If you truly love cars, then you would love all kinds of cars and engines.. I've driven 1000 hp cars which make 700 look inadequate, but I've had an absolute blast in a 1.5 3 cylinder mini Cooper too.. it was a hoot! So why Diss 4 pot engines? It just comes across as snobbery, and elitism. Oh.. its only the "entry level" model.. 🤔 it's how a car makes you feel that's most important... not the badge on the back, or whats under the bonnet! 😮‍💨

[@younotheway4908]

Would really like to see a 0 to 60 time and a Dino run to see the actual power 👍🏻

[@Cous1nJack]

Will be cool to see it race a dinosaur

[@-LK34-]

The 230i with a little more power than the 220i seems to be the one to have in the range!

[@titibobo2000]

I would also go with 230i. There's a noticeable power increase compared to 220i, and with that light 4-cylinder engine under the hood, I would expect more nimble front end compared to brutal M240iX. Quite enough fun with much less costs (than M240iX).

[@The_journeyy]

The way the car was adjusting its height before launch 🔥

[@benjaminrhodes9582]

I think that’s just the engine/gearbox loading up, makes the rear squat down.

[@ahmedvorajee2430]

Thanks Joe for this video. Really informative and has helped me to make a decision on my next BMW 😊👍

[@andrewfinkelsteintennis1915]

Great video! I just came back to BMW after 12 year hiatus...tempted by 2 dr rwd coupe with dimensions similar to my old e46 330ci. As a daily i went for the 230i...seems ample for a city dwelling car and wont break the bank.

[@barryworgan2640]

I have mine on order, for June delivery. This video showed it sounded quite nice. Can you cover the exhaust sound more in next video, and do you know if anyone will develop an exhaust for it ?

[@ollieM96599]

I love the looks of the car all round, but I’ll be holding out for 230i. Doubt the 220i would feel quick enough after my GTI.

[@poursafaie]

There is a 230i

[@ollieM96599]

@@poursafaie not available to order in the uk yet

[@g.d2450]

a remap brings it up to 260bhp

[@NeXAdam]

Nah go for the M240i.

[@Icicless]

@@g.d2450 yep and there goes your warranty

[@rgstar7702]

Wow. It actually sounds good. Shocking!

[@TheBestWanted112]

Yeah 230i would be great, but a similar spec 230i vs 240ix cost is so similar, it seems like a crazy thing to do when you consider adaptive shocks, xdrive, power and resale value. This leads me to a conclusion that 240i is a great bang for the money compared to other things available. Shame its not available rwd only.

[@porschelover04]

RWD M240i is coming. Same situation with the M440i, where it launched AWD-only and RWD came later.

[@TheBestWanted112]

@@porschelover04 well that would be awesome, but in europe the m440i is not available as rwd.

[@TheBestWanted112]

OMG sorry, it is!

[@porschelover04]

@@TheBestWanted112 Perhaps you were thinking of the G26? I wouldn't be surprised if the Gran Coupe, already being a niche offering, wouldn't offer both drivetrains. The same way the F36 wasn't offered with a manual (in the US at least).

[@CW-nt1sd]

Good to see you had matching red JOE

[@ertugrulbae46]

Joe, can you take a look at the Vorsteiner grille/splitters/spoiler for the M3/M4? I think it would suit your M3 especially with the colours matching

[@TheMBCreative]

I‘d love to hear your take on an B48 30i engine Joe. As you point out, could be the sweet spot for many in the range. Went from an M2 Comp to an 330i xdrive earlier in March because i need the space and wanted something more fuel efficient. Could not be any more happier to be honest, just the right power and torque for the daily commute!

[@TheMBCreative]

@markyes sure, both cars are hardly ever compareable really. Obviously the 330i is way more boring to drive then the M2 but is suprisingly quick and still at least a little fun to live with. But if you are searching for smiles per gallon, the M2 is hard to beat!

[@rootsmanuva82]

For the price of this 184 hp 3,400 lb coupe you could get an Audi S3, Golf R, AMG 35 or M135i. They’re all fwd based awd but will absolutely smoke the 220i on road or track. RWD is great but with only 184 hp and chunky curb weight you won’t be steering with the throttle… ever.

[@Tsukuyomi8]

I agree with you but which from the aforementioned is more reliable?

[@andrewmarsden1970]

Like that a lot. Colour scheme works.

[@Mechadondada]

Props for matching your threads to the car.

[@jcsuperstars1100]

Thoughts on a REAR wheel drive M240? Is that going to happen? I'd pass on the x-drive if possible.

[@rhodriedwardwilliams]

I can’t see it they are just gonna push you towards the M car’s.

[@N18tto]

Hi Joe many thanks for this video. On the strength of this video I pick my 220i up today! Can I ask if you were to tune this car to get it to 230i performance, what tuning company would you recommend?

[@willhicks96]

Very yobbish comment but… does it ‘fart’ on upshifts in sport? My 2016 B48 120i does and it adds just that bit of character to the otherwise quiet engine. Would love this as a replacement!

[@barryworgan2640]

Interested to know this too.

[@joelk7424]

I have 2018 125i pre OPF and I also love the upshift fart. I try and fart as much as possible.. lol

[@roadreg1820]

That’s a lovely looking car that. Nice work Joe !

[@MickDrivesCars]

Can someone please tell me where this road is? Same one that comes up in Harry's Garage. PM would be amazing

[@justinbunting3027]

Beautiful car but I think the sweet spot as you said Jo would definitely be the M230i .That has enough power for most people and occasions and would probably have more fun on a back road than the M240i as you have to watch your licence so to speak..If I had the money I would definitely go for the M230i in black with all the bells and whistles on 👍

[@davidhenderson3444]

Be good to see what it gets on a long drive, diesel vs petrol i don't think the gaps what it used to be, I know I made the wrong choice for my daily.

[@_Archambaud]

35k for 180bhp 2 series.car prices have gone mad

[@kyleash3614]

Update on the HUD being deleted. Your spec for some reason has it included but on new 220i and 230i when you add the technology pack it deletes the HUD, likely due to chip storage. This is what drops the price of the pack down to £575. As it’s usually over £1200 with the HUD

[@leccybadger]

Must be chip shortage; collected my m240i last weekend and the HUD is present, correct and really rather marvellous, imho.

[@kyleash3614]

@@leccybadger yeah I noticed it when I added the pack on my car. It drops the price down a fair bit when you add it and noticed the HUD isn’t listed. I’m happy about it as I didn’t want the HUD and only wanted the parking assistant and rear view camera so now I can have that for less money

[@astradala1845]

They look great in person tbh. I like the new design.

[@carcrazyguysa4059]

I know they are two very different cars but if you had to choose between a Golf 8 GTI vs a 220i which would you choose?

[@f00lxpl]

the headlights, the taillights, the triangular shaped inserts in front grill... What would you recommend I can wash my eyes with?

[@ronaldbear1]

I used to have an m135i. How does this compare?

[@philippebeinaerts]

230i will be the sweet spot, probably (unless, of course, you get a 220i stage 1 tuned to 230i power or beyond)

[@minilite7184]

Hey Joe - about 4 years ago you slated a 430i - the purple one- for not having the grunt of a 440. Now you reckon the 4 pot 30i engine is the sweet spot !

[@tomcrouchcars9936]

Great as always Joe, would love to see a drag race between a few m lights such as m135i, m240i the full fat M cars just to see the difference in straight line performance

[@baczus0]

What do you think about the seats? Do the M in m240i hold much better in turns?

[@peterbennpan7288]

I have had a BMW M135i on order since summer time last year cant remember what month its on lease and I got the tech pack amongst other options but BMW have told the lease company it will not come with the wireless charging & enhanced bluetooth! That been said the M135i F40 is the flagship version of the 1 series and this 220i you have here isn't the flagship model but it comes with wireless charging? How can it be missing on the M135i but not on this 220i?

[@harolddemaine]

Hi Joe. Thanks for the videos. I plan on getting a 220i coupe next year. What would be the must have regarding the options? Greetings from France

[@harolddemaine]

Hi Joe. Car ordered. Here is the link webfrontend.evecp.bmw.cloud/754e724

[@richardwarner5491]

Joe , have you driven the 220d ?

[@Mpower-hz4gk]

I've got them in my M2, the seat belts only add 10hp not 20hp as stated

[@Kelveron]

But those M-coloured seat belts also add x-drive, don't they?

[@AliVelmi]

Would love to see a 230is or something like that or a m240is with a rwd drivetrain

[@DamoDrives]

What a great car, what is the M2 comp going to be like

[@borjastick]

Looks like Harry's roads. Nice car. I like this version a lot.

[@bigbluesalamander]

Joe 220i coupe or 128ti...?

[@AE-bk8tc]

Changing my mercedes A 250 for a 220i. Although this car is slower the Ride confort in the a250 is terrible. Q: is this car a better choice in sound isolation and confort? Do you think i”l miss the power difference? Thanks!

[@billx4266]

Have you tested the diesel version?

[@anyasheran301]

Is BMW 2 series petrol automatic 118 i front drive or rear drive?

[@anyasheran301]

How is power steering ? I heard not so soft ?

[@darkblueturbo]

I’m not going to spec a new one, cos the x drive M140 is out of budget (looking for a second hand M140 right now) but I’d want to spec the HK sound without all that shadow line nonesense. I want memory seats, as I share with my wife, but I don’t want a heated wheel. Can you select individually? (Just in case I can ever afford a new one)

[@dandydondavid4093]

I love my I 330e Performance! This is a European model that they probably don't sell in the states in this configuration at least. It's a very nice looking coupe with this color! Lets face it. If you got this far into this review, were all confirmed BMW lovers anyway! My next one is going to be the new M4. Unless of course someone will trade me up to the new M8 convertable?It never hurts to ask!

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

The sweet spots in any performance oriented car range is often the base model. The quality of engineering needs to be the same as the M cars . Safety is standard across the range . I am a big fan of these 4 cylinder engine BMW . Refer 2002

[@jorisvandenakker1774]

Do you think this is an upgrade to a 2014 Mini Cooper s? Compared to driver involvement and fun? Or is the 230i a better option? Or do you think just save a bit more money for a bit longer and get the m240i

[@joelk7424]

I would go for the 230i or spend abit more on insurance and go for the m240i.

[@smiler921]

Looks great in red. Very tempted by the 240i though. There’s a lot of tasty stuff in the £50-60k ish ballpark. Of recent vids, as a great petrol one car garage, M240i, RS3 or Alpine?

[@georgiosgougoulakis2062]

Great video as usual Joe! I was waiting for that because I am thinking of buying a 220i exactly like the one that you drove but in Black Sapphire. Considering the fact that the M240i does the 0-96 in 3.86 instead of 4.3, which is the real 0-96 for this one? Thanks in advance!

[@scottrenton636]

I think it sits nicer on its wheels than the X-Drive.

[@CM.243]

You have a front radar (in the lower grille) which I thought was for adaptive cruise control, yet your steering wheel doesn't have the ACC buttons.

[@peterkirton4580]

Great looking car Joe with a stunning colour

[@premiumvehiclesonly]

Why would I pick this over the g20?

[@sonneyanthony6926]

To be fair it’s got the 135i engine so a remap is gonna see 310bhp at least this could be a amazing little deal

[@pjmoody]

Hi Joe. What's with the new door handles. Did they change for aerodynamics? Thanks for sharing as always mate.

[@bane8895]

I actually prefer them. The ones on the G20 for example are ugly as hell.

[@avi4090]

Honestly find this new design so hard to love. They removed so many lines and aggressive edges from the previous design. Looks so smooth and soft. Great video though.the color is fantastic and great tip that the black color hides the rear.

[@TRD1949uk]

Real world economy on a mix motorway and B road route. Then compare that to the m240 and see how they compare

[@sumanthmewalal6230]

Hi Joe, great video...I love watching your reviews. I'm from South Africa...I'm considering getting a new car, however I'm stuck between the Golf 8 GTI and the 220i bmw...I know it isn't two cars that you can compare but in your honest opinion, which would you consider? thanks!

[@xAdi420]

Great car and all, I just cannot get over that rear end...

[@darksidemoon33]

I'm guessing that Pixel 6 Pro doesn't fit in the wireless charging tray? It doesn't in my 520d 😟