Beyond the Limits: A Wild Ride with the 2023 BMW 230i xDrive

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks for watching our review of the 2023 BMW 230i xDrive! If you're as excited about driving as we are, be sure to check out our merch store at brianmakse.myspreadshop.com for exclusive gear and accessories. From t-shirts and hats to mugs and phone cases, we've got everything you need to show off your love for driving. Don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe to our channel for more reviews and adventures. See you on the road!

[@postalpancho]

I live in Texas so I got what I call the 230i "track spec". I got a RWD 230i with the Dynamic handling which gets you the big brakes and ELSD from the M240i and I also deleted the sunroof because race car. Autocross season starts next month and I already have a set of Khumo v720s on the car. I think this current 230i will be very similar to the 128i from a decade ago, under appreciated at first due to being overshadowed by the big brother but over time people will see it is the better balance car. Many reviewers have been complaining about the m240i lack of feedback, lacking brake performance for the amount of power, and weight of 3850 pounds. While you lose the raw power of the b58 from the 240i you get a much more balanced care in the 230i, 50/50 weight distribution with RWD, brakes can handle the B48s power with dynamic handling package, better feedback, and a weight a bit over 3500 pounds. Nice review but wish the weather wasn't so cold. The B48 is plenty quick as well. It won't be beating a 5.0 Mustang, Camaro SS, or Hellcat but it is more than enough to out run 370z, v8 challenger/Charger RT, and STIs. Car definitely holds its own in terms of performance. It may be the 4 popper but the performance is completely adequate. My one complaint I do have is that the car does seem awfully quiet for the amount of performance, wish the Sport setting was more aggressive and gave some pops and bangs. When you put it in sport it is only slightly more aggressive, hardly noticeable. Will be nice to see in the future if BMW does a 230ti with a high strung 4 popper like the engine in the 235i.

[@ak2112]

You got the right spec. Nice car. What color?

[@BrianMakse]

Nice work Francisco!

[@avery4528]

Yep, I’ve got mine ordered in “track spec.” We’ve decided that my wife’s RDX is going to be the family vehicle and I’m allowed to have my sports car as long as she likes driving it. That meant the 6MT BRZ has to go for something more comfortable, automatic, and with memory seats.

[@aapinor]

Great review Brian. You really enjoyed driving this car! 😊😊👋👋👋👋

[@BrianMakse]

Thank you! 👍 I did! Had great weather for it!

[@93455Driver]

If u get the xDrive with ability torque around, do need/miss a LSD?

[@miata1370]

Brian..thoroughly enjoy your performance oriented vehicle reviews and given your background, you offer a very creditable opinion. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the vehicles you test drive for us. I had a '19 230i xDrive and regret selling it. I live in the Midwest..some snow but certainly not Canadian volumes. I do enjoy occasional auto-x and track day events. Would you recommend the xDrive for my use case or....would I likely enjoy the 3 season RWD performance (lighter weight, more nimble handling) such that the winter compromise of not having xDrive would be missed? Would a good set of dedicated minus -1 winter wheel/tire setup be a good consideration? The U.S. $2k savings with RWD would cover the cost of the extra set of wheels & winter tires.

[@psewgobind]

Nice and those 17s look nicer then some 19". I just called-up my buddy who's lookin into the John Cooper Works and told him he needs to check out your 230i.

[@BrianMakse]

Good call. This is worthy of serious consideration.

[@chrisbelgrade7902]

How do you put the transmission in sport mode since they did away with the shift lever

[@Lex-pq9bl]

how is the Xdrive 230i vs RWD 230i, Brian? Noticeable difference in nimbleness?

[@BrianMakse]

Haven't driven the RWD! I haven't looked at the specs, but the xDrive is probably 100-150lb heavier and you'd only notice it back to back.

[@Lex-pq9bl]

@@BrianMakse 150 is a decent amount but its not just about the weight...its about where the weight is and how xdrive pulls at the steering...etc, as Im sure you know. Does it push more?

[@BrianMakse]

@@Lex-pq9blxDrive is perhaps the best system out there, no downside or undesirable behaviour. There’s no push because cars don’t understeer by themselves 😎

[@Lex-pq9bl]

Drive it and and let us know Brian! You did a great job with the xdrive.

[@geneforte9038]

Is it the standard suspension or is it the M sport suspension?

[@BrianMakse]

IIRC standard suspension

[@michelvermeulen61]

The 230i and 430i xDrive are probably the sweet spot in the BMW lineup today... Those underrated car do everything pretty well with the right BMW option's. Can I say a luxury GT bargain in the case of the 230i xDrive? Oh yes, I can said that! I own right now a 2020 M430i xDrive coupe, the best looking BMW ever make in my opinion, the last year of the small kidney front grill by the way and I love it so much and the 2023 230i xDrive is in the same spirit concept of 4cyl. twin turbo car balance lightweight BMW driver machine... It's a beast on the track with his small 4cyl. TT engine and a perfect weight distribution of 50/50 with the M performance pro package and staggered 225/255 Michelin PS4S tires. What a nice lapping sleeper🤪... My next car will be for sure a M230i xDrive, because I don't like the large kidney grill of the new 430i☹

[@houssamalucad753]

does this xdrive slide in the snow when you want it to?

[@BrianMakse]

It does when I do.

[@houssamalucad753]

@@BrianMakse great to know! Thanks for the quick answer. What about in the rain? Do you think I could sustain longer drifts with the Xdrive?

[@BrianMakse]

With me on a closed course, no problem, but even I wouldn’t mess with that idea on public roads. That’s an meme waiting to happen just like all those guys leaving their local Cars and Coffees.

[@houssamalucad753]

@@BrianMakse haha I'll have to be careful then XD

[@valvaholic6800]

Brian, how does the handling and steering feel with this 4-banger compared to the M240 you drove?

[@BrianMakse]

It’s a touch sharper in the 230, you’d definitely notice driving them back to back.

[@AllenBMWDurham]

Great video!

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks! One day I'll have to tell you about my secret location!

[@golfbuddy1969]

You always do great reviews. I love red cars. I always have. The BMW leather is so plastic feeling and cheap, that the sensatech actually feels better. It’s a big reason that I didn’t buy a bmw last year, but an Audi instead.

[@BrianMakse]

Thanks. I had way too much fun with this one, as proved by the speed camera ticket!

[@golfbuddy1969]

@@BrianMakse sometimes it’s worth it to have a great time. I don’t sweat 1 ticket per year. Best regards!

[@miata1370]

Yep...really miss my former '19 230i xDrive...and am considering getting another. That one had the Vernasca leather and I totally agree...was hard, no real leather smell or luxury feel..but it was "on the lot' with everything else I desired. Am looking at getting another 2 series...and Sensatec, particularly the newer perforated version is very comfortable and more durable.

[@yomofoindahouse]

Somewhere in Shanghai, a young boi craves over the perfect design of the G42...

[@BrianMakse]

No doubt.

[@wardellward]

The interior is awesome

[@BrianMakse]

So good!

[@wardellward]

@@BrianMakse yes sir

[@geneforte9038]

Does it have M sport suspension?

[@BrianMakse]

No

[@inikkor520]

That looks like a m sport. Are u sure it doesn't have sport suspension?

[@BrianMakse]

Yes.

[@CoyKiyote]

I wanted a BRZ forever but this looks much better...

[@BrianMakse]

It's bigger, heavier, and a lot of inertia, relative to an 86, but on the other hand, it's less prone to understeer than a BRZ.

[@Sendies]

I'll keep my 128i. Can't believe how much of a heffer this car has become for the last short wheelbase enthusiast BMW's you can buy :S

[@boygonewhoopdataZZ]

It's a shame they stopped offering the E-LSD for the 230i

[@keithkennedy1]

as fellow racer ( former), both your hands repeatedly off the wheel make me a little nervous.

[@BrianMakse]

I have a feeling we’re talking apples and oranges about racing.

[@zainscooby]

i would love one but how do people afford them lol

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Get an education, get a decent job, DON'T have kids. Lease.

[@porfiriato84]

Buy used or CPO

[@brucemcintosh7466]

I just bought a 2021 230i Xdrive with 30km for $29k

[@scbond]

By working hard and having a good career?!

[@billbrandon1697]

i put a bike in every day....just take off front wheel and its a breeze