BMW's 230i Might Just Be The Perfect Coupe | 2022 BMW 230i Review

The 230i may look a great deal like 4-Series coupe, but the smaller BMW is smaller, lighter, and $10,000 cheaper with essentially the same engine lineup, For less than a Toyota Supra or Nissan Z, you could get a 2-door BMW. What's not to love? Well, the back seat and trunk are small, but aside from that...
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[@migy5031]

I think it’s a great daily driver for those who don’t need to carry more than one passenger. I have no complaints about the presenter. 👌

[@dinosoarmotorsports]

Have had my 2022 230 M Sport (RWD, Moonroof Delete) for three years now. A great, great car. I did put 255s on all corners and it handles so well. Of course, a bit of engine tuning and it is plenty quick and then some!

[@chrisbianchi8876]

Nice review but you're the first automotive journalist I've heard complain about the ZF 8 speed. Aside from Porsches PDK it's widely regarded as one of the best automatic transmissions you can buy.

[@michaelschneider1365]

our video convinced me i’m definitely getting a 228i or 230i m sport version as my next car. it’s perfect size and fun.

[@rembo183]

This is the best BMW unless you need more space. I own one and paid $39,500. It handles great and is very quick. Nice luxury interior with very comfortable seats even without lumbar adjustment. The seats come very supportive. The pricing without unnecessary options is reasonable. Skeptics should test drive one before concluding it’s bad. Personally it’s great in my opinion.

[@tresjolieme81]

What color did you get? I got the purple and in the sun I have so many looks. I added the m sport package and paid 42k.

[@rembo183]

@@tresjolieme81 - Mine is Alpine White with the cognac/tan interior. Beautiful car. That purple is nice and I’m sure it handles great with the MSport options.

[@josephcitizen4195]

@@tresjolieme81 Brooklyn Grey, M-Sport +options, $46k. Best car I have ever owned.

[@redandblack1911]

​@@tresjolieme81 $42k otd or pre tax etc?

[@tresjolieme81]

@@redandblack1911 pretax came out to 47k

[@aroundomaha]

Great overview of a car that unexpectedly has my attention. This was helpful

[@buickboy92]

Enjoyable review, I especially liked the drive-by shots filmed along with narration.

[@anhayes25]

The 2023 2 series has AWD available for 230i and RWD available for M240i. The new model year costs more, but one new standard feature is the giant curved screen like in the i4.

[@redandblack1911]

How much more?

[@anhiirr]

@@redandblack1911 quite a bit esp now in 2024...the m/package forces you into 360 camera etc "tech" upgrades and LED headlights w.o being a 'baseline' peformahce package anymore. It almost forces you towards a 240i with the pricing/packaging scheme...you could possibly talk down price at a dealership thats about it...definitely not worth 'configuring' your own....i feel much better off in the 2nd hand market bc of pricing for new currently. Or id have to go aftermarket as far as brake/suspension upgrades still wont get the e-dif which feels pretty mandatory if you want more of a sportscar feel/response. RWD only for me in california X-drive takes away so much feel/character from the car/road feel that it wouldnt remotely be worth it almost as if youre cheating yourself as far as driving feel/inputs and daily/fun.

[@hamidmghazi]

Soon we'll all miss this interior from BMW

[@indyrock8148]

Canberra beige. Melbourne red. BMW design team boss came here on vacation. Camberra beige actually shows a good knowledge of our country.

[@richardhoulton4016]

The 228/230i has long been the 2 Series sweet spot and the modern vehicle most like the original E30 M3. Sadly, up to this model, you could also order it with a manual gearbox which made it even more old school. Shame it’s no longer an option.

[@michaelschneider1365]

hopefully by this november or december they are in 475-500 max lease price range

[@michaelschneider1365]

can a car seat fit nicely in this? or is the 228i better

[@rembo183]

I hope they add a manual option. That would make the 230i the perfect sport luxury coupe and so affordable assuming limited options are ordered!

[@josephcitizen4195]

@@michaelschneider1365 I haven't needed a car seat for 20 years but I think there is enough room in the rear seats. An adult is a different story. I (6'-0") rode in the back of my '22 230 while my son drove and my mom was in the front passenger seat. I was ready to get out 3 minutes into a 20 min drive across town. It was horrible. Other than that, this is the best car I have ever owned. I consistently get 37-39mpg on a daily35 mile highway commute in ECO. Best is 43.8mpg on a 2hr road trip doing ~75mph on cruise in ECO. Get this car.

[@anhiirr]

i mean the e dif definitely seems worth it if youre going to own one of these for a while and daily it...id say just as much if you were going to lease or lease to buy....RWD is definitely the way to go...so much more input/feel value in the majority of your driving vs X-drive...where its major perk is performance in snow/weather....or off the "line" to anyone else....youre cheating yourself for the 95% of daily/driving youre going to experience with this platform Id highly suggest test driving both and pushing both to a degree on your on/off ramp routes in that test drive...youll completely feel/realize the difference and VALUE which one offers from that sheer driving feel vs bouncy/fight between the front/back of an X-drive 230/240i vs RWD.

[@fp5495]

3:40 < This is absolute false information; both the 230 and M240 are available with x-drive (AWD) or without (RWD). It was available when this was posted in August 2022.

[@f22jax]

that intro is beautiful

[@Tarzan91303]

You didn’t say your name. Or did I miss it? It’s was a clear and concise review.

[@Jano32024]

Great job on the review. I am seriously considering a purchase and your review was the first of many I’ve seen which explained the optional packages for this model. Thanks

[@ystebadvonschlegel3295]

This might be a decent car if they stop stripping it - you can’t get passenger lumbar adjustment, bolster adjustment, etc. Some of us would love to have a small BMW that’s more luxurious and not a strip down “budget version“ give us the options - some of us will spend the money, some of us won’t

[@alexandercura1523]

You can get lumbar for 2023 with the base seats for $175. Still no passenger though.

[@ystebadvonschlegel3295]

@@alexandercura1523 yah that’s the point some of us have spouses that won’t accept a crap seat - would have already bought one otherwise.

[@alexandercura1523]

@@ystebadvonschlegel3295 You are right! That sucks. I found a fix to improve comfort though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYCziISgd9p9as0 This guy had the same problem with his X3.

[@ystebadvonschlegel3295]

@@alexandercura1523 I will admit that’s pretty impressive. But personally I would just feel angry that I have to go to that level of effort to fix a car that bmw would have in past years just built right. I’m a long term bmw customer with multiple trips to Germany to pick up cars but I’m about done with them.

[@christopher-gardner]

I actually wish they made an even more stripped down version that helps bring the price down for people who only care about how well the car drives.

[@BryanW916]

1:23 Brian kept activating the "Hey Siri" function on my phone when he said "2 series" LMAO

[@Raytracer111]

Presenter did a great job, there isn't much to the car to speak about and yet he did a great job. It's easy to make fun. Try making your video then

[@brianaiken3917]

Oddly, this only has "half" of the m240i shadowline package. The grill trim is chrome and the side skirts appear to be gray?...

[@PartyPete199]

Is the boot as wide as the 3 series ? . The width measurements on the outside are larger

[@jfish9014]

I like it. I hated the big grills until I saw them in person. I’ll reserve final judgement until I see these trotting the local streets.

[@Carfan678]

Saw one of these in person in purple and it looks great in person

[@sak1339]

Perhaps if you order for German delivery you might get the "base price." Here in Texas I tried, but the 2 series coupes are loaded and comparably priced to the 3 series.

[@KhanJoltrane]

Bmw does not do European delivery anymore

[@avery4528]

Excellent overview! I like that BMW does their automatic transmissions correctly. There are 8 gears and 6th gear is 1.00 and there are two overdrives. It's truly better than a manual where 5th gear is 1.00. I hate that "enthusiast" FWD vehicles that don't even bother giving you correct gearing, such as with the GTI, Honda Civic Si, Corolla manual, and WRX. They all have fourth gear as their 1:1 ratio. The Elantra N, GR86/BRZ, and the muscle car trio are the only ones that'll give you 1:1 gearing in 5th at a price point lower than this.

[@brianaiken3917]

To be fair, all the cars you named are in a different price bracket.

[@josephcitizen4195]

@@brianaiken3917 To be fair, all the cars he named were the ones I cross shopped before buying my 230i. exceptions: I was looking at the Golf R, not the GTI and the new Si hadn't been released. He also forgot the Veloster N I came out of.

[@barrybarnes96]

Have no idea what this means. I have a 6 speed manual Corolla and drives like butter. As a grown up I have no need to rag the shxt out of it.

[@dg7438]

Educational..thanks

[@anhiirr]

@@josephcitizen4195 same you wind up being willing to spend a lil more out of the box than something youre going to have to void warranty on/mod IMO day 1 to be truly ideal...the thought of having to put no money into something is a huge luxury in the long run for sure plus in these local streets/highways i can do w.o the cv/boot/axle assembly in the elantra N and the future cost/damage it holds being forged/racing spec and purpose built....yet daily driven over potholes etc bumps curves with bumps/grade changes im good on that from a lifetime ownership/cost standpoint.

[@A_guan]

I question how reliable the B48 is. I know the B58 is rather reliable but would the same be for the 4 cylinder version? However the B58 just sounds amazing

[@anhiirr]

comes down to owner/attention to temps/fluids etc. B48 has no interocooler in this config...its a liquid to gas...system so just do the math on when/where the leak will happen and potential costs included with this would be scenario for most owners. ESP ppl that lease/abuse theirs if buying 2nd hand from a dealership or a "certified' XD. EV i can completely dodge this issue...but looking at b48 1 time owener(leased) low mileage used options...has me wondering for sure. Or if it was leased/abused....bought outright then now trying to be sold off...with potential issues or future underlying BS ahead.

[@ccroy2001]

Nice review! And finally an auto reviewer that uses Android Auto and a Pixel no less! 👍

[@BeverlyJansen]

The 230 iX. Can I fit my road bike in the trunk when the seats are down and I remove the front wheel from bike ?????

[@TalismanPHX]

Good review Brian 👍

[@DefineScrib]

I’m not exactly sure Brian and Alex are measuring cabin quietness the same way as I’ve never seen a dB score higher than 75 on Alex’s reviews, even for econo boxes like the Toyota Corolla

[@vaclav77777]

BMW M240i is very quiet, around 70 db. I don't believe 230i got 73 db.

[@DefineScrib]

@@vaclav77777 I believe he even said 79 in the video!

[@vaclav77777]

@@DefineScrib Yes, you are right. I tested M240i and it is the quietest car in the class.

[@Spikejou]

Tested on a different road probably is the cause.

[@rembo183]

Excellent review!

[@jesseeek4418]

In what city and state is this video shot at

[@BigGroupHug]

What's the towing capacity?

[@damilolaakanni]

If you want to tow, get a crossover, SUV, pickup or minivan. You don't buy a coupe for towing.

[@faautobahna9416]

thanks. good review.

[@bobbyjones2112]

Bravo great reviewer, very well spoken. You remind me of Alex quite a bit!😁

[@elliottmanning4116]

8:21 I’m pretty sure if you get a 4 Series Convertible, there would be a button there to open and close the convertible top, and a button to turn on the vent that blows air on your neck.

[@WanderinHawk]

The front bumper looks extremely bad so the money you save on this is later spent on aftermarket parts to make it less ugly

[@tresjolieme81]

I got it in purple and it is perfect for me

[@ARentz07]

You're in the Atlanta area, right? A car like this deserves to be tested on Blood Mountain!

[@sambraun7877]

there's actually an update for the Hyundai Kia cars. i updated my k5, and i have the full support for android auto. you just have to toggel off the split screen option in settings after updating, and you have the full screen as android auto!

[@B-rad1]

Does BMW want me to think this is a luxury car? For this price and class it should include basic upgrades like double-wishbone front suspension, a limited-slip differential, some form of lumbar seat adjustment, higher quality interior trim than gloss black plastic, and heated side mirrors. If I were driving this and pulled up next to someone in a 400Z I'd feel embarrassed. But it comes in this amazing purple and I hope a neighbor buys one.

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

It does have double wishbone front suspension, the guy in the video was wrong. And you can get the other things as options....

[@ItsAlive111]

The guy may say we surely do not need lumbar support but surely he needs a booster seat. His shoulders are below the seat back…

[@bradweinberger6907]

Listen again. He says he doesn't need it.

[@ak2112]

I really like these... specifically in the purple they offer. Could see myself driving one if I wanted an automatic.

[@jfish9014]

ESPECIALLY the purple. I’m strangely in love…

[@EdgarRenje]

To me it looks a bit odd, because the roof suddenly drops due to the short length.

[@BullittHilts]

If it came with a stick and even a manual lumbar adjustment I’d be on board. But no lumbar adjustment on a car that starts in the mid-30’s is stupid. Makes you realize how much value you get in a non-luxury brand.

[@Jia1337]

This what happens when you hand the design to family members instead of talented designers.

[@stevenhaas9622]

I don't understand how they can build this on the much larger G20 chassis platform shared with the 3-series and yet it shrunk on it's interior dimensions? No thanks.

[@bradweinberger6907]

It costs less so you get less. Pretty simple

[@jdubb6591]

If it still had a manual, I would be all over it.

[@gladdy02]

Damn, y'all savage in these comments 😲

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Subaru design, turbo 4.... This is the sleepy taco bell dude sleeping under his sombrero.

[@anhiirr]

this packaged as shown the way you want one...rwd M sports differential and brakes/suspension. Too bad the 23/24 models included headlights 360 cameras "ETC" to be able to include these 3 ideal factory upgrades. Sure the painted skirts and matched bumpers is nice but i would be fine with the base "looks" and those pure/driving inspired package/options as well as the sunroof delete. XD yet by the time you "configure one" with these specs its only a few grand away from a base m240i....and the 230i has good mpg and daily prospects...just needs that "extra" to fulfill our sporty/needs when looking at and driving other cars/coupes. That would typically require some suspension/braking upgrades as well as power for some of those "coupe' options.

[@EM.1.]

I just wish the assembly process was also done in Germany other than just parts.

[@Blank00]

0:15 Now it's down to one Japanese brand, Infiniti axed the Q60

[@Luma_29]

So this begs the question: this or the RS3?

[@fireteam_]

A 230i or an RS3? I think the winner is pretty obvious. Maybe when the M2 comes out.

[@GuiltyNoticer]

neither

[@handlealreadytaken]

This is a basic BMW while the RS3 is much more capable version their smaller car.

[@Luma_29]

@@fireteam_ lmao it’s just bc Alex called the RS3 his favorite but Brian called this the perfect coupe. Obviously the RS3’s more capable

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Not 230i, M240i is comparable to RS3, the BMW is much better (longitudinal platform).

[@sentiencepsn2714]

That odd blank “square” in the middle of the center console is just out of place. Was there originally a feature planned for it? Probably. But like everything else, it now looks unpolished, unfinished, and disproportional. It is the perfect microcosm for BMW’s design challenges. The spacing of the headlights and grille layout remind me of a Kia Forte. The rear tail lights look like aftermarket replacements. And the mishmash of body lines looks like an amateur body kit job.

[@KhanJoltrane]

Bruh it’s a wrist rest

[@dg7438]

He didn't sound too impressed lol

[@pulldpin67]

This guy is good...but where is the big Alex???

[@watchreport]

They both do reviews. He's part of Alex on Autos now, so you'll see him more and more as time goes on.

[@nc7169]

What city is that?

[@deargodwhyme]

Atlanta

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

So it's an overweight 3500lb 2-door, the seats kinda suck, theirs notable turbo lag, inconsistent throttle response, lurching transmission, and spongy brakes -- but it "just might just be the perfect coupe"??

[@aluisious]

This car has way too many dumb problems for the price. Lurches, medicore brakes with dumb feel problems, bigger on the outside and smaller on the inside, it's a pass.

[@porfiriato84]

You don't know anything about cars

[@marinoint]

The front end isn't very attractive, the rear is terrible. For this price you can get a V8 Camaro that performs better in every way. Or if you really want a European car, you can get a base Alfa Romeo Giulia.

[@postalpancho]

Yeah but then you will have a GM interior. And your back seats will go from usable for short people to just being there for looks. Also you gas mileage will be less. There’s a reason for each car. Personally I’m not a fan of anything GM.

[@yourmommashouse]

@@postalpancho that interior is AWFUL

[@postalpancho]

@@yourmommashouse I’ve sat in both. Looks are subjective but GM interiors are objectively worse build quality and cheaper materials. That is for sure. Just like people who will buy an Elantra N, some people don’t care and just want to go fast for cheap. Personally I think Mercedes and BMW are both killing it and leading the industry with interior cabin space. Subjective looks aside BMW is better solely due to it’s higher quality.

[@ystebadvonschlegel3295]

I’ve owned BMW for many years. I wouldn’t drive a POS camaro if they gave it to me.

[@postalpancho]

@@ystebadvonschlegel3295 I’ve owned 3 Camaros and 1 BMW. The build quality isn’t even comparable. GM is all squeaky plastic and fake leather with crappy seats. It isn’t even close. American cars may be a better value but they are made cheaply compared to German brands.

[@Victor-it6bv]

No manual? I'm good.

[@xMeteora__]

The last gen lci looked way better

[@brianlee9233]

I'd rather get this instead of the hideous looking 4-Series right now. If I'd want to get the new 4-Series, I'd get it in black (and everyone else should too).

[@Blank00]

idrive 7 > idrive 8

[@inspector4133]

Well done Brian, great job!. I'm always disappointed at how BMW can make a $40k+ car seem to be cheap choice. Their entry level models are alway so bare-boned as to make a Kia look good. Sure, you can get one (maybe) for the $36k msrp, but would you WANT one without any of the options that make BMW a premium car? Personally, I expect all of the models of a premium brand to seem premium. They could learn some lessons from other premium brands (looking at Audi here).

[@rembo183]

Actually you get a premium car at less than $40k without the expensive performance options. The car has sufficient power and great handling characteristics in base trim with only the convenience package. Test drive a base minimally optioned 230i coupe. I guarantee you’ll be impressed. It’s a premium experience at a fair price. A bargain in my opinion.

[@adamyeager]

28 seconds into the video.... it's 2022. Can we stop saying that inanimate objects are sexy or seductive?

[@rdays1070]

The Pirelli run flats are terrible for sporty driving.

[@jmer3536]

The best BMW made today is the Toyota Supra

[@sethjchandler]

Did not know BMW was marketing to prefects.

[@rembo183]

The base trim is best especially without the performance options. M Sport and Dynamic handling options are totally unnecessary plus they it stiffen up, and create a harsher ride because of 19” low profile wheels and tires. The standard 18” wheels with standard brakes are perfect for a better handling smoother ride. Overall I would recommend against these packages and just order a base car with a convenience package with basic options and keep it below $40k. It’s a much better deal and rides great!

[@user-ti2xi9bd4u]

The 2023 i230 is perfect with the iDrive8, iDrive7 so outdated and useless.

[@Wextopher]

Nice views of Atlanta. Informative presentation, just don't want to stare at someone's house. Know getting a location isn't easy. Lumbar and door handle comments were a little weird. Design has to suit a range of ages.

[@standroid2406]

"perfect" not "prefect." the former is an adjective, the latter is a noun.

[@KVW22]

Is it mean if I say I'm not the biggest fan of this presenter over Alex lol. It's not personal, but it just feels like he doesn't actualy know much about cars, feels like a presenter reading lines rather than having actual automotive knowledge. Not trying to be mean I'm just being honest. Maybe it's just me, idunno.

[@JogBird]

i thnk i rather get the new civic

[@texasyank48]

C’mon, fix the mis-spelling in the title

[@twiincentral8780]

I read somewhere else by an insider that BMW decided to split their design language so some cars are traditionally beautiful(3,5,X5) and others are ‘modern’ (iX, 2). This car is really ugly tho.

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

BUY IT NOW -- before the RUIN IT with iDrive 8.

[@zeljkothegreekserb]

If we ignore that it has the ugliest headlights since E46 Compact, then maybe.

[@PaulTC97]

what about the 2013 1 series hatchback?

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Something with that few of cylinders is incapable of being perfect

[@paulh6517]

Might not be the Prefect Coupe.

[@rocinante1070]

Still waiting on your iX review!

[@Straight_Talk]

Why do Americans pronounce luxury as lugxury?

[@christopher-gardner]

Are you really surprised that some people talk different than other people. Who cares.

[@thomasstorrs6345]

3,500 lbs? Time for a diet bmw?

[@Parker53151]

A front wheel drive BMW? Nah, pass on it.

[@brianb7844]

The 230 is rear wheel drive. 228 sedans are fwd

[@malvasia17]

UNGLY

[@Jaz_13-fg1bx]

It looks worse than the previous model

[@faygox955]

If it is not manual, it is far from perfect.

[@kevinmiller6555]

BMWs are ugly af.

[@Ethan7s]

Also, you broke your own rules about videos that brian appears in :(

[@legambaz]

This new model isn't nice at all. The last gen 2 series is nice

[@ElusiveRIDE]

This thing is so ugly.. the designs bmw pumping out these days is hit or miss no mid ground at all

[@Thee1Muffin]

So sick of this channel having no understanding of cars or design. Y’all literally just peddle to the mainstream and oems instead of having a backbone.

[@bradweinberger6907]

If they had a backbone, what would they say?

[@watchreport]

Having a backbone for what? What do you want them to say? Lets hear it!

[@killacamfoo]

looks plasticky

[@flea4061]

If it was perfect, then it would be a manual.

[@Ethan7s]

Not only did I lose interest in coups, but the presenter as well. For some reason, the way he speaks and communicates just doesn't seem genuine.

[@idonotcarenow]

Omg, Brian get lost! Seriously.

[@GuiltyNoticer]

they shrunk Alex

[@bradweinberger6907]

I'm sure they will listen to rude comments.

[@jocu475]

The color grading on this video is terrible