We’re wading into dangerous waters with this one, since the BMW jihad fan base generally has strong opinions about the particular spec of a vehicle, spewing chassis numbers through their adenoids like water from a fire hose.
Still, we know a thing or two about cars around here, leading us to give it a go. The 2-Series (officially hyphen-free but it looks weird that way) has recently been refurbished and while it does have a set of too-small taillamps, it at least avoids the Bugs Bunny grille slapped on its older cousins.
Starting MSRP for the 2-Series now stands at $36,350. As we learned earlier this week, that sum is well below the average price of a new vehicle in America and not far off the average price of a used one, fer chrissakes. The days of finding a new sporty car for under 20 grand are long gone, then.
This price slots us into a 230i Coupe, stickered about $12,000 adrift from the M variant if you’re wondering. BMW says this less-expensive model should crack off 0-60mph runs in the 5.5-second range, thanks to its 255 horsepower turbocharged inline-four engine. Adding the M Sport package will pack $3,250 onto your bill but bring no extra ponies. It will supplant the standard suspension with M suspenders, however, along with a few design extras. It also unlocks the tasty Portimao Blue paint color. The new Barney Purple Thundernight Metallic shown here is available on the base car for $550.
Eighteen-inch all-season run-flats are standard kit, though a 19-inch option with wheels of a similar design is on the table for 600 bucks. Selecting any of the performance-grade tires necessitates the M Sport bundle as well. Cognac-hued upholstery is a no-charge option, though it is of the man-made Sensatec variety and not real leather. And, to avoid infuriatingly persistent fingerprints, be sure to spec the aluminum mesh-effect interior trim. It’s $150 well spent since you’d probably fork out that much in soft wipes over the life of the car.
Here’s where the arguments start. Recall the M Sport package above? In addition to that option, one can also pop for the $1,900 Dynamic Handling group. It includes the all-important M Sport rear diff which helps harness power properly, plus adds M Sport brakes with your choice of red or blue calipers. If you’re hitting up the M Sport life, you might as well add that diff and do it properly.
Those of us in the Rust Belt should be aware a base 230i doesn’t include heated seats or steering wheel, features which can be added as a stand-alone deal for $550 or as part of more pricey options packages. Saying those items should be standard equipment is at least one thing on which we can all agree.
Please note the prices listed here are in American dollars and are currently accurate for base prices exclusive of any fees, taxes, or rebates. Your dealer may (and should) sell for less (obscene market conditions notwithstanding). Keep your foot down, bone up on available rebates, and bargain hard.
[Images: BMW]
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