GTi v BMW 228i

[drisser]

Anyone done a comparison or drive of the BMW 228i with the golf GTi ?

I was nosing around with configurators and the 228 looks to be quite a similar price / performance competitor for the GTi PP

Different kind of car I know and less practical, just wondered if anyone has driven one, the 228i seems a bit of a rare beast, only 2 on the BMW AUC website, mostly full of 220d's !

[JBirchy]

Never driven the *28i engine but I have heard and read that it's very good indeed, but a bit of a characterless engine compared with the VW unit.

If you're looking at a new on one PCP, might well be worth just enquiring about an M235i. Due to the higher residuals, the cost difference might not be as big as you might expect.

[monkeyhanger]

BMW residuals from new are very poor these days. You'll lose money hand over fist on one unless you get a 24% discount on the RRP - achievable on the higher models from the likes of "coast2coast cars".

[drisser]

True indeed..

Had a call from my local BMW dealer today offering me a 330D X drive, fully loaded..  List price £43k, with all kinds of discounts and BMW finance contribution on either HP or PCP, they were offering the car at £33,500.

Did test drive one at the weekend and have to say it was stunningly quick in any gear. Am going to pop into the local VW dealer at the weekend and see what they can dig up in the system in terms of a GTi with the extra £2k deposit contribution but not holding my breath..

[CraigW]

True indeed..

Had a call from my local BMW dealer today offering me a 330D X drive, fully loaded..  List price £43k, with all kinds of discounts and BMW finance contribution on either HP or PCP, they were offering the car at £33,500.

Did test drive one at the weekend and have to say it was stunningly quick in any gear. Am going to pop into the local VW dealer at the weekend and see what they can dig up in the system in terms of a GTi with the extra £2k deposit contribution but not holding my breath..

I think I would be going for the 330D at that price 

[drisser]

seemingly big incentives on the bigger engine ones.. was properly full specced as well, M sport + pack which has loads of kit included, professional nav, xenons etc..

If I could really make them squirm and get it nearer to 30k I could be tempted, given that would be 30% discount.. only trouble is, its a stock car there and its black with black leather which is a bit safe for my liking !!

I would say though that given I want a refined cruiser and do a fair bit of mileage, am giving it serious thought and with over 400lb ft torque it really shifts..  just don't find the 3 series that appealing to look at..

[am1w]

True indeed..

Had a call from my local BMW dealer today offering me a 330D X drive, fully loaded..  List price £43k, with all kinds of discounts and BMW finance contribution on either HP or PCP, they were offering the car at £33,500.

Did test drive one at the weekend and have to say it was stunningly quick in any gear. Am going to pop into the local VW dealer at the weekend and see what they can dig up in the system in terms of a GTi with the extra £2k deposit contribution but not holding my breath..

We have a 330d sDrive M Sport in Mineral Grey with lots of toys. The Pro Nav is fantastic. It is a stunning car. The xDrive does not handle as well but has much better traction. Both really excellent cars.

If it is a choice between the BMW and the GTI, then it's a no brainer and there is no comparison: go BMW.

[drisser]

I reckoned the 1500 extra for x drive was worth it given all round and winter use etc..  Though think I read the x drive doesn't have the lower m sport suspension ?

How is the economy and reliability on your 330 ?  I had a 2 hour test drive and averaged 42mpg which included some flat out fun.

[am1w]

I reckoned the 1500 extra for x drive was worth it given all round and winter use etc..  Though think I read the x drive doesn't have the lower m sport suspension ?

How is the economy and reliability on your 330 ?  I had a 2 hour test drive and averaged 42mpg which included some flat out fun.

Regarding suspension, you are correct. The xDrive is a bit roll-y poll-y in comparison to the sDrive. But you can get AC Shnitzer springs and lower the xDrive for around £800.

Regarding economy: London town driving in heavy traffic around 35 mpg. Overall average 47 mpg.

[Speedyslug]

Agree with JBirchy - have a look at 35i variant. As an example (one I only saw after ordering my GTi - currently on the boat!) is: http://www.halliwelljones.co.uk/bmw-offers/details/bmw-1-series-m135i-sports-hatch-299-per-month

The 135i is probably more evenly matched to R than GTi.. and the Beemer has just been facelifted. I doubt it will be as good on petrol, but a mate of mine has one and it's a hoot!