[nileshbhatiaa]

Originally Posted by Tvk1991

Congratulations, I read everywhere the GC is 152mm but I don't think so it's 152mm. What is the actual GC of the car. With the B48 you can easily get 15-20% power raise with just a tune. There are plenty of options.

Banglore is the worst city to be in with a low GC car. Its good to know you dont have much issues.

You are right, most of the automobile forums/reviews quote 152 mm as ground clearance however BMW has officially not quoted the ground clearance anywhere in the documentation. Over the years I had similar doubt and hence today I went an extra mile and carried out a physical examination. I went looking for the lowest visible metal object and measured the same, guess what! It is exactly 152 mm. Naivety you may call! But that's as far as I could go to confirm the ground clearance to you.

[Tvk1991]

Originally Posted by nileshbhatiaa

You are right, most of the automobile forums/reviews quote 152 mm as ground clearance however BMW has officially not quoted the ground clearance anywhere in the documentation. Over the years I had similar doubt and hence today I went an extra mile and carried out a physical examination. I went looking for the lowest visible metal object and measured the same, guess what! It is exactly 152 mm. Naivety you may call! But that's as far as I could go to confirm the ground clearance to you.

I had a very bad experience with my car the A35 AMG. Before purchase as per many auto journals I saw the GC to be 160mm. But when I measured it was just 110mm. But good to know BMW figures were more accurate. Enjoy the car, its one of the best VFM sedans with a potent engine.

[sunikkat]

Nice review Nilesh and it’s a great car. I really love that frameless door. So upmarket. Wish you many miles of safe travels.

[nileshbhatiaa]

Originally Posted by Tvk1991

I had a very bad experience with my car the A35 AMG. Before purchase as per many auto journals I saw the GC to be 160mm. But when I measured it was just 110mm. But good to know BMW figures were more accurate. Enjoy the car, its one of the best VFM sedans with a potent engine.

I agree. During my test drives, I drove AMG A35 on a nasty speed breaker. Despite being slow and careful, the car scraped it's under belly quite badly whereas 220i crossed the same speed breaker with ease. Interestingly both have similar ground clearance on paper.

[Sid94]

I think the 220i deserves more love. I have occasionally seen a few on the road, all of which look stunning in any colour. It is refreshing to read a well-written ownership review.

Bimmer over the Mercedes is a good choice, IMHO. I've put down a few hundred km in the pre-facelift GLE 300d, and I think the quality of this generation of mercs is strictly average and have too many niggles.

10k for a straightforward wheel alignment is daylight robbery.

Given that the 220i is not very long, the 152 mm wheelbase should be quite adequate. Is the car's underbody well protected? Given its low stance and design, I think the 2 series looks significantly sportier than its elder siblings.

Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary with the car! Wishing you delightful drives ahead!

[nileshbhatiaa]

Originally Posted by Sid94

I think the 220i deserves more love. I have occasionally seen a few on the road, all of which look stunning in any colour. It is refreshing to read a well-written ownership review.

Bimmer over the Mercedes is a good choice, IMHO. I've put down a few hundred km in the pre-facelift GLE 300d, and I think the quality of this generation of mercs is strictly average and have too many niggles.

10k for a straightforward wheel alignment is daylight robbery.

Given that the 220i is not very long, the 152 mm wheelbase should be quite adequate. Is the car's underbody well protected? Given its low stance and design, I think the 2 series looks significantly sportier than its elder siblings.

Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary with the car! Wishing you delightful drives ahead!

So true. I don't say this only because I own one, but I genuinely agree with you that this car deserves a lot more love than it has received. Somehow the car has been defamed for being a FWD, low ground clearance and coupé styling limiting head room, but those are all the characters of the personality and shouldn't be counted as negatives. I wanted to shed light on the list of positives which is a lot longer and that was one of the main objectives of me writing this review.

I believe even BMW hasn't done enough to promote this absolutely deserving car.

[ajmat]

I had used a 120d a few months ago in the UK and I was most pleased with it. Easy to use in most cases. Even recommended my nephew to pick one up.

I had considered a M220i GC but I felt it was too pricey at Rs 55 Lakh on road. I see used ones going for Rs 35 L

[nileshbhatiaa]

Originally Posted by ajmat

I had considered a M220i GC but I felt it was too pricey at Rs 55 Lakh on road. I see used ones going for Rs 35 L

That's always the case with luxury segment, and if you think of value in the pre owned market, you will never be comfortable owning a new luxury car. But you know what?

A new car is a new car, a pre owned car can never be yours the way a new car can be! Few thinks are priceless and feeling of owning a new car is one of them!

[nileshbhatiaa]

Now that's what is called a perfect shot. Flawless!!

[kilireddy0]

Hello Nilesh, Thanks for such a detailed review. I was trying to find a good review or ownership thread on the 220i, your review is very comprehensive. You cover it from all angles. Appreciate the time you took. This helps a lot. Cheers.

[sunilrs]

Originally Posted by nileshbhatiaa

Overall I am extremely satisfied with my purchase. There are times I miss the christmasy lights and flashy interiors of Mercedes A200.

Just took delivery of my 220i also in White earlier this week. Your post helped a lot in making up my mind. Thank you so much.

[nileshbhatiaa]

Originally Posted by sunilrs

Just took delivery of my 220i also in White earlier this week. Your post helped a lot in making up my mind. Thank you so much.

Many congratulations, it is a great car. Enjoy and drive safe. It will be great to see what have they done new to the car in last 2 1/2 years since I bought. Do share few pictures.