3 Series (F30) F30 328i vs 335i - Real World Impressions

[Osnabrueck]

Hey guys. I'm back from hibernation.

This has been discussed to death but why not one more thread about 328i vs 335i and how it's like to live with each car.

I'm thinking about getting into a F30 or maybe the F31 (328i only of course). Much as the N20 engine has gotten heaps of praise the N55 is a beast and seems to have characteristics inline with what you'd expect form the 'real' BMW experience.

What say you? Have you spent extended time with these two cars? Would the car guy in me regret going with the half-assed 328i or would I barely notice in day-to-day driving and be glad that I pocketed the difference?

 

[sunnyman12]

I think the 2.0 litre is brilliant, has more character,

the 3.0 liter is fast but the 328i seems like alot more fun, I don't know maybe just me?

 

[Sunny]

I have no experience whatsoever with either 328i nor 335i, but have driven a 528i quite a lot (as in few 100 miles). And I impressed with N20. Even in a heavy car like the F10 5, you are not left wanting for more power in normal driving conditions. I can only guess how much more impressive it will be in a lighter 3er. And it is very smooth - in a blind test I doubt most people will guess it is not an I6. I am sure 335i is faster when a push comes to a shove but for a normal daily drive vehicle, I would happily settle for a 328i and the added fuel efficiency.

 

[martinbo]

If you can stretch your budget to a 335i then for me it's a straightforward choice: the chance to experience straight six ownership is a bucket list entry for any BMW fan. The N20 is a good engine but its emotive appeal falls far short of one of motoring's definitive experiences.

 

[Porsche Guy]

If you can stretch your budget to a 335i then for me it's a straightforward choice: the chance to experience straight six ownership is a bucket list entry for any BMW fan. The N20 is a good engine but its emotive appeal falls far short of one of motoring's definitive experiences.

I4 has a much longer history with BMW than the I6. The BMW Headquarters in Munich is a tribute to the 4 cylinder. I4 ownership should be at the top of the bucket list. Don't forget the e30 M3 dropped the I6 in the 325i in favor of a lightweight I4.

 

[DblPen]

I4 has a much longer history with BMW than the I6. The BMW Headquarters in Munich is a tribute to the 4 cylinder. I4 ownership should be at the top of the bucket list. Don't forget the e30 M3 dropped the I6 in the 325i in favor of a lightweight I4.

no doubt i4 is a great engine, but bmw's straight sixes are just peach, every since i went diesel way, i miss my old six pot

 

[mini_cooper4]

If you can stretch your budget to a 335i then for me it's a straightforward choice: the chance to experience straight six ownership is a bucket list entry for any BMW fan. The N20 is a good engine but its emotive appeal falls far short of one of motoring's definitive experiences.

Pretty much summs it up perfectly.

I won't go with the 335i just because it's faster... since it's not much faster especially in day-to-day driving.
The 2L is more fuel efficient... but if you care about engine/exhaust noise and want an incredibly smooth and creamy engine you are left with no other choice but the 335i and I think it's worth the premium

 

[DocM]

the I4 sounds like a diesel at idle, I know, I've heard it, and couldn't live with it, not my thing. 335 if I were in your shoes

 

[martinbo]

I4 has a much longer history with BMW than the I6. The BMW Headquarters in Munich is a tribute to the 4 cylinder. I4 ownership should be at the top of the bucket list. Don't forget the e30 M3 dropped the I6 in the 325i in favor of a lightweight I4.

Whilst I am due to disagree in a moment I first must say - holy crap!!! - Osna and Porsche Guy in the same thread. Time Warp stuff - sooo good to see both of you.

The BMW E30 M3 was the first M3 and it was indeed fitted with a motorsport derived inline four. However, as far as performance BMW (CS cars for example) and M car heritage goes, the straight six has a far more illustrious place in BMW history.
BMW started making straight sixes way before they did inline fours. The E30 M3 inline four was an anomaly looking back; even more so compared to the S85 V10 as it was installed in only one bodyshell. As for primary and secondary engine balance benefits - don't get me started on that rant. BMW straight sixes are, in my opinion, amongst the very most special engines in the world.

 

[Rolf]

Whilst I am due to disagree in a moment I first must say - holy crap!!! - Osna and Porsche Guy in the same thread. Time Warp stuff - sooo good to see both of you.

The BMW E30 M3 was the first M3 and it was indeed fitted with a motorsport derived inline four. However, as far as performance BMW (CS cars for example) and M car heritage goes, the straight six has a far more illustrious place in BMW history.
BMW started making straight sixes way before they did inline fours. The E30 M3 inline four was an anomaly looking back; even more so compared to the S85 V10 as it was installed in only one bodyshell. As for primary and secondary engine balance benefits - don't get me started on that rant. BMW straight sixes are, in my opinion, amongst the very most special engines in the world.

Martin I think Porsche Guy hasn't experienced the drive in any 6 cylinder BMW to experience the sheer motoring nirvana the sound and smoothness these engines produce as well as effortless power. The 4 cylinder engines may have advantages with compactness, lighter weight and fuel consumption (although this is debatable cause I am sure with enough development the 6 cylinder can be just as fuel efficient) they will never produce the same emotional pull and exhaust note and never mind the smoothness a 6 cylinder engine will make at higher revs. I think it is a shame that BMW, Audi and Mercedes Benz are focusing more attention to downsizing and replacing 6 cylinders with 4 cylinders. Why don't they just bring out a 2 liter straight six with Low pressure turbo, light weight magnesium or aluminum block and heads, cylinder deactivation and spark/cylinder individual controlled direct injection? Imagine the sound, smoothness advantages and motoring enjoyment!

I remember driving a friends E46 330i and then hopping to another friends Audi A4 2.0 T and the straight six motor won me over every time putting a huge smile on my face with its beautiful exhaust sound and amazing high rev smoothness when thrashing it to the red line, the 4 cylinder felt strong in the midrange but the sound and smoothness just didn't compare!!

If the 3 Germans can make the 6 cylinder diesel engines low on consumption like the 4 cylinder diesels why cant they do the same with the 6 cylinder petrol engines?

 

[bmwownage]

I would go for the 328i, being cheaper, lighter and more economical. Yes the BMW straight 6 is a gem, but it's turbo anyway. And with BMW giving us FWD vans, might as well just forget about straight 6..why go against the money?

 

[Zafiro]

In terms of fun, 328i is just as fun to drive as the 335i.

 

[klier]

^^ More fun. It's lighter and that gives it all sorts of advantages.

I4 has a much longer history with BMW than the I6. The BMW Headquarters in Munich is a tribute to the 4 cylinder. I4 ownership should be at the top of the bucket list. Don't forget the e30 M3 dropped the I6 in the 325i in favor of a lightweight I4.

Exactly.
I hope BMW hasn't forgotten this either. M2 should come lightweight with a 4 pot!!
That would make an M135i/M235i unique in it's own way with it's smooth six in line.

 

[mini_cooper4]

^^ More fun. It's lighter and that gives it all sorts of advantages.



Exactly.
I hope BMW hasn't forgotten this either. M2 should come lightweight with a 4 pot!!
That would make an M135i/M235i unique in it's own way with it's smooth six in line.

Could be cool
Yet, not many potential M2 buyers know what engine the E30 M3 used... maybe they don't even know it existed.
People these days will doubt the purchase of a more expensive car with less cylinders and that will further boost the bargain factor of the M135/235i

 

[klier]

People these days will doubt the purchase of a more expensive car with less cylinders and that will further boost the bargain factor of the M135/235i

Not when that little 4 cylinder destroys the M235i in every possible way.
But indeed, the M235i won't be hurt by it, because there's people who would always go for the 6 cylinder if possible.

M235i = red wine
M2 = Bacardi coke

 

[mini_cooper4]

Not when that little 4 cylinder destroys the M235i in every possible way.

True since people these days don't care about engine refinement and fast spinning snails are the trend

@klier
Yes, I do agree with the spirits' comparo

 

[JLBM]

328i for me.

3l straight six turbo lost its soul. It's getting a little long in the tooth as well.

I owned a 2001 E46 320i with a NA 2.2l straight six and I also owned a 2009 335i E92. The NA straight six was the better sounding and the linear engine response was very BMW-like. It was a beaut, for my budget at the time. The 330i at that time was simply awesome.

F30 328i hauls ass and hardly sounds different to the 335i when on the boil..

 

[klier]

Also, Osna, a 328i is HIGHLY tuneable. 300 hp with a blink of the eye, where a 335i is tuning hell.
A little 4 pot with 300 hp and a light front, shorter braking distance and nimble driving is tempting, no doubt

335i with 306 hp was impressive 6 years ago. BMW just completely stopped caring about it's most famous engine to the point where brands from left to right come with 4 cylinders with more power. Pathetic.

True since people these days don't care about engine refinement and fast spinning snails are the trend

There's more than just engine refinement. And I can't wait to see the 4 cylinder engine that's based on the modular architecture.

F30 328i hauls ass and hardly sounds different to the 335i when on the boil..

It sounds different, but it sounds good!
The only bad sounding engines are diesel engines in the BMW line-up. All the others sound good to great.

 

[mini_cooper4]

F30 328i hauls ass and hardly sounds different to the 335i when on the boil..

I have to disagree with you on that. The 335i does sound way better both idling and on the boil.

 

[klier]

@martinbo;

I quoted Porsche Guy incorrectly. I should have quoted the last sentence only. The I6 is without a doubt the most famous of all BMW engines.....that's why it's so sad the engine has had 306 hp for 8 freaking years!!! Not to mention the fact there is only ONE option if you want a 6 cylinder gasoline. WTF?