So I've been looking over the specifications for the F30 and I noticed the performance metrics for the 328i are close to the 335i. For example 0-62 is 5.9 seconds for the 328i and 5.5 seconds for the 335i. While these are BMW provided and there's not a lot of information on first glance it raises the question: Why buy a 335i when the 328i provide similar performance at a, presumably, lower price? Yes, I realize there are those who want the best performance possible along with those who like straight sixes who are willing to pay. But for the rest of us the 328i would likely make more sense.
With that said I have to wonder if BMW will be releasing a more powerful 335i (or some variant) in the upcoming model year(s). Much like they did with the E46 (328 -> 330) and the E90 (330 -> 335). The preliminary performance differential between the 328i and 335i seems too low to justify the, presumably, higher cost of the 335i.
As for BMW's long range plans, I can't tell you. However those power numbers are much closer to what BMW had between their more and less powerful motors pre E9x. For example the difference between the 330 and the 325/328 in the e46 body was not that great. It is only with the intro of the N54/55 motors that a very large power gap was opened up between the more and less powerful motor options. N4S
I think it's safe to assume the 2011 power kits will be standard in the 2013 or 2014 model years. I can't wait till my lease is up so I could get the 2014 F30 335i MSport
A level two power kit seems to be the way to go if you are spending the extra money for the 335(i)- otherwise the 328(i) is going to be the smart choice. Imagine what Dinan can do with it. . .
Agree, in the past BMW has changed the top engine option a year or two into the new model cycle. Actually, I think what they are actually doing is introducing the new model using an existing engine to avoid having too much new going on at once. That doesn't explain the N20, but otherwise it has been a pattern.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a new engine in the 335 model when they introduce the F32 coupe. If they do, and if they offer it with the double clutch transmission, I will be ready to go.
Stop me if I am wrong, but we have history to pull from here...
The E46s started as the 323i and the 328i if I am not mistaken. The next model year BMW changed the engine setup, and we went to the 325i and the 330i. The performance gap was increased in this second year of production.
For the E90 we had the 325i and the 330i which where somewhat close in performance. Then for the second year of production we got the 328i and the 335i. The gap was again increased.
Now we have the F30 in 328i and 335i setups, with a small performance gap. I suspect as early as next year we may see a re-tuned 335i (possibly with a different model #) which increases the performance gap again.
You can witness this phenomenon in the 5 series as well. First model year purchases of the most expensive model within a line are typically getting "short changed" engine wise when compared to next years engine setup.
Stop me if I am wrong, but we have history to pull from here...
The E46s started as the 323i and the 328i if I am not mistaken. The next model year BMW changed the engine setup, and we went to the 325i and the 330i.
Stop. The E46 Sedans went for a full 2 model years ('99 & 2000) before they received the new engines for the
2001 Model year in September of 2000.
Although in the case of the F30, BMW has gone and brought it to market slightly ahead of the usual schedule....
its only for a scant few months. I wouldn't expect any major engine changes until sometime in 2013.
Knowing BMW, they'll follow Infiniti's move by slapping a hybrid electric motor onto the N55, at a very large expense for the consumer, leaving only a turbo 4 cylinder, or a turbo 6 cylinder hybrid.
Thanks to intensive fine-tuning of the engine, BMW's engineers have managed to extract additional performance from the engine while maintaining its exceptional fuel efficiency. With a maximum power rating of 225 kW/315 hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm, the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine reflects the sporty personality of the BMW 640i Gran Coupe and helps this automobile deliver brilliant performance. The high peak torque of 330 lb-ft, on stream between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm, ensures that the power is effortlessly and instantly delivered.
Looks like a 315HP/330lb-ft N55. Not a huge difference on paper, but BMW does tend to underrate these engine's power. BMW says it will get the 640 to 60 MPH in 5.4 seconds. I imagine the 335 will be as much as a half second quicker on weight advantages. The Gran Coupe is a huge car...
It seems to reason that BMW has power kits in mind for the F30 cars so they can't offer too much initial tuning out of the N55 and ruin their ability to sell the kit later on.
I would fully expect we'll see a factory power kit in the not so distant future that should be available for the N20 and N55 motors available in the F30 line up.
It seems to reason that BMW has power kits in mind for the F30 cars so they can't offer too much initial tuning out of the N55 and ruin their ability to sell the kit later on.
I would fully expect we'll see a factory power kit in the not so distant future that should be available for the N20 and N55 motors available in the F30 line up.
Ok I see. I agree I hope they just keep it as the 3 series coupe. As far as going up market, a loaded E92 (Non-M) can bump up on 60k pretty fast. Between the 335, M3 and the new 640 it seems like they have that 50-80k coupe range well represented to me.
Agreed, though comparably-equipped a 335i coupe is only about $1500-1800 more than a 335i sedan (the $3000 difference in base price is partly due to more standard equipment on a 335i coupe). That $1500+ is buying some exclusive features too like LED brake lights and angel eyes, seatbelt extender, expanded ambient lighting, pop-out door bins, etc. If BMW re-names the coupe/vert the 4-Series, they can probably get away with charging a higher premium without really adding anything.
5-60mph is 7.1s for a 3400lbs N20 car and 5.5s for a 335i. Still a BIG difference. And the F10 335i will have probably 320HP and an engine note not to be ashamed of.
lmfao, i cant find it anywhere either...all i can find are ESTIMATES of 0-60 times...:rofl: not saying it doesnt exist, just its very hard to find that info...
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