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F30 328i *sports* sedan - am I missing something?

14K views 128 replies 39 participants last post by  J. Koopman 
#1 ·
I am not a BMW driver, but I've spent a long time trying to understand whether I should buy one. Specifically, I was thinking to get a F30 328i.

Now, before reading the rest, I would like you to understand something about me: I like cars that accelerate quickly, but I don't actually own one. My experience pertaining to "fast" cars comes from going on business trips and renting some more interesting (compared to my Accord) cars, such as a Chevrolet Malibu LY7, or Nissan Altima V6. If you compare the engines in these two cars with the 328i, they seem to be quite similar in terms of power output. I've actually had fun with both, but more so with the Altima because it *really* felt like it was really accelerating when I was pressing the accelerator for entering a freeway, for instance. Compared to my current Accord, they were both significantly more fun, though...

This brought me to think about the next car, and I was thinking I should get a 328i, since all my friends / cousin / cousin's friends drive BMWs, and they all swear that it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, and the power output was not insignificant.

Today I went to test the 328i and 335i. I went to two dealers and none had a 335i F30 and both said they were backordered for the next 4-5 months, which means I won't be able to try one out for a long while. Not nice.

However, I did get the chance to test drive a "base" 328i. This was completely underwhelming. I did not feel any force on my back, as I did with both the Altima (more), and the Malibu! I understand that it was not the Sports Line, but can that simple detail have such a dramatic impact? For testing purposes I actually floored the car several times to see what's the impact of flooring, and it had none of the visceral impact I was hoping it would.

Feel free to skip to the last paragraph unless you want to hear about my other impressions, unrelated to my main point... I liked that it was quiet inside, and I also liked the interior, and the "feel" of the car. I especially liked the turning radius! :)

What I did not like was that the car seemed to have many gimmicks. For instance, the salesman demonstrated the trunk opening mechanism, and I was thinking "wow" because I wondered whether I would be able to do it myself. I tried it a few times (maybe 8 times?) until it worked. It *never* worked for my wife, and the excuse given was that maybe her feet were too thin for the sensor to detect them!

Funnily the salesman also demonstrated the iDrive navigation system, proudly showing how well the voice recognition works. It worked for a specific address he tried (his home), but it did NOT work for any address I tried. He tried pronouncing it, and it kept getting the state wrong -- OREGON instead of CALIFORNIA, etc.

In any case, am I missing something with this car? Should I really be looking for a Sports Line to test, or will it be similarly underwhelming when compared to the base?
 
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#2 ·
Not sure what to say if you think the altima felt faster than the 328.

Maybe you didnt have it in sport mode:dunno:

But if i gave you a ride in my 328 it sure would feel a lot quikcer than a malibu or altima. In fact you may be the only person who thinks the 328 doesnt feel as quick as a malibu lol.

Must have not had it in sport mode.
 
#4 ·
yea, next time you drive one, put it in sport mode. Also, the 328 has been tested at 5.7 so it should feel just as fast as the altima
 
#7 · (Edited)
I am not a BMW driver, but I've spent a long time trying to understand whether I should buy one. Specifically, I was thinking to get a F30 328i.

Now, before reading the rest, I would like you to understand something about me: I like cars that accelerate quickly, but I don't actually own one. My experience pertaining to "fast" cars comes from going on business trips and renting some more interesting (compared to my Accord) cars, such as a Chevrolet Malibu LY7, or Nissan Altima V6. If you compare the engines in these two cars with the 328i, they seem to be quite similar in terms of power output. I've actually had fun with both, but more so with the Altima because it *really* felt like it was really accelerating when I was pressing the accelerator for entering a freeway, for instance. Compared to my current Accord, they were both significantly more fun, though...

This brought me to think about the next car, and I was thinking I should get a 328i, since all my friends / cousin / cousin's friends drive BMWs, and they all swear that it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, and the power output was not insignificant.

Today I went to test the 328i and 335i. I went to two dealers and none had a 335i F30 and both said they were backordered for the next 4-5 months, which means I won't be able to try one out for a long while. Not nice.

However, I did get the chance to test drive a "base" 328i. This was completely underwhelming. I did not feel any force on my back, as I did with both the Altima (more), and the Malibu! I understand that it was not the Sports Line, but can that simple detail have such a dramatic impact? For testing purposes I actually floored the car several times to see what's the impact of flooring, and it had none of the visceral impact I was hoping it would.

Feel free to skip to the last paragraph unless you want to hear about my other impressions, unrelated to my main point... I liked that it was quiet inside, and I also liked the interior, and the "feel" of the car. I especially liked the turning radius! :)

What I did not like was that the car seemed to have many gimmicks. For instance, the salesman demonstrated the trunk opening mechanism, and I was thinking "wow" because I wondered whether I would be able to do it myself. I tried it a few times (maybe 8 times?) until it worked. It *never* worked for my wife, and the excuse given was that maybe her feet were too thin for the sensor to detect them!

Funnily the salesman also demonstrated the iDrive navigation system, proudly showing how well the voice recognition works. It worked for a specific address he tried (his home), but it did NOT work for any address I tried. He tried pronouncing it, and it kept getting the state wrong -- OREGON instead of CALIFORNIA, etc.

In any case, am I missing something with this car? Should I really be looking for a Sports Line to test, or will it be similarly underwhelming when compared to the base?
If you ever get to drive one on a closed course (having an instructor is nice, too) you will find out what these cars can do. They are phenomenal. And the things it does on the track make you safer as a driver everyday.

btw - that tight turning radius is because it was a rear wheel drive car. FWD cars can't do that, 'cause there's too much stuff packed under the hood. They also have about 60% - 65% of their mass sitting on the front tires. That 328i you drove has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. That doesn't just happen. BMW makes it happen; on all their cars (give or take 1% - 2% here or there).

BMW enthusiasts buy BMWs for their handling characteristics, not so much raw power. However, the 335i will get your attention. We don't talk a lot about 0 to 60 times; although we do like them to be good. We talk about going for a drive in the switchbacks, on a tight, twisty road. Do a search for 'Tail of the Dragon'. It's a very popular drive thorough the mountains of North Carolina. You could also search 'Nurburgring'. It's where BMW's handling characteristics are refined by professional BMW drivers and engineers.
 
#8 ·
This is a guess and might be what you are experiencing. The Altima has softer suspension than the 328i and when you floor the Altima the car dips and gives the illusion that you are going faster. With the 328i sport suspension they are a lot firmer compared to the Altima and you will experience almost no suspension dip.

What you should do is test drive them and see how fast it takes u to get to x MPH or drive a 328 luxury with the softer suspension.

Remember I am just guessing here after reading your review and this is what I think you were experiencing.
 
#9 · (Edited)
I am not a BMW driver, but I've spent a long time trying to understand whether I should buy one. Specifically, I was thinking to get a F30 328i.
Well, the prospect's exciting but a first year of production? Don't. Experience shows: problems every time.

You're better advised to check an E9x CPO 335i. Being in the area myself, I can recommend a convertible above all else....you'll bless the day you were that good to yourself!

Bear in mind both 335i and 328i don't have top drawer suspensions - lots of deficiency when pushed. Problems are legend - just do a search.

The good news: Can be fixed in a big, big way....spend some time @ www.e90post.com in the suspension section. www.n54tech.com good for turbo engine talk, i.e. chipped.

And when you drive a 335i, imagine same but much faster - a chip'll do that for you, $500. But you should cure suspension problems first - makes for a much happier experience chipped or no. Delirious in fact. Bet you didn't think a BMW could do those things unless you've driven a M.

Be aware that a 328i won't be much faster than stock no matter what, but can be made to handle. Maybe better re: retaining a valid license. Wind it out - betcha like it.
.
 
#10 · (Edited)
I think the OP did miss something, the 3 series' driving dynamics, of which neck snapping kick as the light turns green, or how small the turning radius, are not part of the measure.

Cars can easily be tuned to give you the feel of that kick at launch, a Corolla or a Civic can do that, so can an Altima. After that initial kick, they drive like a cheap compact car.

The problem is, most drivers are impressed enough by that initial kick, then pay little attention about driving after that. I don't blame them, most of the time people only get to launch their cars at the lights pass the intersections, then get stuck in the traffic again.
 
#11 ·
I am not a BMW driver, but I've spent a long time trying to understand whether I should buy one. Specifically, I was thinking to get a F30 328i.
Whenever there's a model change, the first couple of years buyers are in effect unpaid test drivers for BMW.

Have you driven the V6 Honda Accord? The 9th generation Accord is going to be introduced this fall, so the 8th generation cars should be about as reliable as they'll ever get.
 
#12 ·
For my money I have never driven a quicker car than the 12 328i. I have a Luxury edition (not even a sport model, a 335, or an M series) and when I put it into sport mode it hauls ; not only on the straight runs but more importantly on the curves where it handles brilliantly. What is truly amazing to me is something that was observed in the comments above, it accelerates fast without making you feel like it is accelerating fast (no rising nose etc); that really contributes to a luxury feeling in the car; the only way I know I am going really quick is 1. I look at the speedomoter or 2. I notice that I am quickly passing a lot of cars. I would also offter that while the 0-60 rating of 5.7 sec is great I am more impressed with the 30-80 rating, that rating is comparable to comming onto a freeway onramp and accelerating onto the highway. I don't normally drive fast, I prefer to cruise, but with the 328i I can hardly help myself. One of my previous cars was an Accord V6, which at the time I thought was peppy, but in retrospect was not even close to the acceleration or handling of the 328i. Good luck finding the car that makes you feel good driving it, I've found mine.
 
#13 ·
I am not a BMW driver, but I've spent a long time trying to understand whether I should buy one. Specifically, I was thinking to get a F30 328i.

Now, before reading the rest, I would like you to understand something about me: I like cars that accelerate quickly, but I don't actually own one. My experience pertaining to "fast" cars comes from going on business trips and renting some more interesting (compared to my Accord) cars, such as a Chevrolet Malibu LY7, or Nissan Altima V6. If you compare the engines in these two cars with the 328i, they seem to be quite similar in terms of power output. I've actually had fun with both, but more so with the Altima because it *really* felt like it was really accelerating when I was pressing the accelerator for entering a freeway, for instance. Compared to my current Accord, they were both significantly more fun, though...

This brought me to think about the next car, and I was thinking I should get a 328i, since all my friends / cousin / cousin's friends drive BMWs, and they all swear that it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, and the power output was not insignificant.

Today I went to test the 328i and 335i. I went to two dealers and none had a 335i F30 and both said they were backordered for the next 4-5 months, which means I won't be able to try one out for a long while. Not nice.

However, I did get the chance to test drive a "base" 328i. This was completely underwhelming. I did not feel any force on my back, as I did with both the Altima (more), and the Malibu! I understand that it was not the Sports Line, but can that simple detail have such a dramatic impact? For testing purposes I actually floored the car several times to see what's the impact of flooring, and it had none of the visceral impact I was hoping it would.

Feel free to skip to the last paragraph unless you want to hear about my other impressions, unrelated to my main point... I liked that it was quiet inside, and I also liked the interior, and the "feel" of the car. I especially liked the turning radius! :)

What I did not like was that the car seemed to have many gimmicks. For instance, the salesman demonstrated the trunk opening mechanism, and I was thinking "wow" because I wondered whether I would be able to do it myself. I tried it a few times (maybe 8 times?) until it worked. It *never* worked for my wife, and the excuse given was that maybe her feet were too thin for the sensor to detect them!

Funnily the salesman also demonstrated the iDrive navigation system, proudly showing how well the voice recognition works. It worked for a specific address he tried (his home), but it did NOT work for any address I tried. He tried pronouncing it, and it kept getting the state wrong -- OREGON instead of CALIFORNIA, etc.

In any case, am I missing something with this car? Should I really be looking for a Sports Line to test, or will it be similarly underwhelming when compared to the base?
Sounds like you want a V8 mustang. Pushes you back in the seat, lacks gizmos, etc.
 
#15 ·
+1 Yep. Rented a vert in Md one trip, made good noises, pushed you back in the seat etc.
 
#14 ·
I am not a BMW driver, but I've spent a long time trying to understand whether I should buy one. Specifically, I was thinking to get a F30 328i.

Now, before reading the rest, I would like you to understand something about me: I like cars that accelerate quickly, but I don't actually own one. My experience pertaining to "fast" cars comes from going on business trips and renting some more interesting (compared to my Accord) cars, such as a Chevrolet Malibu LY7, or Nissan Altima V6. If you compare the engines in these two cars with the 328i, they seem to be quite similar in terms of power output. I've actually had fun with both, but more so with the Altima because it *really* felt like it was really accelerating when I was pressing the accelerator for entering a freeway, for instance. Compared to my current Accord, they were both significantly more fun, though...

This brought me to think about the next car, and I was thinking I should get a 328i, since all my friends / cousin / cousin's friends drive BMWs, and they all swear that it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, and the power output was not insignificant.

Today I went to test the 328i and 335i. I went to two dealers and none had a 335i F30 and both said they were backordered for the next 4-5 months, which means I won't be able to try one out for a long while. Not nice.

However, I did get the chance to test drive a "base" 328i. This was completely underwhelming. I did not feel any force on my back, as I did with both the Altima (more), and the Malibu! I understand that it was not the Sports Line, but can that simple detail have such a dramatic impact? For testing purposes I actually floored the car several times to see what's the impact of flooring, and it had none of the visceral impact I was hoping it would.

Feel free to skip to the last paragraph unless you want to hear about my other impressions, unrelated to my main point... I liked that it was quiet inside, and I also liked the interior, and the "feel" of the car. I especially liked the turning radius! :)

What I did not like was that the car seemed to have many gimmicks. For instance, the salesman demonstrated the trunk opening mechanism, and I was thinking "wow" because I wondered whether I would be able to do it myself. I tried it a few times (maybe 8 times?) until it worked. It *never* worked for my wife, and the excuse given was that maybe her feet were too thin for the sensor to detect them!

Funnily the salesman also demonstrated the iDrive navigation system, proudly showing how well the voice recognition works. It worked for a specific address he tried (his home), but it did NOT work for any address I tried. He tried pronouncing it, and it kept getting the state wrong -- OREGON instead of CALIFORNIA, etc.

In any case, am I missing something with this car? Should I really be looking for a Sports Line to test, or will it be similarly underwhelming when compared to the base?
It sounds like you shouldn't get a BMW. GMs like your Malibu have a certain charm with their electronic displays and do dads and perhaps Nissan does too. As for hp, BMW consistently underrates their hp and other companies, GM in particular, have not been good at getting the performance out of theirs. Look at the Regal GS which has 270 hp but is much slower than cars with 20-30-40 hp less.

When you drive the BMW hard and fast is where it shines and you start to appreciate it more and more in everyday driving. If you don't drive at all hard other than at the occasional stoplight, maybe BMW isn't right for you.
 
#16 ·
It sounds like you shouldn't get a BMW.
Also +1. We used to have an Altima, very competent car. Unfortunately the CVT lunched itself at 38K requiring a completely new factory rebuilt one. Sold it after that so Mrs. Llando88 could buy her E91. But it drove well and was very roomy. On the curves, um, not so firm. Lot of FWD push.
 
#17 ·
OP - Good luck on your search. It may (or may not ) be the car for you. BMWs are about "balance", overall, IMHO. They are not the fastest, or the best handling, or the best equipped, or the cheapest.

But when I get into a BMW, any BMW, whether it's my M3 or a 12 year old well-cared for E46 325i sedan, there is a certain "something" in these cars that is very very satisfying from a mechanical, "feel of the car" visceral point of view.

This may not be your cup of tea, hence the feedback you are getting on this thread.

Welcome to the fest! :beerchug:
 
#18 · (Edited)
Visceral impact ?? If that is what you really are looking for..get a Camaro, Mustang, Challenger, etc. You can certainly get 'pushed back in your seat' for a lot less $$ than a 328/335.

German cars are about the whole driving experience not just 0-60. Balance, braking, handling, and mid range driveability are more heavily weighted in the design philosphy than impressing people at stop lights.

The F30 is not going to impress you on a test drive as much as it will driving the car over time in everyday driving and occasional over the limit driving. I am going from a 135i to a 335i. The 335 does not have the baby muscle car feel of the 135i but its time to move on to 4 doors so I will adjust . Does that mean the 335 underwhelms me ..NOT A CHANCE--its just different.

If you were underwhelmed, looks elsewhere.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Let's just put that week kneed, slack jawed Mustang in its place....blown M3.

A very superior ride and, though some say more interior room's better, a small car gets big fast at speed.

Do we really need to compare a 775 hp rocket to a horse? OK maybe a Ferrari - that's competition.

More torque, sir? Maybe a hair slower than your neighbor's Italia, but 0.2 sec defines brevity -- could go either way. 'Sides which, why would you need to go much faster than 200 mph?
.
 
#22 ·
I think the OP hit the nail in the head. I'm not sure why BMW is even selling the 320i in the United States. It's too slow and economical to be an ultimate driving machine. They should label it a hybrid or something, so people know what theyre getting. Nobody should get cheated with anything less than a 335i. If you want a car with the US 328i specs you'd be cross shopping Volkswagens. I'd take a CC for $33k just to get xenon lights.
 
#23 ·
Actually, I looked at the Jetta GLI in comparison to the 328. I don't care for the looks of the CC as it looks like a stretched out beetle. Can you finally get a moonroof in the CC? I know that you couldn't before. It also feels like a big car and the performance outside of the acceleration was nothing like a BMW.
 
#24 ·
I don't own a BMW either, but I have taken a lengthy test drive in a 2012 328i Sport Line, so I'll make a couple of points. First, this car is so refined that it masks sensations of acceleration and speed. I was doing 65 in a 35 zone in no time, and didn't even notice. The muted engine note and light steering contribute to this. Second, while turbo cars can be quick off the line, their performance is typically strongest in the mid range. Take another drive in sport mode, and try a full throttle 50-80 run on the highway. Then, I suspect, you'll understand. :D
 
#25 ·
I was doing 65 in a 35 zone in no time, and didn't even notice. The muted engine note and light steering contribute to this.
+1 :thumbup: This is SO very true! What saves me from getting a speeding ticket is the HUD. Knowing that even when your hitting 80mph or 90mph, that the Bimmer is not even breaking a sweat and even somewhat taunting you to drive it harder really offers that "Ultimate Driving Experience"....But then the HUD reminds us on whether or not a speeding ticket is really worth it. :D Now if only I could find a race track......I guess I will have to settle for the country backroads for now where the cops never seem to inhabit! :supdude:
 
#27 ·
I didn't think the speed limit info feature would be useful for me because in the past, I wouldn't be categorized as an 'aggressive' driver.......Until now.....:D As I mentioned, I easily can find myself going 80 or 90mph on the freeway without so much knowing until I luckily catch myself via the HUD. I even find myself trying to look down the road for potential cops on the side trying to gun down speeders! So maybe it would have been a useful feature. :thumbup:
 
#28 ·
OP, after reading a lot of posts on forums in last 2 years, I formed an opinion about owning a BMW - I'm not saying it is the truth, it's just my opinion. There are just 2 groups of people which will be perfectly and 100% happy about owning a BMW no matter what. Those two groups are:

1. People who HAVE to have a roundel on the hood for whatever reason they think they do.

2. People who get up at 6:30 AM on a Sunday morning and hit the road with no destination, as long as the said road involves some corners and no other "drivers" on it. Cops are gone from Saturday night prowl looking for drunks, the said drunks and idiots are in bed by now and other people are still sleeping. Roads are yours to enjoy and you get back home two hours later for breakfast with idiot grin on your face - even if you were driving an Accord.

If you belong in one of the above groups, get that 3 series sight unseen - I guarantee you total joy of ownership. In all other cases, you will always second-guess the decision to spend almost $50,000 for that car. There are
- faster
- sportier
- more reliable
- more luxurious
- more prestigious
cars that cost somewhat less or a whole lot less than 3 series. But NONE of them really compares with 3 series. As other people mentioned above, the whole package is a whole lot bigger with 3 series than other competitors.

Ultimately, I also found out that the following saying is very much the truth - "Those inside [a BMW] cannot explain, those outside cannot understand."
 
#32 ·
Today I went to test the 328i and 335i. I went to two dealers and none had a 335i F30 and both said they were backordered for the next 4-5 months, which means I won't be able to try one out for a long while. Not nice.
Dealers have a way of exaggerating special order wait times because they want you to buy something they already have in stock. Sometimes you have to be very explicit: "You don't have the car that I want. If I ordered a 335i today when would it arrive?"
 
#34 ·
OP. you can't tell dick from a short test drive. See if you can somehow get the dealer to give you the car (even one of their loaners) for a day or try to rent one. You will learn a lot more spending a full day with the car. The fact you didn't even discover/enjoy sport mode says a lot about the quality of your test drive.
 
#41 ·
I would take another drive and check out Sport mode. I'll echo what everyone else has said- there is a very noticable difference in throttle response when switching between comfort and sport.
 
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