335i or 328i

It's the age-old question, I know, but I'm trying to decide on a 328i with all my preferred options and a more stripped down 335i. Here are the choices and the cost differences:

328i xDrive, Glacier Silver Metallic, Black Leatherette, with M Sport, Dynamic Handling, Xenons, and Heated Seats for $46,195

or

335i xDrive, Glacier Silver Metallic, Black Leatherette, and Heated Seats for $46,745

Since the 335i comes with the Xenons as standard equipment, I'm giving up on the M Sport package and the Dynamic Handling package for almost the exact same dollars.

Thoughts/opinions?

Thanks,
Bill

Originally Posted by nd89sc88

It's the age-old question, I know, but I'm trying to decide on a 328i with all my preferred options and a more stripped down 335i. Here are the choices and the cost differences:

328i xDrive, Glacier Silver Metallic, Black Leatherette, with M Sport, Dynamic Handling, Xenons, and Heated Seats for $46,195

or

335i xDrive, Glacier Silver Metallic, Black Leatherette, and Heated Seats for $46,745

Since the 335i comes with the Xenons as standard equipment, I'm giving up on the M Sport package and the Dynamic Handling package for almost the exact same dollars.

Thoughts/opinions?

Thanks,
Bill

Both are great cars, you can't go wrong either way. Since your asking for opinions, I will offer mine, go 335i. I test drove both, and the 335i has that sweet sounding, powerful in-line 6 that I just had to have. My 335i is on order and hopefully here in Aug. Test drive both and then make the decision that is best for you.

We have a thread on a very similar comparison which i stared. I decided to go with the 335i right after i drove one with the adaptive suspension. it was the perfect car I thought. the more I test drove the 328i (3 different test drives) the more I didn't like the noisy (compared to the N55) engine, I didn't find it responded as well with the manual and the cost difference between the two with the options I wanted was simply not a factor. I would argue with you that if you go for the stripped down 335i spend the 1,000 dollars and get the adaptive suspension even if you have to go with the alpine white, which I love and save 500 dollars.

I forgot to add I am almost sure because you would be getting a no-line 328i you will have the 17' wheels while the 335i comes standard with 18'. for me that is also a big deal. nope scratch this comment I see that you are getting the M package thus you will have good size wheels.

Hey Bill - if you haven't driven them yet, I'd highly suggest you do so. You can look (and debate) numbers all day, but at the end of it - it comes down to the way it makes you FEEL.

For me, while the 328i was impressive, the 335i experience was just "more"... and that's what I'm looking for in a premium vehicle. I want the sense of more than enough (maybe overwhelming is a better word)... power, aural pleasure, engine texture, NVH, etc. Again, beyond the numbers - I'm looking for HOW it delivers that driving experience.

Another thing to consider is the transmission you're looking to pair with your choice of motor. The N20 seems to have a little more turbo lag, which the 8-speed auto (torque converter?) seems to help with. The N55 seemed a little more linear in the power delivery with either transmission.

Regardless of acceleration, etc, I can assure you that a 328i with sport/adaptive suspension is going to handle much better than a 335i with the base suspension. 335i is a beast, but you are going to want to spring for the adaptive suspension... even if it means, as someone else suggested going with a basic paint color.

From looking at your option choices, it seems like you are more into the driving experience than looks/toys. I would say the 335i would be your best bet.

I am a looks/toys guy, and the new 328i is so much improved over the E90 that it was a no-brainer for me. However, another member on here bought a no line 335i and replaced the rims and it looks great. You could also replace the awful silver matte trim with the M carbon fiber interior. Unfortunately, you would be stuck with the limited interior choices of tan or black. Regardless, it would be a pretty nice car after some modifications.

If this was an E90 my choice would be the 335 easily. The N20 engine changes the picture big time. I'd get the 328 with M-Sport if I were you. It's plenty fast enough and will handle better.

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

If this was an E90 my choice would be the 335 easily. The F20 engine changes the picture big time. I'd get the 328 with M-Sport if I were you. It's plenty fast enough and will handle better.

N20 you mean.

Yeah, I love throwing the 328 around. It really is awesome.

You are exchanging a little more go and proven engine in the 335 vs. better balance and fuel economy in the 328. It depends on what type of driving you personally will be doing and what is more important for you.

Sweet Jesus, this again.....

I would not go with a 335 if it meant losing sport package and dynamic handling.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=602518

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=629145

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=618594

+1 - the dynamic handling to keep the price down!

If you are considering the M Sport on the 328, you have to at minimum go with the Sports Line on the 335. I had the same exact problem as I am sure many others did. For 46K, get the 335 Sports.

Originally Posted by JustinTJ

Sweet Jesus, this again.....

I would not go with a 335 if it meant losing sport package and dynamic handling.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=602518

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=629145

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=618594

That's a really difficult choice. I think since you're getting xDrive (which is not lowered even with sport or M sport line) I'd rather have the 335i. I'd really try and spring for a 335xi sport line if you can though, to get the sport suspension, sport seats, and it looks a lot better with the sport line wheels and the changes to the upper and lower grill. You could change the color to alpine white like some other people suggested to help take a little off the price.

Like other people said though, you should really go drive the cars yourself and check out the differences in looks in person, compare the sport seats vs non, etc. Even if you have to drive a ways to get to a dealership that has a decent selection of F30s (I imagine they don't have too many in Minnesota yet since xDrive isn't out), I think that would be totally worth it.

One last thing to consider is that even aside from the MSRP, a 328i will be cheaper in other ways. A dealer is less likely to give you a good deal on a 335i since allocations are more limited for those. Also, gas will cost more, and insurance may cost a little more. Not sure if you're leasing or buying, but maintenance in the long term will probably be a little more for the 335i.

335i sport line with x-drive does not get a sport suspension. You can order x-drive cars with adaptive suspension but even if you get the sport package they have non-sport suspension.

I6 vs Four? Go with the 335i and never look back.

Originally Posted by voip-ninja

335i sport line with x-drive does not get a sport suspension. You can order x-drive cars with adaptive suspension but even if you get the sport package they have non-sport suspension.

Yeah, I guess maybe you're right. It's kind of confusing because bmwusa.com says it does though. But yeah, that's probably a mistake.

Originally Posted by nd89sc88

It's the age-old question, I know, but I'm trying to decide on a 328i with all my preferred options and a more stripped down 335i. Here are the choices and the cost differences:

328i xDrive, Glacier Silver Metallic, Black Leatherette, with M Sport, Dynamic Handling, Xenons, and Heated Seats for $46,195

Thoughts/opinions?

Thanks,
Bill

I currently own a 328i XDrive with M-Sport and I'm gladly giving it up for a 328i Luxury Line with a boatload of options. My experience has been that the XDrive and the M-Sport suspension made the ride too harsh, too uncomfortable over rough roads and for the 10% of the time I can drive the car aggressively its not worth it for the 90% of the time I feel like I'm riding a car without shock absorbers.

I did an extensive test drive and found that the 328i's turbo 4 cylinder has a lot more torque and burst and has shown in testing to beat out the 335i in certain metrics too. So another option I'd offer you is:

Get a 328i Sport Line and add a ton of options to increase the daily drive experience; if you need XDrive where you live, go for that too. You have to think about the 90% of the time you're using it more than the 10%. Get a good test drive, see how it feels.

BJ

Originally Posted by shabadoo25

N20 you mean.

Yeah, I love throwing the 328 around. It really is awesome.

Yes, N20. Thanks, I corrected my post.

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

I currently own a 328i XDrive with M-Sport and I'm gladly giving it up for a 328i Luxury Line with a boatload of options. My experience has been that the XDrive and the M-Sport suspension made the ride too harsh, too uncomfortable over rough roads and for the 10% of the time I can drive the car aggressively its not worth it for the 90% of the time I feel like I'm riding a car without shock absorbers.

I did an extensive test drive and found that the 328i's turbo 4 cylinder has a lot more torque and burst and has shown in testing to beat out the 335i in certain metrics too. So another option I'd offer you is:

Get a 328i Sport Line and add a ton of options to increase the daily drive experience; if you need XDrive where you live, go for that too. You have to think about the 90% of the time you're using it more than the 10%. Get a good test drive, see how it feels.

BJ

I think regardless of lines/suspensions, the F30 is less jarring than the E90 all around.

I think it's a nobrainer. A 4-cylinder $40K+ car? Really?

Originally Posted by nd89sc88

It's the age-old question, I know, but I'm trying to decide on a 328i with all my preferred options and a more stripped down 335i. Here are the choices and the cost differences:

328i xDrive, Glacier Silver Metallic, Black Leatherette, with M Sport, Dynamic Handling, Xenons, and Heated Seats for $46,195

or

335i xDrive, Glacier Silver Metallic, Black Leatherette, and Heated Seats for $46,745

Since the 335i comes with the Xenons as standard equipment, I'm giving up on the M Sport package and the Dynamic Handling package for almost the exact same dollars.

Thoughts/opinions?

Thanks,
Bill

Personally I can't understand how you can afford a $46,000 car but can't afford the M Sport package. If you don't think it's worth the money that's one thing, but if you can't afford it, you can't afford the car.

My thinking on buying BMWs is never skimp on options you want, you'll regret it.

Originally Posted by panerai7

I think it's a nobrainer. A 4-cylinder $40K+ car? Really?

The N20 might sound like a timex but performance wise it is no slouch. About 90% of the power of big brother and it is lighter and handles better.

Both are great cars but equating number of cylinders to value is silly and outmoded thinking.

Originally Posted by panerai7

I think it's a nobrainer. A 4-cylinder $40K+ car? Really?

It's been done before.

Originally Posted by voip-ninja

The N20 might sound like a timex but performance wise it is no slouch. About 90% of the power of big brother and it is lighter and handles better.

Both are great cars but equating number of cylinders to value is silly and outmoded thinking.

There are certain things a consumer is accustomed to getting for every $10K he/she spends.
When you hit 40k it's expected to get at least a 6-cylinder engine, leather upholstery, power adjustable "everything" and hopefully HID lights.

Sorry if you don't agree with my "outmoded" thinking

Originally Posted by panerai7

There are certain things a consumer is accustomed to getting for every $10K he/she spends.
When you hit 40k it's expected to get at least a 6-cylinder engine, leather upholstery, power adjustable "everything" and hopefully HID lights.

Sorry if you don't agree with my "outmoded" thinking

Quality of car has little to do with number of cylinders. It's a ridiculous notion.

F30's with the N20 drive great , not a racecar though, the 335 is a decent beast. It all comes down to you're price point and options, a fully loaded 328 can cost more than a base 335.