328i feels like an undwhelming boat :(

Originally Posted by justinnum1

Nothing will make the car faster, unless you buy a chip. I dont think you need to make it faster. I think you need to focus on the driving dynamics of the car. Instead of a soft cushiony ride that masks your speed if you go with a more agressive setup like some coil-overs and larger rims with sticky rubber, the ride will feel more dynamic, it wont feel like your floating when driving.

He bought the wrong car with the wrong options. This advice reminds me of someone who buys a Civic EX and spends another $10k+ making the car "faster".

That being said, if he takes his car to the track he will quickly realize that the car is capable of far more then his abilities on track. Modding not needed.

Originally Posted by golovko

He bought the wrong car with the wrong options. This advice reminds me of someone who buys a Civic EX and spends another $10k+ making the car "faster".

That being said, if he takes his car to the track he will quickly realize that the car is capable of far more then his abilities on track. Modding not needed.

I agree. But those are really his only options right now aside from trying to get rid of it or complaining about a vibrating steering wheel.

Plus, i think some coilovers and stick tires would make that car a blast to drive.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

I agree. But those are really his only options right now aside from trying to get rid of it or complaining about a vibrating steering wheel.

Plus, i think some coilovers and stick tires would make that car a blast to drive.

From my experience on track, people do far more damage to a cars performance and handling when they blindly add mods like coilovers. Learn to drive the car as is, improve your own abilities first then worry about making the car faster. When you start driving it at the cars limits, which I guarantee you he's not doing, then start to think how you can start shaving off seconds from lap times.

If road driving is all he's ever going to do with it, there is really no reason to sink any money into performance mods. Its plenty fast for daily street driving and theres no street where he can legally push it to its limits.

Originally Posted by golovko

From my experience on track, people do far more damage to a cars performance and handling when they blindly add mods like coilovers. Learn to drive the car as is, improve your own abilities first then worry about making the car faster. When you start driving it at the cars limits, which I guarantee you he's not doing, then start to think how you can start shaving off seconds from lap times.

If road driving is all he's ever going to do with it, there is really no reason to sink any money into performance mods. Its plenty fast for daily street driving and theres no street where he can legally push it to its limits.

99% of drivers will never see a track. Not sure if the OP plans on tracking his car but i doubt it. For everyday driving tho i do think some coil-overs and sticky tires will solve his handling concerns

No tracking. And I'm not doing any crazy mods. Nothing crazier than coding to get digital speedometer and roll up windows from remote.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

99% of drivers will never see a track. Not sure if the OP plans on tracking his car but i doubt it. For everyday driving tho i do think some coil-overs and sticky tires will solve his handling concerns

I think you missed my point. There are no handling concerns for daily driving. He can still corner on/off ramps above the suggested speed limit (not recommended obviously) and drive through back roads above the speed limit as well. The standard suspension can handle that just fine.

Originally Posted by 328i2013

No tracking. And I'm not doing any crazy mods. Nothing crazier than coding to get digital speedometer and roll up windows from remote.

In that case, just enjoy the car.

Originally Posted by 328i2013

Some people like cleaner lines. Some like the modded look like the M stuff.

Just a matter of taste. I'm perfectly satisfied with the looks of the F30.

Few years back I attended a presentation by a BMW designer in Toronto. He explained their thought process behind designing. Basically he was saying through research they have a very very good handle on where design tastes in general are headed. They have an ability to predict future tastes. He said BMW designs cars people will appreciate during its model cycle. Lost of people complain about new model looks but eventually it grows on most. He said it wasn't a coincidence.

Sounded believable the way he was presenting it. But I suspect they have a big role in defining our future tastes too, like Apple. And he said that this went beyond design too. So given that rationale, maybe the performance will grow on me too.

Yes...this is astute. The F30 is a different concept than prior versions, arguably multiple concepts. It's fast and it handles but the raw sensations have been replaced with other great sensations and amazing versatility. Take some time to try and embrace it.

I'm not being critical of those that prefer other iterations of this car, but here you are.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

In that case, just enjoy the car.

+1 good advice

Originally Posted by 328i2013

No tracking. And I'm not doing any crazy mods. Nothing crazier than coding to get digital speedometer and roll up windows from remote.

Again with a base model 328i i would get wheels/tires upgrade. maybe 235/35 19s up front and 255/40s 19 in the rear. that should give you noticeble handling improvement. the chassis and supsension of the F30 is very good, but the 17 inch wheels and tires are not up to the job for spirited driving in the twisties. Hell i will probably be looking at the same setup for my 335i Sport.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

does the steering wheel vibrate? that could be your answer

Originally Posted by shabadoo25

The 328i is a great car for all seasons. If you want to save $ sometimes and fly other times, it's perfect.

If you want fast, fast, fast all the time, then you really want a 335i.

Its funny, but I no longer consider my 335i that fast. I used to be blown away by the N54 motor and feel underwhelmed with the N55.

The N55 is a great motor, don't get me wrong. I just miss the N54.

I agree with the bells and whistles. If I went to a 328i to save money, I would still have to get my bells and whistles. Maybe cut down on a couple of things, but not much more than is in my 335i.

Originally Posted by CFL335i

Its funny, but I no longer consider my 335i that fast. I used to be blown away by the N54 motor and feel underwhelmed with the N55.

The N55 is a great motor, don't get me wrong. I just miss the N54.

I agree with the bells and whistles. If I went to a 328i to save money, I would still have to get my bells and whistles. Maybe cut down on a couple of things, but not much more than is in my 335i.

N54 was epic. Hope i enjoy the N55 and am not making a mistake going from N20 to N55.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

N54 was epic. Hope i enjoy the N55 and am not making a mistake going from N20 to N55.

N54 is epic indeed.

Couple things, if the engine isnt broken in yet, you wont be experiencing the true performance of the engine. the 2012 Sport I traded in bc of steering vibration took a few thousand miles and then it really opened up. At 8k miles it was a beast. Be patient and see what happens.

Since you purchased/financed, invest $1000 in some engine mods (BMS tune, AFE intake, downpipe) and you will have performance equal to, but probably better than, a stock 335. I have the tune alone and by no means is my car slow. You opted for a base line so take a little of the money you saved and buy some bolt ons; youll still come out way ahead and will be much happier. just my 2 cents...

Originally Posted by CFL335i

Its funny, but I no longer consider my 335i that fast. I used to be blown away by the N54 motor and feel underwhelmed with the N55.

The N55 is a great motor, don't get me wrong. I just miss the N54.

I agree with the bells and whistles. If I went to a 328i to save money, I would still have to get my bells and whistles. Maybe cut down on a couple of things, but not much more than is in my 335i.

I agree 100%! I had an 2007 335 with the n54 and what an engine that was! it was an absolute beast and pure driving pleasure every time the throttle was pressed. From power delivery, to engine note, it was an entirely visceral experience. If that engine had the new Sport Auto 8 tranny mated to it....

When i was looking at cars i test drove the 335 and was unimpressed to be honest. I was expecting the thrust and emotion of the N54, and it just wasnt there. I went with the N20 because it had some spirit to it and I loved the balance. It would have been a no brainer if BMW still offered the N54 motor...

Originally Posted by golovko

I think you missed my point. There are no handling concerns for daily driving. He can still corner on/off ramps above the suggested speed limit (not recommended obviously) and drive through back roads above the speed limit as well. The standard suspension can handle that just fine.

I think you missed the OP's point, in street driving, the 0-60 time is rarely beneficial, but the "feel" is there all the time. A smaller and lighter car will have a much more lively feel even if it is less powerful or slower on paper. And this is something difficult to replicate.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

N54 was epic. Hope i enjoy the N55 and am not making a mistake going from N20 to N55.

Yeah, you were spot-on along with the others who have said the same. At first I didn't really notice, because I was stepping back up from VW and Acura, but I remember how rocket-like the N54 was. I remember how a tap of the gas pedal lurched people back and forth in their seats. I though that I would get sued for neck injuries.

Originally Posted by dtc100

I think you missed the OP's point, in street driving, the 0-60 time is rarely beneficial, but the "feel" is there all the time. A smaller and lighter car will have a much more lively feel even if it is less powerful or slower on paper. And this is something difficult to replicate.

0-60 time? where did that come from?

The 0-60 time is meaningless except on paper and at the drag strip. Nobody should care what their 0-60 times are. Everything I said speaks to a cars performance, handling, acceleration, braking. These are things that you by no means will hit the limit of on the street no matter what you say except maybe braking to avoid a collision. It is more than capable of spirited driving in its current stock form. Better tires always help even for just day to day driving.

His issue with the 'feel' is because he bought the wrong car. He bought a 4 door sedan when he wanted a small nimble car. Suspension upgrades and bolt-ons, aren't going to change the cars size and overall feel (from his perspective). Its still going to feel like a 'boat' compared to a much smaller car.

Again, if he truly wants to 'feel' what the car is capable of, take it to the track.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

N54 was epic. Hope i enjoy the N55 and am not making a mistake going from N20 to N55.

You are kidding ,aren't you?
cheers
vern

Originally Posted by vern

You are kidding ,aren't you?
cheers
vern

No, why? The N20 is a great car. I haven't even driven a F30 335 yet. Owned 2 N54 e90's and loved both of them. Figured i would give the N55 a try this time.

have you ever driven the N54? It was a beast. Probably putting down 330+ horses and torque

Originally Posted by windsor027

Again with a base model 328i i would get wheels/tires upgrade. maybe 235/35 19s up front and 255/40s 19 in the rear. that should give you noticeble handling improvement. the chassis and supsension of the F30 is very good, but the 17 inch wheels and tires are not up to the job for spirited driving in the twisties. Hell i will probably be looking at the same setup for my 335i Sport.

I'm sorry but larger wheel do not enhance handling and in fact can be a detriment. The heavier unsprung weight and lower sidewalls make it harder to keep the tires on the road on anything but perfect roads. Also, unsprung weight is the enemy of handling. And staggered tires promote understeer.

The OP sounds like the sort of person who just loves to complain and enjoys the reactions his complaints get. Seriously how can he come from a mini and complain the F30 N20 is slow??? I could understand if he was coming from a Porsche or something...

Hope he doesn't have the same thoughts after his new baby arrives...

Originally Posted by justinnum1

N54 was epic. Hope i enjoy the N55 and am not making a mistake going from N20 to N55.

you are not. awesome engine, turbine smoothness, torque all over the rev band. We can praise the N20 all we want because it is a great 4-banger but lets not go crazy here. the N55 is just better.

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

I'm sorry but larger wheel do not enhance handling and in fact can be a detriment. The heavier unsprung weight and lower sidewalls make it harder to keep the tires on the road on anything but perfect roads. Also, unsprung weight is the enemy of handling. And staggered tires promote understeer.

sorry I don't agree Mike, the current wheel/tire combo is simply not sufficient for the F30 IMO. And because the base syspenssion is setup more for comfort than sport a more wheel/tire combo should help. Plus he should go non-runflat. that is an improvement right there.