Ok, now that the configuration is up on bmwusa and you can build a 320, I am more confused than I previously was. What the heck is the point of the 320 here in the US. 98% of BMW 3 series buyers buy the pre-configured setup on the dealer lot which essentially will include leather seats, power seats, wood trim, moonroof, and possibly navigation. Yes, the sports package is a bargain (especially the m suspension...paired with 180hp :rofl, but no 320 buyer is going to want a sports package (not that type of buyer). Once you build the 320 the way BMWNA will to stock dealer lots, the numbers aren't that far off. As a matter of fact, the lease is only going to be ~$30 cheaper than a base 328 similarly built (again depending on residual and money factor). What the heck is the point of this?
If BMW follows the Cadillac ATS philosophy expect 40% of sales next year to be 320s. 40% to be 328s. 20% to be 335s.
It seems to me that those that cannot make sense of the 320i are forgetting the days of the Value Package (leather, wheels, USB for free) E90 328i for about $34,000 - or even less after (the now common for BMW) trunk money. It is understandable... that was so 18 months ago. :eeps:
Or the days of the 2006 325i with all its 200hp for about $31,000 back in the day.
All that matters is that BMW is back in the entry-level luxury segment with the X1 and this 320i. And they will go even deeper with the 1- and 2-Series.
Back to the original point of this thread, I am someone who is now looking at BMWs because of the 320i introduction. After attending the Detroit Auto Show, it is at the top of my next car list.
I currently drive a G37 6MT sedan, and I was greatly disappointed to find out the 2014 Q50 replacement will not be available with a 6MT at launch, nor will it offer a turbo 4 cylinder.
As I get older, I am less focused on horsepower and am willing to trade off handling, refinement, and fuel economy. I am the border of Gen X/Gen Y, so I guess I am the target demographic. Once this thing hits the lot I am all over it.
Just a thought. All the 3 series offer a great, balanced package. If you are driving a 330 horsepower G37 right now, I'd seriously consider a 328i. Think of it as an upgraded 320i that has much more horsepower and standard features. I suppose the same could be said for the 335i compared to the 328i. For me, the happy medium was a 328i. You will not miss the crushing speed of your G37 in one. You may in the 320i.
I almost got into an A4 a few years ago, and I really didn't miss the horsepower drop from the G37. I am looking for refinement and fuel economy, so I am expecting the tradeoff.
The 328 is also in my sights, but the MF on BMW leases are a bit high to justify the extra $100 for monthly payment. Every time I lease a new vehicle, I always compare the usual suspects (G37, 3 series, A4) and Infiniti always had the best lease rates for similar MSRP.
Honestly, I'm sure the 320 will have same engine output as the A4, which is OK by me.
What would a non-basic quattro be then? To change the driving experience, you have two options: 18" wheel for $800, or Premium Plus and Sport for a lot more. A non-sport A4 shod with 18" seems to out-handle the non-sport 3 with 18" wheels in pretty much every slalom type test I have seen.
Slalom speed is not necessarily an indication of how well a car handles which can be more subjective. For example, the Car and Driver comparo with the 328i said (I'm paraphrasing) the A4 with Sport tracked well in turns but is not particularly entertaining. The 328i was better balanced and more neutral. I'd guess this a result of the weight distribution and the polar moment of inertia (in this case the longitudinal engine placement in the Audi verses the front mid-engine placement in the BMW.
Slalom speed is not necessarily an indication of how well a car handles which can be more subjective. For example, the Car and Driver comparo with the 328i said (I'm paraphrasing) the A4 with Sport tracked well in turns but is not particularly entertaining. The 328i was better balanced and more neutral. I'd guess this a result of the weight distribution and the polar moment of inertia (in this case the longitudinal engine placement in the Audi verses the front mid-engine placement in the BMW.
Mid-engine placement in the BMW? I assume you just mean it is placed slightly more behind the front axle than with the Audi.
Btwy, while journalists like to talk about the perfect weight distribution, it is worth noting that doesn't translate in ideal polar moment of inertia. One involves integrating lengths while the other requires integrating squares of lengths. All these cars are still inherently more prone to understeer, although obviously some more than others.
What you are referring to is indeed rather subjective and a strong function of what one is used to. Most traditional racers always prefer RWD over AWD, because that is what they are used to and because it is easier to loosen and control the rear end. There was a video on this forum a long time ago about a pro racer driving an AWD 911 and the 2WD counterpart on a tight indoor course. The AWD went faster, but he preferred the feel of the RWD. My guess is that it had a lot to do with what he was used to. It is a very subjective thing. But I do know what you are talking about.
Btwy, I don't see in the C&D review the paraphrase you are referring to. And it is worth noting that although Audi suck some summer tires on that car, it is not a sport pack A4 (steering has four spokes).
I thought the purpose of the 320 was to generate threads on Bimmerfest about how the 320 is almost as fast as the 328i and a better deal and and more appropriate for the car and...etc. (Feel free to replace 320 references with 328i and 328i with 335i). Threads will begin shortly...stay tuned.
Well, it will all come down to a back to back test drive of the 320 to the A4. The butt dyno never lies. If the 320 feels fast enough for me compared to the A4, then I'm sold.
I've been cross-shopping the 328i sedan with an X-1 Sdrive28. While they are vastly different vehicles, the X-1 retains traditional BMW characteristics with a roughly $7K price differential as similarly equipped.
Along comes the 320i to pique my interest for the 15 minutes spent configuring. BMW successfully mitigated downmarket poaching from the 328i for the aficionado. No interior color options save for black/tan, and the derated engine has no offset MPG gain. Pass!
Their target audience is abundantly clear, time will reveal whether it was a successful gambit.
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