[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by Yay-Z

lol, you guys act like the 335i is some holy grail. I have both, nothing special.

Nice!

60hp claimed at the crank, or 35-45whp, it is surely felt. But implying that it creates some awe inspiring chasm, it transforms a lowly 328 into a fire breathing monster of a sports sedan is just Fanboi illusion.

[tdizzle]

Originally Posted by drob23

I prefer the F33 FWD 6AT 335 w/o xenon's (you have to ask SA to delete this option cause it's included). You can even delete leatherette and go straight baller cloth. Also, power locks are unreliable and A/C just lowers performance so also nix those.

It might not be the quickest 0-60...but it can pull a 11.2 second 1/4 mile going BACKWARDS due to proper weight distribution, incredibly R gear ratio and no drivetrain loss like all you suckers! What's worse, you have to stare at my halogen's as I smoke your ass. Believe me, this time is on the internet and I'll show you

This wins. Shut the thread down, there is no coming back from this.

[yellowllewellyn]

Originally Posted by 328inGE

+1

[yellowllewellyn]

Is there any hints from the 4 series ordering guide that would show new features in the 2014 335 that wouldn't be on the 328.

And

Are there any features that are likely to become standard on the 328 for that M.Y.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by yellowllewellyn

Is there any hints from the 4 series ordering guide that would show new features in the 2014 335 that wouldn't be on the 328.

And

Are there any features that are likely to become standard on the 328 for that M.Y.

4 series ordering guide looks pretty standard to me aside from a few new wheel options. Doubt any changes affecting the 328 equipment will come until the LCI which is more like 2015.

[sevenmxf]

Originally Posted by RPM90

For all of us in general.
Let's use the current BMW site numbers:
328i AT 0-60 - 5.8
328i MT 0-60 - 5.7

328xi AT 0-60 - 5.7
NO MT numbers listed

335i AT 0-60 - 5.1
335i MT 0-60 - 5.4

335xi AT 0-60 - 4.8
335xi MT 0-60 - 5.1

The added torque of the N55 really shows with the added traction of the AWD model as it improves 0-60 by .3 seconds. With the added traction, the N55 can apply and utilize the extra grunt off the line.

The 328xi improves by .1 seconds, which shows that the N20's power hooks up pretty well in RWD form.

The only true comparison of engine power and accel potential that we can do is between models using the same trans that is also geared the same.
That eliminates any gearing advantage or disadvantage tuned into the trans.
The AT fits as it has the same gearing and final drive between the models.

We can compare the AT to the MT, but realize that there is a big gearing and final drive difference between the MT in the 335i and the MT in the 328i.

Between AT's the 335i is tested by BMW as being .7 quicker to 60.
That is in line with pro mag testing when we see 4.7-335i and 5.4-328i.
Yes, there are 335i tests at 5.1, corresponding with 5.8 for 328i.

*BMW changed the numbers between 2012 and 2013 models.
Why? Don't know exactly. I think there was a thread or two on that subject.

And, let's not forget engine variance, fuel quality variance, surface conditions, and test method. There could be a 5.4 sec 328i AT and a 5.1 335i AT.
One could use those cherry picked numbers to illustrate what they want.
But, if we use BMW's testing with same fuel, same conditions, same test methods, then we are seeing an average of .7 seconds quicker to 60 from the 335i.

Is that a lot? Well, yes it is. Also, we have 1/4 mile times and trap speeds, and we have 0-100 and above, where it's clear the 335i has a very noticeable power advantage.
But, the real difference is in day to day driving accelerating from lights, passing at highway speeds, accelerating up inclined roads.
There is a distinctly noticeable difference between an N20 328i and N55 335i.
It's not subtle either as some keep trying to make it seem.
Honestly, if you can't feel the distinct difference in torque and HP, then don't concern yourself with the topic in the first place.

240hp vs 300hp is substantial, as is 255lb ft vs 300lb ft.
The N55 has 20% more HP and 17% more torque.
The 335i is only 145lbs more than the 328i, but, that's not even the true weight comparison as the 335i's listed weight includes some added standard features such as power seats, sunroof, larger brakes, and other odds and ends. Actual weight difference when optioned equally is under 100lbs.
That's only 4% difference in listed weight, and around 3% in actual equivalent weight. Power to weight is an important figure when discussing acceleration.

Yes, there are dyno's showing the N20 producing more power than what BMW claims. BUT, there are also dyno's showing the same thing for the N55.
Some people seem to forget that second part.
Here's one reference where they did both engines:
http://challenge-usa.com/blog/2012/0...esults-are-in/

I really like the 328i and the N20 is an excellent 4cyl turbo.
When I was shopping the 328i sport/Msport was at the top of which I was getting. After extensive test driving to decide between which engine and which transmission I wanted I then made a choice based on my likes and what I enjoy.
No way would I disparage the 328i. It's a BMW 3 series through and through.

To me, there is a greater driving experience between sport and non sport models then there is between a 328i or 335i.
If the only choice I had was between a 328i sport/Msport or base 335i I would take the 328i Msport.

But let's just be honest and try to leave ego aside. The 335i has a more powerful engine by a good noticeable bit, and acceleration in day to day or accel runs is clearly faster and stronger.
If one has no use for the extra power, that's cool, accept that.
If one has or wants to have the extra power for whatever reason, that's cool too, accept that.

So good to see reasonable and responsible communication like this in a forum. Hey, everyone. I'm new here and taking delivery of my EBII 328i M Sport with xDrive in a few weeks. Looking forward to benefitting from the info here. Cheers!

[Thud]

Originally Posted by RPM90

240hp vs 300hp is substantial, as is 255lb ft vs 300lb ft.
The N55 has 20% more HP and 17% more torque.

Another way to look at it, the N20 has 80% of the power of an N55, even though the N55 has 50% more displacement. I think the N20 is a bit more "tweaked" than the N55, which has more headroom. The torque is even closer. In terms of bang for the buck I can see why the 328 is more popular among enthusiasts compared to the previous gen.

BTW, math is a funny thing. The N20 has 20% less power than the N55, but the N55 has 25% more power than the N20. They put these kinds of questions on the SAT.

[Frank_NJ]

Drive them both then make your choice. Had plenty of 328xi loaners and then drove the 335xi and hands down I liked the performace of the 335xi with the sport automatic.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by Thud

Another way to look at it, the N20 has 80% of the power of an N55, even though the N55 has 50% more displacement. I think the N20 is a bit more "tweaked" than the N55, which has more headroom. The torque is even closer. In terms of bang for the buck I can see why the 328 is more popular among enthusiasts compared to the previous gen.

BTW, math is a funny thing. The N20 has 20% less power than the N55, but the N55 has 25% more power than the N20. They put these kinds of questions on the SAT.

But you are going by the crank numbers of both cars and both are underrated.

Automobile dyno'd all the variations and found the N20 was a few % MORE underrated, meaning the two engines are a bit closer in real life than on paper.

The previous gen did not appeal to me, it would basically force you into the 335. Now, the 328 is a viable option both stock and for those like me who modify. This is true in the aftermarket as well, I have spoken to a few vendors who are developing parts for the 328 that said they would not have in the past.

[Jamesons Viggen]

This will be my definitive 328 vs 335 post after collecting articles here and there.

So, there are two perspectives.

One, the general public who are wowed by the additional power on a test drive of the 335. Let's be honest, the difference in power is easily felt, and it's easily noticed by most people and rather quickly.

But I did want to share notes from professional testing, people who drive these cars for days, on the roads, road trips, the track and drove BOTH 335 and 328. This isn't one of those, well I had a loaner for an hour kind of crap.

Here are some excerpts that describe that scenario:



"As for the BMW, well, since we first drove the new 335i, no one on staff has been particularly smitten. The consensus is that the 328i is a better-driving car."

"Part of the problem is that, while the 328i's suspension feels properly tuned, the 335i's feels as if BMW just dropped in a heavier, more powerful engine and didn't bother recalibrating anything"

"3rd Place: BMW 335i Sport
Expensive, though the underrated engine does give you loads of power. Damping rates too soft for a car with so much grunt."

-MotorTrend 2/13

Notes: They mentioned how the 328 dominated the 8 car test:

"When we did that eight-car comparison the 328i won, I remember getting out of the other cars, climbing into the BMW, and thinking, 'This is it. This is how you do it.' I had the same feeling today driving the Cadillac ATS."



The writers go a bit overboard in the declaration again on the Motor Trend blog:

"The 328i is a better car than its sibling, the more powerful, more expensive 2012 BMW 335i."

"The engine is just one more part that makes the 328i feel like the better product. Put another way, the three editors on staff that spent considerable time in each, all preferred the slower, cheaper 328i."

-Motor Trend Written by: Jonny Lieberman on March 7 2012 12:00 PM

Honestly, MotorTrend sounds a bit more neutral with this blurb from their first test of the 335:

"The 335i seems portly -- the scales show 3586 pounds and a front/rear distribution of 51/49 percent -- but that weight actually matches that of the last 335i coupe we tested. Versus the four-cylinder 328i, it carries 100 extra pounds. Where do you think that weight comes from? A hundred points if you guessed the front axle. The added weight is noticeable after back-to-back drives with the 328i, but equally noticeable is the extra forward thrust the 335i so readily supplies. A slightly heavier nose or more power? Decisions, decisions."

-MotorTrend By Carlos Lago | February 28, 2012


So now, we have the added power of the 335, and it loses to it's competition(Lexus IS350, the S4, the ATS 3.6) and they clearly state the suspension tuning is not well calibrated to the car. This mind set that more power=better, I am sorry is a fallacy. If people say I enjoy the extra power of the 335, I am all for it. I would often make the same choice. But the idea that more power makes the 335 better than the 328 by default-eh, that I don't know about. Fact is, the 328 does a better job of slaying the competition than the 335. Only when it gets on these forums are we pitting them against each other and playing up the power of the 335 and downplaying the 328. In the E90 days, it was much easier to differentiate camps.

You can flame all you want. But that is the feedback from professionals that spent time in both cars. I had a week in a 335 about a week after I owned my 328. Honestly, the power is clearly there, and for many it's a no brainer, combine that with the better engine/intake note. But there is a idea that the 328 only handles better on a race track. I did not fine that to be true as did professional writers.

So to me, there is no winner or loser when we pit the two cars against each other. Neither owner got it WRONG. The statements that someone only buys a 328 because they are too poor to afford a 335 is just as silly as saying there is no power advantage felt by the 335 or no handling advantage to the 328.

/my 328 vs 335 debate.

[Elk]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

So to me, there is no winner or loser when we pit the two cars against each other. Neither owner got it WRONG. The statements that someone only buys a 328 because they are too poor to afford a 335 is just as silly as saying there is no power advantage felt by the 335 or no handling advantage to the 328.

An excellent summary.

There is a idea that the 328 only handles better on a race track. I did not fine that to be true . . .

Agreed. The handling differences are readily apparent, as are the differences between the Xdrive and RWD variants.

[BMWinGE]

Well said.

[Thud]

Originally Posted by Elk

Agreed. The handling differences are readily apparent, as are the differences between the Xdrive and RWD variants.

I just wish the wagon was available with RWD in the USA.

Better yet, a 6-cylinder diesel wagon with RWD.

Better yet, a 6-cylinder diesel wagon with a manual transmission and RWD.

[hkdude]

if i wanted to pay USD28000 extra i would have got the 335i, though i didn't think it was worth that much extra for the lil performance gain and less economy, for 15,000bucks extra i'd think it would be good value , but I'm disappointed its supposedly 'slower" than the E90 one,is this true??? if it had an extra 75 bhp i would think it would be worth the extra 28000bucks.
(a current M3 is USD80,000 extra over the 328i m sport here for 200 bhp extra and a v8)

[dreamspeed]

Lets be real here, no one with a 335 is going to agree that they paid a ton more for the crappier car.

I'm just going to randomly throw this out there.

E30 M3 /thread

[IM2C]

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

no.



yes.

[doublevanosrc]

I have test driven both back to back and i found the 328 to have plenty of power, my only beef was the brakes. For some reason they felt better on the 335i.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

I have test driven both back to back and i found the 328 to have plenty of power, my only beef was the brakes. For some reason they felt better on the 335i.

Same line, Sport to Sport, MSport to MSport?

I drove a 335 Sport with all seasons and it had a spongy pedal, lacking confidence in braking compared to my euro-pad summer tired 328.

There should be no difference on the street between similar pad/tired cars. The 335 has beefier hardware because it needs to compensate for 120lbs more over the nose. The better hardware may be more beneficial on the track, might be more resistant to fade, but would need to be proven.

[F30AM]

Great thread.

In the case of the 320d vs 330d, the former does handle only slightly better. However, the 330d has so many more positive attributes that the minor handling advantage of the 320d pales into insignificance.

The 330d is blessed with a much greater fun factor due to the sledgehammer performance from the brilliant 6 pot Diesel coupled with the sublime 8 Speed Sport Auto with Paddles. This auto box really suits the engine perfectly and is a marriage made in Heaven. It's the best of both worlds.

I used to be a wholly manual person, but once I tried this auto box, I was totally converted. A manual box to me now seems so last Tuesday and clunky.

IMO, 330d is the best F30 so far. Even though I'm biased, I just know I am correct. But this is a whole new topic for a whole new thread and I'm not falling for it!

[64-bit]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

This will be my definitive 328 vs 335 post after collecting articles here and there.

So, there are two perspectives.

One, the general public who are wowed by the additional power on a test drive of the 335. Let's be honest, the difference in power is easily felt, and it's easily noticed by most people and rather quickly.

But I did want to share notes from professional testing, people who drive these cars for days, on the roads, road trips, the track and drove BOTH 335 and 328. This isn't one of those, well I had a loaner for an hour kind of crap.

Here are some excerpts that describe that scenario:



"As for the BMW, well, since we first drove the new 335i, no one on staff has been particularly smitten. The consensus is that the 328i is a better-driving car."

"Part of the problem is that, while the 328i's suspension feels properly tuned, the 335i's feels as if BMW just dropped in a heavier, more powerful engine and didn't bother recalibrating anything"

"3rd Place: BMW 335i Sport
Expensive, though the underrated engine does give you loads of power. Damping rates too soft for a car with so much grunt."

-MotorTrend 2/13

Notes: They mentioned how the 328 dominated the 8 car test:

"When we did that eight-car comparison the 328i won, I remember getting out of the other cars, climbing into the BMW, and thinking, 'This is it. This is how you do it.' I had the same feeling today driving the Cadillac ATS."



The writers go a bit overboard in the declaration again on the Motor Trend blog:

"The 328i is a better car than its sibling, the more powerful, more expensive 2012 BMW 335i."

"The engine is just one more part that makes the 328i feel like the better product. Put another way, the three editors on staff that spent considerable time in each, all preferred the slower, cheaper 328i."

-Motor Trend Written by: Jonny Lieberman on March 7 2012 12:00 PM

Honestly, MotorTrend sounds a bit more neutral with this blurb from their first test of the 335:

"The 335i seems portly -- the scales show 3586 pounds and a front/rear distribution of 51/49 percent -- but that weight actually matches that of the last 335i coupe we tested. Versus the four-cylinder 328i, it carries 100 extra pounds. Where do you think that weight comes from? A hundred points if you guessed the front axle. The added weight is noticeable after back-to-back drives with the 328i, but equally noticeable is the extra forward thrust the 335i so readily supplies. A slightly heavier nose or more power? Decisions, decisions."

-MotorTrend By Carlos Lago | February 28, 2012


So now, we have the added power of the 335, and it loses to it's competition(Lexus IS350, the S4, the ATS 3.6) and they clearly state the suspension tuning is not well calibrated to the car. This mind set that more power=better, I am sorry is a fallacy. If people say I enjoy the extra power of the 335, I am all for it. I would often make the same choice. But the idea that more power makes the 335 better than the 328 by default-eh, that I don't know about. Fact is, the 328 does a better job of slaying the competition than the 335. Only when it gets on these forums are we pitting them against each other and playing up the power of the 335 and downplaying the 328. In the E90 days, it was much easier to differentiate camps.

You can flame all you want. But that is the feedback from professionals that spent time in both cars. I had a week in a 335 about a week after I owned my 328. Honestly, the power is clearly there, and for many it's a no brainer, combine that with the better engine/intake note. But there is a idea that the 328 only handles better on a race track. I did not fine that to be true as did professional writers.

So to me, there is no winner or loser when we pit the two cars against each other. Neither owner got it WRONG. The statements that someone only buys a 328 because they are too poor to afford a 335 is just as silly as saying there is no power advantage felt by the 335 or no handling advantage to the 328.

/my 328 vs 335 debate.

Great review!

I'm buying the 335i because the engine noise, duo exhaust, my previous car was a 335xi and I cannot go back on my decision after I bring the car home.

They key is on both of them is to buy a line, sport or m-sport and be happy after

PS don't forget to add Nav

[64-bit]

Originally Posted by e90im

Maybe

[hollandog]

nothing against the 328 or 335.

i did choose the 328 for financial reasons.
better MPG, cheaper monthly payment, easier to find allocation.

if money is not an issue, i would go for the 335 in a heart beat.

the 328 is a fine car and i am satisfied with it. but the 335i would make me happier if money was no issue.
i have a feeling that the N55 will be updated soon. so by the time my lease ends i will be able to get the new 335/340 or whatever.