[dejja]

This is my first time posting. I currently own a 2002 330ci. It has almost 190k miles meaning it’s starting to have a good amount of maintenance troubles that I don’t feel like keeping up on. I’m looking for another newer BMW that is still fun. I’m stuck between the choice of an f30 328i and an e90 335i. I could just use some insight on which is all around better.

[thatgarrett]

That really depends on the specifics of the car you’re looking at: is the e90 the n55 or the n54 engine? What year f30? Has the timing chain been addressed on the 328i? Manual or automatic? Mileage? X-drive?

Back when I was shopping, I was also considering either generation like you. As a general whole, the F30 seems a bit more reliable than the e90 (better auto transmission, no window regulator problems, etc) but the n55 is generally considered more reliable than the n20 (but there is debate on that), especially with timing chain guide/tension failures on the earlier 328i models. N54 is significantly less reliable than n55, and early n55 models in the e90 chassis had a few problem spots (related to fueling, injector/ fuel pump or something like that). If you’re coming from an E46 though, e90 reliability and problems will be fairly similar (plus the n54/early n55 things). However, you’ll find high mileage examples of both generations running around. In my case, I ended up with a f30 n55, mostly because I was looking between f30 n55 and b48, and the tail end of the e91 generation. If you are going for a 4 Cylinder, the b48 is a better option if you can swing it

[tturedraider]

Good post above. N55 E90 335i over an N20 F30 328i without question!!!! End of discussion. Some discussion could be had concerning a B46/48 F30 330i.

[sqwinny]

Outside of the timing chain the n20 is pretty reliable if you take care of it and actually do maintenance. It shares parts with the n54/n55/s55/n63 motors.

Easy to work on, very reliable. Trans tune + off the shelf tunes with a couple bolt ons you’re looking mid to low 12s with a car that gets 24-28 mpg if you don’t hammer the throttle stoplight to stop light.

Plenty YouTube videos on how to fix/repair/maintain things

[M Smurf]

can't say enough about the N20 though nothing else to compare. Most reliable vehicle ever owned! Great on gas, quick enough. easy to work on. timing chain "issue" is overblown, IMO.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by dejja

This is my first time posting. I currently own a 2002 330ci. It has almost 190k miles meaning it’s starting to have a good amount of maintenance troubles that I don’t feel like keeping up on. I’m looking for another newer BMW that is still fun. I’m stuck between the choice of an f30 328i and an e90 335i. I could just use some insight on which is all around better.

I had an F30 328i M Sport (2016). If BMW ever built a Camry, the F30 four cylinder is it. Totally numb and uninspiring car, and I had an M Sport. I'd go with the E90 335i hands down and do your N54/N55 homework so you know what you're getting into. BMW lost a step with the entire F-generation of cars. My $.02, good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[eff32fl]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

I had an F30 328i M Sport (2016). If BMW ever built a Camry, the F30 four cylinder is it. Totally numb and uninspiring car, and I had an M Sport. I'd go with the E90 335i hands down and do your N54/N55 homework so you know what you're getting into. BMW lost a step with the entire F-generation of cars. My $.02, good luck with whatever you decide to do.

The 6 cylinder cars are a different story and a lot more fun to drive. The 340i and 440i are great cars imo re: F series cars. Never drove an N55 but from what I gather the 335i/435i are great too.

OP will probably enjoy the E90 335i more.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by eff32fl

The 6 cylinder cars are a different story and a lot more fun to drive. The 340i and 440i are great cars imo re: F series cars. Never drove an N55 but from what I gather the 335i/435i are great too.

OP will probably enjoy the E90 335i more.

The biggest problem with the F30 is the steering, it's just not as good as it was on the E90/E46/E-anything for that matter. I agree, OP will likely enjoy the E90 more.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

I had an F30 328i M Sport (2016). If BMW ever built a Camry, the F30 four cylinder is it. Totally numb and uninspiring car, and I had an M Sport. I'd go with the E90 335i hands down and do your N54/N55 homework so you know what you're getting into. BMW lost a step with the entire F-generation of cars. My $.02, good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Originally Posted by Chihuahua

The biggest problem with the F30 is the steering, it's just not as good as it was on the E90/E46/E-anything for that matter. I agree, OP will likely enjoy the E90 more.

If the F30 steering is an issue for you you wouldn’t like the G20 either.

I have a 2020 G20 M340i. I came from a 2018 LCI F30 340i M Sport. And a 2000 328i, a 2004 ZHP, and a 2006 330i sport pkg. I didn’t have any big problem with the steering or suspension of the LCI F30. I prefer the simplicity of the pre-G20 generations and it would not bother me at all to go back to my F30.

[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

If the F30 steering is an issue for you you wouldn’t like the G20 either.

Thanks for the heads up.

[toxik]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

If the F30 steering is an issue for you you wouldn’t like the G20 either.

I have a 2020 G20 M340i. I came from a 2018 LCI F30 340i M Sport. And a 2000 328i, a 2004 ZHP, and a 2006 330i sport pkg. I didn’t have any big problem with the steering or suspension of the LCI F30. I prefer the simplicity of the pre-G20 generations and it would not bother me at all to go back to my F30.

i saw you post in classifieds, are you getting rid of the g20 for a f30?

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by toxik

i saw you post in classifieds, are you getting rid of the g20 for a f30?

If the right one came up I would give it serious consideration. I’m active in a G20 M340i Facebook group and almost every day someone posts that they’re looking for a 2020 M340i. I love the M340i powertrain, but in all honesty, I prefer the simpler, less techie F30 overall.