[focal]

another way i see the 328i is a 320i + PPK. So if you don't mind 2.0L turbo's then it's an ultimate engine in a BMW. The 3.0L has more upside potential, but depending what you want from the speed perspective, the 2.0L is awesome for what it is.

[Decepax]

I love my 328 xdrive. I do not have any power issues on hills-- especially when in sport mode. I can't bear to use ECO PRO. My overall experience was improved with the software update smoothing out the ASS jolt. That being said the engine sound of the 328 is "interesting." I did chuckle at one poster's Singer sewing machine comment-- I'm not sure it is far off. I have been really disappointed with my MPG-- which had been my reason for the 328s smaller engine. It just has not panned out and there are lots of posts reiterating that. If I were buying a new one today I would be going for the inline 6.

[havoc57]

Sir, what you are about to buy is not just a car, its symphony in motion. The 6 pot has something that talks to your inner self, my 2 cents.

[f30GTR]

I took both the 328i and the 335i for test drives and my personal conclusion is that the 328i is just darn slow. I did drive both the way I would a drive a car for a dd. The 328i simply runs out of air after 4500 rpms. Leading to 4500 rpms is pretty quick like many say but that is the turbo. It seems a lot of people coming from NA cars get excited from the torque in the 328i which is great but it is not all that. Actually what I found annoying is that after 4500 rpm the car feels like it slows. On the other hand the 335i felt very alive. I didn't have to stomp on the gas pedal to get the car to move. The car didn't feel front heavy to me but then again I took the 335i for a run first and then the 328i. Having said all that I went with the 335i. BTW I originally was going to order a 328i but after the test drives it was an easy choice for me to spend the extra $2700. If you are not leasing the 335 keep better value so that is a plus. I understand also that the 335 is more car that their lives require therefor I suggest you drive both. After the drive, you will know which one is best for you.

[svartorn]

Originally Posted by Decepax

I can't bear to use ECO PRO.

I like the challenge of going into ECO PRO mode and trying to get 5 stars for being a good driver. I always get 1 star for acceleration.

[simongym]

Originally Posted by diablo2112

To me, the 328i makes very little sense. Other than a slightly (less than 4-5% reduction) in purchase price, it's simply too much of a compromise.

On the other hand, if you really are looking for the best in performance, then the 335i makes total sense. As others have pointed out, once you account for the added features in the 335i (xeons, alarm, bigger brakes, extra cooling, etc.), the price differential to the 328i is quite small, well under $3000. To me, if you're dropping $50K+ on a luxury sports sedan, then not spending a bit extra to get the legendary 3.0 liter inline six (and avoiding the diesel-sounding 328i) is just a no brainer (If you're going to put up with diesel rattle, you mind as well just get the diesel and enjoy the 45+ mpg highway).

Starting MSRP for 335i: $43,400
Starting MSRP for 328i: $37,300

That's a difference in price of $6,100 or reduction in price from 35i to 28i of 14%

And if those "added features" are not important to the person buying the car, then it doesn't make sense to account for them as highly in measuring the difference (you won't see that money on resale).

Buying a 328i does not automatically equate to "dropping $50k+": case in point, I paid well less than $40k.

[jonkarn]

I'll second this comment. Wanting F31 made my decision easy. Time between fill ups and a little extra cash in my pocket helped.

And with Stage 1 coming soon, I'll just say... 335 why?

Originally Posted by svartorn

Since I wanted a wagon, no there is no regret. BMW doesn't sell RWD, manual, or 335 wagons in the USA.

[Ali Shiralian]

All I have to say to your question is that I'm in love with the in line 6. From the sound point of view alone, there is no comparison. A few months ago I was in the same boat as you and was trying to decide between the two. I should also mention that I own a few businesses and money and budgeting is what I'm involved with all the time and don't like to spend money just for the sake of spending. I have to get value for what I spend and boy am I happy with my decision. Everyday the car puts a smile on my face. I test drove both several times before I made my decision. 328 is a lovely car but the engine noise just wasn't for me, I mean I wasn't looking for a diesel type sound and it kind of turned me off. As for nimbleness I really didn't find much difference although I didn't track neither car. I've owned several powerful cars in my time but none was as sound as this one but I have to also say that I take driving as a life pleasure and 335 is certainly pleasurable.

[Ali Shiralian]

Originally Posted by havoc57

Sir, what you are about to buy is not just a car, its symphony in motion. The 6 pot has something that talks to your inner self, my 2 cents.

+1

[AppStoreMoney]

Originally Posted by diablo2112

On the other hand, if you really are looking for the best in performance, then the 335i makes total sense. As others have pointed out, once you account for the added features in the 335i (xeons, alarm, bigger brakes, extra cooling, etc.), the price differential to the 328i is quite small, well under $3000. To me, if you're dropping $50K+ on a luxury sports sedan, then not spending a bit extra to get the legendary 3.0 liter inline six (and avoiding the diesel-sounding 328i) is just a no brainer (If you're going to put up with diesel rattle, you mind as well just get the diesel and enjoy the 45+ mpg highway).

Once you start adding options to the 335i, you quickly approach the M3 starting price. Why wouldn't you spend the extra $ and get a legendary M car?

[diablo2112]

Originally Posted by AppStoreMoney

Once you start adding options to the 335i, you quickly approach the M3 starting price. Why wouldn't you spend the extra $ and get a legendary M car?

I would have if the new M3 was available last year. Can't buy a product that doesn't exist.

[AppStoreMoney]

Originally Posted by diablo2112

I would have if the new M3 was available last year. Can't buy a product that doesn't exist.

Well, at least that's a reasonable reply M3's might also require you to wait, harder to negotiate on...etc, while 335i's are just sitting at the dealer lot.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by AppStoreMoney

Once you start adding options to the 335i, you quickly approach the M3 starting price. Why wouldn't you spend the extra $ and get a legendary M car?

I disagree. I have a decently optioned car with comfort, nav, cold weather, drivers assist, MPPK/MPE and I'm still 20k under what I built an M3 for.

[minn19]

As others have said OP, drive both and see what you like. I had a 2013 328i xDrive that I loved, but not as much as my 2014 335i xDrive with a few more options that I wanted. Build the one you want right out of the gate and you will have no regrets which may save you money down the road.

I agree with others that the N20 is not lacking for power and is a wonderful engine, but the N55 is in another class and is awesome. Surprisingly, I'm only averaging roughly 2-3 mpg less with the 335 which is not bad in my opinion.

[AppStoreMoney]

Originally Posted by minn19

I disagree. I have a decently optioned car with comfort, nav, cold weather, drivers assist, MPPK/MPE and I'm still 20k under what I built an M3 for.

Sure. I was trying to make a point because diablo2112 said the cost difference between the 328i and 335i was not significant. You can keep adding options and the cost difference will never be a huge deal for any one package, but reality is that you can get a 3 series for anywhere between $33k (stripper 320i) - $90k (maxed out M3).

And if one is just trying to impress girls, it might make sense to buy 3 different 320i's as opposed to one M3.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by AppStoreMoney

Sure. I was trying to make a point because diablo2112 said the cost difference between the 328i and 335i was not significant. You can keep adding options and the cost difference will never be a huge deal for any one package, but reality is that you can get a 3 series for anywhere between $33k (stripper 320i) - $90k (maxed out M3).

I see what you are saying, but I guess significant is different to everybody. The difference between my two cars was about 4k. I should of just got the 335 first the way I liked it instead of trying to save money on the 328. It ended up costing me more in the long run because I have this enthusiast car disease like others on this site and lusted after the car I should've got. Luckily I am thoroughly smitten with my current car, especially after the MPPK/MPE install.

[AppStoreMoney]

Originally Posted by minn19

It ended up costing me more in the long run because I have this enthusiast car disease like others on this site and lusted after the car I should've got.

Yep, I have that disease as well, and I bought the wrong car several times. In that case, it's totally worth saving a bit more and getting what you really want.

Originally Posted by minn19

Luckily I am thoroughly smitten with my current car, especially after the MPPK/MPE install.

You have a 2014 335i. You won't know if you're thoroughly smitten until the honeymoon phase is over. We'll check back in a year when you are lusting over the M3.

[dmath]

I have no regrets about getting the 328. But I sure would be happy if BMW came out with an MPPK for it.

[CLittle]

I have a 328i and if traffic frees up to a point where I can freely accelerate, the car is plenty fast without having to rev past 4k rpms and I never have to mash the gas pedal.

I sometimes wonder if I should've gotten the 335i but only for engine smoothness. There's plenty of power in the 328 that goes unused anyways.

I also feel that the 335 may hold its value better in the long run.

[minn19]

AppStoreMoney Quote: "You have a 2014 335i. You won't know if you're thoroughly smitten until the honeymoon phase is over. We'll check back in a year when you are lusting over the M3. [/QUOTE]

Good point, but I have a plan. Next year coil-overs go on to fix the floaty x-Drive suspension and then I will have my poor man's M3 .

Then in a few years when our toddler grows up and is out of the car seat: Daddy is going shopping with no compromises.

OP, moral of the story, do it right the first time.

[tuned2ride]

Originally Posted by simongym

Starting MSRP for 335i: $43,400
Starting MSRP for 328i: $37,300

That's a difference in price of $6,100 or reduction in price from 35i to 28i of 14%

And if those "added features" are not important to the person buying the car, then it doesn't make sense to account for them as highly in measuring the difference (you won't see that money on resale).

Buying a 328i does not automatically equate to "dropping $50k+": case in point, I paid well less than $40k.

Misleading is misleading.

A 328i Sport with Xenon and moonroof is 42675$. A 335i Sport is 46025$. 7.2% difference that you'll recover most at resale. *No brainer.*

[AppStoreMoney]

Originally Posted by minn19

Then in a few years when our toddler grows up and is out of the car seat: Daddy is going shopping with no compromises.

Sounds like you'll need a back seat for a child, which is already a compromise. I'm in the same boat... which means 5 series or X5 would be the most practical, but probably not the most fun...and M5's are costly...etc. FML