[Frogman]

Originally Posted by ES_TRADER

What's SA ? All my cars have come from germany with the exception of the x5

SA = South Africa

I think most 335i's are built there.

[hans007]

Originally Posted by DigitalMPower

I still see a marginal difference in the US between the 328 and 335 in terms of options.

I priced out the same build in both, but having to add xenons and moonroof to the 328 along with the slightly higher price of packages on the 328 only created a difference of about 4000 which to me made it all the more worthwhile to go with the bigger motor.

I do see from a fuel economy stand point why the 328 would be a better commuter, but my office is 8 miles away.

depends how you look at it and what options you get. i wanted xenons , but didnt want a moon roof (i have had one in my last 3 cars and never used it, so i'd rather not have to take it).

so i suppose a 335i vs a 328i with xenons but no moonroof the difference is $5000 or so. on top of that, with allocations of 335i so low, you can't negotiate as good a price it seems so in some ways if you didnt want a moon roof or xenons it becomes quite a big difference price wise. i figure a lot on these forums are frequent car buyers relative to the rest of the population, and i'd just put that money towards my inevitable next car

[Lorde]

Originally Posted by ES_TRADER

Not what I hear from my dealer. He says he has plenty.

It might be the size of the dealership, Northwest was only getting one per month and were looking to trade allocations with another dealer to get me an earlier build date.

I think the 2 month wait to get an allocation and place an order was worth getting invoice.

[SamS]

Two main reasons:

1) "New" model/body style will bring more excitement, and thus participation on the boards. For the past 5+ years, the E90 328i has been just a very common car on the roads. So when new owners got one, they wouldn't be as likely to go online to learn more about their cars.

2) DEFINITELY the allocation/availability thing mentioned earlier. 50:1 ratio is no exaggeration. I have yet to see a 335i on the road, nor at two (very big) dealers. Part of this might be a strategy by BMW to improve their CAFE averages? Or maybe the 328i is simply more profitable, so production availability is going to lean towards that.

[FlyByNite]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

my dealer has 60 328s on the lot. 0 335's

lol

saw them. None have xenon. The 2 M sport are non xenon and no sport auto. WTF!

[Tsuvoi]

Originally Posted by Jackson743

I'm trying to give BMW $50k+ for a 335i for ED, but they're not building anymore beyond dealer allocation.

HUH? Getting a 335i in ED shouldn't be a problem at all, there are no allocations for ED. Are you sure? Maybe the dealer just didn't want to do ED and lied to you so you go for an in-stock 328i.

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by FlyByNite

saw them. None have xenon. The 2 M sport are non xenon and no sport auto. WTF!

When i was there 3 days ago there was a mineral grey 328 msport fully loaded.

But yea, i dont know who orders the cars there but its crazy, none of the msports have sport auto

[elistan]

BMW of Dallas inventory:
102 328i
2 335i

Is that due to the dealer preferring ordering 328i's?
Or is it due to BMW preferring building 328i's?
Or due to customers preferring buying 335i's?



(FWIW - the MSRP difference between 328i and 335i for how I wanted it configured was $4600. For my personal preferences and use case, that price and the bit extra nose weight weren't worth putting up with for the extra horsepower.)

[martyl]

Originally Posted by boltjames

Something else to consider: The N20 is one hell of a fun engine.

It's lighter, it's faster, it makes 275 HP, and the turbo's in Sport mode make it a rocket off the line.

I came off a 2009 E90 M-Sport which felt heavy and slow, was going to get the 335i on my next 3 Series, no question, especially with the stigma around 4 cylinder engines. But when I started reading the reviews and hearing people raving about it I took a test drive and it only took about 1 minute for me to go whoa, that's got some kick.

The lighter weight of the F30 combined with the more throaty, rocket engine sold me, got me away from the 335i mindset. From what I read, the 328i and 335i are very close in performance in realworld, typical conditions, so you get lighter weight, similar performance, better handling, and better gas mileage.

A lot of words to say that the difference between the two engines is marginal for the typical 48 year old executive commuting to work and driving the kids to baseball practice, and quite a few enthusiasts have gone 328i because they simply think it's a better driver's engine.

BJ

A great summary of why there are so many more 328's along with the price/value issue. Additionally, I don't think I've read any car mag review, including the British ones who state that they prefer the 335 to the 328. I'd be curious to know if there was one. I love both cars. I just don't need the power of the 335. Coming from an 06 325i so the 328 is alot quicker.

[Jadar]

Originally Posted by MacBlack335i

I didn't crunch the numbers, but my perception is there are more F30 328 owners on the forum than 335 owners.
I understand the appeal of the 4 cyl engine, which is very impressive and how much more similar the 328’s are to the 335’s, but
I’m surprised how many more 328’s there are compared to 335’s.

On the E9X forum 328's are a lot less discussed and it doesn't appear to be as many 328's owners on the site. It’s about a 8K to 10K price difference
between the 2 with the same options. Maybe it’s the price?

Definitely a change in the paradox…

I think the new engine has gauged alot of interest. But also remember that production of the 328i is probably 2 to 1 if not more to a 335i.

None the less, I think they did a hell of a job on the new design especially on the 328i. Its so much faster and handles like a dream. Id love to have a 328xi coupe as a daily with a 6 speed and keep my 335i also, but thats stretching the budget way to far.

[LollerAgent]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

my dealer has 60 328s on the lot. 0 335's

lol

Same here. 0 335.

[Jadar]

Originally Posted by boltjames

Something else to consider: The N20 is one hell of a fun engine.

It's lighter, it's faster, it makes 275 HP, and the turbo's in Sport mode make it a rocket off the line.

I came off a 2009 E90 M-Sport which felt heavy and slow, was going to get the 335i on my next 3 Series, no question, especially with the stigma around 4 cylinder engines. But when I started reading the reviews and hearing people raving about it I took a test drive and it only took about 1 minute for me to go whoa, that's got some kick.

The lighter weight of the F30 combined with the more throaty, rocket engine sold me, got me away from the 335i mindset. From what I read, the 328i and 335i are very close in performance in realworld, typical conditions, so you get lighter weight, similar performance, better handling, and better gas mileage.

A lot of words to say that the difference between the two engines is marginal for the typical 48 year old executive commuting to work and driving the kids to baseball practice, and quite a few enthusiasts have gone 328i because they simply think it's a better driver's engine.

BJ

I test drove one as well and liked it alot. I had an E90 328i and the f30 328i blew it away in every aspect.

I however wanted more power so I opted for the 335i. ALso Im not sure if you were comparing the sound of the 4 cylinder to a f30 335i but thats not even a close comparison. The 4 banger is virtually silent. And it makes 245hp not 275 and is not faster then the 335i.

But I do like the fact that the aftermarket has put out some nice products for it. It really is a nice engine. It is fun to drive, I agree. Felt very nimble and more responsive in handling as to the 335i. Better balance is a big factor.

[Jadar]

Originally Posted by martyl

A great summary of why there are so many more 328's along with the price/value issue. Additionally, I don't think I've read any car mag review, including the British ones who state that they prefer the 335 to the 328. I'd be curious to know if there was one. I love both cars. I just don't need the power of the 335. Coming from an 06 325i so the 328 is alot quicker.

Huge difference. The car just has a ton of low end grunt and is very quick off the line.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by dd1981

I test drove one as well and liked it alot. I had an E90 328i and the f30 328i blew it away in every aspect.

I however wanted more power so I opted for the 335i. ALso Im not sure if you were comparing the sound of the 4 cylinder to a f30 335i but thats not even a close comparison. The 4 banger is virtually silent. And it makes 245hp not 275 and is not faster then the 335i.

But I do like the fact that the aftermarket has put out some nice products for it. It really is a nice engine. It is fun to drive, I agree. Felt very nimble and more responsive in handling as to the 335i. Better balance is a big factor.

It's 275 crank according to real world dynos. The 240 figure is comical at this point.

Please don't make me post the examples and evidence AGAIN lol.

[Jadar]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

It's 275 crank according to real world dynos. The 240 figure is comical at this point.

Please don't make me post the examples and evidence AGAIN lol.

I dont need the evidence, Im simply stating whats advertised. Please dont get into this argument AGAIN and state or support how the 328 is just as fast as a 335i! PLEASE. Ive heard this over a thousand times already.

You can state its 275hp and underrated just as I can state that the n54/n55's were more along the lines of 315-320hp this can go on and on for all eternity. IF your car dynoes at 275hp at the crank does not mean all of them will. Every engine is different. Every dyno run is different.

Its underrated I get it, so is the n55. Make a case that it will outhandle a 335i I wont argue that. But starightline and top end performance is not even close.

You can torch me in the twisties and shit blah blah blah....Ill scar you on the highway where I do 90% of my driving. And thats a real world comparison.

[DrivenByE30]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

328 outsells the 335 by far. Always has. You really can't use the forums as a gauge for actual numbers.

Folks that buy 335s are more performance/enthusiast oriented because they're generally paying as much as you would for a 528.

For the first time, the 328 has a great motor and has much less of a deficit compared to the 335 as it has had in the past.

And why is this in the media section?

you've got the best overall and simple answer !

The reason why the E90 328i is less discussed is because that engine isn't as much fun compared to the N54/55 of the 335i E90.

But, as pointed out by everyone here, the F30 328i iteration now comes with an awesome (world-class shall i remind you) engine.

The N20 is so competent and is so efficient at getting 80-90% of the useful power band from the bigger inline6 engine.
Combine that with the higher number of produced 4-cyl car, and you got this larger popularity of the 328i over the 335i.

Both cars are very good, (now i realize how fortunate i am to enjoy my 335i), and by choosing the 328i over the 335i, you aint losing much anymore...

it actually might be a smarter buy... the 335i is really for those hard to change minds such as myself...

[Jadar]

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

you've got the best overall and simple answer !

The reason why the E90 328i is less discussed is because that engine isn't as much fun compared to the N54/55 of the 335i E90.

But, as pointed out by everyone here, the F30 328i iteration now comes with an awesome (world-class shall i remind you) engine.

The N20 is so competent and is so efficient at getting 80-90% of the useful power band from the bigger inline6 engine.
Combine that with the higher number of produced 4-cyl car, and you got this larger popularity of the 328i over the 335i.

Both cars are very good, (now i realize how fortunate i am to enjoy my 335i), and by choosing the 328i over the 335i, you aint losing much anymore...

it actually might be a smarter buy... the 335i is really for those hard to change minds such as myself...

It is a smarter buy. No doubt there. YOu get awesome performance for less and its a WORLD CLASS car. I cant say that I have driven a more fun 4 cyl engine thats not strictly intended for pure performance, I.E. sti, evo etc.

It has a great balance, economy, and fun factor. Thats why not alot of people will dish out the extra money for the 335i. Not unless youre trully seeking more power and are strictly after the 335i. I make the right choice for myself and its exactly what I want. But I, we are the minority in reality.

Its like saying well why did you chose the 550i instead of a 535i. Well I could and I wanted to. More power.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by dd1981

I dont need the evidence, Im simply stating whats advertised. Please dont get into this argument AGAIN and state or support how the 328 is just as fast as a 335i! PLEASE. Ive heard this over a thousand times already.

You can state its 275hp and underrated just as I can state that the n54/n55's were more along the lines of 315-320hp this can go on and on for all eternity. IF your car dynoes at 275hp at the crank does not mean all of them will. Every engine is different. Every dyno run is different.

Its underrated I get it, so is the n55. Make a case that it will outhandle a 335i I wont argue that. But starightline and top end performance is not even close.

You can torch me in the twisties and shit blah blah blah....Ill scar you on the highway where I do 90% of my driving. And thats a real world comparison.

I have never said the 328 is as fast as the 335. That is silly.

Please show me where I have ever said such a thing.

Fact is there are numerous dynos out there and I am one of few to dyno this car at all.

Fact is BOTH engines are underrated. BUT, the 60hp on paper between the two is not as big as advertised.

I am not worried about you scarring me on the highway. Why? Because I do not leave things stock. I already have my first modification which netted a 20lbs tq at the wheels gain. So with software coming the gap is gone between the two engines. BUT, you can always do the same-leaving my N20 screwed lol

[Jadar]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

I have never said the 328 is as fast as the 335. That is silly.

Please show me where I have ever said such a thing.

I didnt say you, but its been on here numerous times, how the 335i is barely faster then the f30 335i thats why its not even worth it. I think people get lost in translation and in justifying why the got something, instead just enjoying it if you know what I mean.

Like I said I think its a great engine. Id never look at a NA e9x again after driving the N20. And its only going to get better. No doubt they will pour more $ into it then anything else. 328 is the best selling vehicle in the line up. Are you going to make 7,000 335i owners happier or are you going to make 150,000 328 owners happier? Its evident.

[SPACEMANRICK]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

I have never said the 328 is as fast as the 335. That is silly.

Please show me where I have ever said such a thing.

Fact is there are numerous dynos out there and I am one of few to dyno this car at all.

Fact is BOTH engines are underrated. BUT, the 60hp on paper between the two is not as big as advertised.

I am not worried about you scarring me on the highway. Why? Because I do not leave things stock. I already have my first modification which netted a 20lbs tq at the wheels gain. So with software coming the gap is gone between the two engines. BUT, you can always do the same-leaving my N20 screwed lol

How much have you spent and how much do you plan on spending in modifications to your 328? What do these software changes and modifications potentially do to your new car warranty?

[Jadar]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

I have never said the 328 is as fast as the 335. That is silly.

Please show me where I have ever said such a thing.

Fact is there are numerous dynos out there and I am one of few to dyno this car at all.

Fact is BOTH engines are underrated. BUT, the 60hp on paper between the two is not as big as advertised.

I am not worried about you scarring me on the highway. Why? Because I do not leave things stock. I already have my first modification which netted a 20lbs tq at the wheels gain. So with software coming the gap is gone between the two engines. BUT, you can always do the same-leaving my N20 screwed lol

No doubt the 328 with a tune will surprise the hell out of people. I honestly love the fact that BMW did this. ITs a great bang for the buck and IMO they gave the loyalists and 3er owners what they havent had since the 80's. A fun all around impressive car. Its been long deserved, its almost like a gift, saying were back and this time we have something for everyone.

[Jadar]

Originally Posted by SPACEMANRICK

How much have you spent and how much do you plan on spending in modifications to your 328? What do these software changes and modifications potentially do to your new car warranty?

Warranty is void and null, if the dealer cathes you. Hopefully he can give you realistic numbers but from what I've seen tunes net 295hp and 300 plus tq. Quite impressive for a small engine.