F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > N20 or N55
proTUNING Freaks
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-10-2016, 06:09 PM   #1
Big Busa
Private
United_States
14
Rep
78
Posts

Drives: 15' 335i M Sport Saloon, soon!
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
N20 or N55

BIMMERPOST
     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com
Ok! So I have been driving a 2013 V6 Honda Accord sedan for the last year and a half!! For some reason, I sold my 335i and thought I would be better in a Honda!! (Insert Jokes here!!) Well hell, as you already guessed, not so much! I am getting back in a Bimmer!! Can't stand this Accord! It is all holy crap!! Tranny is awful, with a capital A!!! Anyway, back to my question, I am looking at getting a F30 model but not sure if I should go with the 28i or 35i model! I love power but I am getting to the point where I love good gas mileage also! My E92 335i was awesome and I loved the power, just hated the gas bill! One of the reasons I sold her and went to an Accord, along with the fact that she was out of warranty and into maintenance.

So I'm looking for a conversation. Between the F30 28i owners and the 35i/40i owners and anyone who has owned both! Want to see who has the best argument for owning each version. Come with the pain but keep it civil! Bring up performance, modding and anything that you feel will best make your point! I am looking to make my move by the end of the year. So get to your corners and come out swinging!!! And may the best engine option win!!!
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 06:12 PM   #2
BMWalltheway
Second Lieutenant
United_States
54
Rep
295
Posts

Drives: 2017 440xi GC AW/CR
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Appreciate 3
      08-10-2016, 06:16 PM   #3
Ender_
Lieutenant
54
Rep
509
Posts

Drives: BMW 1M VO, V60 Polestar '24
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Ottawa

iTrader: (0)

Get a 335i/40i and drive it in Eco, fuel will be about the same from what I see, maybe 10%, that's maybe $4 doors more every fill up. Do you care about fuel economy that much, if so go with the 28i.
If you drive either hard they will both have bad fuel economy.
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 06:30 PM   #4
Big Busa
Private
United_States
14
Rep
78
Posts

Drives: 15' 335i M Sport Saloon, soon!
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ender_ View Post
Get a 335i/40i and drive it in Eco, fuel will be about the same from what I see, maybe 10%, that's maybe $4 doors more every fill up. Do you care about fuel economy that much, if so go with the 28i.
If you drive either hard they will both have bad fuel economy.
To be truthful, my foot is kinda heavy!! Not complaining, just confirming!!!
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 06:31 PM   #5
RoarinRow
Private First Class
RoarinRow's Avatar
United_States
66
Rep
193
Posts

Drives: 2012 328i Glacier Silver
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Elk Grove, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2012 BMW 328i  [0.00]
2014 BMW X1  [0.00]
I have a 2012 328i. Gas mileage good. Fun to drive. Fun to modify. Fits my family of 5.

But if I had to do it again, I would go with the higher model. I don't like the diesel-like sound of the engine that the 328i makes. And if I had to do it again, I would go with a line model, like Sport or M.

The baseline model was so plain until I put $$ to fix it up. Plus with a bigger model I am assuming there is more space inside and trunk space.

The lighter weight of the 328i, which I assume it is, makes it fun at the track and very nimble around the streets.

I get between 24-33 mpg just as the literature states and that's with aftermarket tires and a tune, etc.
__________________
2012 328i Sedan - Glacier Silver - 18" Toyo Proxes 4 Plus Tires with Nürburgring Metal Grey Rims, H&R Sport Springs, VRSF Intercooler, JB+, aFe Air Filter, Magnaflow Exhaust, Carbon Fiber accents, SS Pedals, Bavsound System, BMW CCA member since 2015. First Bimmer - 2000 Z3 M. Second Bimmer - 2014 X1 sDrive28.
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 06:49 PM   #6
TylerMcCraw
Second Lieutenant
TylerMcCraw's Avatar
United_States
154
Rep
232
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW F30
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Charlotte NC

iTrader: (0)

Go for the 340i.. Trust me you won't regret it.
__________________
2013 Jet Black Sport Line 328i: H&R Springs, 12 & 18mm Spacers, 335i Exhaust conversion.
Appreciate 1
      08-10-2016, 06:54 PM   #7
CalCarNut
Brigadier General
CalCarNut's Avatar
United_States
1061
Rep
3,258
Posts

Drives: 2015 F36 Jet Black Sport Line
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Blue Skies

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
If you were happy with the Power the Honda V6 had, the x28 will be fine since they're both close to about 260hp. The extra 2 cylinders in the x35 set you back about $5-6K on a new car vs the 4pot; it may carry over in the used market as well. $6K for about 60-80hp difference is a lot in my opinion when you can tune the x28 to a safe margin, close the gap considerably and only spend $600-1000 doing it and still have $ to spend on wheels, coilovers, spoilers ,exhaust etc to personalize it.
__________________
2015 BMW F36 428i JetBlack. Sport Line Edition
25% 3M Tint|
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 07:07 PM   #8
tturedraider
Major General
tturedraider's Avatar
United_States
4916
Rep
6,213
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee)

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by TylerMcCraw View Post
Go for the 340i.. Trust me you won't regret it.
+1 - if you're buying new do this.
__________________
https://youtu.be/-ay-8p2p29w
www.bmwcca.org
member #388003 - Use me as a referral
& you could win a one day ///M Driving School!!

___________________________________________
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 07:22 PM   #9
shoguniori31
Private First Class
shoguniori31's Avatar
United_States
37
Rep
155
Posts

Drives: 2016 Bmw 428i MT
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: 37.7779 N, 122.4194 W

iTrader: (0)

if your going to use it for daily, IMO N20 has more than enough power you need to take you to point A to B and cut thru traffic or what not and get good better gas mileage.

But if you are one of those people who like to do "random street racing" or going to the track on the weekends then i suggest get the bigger engine. Just like one of the guys here said.."you have to pay to play" bigger engine cost more and drinks more gas
__________________
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 07:24 PM   #10
Big Busa
Private
United_States
14
Rep
78
Posts

Drives: 15' 335i M Sport Saloon, soon!
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by TylerMcCraw View Post
Go for the 340i.. Trust me you won't regret it.
What about the issues I have been hearing about with that new B58 engine?
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 07:59 PM   #11
Herakles
Captain
247
Rep
824
Posts

Drives: United States
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Pa

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Busa View Post
Ok! So I have been driving a 2013 V6 Honda Accord sedan for the last year and a half!! For some reason, I sold my 335i and thought I would be better in a Honda!! (Insert Jokes here!!) Well hell, as you already guessed, not so much! I am getting back in a Bimmer!! Can't stand this Accord! It is all holy crap!! Tranny is awful, with a capital A!!! Anyway, back to my question, I am looking at getting a F30 model but not sure if I should go with the 28i or 35i model! I love power but I am getting to the point where I love good gas mileage also! My E92 335i was awesome and I loved the power, just hated the gas bill! One of the reasons I sold her and went to an Accord, along with the fact that she was out of warranty and into maintenance.

So I'm looking for a conversation. Between the F30 28i owners and the 35i/40i owners and anyone who has owned both! Want to see who has the best argument for owning each version. Come with the pain but keep it civil! Bring up performance, modding and anything that you feel will best make your point! I am looking to make my move by the end of the year. So get to your corners and come out swinging!!! And may the best engine option win!!!
Since owning my 335, i had some crazy thoughts- i think from not appreciating it! I drove also a 2000 accord v6 for 13 years before finally finding my 335

From the F30 loaners i had, i have to say they are intriguing. Very nice cars with nice performance- no slouches! But I think i would feel short changed and miss / would want the 335. Just too much fun to drive. Ho cant you get that N55 with the 8spd!!
__________________
2011 335 Msport Xdrive
Space grey
purchased on 8/7/15
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 08:02 PM   #12
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18480
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
I have owned both the F30 328i and 340i.

My impressions:

328i Sport: Coming from my former car, a 340hp S4 V8 it actually didn't feel like much of a step down. The 328i is fairly quick and lighter than my S4. I drove it for 3 years as a commuter and not once did I feel like I didn't have enough power to do what I needed to do even in aggressive Los Angeles driving. I took it through the canyons a few times and it was still fun. Despite "only" having 240hp vs the 326hp 340i, I don't feel like the 328i is underpowered at all.

340i M Sport Track Package: WOW, I only owned this car for 3 months, but it's so much faster than the 328i!!! Sounds so much nicer too! I still think it's underrated at 326hp. Much quicker than my S4, much quicker than the 328i. Did it make the 328i seem like a slug? No. BUT, I did have a loaner 320i and it was like night and day.

If you can afford it, go for the 340i. The 328i isn't that bad though if you want to save some $$. Either way, go test drive them both.
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 08:09 PM   #13
Big Busa
Private
United_States
14
Rep
78
Posts

Drives: 15' 335i M Sport Saloon, soon!
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmg View Post
I have owned both the F30 328i and 340i.

My impressions:

328i Sport: Coming from my former car, a 340hp S4 V8 it actually didn't feel like much of a step down. The 328i is fairly quick and lighter than my S4. I drove it for 3 years as a commuter and not once did I feel like I didn't have enough power to do what I needed to do even in aggressive Los Angeles driving. I took it through the canyons a few times and it was still fun. Despite "only" having 240hp vs the 326hp 340i, I don't feel like the 328i is underpowered at all.

340i M Sport Track Package: WOW, I only owned this car for 3 months, but it's so much faster than the 328i!!! Sounds so much nicer too! I still think it's underrated at 326hp. Much quicker than my S4, much quicker than the 328i. Did it make the 328i seem like a slug? No. BUT, I did have a loaner 320i and it was like night and day.

If you can afford it, go for the 340i. The 328i isn't that bad though if you want to save some $$. Either way, go test drive them both.
Nice! I have already driven the 335i and loved it. Have not yet driven the 340 or 328 yet! My main thing is making the right decision. Don't want no more regrets like with this accord. I might drive the 340 then the 328 to see if the step down is something I can live with!! Thanks for the opinions guys! Keep em' coming!!
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 08:09 PM   #14
Herakles
Captain
247
Rep
824
Posts

Drives: United States
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Pa

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RoarinRow View Post
I have a 2012 328i. Gas mileage good. Fun to drive. Fun to modify. Fits my family of 5.

But if I had to do it again, I would go with the higher model. I don't like the diesel-like sound of the engine that the 328i makes. And if I had to do it again, I would go with a line model, like Sport or M.

The baseline model was so plain until I put $$ to fix it up. Plus with a bigger model I am assuming there is more space inside and trunk space.

The lighter weight of the 328i, which I assume it is, makes it fun at the track and very nimble around the streets.

I get between 24-33 mpg just as the literature states and that's with aftermarket tires and a tune, etc.
i never thought of it as a diesel sound- sounds more like a boxer engine like the subaru WRXs..cool sound!!
__________________
2011 335 Msport Xdrive
Space grey
purchased on 8/7/15
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 08:12 PM   #15
tturedraider
Major General
tturedraider's Avatar
United_States
4916
Rep
6,213
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee)

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Busa View Post
Nice! I have already driven the 335i and loved it. Have not yet driven the 340 or 328 yet! My main thing is making the right decision. Don't want no more regrets like with this accord. I might drive the 340 then the 328 to see if the step down is something I can live with!! Thanks for the opinions guys! Keep em' coming!!
Are you buying new or used? The 328i is being replaced by the 330i, B48 motor.
__________________
https://youtu.be/-ay-8p2p29w
www.bmwcca.org
member #388003 - Use me as a referral
& you could win a one day ///M Driving School!!

___________________________________________
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 08:19 PM   #16
Big Busa
Private
United_States
14
Rep
78
Posts

Drives: 15' 335i M Sport Saloon, soon!
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by tturedraider View Post
Are you buying new or used? The 328i is being replaced by the 330i, B48 motor.
Still trying to decide. I knew the 328 is being replaced, not sure why I did not mention that initially.
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 08:21 PM   #17
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8149
Rep
15,935
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

My last was an '07 Altima V6, equivalent to the Accord. The N20 crushes it. I get 32 MPG on the highway.
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 08:31 PM   #18
JamRWS6
Captain
191
Rep
602
Posts

Drives: 2022 X3M Competition
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Dallas, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Busa
Quote:
Originally Posted by TylerMcCraw View Post
Go for the 340i.. Trust me you won't regret it.
What about the issues I have been hearing about with that new B58 engine?
What issues? I have one and have had zero issues. Runs hard and sips gas if you keep your foot out of it which is mighty hard.
__________________
- 2022 X3M Comp
- 2021 X5 xDrive 40i
- 2018 F80 M3 (sold)
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 09:02 PM   #19
Big Busa
Private
United_States
14
Rep
78
Posts

Drives: 15' 335i M Sport Saloon, soon!
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamRWS6 View Post
What issues? I have one and have had zero issues. Runs hard and sips gas if you keep your foot out of it which is mighty hard.
Every new engine from BMW has issues in the first few years of existence! The tensioner issue is one that I have recently heard of.
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 09:40 PM   #20
englishguy84
Second Lieutenant
61
Rep
205
Posts

Drives: 230i M-Sport
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SF Bay

iTrader: (0)

Are you buying or leasing? CPO or new?

If buying CPO, get the 335i. N55 is a tested engine, doesn't have a lot of issues, and lots of fun. Price won't be as big a deal because the huge depreciation hit already happened. I've been a passenger in one. Wish I had bee in the market when it was still being produced.

If buying new, it's going to depend on price more. If you can swing it, I would get the 340i because the B58 has been out an extra year--the 330i is brand new. Unless you can find a leftover 328i on the lot that's spec'd the way you want. If you can, there would probably be a great deal to be negotiated on a leftover and you'd have the more proven N20 vs B48.

If leasing--whichever you can afford that makes you happy. 340i might be overkill. Up to you. You only live once.
Appreciate 1
      08-10-2016, 09:46 PM   #21
Bbb34
Major
Canada
731
Rep
1,472
Posts

Drives: '11 535i 6sp. DHP/RWD
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: ON

iTrader: (0)

I always have a policy to "buy a bit more than what I think/feel I need" assuming I can afford it. By that logic, my advice is N55, you will never look back, never ask that "what if".

However, I didn't follow my own advice with N55 Vs. N63 as I felt that N55 fits everything I need perfectly and I simply didn't need more. They key though, I was absolutely 100% certain it was the right decision for me.

So, if you have any doubts, go with N55, but I doubt you really "need" more than N20, I recently had 228 loaner and it's a blast to drive.
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2016, 10:47 PM   #22
kenwelch
Lieutenant
United_States
96
Rep
545
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 M3 M-DCT & 2017 440GC
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mission Viejo, CA

iTrader: (0)

The B48 was launched in 2014 for MINI and 2015 for BMW. The B48 is not that untested. The engine is new to the 330.

Another advantage of the 340 vs 330 there are additional standard equipment items not just a larger engine. Depending on what you might select as options on a new vehicle there might not be much price difference.
Examples:
M-sport package
Moon roof
HK Sound System
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:44 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST