[lastsummer17]

I currently drive a 2008 Stage 2+ Audi A4 with fbo, lfw and stage3 clutch. While I love the car and the drive is great, Im looking for something different. A few guys in my cars and coffee group have made the move over from Audi to BMW and have never looked back. I find myself in the same situation because Audi is just making their cars bigger and BIGGER!
I could use some advice, pros and cons and opinions...
Here is what I know engine wise:
F30 335i - 6cyl twin scroll single turbo (300hp)
F30 328i - 4cyl twin scroll single turbo (250ish hp)
Granted Ive researched options for performance mods and understand the significance differences. Just looking for fun daily power.
Chicago winters can be brutal so x-drive is a plus on both.
I have driven a few 335s and 328s and do believe that I have found one worth pursuing.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...33094126&Log=0

Opinions greatly appreciated.

[lastsummer17]

I should clarify... Ive read up alot in the last month about both models, but would like to hear from owners who drive these daily.

[rambi]

don't buy used , i learned my lesson $4k for gaskets and oil pan damange....

[goj]

If you want true BMW experience, get the 335. The N55 is a great engine

[Vegetable]

Well, if you have driven both the 335 and 328 and think the 328i offers just as much fun, by all means go for the 328.. Why on earth would you pay the premium for the legendary N55 if you think the N20 is just as fun.. Sadly I didn't think the N20 was quite up to par to the N55 and was more than happy to pay the 5K premium. GL, you can't go wrong with either.. But remember, BMW's are also getting Bigger and BIGGER..

[Sukhjot Grewal]

I've got both the 335i and the 328i and I really love the 335i feels alot more powerful then the 328i. The M package is just amazing on the 335i. my advice for you would be to get a 335i with the M package you won't regret it

[CruzM3]

I've never driven a BMW with the N55 but I have driven the new B58 and N20 328i and I feel like the 328i has a good amount of power especially if you get a piggyback tune for it. If you want something fast out the box I would say go for the 340i with the B58. Fast and fun to drive in its stock form. You can't go wrong with any of the choices imo. Just depends on how much power you want.

[donkey]

You mention your current car is FBO... So I would definitely recommend the 335.

I modded a few cars years ago, then started leaving everything stock. The 335i was the first car in a while for the mod bug to bite me hard. It really is a great engine and the potential is there for lots of power.

[Labeef]

What are you look for in a car?

Both the 28 and 35 are solid cars. The 28 feels a little lighter on it's feet but the 35 goes like stink. If your going to mod, but platforms are solid and take mods easy.

Personally, I love the 35, the but the 28i is just as impressive and can be had slightly lighter with less options.

[bateau]

Keep in mind, BMW also makes cars bigger and bigger. 3-series today is the size of 5-series 10 years ago. Luckily they kept the weight from going up.

328 vs 335, it really depends what you are after and budget. If power is important, then start with 335. If handling and fun to drive is more important, get 328 and build it up a little.

What do you want the car to do in the end?

[lastsummer17]

Hey guys... sincerely thank you for all of the replies.
To answer few questions... I like usable power combined with handling. I do track time here and there, so that goes a long way with me. Im used to a 4cyl turbo car and what they are capable of. The 335i has potential for some great power which is what draws me in.
Budget Im trying to stay in a certain range. Definitely big difference in $$ 35 vs 28.
Ive been looking for the last month or so and a white 335i with msport feels like a unicorn.
Sure the 3series cars are getting bigger, but have you seen the size difference of a b7 A4/S4 compared to the B8/8.5/B9... they are HUGE! Parking my b7 next to the f30 and not visually seeing my car get swallowed up was nice.
Im still really torn because two years from now I dont want to regret either decision.

[RoundelM3]

If you don't need 4 doors or want the larger size, I'd highly recommend a 2-series, although you have the same engine conundrum. My 228i convertible has adequate power, but the 6-cyl would definitely be over the top.

[mookie45]

I'd recommend the 335i over the 328i for a better driving experience.

You should really check out the 340i though. The performance gains are much greater than the 335i with the same exact mods.

[mookie45]

Also, I used to have an e90 328i and then upgraded to a 335i and will never look back based off of sheer driving pleasure. From a financial standpoint, yes it will cost more for maintenance up keep once out of warranty.

[ashpal19]

I have used both as my daily drive.

I would definitely recommend 335 for the additional power and handling.

328 is also a fun to drive quick/nimble car - if you don't want to deal with twin turbo issues and fuel pump issues.

[bateau]

Regarding unicorns, sometimes they aren't what they appear. What specifically draws you to M-Sport?

[floydarogers]

Look for the videos from the 3-series introduction at Laguna Seca. This one

is typical - yeah they're a little company-speak - but the 328i doesn't give up a lot.

Google term I used was "bmw 3-series auberlin laguna seca"

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by lastsummer17

Hey guys... sincerely thank you for all of the replies.
To answer few questions... I like usable power combined with handling. I do track time here and there, so that goes a long way with me. Im used to a 4cyl turbo car and what they are capable of. The 335i has potential for some great power which is what draws me in.
Budget Im trying to stay in a certain range. Definitely big difference in $$ 35 vs 28.
Ive been looking for the last month or so and a white 335i with msport feels like a unicorn.
Sure the 3series cars are getting bigger, but have you seen the size difference of a b7 A4/S4 compared to the B8/8.5/B9... they are HUGE! Parking my b7 next to the f30 and not visually seeing my car get swallowed up was nice.
Im still really torn because two years from now I dont want to regret either decision.

BMW F30 xDrive models have base suspensions. To some - these suspensions are just fine. To others - it's a starting point for suspension improvements: springs, shocks, coilovers (recommended), etc. If you track the vehicle, the cost of a better suspension will come up.

N55 is a great engine with very few compromises. I have 2013 335i xDrive sedan and it's the by far the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever driven. I also drove many services loaners with N20 engine. It has plenty of power at the top end, not enough in the low end (vs N55), and at idle speeds generates a distinct clicking sound because of high pressure fuel injectors. It's however entirely normal. Direction injection engines are likely to have greater carbon buildup on intake valves. However, most car owners will not have the vehicle long enough to experience the problem.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...in-a-nutshell/

You might want to expand your search beyond Chicago area to look for a white 335i M Sport xDrive sedan offered for sale as a BMW CPO (Certified Pre Owned).

[goj]

Originally Posted by ashpal19

I have used both as my daily drive.

I would definitely recommend 335 for the additional power and handling.

328 is also a fun to drive quick/nimble car - if you don't want to deal with twin turbo issues and fuel pump issues.

No such thing as twin turbo issues on either car

[WhoDat_M3]

I have a white 2015 335i M-Sport. Automatic 8spd w/paddles. Twin scroll turbo. We don't have 2 turbo's. And, there is virtually NO turbo lag at all. None.

Throw it in Sport+ and sport mode for the tranny. Shift lever to the left. Instant Gratification!

It was thrilling to drive straight out the lot... and even more after break in! Since purchase, I added a K&N Filter (I didn't want an intake on purpose, I'm trying to keep the stock look), a VRSF catless downpipe, and JB4. Boy I tell ya... after less than $1k spent on parts... Woah DOGGY! ...not only that, I pumped in a little e85, and boyyyyy, my wife was screaming "You're car costs more than $50,000!!!" ...while she was scrambling for the Oh Shit handle flying thru the mountains. I also discovered Launch Control... which is a joy. I didn't know I had that until I stumbled upon it reading the manual.

A few extra parts put in VS a stock M3. Dayam.. that's all I got to say. Minus all the goodies in "M" cars of course.

So, my thoughts? All BMW's are awesome. If you're in it for the thrill, get the 335. Or else you will regret it. If you don't care about space or 4 doors, get the M2. It's almost the same price. (Not the M235, which is nice too).

Some friends have less than a 335. Some don't care for the sportiness and power so they didn't care for the 335. Some cared and wished they just spent the extra bucks for a 335. So it's just that preference i guess. Plus the power gains with parts on the bigger engine is just that much more.

I dunno what other people think for feel about what I have to say, but that's just my opinion and point of view. At the end, you still got a Bimmer. Good luck!

[Nebelhinten]

Having done this a few months ago, I think making some basic decisions at the start will make your search a lot easier.

1. Engine type - after driving V6 for several years I knew I wanted another six. The N55 inline six is a smooth and powerful engine.

2. 4 or 2 doors - I chose four for comfort and larger trunk space.

3. M- Sport - after seeing/driving one I was only looking for those. Mine also had MPE and M performance brakes, but you can always add those later.

4. CPO - Having this was a significant factor for me, narrowed down the search quite a bit.

5. Color - I had a preference for mineral grey, but left that open when searching. White and red were the only ones I ruled out. Wound up getting black sapphire as car had all the features I wanted. Tough to keep clean, but looks great and metallic gives it a grayish look in the sun.

Good luck with your search!

[Portimao Blues]

F30 335i xDrive with M Sport...FTW!