07-04-2012, 08:13 PM | #67 |
Brigadier General
![]() ![]() 101
Rep 3,566
Posts
Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Melbourne Australia
|
I hate to be a party popper, but it's spelt Harman Kardon
Cheers
__________________
328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-04-2012, 08:21 PM | #68 |
Private First Class
![]() 24
Rep 193
Posts |
SomeRandomer123,
I notice you used to own an E60. Can you comment on how your new 328i compares to the E60 in terms of handling, and also in terms of ride quality? I own an E60 and am considering replacing that with an F30. Thanks Bruce |
Appreciate
0
|
07-04-2012, 10:54 PM | #69 | |
Southern6er22
![]() 37
Rep 841
Posts
Drives: 2012 650i xDrive M Sport Coupe
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Alabama
|
Quote:
Glad to hear the different drive settings are working well for you. I pretty much never leave Sport because I love the noise of burning money that comes out of my M tuned exhaust and the quicker throttle response. Combine Sport mode with my use of the downshift paddle for no reason other than the roar from the rear, and you get amazing mpg (between 10.5 and 11.5 mpg is my average). The EcoPro setting would likely help... but that would require me to use it ![]() Your video of Plugin is making me seriously consider the cradle. I'm going to hold off until my self-control completely deteriorates. Below is a video from my Blog/YouTube Chanel I did that shows how the iPod/iPhone integrate with iDrive without the cradle (just using the white Apple cable).
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-04-2012, 11:17 PM | #70 | |
Major General
![]() ![]() 890
Rep 7,047
Posts |
Quote:
To me it felt only a tad lighter than my 135i and E46 325i. And both of those had/have hydraulic systems. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 01:29 AM | #71 |
Lieutenant
![]() ![]() ![]() 40
Rep 423
Posts |
I'll be interested to know if there will be any issues down the road for your F30. If I recalled, the early E90s had problems with it's steering lock and ABS and other electronic gremlins. Let's hope that won't be the case for the F30.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 03:35 AM | #73 |
Major General
![]() ![]() ![]() 763
Rep 5,560
Posts |
M Adaptive Suspension and Variable Steering are a must for those that prefer spirited driving
![]() Other than that I think F30 has a lot of great options and the engine range is very good too (both diesel or petrol) ![]() Thanks for sharing such a complete/ great review! |
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 06:15 AM | #74 |
Colonel
![]() ![]() 93
Rep 2,168
Posts |
Congratulations on your new car, I feel like I have been able to share in your excitement and time of discovery by how well you wrote. Thank you for taking the time to post such an in-depth review, it was very helpful to me, and I look forward to my current lease being up in the next couple of years so this car can be on my shopping list!
__________________
'05 E90 325i | '06 E90 325i | '08 E90 325i LCI | '13 F30 328i M-Sport | '14 F10 535d M-Sport
Current: '19 G01 X3 M40i ![]() |
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 07:10 AM | #75 | |
If in doubt flat out - Colin Mcrae
![]() 127
Rep 261
Posts
Drives: BMW M5 F10 LCI SMB M2 LCI LBB
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Warsaw
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 08:50 AM | #77 |
Colonel
![]() ![]() 4047
Rep 2,064
Posts |
great write up
![]()
__________________
2004 e87 118d (ret.), 2007 e92 330d (ret.), 2007 e87 130i M-sport (ret.), 2009 e92 M3 (ret.), 2010 f10 535d M-sport (ret.), 2015 f10 M5 CP (ret.), 2017 f82 M4 CP (ret.)
2022 g26 i4 M50 & 2009 e70 X5 35d |
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 09:46 AM | #78 | |
Private
![]() 20
Rep 58
Posts |
Quote:
Often I feel as though at the end of a 30 minute journey the needle seems to move several tics toward empty. But car is just about 2 months old...so still enjoying it ![]() I can't drive with Sport on all the time though, because in traffic it produces a very jerky ride. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 10:04 AM | #79 | |
Colonel
![]() ![]() 305
Rep 2,612
Posts
Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK
|
Quote:
Ooomph? Tricky question! Great engine isn't it ![]() It's very difficult! For the absolute kick in the back I think it has to go to the 330d... for now. The 328i however is faster, but the torque deficit (520NM to 350NM) means it doesn't punch you every time you look at the gas pedal! Ooomph? Ahh, so hard to say! Ughh! 3....... erm... 28i. It's gotta be I think. Good question!
__________________
![]() Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 10:07 AM | #80 | |
Colonel
![]() ![]() 305
Rep 2,612
Posts
Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK
|
Quote:
A rumble? Nope, smooth as a baby's ass! ![]() And getting ever smoother as it becomes more run in. In fact, the change can't be felt at all now it's bedded in a bit more.
__________________
![]() Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 10:08 AM | #81 | |
Colonel
![]() ![]() 305
Rep 2,612
Posts
Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK
|
Quote:
I've amended my post! Cheers ![]()
__________________
![]() Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 10:14 AM | #82 | |
Colonel
![]() ![]() 305
Rep 2,612
Posts
Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK
|
Quote:
The F30 is in a completely different league! The E60 was a hard ride, although the E90 firmer still. However, the hard ride did allow for relatively sharp handling for such a mammoth, but the E90 made it felt like a barge! I have to say, the F30 does much the same. It's a brilliant blend of comfort and sportiness on the standard suspension setup. Like the E90 did, it just feels more rigid, more solid and more capable which is a form of solace in its own right. So honestly, the F30 out drives, out rides and outperforms the E60 in every area and I'm sure you'll agree if you get a go in one! It's also much more refined and quieter than the E60.
__________________
![]() Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 10:20 AM | #83 |
First Lieutenant
![]() ![]() ![]() 95
Rep 334
Posts |
Here's a review I wrote for the E90 forum. Over-all a great car.
Not really an apples-apples comparison since mine is an E92 335iMT and the car I had for the day was an F30 328i sedan automatic. That said, here's what I find: Engine--the N20 pulls well and the car is adequately quick, linear and smooth. Those who say it's about the same as an N55 are just silly. Radio--the standard BMW radio is standard BMW junk. Avoid. Ride--better in sport than in comfort! Sport damped out a slight bouncy (up/down) motion in the suspension. 17" tires might contribute here. Same ride quality and noise as my '11 coupe. Interior-- dissapointedly not a fan. Too many dash curves, twists, and flaps to visually support a rectangular info screen. Especially since the screen can't be submerged. Like a square peg in a round hole kinda look. The large swaths of aluminized plastic are just awful. Get anything else. The plastic surround inside the instrument cluster looks cheap. It's strange, but the curvy door panels and wider console give the impression that the interior is narrower than the E92. Lastly, avoid the non-sport seats at all costs. No support. Brakes--nice feel. Had no slow-speed issues that others heave mentioned. Brake pedal tended to slam against its upper stop when released quickly. Start/Stop feature--I'm sure that some day this useful technology will be perfected and transparent. That day isn't here. Very upsetting especially in traffic on these hot days. Why? Because the engine will restart not just on your command when you lift from the brake, but also when the car decides it needs more AC juice. You never know. Better to just always disable it. Steering--and now we get serious. The steering, very much like that on our new A4, is quick and accurate. The car tracks well with no wandering. But like on the Audi there is absolutely no steering feel. None. Very much like a video game. Very unlike any of my previous BMW's. At least in the Audi the steering tightens up at higher speeds. Of all these issues, this one can be a deal breaker. Will be test driving an F30 335i in two weeks. Hope it's better. So sorrry for rambling on. Steve Foster 27cars in 48 driving years 6 BMW's (325e, 325i, 325i, 540iA, 540i/6, 335icpMT) grey/black all the simple mods |
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 10:21 AM | #84 | |
Colonel
![]() ![]() 305
Rep 2,612
Posts
Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK
|
Quote:
328i? Hmm, maybe the spark plugs? I understand they need to be changed every 15,000 miles and the wants 19,000 until its first service for engine oil. So fingers crossed, but I wouldn't look badly upon the car if it developed one or two minor faults in its lifetime.
__________________
![]() Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 10:23 AM | #85 | |
Colonel
![]() ![]() 305
Rep 2,612
Posts
Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK
|
Quote:
![]()
__________________
![]() Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!) |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 11:43 AM | #86 |
Private First Class
![]() ![]() 365
Rep 165
Posts |
Thanks for taking the time to write it all up. I really enjoyed it. I especially like info on the various options... helps those of us who are trying to decide which options are worth it and those which are not.
BMW docs can be very confusing... |
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 12:44 PM | #87 |
First Lieutenant
![]() ![]() ![]() 25
Rep 353
Posts |
I'm coming from an E90 335i, so I don't get the "no steering feel" comments.
I did tell my CA after driving the "no line" 328i at the Olympic Event that it didn't feel like BMW steering. He said ordering the Sport Line would correct that. I believe he was right. My new SL 328i doesn't feel any different than my previous BMW, other than I can tell it's a lighter car and a 4-banger.
__________________
2012 328i Sedan Alpine White Dakota Grey/Brushed Aluminum/Black High Gloss Premium Premium Sound Technology STEPTRONIC Heated Fronts BMW Apps BMW Assist w/Enhanced Bluetooth and USB Park Distance Control Rear View Camera Xenons
![]() |
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2012, 01:34 PM | #88 | |
Private First Class
![]() 24
Rep 193
Posts |
Quote:
I've driven both of the new US F30s, 335i and 328i, but only on short courses with a lot of traffic. I had a 2006 330Xi and replaced that with my 2008 535Xi because I got tired of having my teeth jarred loose on larger road irregularities. The 335i F30 I drove had the M Adaptive Suspension and its teeth jarring qualities were non existent even in full Sport mode. Thanks Bruce |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|