11-01-2012, 11:03 PM | #1 | |
Private First Class
22
Rep 198
Posts |
Custom building a 328i M Sport
Hello fellas, thought I'd introduce myself to the OZ community formally and bring over my thread from the general section as well.
I've had my first Bimmer since 2009 and after going for a drive with a friend in his Golf R, i suddenly "realised" that my 325Ci just wasn't going to give me the kind of the thrill I suddenly crave... hence I've decided to get the 328i (335i is just too much burden on the finances). I have until next Thursday to make up my mind about what to spec and I would like all your input with the options (damn BMW, so many tempting choices). Original post as follows: Quote:
|
|
11-01-2012, 11:30 PM | #2 | |
Private First Class
22
Rep 198
Posts |
Quote:
Yeah the M Sport package was a no-brainer for me this time; having driven a non-M Sport for the last 3.5 years, I have come to the conclusion that a bimmer just isn't quite 100% without this upgrade. Bi-Xenon were another no-brainer. As much as I like to just build a car purely for MY specific needs, I still try to maintain some meek resemblance of financial responsibility by at least building a car that could achieve good resale. David you've summed up the choices very nicely. Can you elaborate a little more on the Pro Nav and why you believe it is a MUST have even though the 328i comes with Business Nav as standard. Is the Pro Nav mind blowingly better? I do listen to a lot of AM radio actually, and hate how the analogue signal goes haywire every time i'm in a multi-story carpark or near a tram track! I am not a music buff but I recognise that the most people are into it and probably would come to expect good connectivity with the smart phone of their choice. I'm here to confirm my suspicions but surprisingly, not a lot of people have listed this as top priority. Ah the Adaptive Suspensions. Yes I do like my corners fast and would like to cut through them with poise and dignity whilst going much faster than what's regarded as appropriate cornering speed. I was hoping the Adjustable suspension would have a noticeable affect even in suburban driving conditions? I was also hoping that in COMFORT mode whilst going over our constantly deteriorating roads, the Adaptive M would make the car feel more "luxurious"? |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2012, 12:55 AM | #3 |
Captain
64
Rep 960
Posts |
Hi Screen shot, Welcome to the Aus forum
looking like a nice build you have going there I've had a sunroof in all my cars leading up to my F30 but I rarely use it. so this time round I've actually opted to not have it. Personal choice I guess, so for my that free up a little more $$ to play with. I'd check off the HUD, DAB radio and Pro Nav as options to consider. These are more creature comforts for the current driver (i.e. us F30 forum goers) and make the drive that little bit more personal and enjoyable to us. I love both the colour choices you have (although I went with AW), seeing both, I have to say the black wins my heart over more than the EB (not to say the EB isn't a fantastic colour) |
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2012, 01:48 AM | #4 |
Private
0
Rep 89
Posts |
Heads Up Display (Included in sale price valued over $1500)
I don't have it in mine, but I don't *think* terribly miss it, with the navigation it comes up in my extended instrument cluster in the dash screen I have under my speedo (included in Prof Nav), which suffices for me for the odd occasion I do use the GPS- my father's X3 has it and I find it indispensable in that car, as the ride is higher, but in the 3 series, you seem to be lower and the line of vision of the dash... If you have the spare cash go for it - however it wasn't a deal breaker for me personally. Comfort Access pack - keyless entry and auto boot opening (included in sale price valued at $850) I have this, I find it handy. I use the boot opening quite regularly now, its not that hard to master once you work it out. I like the fact I can touch the handle to open and close my car. I would get it again if I were to re-order. Upgrade to Prof Nav - this option costs about $1077 here in Australia. From what i've seen around this forum, it looks pretty amazing and makes the standard Nav look mundane and backward The screen real estate it handy, I have the left 2/3 for Nav, and the right 1/3 for the Radio details (the song name etc) and it also gives you the "Instrument cluster with extended contents: described above as well. Dave are you sure that the new navigation is coming to Australia? I haven't been able to find anything anywhere to confirm its coming to Australia. If not getting HUD, maybe get this? Adaptive M Suspension $1077 - Not that many have ticked this box but those who have all seem to swear by it I have the standard suspension, but everywhere I've read says its amazing. I would probably have ticked this box if I were to re-order now, but I'm not sure on the improvement between my standard suspension and the M'Sport included one, if it would suffice. I would like my car to be a bit more comfy in comfort mode.. and a bit stiffer in sport mode... Extended connectivity BT/USB + Voice recog $385 Voice recognition is disappointing for entering Navigation and stuff, only really handy for the phonebook, as it seems to work quite well. Extended bluetooth is handy for having more then 1 phone connected - eg yours and your gf/wife etc Haven't used the USB music or the iphone connection for music yet. Digital Radio $385 - I listen to a lot of radio but I'm afraid the future M Sport buyer won't care much for radio? I listen to alot of SEN down in Melbourne, its amazing for AM.... ... for FM vs Digital there isn't so much difference, and if you're like me that hasn't got an iPod full of music, but like listening to a variety, the digital stations are pretty cool. There's a station just of 80's music, one just of 90's... etc oh and you can even listen to the Chemist Warehouse station... feels like you're shopping for prescription medicines when you put this station on..... M Sport Brakes $1077 Not sure, can't comment. Either way, whatever you choose.. you could always choose more... but then the sky's the limit with BMW and their options... draw the line somewhere... If you were going to force me to choose some options for you, I'd go for Adaptive Suspension, Prof Nav, Digital Radio, and Extended Connectivity. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2012, 03:38 AM | #5 | |
Brigadier General
210
Rep 3,288
Posts
Drives: anything given a chance
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: .au
|
Welcome, screenshot, I'll throw my 2c in for you mate.
Quote:
For the difference in ticket price you could get Sport line 328i and tick the box on a few more options. If you found that the brakes aren't up to par for how hard you're going to push (I've tracked mine and can say that they're ok - could be better - but did ok by me when pushed) you could option the M Performance gear later. I have to say, if your driving on public roads you will find the standard units more than up to the task. Either way the 328i is a great choice and the F30 incarnation of the 3er is a fantastic car IMO. You'll find a few builds in my old spec thread here too http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=687244 |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2012, 05:07 AM | #6 |
Lieutenant Colonel
65
Rep 1,549
Posts |
Hi ScreenShot..
I started with a priority list and went down the list, I'm sure you would have thought of something similar already. I love all the colours on the M sport and for me I've always favoured dark colours more. Top 2 Favs for me would be EB White and BS I'll rate the options you got liste there based on what I've experied Heads Up Display (5/5) - I'll nvr go with a car without one. With the Melbourne speed zones changes every 1km, i helps alot that I dont need to re-focus my eyes to the speedometer. Comfort Access pack (2/5) - Tested it.. nvr bothered me. I kinda liked the fact that I need to whip out my key to open the car. Weird Upgrade to Prof Nav (5/5) - Must have if you use Nav much. I take a lot of drives to new places so Nav on a big screen is awesome. Adaptive M Suspension (3/5) - I rated this 3 outa 5 as I tested the normal suspension and found it too soft for my liking so I went M sport suspension. It drives great abit harsh when you get on the tram tracks tho. Extended connectivity BT/USB + Voice recog (3/5) - Kinda handy if you've got an iPhone.. the Y cable is kinda annoying to remove and plug in. Digital Radio - No comments nvr listen to radio M Sport Brakes - If you want sports brakes I'd say go for the M Performance ones. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2012, 06:12 AM | #7 |
Private First Class
22
Rep 198
Posts |
More detailed comments - Love it. Thanks guys.
@Spikey Hey I hardly use my sunroof either, in that I don't really bother to slide it and open it as it creates all sorts of noise pollution into the cabin and nowadays with all the pollen, it stays SHUT. However, one thing the sunroof does very well and passively is let in all that good sunlight/streetlight so the cabin always feels bright and airy regardless of the weather. I know it's expensive but hey I'll hang onto this one. Thanks for voting too btw. @ij05 So you optioned Extended Instrument Cluster? I never quite understood what it offered, could you care to elaborate? It costs like $269 so isn't exactly cheap! Picture would great if you have one. You mentioned that the Pro Nav gives you instrument cluster... do you mean it puts info on the extended instr cluster or do you mean the Pro Nav option INCLUDES the extended instr cluster? I might pick up the DAB afterall, I haven't listened to music on my iphone for a year. Thanks for voting! @Dabaitu The Lines offer better colour choices and is clearly cheaper but since I'm going from a Coupe to a Sedan, I like to maintain some semblance of sportiness and I plan on living that through the MSport kit :P Cheers for the link, I'm going to check out after finishing this response. @J1n Appreciate the plug for the HUD, another reason to keep it on my shopping list. I don't use Nav much but I would appreciate the screen real estate. Given how Apple gadget spoilt I am, i think this feature would put a smile on my face.. still expensive though. M Brakes are def off the list! |
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2012, 06:16 AM | #8 |
Second Lieutenant
22
Rep 291
Posts |
Adaptive is a MUST imo, mixed with VSS (also a must imo) when you switch from comfort to sport the change is extremely noticeable, the car handles extremely well, then when you go on rough roads, the comfort setting does a remarkable job of absorbing the shakes (car is softer in comfort mode than it is on standard suspension). You won't regret adaptive of vss.
Don't forget to get at least the 9 speaker Hi Fi - it sounds quite well, and much better than the standard audio (unless you are going aftermarket). The HUD would be great if we could see the left and right indicators, they are kinda hard to see and blocked by the wheel. Comfort access is awesome, placing your finger on the handle to lock the car makes life so much easier, same goes when opening the door. You will wonder how did you ever drive a car without it, no more fumbling keys Prof Nav you also will not regret DAB radio works in Sydney as i have been told, i get no stations here 80km north of Sydney. The media cradle is also well worth it imo coupled with bluetooth connectivity |
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2012, 06:38 AM | #9 | |
Brigadier General
210
Rep 3,288
Posts
Drives: anything given a chance
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: .au
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2012, 06:44 AM | #10 |
Private First Class
22
Rep 198
Posts |
OH it's not the performance I'm worried. I'm supremely confident that the 328i mere Sedan will outstrip my current 325 coupe... but coupes are just so sexy
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2012, 07:21 PM | #11 |
First Lieutenant
33
Rep 391
Posts |
Hey all, I'm a newbie to the forum as well and contemplating putting in an order for the 328i as well.
I'm going for the sunroof as well... in my current car it's open only 20% of the time, but I love it for the extra light it brings into the cabin. From all of the reviews on the 328i it sounds like the Adaptive Suspension is a must. Most reviewers have panned the standard suspension (Car Magazine, Wheels) & are praising the car with the adaptive setup, so looks like I will tick that box as well. (having said that, I don't think anyone has reviewed the standard M Sport suspension). Because I'm ticking the adaptive suspension box, I'm going to do without the HUD (as cool as it sounds). I was also thinking about the Professional nav as well, but to me the suspension was more important. The 6 inch screen on my current car is plenty of visual real estate. Long term, the 2nd hand buyers won't appreciate the additional $$$ you sunk into the other options. The comfort access & BT/voice recognition sound nice, but don't seem essential. Even though I'm not considering it atm, the +DAB seems like it's worth it & you will enjoy AM more. I listen to AM about 40% of the time and can appreciate the difference it would make. I'm thinking of the heating all seats instead (though this thread has got me thinking). The brakes sounds like you are thinking of taking the car onto a track, so you probably should to minimise brake fade. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2012, 10:37 PM | #12 |
Brigadier General
101
Rep 3,566
Posts
Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Melbourne Australia
|
It's the next increment in the continual upgrading of any & all BMW models. Probably not every aspect, but those we can use here.
http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=716464
__________________
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
|
11-03-2012, 10:48 PM | #13 | |
Brigadier General
101
Rep 3,566
Posts
Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Melbourne Australia
|
Quote:
OK, so there are 3 suspensions 1. Standard 2. M-Sport 3 Adaptive M Suspension I have 2. Review: It's good. However, I haven't clocked terribly many kms and I am still running the car in so I'm not testing suspension limits just yet. I think J1n might be able to elaborate as I recall a post of his mentioning he likes taking fast corners, a good test of the suspension. Adaptive should be a real screamer.
__________________
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
|
11-04-2012, 06:13 AM | #14 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
65
Rep 1,549
Posts |
Quote:
I'm loving the M Sports suspension..i was taking a few hard corners and it grips the road really well (no floating sensation). I was taking the 360 turn off Hoddle St today which was a 30 kmh or something turn at 70kmh (with sports+ mode on, man it was fun ) a mate of mine who has an RX8, was surprised how comfortable the ride was when I told him it was sports suspensions and yet it swerves nicely around the corners. On certain roads with tram tracks the ride is abit harsher. But for the majority of melbourne roads it's fine. I find the normal suspension we have on our F10 way too soft. Perhaps adaptive m suspension is the best of both worlds. If you want the best of both worlds. For me personally if I want a softer setup i'll just drive my other car. Last edited by J1n; 11-04-2012 at 06:18 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 12:14 AM | #16 |
Private First Class
22
Rep 198
Posts |
Hi CKau, ah yes, decision decision. Have you decided on what Colour combination you will get? I'm considering ditching the DAB+ in favour of the more primitive method of connecting up the phone via the Y-Cable or just BT and winging it. TBH, i really think BMW should have included DAB and Ext Connectivity as standard. So many sub-$30k cars have it in their base model, what's up with that.
I'm going to be very excited about the elimination of "floaty feeling" when hard cornering. This will be a god-send indeed. My current E46 is all nose heavy and certainly floats around and feels like it wants run away during a fast corner. P.S. today i spotted a 320i E90 in M Sport 2012 model in the car park and got excited that it was an F30 M Sport... a few moments later I felt duped as I realised what it was. Man, may be they haven't really changed the styling THAT much. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 01:48 AM | #17 |
Brigadier General
210
Rep 3,288
Posts
Drives: anything given a chance
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: .au
|
I had a AW ext. /black int. 320i loan car today while I had a couple of small warranty issues fixed. The only options AFAIK that were ticked were the roof and reversing camera.
As far as comparing what options I missed and noticed the most, it'd be the suspension, lack of HUD, standard Nav, non-extended display and standard speakers. I have the Anthracite roof liner also, but I was ok with the stock one this car had. The car in standard trim is quite capable but missing a few things to really give it that luxury feel. Whatever you end up choosing, and I know you're already thinking the same, but in the end just get whatever you want that works for your budget. Everyone else can be hung, they're not going to be driving your car! |
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 02:00 AM | #18 | |
Private First Class
22
Rep 198
Posts |
Quote:
You said these were the most noticeable options you missed. I take it that you didn't get the HUD, kept the Business Navigation instead of upgrading to Prof? You missed them, how so? particularly why the extended display so important? Pardon me in advance in case i misinterpreted what you just said. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 03:00 AM | #19 | |
Brigadier General
101
Rep 3,566
Posts
Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Melbourne Australia
|
Quote:
Extended connectivity is the ability for your smartphone to wirelessly stream the audio (music) to the amp so it plays back through the speakers. In addition, this option allows you to connect a USB device to the car for it to playback music loaded onto the USB. The DAB & EC are 2 different and separate options. Hope this helps.
__________________
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
|
11-05-2012, 05:35 AM | #20 | |
Brigadier General
210
Rep 3,288
Posts
Drives: anything given a chance
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: .au
|
Quote:
What I meant was what I missed on the loan car compared to my ride, as I optioned a whole bunch of stuff. With 20/20 hind-sight, I really wouldn't have changed anything. Surround view might have made the list come to think of it, but meh. It's stuff like the park assist, lane change and blindspot options that (for me) I can do without. Mainly because I can shoulder-check when changing lanes and know how to parallel park |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-06-2012, 06:11 AM | #21 | |
First Lieutenant
33
Rep 391
Posts |
Quote:
If not, might have to go luxury line and would option up the saddle brown interior instead. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-06-2012, 06:20 AM | #22 |
Private First Class
22
Rep 198
Posts |
Ckau, I rang my dealership this morning and asked about the Light coloured seats only options. Basically in the M Sport, we have 2 options that fits your requirements: Opal White or Cashmere Beige (you can choose them in the BMW configurator).
Apparently you must also individualise the trim to a Piano Black or the like along with this option so the total cost comes to just over $2000 retail. Pretty expensive yes, but it can be done. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|