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View Poll Results: which one do u suggest.
320 21 14.69%
328 122 85.31%
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      01-03-2017, 10:18 PM   #1
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Lightbulb 320i or 328i

I need some help from my fellow simmer bothers and sister. planing on getting a bmw but stuck between 320 or 328. if i get the 320 are they any ways to make it up to par with the 328i? i know I'm gonna get that or two (maybe a lot) saying oh just get a 335. maybe as my second bmw but those are the two I'm looking at just want to know which is better in general and which is better for mods. Hope i can get some help and info.
Thanks in advance
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      01-03-2017, 10:26 PM   #2
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if you're looking at a 320i, buy a mazda 6. its pretty much just as quick and honestly, as far as driver involvement and experience goes, Mazda has a more old fashioned approach and has surpassed BMW who now caters to a broader audience looking for comfort

or buy the 328i. dont bother with a 320.
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      01-04-2017, 12:05 AM   #3
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Definitely the 328. You'll spend enough money trying to get the 320 up to par and you might as well spend it on the extra power and goodies on the 328.

Plus you can still throw on a piggyback which will make your 328 feel like a rocket. It's tough to get that out of a 320.
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      01-04-2017, 12:59 AM   #4
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328 for sure. Sport Package, black trim, non M-Sport, backup camera, Xenon Lights, no lighting package, enhanced blutooth, no seat or wheel heaters. Keep it simple. The updated iDrive which is think is MY2014 or newer, I could be wrong. Swap the tires for some non-runflats, get the tire patch kit that comes with the M3, and make sure your AAA membership is current. Coral Red interior, look into a JB4 tune, modest drop, tint, keep the 328i badge, and you have a nice sleeper. If I didn't already have another BMW, this would be my daily.
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      01-04-2017, 01:44 AM   #5
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340 for sure with the F30. Faster is better.
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      01-04-2017, 02:57 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eluded View Post
340 for sure with the F30. Faster is better.
That goes without saying, but if faster is better why not an M3? Or a Buggati Chiron? The OP clearly has a budget for a used 320 or 328, otherwise he would have included a 330i, let alone a 340i. No point in even bringing it up unless you can get a 2015 340i for the price of a 328i.
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      01-04-2017, 06:27 AM   #7
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My vote is for the 328. Better resale value in the long run, and more usable power that'll make your day-to-day driving experience more enjoyable.
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      01-04-2017, 08:03 AM   #8
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for sure go for the 328i, I went through the same question but i felt that 328i would be the better choice and I don't regret it at all
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      01-04-2017, 08:24 AM   #9
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As others mentioned, the 328 is the better choice. I'm sure the power is decent in the 320 but the whole 328 package "just works"! Do look at the options VERY closely to ensure you get what you want.
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      01-04-2017, 09:26 AM   #10
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I think the decision depends on a couple things. Are you planning to buy used, new, or order? How heavily optioned do you want? Are you planning RWD? Do you want m sport body kit? And do you have specific exterior/interior colors in mind?

If we were only discussing value, the 320 is a better choice. You can get all/most of the the things that make the car a good sport sedan without paying the premium. But this does require giving up choices and some luxuries, so what you want in the car will probably determine which makes more sense for you.

I would strongly suggest you use the "build my own" to configure each the way you want, then compare price vs pros and cons of each. For me, they are both very similar 4 cylinder engines, so the price jump can only be justified if there is a feature or option that you just have to have in the 328.

OP, what type of modding are you planning?

In general, they are the same car - with an exaggerated HP difference. Only the options are significantly different. A far as modding, they are the same unless you are going to heavily mod the engine. But if that is your plan, you should be looking at a stripped 340i as there is "no replacement for displacement".
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      01-04-2017, 09:53 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 6IX-F10-N52 View Post
if you're looking at a 320i, buy a mazda 6. its pretty much just as quick and honestly, as far as driver involvement and experience goes, Mazda has a more old fashioned approach and has surpassed BMW who now caters to a broader audience looking for comfort

or buy the 328i. dont bother with a 320.
Stfu. People like you ruin this board.

I have a 320 and think it's ok. I'd prefer the 328. But to the guy saying get a Mazda 6 isn't intelligent. With the 320 you get all the 3 series components just not the extra power. This whole bash the 320 is old
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      01-04-2017, 10:00 AM   #12
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The 320 is fine for what it is no question about it. But if you're already eyeing a 335 or 340 do yourself a favor, save a few bucks now get a CPO 328 and don't throw away any money on mods that you will never ever see again. Drive what you can afford now and save for a bigger engine down the road. Modding up to performance of the next car up isn't $-wise typically.
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      01-04-2017, 10:19 AM   #13
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I agree with 6IX, you can get a fully loaded Mazda 6 that is real fun to drive. The 320 according to the rep that sold me my car is de-contented compared to the 328. Not that there is anything wrong with a 320, just depends on your reasons for the car.
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      01-04-2017, 11:07 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Danddd View Post
I agree with 6IX, you can get a fully loaded Mazda 6 that is real fun to drive. The 320 according to the rep that sold me my car is de-contented compared to the 328. Not that there is anything wrong with a 320, just depends on your reasons for the car.
Apples to oranges. You cannot compare a fwd car to a rwd 50/50 weighted car. It's not even close to the same driving dynamics. The Mazda is a fine car. Different audience
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      01-04-2017, 11:34 AM   #15
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Are we really comparing a Mazda 6 to a 320i? Seriously?

The fact that the 320i is a RWD platform already puts it in a different category, HP notwithstanding. If anyone thinks that Mazda 6 handles better than a base 3 series, that makes me question their skill/knowledge as a driver.

If you have the $, get the 328i. If not get the 320i, nothing wrong with that. I see plenty of them on the street and with the sport/lighting package, they look very nice.
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      01-04-2017, 11:43 AM   #16
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Get a 328i Sportline or M Sport. I've driven the 320i loaners and they just lack the power for a fun car. My 328i Sportline though hits that sweet daily driving spot.

AWE Tuning 328i For Sale to Lucky New Owner http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1323610

You should take a serious look at this car. It's already modded by AWE and a killer deal.
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      01-04-2017, 12:03 PM   #17
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I travel quite a bit on business. I always smile when I see a Mazda 6 waiting for me when renting a car. They are fun to toss around and the steering is really accurate with great feel. They are now nicely appointed. Would I take one over a 328, no. But I would definitely test drive on if I was looking for a 320. 230 might be something to check out too.
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      01-04-2017, 12:04 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jmg View Post
That goes without saying, but if faster is better why not an M3? Or a Buggati Chiron? The OP clearly has a budget for a used 320 or 328, otherwise he would have included a 330i, let alone a 340i. No point in even bringing it up unless you can get a 2015 340i for the price of a 328i.
328i is more than sufficient for daily driving. if you're looking strictly at a 320i, you can get much more value and features, a better driving experience and the same acceleration figures elsewhere without paying the BMW premium.
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      01-04-2017, 12:37 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 6IX-F10-N52 View Post
328i is more than sufficient for daily driving. if you're looking strictly at a 320i, you can get much more value and features, a better driving experience and the same acceleration figures elsewhere without paying the BMW premium.
That's what I'm saying. Eluded brought up a 340i as if that was even in the running. I'm not understanding why anyone would bring up that the 340i is faster when it's outside the OPs budget.
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      01-04-2017, 12:40 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 6IX-F10-N52 View Post
328i is more than sufficient for daily driving. if you're looking strictly at a 320i, you can get much more value and features, a better driving experience and the same acceleration figures elsewhere without paying the BMW premium.
For some the 320 is sufficient for a daily driver too. But where else can you find a fun to drive, RWD, 4 door with actual sport suspension, sport features and some level of luxury for 35k? Maybe the Cadillac ATS.... I'm not sure here, just stretched to find something else with or without the "BMW premium".

I just don't think too many people actually look at the value the 320i offers as it is perceived as the misfit so often.

Shoot, I drove the 320i with a JB4 and exhaust and it seemed as fast or faster than the 328s I have driven. But perhaps options made the 328s heavier - not claiming a fair comparison, just that the JB4 costs a lot less than the $5,500 jump to BMW for a similar engine tuned to a higher spec, and the 328 is still is just a 4 cylinder with moderate power. Wasn't worth the extra cost to me, but I am surprised it is always such a one sided topic.

I've said before, you have to option the 320i properly. Dealer examples, if they have any, are almost always stripped. Either for the buyer who can just afford one, or to push buyers up into the more nicely appointed 328s they have to offer. This is why I asked the OP how he is planning to buy - it matters.
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      01-04-2017, 12:51 PM   #21
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Go ahead and get the 320i. That way you can have that little man in your head from now on telling you that you should have gotten the 328i.
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      01-04-2017, 01:24 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by metallicpea View Post
For some the 320 is sufficient for a daily driver too. But where else can you find a fun to drive, RWD, 4 door with actual sport suspension, sport features and some level of luxury for 35k? Maybe the Cadillac ATS.... I'm not sure here, just stretched to find something else with or without the "BMW premium".

I just don't think too many people actually look at the value the 320i offers as it is perceived as the misfit so often.

Shoot, I drove the 320i with a JB4 and exhaust and it seemed as fast or faster than the 328s I have driven. But perhaps options made the 328s heavier - not claiming a fair comparison, just that the JB4 costs a lot less than the $5,500 jump to BMW for a similar engine tuned to a higher spec, and the 328 is still is just a 4 cylinder with moderate power. Wasn't worth the extra cost to me, but I am surprised it is always such a one sided topic.

I've said before, you have to option the 320i properly. Dealer examples, if they have any, are almost always stripped. Either for the buyer who can just afford one, or to push buyers up into the more nicely appointed 328s they have to offer. This is why I asked the OP how he is planning to buy - it matters.
the 320i is a perfectly sufficient daily driver for ANYONE. The only time I imagine its not enough is for passing at high speeds on the highway. otherwise, you will have no problems. but this is besides the point, the 320i is awful when it comes to value for your money. My opinion is either go for the 328i, or shop elsewhere.

however, the N20 is notorious for engine failure and timing chain issues. I wouldnt buy an N20 to begin with.
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