02-22-2015, 07:10 PM | #1 |
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2015 328xi Sports Wagon (F31)
Introduction I've been a Subaru fanatic for the last 10 years. I would eat, sleep, and breathe Subarus. I took them apart and put them back together. I autocrossed them and tracked them. It was glorious. After 10 years of Subaru WRX and STI ownership it was time for something different. I spent a lot of time researching cars and going on test drives. In the end I ordered an Alpine White 2015 328i Sports Wagon with the following options: - M Sport Package - M Sport Brakes - Dynamic Handling Package - 441M wheels (staggered setup) - Premium Package - Lighting Package - Navigation - Heated front seats - Black kidney grilles - Hexagonal aluminum trim - Gloss black highlight trim - Black Dakota leather - Alpine White paint After a 7 week wait, I took delivery of the car on February 21, 2015. Delivery was great. My wagon was parked in a large glass room adjacent to the showroom. It was pristine and parked next to an i8 and other BMWs awaiting delivery to their owners. After signing the paperwork, the salesperson walked me through the car’s features. The forecasted snow storm started earlier than expected, so we wrapped things up and I headed home. Driving my brand new car home in a blizzard on summer tires was a poor decision, but thankfully I made it home without issue. I plan to update this thread with pictures and stories of my BMW ownership experience. I’ve done this with my other vehicles and I enjoy browsing through those threads to see how things evolved over time. Here are some pictures the day after delivery: Last edited by Mike.F31.MSport; 04-27-2020 at 05:55 AM.. |
02-22-2015, 07:17 PM | #2 |
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Modifications
- US Mill Works front license plate bracket - BMW Cross Bars with Thule components - BMW all weather mats (Weathertech) - BMW all weather cargo mat - BMW 400m wheels (square) with ContiProContact 225/45/R18 tires (winter setup) Table of Contents: - 2015-03-08: BMW Cross Bars with Thule components - 2015-03-09: US Mill Works front license plate bracket - 2015-04-19: Torque App - 2015-08-23: Thule Cargo Box - 2015-09-06: New 400Ms for winter wheels - 2018-02-11: Trackcross + video - 2019-05-12: Bimmercode - 2019-10-10: Oil change (no more free maintenance) - 2020-04-25: BMW CCA Garage Goals Winner 1991 BMW 318is build thread: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...ite-1991-318is Last edited by Mike.F31.MSport; 04-27-2020 at 06:10 AM.. |
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02-23-2015, 08:41 AM | #5 |
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Love it. As I was saying in another thread, I'm looking to replace my E36 M3 with an M2, but the more I wait, the more I think that's a mistake. Instead, I might pick up an F31 to replace my ageing 4Runner.
I'm really scared that the F31 will be the last Touring available in the US, especially considering they took the 5er Touring away. Kind of a last chance thing for me. Just curious, did you consider the diesel?
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02-23-2015, 03:24 PM | #9 | ||
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Thanks!
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No modding plans aside from a few BMW accessories. I'll be purchasing a cheap track car at some point. I'll modify that and keep the BMW as stock as possible. Yeah, I thought the wheels would've been darker as well. I like the 400m wheels, but the M Sport brakes force the 441m wheel option on the '15+ 3 series. It also increases the speed limiter to 155, not that I'll be utilizing that feature. |
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02-24-2015, 07:41 AM | #11 |
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Looks beautiful! We also couldn't find a better wagon for the money, at least here in the US. Enjoy!
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<b>2023 M5C SRG|Aragon || 2018 Macan GTS</b>
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02-26-2015, 04:42 PM | #12 | |
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Great purchase OP. Hopefully it is a nice transition from the Subaru side of things.
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02-26-2015, 04:43 PM | #13 |
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I was never a wagon fan but damn all of these MSport wagon's really look great.
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02-26-2015, 05:26 PM | #14 | |
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And E91 6MT would be great, but since I already have an E92 M3, I think I'd want to try something else. There was one that EAG has listed. Blue Msport with Saddle interior, 6MT. I looked at the pics for a good 30 mins
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02-26-2015, 06:11 PM | #15 | ||
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Having said that, the 8 speed auto is absolutely fantastic. The paddle shifts are quick. It holds a gear when I want it to. I'm very happy with it so far. |
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02-26-2015, 06:19 PM | #16 | ||
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'05 Subaru WRX Wagon '08 Subaru STI '93 Volvo 240 When I was looking at replacements I was strongly considering the Volvo V60 R design and new Golf R. I ended up with the F31 and so far I'm very glad I did. |
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02-26-2015, 07:04 PM | #17 | |||
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We toy'd around with the Volvo for a bit too, but just a little cramped in the end, and it just didn't have the balls the F31 does. Plus that center stack...there is an individual button for literally every feature, and it hurts my eyes.
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<b>2023 M5C SRG|Aragon || 2018 Macan GTS</b>
2019 F90 Comp MBB|Black (sold) 2018 F80 ZCP TB|SS (sold) 2015 F30 335 AW|CR (sold) 2015 F31 MG|CR (sold) 2011 E90 JB|Oyster (sold) |
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03-08-2015, 01:07 PM | #18 |
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BMW Cross Bars
I picked up a set of BMW cross bars for my F31. I've run Thule racks on my previous cars, so I already have a pair of Thule Peloton bike trays, a pair of wheel-on mounts (not yet installed in the pictures), a roof box, and other accessories. The BMW cross bars can be had for $200, which is a great deal compared to ~$500 for a set of Thule cross bars and foot adapters. The BMW cross bars have a wider track than the "normal" Thule cross bars. To make my existing Thule components work on the BMW cross bars, I picked up 6 grade 8 washers from Home depot to slide over the Thule T-Bolts. Now everything bolts up perfectly and is secure. There is plenty of thread engagement left on the T-Bolts. I only run the roof rack when needed. After loosening all 4 corner mounts, the whole rack comes off as one assembly, which I store via hanging on a wall in the garage. At some point I may pick up a fairing. |
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03-08-2015, 06:13 PM | #19 |
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Here are a couple shots with the Thule 593 Wheel On mounts installed:
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03-09-2015, 01:48 PM | #20 |
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US Mill Works Front License Plate Bracket
In Virginia we're required to display a front license plate. Prior to delivery, I requested that the dealership NOT drill the front bumper for the factory BMW plate holder because I had the intention of buying a tow hook style front plate holder. After a bit of research, I pulled the trigger on a US Mill Works front license plate bracket. I ordered the the "lightened", "quick release" model. These options allow for more adjustability in mounting and do NOT interfere with the PDC (parking distance control) sensors. I received it in the mail today. First impressions: IT IS AWESOME. I read that this bracket is "over engineered" and this is true. The quality and craftsmanship is outstanding. Installation was a breeze. The videos on the US Mill Works website are thorough and helpful. |
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03-09-2015, 02:26 PM | #22 | |
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<b>2023 M5C SRG|Aragon || 2018 Macan GTS</b>
2019 F90 Comp MBB|Black (sold) 2018 F80 ZCP TB|SS (sold) 2015 F30 335 AW|CR (sold) 2015 F31 MG|CR (sold) 2011 E90 JB|Oyster (sold) |
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