going from a 2003 M3 vert to a 2012 328

johndeere · 06-19-2013, 08:23 PM

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Looking to jump ship into a 2012 328 manual. Currently have a 2003 M3 vert. Just moved to Ontario from BC and am not really looking forward to driving the m3 in the snow. How much of a power dump will I take on the 328. Anyone moved from an older M3 vert or non vert into the new f30 328? The current M3 is SMG. I've always been a manual guy and as fun as the SMG is I really miss a manual trans.

Jamesons Viggen · 06-19-2013, 08:27 PM

I dyno'd same day as an e46 M3 and its crazy how not that far apart they were.

Just throw a tune at the 328 and it does sub 5's to 60 and low 13's and you're good.

pkimM3r · 06-20-2013, 12:55 AM

As awesome as the f30 is i would keep the e46. That engine sings. The power stats arent that great and moddest but it just delivers all the way to redline gear after gear and you will definitely miss that. The first time i took a ride around a track in an e46 m3 i was amazed at the power delivery and the sound of the s54.

When i first got my e90 m3 and flogged the s65 a bit i was amazed. But i was more amazed that it really reminded me of the s54. These engines are a different beast no matter the hp figures. Any chance to have both?

F30s are no slouch neither.

johndeere · 06-20-2013, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkim1079

As awesome as the f30 is i would keep the e46. That engine sings. The power stats arent that great and moddest but it just delivers all the way to redline gear after gear and you will definitely miss that. The first time i took a ride around a track in an e46 m3 i was amazed at the power delivery and the sound of the s54.

When i first got my e90 m3 and flogged the s65 a bit i was amazed. But i was more amazed that it really reminded me of the s54. These engines are a different beast no matter the hp figures. Any chance to have both?

F30s are no slouch neither.

If I could afford both, I definitely would. If I were in LA I'd keep the vert no questions asked

, but since I can only afford one car, I'm not looking forward to driving the m3 in 3 feet of snow in the winter.

avantix · 06-20-2013, 11:52 AM

OP hate to break it to you but the 328i isn't offered in manual in Canada. You're going to have to step up to a 335i if you want a stick.

drob23 · 06-20-2013, 12:04 PM

I'd guess the biggest differences will surprisingly be in the suspension, handling and steering aspect. The engine should be in the approximate neighborhood (at least torque - maybe not HP), N20 is fantastic. The wheelbase is much longer, car is heavier and you have electronic steering now. F30 will be *much* more comfortable and the interior is functionally fantastic, but you are going from what is one of the best drivers car to a chassis that is highly debated within the BMW community. Make sure you test drive it the way you'd like to drive it.

If I was in your shoes (and mind you I hate convertibles), I'd opt to keep the M3 and get something else to drive during the winter months. But that's what I would do, lots of other life considerations to take into account. Although I hear those early SMG's are not very good.

johndeere · 06-23-2013, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avantix

OP hate to break it to you but the 328i isn't offered in manual in Canada. You're going to have to step up to a 335i if you want a stick.

wat?

http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/usedvehicles...tml?id=F452771

johndeere · 06-23-2013, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drob23

I'd guess the biggest differences will surprisingly be in the suspension, handling and steering aspect. The engine should be in the approximate neighborhood (at least torque - maybe not HP), N20 is fantastic. The wheelbase is much longer, car is heavier and you have electronic steering now. F30 will be *much* more comfortable and the interior is functionally fantastic, but you are going from what is one of the best drivers car to a chassis that is highly debated within the BMW community. Make sure you test drive it the way you'd like to drive it.

If I was in your shoes (and mind you I hate convertibles), I'd opt to keep the M3 and get something else to drive during the winter months. But that's what I would do, lots of other life considerations to take into account. Although I hear those early SMG's are not very good.

I have been considering getting a beater for the winter. So far I've not had any problems with the SMG, and with traction off and the shift speed set to 6, the gears bang faster than I could ever shift in a manual (although I'd still prefer a manual for the connection to the car). Going to drive a 328 and a 335 (which may be a mistake). I remember a few years ago I was interested in a 128, but made the mistake of driving a 135, and the difference between the two was night and day, and I had to get the 135.

Jamesons Viggen · 06-23-2013, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3magine

I have been considering getting a beater for the winter. So far I've not had any problems with the SMG, and with traction off and the shift speed set to 6, the gears bang faster than I could ever shift in a manual (although I'd still prefer a manual for the connection to the car). Going to drive a 328 and a 335 (which may be a mistake). I remember a few years ago I was interested in a 128, but made the mistake of driving a 135, and the difference between the two was night and day, and I had to get the 135.

The difference is still there between x28 and x35 but the gap is much smaller now in the F30.

dalrx · 06-23-2013, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avantix

OP hate to break it to you but the 328i isn't offered in manual in Canada. You're going to have to step up to a 335i if you want a stick.

They are avail on 328i. What is not avail is the m sport pack on the sedan.

avantix · 06-23-2013, 10:39 AM

I don't think so. Morel year 2013 definitely isn't available. Maybe 2012 and earlier.

Dan_335i · 06-23-2013, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avantix

I don't think so. Morel year 2013 definitely isn't available. Maybe 2012 and earlier.

bmw config still shows MY2013 328i has manual. but the 328xi has auto only

johndeere · 07-05-2013, 02:30 PM

Test drove a 2007 Carrera S today and was left totally unimpressed. Specs on the Carrera S

- 2007 Carrera S
- Sport Chrono
- Metallic Paint
- 20" Carrera Wheels
- 2 year CPO warranty available
- 6 speed manual

75,000 km asking $57,000. A 4 year lease was something like $1200/month. Man if I were paying for that car I'd be heavily disappointed.

- rated at 355 hp certainly did not feel that way. Felt comparable in speed to my 10 year old m3
- long and heavy clutch. I remember how smooth the clutch was in my old 135. This reminded me of an old mustang
- Very crammed inside
- Ride was ok, nothing to write home about

Overall, would not buy a Porsche, unless the new gen is something greatly superior, while at the same time being way out of my price range.

06-19-2013, 08:23 PM	#1
johndeere mhmmmm 136 Rep 633 Posts Drives: MS3X Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2)	going from a 2003 M3 vert to a 2012 328 Featured on BIMMERPOST.com Looking to jump ship into a 2012 328 manual. Currently have a 2003 M3 vert. Just moved to Ontario from BC and am not really looking forward to driving the m3 in the snow. How much of a power dump will I take on the 328. Anyone moved from an older M3 vert or non vert into the new f30 328? The current M3 is SMG. I've always been a manual guy and as fun as the SMG is I really miss a manual trans.
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06-19-2013, 08:27 PM	#2
Jamesons Viggen Brigadier General 194 Rep 3,780 Posts Drives: '98 M Roadster stg 2+ S/C Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Rochester Hills MI iTrader: (3)	I dyno'd same day as an e46 M3 and its crazy how not that far apart they were. Just throw a tune at the 328 and it does sub 5's to 60 and low 13's and you're good.
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06-20-2013, 12:55 AM	#3
pkimM3r Banned 205 Rep 7,298 Posts Drives: m3 saloon in granny mode. Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: lost angeles iTrader: (0)	As awesome as the f30 is i would keep the e46. That engine sings. The power stats arent that great and moddest but it just delivers all the way to redline gear after gear and you will definitely miss that. The first time i took a ride around a track in an e46 m3 i was amazed at the power delivery and the sound of the s54. When i first got my e90 m3 and flogged the s65 a bit i was amazed. But i was more amazed that it really reminded me of the s54. These engines are a different beast no matter the hp figures. Any chance to have both? F30s are no slouch neither.
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06-20-2013, 11:52 AM	#5
avantix Captain 344 Rep 941 Posts Drives: 2019 M4CS Lime Rock Grey Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montreal iTrader: (6)	OP hate to break it to you but the 328i isn't offered in manual in Canada. You're going to have to step up to a 335i if you want a stick. __________________ 2019 M4CS Lime Rock Grey, MP HAS, GC camber plates, MPE
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06-20-2013, 12:04 PM	#6
drob23 Lieutenant Colonel 50 Rep 1,730 Posts Drives: S4 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Michigan iTrader: (1)	I'd guess the biggest differences will surprisingly be in the suspension, handling and steering aspect. The engine should be in the approximate neighborhood (at least torque - maybe not HP), N20 is fantastic. The wheelbase is much longer, car is heavier and you have electronic steering now. F30 will be much more comfortable and the interior is functionally fantastic, but you are going from what is one of the best drivers car to a chassis that is highly debated within the BMW community. Make sure you test drive it the way you'd like to drive it. If I was in your shoes (and mind you I hate convertibles), I'd opt to keep the M3 and get something else to drive during the winter months. But that's what I would do, lots of other life considerations to take into account. Although I hear those early SMG's are not very good. __________________ UNDRSTR
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06-23-2013, 10:39 AM	#11
avantix Captain 344 Rep 941 Posts Drives: 2019 M4CS Lime Rock Grey Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montreal iTrader: (6)	I don't think so. Morel year 2013 definitely isn't available. Maybe 2012 and earlier.
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07-05-2013, 02:30 PM	#13
johndeere mhmmmm 136 Rep 633 Posts Drives: MS3X Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2)	Test drove a 2007 Carrera S today and was left totally unimpressed. Specs on the Carrera S - 2007 Carrera S - Sport Chrono - Metallic Paint - 20" Carrera Wheels - 2 year CPO warranty available - 6 speed manual 75,000 km asking $57,000. A 4 year lease was something like $1200/month. Man if I were paying for that car I'd be heavily disappointed. - rated at 355 hp certainly did not feel that way. Felt comparable in speed to my 10 year old m3 - long and heavy clutch. I remember how smooth the clutch was in my old 135. This reminded me of an old mustang - Very crammed inside - Ride was ok, nothing to write home about Overall, would not buy a Porsche, unless the new gen is something greatly superior, while at the same time being way out of my price range.
	Appreciate 0 Quote