[ADM]

Hey Folks,
Currently looking to order 2014 328d xDrive. VERRRRRRRRY Excited about upgrading from my current 330i to this one --getting both Diesel & xDrive!

The Newly badged 328d (in the US) was recently introduced in the States, & I am wondering about experiences from those who have one, or are considering getting one.

Were there any specific packages/configurations you went after and why? Plus experiences (positive & negative) so far?

Thanks in advance

[XenaBimmer]

It's good for a diesel, but I still liked the 328i better in the end. Is there a reason you want to go diesel? Diesel fuel is so high in FL that the better mpg is basically nullified. Plus, the gasoline version is so much faster in the mid to upper rpm range

If you have to have diesel, I'd definitely opt for Sportline and the sport tranny option with the paddles

[ADM]

Originally Posted by XenaBimmer

It's good for a diesel, but I still liked the 328i better in the end. Is there a reason you want to go diesel? Diesel fuel is so high in FL that the better mpg is basically nullified. Plus, the gasoline version is so much faster in the mid to upper rpm range

If you have to have diesel, I'd definitely opt for Sportline and the sport tranny option with the paddles

I hear you on the elevated diesel per gal rate. On LI NY right now, diesel is running about 40 cents above premium. Up until about a few weeks ago, I seem to remember that the difference btwn the two fuels was literally only a few pennies. For some reason that gap seems to have changed dramatically --maybe the tremendous chill this winter may have had an impact, or am I grasping at straws to explain it? Where as historically, (outside of the heating season) they were the same, or even with diesel being cheaper.

However, since you still need to feed any of the 3Series HiTest to begin with, the mpg return from the diesel should still provide a better ROI --just a little costlier up front~

As to the Sportline, sounds nice. Same with the Sports tranny. Any thoughts on the M-Sports vs. the Sport line?

[mge92]

Diesel prices may actually be cheaper than premium at most gas stations on the highway or even the same price. If you are doing more miles on the highway like long distance travel a lot, it would be worth it to get the diesel because you can go much further on Diesel than Gas.

[ADM]

Originally Posted by mge.92

Diesel prices may actually be cheaper than premium at most gas stations on the highway or even the same price. If you are doing more miles on the highway like long distance travel a lot, it would be worth it to get the diesel because you can go much further on Diesel than Gas.

Thanks mge.92,
You reinforced what I believed was the case. I doooooo love taking "road trips" and that was one of the reasons for the shift to the new 328diesel.

Plus, upping my non-hwy driving (in my local suburban area) from my current 18 to now reach the upper 20s to low 30s would be wonderful!!!!!

[SamS]

Concerns? Turbo lag. Laggy like crazy in the one I drove.

[JBH320]

Hi ADM,

I previously owned a 323 and traded it in last year on a 320D. First diesel I have owned and I am not disappointed. Drove from Sydney to Melbourne (about 970km) with 4 adults on board and still had around 200km left in the tank. I do a far bit of country driving so Diesel for me was a no brainer.

Even though the 323 6 was very smooth I feel the 320D has more grunt when you go into Sports mode - it is very quick off the mark.

[js 84]

Hi, I purchased my car 320d (328d) M-Sport EB II more than a year ago. The car is great! It has enough power for everyday driving and the milage is superb. The milage is the same as for Skoda 1.9 diesel with 105 hp, which I owned previously. I would recommend to go for the M-sport with sport A/T, love the M-Sport steering wheel and paddle shifters.

[DJax]

Hi all...

Its been I while since I last posted. But my mileage is impressive on US spec 328D. I use this car as a distance commuter only.

Now have 5000 miles on the clock. Mileage as follows:

Note: always set to ecco-pro mode when on highway which is about 95% of the time.

48.4 miles highway average from last four 300 mile trips. Some hills. Car set on cruise control @ 72 mph.

Best mileage to date: 49.3 over 250 mile flat highway. Car set on cruise control @ 72-74 mph.

Currently averaging 11+ miles per fuel dollar.

Highest miles per fuel dollar was 12.49. Chevron/Shell Diesel selling at $3.959 to $3.999 appx.

Impressed and very satisfied with this model.

[TaylorS]

If more people drove diesels, the cost would come down :-) I went with the 328d because I set a target for my next car's MPG, even if the fuel cost nullified the monthly savings.

I haven't driven the 328i, but the d definitely has some pluses and minuses. There are some real sweet spots RPM- and speed-wise, where it will move frighteningly quickly (30mph in a low gear, sport mode). There are other spots (60-80 mph in Drive) where it can be pretty slow-feeling.

As for turbo lag. . .it's there, but only at 2250 RPM and below.

I'm averaging 35mpg on a commute that involves a few in-city hills and lots of stop lights.

[300hp]

Diesel, my favorite topic of the previous week. After my X5 35i was lost in an accident we leased an X5 35d, pics here http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=958826

My views so far
Community
The diesel community over on the E70 forums has been very helpful. They look after each other over there

Torque
The extra tq of the diesel makes driving a D a pleasant experience that will put smiles on your face everyday. Your back will be slammed into the seat back especially on rolling starts. I freaked out my wife the other day since she did not see it coming, lol. 0-60, forget about it, the diesel is slower than the gas version but in most driving situations the diesel feels just as fast. It's just a fun experience driving the D. I love it.

MPG
This is where the D owns the gas version. I am on my first tank and we have done about 410 miles. We still have 2-3 ticks left on the last quarter tank. This is with mixed driving so I expect to get at least 460 miles on a full tank. About 22 mpg. That should be about 25% better than the x5 35i. My 335i gets 20-22mpg in similar mixed driving.
I can get diesel for 3.71, premium is about the same price so I am ahead in respect of fuel economy. You will probably do in excess of 35mpg in mixed driving.

Long story short, diesel for me has been a different experience which I am now hooked on to. When I get the F15 it will most likely be a diesel given in most driving situations the D can stand its ground and provide a fun driving experience. That's saying a lot because the N55 powered X5 35i is tough to let go of.

[DBV1]

Driven the 328d numerous times and you are way overexageratingn turbo lag. I liked it so much ordered a 328d M Sport.

QUOTE=SamS;15571085]Concerns? Turbo lag. Laggy like crazy in the one I drove.[/QUOTE]

[stormlv]

Originally Posted by 300hp

Diesel, my favorite topic of the previous week. After my X5 35i was lost in an accident we leased an X5 35d, pics here http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=958826

M 0-60, forget about it, the diesel is slower than the gas version but in most driving situations the diesel feels just as fast. It's just a fun experience driving the D. I love it.

A bit off topic here, but, wow, I really hate BMW's naming convention...

I was going to comment that given the factory numbers, the _35d are actually faster in 0-60 than the "i"s.
Then I checked the specs...

- X5 35i has the same engine as the 335i
- X5 35d has the same engine as the 330d

To make things more complicated in Europe we have:
X5 25d, 30d, 40d (which has the 335d/435d engine) and M50d

Pfff...

[300hp]

Originally Posted by stormlv

A bit off topic here, but, wow, I really hate BMW's naming convention...

I was going to comment that given the factory numbers, the _35d are actually faster in 0-60 than the "i"s.
Then I checked the specs...

- X5 35i has the same engine as the 335i
- X5 35d has the same engine as the 330d

To make things more complicated in Europe we have:
X5 25d, 30d, 40d (which has the 335d/435d engine) and M50d

Pfff...

Lol, that's true. This would be the same engine as the 330d in Europe and it's starting price is higher than the X35i. I got a killer deal on it given its a previous year model and had a bit of miles in it.

Diesels are great though, I have only had mine for over a week and I am already preaching the gospel of diesels, lol. In any case I am hooked

[RoundelM3]

I'm also very interested in diesels, although I would prefer the 6-cylinder diesel (as in the E90 335d) versus the 4-cylinder. That said, my 2013 335i M-Sport 8AT with MPPK averaged 34MPG on a recent 1400+ mile trip from TX to NC - drove at 75 MPH on the interstates with very little urban driving. I got well over 400 miles on a tank. I'm sure I could have added at least another 100 miles per tank if I had the 6-cylinder 335d engine, but it's not available to us in the 3-series any more. Not yet, anyway.

[GSAL55]

...wish I had my e90 335d back... loved that car... and the torque......... OHHHHHHHHHH MANNNNNNNNNNNN IMO the 328d is a little lacking in the power department BUT better than the standard 320 or 328 with better efficiency. Yes, diesel is more expensive but that's not the only thing to consider... maintenance over the long hull is more expensive bc of the urea... flip side diesels last longer.

Get the M Sport or Sport line - I am also a fan of the Lux Line. For me the steering wheel gets the nod so M Sport. Wish like hell I could get the Imperial Blue.

[dieselbos]

Originally Posted by GSAL55

Get the M Sport or Sport line - I am also a fan of the Lux Line. For me the steering wheel gets the nod so M Sport. Wish like hell I could get the Imperial Blue.

One of the great secrets of the F31 328d in the U.S -- you can get the luxury line (and therefore, imperial blue and saddle brown) with the sport auto and paddle shifters, as they're standard on the wagon! Just picked mine up this past weekend and the blue/brown combo is stunning in my (biased) opinion...

[GSAL55]

Originally Posted by dieselbos

One of the great secrets of the F31 328d in the U.S -- you can get the luxury line (and therefore, imperial blue and saddle brown) with the sport auto and paddle shifters, as they're standard on the wagon! Just picked mine up this past weekend and the blue/brown combo is stunning in my (biased) opinion...

Sounds pretty sweet and wouldn't mind seeing a pic. Only thing is the M steering wheel is different from the regular steering wheel... also love the M lines as opposed to just the normal vehicle lines (knowing full well that if I were to get a lux line, I'd opt for getting the M wheel after the fact). Man I love your color combo though!! Which wood trim did you go with?

[dieselbos]

Originally Posted by GSAL55

Which wood trim did you go with?

Went with the light burled wood with the inlay -- it's like it was designed for the saddle brown, and it's unique to the luxury line, so I went for it and am very happy with the whole interior. Also worth mentioning that imperial blue is a great color when combined with the chrome of the lux line as well.

While the M Sport wheel is of course fantastic, the regular sport wheel, when it has paddle shifters added, is pretty darn good too...

Below are some mediocre pics with the iPhone...

[stevehecht]

Regarding SportLine vs. MSport: The only thing I liked about the MSport line was the steering wheel. So I went with SportLine and had the steering wheel (and Sport AT) installed at the dealership. Between the two I will be spending and extra $1250 over just ordering the MSport, so not a very wise investment unless you really like the SportLine look more.

I don't think anyone has mentioned how important the DHP is when ordering x-Drive. Without it you will get a non-sport suspension that is very soft on cornering. DHP will lower the car 10mm and the throttle/chassis options that you'll have will make the driving experience a lot more enjoyable than with just the base suspension.

[listerone]

I'm on my third diesel and will never go back.The things that attracted me to my *current* "d" were the comparatively reasonable price (had to economize,I totaled my Bluetec and got a lousy settlement) and the prospect of 45 or even 50 mpg on the highway,which is where I rack up about 95% of my miles.

[nicknaz]

I liked the 328d a lot and got it as a loaner when my F30 335 went in for service. great fuel economy.

A huge downside in my opinion is that lack of power. It is ok for driving around town and for sedate highway driving but the long gears and low redline really make the power difference apparent on the highway for aggressive passing.

if I were to get the 28d I would load it up with luxury and driver assist features to make it the uber commuter and i would personally avoid the sport or m sport options (except maybe to get the sports seats). There isn't enough power to make the sport suspension and body kit worth the $, IMHO