[PBureno]

I'm looking to pick up an used 2013 or 2014 328i xDrive next month and I've been checking out the ordering guides/catalogue for 2013 and 2014 F30 3-series. It seems like both the 2013 and 2014 models are identical with STD equipment.

Located up north in Canada, so xDrive is preferred and most cars are sold with xDrive, so I wouldn't hold my breath for a non-xDrive 328i.

The Sports Line is a $1500 package that includes Leather Sport Steering wheel(STD equipment for any of the lines), 18" alloy, Sport Seats and some trim pieces in 2013. The 2014 Sports Line includes Leather Sport Steering wheel(STD as well), 19" alloy, Sport Seats, Sport Auto w/ Paddles and some trim pieces as well.

Since I am looking to purchase an xDrive model, the sports suspension will be deleted from the Sports Line package, so from what I can tell, the only thing I will be getting is Sport Seats for $1500? Or am I missing something?

Are the "regular" F30 seats bad or are they good as well? Obviously the sports seats are better but I could save $1500 and have more selection in the used market if the regular seats are comfortable and not horrid.

What's the difference between Sports auto w/ Paddles(2TB) available only on the 2014 model and regular auto in the 2013? besides the addition of paddles.

Lastly, does the sports line make the interior look better or feel more luxurious?

Cheers all!

[tex2670]

Sport Seats alone make it worth it.

[bri1042]

At the end of my '13 328i lease, I absolutely despised my base seats. Worst seats I'd had in 20+ years (most of those years were Integra and RSX-S years...great seats). I was at the "I kinda hate my car" spot with it, and a lot of it was the seats. The Sport Seats and skipping the base steering wheel is worth the money. If you can find an M-Sport, the M-Sport steering wheel is just fantastic.

Note, though, I know a bigger guy who can't get comfy in the BMW sport seats (or anyone's sport seats), so your opinion is the only one that counts in the end.

[AMDG]

Originally Posted by PBureno

Are the "regular" F30 seats bad or are they good as well? Obviously the sports seats are better but I could save $1500 and have more selection in the used market if the regular seats are comfortable and not horrid.

You'll be doing many things in your car, however there's only one activity that is absolutely central to the experience of driving a car... sitting. The Sports seats are divine... you literally can customize them to contour to your body and preference, almost any configuration possible, especially when paired with the telescoping steering wheel. That and you'll never had to look at that ugly-ass Sport Line steering wheel (and grimaced front grill)... the only saving grace of which is the beautiful red contrast stitching. Still pales in comparison to the M Sport wheel.

[dassub]

Just an FYI, I have a 2014 x drive sports line (in Canada), bought CPO, but have the 18" wheels. So 19" isn't a guarantee.

[bri1042]

Sport Line in the US came with 18" 397's. They look great. I'm not sure if Canada was different or not.

[nicknaz]

I think its worth it, to unlock the option for the sport 8AT gearbox, and to get sport seats

I personally think for xdrive that adaptive suspension is a must, so going m sport package might be needed if adaptive isn't a standalone option in canada

[pjkbrit]

Yes....BUT....

MUST have adaptive suspension or M Sport suspension....std shocks are useless and give car floaty handling which absolutely SUCKS.

MUST have HK stereo at leaset...std "hifi" is a joke...horrible sound

18" rims are a major plus as are the seats....std seats make my back hurt...a lot!

Make SURE you can stand the noise of the 328 engine....or better yet either get a real diesel or a 6 cylinder. The power of the N20 is great...the fuel economy is so so....

[PBureno]

Thanks everyone for the advice!

Unfortunately, after looking at the Canadian MY13/MY14 ordering guides, it doesn't seem like I'm able to add the adaptive suspension nor the M adaptive suspension on the 328i. It seems like they're both reserved for 335i models and unable to be ordered with the 320 or 328. Could someone take a look and verify that 328's couldn't be optioned with adaptive suspension in Canada for MY13 or MY14?

It seems like the general consensus is that the sports seats are worth it, even if it's $1500. So I guess I gotta look for a 328i with Sports Line

[PBureno]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

I think its worth it, to unlock the option for the sport 8AT gearbox, and to get sport seats

I personally think for xdrive that adaptive suspension is a must, so going m sport package might be needed if adaptive isn't a standalone option in canada

What's the difference between normal 8AT and Sports 8AT(2TB) in the Sports Line?

Does anyone know why in the MY13 ordering guide, it doesn't show the Sports 8AT but in the MY14 it shows it?

[Nick340xi_qc]

The seats alone are worth it like TEX2670 said. I got 18" wheel that came with it and love the look.

[eluded]

No, save up your money and get a 340 instead.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by eluded

No, save up your money and get a 340 instead.

If adaptive suspension isn't an option for canada 328xi then I completely agree. Definitely take a pass on the base suspension car in my opinion

[anotheran]

Originally Posted by PBureno

What's the difference between normal 8AT and Sports 8AT(2TB) in the Sports Line?

Does anyone know why in the MY13 ordering guide, it doesn't show the Sports 8AT but in the MY14 it shows it?

The 2TB refers to the inclusion of paddle shifters.

I checked and adaptive suspension wasn't an option for 328i xdrive on Canada models. You may want to consider a 335i if you're going used

Edit: I checked on a Canadian 328i xdrive sports line from 2013 and it didn't include the paddle shifters

[CalCarNut]

Originally Posted by pjkbrit

Yes....BUT....

MUST have adaptive suspension or M Sport suspension....std shocks are useless and give car floaty handling which absolutely SUCKS.

MUST have HK stereo at leaset...std "hifi" is a joke...horrible sound

18" rims are a major plus as are the seats....std seats make my back hurt...a lot!

Make SURE you can stand the noise of the 328 engine....or better yet either get a real diesel or a 6 cylinder. The power of the N20 is great...the fuel economy is so so....

What noise? Inside the car, it's quiet. Outside, yes, you hear the sewing machine 2.0L engine. Big deal. Also, fuel economy on my N26 is pretty outstanding. Love my sport seats and Msport suspension and paddle shifters...

[PBureno]

Originally Posted by anotheran

The 2TB refers to the inclusion of paddle shifters.

I checked and adaptive suspension wasn't an option for 328i xdrive on Canada models. You may want to consider a 335i if you're going used

Edit: I checked on a Canadian 328i xdrive sports line from 2013 and it didn't include the paddle shifters

Thanks.

I guess 2TB is just paddle shifters? So even if I get sports line on the 2013 model, it'll include sports transmission(whatever that is lol) but not paddle shifters?

335i is nice but I'm a little worried about the reliability of it. Granted you could debate that the N20 is an unknown factor at this point. Also it's about 6-7k more expensive.

[pjkbrit]

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

What noise? Inside the car, it's quiet. Outside, yes, you hear the sewing machine 2.0L engine. Big deal. Also, fuel economy on my N26 is pretty outstanding. Love my sport seats and Msport suspension and paddle shifters...

My engine sounds like a bucket of bolts.....literally noisier than the diesel version. Took it back to dealer who demonstrated 3 other cars that sounded exactly the same. Inside the car it IS quiet...unless you push the car...then you hear a snarl...but it's not a good snarl. "Big deal"....to me yes...it's like listening to a shit music that I do not want to hear. In a car costing this much I expect refinement and sophistication. My 85 Saab Turbo is 4 cylinders, sounds wonderful and does 28mpg all day long...the N20 I have gets 23mpg average with careful driving......it's MUCH better highway only.....but gets only 20 in the city.....not that great for all that noisy technology frankly.

6 Cylinder next time....