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      09-13-2012, 03:30 AM   #1
rich100
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Petrol or Diesel

Hi

I am considering buying an f30 msport and just wondered if anyone had any views on the 320i and whether anyone had driven it.

I have previously owned bmws in the past but the last one ( 320i e92) felt a bit lacking performance wise.

I'm fully aware that the f3o 320i is a turbo and on paper looks to be similar to my current car (golf gti). Also considering the 328i but obviously there are cost implications there

I'm leaning towards the petrol because I don't do a huge amount of miles but would be grateful for the benefit of any views.
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      09-13-2012, 04:51 AM   #2
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Hi Rich,

I drove the 320i in both auto and manual forms recently before ordering the xdrive. I have had high performance cars in the past including a Z4m and currently have a 3.0tdi a4 so I shared your concerns regarding performance. However, the twin turbo engine is immense and has plenty of low down torque with whisper quiet
cruising. I think it needs the auto box though to make the most
of it but I highly recommend the 320i, after all I ordered one :-)
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      09-13-2012, 05:43 AM   #3
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I had a 320i Convertible and thought that was under powered and really had to be worked hard to get it moving..

I then switched to a 320D touring and fell in love with the low end torque.

Not sure what the new 320i is like but with a turbo it is likely to be pretty good..
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      09-13-2012, 07:55 AM   #4
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Thanks guys and apologies for the ridiculous typo in the title. Didn't notice the spell check had gone off on one!

Whether or not to order x drive is something else I'm considering. Is x drive alone likely to make a material difference over rwd only in snow or would it need also to be paired with winter tyres to make a difference?

Not so worried myself, but my wife is likely to be driving the car quite a bit and whilst we don't get a lot of snow, I don, t like the idea of her getting stuck.

Thanks also for the first impressions of the 320i when is your delivery date?
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      09-13-2012, 08:06 AM   #5
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You should be able to edit it...

Go into the post, click edit and then click go advanced...

However, if you do edit, subsequent visitors to this post will be forever puzzled as to what the spell check correction was....
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      09-13-2012, 08:16 AM   #6
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Got a week 48 build slot which did annoy me at first but I am actually happy as I get the new Pro nav. Xdrive divides people. Personally I think it will be amazing, having had Audi Quatrros in the past I am sold on four wheel drive. Recently I went skiing in Canada and spoke to a few locals as they all seemed to have xdrive 3 and 5 series. They said it was immense and that was on normal tyres. I am sure winter tyres may help
but they won't distribute power or deal with treacherous conditions as well. Just my opinion.
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      09-13-2012, 12:41 PM   #7
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Nice, I've found your spec on another thread, I think that,ll be a fantastic car when it turns up.

Space bug cheers I'll give that a try from my pc can't seem to edit on my I phone.
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      09-13-2012, 03:15 PM   #8
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Is an interesting debate, the X drive vs RWD.

My view would be that a lower power car wouldn't really be struggling with traction issues (other than ice/snow conditions). So you are only buying it for the advantage you get 1% of the time.

You also get heavier fuel consumption, and tyre wear from AWD systems.

On the other hand with a similar budget you could go bigger engine on the RWD version. Which is more fun for the 99% of the time.....but perhaps a need to fit winter tyres to keep you mobile when the going gets slippery.
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      09-13-2012, 04:00 PM   #9
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Thanks for your response mate.

I think you make a good point here and if it was just me driving it I would likely go RWd. My concern as mentioned earlier is my wife and kids getting caught out in poor conditions and getting stuck if they were on they,re own.

A few years back we moved to one car as I go to work on the train and she uses it to get to and from work. Saved a lot of money by running just the one car but it does mean she drives it more than I do.

The reality of the situation is that I'm attempting to hedge against conditions that rarely present a problem where I live so possibly it may be best to go RWD.

I am tempted by the. 328i which is only available in RWD as far as I'm aware.

The winter tyre option is an interesting option and certainly cheaper than x drive, but again I wonder if it's a bit overkill in most parts of the Uk fir the majority of the year?

Undecided at present and Again
any views gratefully received.
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      09-13-2012, 04:34 PM   #10
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I think a test drive will help persuade you.

I am interested to see if BMW's latest traction control makes the F30 any better than the E90 in winter conditions.

Last edited by NISFAN; 09-13-2012 at 04:41 PM..
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      09-14-2012, 02:38 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rich100 View Post
Hi

I am considering buying an f30 msport and just wondered if anyone had any views on the 320i and whether anyone had driven it.

I have previously owned bmws in the past but the last one ( 320i e92) felt a bit lacking performance wise.

I'm fully aware that the f3o 320i is a turbo and on paper looks to be similar to my current car (golf gti). Also considering the 328i but obviously there are cost implications there

I'm leaning towards the petrol because I don't do a huge amount of miles but would be grateful for the benefit of any views.
If you do low miles and do not mind low MPG go Petrol, if not DIESEL
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Last edited by JOHNBMWM5; 09-14-2012 at 02:44 AM..
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      09-14-2012, 02:40 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NISFAN View Post

I am interested to see if BMW's latest traction control makes the F30 any better than the E90 in winter conditions.
I always use a winter set of wheels and tyres on BMW's, I just feel it's so much safer.
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      09-14-2012, 08:12 AM   #13
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John, do you store these yourself or do you use the BMW storage facility?


Also at what points in the year do you switch to and from your winter tyres?

Cheers
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      09-14-2012, 09:10 AM   #14
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Last year I swapped them out 19th December. As a rule when the average temp is less than 7'. I store my own wheels and tyres in my garage.
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