[Juventus]

Before you guys embark on a mission to kick my ass, I do realize this is a very unfair comparison.

After turning in my beloved M3 at lease' end, I picked up my Sport Line 328i with active suspension. I love it but have a few reservations which make me dream at night about my M3.

For some reason my arms get tired after holding the steering wheel for about 10 minutes. This never happened on the M3. Sure, the M3 had a juicy thick steering wheel which was very stiff (like it should be) but I never felt tired. BTW I'm not a wimpy old fart just yet.

I think that these Conti RFT's are so lousy that I am constantly correcting the steering to keep going straight. Although the car does feel lighter, I still have to exert more physically. The car, also, feels slightly unsettled and nervous. Makes you wonder how a softer suspension can make for a more uncomfortable ride.

BTW, I have 600+ miles on it and do have the variable assist steering.

I should have ditched there RFT's at delivery in favor of Michellin PSS.
The M3 felt so planted and unruffled with the PS2.

[Maz335i]

If its not too personal, may I ask why you returned an M3 for a 328i? At least a 335i would've made more sense to me.

Just curious...

[MikeVictor]

None of this makes sense to me.

[Juventus]

I drive about 85-90 miles per day ever since I started working in North Little Rock, AR. Paying at the pump every 2.5-3 days for the past 1.5 years was becoming a little too much for my wallet.

I was hoping that I would be able to save some money with the 328i. The 335 didn't feel that much quicker than the 328.

Don't get me wrong. The 328 is a very nice car. But these retarded RFT's and to some extent the steering wheel are ruining the fun factor.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by Juventus

I drive about 85-90 miles per day ever since I started working in North Little Rock, AR. Paying at the pump every 2.5-3 days for the past 1.5 years was becoming a little too much for my wallet.

I was hoping that I would be able to save some money with the 328i. The 335 didn't feel that much quicker than the 328.

Don't get me wrong. The 328 is a very nice car. But these retarded RFT's and to some extent the steering wheel are ruining the fun factor.

That makes sense. The M3 can be brutal on the wallet if you're commuting that much on a daily basis.

I have been in a tuned E90 335i for roughly 6 years now (2007 335i for 3 years; 2010 M-Sport xDrive 335i for 2+ years).

I was considering leasing a new F30 328i Sport Line, just to change it up. My thinking initially was - a 335i for 9 years, really?

Despite the fact that I was very impressed with the N20 motor, when I drove it back-to-back with a stock 335i, the power discrepancy was readily apparent. I came to the conclusion that I would not enjoy moving from a tuned N54 motor to the N20.

I want to make it clear that I'm not bashing the N20 in any way. Hell, if I would have driven a 328i and only a 328i, I would have been perfectly content with it. However, I got behind the wheel of the 335i once again and that, as they say, was that.

I think maybe an extra dose of power would have helped to keep some of the "fun" factor that you enjoyed in your M3. The gas mileage w/ the 335i is not too shabby at all (especially when compared to the gas-slurping V8 in the M3). If it's not too late, I'd check that out (a switch to the 335i).

I once drove a 550i xDrive for a week and the dealer let me take it back with no hard feelings (or financial penalty ). I don't think I put more than 200 miles on it, however.

[Juventus]

I would love to have the 550xi but the gas mileage is not much better than that of the M3.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by Juventus

I would love to have the 550xi but the gas mileage is not much better than that of the M3.

Right. I was just throwing in the bit about the 550i xDrive to say that I drove a car that I wasn't happy with but the dealer took it back and allowed me to pick up something else from them that did make me happy.

I was suggesting that you give the 335i a try.

[Ron Scott]

Help me out on this. If you put 20,000 miles in a year on an M3, how much money are you saving at $4 a gallon with an F30 328?

[Elk]

Originally Posted by Juventus

The car, also, feels slightly unsettled and nervous.

I had a new 328 as a loaner for three days. It tended to wander a bit on the freeway, and had a dead spot on center. I don't know why, but it was a little less comfortable for me as well.

Can you get the steering wheel in a position you really like? (ignoring for a moment if you can see the gauges).

[Maz335i]

Originally Posted by Juventus

I drive about 85-90 miles per day ever since I started working in North Little Rock, AR. Paying at the pump every 2.5-3 days for the past 1.5 years was becoming a little too much for my wallet.

I was hoping that I would be able to save some money with the 328i. The 335 didn't feel that much quicker than the 328.

Don't get me wrong. The 328 is a very nice car. But these retarded RFT's and to some extent the steering wheel are ruining the fun factor.

Cool! That makes sense!

The 328i is awesome. I, coming from a 335i was going to order another one but decided to get the 328i instead. Main reason being a fully optioned 328i comes out to a 335i with a premium package here in Toronto.

I'd rather get all the toys than the power because I also have a set of mods planned out.

Therefore I decided to get the 328i instead. I haven't test driven the new 335i because I know I wouldn't be able to resist! so I'd advise you against test driving it too!

Get the 328i and be happy! If you can, think of getting some mods done!

[Juventus]

Originally Posted by Ron Scott

Help me out on this. If you put 20,000 miles in a year on an M3, how much money are you saving at $4 a gallon with an F30 328?

I drove 35000 miles this past year, thats in addition to commuting to work. So hopefully I will save some money with the 328i.