F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > F30 328i Sport 8AT Review by Motortrend: 5.6 sec 0-60 mph!
Studio RSR
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-15-2012, 12:30 PM   #1
E36toF30
First Lieutenant
19
Rep
311
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 DCT
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CO

iTrader: (0)

Smile F30 328i Sport 8AT Review by Motortrend: 5.6 sec 0-60 mph!

BIMMERPOST
     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...rt_first_test/

The actually performed some instrumented tests:
  • 5.6 seconds 0-60mph
  • Quarter mile in 14.2 at 97.8 MPH
  • 0.90 g on the skidpad

The fuel economy numbers they got weren't particularly impressive, but I imagine they were driving it pretty hard. Also, a very interesting snippet here:
Quote:
Sure, the 328i doesn't have the top end speed of the 335i, but it's more rewarding to drive fast. What's more, BMW's own driving instructors at the track confided that the lap times were nearly identical, with the 335i faster on the straights and the 328i faster through the corners."
Quote:
Want to know the real kicker? Don't tell BMW, but the 328i is better than the 335i. I lapped both at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during BMW's launch event. We brought both home to test (you'll be seeing the 335i First Test soon), and we all agree. Yes, the 335i is a lot faster thanks to that turbo-six, but the 328i is the better car to drive. The four-cylinder car is 50 pounds lighter in the nose and the engine sits behind the front axle, making for a superb weight balance that the big-engine car just can't match.
They said they'll have a 335i test up soon.


Admin edit:
For reference and more context, videos of the 328i on the dyno, as well as at the hands of BMW driver Joey Hand at Laguna Seca are included below.



Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 12:39 PM   #2
justinnum1
Major General
651
Rep
5,803
Posts

Drives: 2018 330i Msport 6mt
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (0)

holy shit!
__________________
F30 330i Alpine white/Coral red Msport 6MT
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 12:47 PM   #3
M.Suka
First Lieutenant
M.Suka's Avatar
United_States
47
Rep
399
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i M Sport
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NYC

iTrader: (2)

Wow great numbers for a 328, with a tune this thing will be under 5 seconds.
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 12:49 PM   #4
M.Suka
First Lieutenant
M.Suka's Avatar
United_States
47
Rep
399
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i M Sport
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NYC

iTrader: (2)

I plan on getting it without a sunroof, i'm sure thats going to help the overall feel of the car in terms of performance.
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 12:55 PM   #5
DrivenByE30
Brigadier General
DrivenByE30's Avatar
France
578
Rep
3,870
Posts

Drives: '12 F30 Lux 335i 6MT
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: OC - SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Cant wait for the review of the 335i, hopefully in MT ...
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 01:00 PM   #6
justinnum1
Major General
651
Rep
5,803
Posts

Drives: 2018 330i Msport 6mt
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by msuka View Post
I plan on getting it without a sunroof, i'm sure thats going to help the overall feel of the car in terms of performance.
saves 50lbs from the roof...
__________________
F30 330i Alpine white/Coral red Msport 6MT
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 01:09 PM   #7
ATX78703
Major
75
Rep
1,037
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by E36toF30 View Post

"Sure, the 328i doesn't have the top end speed of the 335i, but it's more rewarding to drive fast. What's more, BMW's own driving instructors at the track confided that the lap times were nearly identical, with the 335i faster on the straights and the 328i faster through the corners."

They said they'll have a 335i test up soon.
so basically, the 335i doesn't have enough of a power advantage to make up for the slalom/handling/understeer advantage of a 328i on a real track. this is terrible news.
__________________
2014 335i RWD: ZMM, ZDA, ZDH, ZPP, ZTP, 2NH, 2TB, 5DL; Z4A MPPK; AW ext / VB int
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 01:15 PM   #8
ATX78703
Major
75
Rep
1,037
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

I just read that article and you know what's crazy?

A car mag is critcizing a bmw inline 6 for being "too heavy in the front and poor weight balance"! This is unthinkable - never thought I would read those words. The n20 setup in the f30 must be really good.
__________________
2014 335i RWD: ZMM, ZDA, ZDH, ZPP, ZTP, 2NH, 2TB, 5DL; Z4A MPPK; AW ext / VB int
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 01:21 PM   #9
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4462
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ATX78703 View Post
I just read that article and you know what's crazy?

A car mag is critcizing a bmw inline 6 for being "too heavy in the front and poor weight balance"! This is unthinkable - never thought I would read those words. The n20 setup in the f30 must be really good.
Grab an old magazine talking about the E30 M3, which wasn't much quicker than a 325i with a six. Clearly there were a lot of differences in the E30 M3 from a regular M3, but straight sixes aren't ideal for weight balance.
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 01:42 PM   #10
MSchott
New Member
0
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2011 BMW 328i e90
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Farmington Hills, MI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ATX78703 View Post
I just read that article and you know what's crazy?

A car mag is critcizing a bmw inline 6 for being "too heavy in the front and poor weight balance"! This is unthinkable - never thought I would read those words. The n20 setup in the f30 must be really good.
I didn't read the article but this is all relative and were talking about Motor Trend which to me is the least qualified of all the US car rags. The N55 is heavier than the outgoing N52 due to the turbo package and different materials but most of the engine is still behind the front axle. It's just not as ideal as the lighter and shorter F20
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 01:44 PM   #11
bl@ster
First Lieutenant
bl@ster's Avatar
34
Rep
357
Posts

Drives: 2012 328i
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (0)

0mg! Can't wait to get my 328.
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 02:26 PM   #12
90degreeman
Private First Class
26
Rep
173
Posts

Drives: Crappy 2001 Accord
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Universe

iTrader: (0)

This is great news! I ordered a 335i but I am glad 328i folks are going to be happy as well. F30 is turning out to be a fantastic machine. I test drove 328i and I have no complaints except the engine growl. It was pretty darn quick.
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 02:27 PM   #13
BMWinGE
Captain
32
Rep
662
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: May 2007
Location: North Carolina

iTrader: (0)

BMW must be really paying a lot to get these 328i reviews..........
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 02:49 PM   #14
justinnum1
Major General
651
Rep
5,803
Posts

Drives: 2018 330i Msport 6mt
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 335inGA View Post
BMW must be really paying a lot to get these 328i reviews..........
Dont be mad.
__________________
F30 330i Alpine white/Coral red Msport 6MT
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 02:58 PM   #15
E36toF30
First Lieutenant
19
Rep
311
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 DCT
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: CO

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 328inGE View Post
BMW must be really paying a lot to get these 328i reviews..........
If anything I think they'd be paying to get good 335i reviews. I'm sure they make more money off those.
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 03:04 PM   #16
sunxnus
Private
2
Rep
74
Posts

Drives: 2012 328i
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ATX78703 View Post
I just read that article and you know what's crazy?

A car mag is critcizing a bmw inline 6 for being "too heavy in the front and poor weight balance"! This is unthinkable - never thought I would read those words. The n20 setup in the f30 must be really good.
This is possibly means the N20 setup is the best 3 ever.

Last edited by sunxnus; 02-15-2012 at 03:26 PM..
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 03:19 PM   #17
svache
Lieutenant Colonel
svache's Avatar
United_States
264
Rep
1,879
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 328i
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Hawaii

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by 328inGE View Post
BMW must be really paying a lot to get these 328i reviews..........
That was my first thought as well. I worked for a truck manufacturer back in Europe for a while and I know from that time that they usually indeed pay magazines and tv shows to get into a magazine. However, the outcome is usually not specified with that pay, and if you take into consideration that this article basically says that the 328i might be the better car, then I don't know if it is all that beneficial for BMW's 335i's, which are worth more in the end. That is, of course, unless they're almost certain the 335i drivers will remain loyal to their six cylinders, which of course is very well possible if I read through some of the posts on these forums.

Either way, this article, and several others with similar results, make me quite happy I choose a 328i. It kind of confirms what I experienced during my own test drive already, the handling just felt better to me and, like I said before in some other post, I don't need that extra pull, speed or sound, this baby is sweet enough for me =)
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 03:28 PM   #18
BMWinGE
Captain
32
Rep
662
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: May 2007
Location: North Carolina

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 328inGE View Post
BMW must be really paying a lot to get these 328i reviews..........
I guess my sarcasm didn't come across, maybe I should have included one of these:

I've changed my user name to reduce the confusion
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 03:30 PM   #19
iwannabimmer
Second Lieutenant
iwannabimmer's Avatar
2
Rep
295
Posts

Drives: 2009 mazda6s grand touring
Join Date: May 2010
Location: chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

F30 328i sport is a winner! Interestingly, the article doesn't mention anything about the sound of the engine. At the end Scott Evans says:

"Ditch a few options like the $3600 Premium Package and its auto-dimming mirrors, moonroof, garage door opener and power seats; or the $950 Premium Sound Package, or the $2550 technology package with nav and head-up display; or the $500 heated seats; or the $900 xenon headlights and so on, and you'll bring that price down without sacrificing any performance. Yeah, they get you with the options, but that's why they're optional. We'll take ours in blue with nothing but performance options, thank you very much."

Performance options......sport auto, variable steering, adaptive M suspension.....

BTW, I like the photos they have taken, the F30 looks gorgeous in Glacier Silver and Coral Red with Aluminum trim. That is my favorite combo.


EDIT: a Glacier Silver 328i Sport Line with Adaptive M suspension, Sport Auto, Variable Steering, Heated Front Seats, Power Seats comes to $42,040 msrp/$38,630 invoice....hmmmm....if I can only add the Xenons for $900 more.......Hoping in 2 years I can.

Last edited by iwannabimmer; 02-15-2012 at 03:38 PM..
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 04:25 PM   #20
MonsterM
First Lieutenant
15
Rep
319
Posts

Drives: 09 328i SP
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Those are real good numbers for the auto! I am suspecting the auto is faster than the manual 90% of the time. Now, IMO this maybe an issue for BMW since 335 and 328 are too close.
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 04:58 PM   #21
jzcrna
Captain
165
Rep
975
Posts

Drives: 2019 M2 Competition
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

I don't plan on tracking my car and will be very happy with the 335i, but the 328i sounds like a fantastic car. The 335i is sure to get a boost soon. hopefully when this lease is up!
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2012, 06:19 PM   #22
BMWDAD
Captain
BMWDAD's Avatar
93
Rep
755
Posts

Drives: 2017 Porsche Macan
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Richmond, Va.

iTrader: (0)

great article (I own a 335i coupe sports), and the 228 coupe or the 328 coupe will be my next car.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
2012 3 series review, 2012 3 series reviews, 2012 328i review, 2012 328i reviews, 2012 328i track video, 2012 f30 review, 2012 f30 reviews, 3 series f30, 3 series f30 forum, 3 series f30 review, 3 series f30 reviews, 3 series forum, 3 series reviews, 3-series review, 328i 0-60, 328i 0-60mph, 328i f30, 328i f30 review, 328i f30 video, 328i review, 328i reviews, bmw 3 series first drive, bmw 3 series forum, bmw 3-series f30, bmw 328i review, bmw 328i reviews, bmw f30, bmw f30 3 series forum, bmw f30 3 series review, bmw f30 3-series, bmw f30 forum, bmw f30 review, f30 0-60, f30 0-60mph, f30 3 series review, f30 3 series reviews, f30 3 series track video, f30 3-series, f30 3-series forum, f30 328i, f30 328i 0-60, f30 328i 0-60mph, f30 328i quarter mile, f30 328i review, f30 328i track video, f30 328i video, f30 forum, f30 forums, f30 review, f30 reviews

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:40 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST