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 > New to BMW and to this forum/just got a 2013 328i
ARMA SPEED
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-02-2016, 12:48 PM   #1
pjkbrit
Second Lieutenant
pjkbrit's Avatar
128
Rep
262
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i 6MT ZHP
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

New to BMW and to this forum/just got a 2013 328i

....and I am REALLY disappointed in this car. I rented 3 over the past three vacations abroad; two 320d's 6 speed manuals and a 320i Auto. So I finally went for a CPO 328i XDrive Auto with 37K. It's a DOG. What have I done? It has the sport package/18" rims but handling is numb, suspension waaaay to soft and the engine sounds like a bucket of bolts supplied by Fiat...oh...and 22mpg in comfort mode on a country road commute is the best it can manage....NOT happy. Really really NOT happy...
My son has a 14 year old E46 330ci...now THAT'S a BMW....drives like it's on rails...
Yes I test drove this F30...but had 3 people in the car and it's not the same as 'living with it'. Oh...and should I have a booming hum at 60mph from underneath somewhere? My wife's 2010 328i XDrive Coupe was silent...wish i had bought that one out of it's lease but they wanted silly money at the time.

Sorry to start on a downer, but I seriously think I bought the wrong car!!!!
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2016, 01:28 PM   #2
keylime503
Major
630
Rep
1,227
Posts

Drives: M2C 6MT, Audi A4 Avant
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

Are you using comfort mode. I had some of the same feelings until I switched to Sport Mode 100% of the time. It's a completely different car in every aspect, amazing!
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2016, 01:54 PM   #3
SoDiezl350
Private First Class
64
Rep
155
Posts

Drives: F30 328i M-Sport EBII
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (2)

You mention a few well known shortcomings of the F30, but some of your observations are a bit surprising.

1. The car should accelerate strongly. The sport tranny combined with the n20 produces acceleration times almost that of the 335i up to around 60mph. It feels less powerful at freeway speeds, and even with stage 1 tuning runs out of breath up top. Never would I describe the car as a dog though. I've never driven an XDrive but the RWD is quick, borderline fast.

2. The suspension/tires on the XDrive sport package is the base suspension. The tires on the x-drive sport package are all seasons and not summer performance. The car wallows and feels numb in base form. Replacing the tires will help with handling greatly, but even with sport suspension/tires the steering still pales compared to the past hydraulic system. There is a software update that you can get which will update the steering profile. It helps improve on center precision, but the artificial feel will always be present. People claim they get used to it and don't notice it after a while. I've merely come to accept it.

3. Fuel economy: I average 21.2 mpg of mixed driving. I have a heavy foot though and on the freeway with cruise set at 75mph, the consumption drops to an impressive ~35mpg.

4. N20 engine sounds like crap. It's one of the biggest detractors of the car. Strangely if you get a N20 equipped loaner that's 2015 or newer, the motor sounds a lot quieter. The Start Stop is also a lot smoother on the newer cars. Not sure what BMW changed but it's significant and unfortunate for the owners of the older models.

5. Booming noise: Not sure what this is attributable to. May be the tires. The F30 suffers from bad wind noise. It's my biggest gripe with the car. I couldn't and still can't believe this is a German car. Came from an 02 Benz E55. With 5x the miles, the car felt both more solid and so much quieter! Have driven both the new 4 and 5 series and it's not an issue on those. New F30s still suffer from this however, and the going theory is that it's due to the mirror design. I think it's also due to the thinner windows, door panels, insulating materials.

Overall the car has shortcomings that are both frustrating and surprising. Some of them only become evident after extended seat time. Wind noise, engine sound, steering feel, and paint chipping, are my biggest grievances.

Things I like are the styling, the m-sport package equipment, the chassis feel, folding seats, big trunk, spacious rear seats. The tranny/motor combination work really well for every day driving. I'm also a huge fan of the HUD and the adaptive headlights.

Sorry you don't like your new car. Part of that seems like it's a function of the spec'd equipment, the other part is that it's an early model year which is a bit unpolished. If you really have bad wind noise, I'd go to the dealer and have them replace your seals. There is an updated window seal which helps make it at least tolerable.
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2016, 02:04 PM   #4
WHL102
First Lieutenant
125
Rep
391
Posts

Drives: '16 GTI S, DSG, 4-Door
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Northern NJ

iTrader: (0)

Sorry to hear you are so disappointed... BUT IMHO, desired suspension feel, engine noise, and MPG are all things one should sort out before purchasing a car.
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2016, 03:36 PM   #5
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18493
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
I drove a 328i with the sport package for 3 years and I never encountered anything you have described except the unexceptional engine noises, and I was coming from a 340hp S4 V8. It's not a rocket, but it's definitely not a "DOG". You should probably have it checked out to see if there are problems that could affect performance. I've also never heard a booming hum at 60mph. Sorry you are having a bad experience with it.
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2016, 03:50 PM   #6
tex2670
Brigadier General
tex2670's Avatar
United_States
2401
Rep
4,420
Posts

Drives: '23 X1 28i xDrive
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Philly

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by pjkbrit View Post
....and I am REALLY disappointed in this car. I rented 3 over the past three vacations abroad; two 320d's 6 speed manuals and a 320i Auto. So I finally went for a CPO 328i XDrive Auto with 37K. It's a DOG. What have I done? It has the sport package/18" rims but handling is numb, suspension waaaay to soft and the engine sounds like a bucket of bolts supplied by Fiat...oh...and 22mpg in comfort mode on a country road commute is the best it can manage....NOT happy. Really really NOT happy...
My son has a 14 year old E46 330ci...now THAT'S a BMW....drives like it's on rails...
Yes I test drove this F30...but had 3 people in the car and it's not the same as 'living with it'. Oh...and should I have a booming hum at 60mph from underneath somewhere? My wife's 2010 328i XDrive Coupe was silent...wish i had bought that one out of it's lease but they wanted silly money at the time.

Sorry to start on a downer, but I seriously think I bought the wrong car!!!!
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2016, 04:06 PM   #7
Blubaron79
Brigadier General
Blubaron79's Avatar
United_States
1431
Rep
4,722
Posts

Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tex2670 View Post
Yea... I get 26+ mpg on the highway in my 335 xdrive with the Power kit even. and I average 75mph (which means I am going 90 part of the time).
__________________
Current: 2021 M340i xDrive

Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
Appreciate 1
      02-02-2016, 04:21 PM   #8
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18493
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by tex2670 View Post
I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt. If he is being sincere then at least I can provide some help. If he is not being sincere then I shouldn't even care because I would be dealing with a child. If a "child" gets off on trolling people, so be it. I'm not self-centered enough to think they have wasted my time. The only one that should really care is him and whomever else he thinks is in his tiny little world. That's just my opinion on all trolls.
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 1
      02-02-2016, 04:34 PM   #9
x5mad
Lieutenant Colonel
x5mad's Avatar
No_Country
349
Rep
1,771
Posts

Drives: iX 40
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
bmw  [0.00]
I found MY14 and onwards drive so much better you would think it's a completely different car.

I test drove a MY 13 car and almost did not buy the F30 as it indeed drove like a dog, it was horrible and I could not believe it was a 3 series, BMWs bread and butter!

However, I am very happy with my car. Changing the software for the steering definitely helps.
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2016, 04:36 PM   #10
Emilim
Dust Bunny
Canada
98
Rep
189
Posts

Drives: 2016 F31 328i xDrive M Sport
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Vancouver

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tex2670 View Post
+1

If there ever was an automatic troll post generator, it would probably look like this.
__________________
2016 328i XDrive Touring M Sport EBII
Appreciate 1
      02-02-2016, 06:57 PM   #11
tex2670
Brigadier General
tex2670's Avatar
United_States
2401
Rep
4,420
Posts

Drives: '23 X1 28i xDrive
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Philly

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmg View Post
I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt. If he is being sincere then at least I can provide some help. If he is not being sincere then I shouldn't even care because I would be dealing with a child. If a "child" gets off on trolling people, so be it. I'm not self-centered enough to think they have wasted my time. The only one that should really care is him and whomever else he thinks is in his tiny little world. That's just my opinion on all trolls.
1st post in a BMW forum about how bad the car is? You are a better person than I am, I guess. Time will tell...
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2016, 09:25 PM   #12
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18493
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by tex2670 View Post
1st post in a BMW forum about how bad the car is? You are a better person than I am, I guess. Time will tell...
Let's put it this way, if he is trolling then he wants to get a reaction that amuses him. So I can get mad and call him names or reply earnestly. Being earnest is boring and doesn't give him what he wants. I win either way.
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 1
      02-03-2016, 08:43 AM   #13
pjkbrit
Second Lieutenant
pjkbrit's Avatar
128
Rep
262
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i 6MT ZHP
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Oy....I'm a Troll????
First time I ever got called that...pretty funny and I take no offense...I'm a 53 year old British guy with 6 cars who rebuilds engines and transmissions as a hobby; Been on the Saabnet bulletin Board for 20 years....was never accused of trolling. Actually helped a lot of folks with technical questions. Anyhow...I realize I should introduce myself better;
2010 Range Rover Full Size
2004 Subaru XT Turbo
2013 Mini Cooper S 6 speed stick
1985 Saab 900 Turbo 5 speed...330000 miles...(not a typo)
1977 MGB with Overdrive...(V8 conversion the next project)
2013 BMW 328i.....first BMW

So be nice....I know more about engines than I should...and given that fact I am kicking myself for this purchase because I feel let down by this new car. It sounds like the 328D....but only manages 22mpg and is probably the harshest, noisiest 4 cylinder car I have ever driven. How BMW ....BMW of all manufacturers....can put this out there and sell so many confounds me.
Appreciate 1
      02-03-2016, 08:49 AM   #14
tex2670
Brigadier General
tex2670's Avatar
United_States
2401
Rep
4,420
Posts

Drives: '23 X1 28i xDrive
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Philly

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by pjkbrit View Post
2004 Subaru XT Turbo
...
It sounds like the 328D....but only manages 22mpg and is probably the harshest, noisiest 4 cylinder car I have ever driven. How BMW ....BMW of all manufacturers....can put this out there and sell so many confounds me.
You owned a Subaru, but the BMW is the harshest, noisiest 4-cylinder car you ever owned?
Appreciate 3
      02-03-2016, 09:09 AM   #15
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Since you have xDrive you don't have the sport suspension, so theres that.

It also seems the be noted that 2014 Models seem to be overall better in terms of this stuff, should have went for one.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2016, 09:15 AM   #16
pjkbrit
Second Lieutenant
pjkbrit's Avatar
128
Rep
262
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i 6MT ZHP
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tex2670 View Post
You owned a Subaru, but the BMW is the harshest, noisiest 4-cylinder car you ever owned?
Yes....being a boxer engine, it's dynamically balanced...like a straight 6...cannot feel it idle from the drivers seat....my 328 idles like a diesel and you can.

Anyhow....from my first post, I probably should have bitten the bullet fully and gotten a 335....but they just aren't out there CPO. My Dealer could not find one. I just didn't expect this type of experience...I read tons of reviews and watched all the videos...many raving about the power of the 4 cylinder unit....it IS powerful, but is also harsh...and that I didn't expect from BMW. That 2010 328 E90 and even my son's E46 were/are wonderful motors....this just ain't.
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2016, 09:17 AM   #17
pjkbrit
Second Lieutenant
pjkbrit's Avatar
128
Rep
262
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i 6MT ZHP
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by smithf32 View Post
Since you have xDrive you don't have the sport suspension, so theres that.

It also seems the be noted that 2014 Models seem to be overall better in terms of this stuff, should have went for one.
Probably right....XDrive is not an option for me here in the Northeast with the winters we have going on...and I have quite the slope on my driveway!
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2016, 09:38 AM   #18
Blubaron79
Brigadier General
Blubaron79's Avatar
United_States
1431
Rep
4,722
Posts

Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by pjkbrit
Quote:
Originally Posted by smithf32 View Post
Since you have xDrive you don't have the sport suspension, so theres that.

It also seems the be noted that 2014 Models seem to be overall better in terms of this stuff, should have went for one.
Probably right....XDrive is not an option for me here in the Northeast with the winters we have going on...and I have quite the slope on my driveway!
If you purchase an xdrive you NEED the DHP option. Firms up the suspension very nicely.

Also I had a 2012 loaner for 2 weeks. The engine ticked because of DI, but I beat the piss out of it and still got 26mpg.
__________________
Current: 2021 M340i xDrive

Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2016, 09:40 AM   #19
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by pjkbrit View Post
Probably right....XDrive is not an option for me here in the Northeast with the winters we have going on...and I have quite the slope on my driveway!
Yeah I know, I saw you're from NY. Me too.

One thing you might like to do is ditch the stock runflats, I changed mine out for some nice ContiDWS go flat tires.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2016, 10:02 AM   #20
pjkbrit
Second Lieutenant
pjkbrit's Avatar
128
Rep
262
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i 6MT ZHP
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by smithf32 View Post
Yeah I know, I saw you're from NY. Me too.

One thing you might like to do is ditch the stock runflats, I changed mine out for some nice ContiDWS go flat tires.
That's a thought....being CPO this car got 4 new tyres on it....4 new brake rotors/pads etc...I mean, I cannot fault the dealer....they have been excellent and really prepped the car well.
I'm going to have to deal....but again I am just...well...you read it already!
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2016, 10:22 AM   #21
canukgtp
First Lieutenant
canukgtp's Avatar
Canada
107
Rep
333
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: New-Brunswick

iTrader: (0)

well it sucks you're disappointed with your new car and I hope you find some solutions...your comments are making me very happy I got a 2014 lol
__________________
2018 F80 M3 6MT (current)
2014 F31 328i Touring (sold)
2008 E92 M3 6MT (sold)
2011 E90 335xi (lease up)
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2016, 11:30 AM   #22
codeyf
Private First Class
120
Rep
191
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3M Comp
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Bothell, WA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by pjkbrit View Post
Yes....being a boxer engine, it's dynamically balanced...like a straight 6...cannot feel it idle from the drivers seat....my 328 idles like a diesel and you can.

Anyhow....from my first post, I probably should have bitten the bullet fully and gotten a 335....but they just aren't out there CPO. My Dealer could not find one. I just didn't expect this type of experience...I read tons of reviews and watched all the videos...many raving about the power of the 4 cylinder unit....it IS powerful, but is also harsh...and that I didn't expect from BMW. That 2010 328 E90 and even my son's E46 were/are wonderful motors....this just ain't.
Sounds more like a situation where your dealer had a 328 he wanted to unload, instead of finding a 335 for you. There are TONS of 2013/2014's out there, and then a few '15 stragglers on lots being blown out at crack head prices (someone on here in the east got a nearly fully loaded, NEW '15, for $40k).

I'm not sure why the insistence for CPO from someone who rebuilds engines and trans either, since it's just extra cost. CPO doesn't necessarily include an extended maintenance program, so you're really just paying for additional warranty.
__________________

'21 X3M Comp
'13 335i | MPPK - RETIRED
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

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 07:55 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