[drummerlauw]

Originally Posted by jmg

328 for sure. Sport Package, black trim, non M-Sport, backup camera, Xenon Lights, no lighting package, enhanced blutooth, no seat or wheel heaters. Keep it simple. The updated iDrive which is think is MY2014 or newer, I could be wrong. Swap the tires for some non-runflats, get the tire patch kit that comes with the M3, and make sure your AAA membership is current. Coral Red interior, look into a JB4 tune, modest drop, tint, keep the 328i badge, and you have a nice sleeper. If I didn't already have another BMW, this would be my daily.

it just sucks that it's 2017 and BMW is still charging for backup camera...i mean, c'mon, almost all entry level car have backup camera as standard now.

[drummerlauw]

I'd take the 328i. But my true, honest answer would be save-up, and get a used 335i or even 340i. I was in the position of getting 328i years ago, but decided to wait and save up for my current 340i. Couldn't be happier!

[401FlaGATOR]

I have a 2016 320i with sport package and LED headlights and its' very fun to drive. It's quick enough especially paired with that fantastic transmission. I bought it based on Jalopnik's Chris Harris recommendation, it is very light and fun to toss around. The only drawback is the front spoiler is not the Msport (can't get it in US market).

[metallicpea]

Originally Posted by Homeless_Triliionaire

I plan on buying used, was looking at buy bmw certified pre-owned.i would like RWD but AWD would work. would like the m sport body kit but i can do with out it . was looking for a coral red interior but i know it hard to find, black is fine. a while back when i first started thinking of getting a bmw i wanted an alpine white with badge interior but seeing how badge gets dirty quick in the Mercedes we have i wouldn't want that headache.

Used is going to severely limit your options on a 320i. Very few RWD sport models. I saw a couple when I was looking, but almost none nation wide at the time, worth a search though.

M sport body kit and coral red are both not available in 320i either, so...

Lots more options for you in the 328i.

[thrux]

Hey guys, new to the forum and new to BMWs.

I was in the same situation as you a week ago.

My wife and I picked up a '16 320i with the sport, track, and convenience packages USED with 8k miles on it. It was a shame someone decided to turn in such a nice car so soon.

We were choosing between a 328i without sport or really anything and the 320i we have now, and the 320i felt better in almost every way. The 320i even felt quicker, maybe just from the tighter suspension?

It's obviously not the quickest car, but it is certainly fun and the chassis is one of the tightest we've owned. My MR2 was tighter obviously, but still.

Anyways, no regrets about owning a 320i.

[BMWtight2me]

Originally Posted by thrux

Hey guys, new to the forum and new to BMWs.

I was in the same situation as you a week ago.

My wife and I picked up a '16 320i with the sport, track, and convenience packages USED with 8k miles on it. It was a shame someone decided to turn in such a nice car so soon.

We were choosing between a 328i without sport or really anything and the 320i we have now, and the 320i felt better in almost every way. The 320i even felt quicker, maybe just from the tighter suspension?

It's obviously not the quickest car, but it is certainly fun and the chassis is one of the tightest we've owned. My MR2 was tighter obviously, but still.

Anyways, no regrets about owning a 320i.

Tune it and you will be surprised.

[anyuser]

I was very happy with my 320 but always lusted after the 328 so I would say 328 every time

[Mike.]

FBO 320 faster than a 335? That's an interesting thought.

[Beek]

If I had to choose between the 320 or 328 it would be 320 ... FBO.

[BMWtight2me]

Originally Posted by Beek

If I had to choose between the 320 or 328 it would be 320 ... FBO.

Indeed

[marcies]

320i I guess!

[harperium]

Last year I bought my first BMW: The dealer had a loaded '15 320xi, or a less-loaded 328xi. I went with the 320xi.

Having driven it for a year as a daily driver and also on some 2000 mile road trips, I can say that the car does have plenty of power - most of the time. It's very easy to get into jail territory even with the 320xi. The cornering and handling and great. It's fun to drive.

The only time I felt the car lacked enough power was when I had 4 people + luggage in the car and had to get on a highway with a very short onramp with traffic going 70 mph. The 320xi still had zip, but not as much as when I drive it alone.

If I could trade in the car today for a different one, I'd probably get the M3. Because if I had a 328, I'd want a 340. If I had a 340, I'd want an M3...

But 99% of the time, the 320 is more than enough and I love it.

[BimmerMad]

In the UK we get the B48 engine in the 320i and it's brilliant. Combine it with the sport auto transmission and it's even better!

[spuntyb]

This version of the 320 is arguably the best:
http://jalopnik.com/let-chris-harris...bmw-1514877066

It's cheaper than the 328, but gives you just enough fun to make it stand out on its own merits. I've driven one (a friend's), and can confirm it's a blast for the price. If it were much more, it might not be worth it, imho.

Otherwise, the 320, as others have said, is a 328 without the option choices. You can make up the power difference (and then some), but the same options aren't available last I checked, and once you've spent the extra $, you've defeated the whole point of getting the 320 over the 328 in the first place.

In my humble opinion, if you know you'll just mod the 320 to make it more like a 328, just get he 328. No brainer for my money.

[GarlicBread]

M3 > 335/340 > 328/330 > 320

There is no need for discussion here... get the one you can afford. If you're looking for someone to say don't buy a 328 over a 320 that's just silly.

[ScarecrowBoat]

Originally Posted by thrux

Hey guys, new to the forum and new to BMWs.

I was in the same situation as you a week ago.

My wife and I picked up a '16 320i with the sport, track, and convenience packages USED with 8k miles on it. It was a shame someone decided to turn in such a nice car so soon.

We were choosing between a 328i without sport or really anything and the 320i we have now, and the 320i felt better in almost every way. The 320i even felt quicker, maybe just from the tighter suspension?

It's obviously not the quickest car, but it is certainly fun and the chassis is one of the tightest we've owned. My MR2 was tighter obviously, but still.

Anyways, no regrets about owning a 320i.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

This version of the 320 is arguably the best:
http://jalopnik.com/let-chris-harris...bmw-1514877066

It's cheaper than the 328, but gives you just enough fun to make it stand out on its own merits. I've driven one (a friend's), and can confirm it's a blast for the price. If it were much more, it might not be worth it, imho.

Otherwise, the 320, as others have said, is a 328 without the option choices. You can make up the power difference (and then some), but the same options aren't available last I checked, and once you've spent the extra $, you've defeated the whole point of getting the 320 over the 328 in the first place.

In my humble opinion, if you know you'll just mod the 320 to make it more like a 328, just get he 328. No brainer for my money.

Where have all the lightweight sedans gone?! The 320i is only 3320lbs compared to the 3450lbs M2 and 3575lb M3. Imagine aluminum sheetmetal, weight savings CF parts, CF roof, hood trunk etc.. I bet a proper "M" 320i would be a blast to drive.

[ScarecrowBoat]

Originally Posted by jmg

Where have all the lightweight sedans gone?! The 320i is only 3320lbs compared to the 3450lbs M2 and 3575lb M3. Imagine aluminum sheetmetal, weight savings CF parts, CF roof, hood trunk etc.. I bet a proper "M" 320i would be a blast to drive.

[Jtc411]

320 is great if that's what you can afford. I love mine. But I'm not stupid. If I had the money I'd take a 328. If I had more money I'd buy a 340. If I had even more money I'd buy an m3. If your options are a higher specd 320 or Sparce 328 decide if you want more power or more features. Plain and simple. Don't let people bully you though. The 320 is a BMW and a great one for what it is. Lots of people around here with small dong syndrome putting people down for liking the 320.

[tgyberg]

Originally Posted by jmg

Where have all the lightweight sedans gone?! The 320i is only 3320lbs compared to the 3450lbs M2 and 3575lb M3. Imagine aluminum sheetmetal, weight savings CF parts, CF roof, hood trunk etc.. I bet a proper "M" 320i would be a blast to drive.

3320 is E36 M3 weight. With FBO I'm sure that thing rocks!

[2000Z3M]

Originally Posted by drummerlauw

it just sucks that it's 2017 and BMW is still charging for backup camera...i mean, c'mon, almost all entry level car have backup camera as standard now.

oh, you are still paying for it. the cost of the camera is now built into the cost of the car

[nicknaz]

I voted 328 but it would depend on the options of both cars. Sport suspension, sports seats and xenons are a must have and in the f3x I think I drive is too. I really don't like the base screen