[E36toF30]

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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:

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."

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.

[justinnum1]

holy shit!

[M.Suka]

Wow great numbers for a 328, with a tune this thing will be under 5 seconds.

[M.Suka]

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.

[DrivenByE30]

Cant wait for the review of the 335i, hopefully in MT ...

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by msuka

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...

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by E36toF30

"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.

[ATX78703]

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.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

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.

[MSchott]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

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

[bl@ster]

0mg! Can't wait to get my 328.

[90degreeman]

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.

[BMWinGE]

BMW must be really paying a lot to get these 328i reviews..........

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by 335inGA

BMW must be really paying a lot to get these 328i reviews..........

Dont be mad.

[E36toF30]

Originally Posted by 328inGE

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.

[sunxnus]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

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.

[svache]

Originally Posted by 328inGE

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 =)

[BMWinGE]

Originally Posted by 328inGE

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

[iwannabimmer]

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.

[MonsterM]

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.

[jzcrna]

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!

[BMWDAD]

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