[puma1552]

Originally Posted by langn08

In my opinion the premium package is a must. I would hate to have to get my key out every time I get in/out of my car.

Having had it on my last three cars, I agree. However, I could probably go back to turning a key. When I think it's stupid is when you have to unlock the car with the fob, then push a button to start the car (basically how BMW does it if you don't get comfort access). It should be either all or nothing IMO. I feel like it would/will be more hassle to pull the key out, use the fob to unlock, then stuff the key BACK in my pocket so I can push the button on the dash. WTF kind of half baked idea was that?

And actually, until I realized BMW did that, I didn't realize anyone did it that way. I always thought that if any car had a push button start, it had a comfort access setup. I wonder if BMW is the only one who does non comfort access this way?

[langn08]

Originally Posted by puma1552

Having had it on my last three cars, I agree. However, I could probably go back to turning a key. When I think it's stupid is when you have to unlock the car with the fob, then push a button to start the car (basically how BMW does it if you don't get comfort access). It should be either all or nothing IMO. I feel like it would/will be more hassle to pull the key out, use the fob to unlock, then stuff the key BACK in my pocket so I can push the button on the dash. WTF kind of half baked idea was that?

And actually, until I realized BMW did that, I didn't realize anyone did it that way. I always thought that if any car had a push button start, it had a comfort access setup. I wonder if BMW is the only one who does non comfort access this way?

I agree! When I was shopping around audi had a similar "WTF" process of having to shove the fob in the dash then press the start button... That car got a whole bucket of NO.

The comfort access may sound trivial when trying to stay within a price that does not bump you into 328 territory. However, when it's -59 on Monday and I walk to my car I will be happy to be able to keep my hands warm in my pockets! Also with children I have found it to be a life saver as carrying a toddler + stuff is a pain in the ass. Also it's a BMW so I feel like it should have it

[Kafkaesque328]

Wow yeah it must be cold as balls out there right now! It's 75 here today...

I'm used to turning a key in the GTI so the push button start feels like a luxury to me. I agree that the FOBgina in the A4 is weird. I drove that car as well and while I like it and its a solid car, it just feels very heavy to me vs. the 3 series. I didn't want another VAG car either.

[langn08]

Originally Posted by Kafkaesque320

Wow yeah it must be cold as balls out there right now! It's 75 here today...

I'm used to turning a key in the GTI so the push button start feels like a luxury to me. I agree that the FOBgina in the A4 is weird. I drove that car as well and while I like it and its a solid car, it just feels very heavy to me vs. the 3 series. I didn't want another VAG car either.

+1 I also came from a gti (mk6 APR stage 2). The 3 series such such a different animal, and much more grown up.

[Kafkaesque328]

Originally Posted by langn08

+1 I also came from a gti (mk6 APR stage 2). The 3 series such such a different animal, and much more grown up.

Tell me about it. The GTI is a fantastic car but I started feel like a man in his mid 30s driving a car for a 25 year old. The 3 series is much more civilized. Spend some time on the GTI forums and its pretty bad. Bunch of kids talking about being hella flush and riding on bags and on and on. The demographic is, well... young.

[puma1552]

Originally Posted by Kafkaesque320

Tell me about it. The GTI is a fantastic car but I started feel like a man in his mid 30s driving a car for a 25 year old. The 3 series is much more civilized. Spend some time on the GTI forums and its pretty bad. Bunch of kids talking about being hella flush and riding on bags and on and on. The demographic is, well... young.

Agreed, the MK VI Jetta forums aren't any better…bunch of scene retards with plastidip and tires that don't fit on basic A to B cars, ugh. "hella flush" (aka "hella stupid" and "hella dangerous") plus bags are almost as bad as straight up ricers IMO. I can't even bring myself to spend any time in those forums anymore. Bunch of dumbasses.

[Kafkaesque328]

Yeah thats the funny thing about the VW scene is that they proclaim to be so anti-rice but are just as rice as the Civic crowd, etc.

[puma1552]

Originally Posted by langn08

I agree! When I was shopping around audi had a similar "WTF" process of having to shove the fob in the dash then press the start button... That car got a whole bucket of NO.

Man that sounds dumb too.

I think the VW CC has a pretty good modern update for turning an actual key (for the CCs that don't have KESSY (VW's comfort access version)) - there's no switchblade key, just the fob with the buttons on it, and then to start the car you push the fob into the dash, and that starts the car. I think this is a decent alternative to comfort access for this day and age. Having to put a fob in the dash and then still push a button right next to it seems pretty stupid though? I realize it's not much different, but that just seems dumb when the cheaper car (the VW) has a better, simpler system.

[sparker92]

Here is mine






Mineral White, Black SensaTec
Lighting Package, Premium Package, Sport Package with Style 398 rims, Split-fold down rear seats, Heated Front Seats, Navigation System w/ touchpad, Stainless Steel Pedals, Black Kidney Grilles

[Kafkaesque328]

^^ Nice man. How does it handle? I've only driven the base 320i but the Sport PKG was a must for me. I imagine it handles quite a bit better. I went for the split fold down rears as well - a must. Is the ride still fairly civilized with the sport pkg?

Originally Posted by puma1552

Man that sounds dumb too.

I think the VW CC has a pretty good modern update for turning an actual key (for the CCs that don't have KESSY (VW's comfort access version)) - there's no switchblade key, just the fob with the buttons on it, and then to start the car you push the fob into the dash, and that starts the car. I think this is a decent alternative to comfort access for this day and age. Having to put a fob in the dash and then still push a button right next to it seems pretty stupid though? I realize it's not much different, but that just seems dumb when the cheaper car (the VW) has a better, simpler system.

I test drove a '13 CC R-Line when I was looking to get out of the GTI and while I was impressed with the interior and ride and of course the DSG, it handled like a boat. Very unimpressed with the handling of that car. The 320 which is roughly the same size handles like a sports car compared to the CC. The CC wasn't even a contender.

[sparker92]

^^ The drive is absolutely amazing with sport package. It corners much better than the standard 320i. Ride is still comfortable even with the M Sport suspension. Can't go wrong, sport package is a great value! Recommended to anyone buying a 320i.

Yes, split folding seats are a must have now-a-days. Should be standard, I hate that BMW nickel and dimes us for these features that are standard on a corolla.

[Kafkaesque328]

Originally Posted by sparker92

^^ The drive is absolutely amazing with sport package. It corners much better than the standard 320i. Ride is still comfortable even with the M Sport suspension. Can't go wrong, sport package is a great value! Recommended to anyone buying a 320i.

Yes, split folding seats are a must have now-a-days. Should be standard, I hate that BMW nickel and dimes us for these features that are standard on a corolla.

Right answer! STOKED! I knew it was a must. God I can't wait to get this car. Hurry up your Bavarian factory gnomes and finish my ride!

I totally agree about the options, its ridiculous what you have to pay for in a BMW option package for like $3500 that would come standard in a mid level Camry. Bastards.

[Kafkaesque328]

Originally Posted by sparker92

^^ The drive is absolutely amazing with sport package. It corners much better than the standard 320i. Ride is still comfortable even with the M Sport suspension. Can't go wrong, sport package is a great value! Recommended to anyone buying a 320i.

Yes, split folding seats are a must have now-a-days. Should be standard, I hate that BMW nickel and dimes us for these features that are standard on a corolla.

Another quick question for you, how do you feel about the power and what car did you come from previously? Coming from a Stage 1 GTI I thought it was going to feel 'down on power' but it doesn't to me, and actually feels pretty punchy and quick. The car honestly feels underrated and the times I've driven it I was never wanting for power around town from 0-45mph.

It feels a little anemic during WOT on the highway but is still eager to go and the 8 speed does a fine job. I want to do the BMS Stage 1 tune just to beef up to what I'm used to but I feel like a ridiculous amount of hype has been served up, mainly by automotive press re: power deficit which seems unfounded to me. If you read old e90 328i reviews, they focus on the power deficit compared to the 335 because the 328 was the entry level whereas now the 320 is the entry level with a negligible performance gap.

Just want to hear some other 320 owners' impressions, having lived with the car for a while. Thanks~

[QTC]

Late to the game. 320i 6MT, Sport Package with summer rubber, sunroof, heated seats, enhanced BT







With my other car, 2004 Audi B6 A4 1.8T 6MT quattro (coil overs, tune/injectors/FMIC, etc etc etc)



And how it's currently sitting…picked up a set of take-off 393's with all-seasons for the winter. Would have preferred snow tires, but these are better than the Potenza's in the cold:

[Who?]

Originally Posted by Kafkaesque320

^^Yes, total hardship. I used to have a Toyota Tacoma with roll up windows... How did I survive?

Seriously, how did you survive?

[Kafkaesque328]

Hahaha, it's a wonder. I made it though and here I am. I kick myself for selling that truck. Always good to have a shitty beater truck around. That was a dumb move. That thing would run until the apocalypse and cost nothing to own. Stupid.

[_Mbition]

Definitely a thread id love to chime in on.
I work for a BMW dealership here in NY, and we drive 320s/328's on a daily basis (Mostly loaner cars).
Coming from a bunch of friends with BMW's (ive never owned a german car till now), ive driven everything from tuned 335's to M3's and M5's.
One drive in the F30 328 and i was ridiculously surprised how much power it had, which is just enough for me... then i drove the 320, and couldnt even tell the difference. On paper yes they are two different cars, but believe me, anyone who's ever driven both will tell you, There's almost no difference, especially w/ the low end torque.
With that being said, i placed my order yesterday for a Jet Black on Black Sensatec 320i xdrive with Premium, Sport and Lighting packages.
Chose Premium mostly because i love Satellite Radio, and it doesnt come as a standalone option, neither do the auto dimming mirrors and comfort access. Now i can live without comfort access, but for 3k, might as well just get the option.
Lighting package i got because i dont want to have to install HID's on any car again. Lol.
Sport Package i got because.... i mean cmon its SPORT PACKAGE!! These cars are Nothing without it!! And one of the things i love about the new M-sports is that damn steering wheel!! AND the adjustable bolsters on the seats!!
Got the style 396's for the wheel package because of the all seasons.
Front Heated seats as standalone Thank God. Dont need winter package.
All together came a click above 41k.
Im sure i can change stuff on my order for cheaper if i really wanted to, but thats at the expense of me waiting longer.
Cant wait.

[remmib]

So no M-sport package for the 320i in the US? Here even the 316i can be ordered with m-sport package.

[Kafkaesque328]

Just wrote an epic review of my new 320i. Love this car. Excellent car.

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=933870

I'll post pics when I get a chance to take some good ones.

[alexort99]

My 320i M Sport!

[steve@codemybimmer]

Originally Posted by alexort99

My 320i M Sport!

Is yours a factory M Sport 320i? Here in Canada, you can only get M Sport if you take the 335i and it's not even available on the 328i let alone 320i.

[alexort99]

Originally Posted by Aritaurus

Is yours a factory M Sport 320i? Here in Canada, you can only get M Sport if you take the 335i and it's not even available on the 328i let alone 320i.

Sure it is! here in Mexico you can get M Sport package in the 320i, 328i or 335i!