[OldDudesBimmer]

Hi All, I've learned a lot from this forum and decided it was time to join after purchasing an F30. We also own an F10 with the same ZF automatic 8 speed transmission ('16 535i xDrive MHD/XHP tuned), so this is our 2nd BMW.

I took a chance on a 2014 328i xDrive (Imperial Blue Metallic/Saddle Brown, Luxury Line/Lighting/Cold Weather/Tech/Driver Assist packages, not sure if anything else). Dealer just put on 4 new tires, new brakes all around (pads, rotors, fluid), plus a new battery. It has been well maintained, but I still grabbed a 3rd party powertrain warranty for 3/36,000 (it's an older BMW with an N20 ).

So yes, I did know about the N20 timing chain issues, extended BMW warranty, class action etc. This one is outside of the extended period now, I believe, since it has 81k and over 8 years since original purchase. It had 2 prior owners and has good maintenance records/history with a reputable dealer (oil changes 8k or less). Timing chain was discussed and documented with the same dealer. They checked and found no issues. I also checked and there is not any whine or obvious damage to guides etc. The chain is tight and appears to have minimal wear. They verified that there is not a defined time to change the timing chain and confirmed that the 3rd party Powertrain coverage would indeed apply if it ever needed maintenance, or if something worse happened. I'm likely to let her go and then report to the dealer if there are any issues. Perhaps a gamble, but I opted for the Powertrain warranty over spending $ for TC maintenance. This way, I will be covered for this or if I have turbo, xDrive xfer case or other powertrain issues.

Here are few obligatory pics. Hope they show up OK. I would have preferred the Sport Line for the wheels, but I don't mind the old school look of the Lux Line 416's. We also need 18's for Winters here and they are in great shape after fixing a few curb rash spots. Car was already in great shape, but I did full detailing with 2 step paint correction, headlight lens restoration etc.

Looking forward to learning more from the folks here. Cheers.

[tturedraider]

Congrats! Good looking car!

[Fredo]

Congrats, man ! Imperial Blue on saddle brown is a nice combo.

[OldDudesBimmer]

Thanks for the replies, I really dig this color combo. Such a nice fit for the Luxury Line models too.

[Shllshck]

Best color combo! Well I’m biased. That’s the combo on my 428i GC, Imperial Blue with Dakota Saddle Brown.

[sygazelle]

Welcome.

I went from driving BMW 5ers for over 20 years to my 2014 328i. I love the 5 series, but over the years they've grown so much I decided to step down to the F30 and I'm sure glad I did. Hopefully, you will enjoy the size and handling of your new (to you) F30 vs your current 535. Both wonderful cars. How can you possibly go wrong?! I love your color combination. That's for sharing your photos. Good luck!

[OldDudesBimmer]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

Welcome.

I went from driving BMW 5ers for over 20 years to my 2014 328i. I love the 5 series, but over the years they've grown so much I decided to step down to the F30 and I'm sure glad I did. Hopefully, you will enjoy the size and handling of your new (to you) F30 vs your current 535. Both wonderful cars. How can you possibly go wrong?! I love your color combination. That's for sharing your photos. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply. I think you are spot on! They are both wonderful cars for their own reasons. Both models have grown in size over the years, and I agree the 5 has become quite large in modern form. While the 535i is more luxurious, comfortable, powerful, smooth, larger trunk/back seat etc, I have missed having a smaller car. The 3 is great for running around town, getting in tighter parking spaces etc. I can see myself grabbing the keys to the 328i in most cases, except for long trips with other people. Fuel economy is pretty good and it is fun to drive. I was able to get ~35mpg on on short 2 hour road trip, and city mpg seems to be fairly decent as well.

[OldDudesBimmer]

Another great thing about having an F30 and F10...I can use the same MHD WiFi ODB port dongle and Bimmerlink, Bimmercode! I can also use the same dongle for XHP or ECU flash tuning, like I do on the 535i, if I want to go that direction in the future. This is the first time I've ever been able to share goodies like this with a 2nd car...someone please tell the wife I am saving $, haha!

On the F30, it was interesting to find our 2014 328i had Active Sound Design when our 2016 F10 did not. Not a big fan, it kind of sounded like an older non-turbo VW to me, so I've coded that out. I also put in a drop-in K&N filter and added a Dinan Sport piggyback set at the modest +2 PSI setting. Now it is a bit peppier, but still smooth, and sounds much cleaner. I like to hear my engine to stay on top of things, not the fake sound. This will be a good modest setup for a while, at least for the next year as we feel this car out.

I'm very familiar with Burger and their Juice Boxes. I had a VW Golf I worked on with them to push the gen 3 EA888 1.8T Golf platform. Almost hit 300whp on E25 fueling. Great reliable little car until I sold it. But, I may not go that direction with the 328i, even though Burger has great products for BMW. In the future, I may go with BM3 or another flash tune. I really do wish MHD had a flash tune for the N20. More-so for me, the XHP trans flash very tempting to do sooner than later, since I love what it did for the ZF 8AT in our 535i. If I do, I'll wait until after I grab a ZF kit and do the fluid/filter change. Anyone here with the XHP tune with the N20? I would love to hear your experience and thoughts. I run stage 3 XHP tune on the 535i and it is still a wonderful daily driver in comfort mode. Wondering how it mashes up with the N20.