[openwheelracing]

328i is not worth it. Get 335i, 340i or stay with 320i

[techn0ir]

Originally Posted by enchilada

I suppose the best course of action is to walk into a dealer and test drive both. The butt dyno is the only thing that can make a decision like this...

If you test drive both, you’ll be getting a 335i

Enjoy!

[bgalakazam]

Forget the 335i, just get a M3. Actually, forget the M3, just get the M5. Actually... see where this is going?

[enchilada]

Originally Posted by bgalakazam

Forget the 335i, just get a M3. Actually, forget the M3, just get the M5. Actually... see where this is going?

You're right - I should just get an M3. LOL

All kidding aside, a CPO M3/M4 is doable for me, but I honestly don't want the attention from cops, boy racers, and my insurance company. I also am saving for a house so not a favorable thought to drop too much cash on a car with bigger goals in mind.

I want good power, interior goodies that the 320i lacks, and looks that have longevity. A comfortable good looking date night car but one with good athleticism when the lady isn't with me. I want to keep the car for a long time.

I'm leaning towards a higher spec'ed M-Sport 328i or 428i w/ possible stage one in the future if I find I want more power.

[Just Ask]

My first venture into BMW was a CPO 2015 320i with Nav, heated seats, 18" wheels (dunno exact model but upgrades from 17"), and a JB Stage 1. 18 months and 20k miles later, traded it in on a 2012 335i - 36k miles - with all the bells and whistles missing from the 320i and it also had the MPPK from the previous owner. Wife thought I was crazy - trading in something still under warranty for something 3 years older and not under warranty. BEST DECISION EVER. The 335i was the BMW I should have purchased instead of the 320i, not simply after the 320i. The difference is that big, no make it that HUGE. Running MHD Stage 1 tune and getting ready to go FBO in the next 90 days. Don't shortchange yourself by not at least a 335i test drive; if you decide the 328i/428i is enough then so be it, but make the decision knowing all the available options and how they feel.

[enchilada]

Well, I decided against an upgrade.

I purchased a Dinan Sport Tune and will see if that satisfies me for now. I still have my H&R Sport Springs that have been in my trunk for over a year and plan to install those after I look into downgrading to 18" wheels from my 19" 351Ms.

Thanks all for the replies; I'll keep them in mind when the time comes up again!

[Kafkaesque328]

The Dinan should wake the car up considerably. Dinan stage 1 on a 320 is enough power to enjoy a daily driver.

[90rr]

I went from 328 to 335 and never looked back

[blk88verde]

Went from a 2014 320i (sport package) to an 2017 M240i. The B58 six is awesome. The car is a little rocket. Of course if you need a four door then the 2 series would not be an option.

[JJS]

Originally Posted by techn0ir

If you test drive both, you’ll be getting a 335i

Before I ended up with a 335i, I actually ordered a 328i - because there wasn't much of a difference in performance on paper. That is, until I test drove one from the yard, just out of curiosity. My order was changed there and then.

Life is too short for regrets.

[enchilada]

Thanks everyone. I just installed the Dinan Sport Tuner and the car is swooshy af! Reminded me of when I had my JB4 (which kind of scares me actually since I blew my turbo on the JB4).

A couple questions for those w/ experience with the N20 and Dinan Sport tuner:

1. Was the car considerably more swooshy after installing?
2. What setting is default?
- The app only works w/ Bluetooth 4.0. Currently trying to source a spare
phone since my phone is Bluetooth 5.0. Just curious at what setting I am at.
3. Any supporting modifcation that will help keep my engine healthy? She's a little high mileage (77k) and has had a turbo replacement in the past already.

[Who?]

Originally Posted by enchilada

Thanks everyone. I just installed the Dinan Sport Tuner and the car is swooshy af! Reminded me of when I had my JB4 (which kind of scares me actually since I blew my turbo on the JB4).

A couple questions for those w/ experience with the N20 and Dinan Sport tuner:

1. Was the car considerably more swooshy after installing?
2. What setting is default?
- The app only works w/ Bluetooth 4.0. Currently trying to source a spare
phone since my phone is Bluetooth 5.0. Just curious at what setting I am at.
3. Any supporting modifcation that will help keep my engine healthy? She's a little high mileage (77k) and has had a turbo replacement in the past already.

do frequent oil changes (i do mine every year or every 10k km)
keep your ear out for N20 timing chain signs, let your car warm up before WOT

some simple things that far too often get ignored..

i had a tuned n20 for many years, and never had issues

[CntryClub007]

Originally Posted by enchilada

Thanks everyone. I just installed the Dinan Sport Tuner and the car is swooshy af! Reminded me of when I had my JB4 (which kind of scares me actually since I blew my turbo on the JB4).

A couple questions for those w/ experience with the N20 and Dinan Sport tuner:

1. Was the car considerably more swooshy after installing?
2. What setting is default?
- The app only works w/ Bluetooth 4.0. Currently trying to source a spare
phone since my phone is Bluetooth 5.0. Just curious at what setting I am at.
3. Any supporting modifcation that will help keep my engine healthy? She's a little high mileage (77k) and has had a turbo replacement in the past already.

Out of my curiosity - what is a more "swooshing" sound? Are you saying you can hear the turbo more or the car is a bit more peppy and the throttle response is improved?

[GarlicBread]

320 to 328 is not a big enough difference to deal with changing. Stay with 320 or as others have said upgrade to 335/340

[enchilada]

Originally Posted by CntryClub007

Out of my curiosity - what is a more "swooshing" sound? Are you saying you can hear the turbo more or the car is a bit more peppy and the throttle response is improved?

Yep, more turbo spool noise is audile in Sport+ while accelerating as well as when shifting gears. It's definitely related to the tune as when I place the tune to "Stock" the sounds are nearly inaudible. In "Sport+" I can still hear it from inside the car, windows up, radio off.

Can anyone answer whether this tune was meant to be changed "on the fly"? I dont want to be doing any engine damange by changing down to "Stock" settings while on longer highway stretches, then bumping back up to "Sport" or "Sport+" to give me extra power on surface streets.

[Kafkaesque328]

Originally Posted by enchilada

Yep, more turbo spool noise is audile in Sport+ while accelerating as well as when shifting gears. It's definitely related to the tune as when I place the tune to "Stock" the sounds are nearly inaudible. In "Sport+" I can still hear it from inside the car, windows up, radio off.

Can anyone answer whether this tune was meant to be changed "on the fly"? I dont want to be doing any engine damange by changing down to "Stock" settings while on longer highway stretches, then bumping back up to "Sport" or "Sport+" to give me extra power on surface streets.

You won't do any damage. Sport+ isn't just different mapping for the transmission and greater throttle sensitivity while disabling traction control. It also changes the nature of the fake engine sound that is piped into the cabin under WOT. Its all just different algorithms, etc. You can change modes all day long and it won't hurt anything. And anyway it doesnt matter. I know you think you are going to have the car forever or something but the truth is, like most people, you wont have the car long enough for anything to hurt it. It won't be until some poor guy who is like the 3rd owner and buys the car on CL for like $5k, will there be any problems. You'll be on your 3rd car by then. Life is short.

[enchilada]

Originally Posted by Kafkaesque328

You won't do any damage. Sport+ isn't just different mapping for the transmission and greater throttle sensitivity while disabling traction control. It also changes the nature of the fake engine sound that is piped into the cabin under WOT. Its all just different algorithms, etc. You can change modes all day long and it won't hurt anything. And anyway it doesnt matter. I know you think you are going to have the car forever or something but the truth is, like most people, you wont have the car long enough for anything to hurt it. It won't be until some poor guy who is like the 3rd owner and buys the car on CL for like $5k, will there be any problems. You'll be on your 3rd car by then. Life is short.

Were you referring to the in-built modes for the car? I was referring to the modes on the Dinan Sport Tuner - it has different settings (Valet, Stock, Sport (+2 psi ???), Sport+ (+3 psi), Race (+4 psi). I was wondering if switching the tune's settings, mid-drive, in the Dinan Sport app, would cause issues.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by enchilada

Were you referring to the in-built modes for the car? I was referring to the modes on the Dinan Sport Tuner - it has different settings (Valet, Stock, Sport (+2 psi ???), Sport+ (+3 psi), Race (+4 psi). I was wondering if switching the tune's settings, mid-drive, in the Dinan Sport app, would cause issues.

The Dinan Sport Tuner manual clearly states the following:

"PLEASE NOTE that you should only change the performance setting when the car is off (ignition on, engine off)."

[enchilada]

Originally Posted by adhrp

The Dinan Sport Tuner manual clearly states the following:

"PLEASE NOTE that you should only change the performance setting when the car is off (ignition on, engine off)."

Throw the book at me - I deserve it.

That's kind of inconvenient, but whatever, I'll stop switching back and forth from now on.

[aniks]

I was told that whatever BMW you buy, always get the largest engine that you can afford. So if you can get an M3, do it.

I recently had a chance to drive a m240i and fell in love with the engine/car. So I'm sure you'd love that more than the 28i. It's a huge upgrade! Not only is it quicker, but the 6 cylinder has an engine noise. Sure it's not as great as BMW's of past, but hell my 328i is pretty silent and I wish I had real engine noises vs the stuff that comes from the speakers.

[enchilada]

Originally Posted by aniks

I was told that whatever BMW you buy, always get the largest engine that you can afford. So if you can get an M3, do it.

I recently had a chance to drive a m240i and fell in love with the engine/car. So I'm sure you'd love that more than the 28i. It's a huge upgrade! Not only is it quicker, but the 6 cylinder has an engine noise. Sure it's not as great as BMW's of past, but hell my 328i is pretty silent and I wish I had real engine noises vs the stuff that comes from the speakers.

I've postponed all thoughts of actual car upgrade until late this year (end of year sales) or early next year. Currently working on getting a new, higher paying, role transfer, as well as a move to Austin, TX (which will be cheaper than DTLA where I currently live). Plus, I have some stocks that are vesting in that time frame to give me more flexibility - although I'd be an idiot to sell it for a car...

I think it's worth waiting to be in a better financial position so that I don't have to make the "328i or 335i" compromises that I was considering before.

Also, I need a 4 door. My dog owns the back seats.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by enchilada

I've postponed all thoughts of actual car upgrade until late this year (end of year sales) or early next year.

If you can wait 3 years, a CPO M340i would be totally worth it. I had my mind set on a M240i as a replacement to my 328i, but I'm pretty sure that once I see the M340i, that's the one I'm going to get.