[StealYourFace]

Hey everyone, I used to be on the forum all the time when I was way into my e90 330i, but at 200k, its time to move on.

I work at a fantastic independent dealer, so getting what I want isn't hard... knowing what I want and understanding what I am getting into ... another story.

With the new 3er out, F30s are plummeting. We recently had a stunning 340xi m sport, I took it home for a weekend, it drove great, and felt light on its feet for an automatic xi.

I have an e36 track car now, so really I am looking for the most value, and just don't need or want the extra cost/gadgets that come with a 335/40i.... though I will miss that silky 3.0.

I prefer less nonsense like lane departure and all that crap, and have never wanted nav. If it has nav, fine.

I want a sport with a stick. The 320i sport seems like a tremendous value, especially used. 180hp doesn't bother me... I have driven/sold enough 320s and 328s to know The engines in those cars don't give me goosebumps, but I like the safety, visibility, and feel of a 3 series. Great commuter, road trip or hpde cars.

I found a clean carfax, 2017 track pack sport 320i with a stick and good miles for a crazy low price. I like that the track pack comes with the M sport brakes, not those crappy 12" brakes that come on a regular 320i, but the idea of the adjustable suspension turns me off - I would rather have fixed dampers....again more basic (we sell excellent ext warranties, I will be buying a 7 yr unlimited mile warranty with whatever I land on, so less options keeps the cost down a little).

I would be doing minimal mods - to make sure I have a crisp sounding stereo if it doesn't come with the HK; an exhaust/tune likely (mild for more reliability) and M3 lower control arms for some camber in case my M3 is suddenly out of commission and I take the 'new' car to the track instead. I would also get rid of the flimsy stamped rear toe and camber arms to tighten up the feel of the rear end.

I know there's not a lot of 320i fans on here but if I find a deal, thats coming home. besides the ugly single tail pipe muffler, does it have more cats/more restrictive Downpipe cat? I'd like a car that comes close to volume/sporty sound of the m perf n52 exhaust.

Finally, I would likely look for a set of 4 18x8.5 m sport wheels, any issues running those up front for the summer? and or course the narrow wheels in the winter for a set of snows.

Thanks for any input - that basically outlines what I am after.

[IAmATeaf]

So you’ve talked yourself into getting a 320i, well done.

[floridaorange]

I like my 320, and I've been in plenty of m3's and x5's msports.

[TheShadow]

Dear Diary.....

I'm not reading this blog, if you like the 320i and enjoy being slow then buy it. If you want to be fast buy a 335/340.

[StealYourFace]

Lol at the dear diary’s...I could have been more succinct - Figured somebody would toss an opinion in there, and an answer to the couple questions in there. Thanks regardless-

[danperson1]

My only feedback would be at get the I6, or at least a 28i/30i.

Sure the 320i is a great value but also the equivalent of getting a V6 Mustang. Yes it's a fine car but you might always wish you had the better engine and people who know cars will always judge you a bit. Just an opinion, if you are happy with it then more power to you

[Billfitz]

+1. If you look at what 320 owners post about it's ways to make it better, especially with regards to power. You can do it, with enough time and money to invest in it, but you more or less end up with what you'd have if you got a 330 to begin with.

[floridaorange]

True - I liked my 320 after the stage 2 tune, lowering springs, b8's, axle-back, upgraded wheels/tires. I couldn't pay cash for a low mileage 328 at the time we were adding a second child to our family so the 320 + modify as I go seemed prudent.

[Skyhigh]

I read the entire, "brief" post, but I must say I am confused:
- You are asking for advise, but have already defined what you want and what you want to do with it?
- You are mentioning track, but say you'd be happy with a 20i?
- You want a track pack, but you do not want half of it?

A bit frustrated I must say...

Fortunately, there is nothing wrong with either engine and I do not agree that one should always be looking for the biggest, just because you might be "judged" - you may be "judged" either way from people with a 4, 6, 8 series, as well as people with other superior brands, models and engines. Why does that matter.

If you are however looking for a nice balance between cost and power, I'd go with a 330i (or 328i). The price difference between 320i and 330i cannot be enormous, especially if you are willing to accept a car with no extras.

On that however - I'd strongly advise you to not buy just chassis, wheels and engine, but get some of those sweet things that make a difference every singe day. Of course each to its own, but I'd rather sacrifice engine for some extras. Nothing as sad as a basic vehicle.

Once, I drove a 118d loaner, basic to the backbone... All I was wondering while driving was how are they going to sell it and who would buy this cheap-looking, lacking even basic features "premium" badge vehicle I'd rather buy a KIA with full pack of options than an absolutely basic BMW.

Just something to think about. Even if you really don't care, some day you will most likely want to resell it... and you may struggle.

Bottom line:
- My advise would be to aim for a decently speced 328i or 330i. That would give you a perfect balance and value for money.
- If the above is out of budget, go for an (even better speced) 320i, but maybe forget about tracking.

[floridaorange]

Originally Posted by Skyhigh

I'd rather buy a KIA with full pack of options than an absolutely basic BMW.

:bs:

[ndx6spd]

Get whatever you want... especially if you found a rare combo for a solid price.

I'm just impressed that you found a 320i with MT and track pack... didn't even know you could get it with 20i. What is "sport" in 2017? M Sport?

[ndx6spd]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

:bs:

I'd probably agree... I think I'd be happier in a Hyundai with cooled, 20 way adjustable leather seats than in base sensatec seats for $40k. F30 wasn't a home run like E46.

[johnung]

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

Hey everyone, I used to be on the forum all the time when I was way into my e90 330i, but at 200k, its time to move on.

I work at a fantastic independent dealer, so getting what I want isn't hard... knowing what I want and understanding what I am getting into ... another story.

With the new 3er out, F30s are plummeting. We recently had a stunning 340xi m sport, I took it home for a weekend, it drove great, and felt light on its feet for an automatic xi.

I have an e36 track car now, so really I am looking for the most value, and just don't need or want the extra cost/gadgets that come with a 335/40i.... though I will miss that silky 3.0.

I prefer less nonsense like lane departure and all that crap, and have never wanted nav. If it has nav, fine.

I want a sport with a stick. The 320i sport seems like a tremendous value, especially used. 180hp doesn't bother me... I have driven/sold enough 320s and 328s to know The engines in those cars don't give me goosebumps, but I like the safety, visibility, and feel of a 3 series. Great commuter, road trip or hpde cars.

I found a clean carfax, 2017 track pack sport 320i with a stick and good miles for a crazy low price. I like that the track pack comes with the M sport brakes, not those crappy 12" brakes that come on a regular 320i, but the idea of the adjustable suspension turns me off - I would rather have fixed dampers....again more basic (we sell excellent ext warranties, I will be buying a 7 yr unlimited mile warranty with whatever I land on, so less options keeps the cost down a little).

I would be doing minimal mods - to make sure I have a crisp sounding stereo if it doesn't come with the HK; an exhaust/tune likely (mild for more reliability) and M3 lower control arms for some camber in case my M3 is suddenly out of commission and I take the 'new' car to the track instead. I would also get rid of the flimsy stamped rear toe and camber arms to tighten up the feel of the rear end.

I know there's not a lot of 320i fans on here but if I find a deal, thats coming home. besides the ugly single tail pipe muffler, does it have more cats/more restrictive Downpipe cat? I'd like a car that comes close to volume/sporty sound of the m perf n52 exhaust.

Finally, I would likely look for a set of 4 18x8.5 m sport wheels, any issues running those up front for the summer? and or course the narrow wheels in the winter for a set of snows.

Thanks for any input - that basically outlines what I am after.

You seem like you've made decisions on most things. Definitely go with 18" wheels since you'll have the option to upgrade to M Sport/M Performance brakes if you want. Plus they have both looks and can handle rough roads better than 19"/20".
Don't think you want to go 8.5" on front. Fitment issues I believe. Staggered wasn't worth the hassle to me. I've got BMW 400M wheels in square 18"x8.0". You can upgrade to 245/45-18 for best comfort and fills up wheel gap to appear lowered without doing so. Or 245/40-18 for optimal handling. I always thought that I'd like staggered better but 245 square looks better and handles better than 225/255 staggered. The wider front tires help to make steering feel tighter too.

Summer Michelin Pilot Sport 4S are amazing in 245's. For winter I went with Michelin X-Ice i3 in stock size 225/45-18 but since you get so much snow you may want to consider Blizzak WS90 in 225/45-18.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

[StealYourFace]

Last post helps a lot thanks-

As did most of the others in some way..
Whoever got the inpression that thisncar would see regular track time, I guess I was t clear- I wpuld onlybbe taking the car to the glen if the m3 was down.
Otherwise I’ll post pics once a 328i or 320i shows up that I love and want to own for the next 5-8 years.

[ndx6spd]

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

Last post helps a lot thanks-

As did most of the others in some way..
Whoever got the inpression that thisncar would see regular track time, I guess I was t clear- I wpuld onlybbe taking the car to the glen if the m3 was down.
Otherwise I’ll post pics once a 328i or 320i shows up that I love and want to own for the next 5-8 years.

OP:

I found a clean carfax, 2017 track pack sport 320i with a stick and good miles for a crazy low price.

WTF was the point of this thread then

[chuckr]

I have the 2018 320i w/Msport pack. It’s an automatic but with the JB+ it is a blast to drive.
Great gas mileage, very balanced and comfortable. I would take the 320i w/Sport PAC over a 330i bone stock any day !

[hybris]

Not sure when B48 came to the states, but at least in Europe a 2017 model would mean a B48 engine in a 320i, which you can tune to 50% more power with BM3 (so basically 330 territory), so that's worth considering.

[eluded]

And boooooooom.

[Skyhigh]

Originally Posted by hybris

Not sure when B48 came to the states, but at least in Europe a 2017 model would mean a B48 engine in a 320i, which you can tune to 50% more power with BM3 (so basically 330 territory), so that's worth considering.

[The0pportunist]

I understand your dilemma.

If BMW kept with the old 330i meaning 3L 6 pot N/A - i would have jumped at it with both hands.

Sadly the only way for me to into a 6 pot was buying 335i / 340i.

If you are set on 4 pot, i would certainly drive both 320i & 328i as the difference is very noticeable. The inherent faults with these 4 pots shouldn't matter as you will have a warranty & a 2nd car while it's in the shop.

Good luck.

[Skyhigh]

What are „the inherent faults" with the 20i and 28i?

[AlpineX]

Originally Posted by ndx6spd

OP:

WTF was the point of this thread then

And where is your 320 track pack stick?