F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > Photo, Video, Media Gallery, Journals > 2015 328i Sports Wagon (F31)
Extreme Powerhouse
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-22-2015, 07:10 PM   #1
Mike.F31.MSport
Private First Class
105
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2015 328xi Sports Wagon (F31)



Introduction

I've been a Subaru fanatic for the last 10 years. I would eat, sleep, and breathe Subarus. I took them apart and put them back together. I autocrossed them and tracked them. It was glorious.

After 10 years of Subaru WRX and STI ownership it was time for something different. I spent a lot of time researching cars and going on test drives. In the end I ordered an Alpine White 2015 328i Sports Wagon with the following options:

- M Sport Package
- M Sport Brakes
- Dynamic Handling Package
- 441M wheels (staggered setup)
- Premium Package
- Lighting Package
- Navigation
- Heated front seats
- Black kidney grilles
- Hexagonal aluminum trim
- Gloss black highlight trim
- Black Dakota leather
- Alpine White paint

After a 7 week wait, I took delivery of the car on February 21, 2015. Delivery was great. My wagon was parked in a large glass room adjacent to the showroom. It was pristine and parked next to an i8 and other BMWs awaiting delivery to their owners. After signing the paperwork, the salesperson walked me through the car’s features. The forecasted snow storm started earlier than expected, so we wrapped things up and I headed home. Driving my brand new car home in a blizzard on summer tires was a poor decision, but thankfully I made it home without issue.

I plan to update this thread with pictures and stories of my BMW ownership experience. I’ve done this with my other vehicles and I enjoy browsing through those threads to see how things evolved over time.

Here are some pictures the day after delivery:




Last edited by Mike.F31.MSport; 04-27-2020 at 05:55 AM..
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2015, 07:17 PM   #2
Mike.F31.MSport
Private First Class
105
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Modifications
- US Mill Works front license plate bracket
- BMW Cross Bars with Thule components
- BMW all weather mats (Weathertech)
- BMW all weather cargo mat
- BMW 400m wheels (square) with ContiProContact 225/45/R18 tires (winter setup)

Table of Contents:
- 2015-03-08: BMW Cross Bars with Thule components
- 2015-03-09: US Mill Works front license plate bracket
- 2015-04-19: Torque App
- 2015-08-23: Thule Cargo Box
- 2015-09-06: New 400Ms for winter wheels
- 2018-02-11: Trackcross + video
- 2019-05-12: Bimmercode
- 2019-10-10: Oil change (no more free maintenance)
- 2020-04-25: BMW CCA Garage Goals Winner

1991 BMW 318is build thread: https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/for...ite-1991-318is

Last edited by Mike.F31.MSport; 04-27-2020 at 06:10 AM..
Appreciate 1
      02-22-2015, 08:22 PM   #3
tboooe
Brigadier General
tboooe's Avatar
925
Rep
3,089
Posts

Drives: F36 428i GC, E36 M3 - gone :(
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: The OC!

iTrader: (1)

Congrats. Love the wagons. Looking forward to your mods.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2015, 08:53 PM   #4
USC2000
Lieutenant Colonel
USC2000's Avatar
United_States
127
Rep
1,604
Posts

Drives: F30 328i M Sport
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: El Paso, TX

iTrader: (10)

Nice wagon. Can't go wrong with BMW mods.
Appreciate 0
      02-23-2015, 08:41 AM   #5
W///
Lieutenant General
W///'s Avatar
7434
Rep
12,293
Posts

Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SC

iTrader: (13)

Love it. As I was saying in another thread, I'm looking to replace my E36 M3 with an M2, but the more I wait, the more I think that's a mistake. Instead, I might pick up an F31 to replace my ageing 4Runner.

I'm really scared that the F31 will be the last Touring available in the US, especially considering they took the 5er Touring away. Kind of a last chance thing for me.

Just curious, did you consider the diesel?
__________________
Current:
16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT
08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT
07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT
99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
Appreciate 0
      02-23-2015, 10:47 AM   #6
Sean@PSI
Sean@PSI's Avatar
United_States
2124
Rep
5,011
Posts

Drives: 2021 IOMG M3 Sedan
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oviedo, FL

iTrader: (0)

That looks great! Will be interesting to get your feedback over time.
Appreciate 0
      02-23-2015, 01:45 PM   #7
VMRWheels
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
VMRWheels's Avatar
2037
Rep
25,989
Posts


Drives: BMW
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Anaheim, CA

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2013 BMW M3  [10.00]
2015 BMW M4  [0.00]
2013 BMW F30  [0.00]
2014 BMW F22  [0.00]
2013 BMW F06  [0.00]
Congrats! Love the wagons

Plan for any mods?
Appreciate 0
      02-23-2015, 02:18 PM   #8
KneeDragr
Lieutenant
41
Rep
516
Posts

Drives: Planning 2015 ED :)
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Arlington VA

iTrader: (0)

I thought the grey wheels would look darker, they are nice.
Appreciate 0
      02-23-2015, 03:24 PM   #9
Mike.F31.MSport
Private First Class
105
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by tboooe View Post
Congrats. Love the wagons. Looking forward to your mods.
Thanks!

Quote:
Originally Posted by USC2000 View Post
Nice wagon. Can't go wrong with BMW mods.
Thanks!

Quote:
Originally Posted by W/// View Post
Love it. As I was saying in another thread, I'm looking to replace my E36 M3 with an M2, but the more I wait, the more I think that's a mistake. Instead, I might pick up an F31 to replace my ageing 4Runner.

I'm really scared that the F31 will be the last Touring available in the US, especially considering they took the 5er Touring away. Kind of a last chance thing for me.

Just curious, did you consider the diesel?
Thanks! I didn't consider the diesel. There wasn't any particular reason I didn't consider it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by PSI View Post
That looks great! Will be interesting to get your feedback over time.
Thanks! Looking forward to giving feedback over time.

Quote:
Originally Posted by VMRWheels View Post
Congrats! Love the wagons

Plan for any mods?
No modding plans aside from a few BMW accessories. I'll be purchasing a cheap track car at some point. I'll modify that and keep the BMW as stock as possible.

Quote:
Originally Posted by KneeDragr View Post
I thought the grey wheels would look darker, they are nice.
Yeah, I thought the wheels would've been darker as well. I like the 400m wheels, but the M Sport brakes force the 441m wheel option on the '15+ 3 series. It also increases the speed limiter to 155, not that I'll be utilizing that feature.
Appreciate 1
      02-24-2015, 06:27 AM   #10
.BMW.
Major General
.BMW.'s Avatar
Sweden
1863
Rep
5,140
Posts

Drives: BMW F11/F31
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Sweden

iTrader: (0)

Beautiful wagon!
Appreciate 0
      02-24-2015, 07:41 AM   #11
spuntyb
Brigadier General
spuntyb's Avatar
United_States
4052
Rep
4,976
Posts

Drives: 2019 F90 Competition
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Looks beautiful! We also couldn't find a better wagon for the money, at least here in the US. Enjoy!
__________________
<b>2023 M5C SRG|Aragon || 2018 Macan GTS</b>

2019 F90 Comp MBB|Black (sold)
2018 F80 ZCP TB|SS (sold)
2015 F30 335 AW|CR (sold)
2015 F31 MG|CR (sold)
2011 E90 JB|Oyster (sold)
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2015, 04:42 PM   #12
Ryan@IND
Ryan@IND's Avatar
United_States
1756
Rep
7,651
Posts

Drives: ACR
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (18)

Quote:
Originally Posted by W/// View Post
Love it. As I was saying in another thread, I'm looking to replace my E36 M3 with an M2, but the more I wait, the more I think that's a mistake. Instead, I might pick up an F31 to replace my ageing 4Runner.

I'm really scared that the F31 will be the last Touring available in the US, especially considering they took the 5er Touring away. Kind of a last chance thing for me.

Just curious, did you consider the diesel?
You are my car twin. E36 M3 currently in classifieds and thinking about moving the 3rd generation 4runner for something of the wagon variety. E91 6MT preferred, but similar tastes

Great purchase OP. Hopefully it is a nice transition from the Subaru side of things.
__________________
IND DISTRIBUTION | 866-963-4520 • INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKFLICKR
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2015, 04:43 PM   #13
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
I was never a wagon fan but damn all of these MSport wagon's really look great.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2015, 05:26 PM   #14
W///
Lieutenant General
W///'s Avatar
7434
Rep
12,293
Posts

Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SC

iTrader: (13)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew@IND View Post
You are my car twin. E36 M3 currently in classifieds and thinking about moving the 3rd generation 4runner for something of the wagon variety. E91 6MT preferred, but similar tastes

Great purchase OP. Hopefully it is a nice transition from the Subaru side of things.
Both those cars are the definition of reliable, thus why I'm so reluctant to get rid of those cars for much more complicated cars. The 4Runner (especially mine) is just not worth a lot of money.

And E91 6MT would be great, but since I already have an E92 M3, I think I'd want to try something else. There was one that EAG has listed. Blue Msport with Saddle interior, 6MT. I looked at the pics for a good 30 mins
__________________
Current:
16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT
08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT
07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT
99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2015, 06:11 PM   #15
Mike.F31.MSport
Private First Class
105
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew@IND View Post
You are my car twin. E36 M3 currently in classifieds and thinking about moving the 3rd generation 4runner for something of the wagon variety. E91 6MT preferred, but similar tastes

Great purchase OP. Hopefully it is a nice transition from the Subaru side of things.
Quote:
Originally Posted by W/// View Post
Both those cars are the definition of reliable, thus why I'm so reluctant to get rid of those cars for much more complicated cars. The 4Runner (especially mine) is just not worth a lot of money.

And E91 6MT would be great, but since I already have an E92 M3, I think I'd want to try something else. There was one that EAG has listed. Blue Msport with Saddle interior, 6MT. I looked at the pics for a good 30 mins
This is the first time in 18 years I haven't had a manual transmission. If the F31 came with the N55 engine, manual trans, and RWD (in the USA) I would have one for sure.

Having said that, the 8 speed auto is absolutely fantastic. The paddle shifts are quick. It holds a gear when I want it to. I'm very happy with it so far.
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2015, 06:19 PM   #16
Mike.F31.MSport
Private First Class
105
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by ss0803 View Post
Beautiful wagon!
Quote:
Originally Posted by spuntyb View Post
Looks beautiful! We also couldn't find a better wagon for the money, at least here in the US. Enjoy!
Quote:
Originally Posted by smithf32 View Post
I was never a wagon fan but damn all of these MSport wagon's really look great.
Thanks! I'm a somewhat of a wagon fanatic. Previous wagons included the Subaru WRX Wagon, Subaru STI hatchback, and a mint 1993 Volvo 240 wagon (which I still have).

'05 Subaru WRX Wagon


'08 Subaru STI


'93 Volvo 240


When I was looking at replacements I was strongly considering the Volvo V60 R design and new Golf R. I ended up with the F31 and so far I'm very glad I did.
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2015, 07:04 PM   #17
spuntyb
Brigadier General
spuntyb's Avatar
United_States
4052
Rep
4,976
Posts

Drives: 2019 F90 Competition
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike.F31.MSport
Quote:
Originally Posted by ss0803 View Post
Beautiful wagon!
Quote:
Originally Posted by spuntyb View Post
Looks beautiful! We also couldn't find a better wagon for the money, at least here in the US. Enjoy!
Quote:
Originally Posted by smithf32 View Post
I was never a wagon fan but damn all of these MSport wagon's really look great.
Thanks! I'm a somewhat of a wagon fanatic. Previous wagons included the Subaru WRX Wagon, Subaru STI hatchback, and a mint 1993 Volvo 240 wagon (which I still have).

'05 Subaru WRX Wagon
[img]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3248/...825a277c_b.jpg[/img]

'08 Subaru STI
[img]https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/...8d902905_b.jpg[/img]

'93 Volvo 240
[img]https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/...54bd2713_b.jpg[/img]

When I was looking at replacements I was strongly considering the Volvo V60 R design and new Golf R. I ended up with the F31 and so far I'm very glad I did.
Same here, on being wagon fanatics, both me and my wife. My first car was an '84 Subie wagon with a manual. Nothing but hatchbacks and wagons since then, all MTs, except for a year in an E90 auto sedan. That and the one in my F31 are pretty sweet, all things considered. Not the same as rowing your own gears, but the flappy paddles are pretty great nonetheless. Awesome rides you had along the way!!

We toy'd around with the Volvo for a bit too, but just a little cramped in the end, and it just didn't have the balls the F31 does. Plus that center stack...there is an individual button for literally every feature, and it hurts my eyes.
__________________
<b>2023 M5C SRG|Aragon || 2018 Macan GTS</b>

2019 F90 Comp MBB|Black (sold)
2018 F80 ZCP TB|SS (sold)
2015 F30 335 AW|CR (sold)
2015 F31 MG|CR (sold)
2011 E90 JB|Oyster (sold)
Appreciate 0
      03-08-2015, 01:07 PM   #18
Mike.F31.MSport
Private First Class
105
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
BMW Cross Bars

I picked up a set of BMW cross bars for my F31. I've run Thule racks on my previous cars, so I already have a pair of Thule Peloton bike trays, a pair of wheel-on mounts (not yet installed in the pictures), a roof box, and other accessories. The BMW cross bars can be had for $200, which is a great deal compared to ~$500 for a set of Thule cross bars and foot adapters.

The BMW cross bars have a wider track than the "normal" Thule cross bars. To make my existing Thule components work on the BMW cross bars, I picked up 6 grade 8 washers from Home depot to slide over the Thule T-Bolts. Now everything bolts up perfectly and is secure. There is plenty of thread engagement left on the T-Bolts.

I only run the roof rack when needed. After loosening all 4 corner mounts, the whole rack comes off as one assembly, which I store via hanging on a wall in the garage. At some point I may pick up a fairing.











Appreciate 1
      03-08-2015, 06:13 PM   #19
Mike.F31.MSport
Private First Class
105
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Here are a couple shots with the Thule 593 Wheel On mounts installed:



Appreciate 0
      03-09-2015, 01:48 PM   #20
Mike.F31.MSport
Private First Class
105
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
US Mill Works Front License Plate Bracket

In Virginia we're required to display a front license plate. Prior to delivery, I requested that the dealership NOT drill the front bumper for the factory BMW plate holder because I had the intention of buying a tow hook style front plate holder.

After a bit of research, I pulled the trigger on a US Mill Works front license plate bracket. I ordered the the "lightened", "quick release" model. These options allow for more adjustability in mounting and do NOT interfere with the PDC (parking distance control) sensors.

I received it in the mail today.

First impressions: IT IS AWESOME. I read that this bracket is "over engineered" and this is true. The quality and craftsmanship is outstanding. Installation was a breeze. The videos on the US Mill Works website are thorough and helpful.







Appreciate 0
      03-09-2015, 01:55 PM   #21
tboooe
Brigadier General
tboooe's Avatar
925
Rep
3,089
Posts

Drives: F36 428i GC, E36 M3 - gone :(
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: The OC!

iTrader: (1)

That does look great. I will have to put that on my list when I eventually get stopped for not having a front plate.
Appreciate 0
      03-09-2015, 02:26 PM   #22
spuntyb
Brigadier General
spuntyb's Avatar
United_States
4052
Rep
4,976
Posts

Drives: 2019 F90 Competition
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike.F31.MSport
US Mill Works Front License Plate Bracket

In Virginia we're required to display a front license plate. Prior to delivery, I requested that the dealership NOT drill the front bumper for the factory BMW plate holder because I had the intention of buying a tow hook style front plate holder.

After a bit of research, I pulled the trigger on a US Mill Works front license plate bracket. I ordered the the "lightened", "quick release" model. These options allow for more adjustability in mounting and do NOT interfere with the PDC (parking distance control) sensors.

I received it in the mail today.

First impressions: IT IS AWESOME. I read that this bracket is "over engineered" and this is true. The quality and craftsmanship is outstanding. Installation was a breeze. The videos on the US Mill Works website are thorough and helpful.







I have the same one on my F31. It's top notch.
Attached Images
 
__________________
<b>2023 M5C SRG|Aragon || 2018 Macan GTS</b>

2019 F90 Comp MBB|Black (sold)
2018 F80 ZCP TB|SS (sold)
2015 F30 335 AW|CR (sold)
2015 F31 MG|CR (sold)
2011 E90 JB|Oyster (sold)
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:21 PM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST