[34dean]

I am considering a 2015 328i x-drive and 335i x-drive. Both have similar mileage (within 5,000 miles). Both with M sport packages, loaded.
Is it worth the extra $3,500 to go 335?

About my needs:
1. I drive 25-30K per year. Almost entirely highway miles. Need reliability.
2. I want something quick and fun to drive.
3. Would like to have a little growl to the car... sound sporty but not obnoxious.
4. Looking to get 4 years out of the car.

Thank you for your input!

[adhrp]

I have a 328i and I am plenty happy with its power, especially in Sport mode. A simple plug-in tune such as JB+ adds even more oomph. But cruising on American highways, how much power does one really get to enjoy? You will likely be in Comfort mode. With regards to reliability, it has been rock solid.

Either of the cars will easily go 4 years, most likely many more. The best thing for you to do is go test drive them both on a highway and then make your decision.

[sspade]

328

For less than the difference your speaking of, you'll be past 335 power.

Plus, you'll have all the fun of building/modding the car to your liking. For me... thats half the fun - more so if you can do the work yourself.

[BEM-S4]

328 for fuel economy if nothing else.

[bavarianride]

Is yours a N26? If so CT should have emission warranty on that engine lasting 15 years or 150000 miles, so that can be a factor to consider.

Also 328i is 50/50, while the 335i has 100+ extra over front axle. So that can be a consideration too.

[insanecoder]

Originally Posted by 34dean

I am considering a 2015 328i x-drive and 335i x-drive. Both have similar mileage (within 5,000 miles). Both with M sport packages, loaded.
Is it worth the extra $3,500 to go 335?

About my needs:
1. I drive 25-30K per year. Almost entirely highway miles. Need reliability.
2. I want something quick and fun to drive.
3. Would like to have a little growl to the car... sound sporty but not obnoxious.
4. Looking to get 4 years out of the car.

Thank you for your input!

Sounds like you want the 335 from 2,3 ..
and who knows if it was a well kept 335 it may last you 4+ years reliably

[34dean]

The first mod I would do to a 328 is an exhaust system with a bit of a growl. Down the road i might chip it for more HP. Would those two mods equal/exceed the extra $3,500 for the 335? I guess that's a major question for me to consider. That and how much extra MPG I will actually get from the 328?

Thank you

[tuco44]

Only your decision matters, not the comments on here; but I would go 335 without a doubt.

[rbol13]

Originally Posted by sspade

328

For less than the difference your speaking of, you'll be past 335 power.

Plus, you'll have all the fun of building/modding the car to your liking. For me... thats half the fun - more so if you can do the work yourself.

Or he could put some money into the 335 and have a car that is actually somewhat fast

[sspade]

Originally Posted by rbol13

Or he could put some money into the 335 and have a car that is actually somewhat fast

Then he'd be $5k + over the cost of the 328...

[alohasurftoad]

335

[Bill97z]

I'd go with the 335. You will most likely recoupe most of the cost difference down the road in resale and will appreciate the increase in power and a few more standard features, and you don't have worry about modding the car (328) and breaking weak links or voiding your warranty. I don't believe fuel efficiency varies substantially.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Bill97z

I don't believe fuel efficiency varies substantially.

Just a heads up for OP if you get the 335 then upgrade it the mpg goes to shit. My M235 is worse than my X5.

[pjkbrit]

335...I've had both cars...the 328 was worse on fuel BTW!! The 328 also sounds like a bucket of bolts at idle and it just gets worse the harder you work it. The 335 has far greater authority and will be worth more on resale. N20 timing chains are an issue too! it's just too high stressed a motor...plenty of power but it sounds like it's all about to join you in the front seat.

[34dean]

The cars:
328i x-drive/M sport/Loaded, 22K miles
$21,000

335i x-drive/loaded, 41K miles
$24,500

[sspade]

Originally Posted by 34dean

The cars:
328i x-drive/M sport/Loaded, 22K miles
$21,000

335i x-drive/loaded, 41K miles
$24,500

100% get the 328... take care of it... tastefully modify it and you'll have it for many many miles. Lot's of warranty left to get any bugs/failures taken care of.

Can you confirm its an N26? As someone above mentioned, those have A LOT of components covered up to 150k miles.

My dealer actually told me "if your check engine light comes on, chances are the repair will be covered."

That may be a slight exaggeration but still - theres got to be some value with that kind of extended warranty.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by pjkbrit

335...I've had both cars...the 328 was worse on fuel BTW!! The 328 also sounds like a bucket of bolts at idle and it just gets worse the harder you work it. The 335 has far greater authority and will be worth more on resale. N20 timing chains are an issue too! it's just too high stressed a motor...plenty of power but it sounds like it's all about to join you in the front seat.

Timing chain is NOT an issue if the MY is 2015 or newer...

[akf30]

I had an e90 328i which was freaking great to me and I still own it as a second car/spare. But, it was missing something, the power. When I was getting an f30 I test drove the 328,330 and 335, and let me tell you there was no doubt in my mind that the 335 was perfect. So I bought it, price was obviously higher, but it was worth it.

Definitely go with the 335 and take care of it. You won't regret it.

[adhrp]

As I expected this thread is going down split opinions on the 328i vs 335i, as these types of threads always do.

OP, other than weighing the experiences and opinions of the various 328i/335i owners here, as mentioned in my earlier post the best thing for you to do is actually go test drive each one. Buying a car is a relatively large expense and you wouldn't want to live with buyer's remorse when you could have simply gone and taken test drives.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by adhrp

As I expected this thread is going down split opinions on the 328i vs 335i, as these types of threads always do.

OP, other than weighing the experiences and opinions of the various 328i/335i owners here, as mentioned in my earlier post the best thing for you to do is actually go test drive each one. Buying a car is a relatively large expense and you wouldn't want to live with buyer's remorse when you could have simply gone and taken test drives.

This is a fair an honest suggestion. I dont honestly think you will regret either one... at the end of the day, youll be driving a sweet newish Bimmer...

[34dean]

Originally Posted by adhrp

As I expected this thread is going down split opinions on the 328i vs 335i, as these types of threads always do.

OP, other than weighing the experiences and opinions of the various 328i/335i owners here, as mentioned in my earlier post the best thing for you to do is actually go test drive each one. Buying a car is a relatively large expense and you wouldn't want to live with buyer's remorse when you could have simply gone and taken test drives.

[Billfitz]

Drive them both, no one but you can tell you what you like best.