320i xDrive

[anvog]

I'm thinking about purchasing one of these. Is there really that big of a difference between this model and the 328i xDrive when it comes to power and options? I want to get the Lighting package(because of the Xenon) and the Sport package (because of the M features). I noticed that the only way to get the moon roof is by ordering the Premium package, is that true? As far as the seats is there a big difference between leather and leatherette? (which I presume is fake leather)?

[floydr]

I'm thinking about purchasing one of these. Is there really that big of a difference between this model and the 328i xDrive when it comes to power and options? I want to get the Lighting package(because of the Xenon) and the Sport package (because of the M features). I noticed that the only way to get the moon roof is by ordering the Premium package, is that true? As far as the seats is there a big difference between leather and leatherette? (which I presume is fake leather)?

Actually, the only difference *IS* power and options. The number of options is quite restricted on the 320i, as you have noticed.

[anvog]

Actually, the only difference *IS* power and options. The number of options is quite restricted on the 320i, as you have noticed.

The only way to get a moon roof is to order the $3,200 premium option?

[anvog]

Anyone?

[floydr]

Anyone?

Don't get your underpants all in a wad. It's Sunday, most people won't be posting for a while, and traffic on this site isn't heavy anyway.

My guess is: yes, you have to order premium. Check on bmwconfig.com

[anvog]

Don't get your underpants all in a wad. It's Sunday, most people won't be posting for a while, and traffic on this site isn't heavy anyway.

My guess is: yes, you have to order premium. Check on bmwconfig.com

That's laim. A $3,200 option for a moon roof.

[rolltidef30]

That's laim. A $3,200 option for a moon roof.

There's more than a moon roof in the package, but you really aren't sounding like a BMW guy. It's a luxury car, so yes you have to pay for the privilege.

Scion makes a very nice and sporty car the FR-S I think. The Subaru version is the BRZ. Both are very good, fun, entry sport cars with a nice manual. Try one out, they are great.

[anvog]

There's more than a moon roof in the package, but you really aren't sounding like a BMW guy. It's a luxury car, so yes you have to pay for the privilege.

Scion makes a very nice and sporty car the FR-S I think. The Subaru version is the BRZ. Both are very good, fun, entry sport cars with a nice manual. Try one out, they are great.

I know, but I do not need nor would I use those other options. Not looking for a 2 door geared for teenagers. My last luxury car before my Highlander was a ML63 so I know luxury.

[rolltidef30]

I know, but I do not need nor would I use those other options. Not looking for a 2 door geared for teenagers. My last luxury car before my Highlander was a ML63 so I know luxury.

Well, I understand, but I think most of us see the 320i as a poseur car. I say that because there is no advantage to it other than to say "I drive a BMW. It doesn't even get more MPG. So, on a Forum full of enthusiasts, we would always want more power until the point of diminishing returns, which we see more of in the small difference between the 328i and the 335i. Not much of a gain there except to say "I've got the I-6". Which is fine.

If I only had $35K and wanted a 4 door, I'd likely get an Acura TSX which is one hell of a car for the money. Other than that, the Passat is awesome.

[anvog]

Well, I understand, but I think most of us see the 320i as a poseur car. I say that because there is no advantage to it other than to say "I drive a BMW. It doesn't even get more MPG. So, on a Forum full of enthusiasts, we would always want more power until the point of diminishing returns, which we see more of in the small difference between the 328i and the 335i. Not much of a gain there except to say "I've got the I-6". Which is fine.

If I only had $35K and wanted a 4 door, I'd likely get an Acura TSX which is one hell of a car for the money. Other than that, the Passat is awesome.

I thought the same. Between the 320 & 328 there is maybe a $6-$8k difference. Much less power on the 320....but in the age of saving gas even BMW wants a piece of those buyers before they go elsewhere.

[floydr]

Well, I understand, but I think most of us see the 320i as a poseur car. I say that because there is no advantage to it other than to say "I drive a BMW. It doesn't even get more MPG. So, on a Forum full of enthusiasts, we would always want more power until the point of diminishing returns,....

I don't think you understand the term "enthusiast" and I totally disagree with the "poseur" characterization.

Saying it's not "enthusiast" totally ignores the fact that there are many people out there that spank people driving 335i and even M3's on tracks all the time while driving less powerful cars. There is a large segment of car owners that buy Miatas, FR/S, even new Camaros and other pony cars that cost less and go good. They aren't enthusiasts?:nono

And "poseur"? Please. You're a poseur for believing that big numbers are better and that more HP and doodads are good. This forum is one for BMW enthusiasts, and that encompasses anyone who appreciates their design and realization, and that has nothing to do with "my car ET's faster than yours".

[Jamesons Viggen]

Well, I understand, but I think most of us see the 320i as a poseur car. I say that because there is no advantage to it other than to say "I drive a BMW. It doesn't even get more MPG. So, on a Forum full of enthusiasts, we would always want more power until the point of diminishing returns, which we see more of in the small difference between the 328i and the 335i. Not much of a gain there except to say "I've got the I-6". Which is fine.

If I only had $35K and wanted a 4 door, I'd likely get an Acura TSX which is one hell of a car for the money. Other than that, the Passat is awesome.


The best thing about the 320 is the offering of the Sport package which if offered on the 328 would kill the Sport Line off.

It's like $1300 and you get the MSport steering wheel, Sports seats, Zhp shift knob, 18" mixed wheels and summer tires, 704 Sports suspension, black headliner, and 155mph limiter. Option the car with that, minimal options and a 6mt, then buy BMS stage 2 which nets about 270whp and you have a pretty sporting 3 series for $35k.

[floydr]

I thought the same. Between the 320 & 328 there is maybe a $6-$8k difference. Much less power on the 320....but in the age of saving gas even BMW wants a piece of those buyers before they go elsewhere.

The 3-series has become quite expensive, for many reasons both historical and market-related. I think more so now than in the past; partly driven by it's up-sizing. I've been contemplating buying either a 3-series wagon or the X1, which is $10K less for a similarly-equipped 328xit (fewer tech goodies, perhaps). I would suggest you check one out - the X1 is the same size as a wagon, btw.

[blkphnx]

The only way to get a moon roof is to order the $3,200 premium option?


You should be able to get the moonroof without getting the Premium package. Also, you can get heated front seats without getting leather or the cold weather package. I ordered my 328i with no packages but with the moonroof and heated seats, as well as a manual transmission.

Just ask the dealer.

[Pyewacket69]

You should be able to get the moonroof without getting the Premium package. Also, you can get heated front seats without getting leather or the cold weather package. I ordered my 328i with no packages but with the moonroof and heated seats, as well as a manual transmission.

Just ask the dealer.

The moonroof on a 2013 320i is available for $1050.00, according to the build option on the BMWUSA web site.

Seems simple enough...

[anvog]

You should be able to get the moonroof without getting the Premium package. Also, you can get heated front seats without getting leather or the cold weather package. I ordered my 328i with no packages but with the moonroof and heated seats, as well as a manual transmission.

Just ask the dealer.

Special order probably.

[anvog]

The moonroof on a 2013 320i is available for $1050.00, according to the build option on the BMWUSA web site.

Seems simple enough...

Thanks

[anvog]

The best thing about the 320 is the offering of the Sport package which if offered on the 328 would kill the Sport Line off.

It's like $1300 and you get the MSport steering wheel, Sports seats, Zhp shift knob, 18" mixed wheels and summer tires, 704 Sports suspension, black headliner, and 155mph limiter. Option the car with that, minimal options and a 6mt, then buy BMS stage 2 which nets about 270whp and you have a pretty sporting 3 series for $35k.

What's a BMS stage 2?

[Pyewacket69]

Thanks

http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/content/byo/byohome.aspx?namodelcode=13TI

Look under "Options".

[Jamesons Viggen]

What's a BMS stage 2?


It's an aftermarket piggy back tune. It is not covered under your warranty. If you have a failed front strut, they cannot void your warranty and blame it on the tune however.

[anvog]

It's an aftermarket piggy back tune. It is not covered under your warranty. If you have a failed front strut, they cannot void your warranty and blame it on the tune however.

All just to get more HP? Might as well get a 328...

[Jamesons Viggen]

All just to get more HP? Might as well get a 328...


It gives you near 335 power for about $500. 335 has 300hp at the crank/claimed, about 275whp, so for a 320 to have 270whp and weight 150+lbs less and you pocket the $5-9k difference. Not bad.

[anvog]

It gives you near 335 power for about $500. 335 has 300hp at the crank/claimed, about 275whp, so for a 320 to have 270whp and weight 150+lbs less and you pocket the $5-9k difference. Not bad.

How does it get it installed? Labor fee? Plus anything that voids warranty is something I'm always leery of .

[Jamesons Viggen]

How does it get it installed? Labor fee? Plus anything that voids warranty is something I'm always leery of .

Five minute install, no tools needed.

[anvog]

Five minute install, no tools needed.

What's the worst case scenario of installing this?

[blkphnx]

Special order probably.

As a matter of fact, it was, but mainly due to asking for a MT6

[anvog]

As a matter of fact, it was, but mainly due to asking for a MT6

What is an mt6

[blkphnx]

What is an mt6

6-speed manual transmission.

[anvog]

Is Premium fuel mandatory on the 320i xDrive and 328i Xdrive?

[AmazingJr]

That does not work that way. A 320i cannot meet the same horsepower as a 328i. Not the same internals.

[anvog]

That does not work that way. A 320i cannot meet the same horsepower as a 328i. Not the same internals.

Do they both use premium?

[Jamesons Viggen]

That does not work that way. A 320i cannot meet the same horsepower as a 328i. Not the same internals.


Only the pistons are different, 11:1 vs 10:1. BMS is able to get within 10-15whp of the 328 with the 320, only due to running slightly lower boost due to the pistons.

[anvog]

Is there a big difference in speed and power between the 320 and 328?

[floydr]

Is there a big difference in speed and power between the 320 and 328?

Depends what you mean by "big". An F30 320i is about as fast as the previous E9x 6-cylinder 328i, while the F30 328i is clearly faster. I'm pretty sure a good driver in a 320i will be able to take a neophyte driver in a 328i on a race course; so much of "fast" is experience.

[AmazingJr]

Lol what??? How is that even close to true at all? The E90 328i has 230hp and 200 tq and a 320i has 181hp and 199tq. Thats almost 50 horsepower and 1 less torque. What makes that as fast as a 328i?

[AmazingJr]

And on top of that i would be pretty concerned about the reliability of that seeing as 10-15whp seems like a lot of trouble for BMW to go through if they need to make an entirely new piston design just to get that extra bit of power.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Is there a big difference in speed and power between the 320 and 328?

First mag test has the 320 running 6.7 to 60, 15.2@90mph. The 328 is more like 5.4-5.6, 13.8-14.2@98-100mph. So the gap between 320 and 328 is actually bigger than 328 vs 335. The 320 only runs about 8psi, the 328 is more like 18.


Lol what??? How is that even close to true at all? The E90 328i has 230hp and 200 tq and a 320i has 181hp and 199tq. Thats almost 50 horsepower and 1 less torque. What makes that as fast as a 328i?

The E90 328 is faster than the 320, but do not go by crank ratings of hp. BMW underrated the FI engines more than the NA. The 320 puts down more hp to the wheels than it is rated at the crank.
http://www.n54tech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13361&stc=1&d=1370469762

[anvog]

This is going to be my 1st BMW. The 320 and 328 look the same on the outside. I live in cold WI winters. Trying to decide on which one to buy.

[anvog]

Is there a huge difference between Dakota leather and the leatherette?

[Jamesons Viggen]

Is there a huge difference between Dakota leather and the leatherette?


No, very small. It looks very similar, and sadly feels very similar. It mainly smells different. I have had Dakota loaners and my wife said she was surprised that a $50k loaner had leatherette, she did not believe me that it was not leather till I showed her the sticker.

[anvog]

No, very small. It looks very similar, and sadly feels very similar. It mainly smells different. I have had Dakota loaners and my wife said she was surprised that a $50k loaner had leatherette, she did not believe me that it was not leather till I showed her the sticker.

Does anyone know if I would have to pay any other tax in WI when purchasing a $39k BMW ?

[AmazingJr]

Regardless, i would pay the extra few $ for a 328i. The 320i albeit a good car will not deliver the same performance as a 328i ever. The 328i engine is very good. I would go with that.

[madcrapper80]

I just bought and received delivery of a new 320i xDrive. I did not get the premium pkg, but did get the moon roof as an option ($1050). WRT to leather vs leatherette, I couldn't tell the difference, so the leatherette works fine for me.

Dealer inventory of the new 320i is limited, even more so when you start adding in color and desired options (and they are limited as someone else noted). You can order thru a dealer whatever options you desire, but should expect a 60-90 day wait. Just go to a dealer with the options you want, and they can search availability and inbound shipments to match--good luck.