328Xi vs 335Xi

[johnnykuz]

The lease on my wife's Acura is up in another month and she has her eye on a new 3 series coupe. In trying to decide what to get, I have a simple question: besides the big increase in HP, is there anything else about the 335Xi that makes it worth the price difference to go with one over the 328Xi or are they both identical otherwise.

I've been doing some research myself and I'm torn between the two. I love the thoughts of that much power under foot but for an extra $5K or so, is that the only difference?

Thanks advance for everyone's opinion.

johnnykuz

[BlackXI]

I don't know of any differences. But if you drive the 335 and can afford it, you will love the engine.

[johnnykuz]

The extra cost is my concern. I ran some numbers for identically equipped 328Xi & 335Xi on the BMW website. For a 36 mo/30K mile lease w/$2500 down, the payments were:

328Xi $565/mo

335Xi $678/mo

Now, I'm not concerned about affording the extra $113 monthly now but I do plan to retire in a few years. If I'm 'forced' to retire early, always a possibility in current times, I may wish that I wasn't committed to that extra $113/ mo.

So in essence, I'm just trying to decide what it really gets me and if it would be worth it.

;)

[BlackXI]

The question may be - how do you drive? I don't believe there are allot of people out there that really push their cars that much or that often.

Most people would want the additional power, but do they really need it? Is 0-60 in 5 seconds v 6+ seconds a big deal for you? How often is it really an issue.

[johnnykuz]

The question may be - how do you drive? I don't believe there are allot of people out there that really push their cars that much or that often.

Most people would want the additional power, but do they really need it? Is 0-60 in 5 seconds v 6+ seconds a big deal for you? How often is it really an issue.

So far, that's what I'm beginning to believe, Is 2 secs less on 0-60 really that important to me. In my experience, I have always been more concerned about how balanced a car is.

Also, over on Bimmerfest, there has been much discussion about this very topic and of course, people with 335's love them. There are several issues though that are 335 specific & seem to keep popping up:

1. Fuel pump problems (one owner had 4 failures in 14 months!)

2. Rough acceleration/ idling when cold

Now certainly, #2 is minor and to an extent, can be expected with any really high power engine. #1 does concern me though, because my wife will be the primary driver of the car and the closest BMW dealer is 15 miles away.

Thanks for the input,

johnnykuz

[ibimmer346]

If you're getting the automatic transmission, keep in mind that the transmission is different on the two vehicles. I own a 335i and the transmission is really great. I've heard less flattering things about the auto on the 328.

[clintjg]

FWIW - I'm very satisfied with my 328xi. If it's your wife's daily driver I'm reasonably sure that she'd be satisfed with N52B30 and 230hp and 200tq on tap. Depending on how she drives she may even dislike the slightly laggy response of the 335 (unless she was always in sport mode).

[Beer Goggles]

Drive and see if you want the extra power, remember you get "options" standard with the 335 so it might not be that big of a price difference.

[BlackXI]

So far, that's what I'm beginning to believe, Is 2 secs less on 0-60 really that important to me. In my experience, I have always been more concerned about how balanced a car is.

Also, over on Bimmerfest, there has been much discussion about this very topic and of course, people with 335's love them. There are several issues though that are 335 specific & seem to keep popping up:

1. Fuel pump problems (one owner had 4 failures in 14 months!)

2. Rough acceleration/ idling when cold

Now certainly, #2 is minor and to an extent, can be expected with any really high power engine. #1 does concern me though, because my wife will be the primary driver of the car and the closest BMW dealer is 15 miles away.

Thanks for the input,

johnnykuz


I have not had any issues thus far with mine. I think some of these problems were on the first year of the 335 but have been corrected since.

From what you are saying, I would pass on the 335.

[Christos]

If you're getting the automatic transmission, keep in mind that the transmission is different on the two vehicles. I own a 335i and the transmission is really great. I've heard less flattering things about the auto on the 328.


+1,

Absolutely, I traded my 2007 328xi in because of issues with the AT. The AT in my new 335i coupe is amazing. The 328 has a GM AT, made in France and the 335 has a ZF AT , made in Germany.

[GreenThree]

No issues with my 328xi AT tranny. Smooth as silk :)

Test drive both, and see.

In the real world, 1.5 seconds difference in 0-60 is nominal - especially if it is her daily driver. Power seats and xenons come standard on the 335, where they are options on the 328.

I test drove both. IMO, the 328 is an extremely well balanced car that does alot of things well. Its has plenty of power and acceleration for me. Good luck.