320i or 328i prospective buyer! Have some questions!

[AB87]

New to the forum, I signed up to hear from the current owners of 320i or 328i about their cars and the issues they have had and weather I should go with a 320 or 328.

328d has a very attractive torque and mpg but it is more expensive and is not an option for me, the mpg savings and the price difference even out unless you keep the car for a very long time. I plan to keep the car for 5/6 years.

my budget is around 17-18k. This tells me I can get a used out of warranty 2013/2014 320i or maybe a 328i.

I drive 200 miles a week just for work. Mpg is very important to me also but there is not a significant difference there. Sport package is a must for me, that steering wheel is great.

What are the common issues with these models for 2013/2014 model years? What should I look for?

based on the current used price of both models, which one should I go for? Please don't focus on the 60hp difference or the 0-60 time.

is this a reliable car?

[Pelican Parts]

Hello and welcome to the forum! I would recommend getting a 320i just because you'll likely find one with lower mileage than than the 328i. Both cars get excellent mpgs, esp if you're using the Eco Mode. I see that you're around LA; we have no affiliation, but check out BH BMW; they have a great selection of cpo's and will likely give you a good deal on one. If you have a car to trade in, that'll work in your favor as well (I got my 135i there and it worked out very well). Just my 2 cents...best of luck!

[AB87]

hello and thanks for your input. I will check them out but CPO cars are out of my budget, they are $21k+.

I am not trying to piss off people who own this model but I sat in my coworker's 328i today for the first time and the interior did not feel high quality to me at all and I felt I am in a japenese economy car, that silver trim on the dash looked and felt very cheap. I have a 2013 golf and its interior has higher quality and feel than the same year 3 series, how is this possible? I was very disappointed by the quality of the interior but I really like the exterior of the car. Also any drivers here that are 6' and above? Do you feel cramped in the car? I am 6'1" and I was in passenger seat and felt a little cramped.

[GCM]

Hi,

I was looking for cars and had the same doubts.
1. CPO is the best option if you're going to finance the car. BMW financials can get you rates as low as 0.9% while an standard used will go at least for double this. Landing money at 0.9% is almost interest free.
2. 320 vs 328: yes, there is a power difference, but it's not so big. The 328 does eveything the 320 does, just a bit easier. The main difference is actually the equipments. Some features are standard on a 328 while optional on a 320. If you compare cars with the same equipments, the difference will drop.
3. Mileage/condition: the 320 are usually in better shape than 328's.
4. Panel silver trimplate: Most of the cars I saw in Michigan had the optional wood trim (around ~$500 optional for a new car). This is a good option if you don't like the painted finishing.
5. Comfort/size: The 3-series is not your everyday sedan. It is a car clearly designed for people who want a sedan but like driving: the seating position, dynamic behavior, comands disposition, all of it points towards a car with second intentions.

I hope I gave you some clarity on it.

[tex2670]

3. Mileage/condition: the 320 are usually in better shape than 328's.

Where did you come up with this one? Even is this was true, how on Earth could you possibly know this?

[Tom T]

Probably a lot more 328's been sold & leased so better selection