[OldCrow7xx]

Hey guys- pretty new to all this still. Had my car for 6 months and I learned a painful life lesson: Weight matters more than power.

I love my 335XI but its so fricking heavy and a nightmare to maneuver in tight spaces in the city here. The 3850? pounds and long hood make it real hard to manage.

I did some research and it looks like a 328i M sport RWD Auto is only 34-3500 pounds...Really thinking that would make all the difference in how the car feels handles turns stops etc.

Has anyone else experienced this? I have seen the 335XI Auto listed as high as 3850 pounds and then I am 230 so its well over 4,000 with just one body in the seats.

I feel like dropping 400 pounds would make for a totally different driving experience?

Thanks

[Sportstick]

I can't address this specific plan for a 3 Series, but this is one of the very same reasons I chose 4 cylinder in my 2 Series. Extra weight over the front, whether from XDrive or more engine block, is working against the issues you mention. I think you will be pleased. BTW, in D.C., you should be fine with RWD and a set of Blizzak WS90 or Michelin XIce xi3.

[OldCrow7xx]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I can't address this specific plan for a 3 Series, but this is one of the very same reasons I chose 4 cylinder in my 2 Series. Extra weight over the front, whether from XDrive or more engine block, is working against the issues you mention. I think you will be pleased. BTW, in D.C., you should be fine with RWD and a set of Blizzak WS90 or Michelin XIce xi3.

I feel you man.
I did actually think about a 2 series as well, maybe its more the right size for me.
Just sucks because I have put so many parts and maintenance into the 3....

[OldCrow7xx]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I can't address this specific plan for a 3 Series, but this is one of the very same reasons I chose 4 cylinder in my 2 Series. Extra weight over the front, whether from XDrive or more engine block, is working against the issues you mention. I think you will be pleased. BTW, in D.C., you should be fine with RWD and a set of Blizzak WS90 or Michelin XIce xi3.

How big is the 2 series inside? do you have enough room to be comfortable and is there room for golf clubs / groceries/ gym bag etc. ?

[khj24]

Originally Posted by OldCrow7xx

How big is the 2 series inside? do you have enough room to be comfortable and is there room for golf clubs / groceries/ gym bag etc. ?

I can fit my set of golf clubs with some maneuvering, any more than mine and the rear seats need to come down, I haven't had a problem with groceries, even with a massive bag of dog food, with that said I don't see how a gym bag would be an issue.

[OldCrow7xx]

Originally Posted by khj24

I can fit my set of golf clubs with some maneuvering, any more than mine and the rear seats need to come down, I haven't had a problem with groceries, even with a massive bag of dog food, with that said I don't see how a gym bag would be an issue.

I am thinking that the better way to cut weight is to remove 2 doors than 2 cylinders lol

[Zanity]

If you're looking for handling, why don't you try the 4 series ?

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by OldCrow7xx

How big is the 2 series inside? do you have enough room to be comfortable and is there room for golf clubs / groceries/ gym bag etc. ?

I have a 2 and a 3GT (family car). I find I am equally comfortable in both...I really like the seats. As far as space for the items you ask about, I think you might need to have the seats folded down, but you should be fine. Bring your clubs to the showroom and check it out! I needed a family car but when I was buying for myself earlier, I drove the 2, 3, and 4 back to back, and for fun/handling/responsiveness, the only one I wanted to get back in was the 2, for what it's worth. You might feel the same. BUT, base 230i feels soft...at least MSport fixed steel suspension or Track Handling Package (badly misnamed, but really good content!). It goes against the spirit of what I said, but also try the M240i. At least, you'll get a baseline of handling, and with less weight upfront and the THP, a 230i with THP will handle even better.

[khj24]

Originally Posted by OldCrow7xx

I am thinking that the better way to cut weight is to remove 2 doors than 2 cylinders lol

Its definitely the more fun way of cutting weight haha

[MmmmmM2]

Originally Posted by OldCrow7xx

Hey guys- pretty new to all this still. Had my car for 6 months and I learned a painful life lesson: Weight matters more than power.

I love my 335XI but its so fricking heavy and a nightmare to maneuver in tight spaces in the city here. The 3850? pounds and long hood make it real hard to manage.

I did some research and it looks like a 328i M sport RWD Auto is only 34-3500 pounds...Really thinking that would make all the difference in how the car feels handles turns stops etc.

Has anyone else experienced this? I have seen the 335XI Auto listed as high as 3850 pounds and then I am 230 so its well over 4,000 with just one body in the seats.

I feel like dropping 400 pounds would make for a totally different driving experience?

Thanks

Ummmmm....Aren't the cars the same length?

I think what you are saying is you dislike AWD, and with that being said, I agree with you.

You will be down on power with a 328, but it will definitely handle better.

[OldCrow7xx]

Originally Posted by F30ZHP

Ummmmm....Aren't the cars the same length?

I think what you are saying is you dislike AWD, and with that being said, I agree with you.

You will be down on power with a 328, but it will definitely handle better.

Well yes, of course the hood of the 328i doesnt have an adjustable knob that optimizes its length for parking. The hood length is constant, but cutting 400 pounds may make the car feel more nimble and agile when parking is what I was hoping.

I think I am looking at the 2 series now, that thing is like 3200 pounds RWD with the N55 motor. I really dont need a sedan I was just future proofing for offspring but I will likely have a new car by then anyhow.

How does a 4 series handle?

[TheShadow]

Have you even tried suspension modifications before doing this?
Keep your current car and save for a m3/m4.

Personally the 2 series are just way too small for me. my 335i handles just fine tbh.

[OldCrow7xx]

Originally Posted by TheShadow

Have you even tried suspension modifications before doing this?
Keep your current car and save for a m3/m4.

What can be done to upgrade the m sport suspension?

[TheShadow]

Originally Posted by OldCrow7xx

What can be done to upgrade the m sport suspension?

Adjustable coilovers
lowering springs.

[OldCrow7xx]

Originally Posted by TheShadow

Adjustable coilovers
lowering springs.

I think I asked about that while back and someone pointed out the Msport was harder to modify.

[alohasurftoad]

a contributing factor is that the turning radius for x-drive is 19.2, whereas the rwd is 18.55. doesn't sound like much but it's actually noticeable and one variable i consider about a car.

[TheShadow]

Not sure, I think its the adjustable m sport suspension is the option that is hard to modify. Also the M235i even with weight reduction isnt THAT much faster. A novice would barely be able to tell in daily driving. Also I forget that you are xdrive. As alohasurftoad mentioned turning radius. I think you should try changing ur suspension for now and just save for a f80/f82. Most f30 guys say the first thing you need to modify is the suspension as it changes the way it drives completely.

[OldCrow7xx]

Originally Posted by TheShadow

Not sure, I think its the adjustable m sport suspension is the option that is hard to modify. Also the M235i even with weight reduction isnt THAT much faster. A novice would barely be able to tell in daily driving. Also I forget that you are xdrive. As alohasurftoad mentioned turning radius. I think you should try changing ur suspension for now and just save for a f80/f82.

I've seen my car quoted as high as 3900 and the m235 as low as 3200. Every review has a different number.

Even 3800 to 3300 is a massive difference. The m235 is quoted at +30hp too.

I feel like even 3700 to 3400 would be sizeable, especially with a power bump.

[OldCrow7xx]

Originally Posted by TheShadow

Not sure, I think its the adjustable m sport suspension is the option that is hard to modify. Also the M235i even with weight reduction isnt THAT much faster. A novice would barely be able to tell in daily driving. Also I forget that you are xdrive. As alohasurftoad mentioned turning radius. I think you should try changing ur suspension for now and just save for a f80/f82. Most f30 guys say the first thing you need to modify is the suspension as it changes the way it drives completely.

How much will springs help?

[TheShadow]

Originally Posted by OldCrow7xx

I've seen my car quoted as high as 3900 and the m235 as low as 3200. Every review has a different number.

Even 3800 to 3300 is a massive difference. The m235 is quoted at +30hp too.

I feel like even 3700 to 3400 would be sizeable, especially with a power bump.

Is the +20bhp power bump with MPPK? I believe so. You can get a bm3 stage 1 for $500 that will outperform that in terms of numbers. These are 2 different cars on the spectrum. You have to make a little sacrifice on paper stats for things like having 4 doors and a lot more room. My point is imo none of the weight or +20bhp stats outweigh me having more room in my car, better looking imo, and can make just as much if not more power if i do desire. Have you gone and done your research or are u just looking at weight and stock power. Go look at dynos of m235i vs 335i etc and u will see exactly what im talking about. Instead of going through so much hassle of all this trading etc, why dont u put in a good 3-4k into your car, bump up the power, put on some nice coilovers and see that u still have 4 doors and you wont think about smaller cars anymore. I wouldnt waste money downgrading or switching over unless you are moving up to a M

[OldCrow7xx]

Originally Posted by TheShadow

Is the +20bhp power bump with MPPK? I believe so. You can get a bm3 stage 1 for $500 that will outperform that in terms of numbers. These are 2 different cars on the spectrum. You have to make a little sacrifice on paper stats for things like having 4 doors and a lot more room. My point is imo none of the weight or +20bhp stats outweigh me having more room in my car, better looking imo, and can make just as much if not more power if i do desire.

No it's got that power OEM.

I assume with BM3 it retains a slight advantage? Or maybe maxed out tuned they are both basically the same.

I know the m235i has upgraded internals which allows for the factory HP bump but at 20psi each they are probably the same I would guess.

Either way it's a big drop in weight and equal power.

[TheShadow]

Originally Posted by OldCrow7xx

No it's got that power OEM.

I assume with BM3 it retains a slight advantage? Or maybe maxed out tuned they are both basically the same.

I know the m235i has upgraded internals which allows for the factory HP bump but at 20psi each they are probably the same I would guess.

Either way it's a big drop in weight and equal power.

Ok man, just make sure u do your research on what you really want and whats possible with your car before going through all this.
Was only trying to give u a few options to where it could make your ride more enjoyable instead of going through a hassle.