[Danman5666]

So I've had a loaner 2013 320i with Premium Package for the past three weeks. I had to drive to Tampa for work so I've put close to 800 miles on it since I've had it. Just my impressions, compared to my E90 335i.

- I was very surprised and impressed with that little 2.0L engine. It can move if need be, but I think the next point helps out.
- That ZF 8 speed automatic transmission is great. If I decide on getting a new F30 335i, the sport trans with paddles I'm sure is even better.
- Handling is good - it's not my E90, which is a good and bad thing. However, I base this off of traditional driving, not racing/tracking.
- Seats weren't as comfortable as my sport seats in my E90. However, I expected this, especially with the non-bolstered sides and adjustable bottom.
- Standard radio isn't that bad, which was my concern on getting a new 335 w/o the H&K option. However, this is probably going to be a requirement for me still.
- Driving up and back to Tampa - averaged 36 mpg! This wasn't dallying around either.
- Lastly, my wife likes it better than my E90. Why? It's not as stiff and drives more comfortable. For her, it's not about a performance car. It's about a nice ride.

Honestly, for the smallest engine out of the line, it's been a good three weeks. I missed the pick-up and the "raw" nature of my E90, but it was nice to have a way to adjust the ride options.

Not sure why other E90 owners hate on the F series, I really think it's a great car. Furthermore, the 320i could be had VERY cheap. For a very cost-effective rear wheel drive car, this is a great deal.

Okay, I'm done with my blog session. Just wanted to share.

[Kafkaesque328]

Yeah, good car. I have the 320 with the sport package - night and day better than the base 320 w/non sport. Sport seats, M Sport suspension and M sport steering wheel + sunroof. Handles as good as my old e90 coupe but rides better and the transmission is fantastic. With the BMS Stage 1 piggyback I recently installed, it's also faster than my old e90. It was $32.5k new. Been getting 28mpg overall w/mixed driving. The engine isn't smaller BTW, it's virtually the same engine as the 328i, just detuned. Stage 1 +4PSI brings it up to 328 numbers. I'd recommend the car to anyone.

You won't miss it though once you're back in your e90 335, haha.

[openwheelracing]

320i with sport package would have blown you away then.

[Kafkaesque328]

Originally Posted by openwheelracing

320i with sport package would have blown you away then.

Yeah, the difference is pretty drastic.

[64-bit]

Originally Posted by Danman5666

So I've had a loaner 2013 320i with Premium Package for the past three weeks. I had to drive to Tampa for work so I've put close to 800 miles on it since I've had it. Just my impressions, compared to my E90 335i.

- I was very surprised and impressed with that little 2.0L engine. It can move if need be, but I think the next point helps out.
- That ZF 8 speed automatic transmission is great. If I decide on getting a new F30 335i, the sport trans with paddles I'm sure is even better.
- Handling is good - it's not my E90, which is a good and bad thing. However, I base this off of traditional driving, not racing/tracking.
- Seats weren't as comfortable as my sport seats in my E90. However, I expected this, especially with the non-bolstered sides and adjustable bottom.
- Standard radio isn't that bad, which was my concern on getting a new 335 w/o the H&K option. However, this is probably going to be a requirement for me still.
- Driving up and back to Tampa - averaged 36 mpg! This wasn't dallying around either.
- Lastly, my wife likes it better than my E90. Why? It's not as stiff and drives more comfortable. For her, it's not about a performance car. It's about a nice ride.

Honestly, for the smallest engine out of the line, it's been a good three weeks. I missed the pick-up and the "raw" nature of my E90, but it was nice to have a way to adjust the ride options.

Not sure why other E90 owners hate on the F series, I really think it's a great car. Furthermore, the 320i could be had VERY cheap. For a very cost-effective rear wheel drive car, this is a great deal.

Okay, I'm done with my blog session. Just wanted to share.

I own a 2013 335 MSport and i was also really impressed with the 2014 320 base loaner that bmw gave me the other day with 800 miles on it.

It does everything really well for a very good price, from power to driving experience and looks

If my budge would only allow me to buy CLA vs 320i I would take the 320i for sure.

Now I have to admit, after my x1 loaner Im a X1 hater for life.

[mlorenzo]

Definitely Go for sport package (Adaptive suspension with Dynamic Damper control) and variable Sport Steering!
And you will have all what you like on e90 on your new F30! It makes huge difference.
I have both currently F30 and E91!
Your wife will like it also, as she will drive in comfort or ecopro mode, that keeps comfortable ride.
Basically switching between ecopro/Sport(+) it is like you have two different car.

If you like good music in car go for H&K, for me worth every penny! So impressive. (play with settings to get what u like)

[Nick the Greek]

The 328i runs different pistons to the 320i
Also, don't confuse 'stiffness' for 'sportyness'. On a twisty road the e9x series car wouldn't see which way the f3x went.....

[focal]

The 320i sport package gives you m sport steering wheel? I noticed that in the Chris Harris review. Thought it was an error. That steering wheel is so much nicer than the sport line wheel. Another reason I maybe should have got a 320i loaded instead of a 328i sportline with minimal options.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Nick the Greek

The 328i runs different pistons to the 320i
Also, don't confuse 'stiffness' for 'sportyness'. On a twisty road the e9x series car wouldn't see which way the f3x went.....

Oh, I'd take that bet any day of the week.

[Nick the Greek]

Oh, I'd take that bet any day of the week.

I speak from person experience having come from an E90. It's interesting to note that a number of the US magazines have agreed with your position. I can only conclude that perhaps European spec f30s come with a different suspension set up, perhaps to accommodate the higher driving speeds that the car would be subject to here?

[64-bit]

Originally Posted by mlorenzo

Definitely Go for sport package (Adaptive suspension with Dynamic Damper control) and variable Sport Steering!
And you will have all what you like on e90 on your new F30! It makes huge difference.
I have both currently F30 and E91!
Your wife will like it also, as she will drive in comfort or ecopro mode, that keeps comfortable ride.
Basically switching between ecopro/Sport(+) it is like you have two different car.

If you like good music in car go for H&K, for me worth every penny! So impressive. (play with settings to get what u like)

I do regret not getting the HK on mine, not that the sound on my car is not good, but HK makes it more special.

[Efthreeoh]

I've driven both the ATS 2.0T and the 320i w/ sport package (both with manual trans), I preferred the ATS. It offered a better driving experience.

[focal]

I keep my cars too long to risk a buy like the ATS. If it was leased I would definitely have considered the ATS.

[ArchJR]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I've driven both the ATS 2.0T and the 320i w/ sport package (both with manual trans), I preferred the ATS. It offered a better driving experience.

I debated on that choice - ATS 2.0 vs. 328i - for a long time and several test drives. A short road trip in a friend's new ATS this weekend confirmed why I chose the BMW. The Cadillac is without a doubt more fun to drive on twisty roads, but the BMW is imminently better to live with.

Never mind the slow responses and confusing CUE setup, I could not live with the touch screen and glossy surfaces that instantly smudge and look dirty. Performance should be paramount, but the interior details matter just as much to me. That, and the fuel economy. We averaged 28 MPG on a route that would have returned 34 MPG in my car.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by JesseSRQ

I debated on that choice - ATS 2.0 vs. 328i - for a long time and several test drives. A short road trip in a friend's new ATS this weekend confirmed why I chose the BMW. The Cadillac is without a doubt more fun to drive on twisty roads, but the BMW is imminently better to live with.

Never mind the slow responses and confusing CUE setup, I could not live with the touch screen and glossy surfaces that instantly smudge and look dirty. Performance should be paramount, but the interior details matter just as much to me. That, and the fuel economy. We averaged 28 MPG on a route that would have returned 34 MPG in my car.

I drive a BMW because how they (used to) drive. I don't drive a BMW because how well the computer interface works. I spent the same amount of time in two loaners, a 2.0T ATS and a 2012 335i (both with automatics), which was over a week and 1,200 miles with each car on my daily commute.

While I find my E90 the best driving car of the three, the ATS was a very close second and the 335i was third. If I were in the need to replace my E90, the ATS would be my choice.

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by JesseSRQ

I debated on that choice - ATS 2.0 vs. 328i - for a long time and several test drives. A short road trip in a friend's new ATS this weekend confirmed why I chose the BMW. The Cadillac is without a doubt more fun to drive on twisty roads, but the BMW is imminently better to live with.

...

Interesting observation. I do not disagree by the way, but it goes to show how the landscape in this segment is changing so much. No one would have said that about a "BMW" and a "Cadillac" just 5 years ago.

[Falafel Combo]

Seeing how well the 320i is doing ($33k), do any f30 328i/335i owners feel ripped off after paying $50k - $60k essentially for a tune and some electronic gizmos?

[openwheelracing]

320 I is actually the midrange of the 3 series, the sweet spot of the lineup overseas. They have been enjoying this for a long time and we are finally seeing the light in US. If Mercedes hadn't sold well with the CLS we would never have the opportunity to see the 320i. BMW USA has been sitting fat and happy selling 328i as the "entry" level for a long time while in Her!any everyone drives 320d or 320i.

[34.50]

Originally Posted by openwheelracing

320 I is actually the midrange of the 3 series, the sweet spot of the lineup overseas. They have been enjoying this for a long time and we are finally seeing the light in US. If Mercedes hadn't sold well with the CLS we would never have the opportunity to see the 320i. BMW USA has been sitting fat and happy selling 328i as the "entry" level for a long time while in Her!any everyone drives 320d or 320i.

320i in the US is the "low" end model in that it is the cheapest 3 series you can buy here. The CLS is in a completely different class...that's a car that starts at ~$72k in the US. You probably meant CLA. The CLA here starts at $30k, which is somewhat close to the 320i price (~$3k difference). You get tradeoffs with the CLA - FWD, but it's also quite a bit more powerful than the 320i (28 more hp, 58 lb-ft more torque). If BMW ever makes a 2 series Gran Coupe, that would be in direct competition to the CLA.

[openwheelracing]

oops I meant CLA.

However, you missed my point that the 320i is actually the mid-range of 3 series World wide. The mis-conception that 320i is low end is only marketing from BMWUSA and lack of information of typical US buyers.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by Nick the Greek

I speak from person experience having come from an E90. It's interesting to note that a number of the US magazines have agreed with your position. I can only conclude that perhaps European spec f30s come with a different suspension set up, perhaps to accommodate the higher driving speeds that the car would be subject to here?

Nope, try again.

Most US mag tests are of DHP MSport/Sport cars or 704 mechanical sports suspension. There is nothing higher spec available from the factory on European cars.

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I've driven both the ATS 2.0T and the 320i w/ sport package (both with manual trans), I preferred the ATS. It offered a better driving experience.

The ATS 2.5 is the match up for the 320. Sure, the 328 won't handle or steer any different than the 320 you drove, but the added power is still nice and a fair comparison to the ATS 2.0. In 9 out of 10 tests, the ATS 2.0 LOSES to the 328. The 328 has a better drivetrain(auto or manual) than the ATS. BMW has done great drivetrains-pretty much a hallmark, so I value that even though the ATS may have a slight up in the steering and handling department.

[focal]

those on F30post like to modify their cars. The 320i will have way more options for appearance/tune/exhaust/interior/suspension and third party parts to personalize.

Sometime, the entry price point makes a difference at the time of buying but the fun is in the constant upgrading and modding of the car even if it makes ZERO financial sense.

Back in my MKIV Jetta days, we all modified to make it a "poor man's BMW". I calculated, I spent more than a 3 series in the end. Would I have been happy with a stock 325/330 instead? Maybe, but I have a feeling i'd have modified that BMW also. I have driven my brother's stock E46 of the same era as my MKIV Jetta and it's leaps and bounds better than Jetta ever was fully done up. My Jetta may be more distinctive looking but ride quality, steering feel and just overall dynamics were way more balanced.

A F30 320i starts as a BMW and it goes from there. The hardest thing to get when you start with a Jetta/GTI is the chassis. Aftermarket Suspensions work better on a better chassis. A 320i is a real BMW and if you're comfortable with a tune, you're giving very little up to the higher performing or spec'd out cars for daily driving.

conclusion, modify the BASE model of a good car, don't modify a lesser car to try to match a better car.