[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

Harmon Kardon

I hate to be a party popper, but it's spelt Harman Kardon
Cheers

[BruceOmega]

SomeRandomer123,

I notice you used to own an E60. Can you comment on how your new 328i compares to the E60 in terms of handling, and also in terms of ride quality?

I own an E60 and am considering replacing that with an F30.

Thanks
Bruce

[southern6er22]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

Haven't really used Sport+ yet so can't really comment. I'd rather keep my car on the road than round a tree!

Hahaha. Same here. My car hasn't gone above Sport for just that reason. I haven't ready anything that indicates any advantages of Sport+ over regular Sport aside from the DTC being active and disabling DSC (i.e. limited traction and stability somewhere between all systems on and nothing at all). I drove several cars in Sport+ while at the Performance Center, and it was A LOT of fun drifting and burning some rubber, but it's a lot different doing that on a track compared to public roads. That's part of the reason why I got a 650xi. xDrive still gives me some RWD feel with the 40:60 front/rear power while working with ARS, DSC, and a million other systems to let me have my fun while keeping me away from that tree that you mentioned.

Glad to hear the different drive settings are working well for you. I pretty much never leave Sport because I love the noise of burning money that comes out of my M tuned exhaust and the quicker throttle response. Combine Sport mode with my use of the downshift paddle for no reason other than the roar from the rear, and you get amazing mpg (between 10.5 and 11.5 mpg is my average). The EcoPro setting would likely help... but that would require me to use it

Your video of Plugin is making me seriously consider the cradle. I'm going to hold off until my self-control completely deteriorates. Below is a video from my Blog/YouTube Chanel I did that shows how the iPod/iPhone integrate with iDrive without the cradle (just using the white Apple cable).

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by Mbauer

It's a nice car no doubt. The interior is way nicer! But I completely disagree on the electric power steering. Yes the steering effort is light, but it's too light. There is zero road feel in the car! It's starting to feel like a damn Lexus. If they used normal power steering and softer bushings it would fix everything. The N20 do far is pretty impressive even in the X3.

You don't like the steering effort even in "sport" mode?

To me it felt only a tad lighter than my 135i and E46 325i.
And both of those had/have hydraulic systems.

[JohnMan]

I'll be interested to know if there will be any issues down the road for your F30. If I recalled, the early E90s had problems with it's steering lock and ABS and other electronic gremlins. Let's hope that won't be the case for the F30.

[ahmedf30]

this car has the same specifications we have here in egypt! Great job bro

[vladberca]

M Adaptive Suspension and Variable Steering are a must for those that prefer spirited driving
Other than that I think F30 has a lot of great options and the engine range is very good too (both diesel or petrol)

Thanks for sharing such a complete/ great review!

[JamieA]

Congratulations on your new car, I feel like I have been able to share in your excitement and time of discovery by how well you wrote. Thank you for taking the time to post such an in-depth review, it was very helpful to me, and I look forward to my current lease being up in the next couple of years so this car can be on my shopping list!

[FANBMWM]

Originally Posted by 755MSL

How did you get the special Ipod screen to display? Is that through BMW Apps?

This through Bmw snap-in adapter for Iphone

[J1n]

Thanks for the great review..!

[EdwinF10]

great write up

[Gel214th]

Originally Posted by southern6er22

Glad to hear the different drive settings are working well for you. I pretty much never leave Sport because I love the noise of burning money that comes out of my M tuned exhaust and the quicker throttle response. Combine Sport mode with my use of the downshift paddle for no reason other than the roar from the rear, and you get amazing mpg (between 10.5 and 11.5 mpg is my average).

Awesome!! I thought something was wrong with my car. My MPG is about 11 to 16mpg with my style of driving as well! A loooong way off from the 42 and 30-something figures that I see people throwing around on these boards.

Often I feel as though at the end of a 30 minute journey the needle seems to move several tics toward empty. But car is just about 2 months old...so still enjoying it

I can't drive with Sport on all the time though, because in traffic it produces a very jerky ride.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by kaishang

Can I ask about the black panel display:

I drive on the continent a lot. Can you change the speedometer so that it is either in kilometres per hour only or km/h as the major scale with mph on the minor scale?

About the engine... I've also got the E90 330d SE. Overall, which one feels like it has more oomph? Is any difference in oomph engine alone, or the fact that the F30 has an 8-speed tranny?

Great review btw

Because the speedometer in the F30 is hardware, it cannot be changed to KM/H unfortunately.

Ooomph? Tricky question! Great engine isn't it
It's very difficult! For the absolute kick in the back I think it has to go to the 330d... for now. The 328i however is faster, but the torque deficit (520NM to 350NM) means it doesn't punch you every time you look at the gas pedal! Ooomph? Ahh, so hard to say! Ughh!
3....... erm... 28i. It's gotta be I think. Good question!

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by Gel214th

Excellent review. Tell me do you feel a rumble or a vibration going from first to second, then second to third?

Thanks!

A rumble? Nope, smooth as a baby's ass!
And getting ever smoother as it becomes more run in. In fact, the change can't be felt at all now it's bedded in a bit more.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by David325Australia

I hate to be a party popper, but it's spelt Harman Kardon
Cheers

Haha, great spot!

I've amended my post!

Cheers

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by BruceOmega

SomeRandomer123,

I notice you used to own an E60. Can you comment on how your new 328i compares to the E60 in terms of handling, and also in terms of ride quality?

I own an E60 and am considering replacing that with an F30.

Thanks
Bruce

I did! Yes, a 520d SE 6MT in 2006, so it was the pre-LCI model.
The F30 is in a completely different league! The E60 was a hard ride, although the E90 firmer still. However, the hard ride did allow for relatively sharp handling for such a mammoth, but the E90 made it felt like a barge!

I have to say, the F30 does much the same. It's a brilliant blend of comfort and sportiness on the standard suspension setup. Like the E90 did, it just feels more rigid, more solid and more capable which is a form of solace in its own right.

So honestly, the F30 out drives, out rides and outperforms the E60 in every area and I'm sure you'll agree if you get a go in one!

It's also much more refined and quieter than the E60.

[stevefoster]

Here's a review I wrote for the E90 forum. Over-all a great car.

Not really an apples-apples comparison since mine is an E92 335iMT and the car I had for the day was an F30 328i sedan automatic. That said, here's what I find:
Engine--the N20 pulls well and the car is adequately quick, linear and smooth. Those who say it's about the same as an N55 are just silly.
Radio--the standard BMW radio is standard BMW junk. Avoid.
Ride--better in sport than in comfort! Sport damped out a slight bouncy (up/down) motion in the suspension. 17" tires might contribute here. Same ride quality and noise as my '11 coupe.
Interior-- dissapointedly not a fan. Too many dash curves, twists, and flaps to visually support a rectangular info screen. Especially since the screen can't be submerged. Like a square peg in a round hole kinda look. The large swaths of aluminized plastic are just awful. Get anything else. The plastic surround inside the instrument cluster looks cheap.
It's strange, but the curvy door panels and wider console give the impression that the interior is narrower than the E92. Lastly, avoid the non-sport seats at all costs. No support.
Brakes--nice feel. Had no slow-speed issues that others heave mentioned. Brake pedal tended to slam against its upper stop when released quickly.
Start/Stop feature--I'm sure that some day this useful technology will be perfected and transparent. That day isn't here. Very upsetting especially in traffic on these hot days. Why? Because the engine will restart not just on your command when you lift from the brake, but also when the car decides it needs more AC juice. You never know. Better to just always disable it.
Steering--and now we get serious. The steering, very much like that on our new A4, is quick and accurate. The car tracks well with no wandering. But like on the Audi there is absolutely no steering feel. None. Very much like a video game. Very unlike any of my previous BMW's. At least in the Audi the steering tightens up at higher speeds. Of all these issues, this one can be a deal breaker. Will be test driving an F30 335i in two weeks. Hope it's better.
So sorrry for rambling on.

Steve Foster
27cars in 48 driving years
6 BMW's (325e, 325i, 325i, 540iA, 540i/6, 335icpMT)
grey/black
all the simple mods

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by JohnMan

I'll be interested to know if there will be any issues down the road for your F30. If I recalled, the early E90s had problems with it's steering lock and ABS and other electronic gremlins. Let's hope that won't be the case for the F30.

There will be unfortunately! I'd be seriously amazed if there was no issue. My E90 never had any problems with itself, but engine components failed which caused a large oil leak (about 30k-35k miles) and the glow plug control unit failed which caused poor running with higher emissions (incl. sulphur) , less fuel consumption and less response. So no biggie's, but faults none the less. My E60 had it's front right lower suspension arm fail (which I didn't notice until service!) and in its last two weeks of ownership, drive slip (but it wasn't the clutch) and I never did find out what that was.

328i? Hmm, maybe the spark plugs? I understand they need to be changed every 15,000 miles and the wants 19,000 until its first service for engine oil.

So fingers crossed, but I wouldn't look badly upon the car if it developed one or two minor faults in its lifetime.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by JamieA

Congratulations on your new car, I feel like I have been able to share in your excitement and time of discovery by how well you wrote. Thank you for taking the time to post such an in-depth review, it was very helpful to me, and I look forward to my current lease being up in the next couple of years so this car can be on my shopping list!

Cheers! I'm glad you liked it! I wanted to write it very informally and very... locally because you can read a more formal piece from any of the official car reviewers and it just keeps it a bit more interesting and fun I think.

[The English Guy]

Thanks for taking the time to write it all up. I really enjoyed it. I especially like info on the various options... helps those of us who are trying to decide which options are worth it and those which are not.
BMW docs can be very confusing...

[shabadoo25]

I'm coming from an E90 335i, so I don't get the "no steering feel" comments.

I did tell my CA after driving the "no line" 328i at the Olympic Event that it didn't feel like BMW steering. He said ordering the Sport Line would correct that.

I believe he was right. My new SL 328i doesn't feel any different than my previous BMW, other than I can tell it's a lighter car and a 4-banger.

[BruceOmega]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

I did! Yes, a 520d SE 6MT in 2006, so it was the pre-LCI model.
The F30 is in a completely different league! The E60 was a hard ride, although the E90 firmer still. However, the hard ride did allow for relatively sharp handling for such a mammoth, but the E90 made it felt like a barge!

I have to say, the F30 does much the same. It's a brilliant blend of comfort and sportiness on the standard suspension setup. Like the E90 did, it just feels more rigid, more solid and more capable which is a form of solace in its own right.

So honestly, the F30 out drives, out rides and outperforms the E60 in every area and I'm sure you'll agree if you get a go in one!

It's also much more refined and quieter than the E60.

Thanks for the feedback.

I've driven both of the new US F30s, 335i and 328i, but only on short courses with a lot of traffic.

I had a 2006 330Xi and replaced that with my 2008 535Xi because I got tired of having my teeth jarred loose on larger road irregularities. The 335i F30 I drove had the M Adaptive Suspension and its teeth jarring qualities were non existent even in full Sport mode.

Thanks
Bruce