Had a 328xi loaner today

[jkp1187]

Took the 135i to the dealership to change the differential fluid (did it out of pocket -- break-in change.) They gave me a 328xi sedan as a loaner. Non-sport package, steptronic, leatherette. It was the first time I'd ever driven a 3-series.

It was surprisingly not bad. The handling wasn't anywhere near as good as the 1er, thanks to the lack of sport suspension and the extra weight of the AWD. The N52, while a fine engine, also didn't have the telepathic response of the N54. And I didn't realize how much I missed my 135i's steering wheel until I got back (just fits right - the 3er's non-sport wheel was a little thin.) But overall, if I need a family sedan (or, I'd imagine, a wagon, assuming the handling characteristics would be similar,) I'd take a serious look at one. RWD, probably.

One thing though - the MPG gauge is probably the most useless thing on that dashboard. Don't see the point. MPG can be tracked through the onboard computer if you want to check it. I really missed the oil temp display from the 135i, and am really baffled as to why this isn't standard on all BMWs. (Isn't one of the joys of the N52 supposed to be to be able to zing it up to the redline? How are you supposed to know when the engine's warmed up enough to do so?)

Overall, given the generally cushier ride. I was left with the thought: this is BMW's take on Buick. I'll probably be in the market for this sort of car in the next few years.

But I'm glad my first BMW was a 135i.

[OverDrive]

Originally Posted by jkp1187

Took the 135i to the dealership to change the differential fluid (did it out of pocket -- break-in change.) They gave me a 328xi sedan as a loaner. Non-sport package, steptronic, leatherette. It was the first time I'd ever driven a 3-series.

It was surprisingly not bad. The handling wasn't anywhere near as good as the 1er, thanks to the lack of sport suspension and the extra weight of the AWD. The N52, while a fine engine, also didn't have the telepathic response of the N54. And I didn't realize how much I missed my 135i's steering wheel until I got back (just fits right - the 3er's non-sport wheel was a little thin.) But overall, if I need a family sedan (or, I'd imagine, a wagon, assuming the handling characteristics would be similar,) I'd take a serious look at one. RWD, probably.

One thing though - the MPG gauge is probably the most useless thing on that dashboard. Don't see the point. MPG can be tracked through the onboard computer if you want to check it. I really missed the oil temp display from the 135i, and am really baffled as to why this isn't standard on all BMWs. (Isn't one of the joys of the N52 supposed to be to be able to zing it up to the redline? How are you supposed to know when the engine's warmed up enough to do so?)

Overall, given the generally cushier ride. I was left with the thought: this is BMW's take on Buick. I'll probably be in the market for this sort of car in the next few years.

But I'm glad my first BMW was a 135i.

you can check the oil temperature through the in-dash display
________
How To Roll Blunts

[SG Spiff]

I have an identically equipped 328i xdrive loaner today and you've summed up a lot of the thoughts I've had. I think the sport package would remedy many of the problems I have with the car, and with a manual and the N54 I imagine I would like it very much. Though maybe not quite as much as my 135i.

[RambleJ]

In the 1 and 3 series the oil temp gauge is only present in the N54 equipped rides.

[MMXIII 650i GC]

I got a loaner today too. But it wasn't a 328. It wasn't even a BMW. It was a Toyota Yaris FTL. That car is a world of suck.

[xquisit]

Originally Posted by MMIX M3

I got a loaner today too. But it wasn't a 328. It wasn't even a BMW. It was a Toyota Yaris FTL. That car is a world of suck.

It should make you thankful for driving a nice bimmer

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by OverDrive

you can check the oil temperature through the in-dash display

Sure didn't see it, and I flipped through every reading I could find. Unless you're talking about using a hack. You could check the oil level, of course....

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by SG Spiff

I have an identically equipped 328i xdrive loaner today and you've summed up a lot of the thoughts I've had. I think the sport package would remedy many of the problems I have with the car, and with a manual and the N54 I imagine I would like it very much. Though maybe not quite as much as my 135i.

Since I was thinking of it more as a boulevard cruiser, I wouldn't even need sport package. All I would do is save the money and ditch the AWD.

Oh, and I also thought that the 328i's steptronic is not as nice as the ZF in the 135i. Definitely shifts rougher, shifts not as quick, even when I was forcing it. It wasn't meant for sporty driving. Made me very glad I didn't go with the 128i + steptronic.

[ptack]

Forget the other issues. I couldn't get past the steering wheel. Didn't even feel like a bmw.

[fwmcb]

I had a friend's 328 xdrive out the other day... I don't know it it's the power difference or the awd, or both, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the 128i I tested a week ago.

[Wakka]

Little off topic but how much was the differential fluid change if you dont mind me asking?

[BlueC]

Originally Posted by RambleJ

In the 1 and 3 series the oil temp gauge is only present in the N54 equipped rides.

Not true. My 328xi Coupe has the oil temp gauge. I think with the sedans you only have it with the N54. I believe all E92s have the oil temp gauge.

[moveswiftly]

my ex-e90 325xi, did not have an OIL temp gauge, that i could even access via the basic BC menus, must be a secret menu...
Still 200 All wheel horse power to 300 rear wheel is a HUGE difference.
I can't wait to get my 135i

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by Wakka

Little off topic but how much was the differential fluid change if you dont mind me asking?

It was around $140. According to the bill, the fluids cost around $10-$15 (after my BMWCCA discount), the rest was labor. From what I've heard, it's a really easy job, the problem is that there's no 'drain' plug, so you either have to take the entire diff cover off, or use an extractor to siphon the fluid out of the fill plug. The first sounded too involved for me, and I did not own an extractor, so I figured I'd just pay up for now. If I ever get an extractor, I might try to do it myself in future. (FWIW, they quoted a price of around $500 for the 'remove the cover' method.)

[tbird]

I had the 325xi, which is basically the same.

Here's a little point on the Sport. BMW does not copy Audi in having a sport suspension for their AWD. If you get the sport package on the 325/328i, you get the suspension and the rims. On the AWD, you only get the rims but you still pay the entire price. They say that the suspension for the xi is beefed up and can't be replaced.

So you would think they would charge half price since it is just the rims, but nope!

Never get sport package on a BMW xi car, you will be paying double for nothing.

As for the opinion offered by the originator of this thread, +1 on the review of the handling.

[ORIGIN M.]

Good to know...

[AchtungF80]

I am wondering why you are changing the diff fluid so early?

[BlackjackMulligan]

Originally Posted by tbird

I had the 325xi, which is basically the same.

Here's a little point on the Sport. BMW does not copy Audi in having a sport suspension for their AWD. If you get the sport package on the 325/328i, you get the suspension and the rims. On the AWD, you only get the rims but you still pay the entire price. They say that the suspension for the xi is beefed up and can't be replaced.

So you would think they would charge half price since it is just the rims, but nope!

Never get sport package on a BMW xi car, you will be paying double for nothing.

As for the opinion offered by the originator of this thread, +1 on the review of the handling.

You would get the sport seats too, and the shadowline trim as well as a Sport steering wheel, no? So the only thing missing would be the suspension. But I agree with your overall point, it should be cheaper on the xi cars.

[BlueC]

Originally Posted by tbird

I had the 325xi, which is basically the same.

Here's a little point on the Sport. BMW does not copy Audi in having a sport suspension for their AWD. If you get the sport package on the 325/328i, you get the suspension and the rims. On the AWD, you only get the rims but you still pay the entire price. They say that the suspension for the xi is beefed up and can't be replaced.

So you would think they would charge half price since it is just the rims, but nope!

Never get sport package on a BMW xi car, you will be paying double for nothing.

As for the opinion offered by the originator of this thread, +1 on the review of the handling.

What?

It is cheaper on the xDrive models. You're getting the upgraded wheels and sport seats, which is worth the price.

2009 Price (Sport Package):

335i Sedan - $2,150
335xi Sedan- $1,350

335i Coupe - $1,550
335xi Coupe- $850+600 (for 18" wheels)

Keep in mind the Coupes come with sport suspension by default (except for xDrive models).

BMW clearly factors in the lack of sport suspension for the xDrive models. Not sure where you came up with your figures.

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by achtungE30

I am wondering why you are changing the diff fluid so early?

Same reason I changed the oil after break-in.

[AchtungF80]

Originally Posted by jkp1187

Same reason I changed the oil after break-in.

Right..but oil changes have a traditionally more frequent service interval, M cars actually specify a break-in oil change at 1400 (hell I did the same too even though I do not own an M car)....I don't recall differentials needing a fluid change for at least 30k-60k miles?

[tbird]

Originally Posted by BlueC

What?

It is cheaper on the xDrive models. You're getting the upgraded wheels and sport seats, which is worth the price.

2009 Price (Sport Package):

335i Sedan - $2,150
335xi Sedan- $1,350

335i Coupe - $1,550
335xi Coupe- $850+600 (for 18" wheels)

Keep in mind the Coupes come with sport suspension by default (except for xDrive models).

BMW clearly factors in the lack of sport suspension for the xDrive models. Not sure where you came up with your figures.

Mine was a 2006 325xi. On each of my Audis and then BMW's, I always was opting for the Sport Pack. The only car I didn't get it on was my 325. The info came directly from my salesman. I was also amazed with this information as he gave it to me. But he called the Service guys and they confirmed that. I of course teased that "Audi does it, but BMW doesn't. So why do you think your xi is better than Quattro?" But the info I received was as I have written above.

Now, if someone here can give me this information straight from a BMW source, I am MORE THAN HAPPY to march down to "Lauderdale BMW, Fort Lauderdale, Florida" and give them hell. They already hate me because of all the unbelievable bad things they have done (swirlied one of my mother's cars, then destroyed the next car, tried to weasel out of lemon law with both my brother and I's cars, etc), AND they barely sell any 1 Series because they think it is "beneath them" They actually never have any of their 1's on their new spots. They actually put used cars up before a 1 Series, which is always in the back of the lot. Their sales suck, their service sucks, they suck. So if you can give me hardcore info that is straight out of BMW books, I am more than happy to go shove it down their throats.

If you are SoFL and are buying, go to Braman. I will split the referral fee whatever it is, and I will get you with the right salesguy.