Turbo 4 and electric steering in 328i and upcoming 228i...seriously, whats to like?

Allencic · 05-15-2013, 08:49 AM

While my 2011 128i convert was getting routine service and having the battery cable recall done I had a new 328 as a loaner for the day. Here are a few impressions.

1) The turbo 4 cyl was very strong. Especially at passing speeds. The auto stop-start was just clunky and annoying. I went thru the drive thru window for a cup of coffee and up close against the building the four at idle sounded like a cheap diesel tractor.

2) The electric power steering was dead and too low in effort. Felt like driving an old Cadillac with no steering feel.

3) The iDrive for the radio, etc. was simply distracting and annoying. How about going back to simple buttons and knobs for the radio.

4) The interior with Boston leather had a really cheap feel to it. The leather does a good imitation of leatherette. The plastic/aluminum trim on the dash looked like it had been painted with a spray can from Ace Hardware.

Overall it was a disappointment. Definitely not worth the price.

maupineda · 05-15-2013, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeeRam

The 3 cyl has a lot more character than the 4 cyl

this! it actually sounds like a proper mw engine. to me the 3 cyl will be much more of a joy.

Black Prinz · 05-15-2013, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the1andonly

Are you serious? That statement goes against everything the BMW brand is about...

Last time I checked, their tagline wasn't BMW: THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE (only if you buy a top end model)

It's always been true. It's just that in the U.S. we don't see/get many of the low hanging fruit (iirc the 318 of the 90's was the last one) the euros get.

bradleyland · 05-15-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

This^^^

The new turbo 4 is a peach of an engine, so what if it sounds like a diesel?? It's hauls azz with the 8 speed tranny while returning 30+mpg on the highway. I had the chance to drive one and thought it was the best 4 cylinder I've ever driven. Leave it in sport plus and it will do just right, lots of linear power and speed. If I get an F30 it will be the 328i, i have a hard time as it is using all of my current 320hp in my 1er. However the steering is a real disappointment.

Is that the bar we've set? If it "hauls azz", the rest of the experience is moot? Sorry, but they've got their work cut out for them making the N20 in to something that I'd want to drive. When I'm driving around on the streets, I don't always get to enjoy 300 HP, but I do get to roll the windows down and enjoy the sound of the engine. It's a major contributor to the character of the car.

Direct injection is what makes the N20 sound like a diesel. I don't know how they're going to work around that. Maybe drown it out with engine noise played over the stereo speakers? That seems to be the solution these days.

CBRacerX · 05-15-2013, 04:02 PM

We test drove a new X1 with the 4 banger and 3.5 adults. I did a few "freeway merge" sessions and it comported itself just fine. More economy and decent power is welcome in my next car.

Of course, we ended up buying a 135i convert...

kensington · 05-16-2013, 07:52 AM

Best of luck to BMW in the future. I won't be buying anything newer than my 135i.

cvandenhaute · 05-16-2013, 02:36 PM

Firing up the straight six in the morning when I go to work (sounds even better when cold) and playing it with that fine gearstick during my commute (country side roads with mountain views), revving it close to 7000rpm when I merge on the highway is one of my daily pleasures. I always loved the fact that I can play with that car without the risk to go to jail, close to my regretted Miata in this regard...

WillisW555 · 05-16-2013, 05:55 PM

I have been eyeing a 1-series for a while. Finally bit the bullet and then there are bunches of articles about the last great drivers BMW in various magazines. it kind of confirmed my feelings. I agree with others have said, this felt like the "last" of a certain breed of car from BMW.

Now hurry up and put my car on the boat

Adam135 · 05-16-2013, 07:16 PM

I actual prefer the new turbo 4 to the old engine, that thing is sweet.

zoomnad · 05-17-2013, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by formula M

2 series is just a renamed 1 series. Making room for a yet-to-be-announced FWD 1 series in the future (2015).

Additionally, might want to adjust your macro'nomic outlook. And that "the government" is us... we the people. We get the cars we get, because they are the ones "we" want.

Do you buy stuff u don't want?

You got to be kidding! There is no way I can change the "government" and their way of thinking. And I vote! In my 46 years of driving, I'm 62, I have seen so much bullshit they have done! Remember speedometer that only went up to 85, the 5 mph bumper, the 3rd brake light. Air pumps, hoses and all the stuff on engines. Trust me, those in charged, would to ban performance cars and motorcycles in a heart beat! I know I have been there! So the question is "Do I buy stuff I don't want?" I am forced to, damn it!

bradleyland · 05-17-2013, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoomnad

You got to be kidding! There is no way I can change the "government" and their way of thinking. And I vote! In my 46 years of driving, I'm 62, I have seen so much bullshit they have done! Remember speedometer that only went up to 85, the 5 mph bumper, the 3rd brake light. Air pumps, hoses and all the stuff on engines. Trust me, those in charged, would to ban performance cars and motorcycles in a heart beat! I know I have been there! So the question is "Do I buy stuff I don't want?" I am forced to, damn it!

With all due respect, the government is not entirely to blame for the era of lackluster performance you're ranting about. Detroit didn't believe the feds would enact the fuel economy standards they did. Detroit dug their heels in and refused to innovate. They wanted to keep churning out 7 MPG barges. They threatened that they couldn't possibly meet the new standards (without even trying), and claimed that passage would be the downfall of the American auto-industry.

They were right about some of those claims -- it was the beginning of the downfall of the American auto industry -- but they were wrong that it wasn't possible. The downfall didn't occur because the fuel economy standards were impossible. The downfall occurred because American automakers refused to innovate, and other manufacturers forged ahead with their own set of competitive advantages; albeit aided by the new fuel economy standards.

I'm no fan of big government, but if you're looking at history objectively, Washington doesn't bear sole responsibility for the clusterfuck that was the 70s era automobile (air pumps, etc). There's no denying Washington's hand in it, but the American auto-industry is equally culpable.

zoomnad · 05-18-2013, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradleyland

With all due respect, the government is not entirely to blame for the era of lackluster performance you're ranting about. Detroit didn't believe the feds would enact the fuel economy standards they did. Detroit dug their heels in and refused to innovate. They wanted to keep churning out 7 MPG barges. They threatened that they couldn't possibly meet the new standards (without even trying), and claimed that passage would be the downfall of the American auto-industry.

They were right about some of those claims -- it was the beginning of the downfall of the American auto industry -- but they were wrong that it wasn't possible. The downfall didn't occur because the fuel economy standards were impossible. The downfall occurred because American automakers refused to innovate, and other manufacturers forged ahead with their own set of competitive advantages; albeit aided by the new fuel economy standards.

I'm no fan of big government, but if you're looking at history objectively, Washington doesn't bear sole responsibility for the clusterfuck that was the 70s era automobile (air pumps, etc). There's no denying Washington's hand in it, but the American auto-industry is equally culpable.

I agree about Anerican auto industry. Not everything from Wahington was bad. Cleaner running cars, a lot better mpg, air bags are good things. BUT I make my living in the motorcycle industry and I see it first hand. The "Joan Claybrook's" are still in Washington and they are no friends of us!

jsmonet · 05-18-2013, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the1andonly

Quote:

Originally Posted by P7X

Those are entry level cars with a focus on fuel economy and putting around town. If people want a better drivers car than they'll buy diff car. Asking the lowest of the low to perform isn't practical.

Are you serious? That statement goes against everything the BMW brand is about...

Last time I checked, their tagline wasn't BMW: THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE (only if you buy a top end model)

That ultimate driving machine statement has been a bit of a joke for years.

inthemovie · 05-20-2013, 08:34 PM

I got a 2014 X1 4 banger as loaner and I so impressed I bought one on the spot when I got back to the dealer. I like the way it sounds when you step on it. The 8 speed trans is fantastic. It sounds like a diesel on first start up in the morning for about 30 sec. The steering on 2014 feels great.

Jason · 05-20-2013, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vertebra

I thought the M235i will still have a 6cyl turbo.

Yes, it will share the M135i's N55 inline 6 engine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoomnad

I thought the new 2 is front wheel drive?

It's RWD.

For more 2 series info follow: http://www.bimmerpost.com/2-series/

Paneristi · 06-03-2014, 11:05 AM

This new direction most car manufacturers are going in (ie/ electric video game style steering) reminds me of the current music industry.

Try explaining to the new generation that has grown up only knowing 'awesome' artists like Niki Minaj, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, how good the Rolling Stones, U2, Led Zeppelin are in comparison. One group represent all things real about music, the other represents a digital manufactured abortion that has zero staying power, or ability to become a classic in years to come.

Jumping back to cars, i doubt people will be lusting over a 2012 3 series in 10, 15, 20 years from now as a classic. Or at least until the industry develops the new tech in such a way to simulate the analog 'feel'. But then i would argue, why not just have the classic?

edisapimp · 06-03-2014, 11:48 AM

This must be the week of year-old thread revivals.

shah269 · 06-03-2014, 12:17 PM

so who is the first dumb ass to pay $50k for an over priced Carola?
becuase that's how it feels when you drive the thing!

whitebimmer09 · 06-03-2014, 02:20 PM

Wait, before they had the 318, then the 323... What about the 525? Were those ultimate driving machines? There were always cars in those lackluster categories.

davis449 · 06-03-2014, 02:56 PM

I, too, wasn't a fan of the steering in the 328i loaner I had. Two things I disliked about my two previous Audi's: weight dist. and the overboosted electric steering. The BMW felt JUST like an A4/A6/A8/etc. in the steering dept. I forgive Audi because they've never really been anything different than what they are in the steering dept. I can't forgive BMW. The steering perfection in "The Ultimate Driving Machine" is\was what they are\were known for. I don't agree with those that excuse this by stating the general model line of BMW outside //M cars is not beholden to that moniker. Bullshit. Yes, they have been/are still. What a shame. I couldn't wait to get my 135i back and my "real" BMW steering.

I don't agree with the engine performance detractors here. Then again, I came from modded Audi 2.0T's, so it wouldn't bother me (I like it, actually). I much prefer turbo boosted 2 liter and above 4 cyl.'s to low-powered V6's like that in the 128i, etc. Yeah, they sound like diesel engines...ALL direct injected 2.0T's do. That fuel delivery system is a diesel-like design anyway...what do you expect? Haters of this engine should start looking into what they're capable of performance wise for not a whole lot of money. Face it, folks, turbo's are what's here and what' coming for the sake of overall fleet fuel economy. That's life. Embrace it or buy ever-aging used cars.

I will say that Start\Stop feature annoyed me at first, but I got used to it. It works as designed and very well. If you don't like it, you can turn it off.

Paneristi · 06-04-2014, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davis449

I, too, wasn't a fan of the steering in the 328i loaner I had. Two things I disliked about my two previous Audi's: weight dist. and the overboosted electric steering. The BMW felt JUST like an A4/A6/A8/etc. in the steering dept. I forgive Audi because they've never really been anything different than what they are in the steering dept. I can't forgive BMW. The steering perfection in "The Ultimate Driving Machine" is\was what they are\were known for. I don't agree with those that excuse this by stating the general model line of BMW outside //M cars is not beholden to that moniker. Bullshit. Yes, they have been/are still. What a shame. I couldn't wait to get my 135i back and my "real" BMW steering.

I don't agree with the engine performance detractors here. Then again, I came from modded Audi 2.0T's, so it wouldn't bother me (I like it, actually). I much prefer turbo boosted 2 liter and above 4 cyl.'s to low-powered V6's like that in the 128i, etc. Yeah, they sound like diesel engines...ALL direct injected 2.0T's do. That fuel delivery system is a diesel-like design anyway...what do you expect? Haters of this engine should start looking into what they're capable of performance wise for not a whole lot of money. Face it, folks, turbo's are what's here and what' coming for the sake of overall fleet fuel economy. That's life. Embrace it or buy ever-aging used cars.

I will say that Start\Stop feature annoyed me at first, but I got used to it. It works as designed and very well. If you don't like it, you can turn it off.

Everyone that i know who has the auto on/off feature in their vehicle, really do hate it with a passion. Oddly enough however, i find this as an amazing feature, especially while driving in traffic. Plus for a cruiser type of vehicle like my wifes x3, saves a ton on gas every month/year.

chris82 · 06-04-2014, 12:05 PM

I don't know why people are saying you have to buy an 'expensive' model to get the UDM. In the past you didn't have to. There are a few key parts that make a BMW a the Ultimate Driving Machine: great engine, great steering, great transmission, RWD, well-sorted suspension. We had it all in the 128i (the most entry level BMW of the E chassis). Okay, maybe the suspension wasn't perfect . . . but I can live with that (for now lol).

The replacement entry level 228i loses two fundamental characteristics; the steering and the engine. What is the point of buying a BMW if you don't get a good engine, and the steering feels like crap?

BTW, I've heard BMW is going to sell a 228i X-Drive convertible soon; What the hell is the point of that thing?! The brand is truly marketing to everyone on the earth right now.

This is what happens when shareholders solely run a company unfortunately.

05-15-2013, 08:49 AM	#23
Allencic Private 10 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2011 128i convertible Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: northern California iTrader: (0)	While my 2011 128i convert was getting routine service and having the battery cable recall done I had a new 328 as a loaner for the day. Here are a few impressions. 1) The turbo 4 cyl was very strong. Especially at passing speeds. The auto stop-start was just clunky and annoying. I went thru the drive thru window for a cup of coffee and up close against the building the four at idle sounded like a cheap diesel tractor. 2) The electric power steering was dead and too low in effort. Felt like driving an old Cadillac with no steering feel. 3) The iDrive for the radio, etc. was simply distracting and annoying. How about going back to simple buttons and knobs for the radio. 4) The interior with Boston leather had a really cheap feel to it. The leather does a good imitation of leatherette. The plastic/aluminum trim on the dash looked like it had been painted with a spray can from Ace Hardware. Overall it was a disappointment. Definitely not worth the price.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-15-2013, 04:02 PM	#27
CBRacerX New Member 2 Rep 19 Posts Drives: 2008 135iC Join Date: May 2013 Location: New Hope, PA iTrader: (0)	We test drove a new X1 with the 4 banger and 3.5 adults. I did a few "freeway merge" sessions and it comported itself just fine. More economy and decent power is welcome in my next car. Of course, we ended up buying a 135i convert... Last edited by CBRacerX; 05-17-2013 at 05:13 AM.. Reason: X1 not X3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-16-2013, 07:52 AM	#28
kensington Private First Class 6 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 08 135 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Tulsa, ok iTrader: (0)	Best of luck to BMW in the future. I won't be buying anything newer than my 135i.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-16-2013, 02:36 PM	#29
cvandenhaute First Lieutenant 19 Rep 370 Posts Drives: '11 BMW 128i, '19 Genesis G70 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (0)	Firing up the straight six in the morning when I go to work (sounds even better when cold) and playing it with that fine gearstick during my commute (country side roads with mountain views), revving it close to 7000rpm when I merge on the highway is one of my daily pleasures. I always loved the fact that I can play with that car without the risk to go to jail, close to my regretted Miata in this regard... __________________ 128i manual, AW, Boston Terra Leather, Sport package, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, HK sound
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-16-2013, 05:55 PM	#30
WillisW555 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 135is Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South San Francisco iTrader: (0)	I have been eyeing a 1-series for a while. Finally bit the bullet and then there are bunches of articles about the last great drivers BMW in various magazines. it kind of confirmed my feelings. I agree with others have said, this felt like the "last" of a certain breed of car from BMW. Now hurry up and put my car on the boat
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-16-2013, 07:16 PM	#31
Adam135 Captain 72 Rep 961 Posts Drives: 2014 435i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	I actual prefer the new turbo 4 to the old engine, that thing is sweet.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2013, 08:34 PM	#36
inthemovie Enlisted Member 11 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2011 1M, 2012 Lotus Evora, x1 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Beverly Hills Ca iTrader: (0)	I got a 2014 X1 4 banger as loaner and I so impressed I bought one on the spot when I got back to the dealer. I like the way it sounds when you step on it. The 8 speed trans is fantastic. It sounds like a diesel on first start up in the morning for about 30 sec. The steering on 2014 feels great.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2014, 11:05 AM	#38
Paneristi Private 5 Rep 54 Posts Drives: 2009 135i vert. Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	The new generations will always be oblivious to whats good..... This new direction most car manufacturers are going in (ie/ electric video game style steering) reminds me of the current music industry. Try explaining to the new generation that has grown up only knowing 'awesome' artists like Niki Minaj, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, how good the Rolling Stones, U2, Led Zeppelin are in comparison. One group represent all things real about music, the other represents a digital manufactured abortion that has zero staying power, or ability to become a classic in years to come. Jumping back to cars, i doubt people will be lusting over a 2012 3 series in 10, 15, 20 years from now as a classic. Or at least until the industry develops the new tech in such a way to simulate the analog 'feel'. But then i would argue, why not just have the classic?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2014, 11:48 AM	#39
edisapimp Civil Rights Activist 115 Rep 949 Posts Drives: E46 Sedan, E88 Vert Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Long Island iTrader: (0)	This must be the week of year-old thread revivals. __________________ E88 Crimson Red Vert MSport 6MT - Listing your mods in your signature is lame. BMS DCI/MHD E30 Flash!!/AA Sport FMIC/VRSF CP w Tial BOV/VRSF 3" DPs/550i clutch w SPEC SMFW/Apex EC-7s/Whiteline RSFB/E92 M3 FCAs/Bilstein B12 Pro Kit/VRSF inlets
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2014, 12:17 PM	#40
shah269 Major 315 Rep 1,035 Posts Drives: 2009 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	so who is the first dumb ass to pay $50k for an over priced Carola? becuase that's how it feels when you drive the thing!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2014, 02:20 PM	#41
whitebimmer09 Second Lieutenant 19 Rep 232 Posts Drives: 09 135i Auto Join Date: May 2014 Location: South iTrader: (1)	Wait, before they had the 318, then the 323... What about the 525? Were those ultimate driving machines? There were always cars in those lackluster categories.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2014, 02:56 PM	#42
davis449 Captain 423 Rep 887 Posts Drives: 2014 Audi SQ5 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	I, too, wasn't a fan of the steering in the 328i loaner I had. Two things I disliked about my two previous Audi's: weight dist. and the overboosted electric steering. The BMW felt JUST like an A4/A6/A8/etc. in the steering dept. I forgive Audi because they've never really been anything different than what they are in the steering dept. I can't forgive BMW. The steering perfection in "The Ultimate Driving Machine" is\was what they are\were known for. I don't agree with those that excuse this by stating the general model line of BMW outside //M cars is not beholden to that moniker. Bullshit. Yes, they have been/are still. What a shame. I couldn't wait to get my 135i back and my "real" BMW steering. I don't agree with the engine performance detractors here. Then again, I came from modded Audi 2.0T's, so it wouldn't bother me (I like it, actually). I much prefer turbo boosted 2 liter and above 4 cyl.'s to low-powered V6's like that in the 128i, etc. Yeah, they sound like diesel engines...ALL direct injected 2.0T's do. That fuel delivery system is a diesel-like design anyway...what do you expect? Haters of this engine should start looking into what they're capable of performance wise for not a whole lot of money. Face it, folks, turbo's are what's here and what' coming for the sake of overall fleet fuel economy. That's life. Embrace it or buy ever-aging used cars. I will say that Start\Stop feature annoyed me at first, but I got used to it. It works as designed and very well. If you don't like it, you can turn it off.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2014, 12:05 PM	#44
chris82 Brigadier General 827 Rep 3,856 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NY NY iTrader: (8) Garage List 2009 BMW 128i [9.80]	I don't know why people are saying you have to buy an 'expensive' model to get the UDM. In the past you didn't have to. There are a few key parts that make a BMW a the Ultimate Driving Machine: great engine, great steering, great transmission, RWD, well-sorted suspension. We had it all in the 128i (the most entry level BMW of the E chassis). Okay, maybe the suspension wasn't perfect . . . but I can live with that (for now lol). The replacement entry level 228i loses two fundamental characteristics; the steering and the engine. What is the point of buying a BMW if you don't get a good engine, and the steering feels like crap? BTW, I've heard BMW is going to sell a 228i X-Drive convertible soon; What the hell is the point of that thing?! The brand is truly marketing to everyone on the earth right now. This is what happens when shareholders solely run a company unfortunately.
	Appreciate 0 Quote