Step on a 328???

[TMR013]

Got my first BMW loaner since my 1 is in for an alignment and some wheel repair, (by the way, surprised that it's not really a loaner since I still had to pay $10 for it. That same same for everybody else?).
So they gave me a 328i and of course, I'm unimpressed. The thing is a dog, at least compared to my 1. But one thing surprised me. It seems to have a steptronic transmission with a sport mode and manual operation, just like my 1 (without the paddles).
Is it the same transmission? Or is it a slushbox that works the same way?The sport mode definitely makes a difference, makes driving the thing almost palatable. Almost.

[BrokenVert]

It's the same trans that's in the 128. It's a gm unt, the same one that they put in the cts. Our ZF units in the 135 and 335 are much better.

And how about that seatbelt thing? Ive almost broken it so many times

[TMR013]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

And how about that seatbelt thing? Ive almost broken it so many times

What seatbelt thing?

[JasonCSU]

I've had two loaner cars now, a E90 335xi and E93 335, and haven't had to pay anything for them.

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by TMR013

What seatbelt thing?

The little arm that hands you the seatbelt

[tcd223]

At my service center, which serves BMW of Greenwich and Pace BMW in Mamaroneck, you have to make an appointment 3 weeks in advance to get a loaner but its free.

Also, I had an e92 328xi with a step for 3 years and 40k miles. It spent 39k miles in Manual mode. Anything else and it wasn't fun.

[tcd223]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

The little arm that hands you the seatbelt

Dude, you have no idea what a pain in the ass those things were. I had issues with the passenger seat one where the seatbelt would be locked and the arm would get jammed up and fall of the track. It wouldn't retract properly for about 3 months and one day it just decided to fix itself. I never waited long enough for it to push my seat belt up in the driver's seat so that one never had any issues.

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by TMR013

Got my first BMW loaner since my 1 is in for an alignment and some wheel repair, (by the way, surprised that it's not really a loaner since I still had to pay $10 for it. That same same for everybody else?).

I think loaner policy is at dealer's discretion...but for what it's worth, I have taken my car in for things such as getting the differential fluid changed and having state safety/emissions inspection done, and still gotten a loaner for free from P&W in Pittsburgh (which is the dealership where I bought the car.)

AFAIK, the transmission in the x28i cars is indeed manufactured by GM. Last I checked, though, it was built to BMW specs, and is not being used in GM applications. (@BrokenVert - if you have a source on the bit about it being used in the CTS, would like to see the link....thanks!)

[BrokenVert]

Ohh just a quick thing at my dealer you need an advanced appointment and a $200 securitydeposit, which is refunded after you give back the loaner

and Tom the zetbelts on my vert ar farther back than seatbelts in an E92. I don't understand their point or function in society

[saeyedoc]

I've unfortunately been driving a 328 more than I wanted to lately (HPFP problems with my 335). That engine really needs to be revved to have any pickup. I found myself in DS or man mode (kind of a pain without the paddle shifters), expect when cruising at steady high speed, when I'd put it in D mode. Really makes you appreciate the low RPM torque in the 135/335 models.

[TMR013]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

The little arm that hands you the seatbelt

LOL!
This one I have doesn't have that.

[NewYearsBoy]

HAHA.. I hate those 328i's They suck... This was my last loaner it was like a breath of fresh air...