328 E90 - any changes from 2008 to 2011 other than cosmetic?

nycbr · 08-10-2011, 01:10 PM

I have a 2008 328xi w 16" Bridgestones that it is in the shop for bodywork, and for the last 2 weeks I have a 2011 328i loaner [rwd] with 17" Conti tires. The 2011 feels like it has a softer ride and handles bumps better, but does not seem as well composed at high speeds. Maybe the newer RFT tires are smoother?

The transmission on the 2011 shifts smoother, especially the downshifts in DS mode, and the lag in D mode is not as bad. I assume it is still the GM slushbox, so maybe it is programmed better?

The 2011 gets much better gas mileage, almost 4-5 mpg. I know the AWD uses more gas, but not that much. Maybe the 2011 is tuned differently?

Has anyone owned or driven both pre-lci and lci 328 bimmers and noticed any differences?

Thx!

335isWhite · 08-10-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nycbr

I have a 2008 328xi w 16" Bridgestones that it is in the shop for bodywork, and for the last 2 weeks I have a 2011 328i loaner [rwd] with 17" Conti tires. The 2011 feels like it has a softer ride and handles bumps better, but does not seem as well composed at high speeds. Maybe the newer RFT tires are smoother?

The transmission on the 2011 shifts smoother, especially the downshifts in DS mode, and the lag in D mode is not as bad. I assume it is still the GM slushbox, so maybe it is programmed better?

The 2011 gets much better gas mileage, almost 4-5 mpg. I know the AWD uses more gas, but not that much. Maybe the 2011 is tuned differently?

Has anyone owned or driven both pre-lci and lci 328 bimmers and noticed any differences?

Thx!

Than cosmetic change makes a huge difference! I don't like the old tail lights before 2009 models.

PKL · 08-10-2011, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335isWhite

Than cosmetic change makes a huge difference! I don't like the old tail lights before 2009 models.

2008 tails are some of the ugliest I have ever seen on the sedan. but that is off topic for the OP

WWONG · 08-10-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKL

2008 tails are some of the ugliest I have ever seen on the sedan. but that is off topic for the OP

This. LCI does wonders to the butt and front.

Most of the stuff is cosmetic. The only thing I think they might've changed would be the springs for the Sports package, but I'm not sure that applies to the 328i

JuppiOne · 08-10-2011, 04:12 PM

I think the most significant mechanically changes are the widen of the rear track, can't remember exactly, but I think by a total of 20mm? which mean 10mm on each side is pushed outward.

As far as softer ride, prob due to the better design of run flat tires these days.

VTECaddict · 08-10-2011, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickch

I think the most significant mechanically changes are the widen of the rear track, can't remember exactly, but I think by a total of 20mm? which mean 10mm on each side is pushed outward.

As far as softer ride, prob due to the better design of run flat tires these days.

8mm per side

sle39lvr · 08-10-2011, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickch

I think the most significant mechanically changes are the widen of the rear track, can't remember exactly, but I think by a total of 20mm? which mean 10mm on each side is pushed outward.

Front and rear track on BMW website (for 2011) and on my owners manual (for 2008) both mention the same numbers.

Frenk · 08-10-2011, 05:34 PM

Well . there's the USB port, and i'm sure many things that was OPT in 2006-08 are now STD in 09-11

rusty_g80 · 08-10-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frenk

Well . there's the USB port, and i'm sure many things that was OPT in 2006-08 are now STD in 09-11

I think in some cases it's the opposite.

MazdaFan · 08-10-2011, 06:26 PM

The track for LCI wagon is wider, sedan i think is the same.

I had a 2011 loaner and it was way softer than my 2008, but it didn't have the sport package, but it was definitely much softer and more quiet than my car, it also felt cheaper inside due to lack of options.

jman103099 · 08-10-2011, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusty_g80

I think in some cases it's the opposite.

Like no underhood pad!

vexx786 · 08-10-2011, 10:58 PM

They changed the entire Nav system for the 09. Back looks a lot better as well.

08-10-2011, 01:10 PM	#1
nycbr First Lieutenant 95 Rep 338 Posts Drives: 2008 TiAg 328xi Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: nu yawk iTrader: (0)	328 E90 - any changes from 2008 to 2011 other than cosmetic? I have a 2008 328xi w 16" Bridgestones that it is in the shop for bodywork, and for the last 2 weeks I have a 2011 328i loaner [rwd] with 17" Conti tires. The 2011 feels like it has a softer ride and handles bumps better, but does not seem as well composed at high speeds. Maybe the newer RFT tires are smoother? The transmission on the 2011 shifts smoother, especially the downshifts in DS mode, and the lag in D mode is not as bad. I assume it is still the GM slushbox, so maybe it is programmed better? The 2011 gets much better gas mileage, almost 4-5 mpg. I know the AWD uses more gas, but not that much. Maybe the 2011 is tuned differently? Has anyone owned or driven both pre-lci and lci 328 bimmers and noticed any differences? Thx!
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08-10-2011, 04:12 PM	#5
JuppiOne Captain 25 Rep 691 Posts Drives: everyone crazy Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: MO iTrader: (4)	I think the most significant mechanically changes are the widen of the rear track, can't remember exactly, but I think by a total of 20mm? which mean 10mm on each side is pushed outward. As far as softer ride, prob due to the better design of run flat tires these days.
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08-10-2011, 05:34 PM	#8
Frenk Captain 33 Rep 655 Posts Drives: e92 328i X-Drive M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Québec iTrader: (0)	Well . there's the USB port, and i'm sure many things that was OPT in 2006-08 are now STD in 09-11
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08-10-2011, 06:26 PM	#10
MazdaFan First Lieutenant 11 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 2014 X1 xDrive 28i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	The track for LCI wagon is wider, sedan i think is the same. I had a 2011 loaner and it was way softer than my 2008, but it didn't have the sport package, but it was definitely much softer and more quiet than my car, it also felt cheaper inside due to lack of options.
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08-10-2011, 10:58 PM	#12
vexx786 Private First Class 55 Rep 188 Posts Drives: bbw Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: California iTrader: (0)	They changed the entire Nav system for the 09. Back looks a lot better as well.
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