08-17-2012, 11:25 PM | #1 |
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M135i vs F30 328i
I've placed an order for a M135i but now having second thoughts.
For similar price I can get an F30 328i in Sport trim. The F30 has a nicer interior, and obviously but more spacious. And even though performance wise the M135i is superior, there are plenty of posts saying that 328i is preferred to the 335i given the better handling and negligible differences in performance under real world conditions. I'm sure the M135i is a great car and brilliant to drive - which is why I placed the order. But thinking whether the 328i will be a better long term purchase given much nicer interior, more spaciousness, and in my opinion better looks too. |
08-17-2012, 11:33 PM | #2 | |
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08-18-2012, 12:15 AM | #3 | |
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08-18-2012, 12:34 AM | #4 |
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Who says the F30 has better handling than the F20? Sounds strange to me. The F20 has the same suspension, but better weight distribution, being a smaller car.
I guess it boils down to your need for interior space. If you need a lot of space, then the F30 is the answer. If not, then the F20 should be better in most ways. (I think it looks better, both on the outside and inside). |
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08-18-2012, 12:49 AM | #5 | |
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I ordered a 5 door M135i and haven't test driven the 328i. But then again the M135i is not available for test drive so will not be able to make a proper comparison. I think my heart says get the M135i and my head says get the 328i. |
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08-18-2012, 03:28 AM | #6 |
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I reckon a lot of buyers have this dilemma since the 328i is a superb sport sedan.
The 335i has more weight on the front than the 328i and seen the 335i didn't get a power update, the difference is not that big. In normal driving conditions, the thing you'll feel is the extra 50Nm, which is only 14% more 335i vs 328i, while indeed, the weight is 5% higher. This yields an objective improvement of only 8% in "grunt" (which is weight/torque). When you take weight/power, the difference is a bit bigger, ~14%. But seen both engines deliver flat torque uptil 4000rpm, you only acces this difference as from 5000rpm. Anyway, this would let me select the 328i above the 335i. When you do the same for the 1, the "grunt" is 30% higher and the power/weight is also 30% better. The 1 has a higher output engine and a lower weight. On top, I'd reckon that the setup that M did will assure that vehicle dynamics are at least on par, probably clearly better. My option would be M135i for the same money as a 328i any day. |
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08-18-2012, 06:07 AM | #7 |
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Reviews of both cars are special. Tough choice, but here in the states the F30 will be very common for every soccer mom with awd,auto, nav, and leather.
Get the M135i. |
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08-18-2012, 06:10 AM | #8 |
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Same doubts here also and I was a MINI owner since a few month ago. If you want space describe what exactly you need. I had some issues with space in the MINI but being just me and my wife we had no major problems. Now we are expecting a baby in 2 month so we are thinking a bigger car than a MINI. This said a 5 door F20 is enough for us and a baby with baggage and a stroller also in the boot(in extreme cases one of those roof boxes should do the job just fine).
I like the F30's outside and inside looks more than the F20 but considering the performance of the M135 this is a small issue for me. The other issue I am in doubts about is that the yearly tax for a 3 liter engine compared to a 2 liter one here in Romania is 10 times higher so I have not not yet made up my mind plus there are some other financial issues. |
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08-18-2012, 06:16 AM | #9 |
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Maybe an additional argument is whether it is your first and only car or a second car with lower milage ambitions.
The latter situation is favourable for the 1, the former for the 3. But it all depends on your preferences. |
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08-18-2012, 07:25 AM | #10 |
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I don't agree with comments about the F30 having a nicer interior than the F20. More spacious yes, but in my opinion not any nicer. I took a drive in 320d F30 earlier this week, and was a little disappointed. It felt larger, but had the same sense of quality and "feel", I certainly wouldn't pay more for it.
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08-18-2012, 07:48 AM | #11 | |
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Seems like I'm not the only one with this dilemma.....thanks for all the responses. I think I will stick with my M135i order..... |
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08-18-2012, 09:00 AM | #12 |
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Hmmm, from my first-hand experience I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. More space, yes. Nicer feel, no. They're actually very similar in my opinion, regardless of the logic that dictates that the larger (and thus more expensive) model "surely MUST be better!"...
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08-18-2012, 09:10 AM | #13 | ||
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08-18-2012, 09:21 AM | #14 |
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I have test drive the 328, 335 but not the 135.
Between the 328 & 335, 335 is a MUCH better sport seden if you are after great handling. 335 will you a "close-to-M" experience. 328 just drive like a 125. It's a good car =D If you have already order the 135, I can make a fair assumption that you like the handling and acceleration, I can guarantee you 328 can't match that. Piero
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08-18-2012, 09:24 AM | #15 | |
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08-18-2012, 09:38 AM | #16 | |
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The F30 is the best car in its class. Car magazines only compare to other cars in the class. The F20 is not as practical as other cars in its class. All I care about is the way a car drives. In my opinion, the F20 in M Sport trim handles better.
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08-18-2012, 09:49 AM | #17 | |
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08-18-2012, 10:25 AM | #19 | |
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But which one is putting the biggest smile on my face very time I drive it? |
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08-18-2012, 10:41 AM | #20 |
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I am sure that all of us M135 future owners are in the same situation
the 328 being cheaper and nicer in the interior, does make a better choice for most, which is what makes a 3-series a 3-series and another problem, when are we getting our M135!?!? I have a July production M135 and as far as I am informed, it is still in pieces so if you need a car right now, there is another reason to go for the 328 |
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08-18-2012, 11:01 AM | #21 | |
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My F20 M Sport has a square tire setup, and I think the balance is very good. Going into corners, the rear end can be stepped out by feathering the brakes, and there is as good as no understeer under power on corner exits. Actually less than any other BMW I have driven on tracks, and that is quite a few. The turbo lag can be slightly annoying, but I guess that would be the same for all new BMWs. |
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08-18-2012, 01:35 PM | #22 |
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I guess all the F20/F21 models with smaller and lighter engines should have less inertia and better basic handling than the M135i. But I guess the journalists are dazzled by the engine performance. And when they test the M-Sport version, they run with too wide run flat tires in the rear.
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