[teamadobo]

Hi All,

Just joined the site to learn more about BMW's. I have been driving Volkswagens for the past 10 years and now just car shopping.

So far I test drove a 2009 328i Xdrive Auto and I think the car is nice and felt solid. I would be getting a 2010 with NAV, Manual, Sport package and Premium.

My question to you how good are these cars? I have read some nice reviews but its always better to get first hand opinions from owners. Im coming from a 2.0T FSi engine on my Jetta (200HP/207 lb/ft) and I think it has more than enough power for me.

Anything you can share and what to watch out for in these new models. Thanks for looking.

[crazed792]

Since it sounds as though you are happy with the power of a 328i, they are quite reliable overall. Most of the complaints here have to do with turbo related problems on the 335i. I would say a 328i would be more reliable than most VW/Audi vehicles after having a few friends with VWs and a couple with Audis.

Anyway, not a whole lot you can watch out for when buying a new 328i that I know of. There are people with various small issues, but that usually is like squeaky brakes or headrests that can rattle. That kind of thing. Actual problems are pretty few and far between.

[Noc57]

Nice switch

[jopa489]

Well, you're on a BMW enthusiast forum so expect biased responses (this one included).

But the 328 is a very solid car with plenty of power and tremendous handling with 50/50 weight distribution. There are really no major common problems with the 328.

Good luck with your search, and let us know what you get!

[Craig@SupremePower]

welcome..

[teamadobo]

Thanks for the replies, as much as I want to get a 335, I just cant justify spending that much on the car. Mortgage payment and real life situation get in the way.

I havent test drove a manual 328 yet but was told the BMW transmission is smooth (will see). For BMW scheduled maintenance coverage does it cover stuff like engine filters and brake fluid flush or just regular oil changes?

I been also researching on that Idrive system and I gather it is pretty much improved from the previous gen of Idrive.

[DVDA]

Originally Posted by jopa489

. There are really no major common problems with the 328.

Except for inferiority complex

[Noc57]

Originally Posted by DVDA

Except for inferiority complex

Truth.

[crazed792]

Originally Posted by teamadobo

Thanks for the replies, as much as I want to get a 335, I just cant justify spending that much on the car. Mortgage payment and real life situation get in the way.

I havent test drove a manual 328 yet but was told the BMW transmission is smooth (will see). For BMW scheduled maintenance coverage does it cover stuff like engine filters and brake fluid flush or just regular oil changes?

I been also researching on that Idrive system and I gather it is pretty much improved from the previous gen of Idrive.

The coverage covers all scheduled maintenance, and even get you free wiper blades, but "scheduled" is the key word. A lot of people don't like the intervals that are suggested, and to go outside of them isn't covered. On a lease that wouldn't matter, but if you want to keep your car for a long time out of warranty... Anyway, I'm sure you could do some research and find a post that has the intervals listed.

EDIT: Oh, and I like the manual tranny. Throws are a bit long, but not bad. I get a manual whenever I get a loaner car. I shouldn't have settled for AT on my purchase... next time.

[Zero.7]

Originally Posted by teamadobo

Thanks for the replies, as much as I want to get a 335, I just cant justify spending that much on the car. Mortgage payment and real life situation get in the way.

I havent test drove a manual 328 yet but was told the BMW transmission is smooth (will see). For BMW scheduled maintenance coverage does it cover stuff like engine filters and brake fluid flush or just regular oil changes?

I been also researching on that Idrive system and I gather it is pretty much improved from the previous gen of Idrive.

IMO, definitely go with 6MT. From what I've seen/heard from a lot of members with automatic trannies, they wished that they had gotten the 6MT. Not all of course....but enough. So, if you are even contemplating getting 6MT, DO IT.

As for the "new" iDrive ('09+ models), it is definitely an upgrade from the previous iDrives...no doubt about it. The only thing I wished it did do was to say the actual names of the streets. I think the previous iDrives did that!?!?!? Otherwise, the new iDrive is fantastic IMO.

[teamadobo]

How tuneable are these cars? I did modify my Jetta a little bit (suspension, wheels, and some cosmetic changes). Does modifying the suspension affect the AWD system?

I dont like the chrome kidneys, im sure there is a upgrade to get that blacked out. I am also thinking of Alpine White with Saddle brown interior or Jet Black with saddle brown.

[VWtoBMW]

Originally Posted by teamadobo

Hi All,

Just joined the site to learn more about BMW's. I have been driving Volkswagens for the past 10 years and now just car shopping.

So far I test drove a 2009 328i Xdrive Auto and I think the car is nice and felt solid. I would be getting a 2010 with NAV, Manual, Sport package and Premium.

My question to you how good are these cars? I have read some nice reviews but its always better to get first hand opinions from owners. Im coming from a 2.0T FSi engine on my Jetta (200HP/207 lb/ft) and I think it has more than enough power for me.

Anything you can share and what to watch out for in these new models. Thanks for looking.

Hey, I have driven many VW's over the years (hence my username). My last VW was a 2009 CC 3.6 4Motion and went into an 09 335i xDrive, Navi, 6 speed manual, all options... I love the car and regret not moving from VW earlier!

As for Mods, I have not done any and dont plan to until maybe the spring. The only additional thing I purchased was the winter wheel and tire package.

[teamadobo]

Hey glad to see another Torontonian here. The 335i are very nice, do you have a sedan?

[Firefly6]

I had a Passat and loved it, but it had a ton of problems. So I understand the concern. BMW experience has been much better. Not perfect but much better.

[Noc57]

Originally Posted by teamadobo

How tuneable are these cars? I did modify my Jetta a little bit (suspension, wheels, and some cosmetic changes). Does modifying the suspension affect the AWD system?

I dont like the chrome kidneys, im sure there is a upgrade to get that blacked out. I am also thinking of Alpine White with Saddle brown interior or Jet Black with saddle brown.

Not much.... Intake, exhaust, Powerbox, that's about it. All produce "minimal" gains at best, and for the $$ performance mods for the N52 typically aren't worth it. The market simply isn't there.

But there's tons of cosmetic mods you can do to keep you busy however.

As for black kidney grilles, BMW sells performance ones that come in gloss black (look amazing IMO), and you can also go with matte black grilles from vendors on the forum.

The performance ones list for $72.50 each, but can be had for much cheaper. Think I paid $119 for the full set.

[jessea]

about how much is it to install the black grills?

[Noc57]

Originally Posted by jessea

about how much is it to install the black grills?

It's easy enough to do yourself, and there's a DIY.

...If not it's about 30-45 minutes of labor= ~$70.

[goldn]

just came from a mkv gti...
still addicted to vortex.

waiting for my E91.

[PoorMan]

Welcome to the site!

[E92-Lighting]

welcome aboard

[Ender514]

welcome!

[HapaVibe]

Do some research on this site about the run flat tires, lack of a spare tire, and lack of a dipstick. Those are a few issues that bug a lot of people about the 328.

Also try to get one with the N52 engine, not the N51 SULEV engine. You can research that here too.

I have a 328i Coupe and I really wish I had spent the extra bucks and gotten the 335. The 328 will never get much faster than the one you tested without spending way too much money. You could drop the nav and put it toward the 335.