Author Topic: New BMW 3 Series Sedan officially released (Read 6482 times)

mmret · « **Reply #140 on:** January 29, 2012, 08:52:18 pm »

As a guy with an out of warranty 07 Z4 that's had its share of troubles I don't think I'm too scared off by German mechanical issues, but I'm not entirely sure I'd be ready to chip a brand new 320.

I'm skeptical how much aftermarket tuning expertise is out there for the N20 compared to say the various versions of the VWAG 2.0T (Go, APR!)

vdk · « **Reply #141 on:** January 29, 2012, 10:00:43 pm »

Dinan will come with a solid reflash. But they do ask a pretty penny for them. $2-3k? That's 3-4 times what I paid for APR.

Julie · « **Reply #142 on:** January 29, 2012, 10:25:14 pm »

^^ Yeah, lots of enthusiasm about tuning the new N20 motor so far... I'm sure we'll start hearing stuff in a few months...

mmret · « **Reply #143 on:** January 29, 2012, 10:55:49 pm »

Quote from: vdk on January 29, 2012, 10:00:43 pm

Dinan will come with a solid reflash. But they do ask a pretty penny for them. $2-3k? That's 3-4 times what I paid for APR.

Might as well get a 328 then.

(and so it would continue:)

Quote

"Oh but you could chip a 328..for $2-3k!"

Might as well get a 335 then.

"Oh but you could chip a 335..for $2-3k!"

Have fun!

kevlar · « **Reply #144 on:** January 30, 2012, 07:37:03 am »

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=581869

I'm also looking closely at the up and coming Audi a3 sedan. Both the gas and diesel engine can be tuned. Too bad those monkeys at Audi will make the diesel automatic again.

vdk · « **Reply #145 on:** February 28, 2012, 05:27:36 pm »

Welcome the Camry of the GTA..

What Needs Work:
Doesn't handle, steer or stop as well as its predecessor; and tell us again why power seats and adjustable lumbar are optional.

http://www.insideline.com/bmw/3-series/2012/2012-bmw-328i-sedan-full-test-and-video.html

Julie · « **Reply #146 on:** February 28, 2012, 07:19:08 pm »

Quote from: vdk on February 28, 2012, 05:27:36 pm

Welcome the Camry of the GTA..

What Needs Work:
Doesn't handle, steer or stop as well as its predecessor; and tell us again why power seats and adjustable lumbar are optional.

http://www.insideline.com/bmw/3-series/2012/2012-bmw-328i-sedan-full-test-and-video.html

I don't know if there's a 328i vs. 335i difference, but Motor Trend loved the 335i:

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=654270

And most reviews said it was just as good if not better than the E90 versions.

Interesting different conclusions from different reviews. I will be very interested in testing them both out.

tortoise · « **Reply #147 on:** February 28, 2012, 08:04:23 pm »

My big concern is the switch to electric steering. I haven't liked any of the systems I'be tried. All the reviews say the steering is lighter on the new model which is a shame since it was so perfect before.

dougjp · « **Reply #148 on:** February 29, 2012, 07:41:54 am »

A well done article about the 335i here in Winding Road Magazine. Mainly its a nice comparison with the current model.

http://magazine.windingroad.com/issue/79/

Julie · « **Reply #149 on:** February 29, 2012, 10:04:08 am »

Quote from: dougjp on February 29, 2012, 07:41:54 am

A well done article about the 335i here in Winding Road Magazine. Mainly its a nice comparison with the current model.

http://magazine.windingroad.com/issue/79/

That seems like such a well-balanced review, thanks Doug.

I think I'm going to read more of Winding Road.

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #150 on:** March 01, 2012, 04:17:45 pm »

Car and Driver's April issue has a full test of the 335i and they were baffled to find that the new car is much slower than the e90 335i. Could be a weird anomaly, or maybe it's all downhill after 2008.

kevlar · « **Reply #151 on:** March 01, 2012, 04:41:42 pm »

Hummm. Gearing ratios? Maybe they tweaked them for better fuel Econ.?

vdk · « **Reply #152 on:** March 01, 2012, 05:19:56 pm »

Probably a case of the twin turbo 335i making 10-15% more hp than stated

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #153 on:** March 01, 2012, 05:50:44 pm »

Quote from: kevlar on March 01, 2012, 04:41:42 pm

Hummm. Gearing ratios? Maybe they tweaked them for better fuel Econ.?

They even referenced that possibility in the article stating that the ratios are similar, so it shouldn't be that much of a difference. They thought possibly crappy-octane gasoline in the area as a possibility too (likely looking for any excuse for the beloved 3-series).

I like Vdk's answer though.

kevlar · « **Reply #154 on:** March 01, 2012, 07:01:26 pm »

ahhh. giant dwarf!! just when i am considering the move to the dark side.....3 series for kevlar. i'm open for alternatives but they need to offer manual tranny.

Julie · « **Reply #155 on:** March 01, 2012, 08:20:22 pm »

Quote from: Giant Dwarf on March 01, 2012, 04:17:45 pm

Car and Driver's April issue has a full test of the 335i and they were baffled to find that the new car is much slower than the e90 335i. Could be a weird anomaly, or maybe it's all downhill after 2008.

Twin-turbo got replaced by the single turbo (with twin-scroll, aka "twin power) after the 2010 model year.....so yeah, must have gone downhill after the 2010 cars.

Railton · « **Reply #156 on:** March 01, 2012, 08:31:50 pm »

Quote from: kevlar on March 01, 2012, 07:01:26 pm

ahhh. giant dwarf!! just when i am considering the move to the dark side.....3 series for kevlar. i'm open for alternatives but they need to offer manual tranny.

For God's sake Jim, don't do it!"

May we offer you something in a 6 spd manual?
Railton

kevlar · « **Reply #157 on:** March 01, 2012, 09:00:49 pm »

I wish I could buy a g37 coupe. 2 small children=stroller, 5 bags full of I have no idea=no on the coupe.... Poope.

dougjp · « **Reply #158 on:** March 01, 2012, 10:00:06 pm »

Quote from: kevlar on March 01, 2012, 09:00:49 pm

I wish I could buy a g37 coupe. 2 small children=stroller, 5 bags full of I have no idea=no on the coupe.... Poope.

Aha, but there's this;

http://www.infiniti.ca/en/configurator/configurator.html?model=G4SG52

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #159 on:** March 01, 2012, 10:20:42 pm »

Perhaps he enjoys torque too though?