[axztx]

I totaled my e90 330i last week so I'm unfortunately in the market for a new car. Does anyone have experience driving a non-sport 330i and switching to a 328xi? I know all the horsepower difference and transmission difference but whats the seat feel difference between the two? Will I be disappointed switching to a 328xi from a 330i? A 335 isn't really in the budget so that can be ruled out. Also, how do xi/x-drive coupe suspension feel vs. a 330i non-sport suspension? Is it a more floaty/softer feel i.e. less fun to drive? Lots of questions but I'm pretty devastated to lose my 330i to a telephone pole. I'll be out looking/test driving this weekend and would appreciate anyone's thoughts/opinions.

[hmmcolor]

This won't really answer your question, but some input anyway... Not sure if you're looking new or used, but do note that an e92 328xi isn't that different in price from an e90 335i, especially when you're looking at used.

[NjPrince]

Originally Posted by axztx

I totaled my e90 330i last week so I'm unfortunately in the market for a new car. Does anyone have experience driving a non-sport 330i and switching to a 328xi? I know all the horsepower difference and transmission difference but whats the seat feel difference between the two? Will I be disappointed switching to a 328xi from a 330i? A 335 isn't really in the budget so that can be ruled out. Also, how do xi/x-drive coupe suspension feel vs. a 330i non-sport suspension? Is it a more floaty/softer feel i.e. less fun to drive? Lots of questions but I'm pretty devastated to lose my 330i to a telephone pole. I'll be out looking/test driving this weekend and would appreciate anyone's thoughts/opinions.

Well you basically answered your own question. My friend has a 328i and I have driven it before and performance wise I feel its nowhere close to my 330i...an e92 328xi would have good handling and everything it would feel the same as your old 330i but like I said its not going to feel like a 330i in performance.

[AddictedToBavarian]

It's the same engine with 25 HP less. It's not like you're going from an M3 to a 318i. In fact now you'll have a coupe and might notice better handling, not to mention sport steering wheel and such.

[axztx]

Originally Posted by hmmcolor

This won't really answer your question, but some input anyway... Not sure if you're looking new or used, but do note that an e92 328xi isn't that different in price from an e90 335i, especially when you're looking at used.

I'm looking CPO. Don't really want to deal with 335 issues and would prefer a coupe over a sedan. The plan on the 330i was to drive it "forever" and I don't think I can drive a 335 forever. I drive about 25000 miles a year and owning a 335 without a CPO scares the hell out of me.

Originally Posted by 328xi0wner

It's the same engine with 25 HP less. It's not like you're going from an M3 to a 318i. In fact now you'll have a coupe and might notice better handling, not to mention sport steering wheel and such.

I put a sport steering wheel in my old 330i so that's a must have for my next car. Will an xi coupe handle better than a non-sport 330i?

[Clarence Watson]

The xi has its own suspension setup as a result of the AWD. It behaves a bit differently than the non-xi, sport suspension that you'll find on a 328i coupe. The 328i sport suspension will seem generally firmer but somewhat compliant (but not "floaty/softer", in your words), especially with non-RFT tires. The xi suspension seems to have a bit more travel in the setup, but, to me, seems no more compliant. Maybe less so. And I've noticed more body roll in the xi suspension. Personally, the xi suspension seems like the worst of both worlds to me (not great handling, not very compliant), and the non-xi, sport suspension is much more fun to drive, but that's just me. Some here will disagree, but I don't think anyone would characterize the xi suspension as "floaty".

[AddictedToBavarian]

Originally Posted by axztx

I'm looking CPO. Don't really want to deal with 335 issues and would prefer a coupe over a sedan. The plan on the 330i was to drive it "forever" and I don't think I can drive a 335 forever. I drive about 25000 miles a year and owning a 335 without a CPO scares the hell out of me.



I put a sport steering wheel in my old 330i so that's a must have for my next car. Will an xi coupe handle better than a non-sport 330i?

Many here notice a difference in handling between xi and non xi. I personally haven't. Being a coupe you'll probably notice a bit better handling too.

[shanecarmaster1]

Do yourself a favor. Get an impeccable 2006 330i. Problem solved.

[zipstic]

It's always good to get input from others on this forum, but I would also recommend driving a 328xi and a 328 non-sport back to back and see for yourself what the differences are. After all you will be the one driving it.

[Q4P]

You lose 25 hp and gain awd which automatically makes the vehicle heavier and takes away its responsiveness... even without having driven the cars back to back I can already tell you will feel a pretty big difference.

[Hooy]

If you don't NEED AWD, get a non-Xi.

I've seen members post how much they hate the N52 + Xi + Auto since it's supposed to be significantly slower.

[username604]

+1 one on the xi's being heavier. If you don't need xdrive, might as well get rwd. I also think that an awd system is more prone to failure in the long run, but i'm basing that on "more complicated, more problems" and not personal experience.