tractor
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 15:19:30 GMT -5
Posts: 3,489
|
BMW 328i
Sept 16, 2013 10:17:08 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by tractor on Sept 16, 2013 10:17:08 GMT -5
Anyone own one of these. I've been looking for another car and have fell in love with a 2011 328i xdrive. I've done some looking on-line and the reviews seem favorable. Anyone here have an opinion on them?
|
|
Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461
|
Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Sept 16, 2013 10:25:36 GMT -5
|
|
justme
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 10, 2012 13:12:47 GMT -5
Posts: 14,618
|
Post by justme on Sept 16, 2013 10:30:14 GMT -5
My friends has a 328i, never drove it but man riding around in it sure made me want to buy one.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 7, 2024 6:26:38 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2013 10:37:30 GMT -5
If you like BMW styling that is great, because it never changes..
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 7, 2024 6:26:38 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2013 10:42:26 GMT -5
|
|
kent
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:13:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,594
|
Post by kent on Sept 16, 2013 10:50:52 GMT -5
My wife just bought a new one last weekend (the "regular" 328i, not the xdrive).
She has a black belt in shopping so almost every possible resource was checked out prior to her final decision. We've owned other brands (MBZ, Lexus, Acura) and the BMW was more to her liking.
I think the "technology" stuff in our Ford Edge (2011) is easier to use but it's probably just a case of getting familiar with a different system.
Got a kick out of Rocky's post and it's probably pretty accurate. Ours is Mineral White so we're not included in that group. I have always said BMW drivers "seem" to be more aggressive than others and, quite frankly, I can now see how that might happen with younger drivers. The car handles extremely well and almost begs you to push it.
Downside. The start/stop system (it turns off the engine when you stop and turns it on as soon as you take your foot off the brake) leaves something to be desired. You barely notice when it turns off but there's no way you will "ignore" the restart. It's not horrible, just something you aren't used to. BMW has authorized dealers to reprogram this feature if a customer doesn't like it.
You can likely cut a pretty good deal on a 2013 if you push them. Current advertisements say up to $2,500 off 2013's but we got over twice that off of ours with very little effort.
Hope this helps.
|
|
kent
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:13:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,594
|
Post by kent on Sept 16, 2013 10:59:27 GMT -5
I posted info related to this issue on another thread
|
|
Opti
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 10:45:38 GMT -5
Posts: 42,242
Location: New Jersey
Mini-Profile Name Color: c28523
Mini-Profile Text Color: 990033
|
Post by Opti on Sept 16, 2013 11:35:17 GMT -5
Archie it was a 1997 BMW which is several models different than the 2011. I'm surprised to hear about the supposed malfunction but it was in CA possibly exposed to high temps regularly.
|
|
tractor
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 15:19:30 GMT -5
Posts: 3,489
|
BMW 328i
Sept 16, 2013 12:45:25 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by tractor on Sept 16, 2013 12:45:25 GMT -5
Thanks for all the feed back. Most of the time I'm the only one in the car so I've been looking pretty hard for a coupe. The selection is limited. I'm also in snow country so I would prefer front or all wheel drive. I'm also looking at Audi TT's or and A4. Pretty hard to decide what I want. It has been fun searching, but I'm ready to pull the trigger on something.
|
|
tskeeter
Junior Associate
Joined: Mar 20, 2011 19:37:45 GMT -5
Posts: 6,831
|
Post by tskeeter on Sept 16, 2013 12:46:06 GMT -5
While I do not drive a BMW, several of the BMW owners I have known over the years were not happy with the amount of maintenance that BMW's take nor with the cost of the maintenance. The amount and cost of the maintenance caused some BMW owners to get rid of the BMW in favor of more pedestrian vehicles.
For people who really enjoy the handling and performance of a sporty car, the cost and hassle of maintaining a BMW is worth it. (If you're reading reviews on car enthusiast web sites, you're reading the opinions of folks who have already decided that the cost and hassle are not a problem. That group is far from a balanced information source.) For others, they might want to look into what it takes to keep a BMW on the road.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 7, 2024 6:26:38 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2013 13:07:38 GMT -5
We have a 2007 328i, but not the xdrive.
Maintenance is more expensive ($100 to change the oil, I think). With the run-flats, you also have to replace all four tires if you get a flat.
Still, DH loves BMWs. He actually worries me when he drives my Corolla because it doesn't handle as precisely. I'm afraid he will think he can maneuver into the other lane when he can't.
|
|
whoami
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 8, 2011 12:43:49 GMT -5
Posts: 1,292
|
Post by whoami on Sept 16, 2013 14:45:33 GMT -5
While I do not drive a BMW, several of the BMW owners I have known over the years were not happy with the amount of maintenance that BMW's take nor with the cost of the maintenance. The amount and cost of the maintenance caused some BMW owners to get rid of the BMW in favor of more pedestrian vehicles. For people who really enjoy the handling and performance of a sporty car, the cost and hassle of maintaining a BMW is worth it. (If you're reading reviews on car enthusiast web sites, you're reading the opinions of folks who have already decided that the cost and hassle are not a problem. That group is far from a balanced information source.) For others, they might want to look into what it takes to keep a BMW on the road. We bought a $45k car two weeks ago. We passed on BMW because of the maintenance issue.
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Sept 16, 2013 15:19:13 GMT -5
While I do not drive a BMW, several of the BMW owners I have known over the years were not happy with the amount of maintenance that BMW's take nor with the cost of the maintenance. The amount and cost of the maintenance caused some BMW owners to get rid of the BMW in favor of more pedestrian vehicles. For people who really enjoy the handling and performance of a sporty car, the cost and hassle of maintaining a BMW is worth it. (If you're reading reviews on car enthusiast web sites, you're reading the opinions of folks who have already decided that the cost and hassle are not a problem. That group is far from a balanced information source.) For others, they might want to look into what it takes to keep a BMW on the road. Every BMW owner I know too has had these feelings. Most get rid of them after a couple years of maintenance sticker shock.
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Sept 16, 2013 15:28:09 GMT -5
Thanks for all the feed back. Most of the time I'm the only one in the car so I've been looking pretty hard for a coupe. The selection is limited. I'm also in snow country so I would prefer front or all wheel drive. I'm also looking at Audi TT's or and A4. Pretty hard to decide what I want. It has been fun searching, but I'm ready to pull the trigger on something.
If you want something that handles well without the sticker/maintenance shock with AWD, look at Subaru's WRX or STi. Both of them handle very well (I've driven both and they're responsive enough that I'd be in trouble regularly if I had one), are AWD and maintenance is less than both the Audi and BMW.
TD has put snow tires on his WRX and it churned up icy and snowy hills that left a lot of other cars stranded along the side of the road.
Another car you might want to look at that has gotten good reviews on handling is Mitsubishi's Lancer EVO. It got slightly better reviews than Subaru on Top Gear with regards to handling. I saw a new one on the road last week (while driving the WRX) and it's a really nice looking car. I'd be taking a look at it if I was looking for a new car. Not sure if it's AWD though.
|
|
Opti
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 10:45:38 GMT -5
Posts: 42,242
Location: New Jersey
Mini-Profile Name Color: c28523
Mini-Profile Text Color: 990033
|
Post by Opti on Sept 16, 2013 17:01:09 GMT -5
If you are in snow country I wouldn't recommend the Audi TT which to me is oriented more as a summer fun car feel versus a daily driver that will do well in snow. Either the A4 or the BMW should get snow tires if you buy them. Run flats are horrible if you care about drive feel and even maintenance costs so I'd recommend avoiding them.
My maintenance costs weren't that bad for the first four years, but I may have been luckier than average. As a comment to other posters, there are a few cars that aren't domestic in the same price range that also have $100+ oil changes: Infiniti and Lexus for example.
I hope you are happy with what ever you choose.
|
|
kent
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:13:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,594
|
Post by kent on Sept 16, 2013 18:45:34 GMT -5
I think things are a bit different now. From: www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Explore/BMWValue/BMWUltimateService/default.aspxAha, snow country. I don't know how the BMW xdrive would work out with the run flat tires - I suspect they're designed for "regular" driving. The Subaru, on the other hand, would probably be the best choice. In the snow country around here, if you sit by the side of the road with a fly swatter, about every third car is a Subaru and that speaks pretty highly of them. In fact, I remember reading some time back that at the time they had the highest owner loyalty rate. Not factual. If you were to shred a tire you only need to buy one, not four. However, the run flat tires are not cheap by any stretch.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 7, 2024 6:26:38 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2013 18:51:04 GMT -5
Kent, replacing all four is what we were told by one of my friends who bought a BMW 5-series two years ago. She was really upset.
|
|
Opti
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 10:45:38 GMT -5
Posts: 42,242
Location: New Jersey
Mini-Profile Name Color: c28523
Mini-Profile Text Color: 990033
|
Post by Opti on Sept 16, 2013 19:18:15 GMT -5
She may have not told you the full story. BMWs are more sensitive to tire issues than regular cars and odds are it was not because the run flat went bad but because of the difference in tread depth on the new tire versus the existing tires. I think there was a brief discussion with ZaireinHD on this very topic. Since BMWs are tuned the way they are a tread differential of say .25 inch from new tire to old ones can damage or stress suspension and other components prematurely.
Not sure if I am remembering this correctly, but at one time its possible all run flat tires had to be set to trigger at the same level which wouldn't work if your tires had tread depths that were too different. Between the sensors and the harsh ride of the run flats, I would avoid them like the plague.
|
|
kent
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:13:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,594
|
Post by kent on Sept 16, 2013 19:37:17 GMT -5
Yep, I'm sure there's more to the story. A .25 inch difference in tread depth is a LOT - that's roughly the difference between a brand new tire and one that's bald. We haven't experienced a "harsh" ride at this juncture but we have very good roads so I'm sure it would be "harsh" on most roads due to such a low profile. Our car came with the run flat tires and I'm not completely "comfortable" with them even though they say you can drive on them for 150 miles (of course if you "shred" the thing all bets are off). The first time one goes flat, we'll probably replace them all with higher profile "regular" tires. Ah, the price you pay for fancy carp.
|
|
thyme4change
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 13:54:08 GMT -5
Posts: 40,763
|
Post by thyme4change on Sept 16, 2013 20:50:12 GMT -5
My dad had an older one, and we had to switch cars once because I had the two car seats thethered (or whatever that acronym was) to my car. It was easier to switch cars than try and move those damn car seats. I really liked driving it around. But my father was so nice, when we went to switch back he said "Your car is great! You got a deal." That made me feel a little better about my new Accord.
|
|
tractor
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 15:19:30 GMT -5
Posts: 3,489
|
BMW 328i
Sept 17, 2013 7:33:39 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by tractor on Sept 17, 2013 7:33:39 GMT -5
I just can't warm up to the Subaru, they are just ugly. Now if they would put an all wheel drive system in the one they build with Scion, they would have something. I really want a coupe, I've been driving sedans for twenty years. The kids have their own cars, and I'm almost always by myself so want something smaller. The mini clubman is pretty cool, but I'm just not geeky enough to own one of them.
|
|
Opti
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 10:45:38 GMT -5
Posts: 42,242
Location: New Jersey
Mini-Profile Name Color: c28523
Mini-Profile Text Color: 990033
|
Post by Opti on Sept 17, 2013 10:41:20 GMT -5
I prefer coupes, but the BMW coupe usually outweighs the sedan by a significant amount. Not sure if that is true for the A4/A3. The 328i though will be smaller than an Accord if that's what you mean.
|
|
Bob Ross
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 14:48:03 GMT -5
Posts: 5,883
|
Post by Bob Ross on Sept 17, 2013 11:10:16 GMT -5
Before my current car, I leased an '08 328i Coupe (no xdrive though. I had the RWD version). I did occasionally get an xdrive as a loaner when I took my car in for free maintenance, and I thought that the performance of xdrive was slightly worse (not for handling, but acceleration), which is typical for AWD versions of most cars when compared with their RWD versions. Anyways, the car was very nice. Handled awesomely, as these cars are known for, but I thought the engine was slightly underpowered. I think it was ~230 HP and 0-60 was a bit over 6 seconds. Other brands offer more bang for the buck in this department. Didn't have any mechanical problems with it in the three years that I had it, but then again, I didn't expect any for a new car. I do remember thinking that I wouldn't want to own the car when it came off warrantee because repairs are bound to be expensive for a BMW, so that's something to keep in mind.
Also note that the car was TERRIBLE in snow / ice (although the xdrive might help that some), especially with the summer performance tires that it came with (Bridgestone Potenzas. I think they come with some model of Continentals now) which I never changed, as I didn't want to spend money on snow tires for a leased vehicle and we had had some snowless winters until the last year that I had the car. Anyways, I had a few VERY close calls because of this, and even getting up a very slight incline with an inch or two of snow on the road was a chore. You will definitely want a set of all weather or winter tires if you live in an area which gets snow. The stock performance run-flat tires are also hella expensive and don't last long. I think that 30k miles is their expected duration (way less if you drive aggressively) and they cost around $400 apiece (more at the dealership). If they offer a tire warrantee program, you might want to look into that. I ended up getting three of my four tires replaced on warrantee.
|
|
Opti
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 10:45:38 GMT -5
Posts: 42,242
Location: New Jersey
Mini-Profile Name Color: c28523
Mini-Profile Text Color: 990033
|
Post by Opti on Sept 17, 2013 11:22:40 GMT -5
If you drive any car with summer performance tires in snow you deserve all the problems you get in my opinion. Cars designed for sport will usually be delivered with summer performance tires even lower end Toyotas, etc. Summer performance tires are designed for performance in dry conditions above a certain tempature. They are the worst choice to make for winter conditions, all season being the average person's preferred compromise and winter tires being the best. Your tires more than any other component of your car will determine whether your car drives well in snow or not. All traction systems can only use what the tire provides. Hopefully you wouldn't wear flip flops in the snow and expect the same results as wearing hiking boots or snow boots. Tires are like shoes for cars. (Steps off soapbox.)
|
|
Bob Ross
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 14:48:03 GMT -5
Posts: 5,883
|
Post by Bob Ross on Sept 17, 2013 11:32:06 GMT -5
If you drive any car with summer performance tires in snow you deserve all the problems you get in my opinion. Cars designed for sport will usually be delivered with summer performance tires even lower end Toyotas, etc. Summer performance tires are designed for performance in dry conditions above a certain tempature. They are the worst choice to make for winter conditions, all season being the average person's preferred compromise and winter tires being the best. Your tires more than any other component of your car will determine whether your car drives well in snow or not. All traction systems can only use what the tire provides. Hopefully you wouldn't wear flip flops in the snow and expect the same results as wearing hiking boots or snow boots. Tires are like shoes for cars. (Steps off soapbox.) Point noted. Although when you haven't gotten any snow for a few years and your choice is $1600 for a set of snow tires that you MIGHT need for a single season, you have to weigh your options. And the problem is, once the snow does fall, it's tough to get new tires installed the next morning before you have to get to work. But I took my chances, and everything came up Millhouse, so . I hear (but don't know) that these cars aren't that great in snow even with snow tires, but the OP might want to research that more since I'm not sure.
|
|
8 Bit WWBG
Administrator
Your Money admin
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 8:57:29 GMT -5
Posts: 9,322
Today's Mood: Mega
|
Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Sept 17, 2013 12:37:48 GMT -5
...:::"If you like BMW styling that is great, because it never changes..":::...
I'm not a fan of the recent 3-series re-styling. It pretty much means if I want a 3, I either have to be pre-owned, or wait a few more model years and hope they fix it.
I agree with the maintenance sticker shock and being amply capitalized for it. The idea that it could cost $1,600 to replace tires is spooky. I've also heard that the firmware is very unfriendly to new components, and each time a component gets updated, so must everything else be.
Nevertheless, it definitely has tight performance, and can be a lot of fun to drive if you are willing to pay the upkeep.
|
|
Opti
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 10:45:38 GMT -5
Posts: 42,242
Location: New Jersey
Mini-Profile Name Color: c28523
Mini-Profile Text Color: 990033
|
Post by Opti on Sept 17, 2013 13:02:14 GMT -5
In case you've forgotten I own an older 3 series. I have not spent $1600 on a set of tires yet. Bridgestone Blizzaks are great winter tires and can be purchased for under $150 each at tirerack.com. I don't buy tires from the dealer because of the markup. The other key thing is to downsize your tires if they were upsized, +1 or +2 for summer traction. It means you need another set of wheels, but your traction will be much better. Unfortunately tirerack no longer stocks the cheap and sturdy steel wheels for winter, but I think discount tire the other big online tire retailer does. If I leased a car like a BMW I'd go for one with the smallest tire size they offer if it was a daily driver and snow was going to be in my driving future regularly. That way you have a shot at getting the model with all season tires if it exists. Mine does not have exceptional traction in the snow but it does OK. I strongly prefer it though over a stock Camry with all season tires if that helps.
|
|
kent
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:13:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,594
|
Post by kent on Sept 17, 2013 13:07:34 GMT -5
The idea that it could cost $1,600 to replace tires is spooky. $1,600 sure is spooky. So much so that I just went out to the garage to see exactly what was on the car. I then went to Tire Rack and looked up the cost - whew! It turns out the all season run flat tires are $148 each (Pirelli Cinturano P7, All Season Run Flat 225/45 R18 91V M&S) I'm still not comfortable with the Run Flat concept- you're absolutely screwed if you shred one of them.
|
|
Bob Ross
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 14:48:03 GMT -5
Posts: 5,883
|
Post by Bob Ross on Sept 17, 2013 15:14:16 GMT -5
The idea that it could cost $1,600 to replace tires is spooky. $1,600 sure is spooky. So much so that I just went out to the garage to see exactly what was on the car. I then went to Tire Rack and looked up the cost - whew! It turns out the all season run flat tires are $148 each (Pirelli Cinturano P7, All Season Run Flat 225/45 R18 91V M&S) I'm still not comfortable with the Run Flat concept- you're absolutely screwed if you shred one of them. Hmm. Looks like it also depends on the trim package. My car had the Sport package which had the premium (larger) wheels and lower profile tires, and the rear tires were of a different size than the front ones. I was also limited to OEM replacements or equivalents for lease turn in, and that left me with only two options: The Bridgestone Potenzas, and Michelin Pilots, which are currently $1242 and $1344 respectively for a set of four on Tirerack, then tack on shipping and install fees. I guess if you own the car outright (and can avoid run-flats), or have the sedan, or don't have the Sport package, there are cheaper options, so sorry for the misinformation.
|
|
Opti
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 10:45:38 GMT -5
Posts: 42,242
Location: New Jersey
Mini-Profile Name Color: c28523
Mini-Profile Text Color: 990033
|
Post by Opti on Sept 17, 2013 15:31:43 GMT -5
Bob are those 19inch wheels? I purposely stayed with my 17inch wheels and downsize to 16 inch for winter. I'd have to go higher end than Bridgestone Potenzas to get near that amount. Thankfully there are very few summer performance tires over $200 each in the 17" range and some highly rated ones can be had in the $110-$180 range depending on the year and manufacturer specials. I've noticed wheel sizes have gone up for most cars even if they IMO don't do a whole lot for performance and basically just increase costs and risk of wheel and tire damage. I believe manufacturers have gone there because the look of bigger wheels and aluminum wheels are in, but its funny when I think about Porsche 911's that are older than my car. 16 inch wheels were standard yet most sporty cars seem to sport 18 inch wheels or larger now. Low profile just increases risks of tire and wheel damage here in NJ land of not very good roads.
|
|