[Multimodal]

I am trying to decide between the 320i with Sport Package and the base 328i (with standard suspension). I have various dealer quotes that bring these two models within about $1,000 of each other. How much impact does the Sport Package have on the 320i? (I imagine a good bit, otherwise why would BMW have equipped every auto test outlet with the 320i Sport?) Which car would be more fun? (I imagine a toss-up.) Which car would hold its resale value better? (I imagine the 320i Sport, but for the exceptional discount I'm seeing on the 328i.)

[Daas]

Get the one with Sports Package. The suspension and the seats make a big difference. If it works out financially, get the 328i with Sports Package.

[facepunch77]

full disclosure: I haven't tried a 320.

I have 2 f30s currently: 335 with dhp/m sport and a 328 with standard suspension. I used to have a 335 luxury.

The 328 with standard package is a great car, and for some reason handles better than a 335 without sport package. It does 0-60 in 5.4 seconds (fast) vs the 320's 0-60 in 6.7 seconds (decent).

For me it would be an easy decision on the 328.

[0715AW335XI]

Get the 328

[Thescout13]

320 with a sport package anyday of the week. I was actually trying to choose between the exact same options for my DD. If you care about a fun car that handles amazingly and you can throw into corners and enjoy that type of driving I would choose it over the standard suspension 328i, despite the lack of power. If your a straight line drag against every G37 kind of guy/gal, then just go with the base 328i.

However, for overall driving experience, I'm happy I got the 320i with sport package. And the few times I have driven my brother in laws 328i without sport or msport, has validated my decision over and over again.

And adding a stage 1, will make the whole debate mostly irrelevant. However, even if you aren't modding, I'd still choose the 320i.

[Sherhart]

Originally Posted by Thescout13

320 with a sport package anyday of the week. I was actually trying to choose between the exact same options for my DD. If you care about a fun car that handles amazingly and you can throw into corners and enjoy that type of driving I would choose it over the standard suspension 328i, despite the lack of power. If your a straight line drag against every G37 kind of guy/gal, then just go with the base 328i.

However, for overall driving experience, I'm happy I got the 320i with sport package. And the few times I have driven my brother in laws 328i without sport or msport, has validated my decision over and over again.

And adding a stage 1, will make the whole debate mostly irrelevant. However, even if you aren't modding, I'd still choose the 320i.

Says the guy with a 320i LOL. Stage I doesn't match a stock 328i, but it does take it from early 1990ish acceleration to respectable. Whatever model you get, you *have* to get the sport package. Great deals on 328i sport if you look around.

Jimbo

[adhrp]

Depends what kind of driving style you like. I haven't driven a 320i, but I imagine it must be a lot of fun in the hills and curvy roads in general. The 328i has nice power and I enjoy that. I think it comes down to you test driving those a few times on your favorite roads and then going for what really makes your heart race.

[ardyer]

One note about the 320 that I wish I had known (don't know that I'd have gone differently though). You can't use the upgrade to the M exhaust system on the 320 without some questionable modification. If that's something you're interested in doing, go with the 328.

[skw]

Originally Posted by Sherhart

Says the guy with a 320i LOL. Stage I doesn't match a stock 328i, but it does take it from early 1990ish acceleration to respectable. Whatever model you get, you *have* to get the sport package. Great deals on 328i sport if you look around.

Jimbo

Another guy w/ a 320i here so take my opinion as biased if you'd like. What kind of car/options is the OP interested in? If you're looking to add HUD, DHP, etc, then you have no choice but to get the 328i. Next question is automatic or manual transmission? I'd say to drive each car w/ either transmission. And yes, it does make that much of a difference. We started out looking at and driving F10's. After deciding that we didn't need that big of a car, we next drove a no line 328xi 8AT which was a decent car. Next up was a 320i 8AT. Hated it and turned back around to the dealer, could definately feel the power difference. A 335i nor a 328i 6MT were available but another dealer had just gotten in a 320i 6MT so I went to drive that and loved it. Lightweight, fun, and didn't at all feel underpowered or sluggish as the 8AT. I know, same motor, can't explain it. I'm not saying the 8AT is slow, by no means. The combination of the 320's detuned motor w/ the 8AT felt unacceptable to me. A few days later, I placed a factory order for a 320i 6MT w/ sport pkg. Even after spending the day flogging a fully loaded 335i M-Sport at the Performance Center, driving home in my 320i didn't have me wishing for more power. So I say to test drive each car and let your seat of the pants decide.

Originally Posted by ardyer

One note about the 320 that I wish I had known (don't know that I'd have gone differently though). You can't use the upgrade to the M exhaust system on the 320 without some questionable modification. If that's something you're interested in doing, go with the 328.

Totally untrue. Do a search on here and many have fitted an exhaust to the 320. Almost every aftermarket exhaust (M-Performance included) out there is for the 328 and to fit it to a 320 only requires a simple adapter from 60.2mm to 75mm and changing the rear diffuser to accomodate whichever style of tips you choose. Take a look at this thread here: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=805887

[nicknaz]

OP, with the change over from 2014 to 2015 model year I think you should try to find a 2014 328 sport package with a big discount

[Kafkaesque328]

I have a 2014 320i with sport package and a BMS stage 1 tune. Only other option is moonroof. Fantastic car. MSRP was $36.5k, selling price $32k. I have spent some seat time in an F30 328i with the no-line base suspension, seats and steering wheel and was unimpressed. I would break it down like this:

1. No-line 320i vs. No-line 328i - The 328i. The reason for this should be obvious.

2. 320i with sport package vs. No-line 328i - The 320i ZSP. With a simple piggyback tune, you get very close to 328i power in a lighterweight car with the sport package which is far superior to the no-line trim. Better seats, better suspension, better look due to staggered tires/slightly lower than no-line, black headliner and for the price of a base no-line no option 328i you can get a 320 with sport package, tune, lighting package etc. for the same price and have a better car hands down.

3. If money isn't an issue a sportline 328i is the way to go IMO. For low 40's you can get a 328i sportline with some goodies.

4. Ultimately an M Sport 328 but optioned out, that is a $50k+ car.

I don't see the point in the luxury line because it has the base suspension which IMO is a bummer.

Summary:

Msport 328> Sportline 328> M sport 320i> No-line 328> no-line 320. I really have no idea why you'd get a no line 320 though.

Originally Posted by Sherhart

Says the guy with a 320i LOL. Stage I doesn't match a stock 328i, but it does take it from early 1990ish acceleration to respectable.

Jimbo

Haha, whatever you say... My 320 does 0-60 in about 6.1 sec, the same as the previous model 328i. You know, the one that was in production in 2011.... I merely have stage 1+ 3PSI. Stage 2 320 will beat a 328i easily. Car and Driver, Road & Track, Motor Trend etc. all got 6.6 with a stock 320. A second behind the 328.

Originally Posted by Thescout13

320 with a sport package anyday of the week. I was actually trying to choose between the exact same options for my DD. If you care about a fun car that handles amazingly and you can throw into corners and enjoy that type of driving I would choose it over the standard suspension 328i, despite the lack of power. If your a straight line drag against every G37 kind of guy/gal, then just go with the base 328i.

However, for overall driving experience, I'm happy I got the 320i with sport package. And the few times I have driven my brother in laws 328i without sport or msport, has validated my decision over and over again.

And adding a stage 1, will make the whole debate mostly irrelevant. However, even if you aren't modding, I'd still choose the 320i.

If not modding, the 320 wasn't quite enough for me. Stage 1 and it's good. Perfectly capable, excellent handling and road feel and god, the steering wheel, seats etc. are so superior to a base 328, it's a no brainer. After spending some time on the forums, the vast majority of critics of the 320 have spent zero seat time in a 320 w/sport pkg. Anyone who has, knows.

[WHL102]

The difference in acceleration is clearly noticeable but at the end of the day it comes down to what is important to you. I think the price differential is small enough that if you think you'll miss the power at all you should go for the 328. If not, the 320 with options would be the right choice... Why pay for something you do not need, right?

One thing to note is that the xDrive sport package does not come with the upgraded suspension bits.


Coming from a GLK with over 300 hp I knew I didn't need all that power every day. So I went with a 320i with sport package and upgraded navi. One thing I had to change after getting the car was the bumper...

[Kafkaesque328]

The difference in acceleration is almost a non-issue unless you are afraid to install a simple piggyback tuner; although, a stage 1 328 practically hits 335 levels. But anyway, if 328i acceleration is acceptable to you, a 320 with sport package and a tune is a 'cheap' (in BMW terms) and fun german sports sedan.

[hmc]

For me, I must have Sport Package.

Although extra power on 328 is very nice/desirable, I can't justify the price difference between 320i+ZSP and 328i+SportLine/M-Sport, not to mention M-Sport wheel and sport seat on 320i.

[Kafkaesque328]

Originally Posted by hmc

For me, I must have Sport Package.

Although extra power on 328 is very nice/desirable, I can't justify the price difference between 320i+ZSP and 328i+SportLine/M-Sport, not to mention M-Sport wheel and sport seat on 320i.

Me too.

Burger Motorsports.

Me either.

[penet05]

I went with 320i with sports and light. pkg. I get coded to have the EBT as well (free thx to a forum member). Even the difference in the looks was the main reason I got one with sports pkg and did not want to shell out an extra 8K for 328i M-sport. Am I happy with my decision? Definitely yes.

[bahasad]

It's really hard to recommend a base 328. It's just so bland imo.

I'd save up more money to get into a Sport 328. If that isn't possible, go for the Sport 320I. Be prepared to tune it asap, but also with the caveat that if any significant issues occur down the line, BMW *may* have issues with the tune.

[Thescout13]

Let us know what you decide! Hope all of our comments have helped. However, I do agree, test drive is a must. Have fun through some turns. And if you can find a user here with a 320i sport and SAT coded and a tune I suggest you test drive it (I would offer mine but it's a hell of a drive for you haha).

IMO stage 2 on my 320i makes it so much fun to drive. And I have taken handedly some stock 328s and held with a 335 until being pulled on. Again like we have said, it all comes down to what kind of driver you are. And if you are like me and care about handling, 320i + Sport.

And yes I am biased. However, If the above commenter had read my signature, my track car is also an N54 stripped used solely at the track. Not only that but my brother in law has a luxury 328i, and my father has a 335 msport, after driving all cars it's simple 335 msport -> 320 + sport -> 328 non sport. But as my daily driver, given the amount of miles I drive and the type, I don't regret getting the 320i. It's fun and it's great on gas, and with a tune you can almost get 335 power with m suspension handling.

But grain of salt.... Of course

[Labeef]

320 Sport > 328i no-line, that simple. Car has way more balance and driving pleasure. But if you were going to get a 328, I would, IMO, only go with the M sport.

What do you drive now?

[Kafkaesque328]

^^ Most concise response.

[newoldbeemer]

I had the exact same dilemma. Went with the 328i and couldn't be happier.

Go with the 328i. You can upgrade the suspension if you want, there are even oem options (I ended up getting maps). But you'll regret having the lower engine power, it is noticeable.

[Kafkaesque328]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

I had the exact same dilemma. Went with the 328i and couldn't be happier.

Go with the 328i. You can upgrade the suspension if you want, there are even oem options (I ended up getting maps). But you'll regret having the lower engine power, it is noticeable.

Its a lot cheaper and easier to upgrade a 320 to 328 power levels but suspension upgrades are more extensive. For about $500 and 10 minutes you can have a 320 with M Sport suspension, a much nicer steering wheel, nicer seats and 328 power.

To get the same interior quality in a no-line 328 as the 320 w/sport package along with the suspension you would have to upgrade the steering wheel to the M Sport wheel (the base wheel is pretty crappy), sport seats (as opposed to the flat base seats) and the suspension. Then you'd still have some crappy squared 17" all seasons so you'd need to get new wheels and tires, etc.. It would basically cost thousands of dollars to give the no-line 328 the features a 320i with sport package has, whereas 320 power upgrades are fast and cheap.

So if you are going to go to that trouble and money, just get a sportline 328 and call it day. And then tune that.