[swink]

Test drove a half dozen cars or so over the last month and wasn't blown out of my seat at any of them when the practicality (for our family), value and the "I really want this" factors were considered...so I decided on a 3-series...cause I've always said you can't go wrong with a 3-series.

So here it is...the unofficial "Jalopnik Edition" 2015 BMW 320i. We're pretty happy with it. I was convinced and expected I would have to custom order it, but was surprised to find our local had one they'd just received on the lot.

And the picture...at an annoying 45d head tilt ...

[fshubert]

Congrats! Love the 3-series! And the black grills look great on your car!

[kaputt]

Congrats! Definitely throw some more pics up.

[sr5959]

Congrats, best value 3 Series you can get.

[bahasad]

Be careful posting here, you might get shitted on for having a 320!

I think the car you specced out is a great, really fun and affordable package without (imo) a lot of the frivolous options.

[justinnum1]

was close to getting this car, but a few little things prevented me from doing so, primarily not being able to get the HK system

[swink]

Originally Posted by bahasad

Be careful posting here, you might get shitted on for having a 320!

Ha - thanks...and thanks to others. It was definitely a decision rooted in my personal opinion of cool factor versus a financially driven one. My wife actually drives it most and she's a big fan ,of the manual. Hey its a funny little turbo four that doesn't post big numbers, but the package definitely works and it looks the business. It's proving a really fun ride. I don't regret not making the other purchases - there is always another day for another car

[bahasad]

Originally Posted by swink

Ha - thanks...and thanks to others. It was definitely a decision rooted in my personal opinion of cool factor versus a financially driven one. My wife actually drives it most and she's a big fan ,of the manual. Hey its a funny little turbo four that doesn't post big numbers, but the package definitely works and it looks the business. It's proving a really fun ride. I don't regret not making the other purchases - there is always another day for another car

This forum sucks because you'll see posts where people say you need to have an 28i motor + Gran Coupe + Msport + DHP + blah blah blah option to get the "true" BMW experience, everything else is a disappointment. Which in my opinion couldn't be further from the truth.

I think your car is great + manual trans + sport package for the win! I think with a couple of mods if you go down that route, this should be a riot to drive.

[swink]

Originally Posted by bahasad

This forum sucks because you'll see posts where people say you need to have an 28i motor + Gran Coupe + Msport + DHP + blah blah blah option to get the "true" BMW experience, everything else is a disappointment. Which in my opinion couldn't be further from the truth.

I think your car is great + manual trans + sport package for the win! I think with a couple of mods if you go down that route, this should be a riot to drive.

I hear ya. I have, for the most part, always purchased most of our sportier cars with a focus on getting "the core" car with just a few options. Had a pretty plain jane Cayman for several years and man oh man...what an awesome car to drive and it was beautiful. The "lack" of power meant you could really drive the thing hard without hitting 150 mph before thinking about it.

[Golden Arrow]

Originally Posted by bahasad

Be careful posting here, you might get shitted on for having a 320!

I think the car you specced out is a great, really fun and affordable package without (imo) a lot of the frivolous options.

Indeed. One user called the buyers of the 320i badge chasers. I think it would be a fun car to own, and throw a JB on!

Congrats, OP.

[swink]

Originally Posted by bahasad

I think your car is great + manual trans + sport package for the win! I think with a couple of mods if you go down that route, this should be a riot to drive.

I really dig those VMRs on your car btw...

[Jacobite]

Originally Posted by swink

I hear ya. I have, for the most part, always purchased most of our sportier cars with a focus on getting "the core" car with just a few options. Had a pretty plain jane Cayman for several years and man oh man...what an awesome car to drive and it was beautiful. The "lack" of power meant you could really drive the thing hard without hitting 150 mph before thinking about it.

Nice ride. Another advantage to only getting a few options is that despite a couple of exceptions to the rule for very limited production models, all those extras depreciate a lot more than the underlying basic car or truck.

[kimchee411]

Smart move on the 320 if that's what works for ya! I always thought it was stupid to buy the fastest model if you don't care about driving fast. Like when you see an old lady hobbling along the highway at 40 MPH in an S65 AMG and clogging up traffic.

And yeah, since I've gone from an e90 328i to an F30 335i I've definitely felt more constrained. At best I get to hit redline in one gear and get one shift before having to let off. That 3 seconds of WOT sure is fun though! I really wish I could be happy with a modestly powerful car, but damned if power isn't addictive!

[swink]

Originally Posted by kimchee411

I really wish I could be happy with a modestly powerful car, but damned if power isn't addictive!

On sort of a related topic - since you brought it up...I've never been a fan (at all, perhaps really the opposite) of Corvettes or anything not european-designed, but I had the opportunity to drive a Z06 recently and..ho...ly....sh...ttt.... And it looks serious. And the kicker - base at USD79k!!!! I really had to think about that one for a minute. I may still be thinking tbh

[Labeef]

Have the same car, love it!

The lack of power does get to me at times, but it's my only dislike. This is definitely a gateway BMW.

[adhrp]

OP, congrats on the car! Post some more pics please...

Originally Posted by Labeef

Have the same car, love it!

The lack of power does get to me at times, but it's my only dislike. This is definitely a gateway BMW.

I think a 320i would be excellent with the Dinan or BMS Stage 1 tune. For my next car, which is still years away, I would most certainly consider a 320i and add the tune onto it. That would provide nearly 328i-level power, which is plenty for me.

[Alex_bm]

Originally Posted by adhrp

OP, congrats on the car! Post some more pics please...

I think a 320i would be excellent with the Dinan Stage 1 tune (does not void the BMW warranty). For my next car, which is still years away, I would most certainly consider a 320i and add the tune onto it. That would provide nearly 328i-level power, which is plenty for me.

But it does void the warranty on the engine. Dinan supposed to match the factory warranty, that's all.

[Heel328]

Nice find. Proper base sports sedan.

[bavarianride]

Nice ride, enjoy!

Mine is 328i. Service department gave me 320i loaners in last few visits. Comparing 320i vs. 328i, the power bands between the 2 are almost the same up to 180HP/200lb-ft. 320i is very easy to drive, just step on it and there is ample power for DD, but not too much power to get into trouble. The 328i(and obviously 335i and such) has better passing power than 320i, so one can be a bit sloppy in looking ahead.

[.BMW.]

Congrats, beautiful car!

[stormlv]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

Nice ride, enjoy!

Mine is 328i. Service department gave me 320i loaners in last few visits. Comparing 320i vs. 328i, the power bands between the 2 are almost the same up to 180HP/200lb-ft. 320i is very easy to drive, just step on it and there is ample power for DD, but not too much power to get into trouble. The 328i(and obviously 335i and such) has better passing power than 320i, so one can be a bit sloppy in looking ahead.

Coming from my 435xd, I disliked the engine in the 420xi loaner that I had for a few days. It just seems to rev, without any real umpf.
I preferred the 120xd loaner that they gave me before the 4 series.
In any case, as a DD, it's more than adequate.

@OP

Congrats on the car and on the upcoming Cayman S :P

[G30 B58]

Originally Posted by swink

there is always another day for another car

Nope. Could all end tomorrow .... or today.......