[cb1111]

I took my daily driver in for an oil change a few days ago and was given a loaner. Rather than do a “OMFG, my 335 is soooo much better than that crap 328” review, I decided to break it down into categories.
First and foremost, I think it is important to mention that packages make a huge difference. My 335 is decked out with nav, premium, cold weather, sport, comfort access etc, while the loaner had…. the new value package (leather, sunroof.)

2009 vs 2011

While the dimming mirrors might influence this, the new mirrors are instantly obvious. I’m actually a fan of larger mirrors, so the large surfaces are a plus – as is the new matte black surround vs the older glossy surround – but – the lack of plastic trim around the mirror itself makes the mirror look cheap. It is possible that the mirrors with dimming function have this trim but it wasn’t on my loaner.

The doors on the 2011 seemed to close with a more definitive “thump” than do the ‘09s.

It was hard to tell if there were other changes as the loaner did not have the sport package. In addition, the loaner had a black interior which, IMO, looks a bit bland compared to my saddle/black interior.

Engine/tranny/AWD

The 328 had plenty of power around town and on the highway. I would adapt easily to that change. The driving dynamics were quite similar, but the 328 felt lighter and smaller. MPG was very similar.

The tranny was noticeably different – not bad, but it would take some getting used to.

I drove a few stretches in rain – including one area where I need to merge quickly. Although I waited until I had tons of space, I merged as I normally have to and chirped the tires – something that never, ever happens with x-drive.

The increased turning diameter of x-drive becomes evident if you drive it back to back in confined places. My dealership drops of a loaner and picks up my car for service, so I drove my car out of the (quite confined) parking garage, did the paperwork and drove the loaner right back in. The tight bends were quite a bit easier without x-drive.

Packages:

The biggest differences were the packages in the car. Coming from a Sport package, the seats were uncomfortable even though I spent several minutes adjusting the seat, then stopping and readjusting a few times. Electric seats might help a bit if you change drivers frequently but the sport seats are much, much better.

Without iDrive, I can’t imagine using the radio/car settings. I missed the 3 blinks of the turnstalk because I couldn’t figure out how to activate it – making changes with iDrive is pretty intuitive and can be done without opening the owner’s manual, but the OM is a necessity without iDrive. The hump of the nav, while unattractive, breaks up the huge expanse of cheap plastics and makes the dash look more expensive.

I missed the auto dimming mirrors and comfort access but that doesn't really affect the overall experience.

The Sports steering wheel is so much better than the standard wheel – much fatter – but the flatter airbag on the non-sports was more attractive IMO.

Summary:

The biggest difference was the sports package (primarily the seats and steering wheel) and iDrive. I think I could easily get used to a 328 if it were optioned similarly to my 335.

[John 070]

Usually I'm given a 328 loaner. Last time, I had it for close to 10 days.

I got used to the 328 x-drive E90 non zsp. When I got my car back it was loud and fast. Unless the loudness is bothersome and the quickness is a problem, there is absolutely nothing better about the 328 except price. That doesn't mean that I don't like the 328, because I do.

[ellipsis212]

thanks for that write up. interesting how the feel of a vehicle is so much more important than just stats. that's probably why most of us are on this forum.

[cb1111]

Do I like the 335 better? Of course, but the 328 drives just as well but isn't quite as zippy.

Do we really need the extra zip of the 335? Probably not.

The thing that struck me is how important the sports package is.

Warning to most non-sports package drivers - don't drive a car with the sports package - the interior is just that much better - although most of us would prefer the non-sports suspension if we live in east coast cities

[pjm]

I've never gotten a loaner from the dealer, cuz, well, nothing has gone wrong with my 328i in almost 2 years and 26K miles. Its been back once for its one year service and I had to wait for about an hour. That might be a plus for the 328!

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by Takashi

Hm.. "Loaner review 2011 328i vs DD ’09 553i x-drive – not as clear as expected". I didn't know BMW makes 553i.

All the controls are on the signal stock. i-drive just makes the function more simple and intuitive.

I find BMW seats very comfortable; however, you have to spend a lot of time adjusting them to get them right. Since you only have the car for a short time, it will be difficult to get the seats at the right position before you have to return your car.

Yeah -my 553 was a "one off."

I don't know how I managed two typos in one line. I'm tired.

I reset the seat about a half dozen times and just never got it close.

[DASHOCKER]

The auto tranny in the 328 is not well matched for the motor. BMW should of given it the ZF steptronic.

[purpl3ish]

thanks for that review..keeping that in mind as i decide between the 328/335

I got a 2011 E90 328i loaner recently and also noticed the more definitive "thump" you mentioned when you close the doors on the 2011 model.

Did you also notice that the gas tank cap is a lot easier to open on the 2011 models as opposed to the 2009 models? I felt that way.

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by beemer3

I got a 2011 E90 328i loaner recently and also noticed the more definitive "thump" you mentioned when you close the doors on the 2011 model.

Did you also notice that the gas tank cap is a lot easier to open on the 2011 models as opposed to the 2009 models? I felt that way.

I didn't notice the gas cap - but then again, I only used it once.

[jmsent]

Originally Posted by cb1111

Do I like the 335 better? Of course, but the 328 drives just as well but isn't quite as zippy.

Do we really need the extra zip of the 335? Probably not.

Speak for yourself.

[alex2112]

I think how 328's are optioned make a huge difference in the driving experience for them, more so than a 335. I drive a 6MT 328i coupe with sport pkg, and I have had non-sport, auto, 328xi loaners in the past. The difference has been like night and day, so much that it felt like I wasn't even driving the same model. (I mean no offense to non-sport 328 or xi owners, this is just my own opinion)

[gos]

When I bought my car, performance and color were what mattered most to me.

Now that I've owned it for 4 years, the only 3 mandatory options in my mind are sport seats, comfort access, and satellite radio.

[preDoc 328]

I must be the only one here to think this, but I find the non sport seats to be very comfortable. I never feel any sort of discomfort between my hour long commutes from home to school. I think its pretty well sculpted, headrests are like pillows. I do wish for more side bolstering for aggressive cornering though, I guess that's where the sports shine.

[NagoC50]

My 328xi (lightly optioned) does very well what is was meant for, daily driving. Stick my snows on and the thing is a tank in the winter.

But I've had 335s as loaners and the difference btw the two is night/day. The torque is a real wake up but it certainly comes at a premium over the 328. Only things I don't like, as mentioned elsewhere, the transmission is not matched. Hunts around and is slow to react. RFTs suck.

For DD, I'll stay with the 328.