2014 BMW 320i

[Cookie Monster]

Slippery slope.

You're the one who brought it up.


If the car had some features that set it apart from the rest, notably much better MPG's then yes, I can see the allure to this car. As it is, it gets the same MPG's as the 328i automatic. What's the point, then?

[Catman]

You're the one who brought it up.


If the car had some features that set it apart from the rest, notably much better MPG's then yes, I can see the allure to this car. As it is, it gets the same MPG's as the 328i automatic. What's the point, then?

It's LESS money!

[CALL_911]

You're the one who brought it up.


If the car had some features that set it apart from the rest, notably much better MPG's then yes, I can see the allure to this car. As it is, it gets the same MPG's as the 328i automatic. What's the point, then?

Yeah, I brought it up because it's a relevant situation. If you're shopping for a 3-series, it would make sense to consider a used 320i if you'd consider a used 328i. I don't know why that logic would extend out of the 3-series range...?

The point is to save $5,000 if you think you don't need 240hp!

[Catman]

0-60 in 7 seconds is fine.  Most people wouldn't care about the power.

[Eye of the Tiger]

0-60 in 7 seconds is fine.  Most people wouldn't care about the power.

Accent is only a second behind.

[MexicoCityM3]

0-60 in 7 seconds is fine.  Most people wouldn't care about the power.

This engine is fine. Even the 1.6l in the 118i is fine too. And if you really want a tune will get it on par with the 328i for less than a $1,000 too. (I wouldn't tune it)

[CALL_911]

The other thing about this thing that I find appealing is the fact that it uses an N20. 240+ horsepower couldn't be more than an ECU tune away.

[MexicoCityM3]

The other thing about this thing that I find appealing is the fact that it uses an N20. 240+ horsepower couldn't be more than an ECU tune away.

It's the exact same engine with less boost. Chassis wise I think the brakes are a bit smaller than the 328i too.

[CALL_911]

It's the exact same engine with less boost. Chassis wise I think the brakes are a bit smaller than the 328i too.

Kind of like the E90 330i vs 325i. I think the intake manifold was the differentiating factor between the two? Obviously, that's a bigger hassle to mess with than an ECU.

[CALL_911]

I'd be down for a stripped 320i- black leatherette, jet black, 6MT. I'd only want seat heaters.

[Cookie Monster]

I'd be down for a stripped 320i- black leatherette, jet black, 6MT. I'd only want seat heaters.

As a basis of tuning I agree that the 320 seems way more appealing. $5k is a lot of mod money.

[CJ]

$5k is just a lot of money.

[CALL_911]

As a basis of tuning I agree that the 320 seems way more appealing. $5k is a lot of mod money.

Honestly, I'd probably be fine with the stock power. I'd probably buy the thing some stickier rubber and call it a day.

As much as I love the idea of having a Saturn V rocket under the hood, I realize that I don't really need it. In my "underpowered" GTI, I'm seldom ever wanting for more power (there are occasions where I wish the thing had more oomph, but it doesn't happen regularly enough for me to deem it an issue).

[cawimmer430]

I agree with cougs. A 320i only exists so you can buy into the brand. There's no reason to really go with one other than image reasons.

No. It exists as a viable entry-level car for people who want a nice BMW 3er but don't need all the extra power that the 328i offers. A 320i is not slow for your information. 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds is quick enough for daily driving.

And I suspect you can even merge unto a freeway with that 0-60 time and don't need to be towed unto a freeway by a Corvette!!! 

[Catman]

I'd be down for a stripped 320i- black leatherette, jet black, 6MT. I'd only want seat heaters.

You know the dealers won't stock those.  They will pile on useless options and sticker it at $40K.

[CALL_911]

You know the dealers won't stock those.  They will pile on useless options and sticker it at $40K.

Of course not. But who's to say I couldn't order one?

I know what a PITA ordering a car is, but if I have existing reliable transportation, I might as well get a car exactly to my specification. Especially if I'm going to keep the thing for a while.

[Catman]

Of course not. But who's to say I couldn't order one?

I know what a PITA ordering a car is, but if I have existing reliable transportation, I might as well get a car exactly to my specification. Especially if I'm going to keep the thing for a while.

That's the way to go but you always get a better price with existing inventory.

[CALL_911]

That's the way to go but you always get a better price with existing inventory.

That's true. At least in the NE, the only 3er in existing inventory I'd be able to get would be a $50k 328i xDrive.

No, thanks.

[850CSi]

You know the dealers won't stock those.  They will pile on useless options and sticker it at $40K.

That's actually pretty much exactly my car. Was a bit of a pain to find but still.

[MX793]

Of course not. But who's to say I couldn't order one?

I know what a PITA ordering a car is, but if I have existing reliable transportation, I might as well get a car exactly to my specification. Especially if I'm going to keep the thing for a while.

Other than having to wait 6-8 weeks for it to come in, ordering a car is in no way a PITA.  Walk in, tell them what you want, put down a deposit, and walk out.  Not sure I'd go to the trouble of special ordering an appliance car but for something special, it's worth losing a little leverage on price negotiations to get exactly what you want.  For someone like me, who often only specs one or two particular options that aren't necessarily commonly spec'ed, it's likely still cheaper to pay closer to sticker on an ordered car than to get a "great deal" on one that is loaded up with bells and whistles that I don't want.  "Saving" $4,000 on a car with $5000 in extra options that I don't want is still $1000 more expensive than paying sticker for the car spec'ed exactly how I want it.

[CALL_911]

Other than having to wait 6-8 weeks for it to come in

That's exactly what makes it a PITA. Other than that, it's the same shit as buying a car off the lot.

I agree with the rest of your post.

[Raza]

I agree with cougs. A 320i only exists so you can buy into the brand. There's no reason to really go with one other than image reasons.

The 320i still has plenty of power.  You can enjoy the dynamics without the extra power. 

Sure, a lot of people will likely buy this just for the badge, but that doesn't discount it as a car. 

[Lebowski]

If the car had some features that set it apart from the rest, notably much better MPG's then yes, I can see the allure to this car. As it is, it gets the same MPG's as the 328i automatic. What's the point, then?

IT'S CHEAPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's the point of a goddamned 42" TV over a 65"?  What's the point of silver when there's no measurable advantage over platinum?  What's the point of an $80 handjob when you could probably get a $200 BJ instead?

[Cookie Monster]

IT'S CHEAPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's the point of a goddamned 42" TV over a 65"?  What's the point of silver when there's no measurable advantage over platinum?  What's the point of an $80 handjob when you could probably get a $200 BJ instead?

I see without sporty around you're itching to go after someone.

[GoCougs]

I see without sporty around you're itching to go after someone.

LebowskiSPIN.

[GoCougs]

320i is almost as big a 'lol' as the $50k 528i, and they'll probably both sell about as well (= miserably).

[Lebowski]

LebowskiSPIN.

That's it, I'm leaving.

[Xer0]

I think this is a smart move by BMW and C&D will probably get this car in the mid 6's anyway.  If German turbo horsepower has taught us anything, its that its stronger then it seems.  Anyway, this will also take some of blunt away from the idea that a "base" 3er hits 50k +.  This thing will probably top out in the low 40s giving the 328 more room to breath as the middle child.  Besides, 5k is a lot of money to save for what will probably prove to be the same driving experience.

[Catman]

I think this is a smart move by BMW and C&D will probably get this car in the mid 6's anyway.  If German turbo horsepower has taught us anything, its that its stronger then it seems.  Anyway, this will also take some of blunt away from the idea that a "base" 3er hits 50k +.  This thing will probably top out in the low 40s giving the 328 more room to breath as the middle child.  Besides, 5k is a lot of money to save for what will probably prove to be the same driving experience.

Correct

[Colonel Cadillac]

I don't see the appeal of a stripper BMW. I'd prefer an off-lease CPO model loaded up with options. In other words, an E90 335i with all the goodies + 6 year, 100k mile warranty is more appealing to me than a stripper, but new F10.