Let's say you were in the market for a 1er or a 3er (5er not included.). Would you spring for the N52 or the N54? Money IS a concern (you're spending your hard-earned money.)

I think I would spring for the N54. It's just great. The N52 does sound better, and is more than adequate, but the power of the N54 is just addicting. 

28i.

230 hp is more than enough.

N/A for me and about 6k in my pocket

In the 5er I can see the justification for the N54 but in the 1er and 3er it just doesnt make any sense to me.  The N52 already provides some pretty good acceleration ( under 6 sec to 60, IIRC) while being a hell of a lot less money. 

N54. If I'm going to be spending that kind of money I'd just go all out. More = better!

my friends 328i is plenty fast... save the money

A buddy of mine has the 335i and that engine is beyond brilliant.  It's extremely tunable too.

And, it's not just the engine, you get other upgrades in suspension and braking with the _35 models. In order to get the braking and suspension on the _28, you end up spending within $100 of the price of the _35 that comes with that stuff, stock. But then you don't get the added power or the e-diff (while not true LSD, it's better than nothing). And the fuel mileage isnt' really noticeably different, either, in real world use.

Now, if you can live without the power, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, electronic LSD, etc, then by all means, get the lower spec one. But just remember, it's not all about the power (ok, well, it might be,... hehehehehe)

My short answer is N54.

My long answer is, even if I am spending my hard earned money, it depends on how much of that hard earned money I actually have.

There's nothing wrong with a _28i, but there's a whole lot more right with a _35i.

The N54 never stops pulling. That engine is surreal.

I really wish BMW put that thing in the E46.

Quote from: ChrisV on October 25, 2009, 09:32:49 AM
And, it's not just the engine, you get other upgrades in suspension and braking with the _35 models. In order to get the braking and suspension on the _28, you end up spending within $100 of the price of the _35 that comes with that stuff, stock. But then you don't get the added power or the e-diff (while not true LSD, it's better than nothing). And the fuel mileage isnt' really noticeably different, either, in real world use.

Now, if you can live without the power, suspension, brakes, wheels and tires, electronic LSD, etc, then by all means, get the lower spec one. But just remember, it's not all about the power (ok, well, it might be,... hehehehehe)

I'm looking for a 4 door RWD car now. And I've priced out these cars before and agree with everything you've said. That's another reason I'd go for the 35

35i cars also come with xenon headlights standard and a few other things the 28i cars don't have standard.

Quote from: the Teuton on October 25, 2009, 11:21:19 AM
35i cars also come with xenon headlights standard and a few other things the 28i cars don't have standard.

That makes me so damned angry. If I buy a luxury make, I want the "luxury" headlights standard! BMW and Mercedes charge like $1000 for xenons, insane!

Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on October 25, 2009, 01:06:54 PM


That makes me so damned angry. If I buy a luxury make, I want the "luxury" headlights standard! BMW and Mercedes charge like $1000 for xenons, insane!

But they can, because of their history, prestige and heritage!

Turbo for me, please.

Quote from: CALL_911 on October 25, 2009, 01:16:14 PM
But they can, because of their history, prestige and heritage!

Yep, have to pay to be part of that hoyty toyte car owners club.  So what I you can get those lights standard in cars that cost half as much from Japan.

If I have to deal with those low rent interiors on a regular basis I need to get where I'm going as quickly as possible.

When I buy cars, I don't skimp on things. I'll get the money if I really want something, even if that means I have to wait a year to buy it.

We don't get a _28i, so by default I suppose a _35i.

128 and 335.

Quote from: omicron on October 27, 2009, 04:59:13 AM
We don't get a _28i, so by default I suppose a _35i.

Do you guys get any of the smaller or diesel engines?

Their 130i, I believe, is the same thing as our 128i.

Quote from: the Teuton on October 28, 2009, 11:43:08 PM
Their 130i, I believe, is the same thing as our 128i.

Nein. The 130i has 272 hp, it has an N53.

Quote from: CALL_911 on October 28, 2009, 11:48:01 PM
Nein. The 130i has 272 hp, it has an N53.

What in Sam Haim? I want that engine.

I just read today that the N54 is realistically estimated at 350 hp. As much as I like that, I might not need it.

272 will work, though.

Quote from: Raza  link=topic=20289.msg1189556#msg1189556 date=1256645886
128 and 335.

I thought you were against the 335i, and all for the 328i?

Quote from: the Teuton on October 28, 2009, 11:49:33 PM
What in Sam Haim? I want that engine.

I just read today that the N54 is realistically estimated at 350 hp. As much as I like that, I might not need it.

272 will work, though.

+1

272 hp sounds quite nice.

Quote from: the Teuton on October 28, 2009, 11:49:33 PM
What in Sam Haim? I want that engine.

I just read today that the N54 is realistically estimated at 350 hp. As much as I like that, I might not need it.

272 will work, though.

The N54 was always suspected to be underrated.

I mean, even when you look at the numbers of the N54 cars, there's no way it's making only 300 hp.

Quote from: CALL_911 on October 28, 2009, 11:58:47 PM
The N54 was always suspected to be underrated.

I mean, even when you look at the numbers of the N54 cars, there's no way it's making only 300 hp.

Pfft, a 330i with a few Dinan and Alpina stickers will make over 400 hp.

Quote from: CALL_911 on October 28, 2009, 11:49:37 PM
I thought you were against the 335i, and all for the 328i?

I was, but I've changed my mind.  I may not need the extra power of the 335i, but it comes with such a small penalty in weight and gas mileage, and it is a good engine, that it's fine.  I'd be more likely to buy a 328i new than a 335i, but more likely to buy a used 335i than a 328i. 

The 128i over the 135i is an easier decision.  A smaller, lighter car just doesn't need an overpowering engine, and I think it would blunt the experience of the more delicate aspects of the 1 series.