[sandeep108]

I think it won the overall engine of the year in 2011. Honda and Toyota seem to have a lot of catching up to do against the Europeans (and Ford) with their small turbo charged petrol engines, becoming increasingly fuel efficient as well as with lower emissions.

[Couper72]

Thanks a lot for the detailed review of the 328i, Karan. This article has helped me decide between the 525d & 328i.
Also, how would your decision have changed if an fully equipped A4 3.0 TDI was thrown into the mix. Request the rest of the enthusiasts to suggest as well.

[iliketurtles]

Just popped in to say that while I'm not normally the jealous type, the green eyed monster has been paying a few visits of late.

There's a red 328i parked very near my office every evening and everytime I pass by i can't help but lust after it. I become like a small child..."WANTWANTWANTWANTWANT!!!"

How's your baby coming along? The miles/kilometres treating her well?

[karan561]

Originally Posted by Couper72

Also, how would your decision have changed if an fully equipped A4 3.0 TDI was thrown into the mix. Request the rest of the enthusiasts to suggest as well.

The A4 3.0 TDi is a very powerful car too a friend & fellow BHPian owns one.

I did not consider the A4 3.0 TDi simply because of the following reasons;

1) No paddle shifters
2) Quattro system more safe than fun
3) The gearbox is slow
4) Non availability (3 months waiting as the car is to be pre-ordered) & IIRC only 3 sold in India till now.

Originally Posted by iliketurtles

Just popped in to say that while I'm not normally the jealous type, the green eyed monster has been paying a few visits of late.

There's a red 328i parked very near my office every evening and everytime I pass by i can't help but lust after it. I become like a small child..."WANTWANTWANTWANTWANT!!!"

How's your baby coming along? The miles/kilometres treating her well?

Thanks man, i agree it truly is desirable not your fault

Regarding the mile munching its just about 6000 kms in 10 months.

[Couper72]

The BMW dealer in Hyd says that the 328i is no longer being shipped to India.. Is it true?? can any one please confirm!!

[PlatzdaTurbo]

Originally Posted by Couper72

Thanks a lot for the detailed review of the 328i, Karan. This article has helped me decide between the 525d & 328i.
Also, how would your decision have changed if an fully equipped A4 3.0 TDI was thrown into the mix. Request the rest of the enthusiasts to suggest as well.

I agree with most of the things Karan said about the A4 3.0 TDi.
It does not have paddle shifters and i do miss them at times, the quattro is idiot-proof and you have to be a real spaz to end up totaling or even loosing control. Having said that, Quattro minus a rear active differential (which only comes in the S4 and above) means understeer and the force with which the car approaches bends and then the sudden realization of rushing into the edge of a corner is scary until your used to it and the same reasons do not let you have fun with it the BMW way. Also availability is a huge issue. Audi keep claiming 3-6month delivery but in reality none of the dealers actually have it, its a big risk booking one as the wait could be endless.
BUT, by no means is the gearbox slow (drive it karan ) and for a module which is older than the 8-speed ZF it can very well hold its own against the ZF. The A4 2.0s have a pathetic multitronic but the Quattros get good trannys. Infact the facelift 2012 3.0 TDi has an S-tronic i think...quicker than the ZF.
The A4 3.0 TDi is super quick to 100 and lunatic after it.
I vouch for it obviously....i own it

[sandeep108]

Originally Posted by Couper72

The BMW dealer in Hyd says that the 328i is no longer being shipped to India.. Is it true?? can any one please confirm!!

They have the 2013 in their price list, but as to availability - you are right, it seems a big question mark. No idea why - I thought it sold out like hot cakes even at the absurd pricing - petrol more than diesel... Maybe the response was not as good so they may be pushing only the 320i / 320d. let us hope that Karan and others who bought it do not face problem of spares for the unique features of the 328i.

[karan561]

Originally Posted by PlatzdaTurbo

BUT, by no means is the gearbox slow

Oh ! ? I remembered you complaining about the lazy gearbox so i mentioned, any way i take back my words

Originally Posted by PlatzdaTurbo

(drive it karan )

Sure, my pleasure

[Couper72]

Originally Posted by sandeep108

They have the 2013 in their price list, but as to availability - you are right, it seems a big question mark. No idea why - I thought it sold out like hot cakes even at the absurd pricing - petrol more than diesel... Maybe the response was not as good so they may be pushing only the 320i / 320d. let us hope that Karan and others who bought it do not face problem of spares for the unique features of the 328i.

Thanks for the info guys!! I really appreciate all the advice.

I also checked with the BMW customer service and they say that the 328i is very much in production and available in India. I am sending enquiries to other dealers in the country as well. Hope that my luck is good and i find one.

[PlatzdaTurbo]

Originally Posted by karan561

Oh ! ? I remembered you complaining about the lazy gearbox so i mentioned, any way i take back my words

Obviously ...my daily drive is the Laura with the S-tronic like quick DSG. The Audi has a quick gearbox but its still not quick enough compared to the DSG

[S2!!!]

I must mention that the first car that caught my attention when I entered the parking area on the "will it drift??" event day was your 328i. It was probably the swankiest car there at that time and those wheels coupled with the shining exterior paint looked absolutely gorgeous.

It would have been enjoyable to watch you take your 747 around the track and try some sideways action yourself.

[sandeep108]

Maybe there is no substitute for high capacity turbo diesels, but the N20 BMW engine looks like it is a high revving diesel!! Loads of torque from low RPMs and revs all the way to 7k rpm like a Honda. So the launch from the standstill must be tremendous.

[karan561]

Originally Posted by S2!!!

I must mention that the first car that caught my attention when I entered the parking area on the "will it drift??" event day was your 328i. It was probably the swankiest car there at that time and those wheels coupled with the shining exterior paint looked absolutely gorgeous.

It would have been enjoyable to watch you take your 747 around the track and try some sideways action yourself.

Hi S2,

Thanks for the kind words

Regarding the drifting bit, i was tempted myself but im on a new set of tires which held me back from participating, may be next time.

Originally Posted by sandeep108

So the launch from the standstill must be tremendous.

It sure is, check out this video by DragTimes of the F30 328i doing a 0-60 & a quarter mile;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsUixKU6NDs

[samyboy]

Franky, I just closed my eyes and listen to the revv of the engine. Such a sweet song. None the less, some excellent stats there Karan.

[Akshay1234]

High time for you to get the M Performance exhaust now, or even the Eisenmann. Cmon man Karan, the 328i really needs it.