RE: PH Fleet Update: BMW 328i Touring
Discussion
Bought myself a 318iS coupe recently thinking it would be cheaper to run. As it turns out it's probably the other way round!
I can get 33mpg on a long run if I drive like a nun, and it's a good example, so unless someone can tell me something that's desperately wrong, I think it's fair to say that the 2.8 is a better engine in just about every way.
Don't get me wrong, I'm quite happy with my little 18 but with the hindsight I'd have bought a 328 every time. Better cruising economy, better power/torque, better sound etc etc. They probably don't really cost any more to run in other consumables at this age either?
Never mind...
I can get 33mpg on a long run if I drive like a nun, and it's a good example, so unless someone can tell me something that's desperately wrong, I think it's fair to say that the 2.8 is a better engine in just about every way.
Don't get me wrong, I'm quite happy with my little 18 but with the hindsight I'd have bought a 328 every time. Better cruising economy, better power/torque, better sound etc etc. They probably don't really cost any more to run in other consumables at this age either?
Never mind...
Ocho said:
Bought myself a 318iS coupe recently thinking it would be cheaper to run. As it turns out it's probably the other way round!
I can get 33mpg on a long run if I drive like a nun, and it's a good example, so unless someone can tell me something that's desperately wrong, I think it's fair to say that the 2.8 is a better engine in just about every way.
Don't get me wrong, I'm quite happy with my little 18 but with the hindsight I'd have bought a 328 every time. Better cruising economy, better power/torque, better sound etc etc. They probably don't really cost any more to run in other consumables at this age either?
Never mind...
General consumable parts would be similar prices to the 328i. And yes, overall, the 328i will prob be better on fuel.I can get 33mpg on a long run if I drive like a nun, and it's a good example, so unless someone can tell me something that's desperately wrong, I think it's fair to say that the 2.8 is a better engine in just about every way.
Don't get me wrong, I'm quite happy with my little 18 but with the hindsight I'd have bought a 328 every time. Better cruising economy, better power/torque, better sound etc etc. They probably don't really cost any more to run in other consumables at this age either?
Never mind...
Obviously, it is a higher insurance group, but apart from that, probably same sort of money to run in general.
My e46 325 coupe auto was very frugal on juice too. The bigger sixes are nice and lazy and in those e46's theres not too much weight to chug along. In regular commuting they will happily do low to mid 30's
Just remember change the waterpump regardless, and if its an auto get the sealed for life (or 120k miles whichever is sooner) gearbox flushed as both of these things will happily kill it faster than any rust or pealing laquer.
Just remember change the waterpump regardless, and if its an auto get the sealed for life (or 120k miles whichever is sooner) gearbox flushed as both of these things will happily kill it faster than any rust or pealing laquer.
dave9 said:
trouble is its not that quick and a modern diesel could get maybe twice that and be almost, if not as quick.
good for what it is though but not great
True, but what modern diesel can you get for £1,000 and is as cheap to run excluding fuel?good for what it is though but not great
I'd rather spend my money on fuel than depreciation, the smile factor when the 328 kicks down is worth every penny.
dave9 said:
trouble is its not that quick and a modern diesel could get maybe twice that and be almost, if not as quick.
good for what it is though but not great
????good for what it is though but not great
I think you're missing the point a bit.
No-ones saying they're the ideal daily commuter. Garlicks 35Mpg is the exception rather than the rule. The point is that they're comfortable, reliable, fun cars which do almost everything you can ask of them, for about £700.
If you want a diesel then it will be at least two out of: Front wheel drive, More like £3k, and leggy as hell.
And to get 'double' the fuel efficiency you're talking 60mpg. Not many estates get that.
Anyway, once you've had the soft purr of the straight six turn into a manic roar as you go through second and third, no diesel will press that button for you again.
dave9 said:
trouble is its not that quick and a modern diesel could get maybe twice that and be almost, if not as quick.
good for what it is though but not great
Complete horsesgood for what it is though but not great
t. The only modern 3-Series dag-dag which can really compare in performance to the 328i is the 335d, and that does NOT get 70 mpg (one mag got a 328i to 60 in 5.9). In fact, most tales of economy I've heard about the 335d put it not much better than the '28i. 330d might get more, but it wouldn't be as quick. You forget I have both a 328i and a 320d, and the 328i is a better car in every single way, apart from maybe economy. I say maybe, as I have seen some hoorendous figures from the 320d (28mpg at one point!).
bodhi said:
Complete horsest. The only modern 3-Series dag-dag which can really compare in performance to the 328i is the 335d, and that does NOT get 70 mpg (one mag got a 328i to 60 in 5.9). In fact, most tales of economy I've heard about the 335d put it not much better than the '28i. 330d might get more, but it wouldn't be as quick.
You forget I have both a 328i and a 320d, and the 328i is a better car in every single way, apart from maybe economy. I say maybe, as I have seen some hoorendous figures from the 320d (28mpg at one point!).
Well said! You would need to fork out a hell of a lot more to get an equivalent performing diesel car.t. The only modern 3-Series dag-dag which can really compare in performance to the 328i is the 335d, and that does NOT get 70 mpg (one mag got a 328i to 60 in 5.9). In fact, most tales of economy I've heard about the 335d put it not much better than the '28i. 330d might get more, but it wouldn't be as quick. You forget I have both a 328i and a 320d, and the 328i is a better car in every single way, apart from maybe economy. I say maybe, as I have seen some hoorendous figures from the 320d (28mpg at one point!).
For under £1k, you really cannot get much more for your money than one of these. Occasionally, you do get an E34 540i V8 Touring pop up - but - they drink alot more than a 328i!
pSyCoSiS said:
bodhi said:
Complete horsest. The only modern 3-Series dag-dag which can really compare in performance to the 328i is the 335d, and that does NOT get 70 mpg (one mag got a 328i to 60 in 5.9). In fact, most tales of economy I've heard about the 335d put it not much better than the '28i. 330d might get more, but it wouldn't be as quick.
You forget I have both a 328i and a 320d, and the 328i is a better car in every single way, apart from maybe economy. I say maybe, as I have seen some hoorendous figures from the 320d (28mpg at one point!).
Well said! You would need to fork out a hell of a lot more to get an equivalent performing diesel car.t. The only modern 3-Series dag-dag which can really compare in performance to the 328i is the 335d, and that does NOT get 70 mpg (one mag got a 328i to 60 in 5.9). In fact, most tales of economy I've heard about the 335d put it not much better than the '28i. 330d might get more, but it wouldn't be as quick. You forget I have both a 328i and a 320d, and the 328i is a better car in every single way, apart from maybe economy. I say maybe, as I have seen some hoorendous figures from the 320d (28mpg at one point!).
For under £1k, you really cannot get much more for your money than one of these. Occasionally, you do get an E34 540i V8 Touring pop up - but - they drink alot more than a 328i!
va1o said:
Slightly off-topic but looking at that first picture, how come BMW fitted dual-zone climate to the E36 but the E46 only got single zone?
Because in no-way does the E36's climate control actually create "2 zones"????It's one bit of the car I'm really struggling to fathom. As far as I can see, The car has just one cabin temp sensor - a little slot in the climate control unit that even has a fan to pull air into it. Then you have the temp settings. I've replaced the pollen filter on mine (Best job ever for E36 owners! £6, 10 minutes and resotred fan operation!) and the A/C is icy as you like on full cold and toasty warm on hot, and yet the climate zones don't seem to do a dicky bird. It will now moderate it's own temperature on "auto" and does a nice job of it, but as for 2 different temperatures? No way.
Oh, and the "hot/cold" dial at the top seems to over-ride everything else anyway.
I really must read that section of the manual again, to be honest.
va1o said:
WeirdNeville said:
Oh, and the "hot/cold" dial at the top seems to over-ride everything else anyway.
Yeah I've always noticed that in BMWs, confusing!I had an E46 320Ci (2.2 i6) for a year or so, and absolutely loved it. Far more than the E91 325i we have at the moment, despite the fact the E91 is bristling with iDrive and Logic7 etc.
Fuel economy was stunning for a 2.2 6 cylinder engine with an autobox. I once managed 40MPG (according to the computer) on 100 mile motorway trip, which is far better than many smaller engined cars I've owned, and also better than I've ever managed in our newer (manual) 325i.
Garlick said:
My cars may be bigger than yours, but you have far better economy than me 
I'm glad you stated this first - I would hate it if all 220's were not the same. The extra gear will make the difference. 31 about right - don't know about town as its a pure long distance cruiser for me ? Common agreement at the North Yorkshire MB meeting on Tuesday night that the 124 is an out of town car - looking forward to a 2k mile holiday trip round Cornwall soon.
I'd rather use the SLK in town any day.
My 328i touring a 96 N reg would outrun mates 225brake TT from most speeds and in germany would pull away noticably from 120 and maxed at over 150 no trouble! Never made 100k as it was taken by insurance company after a smash, but it rarely made over 30mpg but sod mpg when it sounded that good and lapped the ring in the 9min 30's and would again show the three times the price TT(at the time) the way round! Now a sad Diesel is needed 55mpg but with a chip has the midrange shove the 328i never had and will do 600+ per fill up BM struggled to do 320/350 still for under a grand its still the best motor to hoon around in!
stevesuk said:
You mean the hot/cold dial on the center vents? Thats so you can keep the car toasty warm, but have cooler air blowing in the drivers face if you want (a design feature which was something to do with stopping Germans from falling asleep at the wheel on long winter autobahn trips, I think I read).
This is one of those features you used to get years ago but rarely now, and is far more useful than most modern gadgets. Being able to have fresh air (externally vented I think) to your face whilst burning your feet on a cold day is brilliant. Can get a bit tooo cold first thing though.hora - look for one with FSH and evidence of being loved. These things run about 9,000 miles between services on the service indicator so if serviced (Oil change>Insp 1>Oil change>Insp 2) to the book they should be in pretty good condition and not need too much spending. Buy one with no history and you could be in for replacing a lot of the suspension and brake system. I'd have a good look at rear brake pipes as these do corrode and costs a bit labour wise as the tank needs dropping (though some manage without).
Edited by GBB on Thursday 3rd March 23:12
35 MPG out of the 2.8!! That is seriously impressive! You must be driving like an old lady = P
My '98 323i with a manual box will do 29MPG at best on the motorway, or 25 round town.... and it'll be gone on Wednesday as I'm leaving the country. It will be missed sorely. Had some amazing times and some huge grins on my face in that car. Will have to drown my sorrows.
= )
My '98 323i with a manual box will do 29MPG at best on the motorway, or 25 round town.... and it'll be gone on Wednesday as I'm leaving the country. It will be missed sorely. Had some amazing times and some huge grins on my face in that car. Will have to drown my sorrows.
= )
predding said:
Hi Garlick?
What you need for the 328 is this
http://www.autovoguesystems.com/
Was reading about it in a back-issue of BMWCar Magazine last night - they treated their 850i with similar paint to yours and after it looks a million dollars - plus comes with a 3 or 5 year guarentee. Looks good
Re consumption - get yourself a 3-series diesel with Efficient Dynamics - more torque, more power, less consumption
Cheers
That Autovogue system was on their longterm 840i. In later magazines it was reported to have been a waste of money. Yes the car looked good after it was applied but this was after corrective action had been taken to the paintwork, and the film applied. You cant jusy apply it to dodgy paint and expect a miracle. The owner Luke Wood I think, said it was no better than polish and didnt live up to the claims.What you need for the 328 is this
http://www.autovoguesystems.com/
Was reading about it in a back-issue of BMWCar Magazine last night - they treated their 850i with similar paint to yours and after it looks a million dollars - plus comes with a 3 or 5 year guarentee. Looks good
Re consumption - get yourself a 3-series diesel with Efficient Dynamics - more torque, more power, less consumption
Cheers
Cant comment on the 328i, but I know from experience that a Z3 2.8 will easily do over 35mpg on a motorway run at 70-80mph, though obviously the figure suffers rather dramatically around town. The only drawback cost wise to the Z3 has been the cost of replacing the clutch and dual mass flywheel (same as a 328i), though it has made a big difference to the way the car drives.
I'd really love to get a 328i coupe as a daily, but stuck with an old Golf diesel at the moment!
I'd really love to get a 328i coupe as a daily, but stuck with an old Golf diesel at the moment!
I'v got a manual one of these, and my rear left door is jammed firmly shut hehe! they are surprisingly economical. I reset mine, did 150 motorway miles, then drive around London for an hour, then did another 150 motorway miles with a bike on the roof and averaged 40.4 mpg. Did 315 miles from half a tank. Its more economical than my previous car, a 1.6 litre Rover which was 400 kgs lighter! Shame it isn't as reliable, the Honda Engined Rover required precisely no engine work in 6 years and 70,000 abusive miles, still going strong as I gave it to my brother. But in the last year the BMW has had a new intake boot, new idle control valve, new cam shaft sensor, new lambda sensor, new washer jets and I'v got a new PAS pump that needs fitting.
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