Pointless 3 Series?
Discussion
Is there any point in considering buying a G20 in 318i (150bhp) M-Sport? Would this be a sheep in wolf’s clothing? I’m hoping to get one after my current PCP ends. Last time I looked into it, a 320i M-Sport was too pricey. Since then they’ve realised the 318i model but I wonder if getting such a small engine in an ‘ultimate driving machine’ kinda defeats the object. And I wonder if getting a low powered engine in M-Sport trim would be pointless I.e. for the extra money might as well get a more powerful engine in lower trim.
Pistonheader101 said:
330i would be pick of the bunch from the g series
Yeah but 4 cylinders is a bit of a shame if spending your own money on a new BMW and if you wanted to distinguish yourself from a company car driver. 330d is a bit of a risk in current anti diesel climate and the 340i is very expensive.
I think it's a great car but the engine options are a bit pants compared to previous generations.
AudiMan9000 said:
Okay, I guess I do want the M-Sport looks first and foremost. Some power would be nice, but likely 318i is the most I will be able to afford.
Is the 318i unduly underpowered given the size and weight of the car? Or would it be more nimble and darty as opposed to say the 320d?
I've not driven one but my cheap run about is around the same weight as the G20 and has a 2l 4 cylinder petrol with 150bhp and it wouldn't pull the skin off a custard.Is the 318i unduly underpowered given the size and weight of the car? Or would it be more nimble and darty as opposed to say the 320d?
AudiMan9000 said:
Another issue is the 320i has a “sports automatic transmission” whilst the 318i only has an “automatic transmission” - any meaningful difference in everyday driving?
Paddles on the wheel vs no paddles on the wheelWhen you say you can’t afford the 320 have you species a car to your budget using list prices? Enter your config for the 320 Msport into carwow and see what discount off list you get. It may bring it into your budget.
Unless I am wrong, the 318i 2020 model is still the 2.0T B48 engine but seems to be detuned to only 154bhp? I wasn't aware they did a 318 still so assuming its a 2020 model onwards that they can make a little cheaper?
The B48 engine itself is capable of much more power so a remap could likely bring you close to 200bhp but obviously you have the 'warranty' concerns if that sort of thing bothers you.
Personally, it wouldn't be quick enough for me but I have only ever gone upwards or sideways in terms of power when buying cars. Although the six cylinder variants are the ones to get if you can afford one, when buying new from BMW these days that means the 340 which is far more money, even the 330i is still the B48 4 cylinder these days.
What do you own now?
The B48 engine itself is capable of much more power so a remap could likely bring you close to 200bhp but obviously you have the 'warranty' concerns if that sort of thing bothers you.
Personally, it wouldn't be quick enough for me but I have only ever gone upwards or sideways in terms of power when buying cars. Although the six cylinder variants are the ones to get if you can afford one, when buying new from BMW these days that means the 340 which is far more money, even the 330i is still the B48 4 cylinder these days.
What do you own now?
I currently own an Audi Q3 35 TFSI S Tronic S Line.
It is 1.5 litre petrol and has 150bhp.
I’ve never owned anything more powerful than this.
Perhaps with that background a 318i M Sport won’t feel underpowered to me/like a sheep in wolfs clothing?
I have no complaints about my current car’s performance.
It is 1.5 litre petrol and has 150bhp.
I’ve never owned anything more powerful than this.
Perhaps with that background a 318i M Sport won’t feel underpowered to me/like a sheep in wolfs clothing?
I have no complaints about my current car’s performance.
Wagonwheel555 said:
Unless I am wrong, the 318i 2020 model is still the 2.0T B48 engine but seems to be detuned to only 154bhp? I wasn't aware they did a 318 still so assuming its a 2020 model onwards that they can make a little cheaper?
The B48 engine itself is capable of much more power so a remap could likely bring you close to 200bhp but obviously you have the 'warranty' concerns if that sort of thing bothers you.
?
Correct, a 318i is 154hp, 320i 188hp. The difference in 0-60 time is barely 1 second, the 318i still doing 8seconds which is far from slow , remember there will be plenty more people driving cars that take well clear of 10seconds than there will people in sub 6seconds ,if you are that concerned about the traffic light Grand Prix.The B48 engine itself is capable of much more power so a remap could likely bring you close to 200bhp but obviously you have the 'warranty' concerns if that sort of thing bothers you.
?
With a turbo an 200pounds of torque a 318i will be significantly quicker than the older generation normally aspirated BMW 4 cylinder engines.
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