BMW 3 f30 328i 2015 or BMW X1 35i

[GoloArt]

Hello!
I intend to buy a used car and I would like to know your opinion.
I'm choosing between BMW 3 f30 328i 2015 and BMW X1 35i 2015 (which is with a better equipment). I own a BMW E90 320i 2007 for almost 4 years now

[jarsdad1]

These are two totally different cars. What are your needs - utility or sportiness? Car vs. SUV? Kids, dog? A lot of questions to be answered.

[discoboy1]

in general I would stay away from the N20, although 2015 is the year BMW updated the design of the timing chain, make sure the vehicle you have has a late production build.

I have a X1 35, really happy with the vehicle, had a water pump failure only so far.

[GoloArt]

Originally Posted by jarsdad1

These are two totally different cars. What are your needs - utility or sportiness? Car vs. SUV? Kids, dog? A lot of questions to be answered.

I don’t have children or pets. I just want a fast car with tight budget

[chance91]

Originally Posted by GoloArt

I don’t have children or pets. I just want a fast car with tight budget

The x1 will probably be close as far as "fast" to a f30 328i. The 328 is lighter, non-awd, and the 8-speed really makes up for it.

I like my x1 35i a lot, with a tune its reasonably quick. but its still about 4,000lbs. Great in snow. Hatch, which I'm a fan of.

But its a bit of a hodge-poge of parts. Was noisy on the interior stock, lots of squeaks i'm always chasing. I think the F30s are built better, and you can have the NBT infotainment system which is better than x1's cic.

Really depends, do you want the best of the last generation of E-series options like your old 320i, or do you want an entry level into the new F chassis?

As well, expect like 20-22mpg from the X1. You can easily hit 32 with the 328, again partly due to the 6-speed vs 8-speed.

[discoboy1]

Originally Posted by chance91

The x1 will probably be close as far as "fast" to a f30 328i. The 328 is lighter, non-awd, and the 8-speed really makes up for it.

I like my x1 35i a lot, with a tune its reasonably quick. but its still about 4,000lbs. Great in snow. Hatch, which I'm a fan of.

But its a bit of a hodge-poge of parts. Was noisy on the interior stock, lots of squeaks i'm always chasing. I think the F30s are built better, and you can have the NBT infotainment system which is better than x1's cic.

Really depends, do you want the best of the last generation of E-series options like your old 320i, or do you want an entry level into the new F chassis?

As well, expect like 20-22mpg from the X1. You can easily hit 32 with the 328, again partly due to the 6-speed vs 8-speed.

you cannot compare the 328 and X1 for gas consumption, X1 is down 2 gears and has 2 extra cylinders.
I installed the xhp tranny tune on mine and makes a huge improvement on performance without affecting fuel consumption.

[GoloArt]

The search for a car is still on for me. Guys, I will appreciate your opinions on this topic. Thanks

[wheela]

I have a 2015 e84 35i X1, and my wife had a 2013 f30 328i. The 328 was pretty quick and very comfortable, but even stock the X1 was very noticably faster and more powerful. Plus if you want to mod, the n55 in the X1 is a better base since it's 3.0 liter vs. 2.0 liter. As mentioned above, xHP makes a huge difference. Our other car now is a 2019 X3 30i, and after flashing the transmission on my X1 with xHP, it shifts just as good if not better than the 8 speed in our 2019 X3. I'm very satisfied with the X1 35i.

[Botlfed98]

is the xHP transmission tune for n20 too?

[Gamb1t]

For overall comfort, the 3-series is just a nicer place inside. While the e84 X1 sits on an e91 platform, the interior is more akin to a 1-series. The cabin is more cramp than a 3-series. Material quality is also better with the 3-series.
That particular 328i comes with the vaunted ZF8 transmission. It shifts fast and smooth. Fast enough that BMW doesn't see any reason to use DCT in their cars anymore.

The X1 rear hatch allows for "taller" items than a sedan's boot. However the 3-series' trunk is deeper. I like the RWD purity. A set of good winter tires should see off most normal snowy conditions. But the X1 with winter tires is pretty awesome and confidence inspiring. The x35i n55 shares similar issues with the notorious n54 engine to a certain degree. Just less complicated to work with.

[Ardorventura]

If you're coming from an E90 the steering on the F30 is going to feel loose and unprecise. The E84's steering feels almost the same as the E90. That's the main reason I choose the E84 over the f30

[GoloArt]

Originally Posted by wheela

I have a 2015 e84 35i X1, and my wife had a 2013 f30 328i. The 328 was pretty quick and very comfortable, but even stock the X1 was very noticably faster and more powerful. Plus if you want to mod, the n55 in the X1 is a better base since it's 3.0 liter vs. 2.0 liter. As mentioned above, xHP makes a huge difference. Our other car now is a 2019 X3 30i, and after flashing the transmission on my X1 with xHP, it shifts just as good if not better than the 8 speed in our 2019 X3. I'm very satisfied with the X1 35i.

thank you, that's a valuable comment

[GoloArt]

Originally Posted by Gamb1t

For overall comfort, the 3-series is just a nicer place inside. While the e84 X1 sits on an e91 platform, the interior is more akin to a 1-series. The cabin is more cramp than a 3-series. Material quality is also better with the 3-series.
That particular 328i comes with the vaunted ZF8 transmission. It shifts fast and smooth. Fast enough that BMW doesn't see any reason to use DCT in their cars anymore.

The X1 rear hatch allows for "taller" items than a sedan's boot. However the 3-series' trunk is deeper. I like the RWD purity. A set of good winter tires should see off most normal snowy conditions. But the X1 with winter tires is pretty awesome and confidence inspiring. The x35i n55 shares similar issues with the notorious n54 engine to a certain degree. Just less complicated to work with.

i believe, that bmw x1 35i is better due to the 3.0 engine

[cwickberg]

I've had several BMW's 3 & 5 series wagons, X5... I love the X1 35i. its the last true great driving feel BMW. I think the f series on have all gone electronic this and that...

With a nice tune and upgrade flash to the transmission, the silky smooth I6 and hydraulic steering and AWD makes for a great package...

The "ultimate driving machine" for BMW, IMO is not fancy, comfortable fuel economy driving, its connection to the road... after all your 'driving' the car, not along for the ride...

Get the Ultimate MSport package, add a tune, non run flat tires and just drive the thing.

I gave mine to my daughter... she appreciates the "drive..." She started looking at an X2, GLA and A3 and after driving the X2 and GLA, she decided to keep the X1 just because it drives so well.

[chance91]

Really all I got out of this is I need to do the XHP flash... haha. Been on the fence but want to do x-delete for summer months to improve economy.

[x1driver35i]

Between the two cars I would also be torn.. I currently have an x1 xdrive 35i.. The interior of the f30 may be more spacious from a driver and passenger perspective with 2 cupholders in the center console vs 1 poorly placed in the x1. f30 may have less interior cabin creaks. I appreciate the rear hatch and the standard fold down split fold seats of the x1.. Very versatile car. the 35i has plenty of power and never lets me down. The x1 35i is a very special car with very few produced/available for sale with that engine type.. Rwd biased, hydrolic steering.. the x1 35i might build an enthusiast following and retain better value and even hold the possibility of appreciating. The n55 motor is special and the shape of the car reminds me of the z3m clownshoe. I feel like you can always find a reasonable f30 328i.. its a 4cylinder.. but your chance at an x1 35i for a reasonable price & mileage might be now.

[sudermatt]

After owning 3 x1s of progressive features. I'm convinced the 35 M will indeed be a classic. The last great BMW drivers car.

I will never sell this thing.

[Botlfed98]

Originally Posted by GoloArt

I don’t have children or pets. I just want a fast car with tight budget

hope i don't get flamed here but i previously had an Infiniti g37, very quick for n/a 3.7 and had ZERO issues or failures...bmw on the other hand is one problem after another. Feel free to private message me

[sudermatt]

Originally Posted by Botlfed98

hope i don't get flamed here but i previously had an Infiniti g37, very quick for n/a 3.7 and had ZERO issues or failures...bmw on the other hand is one problem after another. Feel free to private message me

I never drove the Infiniti....But....You can buy 100 cars quicker than the BMW X1 for about the same money.

But you simply canNOT buy anything else that has the group of features this has ... for the same money.... that feels like this when you drive it....you just can't.
But...if you tell me that the Infinity felt as good as driving the X1, i'll believe you. (slightly side eye'd)

If you don't care about how the car feels when you drive it, By a 5 year old subaru WRX wagon.

The thread is about the 35...That sweet BMW straight 6, the perfect hydraulic steering, 4wd, great suspension...and room to get the kids, dogs, and 10 bags of mulch home.

U - ltimate
D - riving
M - achine

[wheela]

OP, it's been a while, did you ever make a purchase?

Per mfg quoted 0-60 times, the X1 35i is already slighlty quicker than the g37. Plus since the n55 is already turbo charged, you can significantly widen that performance gap without too much modification vs. any naturally aspirated engine mods are mostly diminishing returns unless you add forced induction, which is a huge project for a normally naturally aspirated engine. Tuning for n55 has come along way, and is still developing. n54 guys may give us crap, but n55 is a decent platform for modification. Especially e84, as unlike the 535 or X5 n55, e84 is essentially identical to e90 under the hood. So if you can get something for e90, 99% chance it will fit the e84.

[healeydays]

Originally Posted by GoloArt

I don’t have children or pets. I just want a fast car with tight budget

Then go 35i. Find a Msport if you can though.