2012 F30 328i (A) vs 2013 F30 328i(A)

MaX

New member
So I got my 2013 F30 328i a while ago and now have proper time to compare it to my 2012 328i. It sounds like a strange test but what was supposed to be me trading my slightly high mileage 328 for a low mileage 328 turned out to be a rather interesting experience.

The 2012 was a Luxury line and the 2013 is a M Sport line. Initially i thought the only difference between the two will be harsher ride on the M and thats it but I was wrong. Right off the bat, the M is nowhere near as harsh as the E90 and even though it is a lot stiffer its never uncomfortable. On the flip side, the M sport is not that much faster through twisties than the Lux. Yes the lux felt a bit loose and scary at the limit, when looking at the speed you carrying through the corners, its not far off what the M is doing. So big up the BMW on both accounts.

Interior is exactly the same other than differences in trim and I was fortunate enough to get an M Sport Line with wood interior and chrome finishing. So not missing my lux interior that much.

Engine, and here it becomes interesting... My 2013 is much much quieter than my 2012. It still sounds a bit like a diesel when starting in the mornings but when warm its quiet. VERY quiet :thumbs: (confirms rumors of slight engine changes to MY13 328 motors)

The exhaust on the 2013 also sounds completely different to the 2012. The 2012 sounded like a muted turbo charged 4 pot. The 2013 on the flip side sounds much more gruff and raspy. LOVE IT. The Lux use to snap and crackle when driving in eco using manual where the M is quiet. The M in sport sounds a but more gruff but not really louder at all.

My lux felt faster in a straight line than the M. This can possibly only be a perception due to its slightly noisier engine and bit more wollowy suspension setup. I actually miss the lux a bit for that.

Other than that, neither of the two cars rattle, they seem solid, excellent paint quality with minimal stone chips evident, little to no wear on interiors and decent consumption. The lux was much lighter on petrol than the M (5.6 vs 6.4) and I am leaving that over to 18s vs 19s.

All in all, both cars are exceptional and I would recommend both cars to anyone. I had the option to get a 335 instead of the 328 but in the end went for another 4 pot... guess only time will tell if I regret this decision but so far, no regrets! :inlove:
 

UpNcOmiNg!

Events Organiser
Very interesting review this!
Would be interesting to see if the changes in terms of powertrain are manifest at all by way of speed.
Where is Naruto? We need some conclusive testing :rollsmile:
 

ASH

New member
Heard a 328i the other day, was quite appalled by the engine note at low revs, even though it does perform well and makes all the correct numbers.

I went in my cuzs E36 328i recently, and I cant help but think a 328i should always be an inline 6, as I really enjoyed the ride in the E36, there is still something about the 6s linear power delivery that is just something that is hard to beat.

Would it have made more sense to have the 328i as a detuned 335i, instead of the 4pot turbo? For me, the meatiness of the front end on a six
is always a different driving experience to a 4 cylinder turbo.
 

444YYY

Honorary ///Member
I did notice that the 328i sounds better inside than out.
Sounds like a 6 cylinder, with a hint of bass and grunt in the tone inside the car.
Was I imagining? Or does the F30 have the sound actuator/speaker assisted exhaust tone?
 
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