[tuco44]

I had an E90 M3 previously, needed somelthing more practical, but still want as much power as I can get without going to the aftermarket. I don't mod my vehicles. They are good enough the way BMW builds them...

[Vintage]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

The reason you don't need it is that the dealer has no 35's on the lot and no open build slots for 35's for several months, but he does have a few 28's on the lot that he would like to get rid of.

I think your dealer may be gently misleading you with the "no open build slots" comment in order to get you to buy a 28i on the lot. My dealer, Autobahn of Fort Worth, and just about all other US dealers are in the same "no slots" position. However, my "honest" salesman told me that even though no build slots are available, you can still order the car you want and the order goes into the "pool" for a day or two until BMW NA picks up the order out of the pool of orders that had no dedicated dealer slots.

Sure enough, I order the X3 35i I wanted in early April, BMW took three days to confirm the order number being picked up out of the pool versus a dealer slot, and I took delivery in the first weekend in May. Order what you want - he or she can do it instead of pushing you into a 28i.

Buy the 35i, it is like driving a sports car with SUV practicality. I have owned a 2000 M Coupe, 2003 Z4 3.0, 2010 X5 35d, and 2010 Z4 35i - this X3 35i is one great vehicle with impressive driving characteristics. The 28i is nice, but for just a few thousand more you can have a serious kid hauling machine.

[Boy_with_Joy]

Originally Posted by MrsAdams2007

I'm buying my first ever BMW and need help deciding on the engine. I'm leaning towards the 35i although everyone I have talked to, including the dealership, says "you don't need it." Thoughts?

According to my CA, the 35i would hold the value better. But you pour more money as well.

[mole7374]

Originally Posted by Boy_with_Joy

According to my CA, the 35i would hold the value better.

One would think so (my included) but right now the residual values on both vehicles is identical....which suggests they hold value equally. Now...what a person who is buying a used car is willing to spend more money on is another story!

After having my baby 24 hours now I can tell you that the 35i is puuuuuuure joy! Actually its amazing

[Beyu]

Originally Posted by mole7374

One would think so (my included) but right now the residual values on both vehicles is identical....which suggests they hold value equally. Now...what a person who is buying a used car is willing to spend more money on is another story!

That might change for the 28i when they release the new turbo inline 4. More power and way better fuel consumption, the only downside is that the turbocharged engine might not have the longevity of the NA 3 liter.