How did you decide on the 28i or the 35i?

Upgrade15 · 03-27-2011, 02:23 PM

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?

jijioben · 03-27-2011, 02:59 PM

You should definitely start by test driving both models. I chose the 35i because the turbo in my test drive reassured me that there is a huge safety margin in everyday driving. Also, fuel consumption was nearly the same. I chose VDC/DDC because I knew the ride would be more lively in Sport mode, which is what I was missing in most other SUVs/SAVs of this class. All the rest was more of a question of "desirable" than "needed." Many of the features like the automatic trunk were already in my previous vehicle and I wanted to have them both because I found them useful and because I wanted to feel like I was upgrading to a new car, not the opposite.

Upgrade15 · 03-27-2011, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jijioben

You should definitely start by test driving both models. I chose the 35i because the turbo in my test drive reassured me that there is a huge safety margin in everyday driving. Also, fuel consumption was nearly the same. I chose VDC/DDC because I knew the ride would be more lively in Sport mode, which is what I was missing in most other SUVs/SAVs of this class. All the rest was more of a question of "desirable" than "needed." Many of the features like the automatic trunk were already in my previous vehicle and I wanted to have them both because I found them useful and because I wanted to feel like I was upgrading to a new car, not the opposite.

Yep, I've driven both models. I definitely feel the difference, but not sure I need to be zipping around with the added boost of the turbo with my toddler in tow! I guess I'm trying to be talked OUT of the 35i at this point!

Want the thrill · 03-27-2011, 03:09 PM

For me, they both drove great, but it wasn't until you "stepped on it" that really sold me on the 35i. So much more power! Drive both, floor it on both, and then make a decision!

Powerrunner · 03-27-2011, 03:30 PM

I also selected the 35i for the extra horse power. Not that I need it all the time but what a difference it is when you do want to step on it. If you can afford it I would suggest the extra horse power.

Not sure but the extra horse power might add to the resale when you are ready to pass the experience on to someone else.

tuco44 · 03-27-2011, 03:47 PM

I drove both extensively and made up my mind that the 28i was more than ample in the power dept. I liked the idea of the older and well proven N52 I6 engine in 28i. In fact, I put an order together with my dealer on the Friday; but over the weekend, felt like maybe I go the extra $ for the 35i based partly on the fact that I recently had a M3 Sedan and enjoyed that experience. Plus, I know my track record - whenever I do something sensible, ie, get the adequete but not the top engine, I always regret it later on. As I plan to hold on to this new X3 for at least 4 or 5 years (not my history either), I thought the 35i might be the better long term choice. The N52-equipped 28i will soon come with the turboed new B20 4 cyl engine, and I also didn't think that would help resale of the 28i. I also liked the look of the new MSport pkg, which, in Canada, is only available on the 35i.

Regardless of the logic (or lack thereof), by the morning of last Monday, I went into the dealer's and changed my order completely from the 28i to the 35i. I think it is reallly a personal call, and both cars will satisfy and perform well. It seems many on here are "enthusiasts" and are opting for the 35i. I am sure there are many, many more who are not so driving-oriented, and the 28i will be more than enough car for them. Both are excellant vehicles.

MA78 · 03-27-2011, 08:09 PM

The 28i will provide more than enough power for most people. If you want a crossover that is faster than most sport sedans, go with the 35i. If you want a crossover that is simply faster than most crossovers, go with the 28i.

Upgrade15 · 03-27-2011, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA78

The 28i will provide more than enough power for most people. If you want a crossover that is faster than most sport sedans, go with the 35i. If you want a crossover that is simply faster than most crossovers, go with the 28i.

that's a great analogy!

Nahoa · 03-27-2011, 09:05 PM

My first BMW was a 325i. Loved it, but it was immediately clear that I woulda loved the 330i even more. We're not talking standard to M price differences, so have been able to pick the more powerful model since and have been very happy. Never heard anyone say, "Dang, I wsh I'd gone for the lower HP model . . ."

Upgrade15 · 03-27-2011, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nahoa

My first BMW was a 325i. Loved it, but it was immediately clear that I woulda loved the 330i even more. We're not talking standar to M price differences, so have Bern able to pick the more powerful model since and have been very happy. Never heard anyone say, "Dang, I wsh I'd gone for the lower HP model . . ."

Yep , I know you are right. I have never driven anything even close to this so it feels like the cherry on top of unnecessary indulgence...but, who doesn't love that!

Nahoa · 03-27-2011, 09:15 PM

If the money isn't a make or break for you, go for it. I think you'll enjoy it. You may be spoiled forever, but you'll enjoy it!!

stlgirl · 03-27-2011, 10:15 PM

i definitely think it comes down to preference. i have an issue with lead foot syndrome so i chose the 28i. my husband thought i should have gone with the 35i. to me the creature comforts are more important than the power and so i decided to spend more money on those and less on engine size. you really can't go wrong with either, though. take them out for another test drive and then make your decision.

jaymk5 · 03-27-2011, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsAdams2007

Yep , I know you are right. I have never driven anything even close to this so it feels like the cherry on top of unnecessary indulgence...but, who doesn't love that!

You will think this is not needed at this point, but you will surely think after sometime, I should have gone for that extra power. So go for it and you will love those extra horses for your lifetime.

Beyu · 03-28-2011, 02:03 AM

The 28i is adequate for most people and it's not like unless you opt for a 35i your X3 ends up being a $40k paperweight. I've only test driven a 28i and the car definitely felt pretty peppy so I can only imagine how my 35i is going to be when it arrives.

240 HP and 221 ft of torque in the 28i isn't bad but it's about the same as most compact or midsized sedans even though the sedans will be 500-700 lbs lighter. The price difference between the 28i and 35i is $4300 but in reality is only about $2000 because the xenons, 18" rims, and wood/aluminum trims, are all standard on the 35i. In addition some items such as the paddle shifters are only available to the 35i.

As Tuco44 has said, the 28i's engine (N52) is well proven while the 35i's (N55) is not. As with the N54 some people have experienced HPFP problems with the new N55 although the problem had supposedly been fixed years ago. Whether really fixed or not BMW has now extended the HPFP warranty to 10 years or 100000 miles.

Hawkshaw · 03-28-2011, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA78

The 28i will provide more than enough power for most people. If you want a crossover that is faster than most sport sedans, go with the 35i. If you want a crossover that is simply faster than most crossovers, go with the 28i.

MA78 · 03-28-2011, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkshaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA78

The 28i will provide more than enough power for most people. If you want a crossover that is faster than most sport sedans, go with the 35i. If you want a crossover that is simply faster than most crossovers, go with the 28i.

I have no idea what this means.

monsta · 03-28-2011, 10:34 AM

I ordered a 28i b/c I'm leasing & its enough power for everyday driving for my wife. If I financed I would have gotten the 35i (probably b/c I would mod it a little too). It might get the same mpg on paper but once your driving it & putting that extra power to use mpg on paper becomes irrelevant, all depends on your driving style & your use IMO

sfax · 03-28-2011, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA78

I have no idea what this means.

I think it's "word" as in urban slang for agreement

MA78 · 03-28-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

I think it's "word" as in urban slang for agreement

I wish I knew these things. I'm too young to be this out of touch.

wagsoja · 03-28-2011, 11:06 AM

We chose the 28i because we wanted to stay within a certain price point and with this being our first BMW, and coming over for a Chevy Equinox, the power difference was already very noticeable. Sure the 35i would have been nice, but even more power just wasn't something we needed at the end of the day. Now, when it comes time for our 2nd BMW, that philosophy might change!

Upgrade15 · 03-28-2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA78

I wish I knew these things. I'm too young to be this out of touch.

Yep, I'm way too young too, but I had to go look at the smileys to figure it out...I thought it was "Whatever!"

darskiczd · 03-28-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

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?

You can't do the Dinan flash on the 28i.

03-27-2011, 02:23 PM	#1
Upgrade15 Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 200 Posts Drives: '16 White X1 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Estes Park, CO iTrader: (0)	How did you decide on the 28i or the 35i? 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? Last edited by Upgrade15; 03-27-2011 at 02:59 PM..
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03-27-2011, 02:59 PM	#2
jijioben Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 2011 F25 X3 35i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	You should definitely start by test driving both models. I chose the 35i because the turbo in my test drive reassured me that there is a huge safety margin in everyday driving. Also, fuel consumption was nearly the same. I chose VDC/DDC because I knew the ride would be more lively in Sport mode, which is what I was missing in most other SUVs/SAVs of this class. All the rest was more of a question of "desirable" than "needed." Many of the features like the automatic trunk were already in my previous vehicle and I wanted to have them both because I found them useful and because I wanted to feel like I was upgrading to a new car, not the opposite.
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03-27-2011, 03:09 PM	#4
Want the thrill Lieutenant Colonel 330 Rep 1,560 Posts Drives: 2022 X4M40i, retired ‘11 X3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: MI iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 X4M40i [10.00]	For me, they both drove great, but it wasn't until you "stepped on it" that really sold me on the 35i. So much more power! Drive both, floor it on both, and then make a decision!
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03-27-2011, 03:30 PM	#5
Powerrunner Second Lieutenant 3 Rep 275 Posts Drives: BMW X3 35i 2011 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Naperville iTrader: (0)	Opt for the extra horse power! I also selected the 35i for the extra horse power. Not that I need it all the time but what a difference it is when you do want to step on it. If you can afford it I would suggest the extra horse power. Not sure but the extra horse power might add to the resale when you are ready to pass the experience on to someone else.
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03-27-2011, 03:47 PM	#6
tuco44 Colonel 644 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	I drove both extensively and made up my mind that the 28i was more than ample in the power dept. I liked the idea of the older and well proven N52 I6 engine in 28i. In fact, I put an order together with my dealer on the Friday; but over the weekend, felt like maybe I go the extra $ for the 35i based partly on the fact that I recently had a M3 Sedan and enjoyed that experience. Plus, I know my track record - whenever I do something sensible, ie, get the adequete but not the top engine, I always regret it later on. As I plan to hold on to this new X3 for at least 4 or 5 years (not my history either), I thought the 35i might be the better long term choice. The N52-equipped 28i will soon come with the turboed new B20 4 cyl engine, and I also didn't think that would help resale of the 28i. I also liked the look of the new MSport pkg, which, in Canada, is only available on the 35i. Regardless of the logic (or lack thereof), by the morning of last Monday, I went into the dealer's and changed my order completely from the 28i to the 35i. I think it is reallly a personal call, and both cars will satisfy and perform well. It seems many on here are "enthusiasts" and are opting for the 35i. I am sure there are many, many more who are not so driving-oriented, and the 28i will be more than enough car for them. Both are excellant vehicles. __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
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03-27-2011, 08:09 PM	#7
MA78 TK-421 18 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	The 28i will provide more than enough power for most people. If you want a crossover that is faster than most sport sedans, go with the 35i. If you want a crossover that is simply faster than most crossovers, go with the 28i.
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03-27-2011, 09:05 PM	#9
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	My first BMW was a 325i. Loved it, but it was immediately clear that I woulda loved the 330i even more. We're not talking standard to M price differences, so have been able to pick the more powerful model since and have been very happy. Never heard anyone say, "Dang, I wsh I'd gone for the lower HP model . . ." __________________ Last edited by Nahoa; 03-27-2011 at 09:13 PM..
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03-27-2011, 09:15 PM	#11
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	If the money isn't a make or break for you, go for it. I think you'll enjoy it. You may be spoiled forever, but you'll enjoy it!! __________________
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03-27-2011, 10:15 PM	#12
stlgirl Private 9 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 2011 28i X3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Saint Louis MO iTrader: (0)	i definitely think it comes down to preference. i have an issue with lead foot syndrome so i chose the 28i. my husband thought i should have gone with the 35i. to me the creature comforts are more important than the power and so i decided to spend more money on those and less on engine size. you really can't go wrong with either, though. take them out for another test drive and then make your decision.
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03-28-2011, 02:03 AM	#14
Beyu Lieutenant 13 Rep 579 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	The 28i is adequate for most people and it's not like unless you opt for a 35i your X3 ends up being a $40k paperweight. I've only test driven a 28i and the car definitely felt pretty peppy so I can only imagine how my 35i is going to be when it arrives. 240 HP and 221 ft of torque in the 28i isn't bad but it's about the same as most compact or midsized sedans even though the sedans will be 500-700 lbs lighter. The price difference between the 28i and 35i is $4300 but in reality is only about $2000 because the xenons, 18" rims, and wood/aluminum trims, are all standard on the 35i. In addition some items such as the paddle shifters are only available to the 35i. As Tuco44 has said, the 28i's engine (N52) is well proven while the 35i's (N55) is not. As with the N54 some people have experienced HPFP problems with the new N55 although the problem had supposedly been fixed years ago. Whether really fixed or not BMW has now extended the HPFP warranty to 10 years or 100000 miles. Last edited by Beyu; 03-28-2011 at 10:24 AM..
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03-28-2011, 10:34 AM	#17
monsta Brigadier General 218 Rep 3,592 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bergen County, NJ/Y.O, NY iTrader: (2)	I ordered a 28i b/c I'm leasing & its enough power for everyday driving for my wife. If I financed I would have gotten the 35i (probably b/c I would mod it a little too). It might get the same mpg on paper but once your driving it & putting that extra power to use mpg on paper becomes irrelevant, all depends on your driving style & your use IMO __________________ '08 E92 M3 6MT \| IB \| FR \| RAC RG63's \| VRS Ti Exhaust \| Fabspeed HFC & Xpipe '09 X5 35d SG/SB '11 X3 28i AW/CN/FW (wife's car
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03-28-2011, 11:06 AM	#20
wagsoja Private 6 Rep 71 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 28i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Buffalo, NY iTrader: (0)	We chose the 28i because we wanted to stay within a certain price point and with this being our first BMW, and coming over for a Chevy Equinox, the power difference was already very noticeable. Sure the 35i would have been nice, but even more power just wasn't something we needed at the end of the day. Now, when it comes time for our 2nd BMW, that philosophy might change!
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