[ReturnZero]

Hello everyone-

I'm looking to order a 2013 X3 and I'm trying to decide between the new turbo four or the awesome turbo six. Seems like the difference in price is only a few thousand dollars. The extra power seems great, but the fuel economy and little less weight might be nice as well.

What do you all think?

[Nahoa]

I'd say it depends on your driving style and how much you enjoy sporty driving. Most likely there's no actual need for the 6, but if zipping through twisty roads, getting up an going from stops, and the like put a smile on your face it may be worth it. For me, it absolutely is. I've not driven it, but I can't imagine the 4 is a slug by any stretch.

[Want the thrill]

Test drive the 4 and "step on it", then test drive the 6 and "step on it". That was the deciding factor for me. Once I drove the 35i I couldn't look back.

[F25er]

A price difference of $5000 ain't chump change and will buy you a couple of options packages. The 35i will give you a 1 second better 0-60 time. Is it worth it to you? Drive both and pound them hard to decide.

Most reviews of the new 3 series love the 328 over the 335 just read the one in Bimmer magazine. They can't justify the stretch for the 35 as the cars are that close. They also love the lighter smaller N20 as it is less nose heavy and more nimble. Add in fuel efficiency and it's a winner.

Most people here will not agree and likely tout the knee jerk position that more is better, more power, bigger engine must be better.

[jk]

i got the 35i, less for burning rubber than for emergency situations, passing, and so on. don't forget this is a 4100 lb vehicle, not a 3400lb 3series. when i'm in traffic on a highway and need a quick acceleration, i know i've got it.


also calling it a safety feature makes it easier to justify the money

[decade2000]

Test drove both and like them both, but decided to go with a loaded 28i. Power is nice but after awhile you'll get used to it. When I first got my S4 I got an adrenaline rush every time I stepped on it. But now I'm used to it and doesn't do anything for me anymore. Like F25er said I spent the 5k difference on options I normally wouldn't get, like HUD.

[snowboardjoe]

After having my 2003 325xi for 9+ years now, I will always love that I6.

When I test drove about two months ago, I drove a 328i and was really surprised how nice the engine is. I was not pleased when we first started up and hearing that 4 cylinder puttering along. As soon as you get above idle speed, you would not guess that it's a 4 cylinder engine. It's really smooth and the low end torque is really nice (not something the 35i has).

There are lots of reviews about the engine on the track and they're all really good. A lot of other threads from new 2013 X3 28i owners have said they are really impressed with the N20 engine and have not looked back. It probably does have a little whine to it as you get close to the red line, but the power curve is more flat and comes on stronger with that torque.

I considered both and went for the 28i to save some dough and get some more options too (tech, prem, HUD, conv). I should have it any day now. I know I will miss the engine sound of the 35i, but I think I'll be very happy in the new 28i.

[Beyu]

Originally Posted by jk

i got the 35i, less for burning rubber than for emergency situations, passing, and so on. don't forget this is a 4100 lb vehicle, not a 3400lb 3series. when i'm in traffic on a highway and need a quick acceleration, i know i've got it.

also calling it a safety feature makes it easier to justify the money

My thoughts exactly. Plus if you spend a lot of time with your friends and family or move large things around that also adds quite a bit of weight. If you have 4 people in the car that's already about 600 lbs more (150/person) and if you go camping or do outdoor related stuff that's a couple 100 lbs more of luggage.

Also the base price of the two models are $5k apart but is less than that if you take into consideration the extra options that come standard on the 35i and not 28i.

[F25er]

Originally Posted by Beyu

My thoughts exactly. Plus if you spend a lot of time with your friends and family or move large things around that also adds quite a bit of weight. If you have 4 people in the car that's already about 600 lbs more (150/person) and if you go camping or do outdoor related stuff that's a couple 100 lbs more of luggage.

Also the base price of the two models are $5k apart but is less than that if you take into consideration the extra options that come standard on the 35i and not 28i.

Don't get me wrong the N55 is an awesome engine. It's just that we are already so familiar with it as it's been around awhile. The N20 is new and fresh and very intriguing. Several magazines have dynoed this thing and by all accounts it is near 280hp and 295 lb ft at a just above idle 1300rpm!

I drove the 328 and X1 extensively and it is wickedly quick. I was concerned with weight of X3 as well which is why I drove it extensively as well and can honestly say I did not notice weight as an issue. The NA i6 with its anemic low end which I also drove in a 2012 X3 is a different story.

[ReturnZero]

I drove the 28i and it is much more powerful than I was expecting - but the 35i definitely had more grunt. I can see how that would be nice driving through the mountains and such.

What kind of mileage do you guys all get between the two engines? I can probably find an MPG thread somewhere.

This is a much more difficult decision than I thought it would be...

[snowboardjoe]

Here's a quick comparison from the US Department of Energy...

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find....32345&id=32346

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by ReturnZero

I drove the 28i and it is much more powerful than I was expecting - but the 35i definitely had more grunt. I can see how that would be nice driving through the mountains and such.

What kind of mileage do you guys all get between the two engines? I can probably find an MPG thread somewhere.

This is a much more difficult decision than I thought it would be...

I'm getting 21.5 city and 27 on the highway with my 35i and I tend not to go light on the foot!

[lbjgh]

I love my 35i especially accelerating in sport/ds mode but I find that my daily commute doesn't offer too many opportunities to open her up. If I was buying tomorrow I don't know if I wouldn't select a fully loaded 28i over the selectively optioned 35i.

My 35i is averaging 11.2L/100km with less than 1k on the odometer.

[KingX]

I drove the old 28i i.e. 6 cylinder and it wasn't bad but the 35i was just more responsive. I haven't driven the (N20) newer 28i but still here goes my thoughts.

If I were to lease I would get the 28i for better mileage and lower cost for sure. I know it's been tested and works now but I wonder on the longevity with the turbo on the 4 BUT if you're leasing then you don't care about that at all since in 3-4 years it will be gone anyway. If you're purchasing for longer term however I prefer the 35i. Someone should do a poll on that i.e. how many people with 28i/35i purchase/lease.

I agree I probably don't get much chances to use the 35i to its full potential but I know if I need it it's there and there are times I will for sure.

And lastly people who say they have seen an engine perform in a different vehicle and assume it will be great in another aren't truly being realistic. I can list many vehicles that use the same engine in other brands and from one vehicle to the other in their lineup it's dramatically different.

Note again I've not driven the N20 yet to really compare it..I will eventually I'm sure

[ReturnZero]

Thanks for all the info everyone, really helpful. The new N20 seems great but there just isn't a whole lot of info on it available yet. It sounds like you guys are all getting around 21+ MPG in mixed driving from the 35i which sounds good. I could probably eek out a few more from the 28i but not a ton. Not like I'm going to a big thirsty V8 or something.

At this point I think I may be leaning more towards 35i. I think when I do my order I'll drive both one more time and make the final decision.

[NYX335i]

While I was happy with power and smoothness of the turbo 4, but the sound of the engine reminds me too much of the Honda turbo 4.
Probably because of my experience with the BMW I6, I was expecting better or quieter engine tone.
The turbo I6 is a beast of an engine, refined and powerful at any rpm or gear.
And, it sounds nice too.
That's why I went with the 35i.
The fuel economy is really not that big different, when you are talking about 2 more mpg.
The price difference is not $5000, since 35i gets standard xenon, moonroof, and sport steering wheel.(All are must have)
So, you are looking at about $2500 difference.

[jmcbmw]

My new 2013 X3 28i will be my first non BMW I-6. But, it drove amazingly and as others have said, could add a bunch of option packages that will be nice in day to day driving. Heated steering wheel in So Cal anyone? I'll take it haha
PS: I didn't drive the 35i but used to own a 2008 335i and stepped down to the 28i on my current. I got into too much trouble with speeding tickets

[F25er]

Originally Posted by NYX335i

While I was happy with power and smoothness of the turbo 4, but the sound of the engine reminds me too much of the Honda turbo 4.
Probably because of my experience with the BMW I6, I was expecting better or quieter engine tone.
The turbo I6 is a beast of an engine, refined and powerful at any rpm or gear.
And, it sounds nice too.
That's why I went with the 35i.
The fuel economy is really not that big different, when you are talking about 2 more mpg.
The price difference is not $5000, since 35i gets standard xenon, moonroof, and sport steering wheel.(All are must have)
So, you are looking at about $2500 difference.

I can't speak to the U.S. however in Canada it is as follows:

28i - $42450
35i - $47400

Difference is $4950. The extras the 35i gets are:

Engine
Sport steering wheel
Wood trim
Bi-xenons
HiFi sound.

It's up to the individual if the five items above are worth 5 grand. What I chose instead was the 28i with a premium package which gave me for $3600 the following:

X line
Panorama roof
Auto dimming exterior mirrors
Auto dimming interior mirror
Park distance control front and rear
Bi-xenons

All this came in at $46050 which with all these features is still $1350 less than a "base" 35i. It's clear to me which model is the real value.

It comes down to the engine. The N55 is awesome in every way there is no doubt about it. For me however the above value was hard to ignore, add to this the fact that the N20 is super efficient and only 1 second slower to 60mph and it's a winner.

[NYX335i]

In US, the 35i starts at $43600 and 28i at $38500, the difference of $5100.
But, 35i comes standard with xenon, moonroof, wood trim, and sport steering wheel.
Those options will cost about $2500.
Then, if you ask me if I want to pay $2600 more for the turbo I6, that's a definitely YES!!

Oh, 35i also get the 308 style 18" wheel instead of the 307 in the 28i.
I like the 308 better.

[NYX335i]

BMW has done an amazing job with that engine.
It's as smooth and powerful as you can find for a 4 cylinder.

But, if I have a chance to upgrade to the N55 with little more than $2K, I will take it.
The difference between N20 and N55 will show clearly during the midrange, when you are passing on the highway.
That's when you realize that 1 second is long.

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by jk

i got the 35i, less for burning rubber than for emergency situations, passing, and so on. don't forget this is a 4100 lb vehicle, not a 3400lb 3series. when i'm in traffic on a highway and need a quick acceleration, i know i've got it.


also calling it a safety feature makes it easier to justify the money

+1

Aside from being a handy rationalization, I really believe this. There are a great many times when moving out is either the safest solution available, or the only solution available.

[F25er]

Wow. Lots and lots of rationalization going on. I didn't realize how "safety" conscious you all were and how easily you all ignore math.

Admit it it's nothing more than engine lust pure and simple. Not that there's anything wrong with that, the N55 evokes lust. Let's just not pretend its safety and value that drove the decision.

Human nature: emotion trumps logic.