[lbjgh]

Hey guys,

I will likely order an X3 and I'm trying to get my head around a few things.

Originally I was interested in the RR Evoque but following my 2nd test drive in the RR I took an x3 28i out for a test drive.

I was immediately impressed with the overall X3 performance when compared to the RR so I started doing some research. My wife suggested that we splurge and go for the 35i since I was always complaining about my utilitarian 4cyl/auto Honda Accord and that car's 'barely sufficient' power.

Tonight I drove the turbo and to be honest I was a little underwhelmed by the performance. After reading all of the posts here about the 35i being "the second coming of Christ" I was ready to be blown away.

The first thing I noticed was the turbo car needed a bigger poke at the throttle to get the car moving. Now I don't know if that was turbo lag I noticed or whether I was just driving the other car more aggressively. There was no doubt that at WOT the turbo car resulted in plenty of forward momentum (in a hurry) but it didn't feel as linear as the non turbo motor. It was almost as if I had to keep my foot into it more during regular driving to match the little motor (yes I know they have the same displacement).

According to the specs the 28i has 3.73 rear gears as opposed the the 3.39 in the 35i. Would the taller gears and absence of any turbo lag result in a more satisfying day-to-day driving experience? Who actually drives at WOT all the time?

One other thing I noticed was the exhaust note. The non-turbo car seemed to be louder (not a bad thing) than the turbo. The 28i had a neat growl where as the 35i had a very mutted tone. Is that because of the turbo?

I've booked another drive in the two cars back to back to confirm initial impressions.

As a side note, I could order a 28i with all the options for less than the cost of a well equiped 35i.

Thoughts?

[tuco44]

I set out originally to get the 28i back last March. I drove the 28i demo at least 3 times, extensively each time. I was about to sign an order, but decided to drive the 35i demo. I drove it once, and changed my order immediately.

Have zero regrets getting the 35i w MSport and DHC. Nothing wrong at all with the 28i, just the rush of the 35i turbo is so much more in line with what I really wanted.

Everyone has to decide for themselves which one they want. We can't tell you.

[dandanio]

If you want to really unleash the beast, switch the 35i to Sport+ mode. Then you will feel the power. Otherwise, the car exhibits a phenomenon called luxurious laziness. GL!

[lbjgh]

what is hpfp fails?

dandanio, no Sport+ mode on the 35i I drove

[laimbeer]

Now that I'm through the break in period, I've realized how quick the 35 really is. It feels as quick as my old 335. Love it. Get the 35, you won't regret it.

Put it in Sport+ and it's a beast. Leave it be and it's smooth as butter.

[colson79]

HPFP is the high pressure fuel pump and there are not a high amount of failures with these pumps on the 35i's. I have read hundreds of post over the past year on this and other X3 forums and I have only seen on person report a failure of a HPFP. Even if the 35i you drove doesn't have the sport buttons you can still slide the gearshift to the left to put the transmission into sport mode and let it rip.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by walendvay

2.8 and spare yourself from hpfp fails!

The HPFP problem seems to be solved, very quiet regarding the 35i and the N55 engine generally.

That would never stop me from getting the 35i.

[dandanio]

Originally Posted by walendvay

2.8 and spare yourself from hpfp fails!

The fuel pump problem was relevant for N54 engine only (twin-turbo). Since N55 is a totally new design, the turbo is different (twin-scroll, single turbocharger) and the HPFP too. So, stop trolling and spreading FUD, if you are not knowledgeable enough!!!

[lbjgh]

You guys don't notice the slight lag and slow initial acceleration? Did you guys test drive the 28/35 back to back?

[dandanio]

Originally Posted by lbjgh

You guys don't notice the slight lag and slow initial acceleration? Did you guys test drive the 28/35 back to back?

Just before this 35i I had a N52-equipped e92, so I know exactly how it performs. Although I feel the slight lag upon sudden acceleration, I kinda appreciate it, as it makes the power delivery smooth and strong. If I need a raw, untamed power, I just switch to Sport/Sport+ and the lag is GONE! It is all in the software.

[paul386]

The slight lag at very low speed / low RPM's has to do with the 35i's aggressive final drive ratio. This causes the torque to be someone low at launch. At all other points it is much higher. This is just something I remember Lotus mentioning. He can probably elaborate further.

[Nahoa]

There's no lag, it's a pedal position to fuel indication difference. The fix is a snap -- push the pedal a little farther and you'll be off. Don't drive the car by monitoring where your foot is, drive it by monitoring how it's reacting and what you want it to do. If it's not moving out fast enough from a stop, give it more fuel. This car (both) will take off from a stop faster than is remotely comfortable for day to day driving. If you apply steady increasing pressure to this pedal you'll launch. If you've ever driven a vehicle with air brakes, it's very comparable to how you'd approach the brake pedal in an urgent stop.

[lbjgh]

I re-tested the cars back to back and now have a better understanding of what I was feeling.

The 28i has 3.73 gearing wereas the 35i has 3.39 gearing. The turbo was definelty faster 3rd-8th gears but I believe the 28i was equal or quicker off the line in the first two gears. At speeds above 60km/h the 35i had much more power and was more satisfying.

I also drove the Volvo X60 T6 and that car was almost as quick as the 35i and its suspension was somewhere betwen the BMW and Audi Q5.

[Cx35i]

Originally Posted by lbjgh

I re-tested the cars back to back and now have a better understanding of what I was feeling.

The 28i has 3.73 gearing wereas the 35i has 3.39 gearing. The turbo was definelty faster 3rd-8th gears but I believe the 28i was equal or quicker off the line in the first two gears. At speeds above 60km/h the 35i had much more power and was more satisfying.

I also drove the Volvo X60 T6 and that car was almost as quick as the 35i and its suspension was somewhere betwen the BMW and Audi Q5.

To this end - there's literally no comparison in the 50-80 (or higher) mph range. I too planned on a 28i and ended up with a 35i after my second test drive. You'll appreciate this decision every time you get on the highway.

[Botwin]

I test drove both the 35i and the 28i. I ended up getting the 28i, as it was about $5,000 cheaper, similarly equipped. The 28i engine still has more power than I was used to with my 05 E83. Sure the 35i would be nice, but the 28i is still very good!

I also like the wheels that come with the sport package on the 28i. I think I like these better than any of the other wheel options.

[byernmotor]

Originally Posted by Botwin

I test drove both the 35i and the 28i. I ended up getting the 28i, as it was about $5,000 cheaper, similarly equipped. The 28i engine still has more power than I was used to with my 05 E83. Sure the 35i would be nice, but the 28i is still very good!

I also like the wheels that come with the sport package on the 28i. I think I like these better than any of the other wheel options.

finally there is one who is positive with 28i, be in the same boat with Botwin

[dandanio]

Originally Posted by byernmotor

finally there is one who is positive with 28i, be in the same boat with Botwin

I would be, if 28i came with the N20 instead of N52. N52, albeit a great engine, is so passe.

[paul386]

I couldn't find any data on the 28i (N52's) torque curve. Here is a rear wheel torque curve for the 35i that I made.

[soj]

The 35 is definitely noticeably faster than the 28. But the 28 is pretty much a beast in power in itself. So you have to decide if you want power or a crapload of power. I chose the 28 and have no regrets. But I also had a budget. It was either 35 with fewer toys or the 28 nearly fully loaded. If no budget, then of course the 35. But I didn't want to sacrifice nav, msport and Hifi audio to get it.

Having driven the 28 over 3000 miles now. I know I chose correctly for me. I find the power to be strong and smooooooth.

[MikeBimmer]

I've owned two N54-powered Bimmers (335i and 535xi). I own am X3 28i right now. In a city the 28i is fine. On the highway, you'll want the top end of the 35i. I kick myself regularly for not waiting to pick up a 35. Shortly after this, I rationalize the 28i decision - as the previous poster said the 28i really is a quick car - surprisingly so. To 60mph it'd beat 90% of the cars on the road, which isn't too shabby for an SUV. Bottom line: 35i if you can afford it, but if you can't - the 28i is plenty and will keep you happy with your purchase.

[TSM330i]

My wife had the 28i and we're through the break-in period so can finally floor the throttle.
The 28i is perfect for power. This thing really moves. No issues at all or a lack of power. We're very happy with what we chose with no regrets.

[gmazet]

Originally Posted by laimbeer

Now that I'm through the break in period, I've realized how quick the 35 really is. It feels as quick as my old 335. Love it. Get the 35, you won't regret it.

Put it in Sport+ and it's a beast. Leave it be and it's smooth as butter.

i drove one and loved the pull, agree, it felt every bit as quick as my old e92. . I didn't want to put this power in the hands of my wife.. the 28i is plenty fast for her... I find myself doing 85 and not realizing it, it is that quiet, smooth and effortless. I'd be cruising at 100 in the turbo..