Schwepps said:
Dunno whether the moniker will change to 328 here like it will in the US and other markets, but essentially it will be the same car. A facelift isn't due yet, am I right KL2DC?
I am not 100% sure if Malaysia will adopt the 328i moniker. As I understand it, you guys have the more advanced, highly tuned (multiple stage intake system) 2.5l version of the N52 block. In the U.S. both 330is and 325is share the same 3.0l N52 engine, the differences (40hp) boiling down to intake manifolds and software.
Not sure how far the stretch is, to tune up the 2.5l N52 to justify a 328i moniker in Malaysia. I figured for the truly badge-conscious individuals, they can dwell into a little self-administered badge-engineering project, if they wish
In any event, I will advise as soon as I hear something.
The US 328i is just a retuned version of the detuned 3.0l N52 engine (15hp more, now up to 230bhp). Aside from the retuning of the engine, the 328i received an updated version of the steptronic (in cars so equipped), redesigned HVAC knobs, touched up steering wheel (ala E92) and software updates. There might be some changes to the car secutiry feature (need to confirm what it is, though). Also, the Navi/I-drive combo option gains real-time traffic monitoring and all BMW Assist equipped cars received a 4 year subscription.
But all this comes with a $2,200 price hike which I feel is unjustifiable (no significant equipment addenda). I suspect, the 328i is more of a marketing move to move the car a little bit more upmarket (in anticipation of the 1 series) as well as to squeeze more money
I can understand the similar $2,200 price hike in going from an N52-engined 330i to the N54-twin-turbo'd engine 335i on the other hand.
There is no exterior facelift program in the immediate radar (MY2007). There are some rumors, minor revisions to bumper covers and headlights might be incorporated for MY2008, but those are not confirmed yet. At the very least, I expect some minor equipment changes and color/trim revision for MY2008.
