F30 320i vs 316i

[ceteh]

My self-poisoning list: 1. Coating (this weekend) 2. Head lamp protection film(this weekend) 3. Silver speaker ring trim (Self install when time permits. Bought from ebay) 4. Side skirts and maybe the rear too 5. Change the steering wheel to a better leather clad version. Stock 316i version feels and looks cheapo but I don't like the Alcantara with CF version. 6. Replace Satin Silver internal trims to brushed aluminium with red/blue ascent lining (when I can find them. Anyone selling?) 7. 17" Rims (Breyton GTS-AV matte black is first choice) 8. Chipping will definitely be after warranty expires (kiasi) Any suggestions/recommendations welcomed.

Bro, can I know your upgrade item 5 "Change the steering wheel to a better leather clad version" have you found which steering? So far I have seen only M sport version available in the market ...

 

[sh_Callum]

The ultimate deciding factor is the HP.

If you are NOT really concerns about the power, then go for Jap car instead with lower maintenance cost. Unless u intended to impress your customer with such prestige car, then 316 is the choice.

 

[seancorr]

The 316i is is indeed the car you'd wanna go with if you wanna try a BMW...but after you have tasted what BMW has to offer then only you think oh snap the 328i M-Sport is the way to go haha. Adaptive dampers is the defining factor in owning a BMW though I wish BMW could at least offer comfort access, navigation, reverse camera and adaptive xenon lights as a cost option. I think the 3 Series is the only model that does not have adaptive xenon lights at the moment.

 

[ceteh]

I heard someone's saying " to drive a bimmer before I die " .... 316i IMHO fulfill one's desire without forking out too much money and obligations

so it is obviously a different market segment for those who is considering the 316i. BMW may "steal" those that is considering the D segment of the Jap and willing to fork out a little more to jump into BMW.

 

[seancorr]

I heard someone's saying " to drive a bimmer before I die " .... 316i IMHO fulfill one's desire without forking out too much money and obligations

so it is obviously a different market segment for those who is considering the 316i. BMW may "steal" those that is considering the D segment of the Jap and willing to fork out a little more to jump into BMW.

BMW have already successfully "stolen" some of those customers who were thinking of Asian D segment cars. I'm beginning to see more 316i cars on the road in and around KL and Selangor.

Thanks to the 316i, I already know what I want standard in my next car - adaptive dampers; and there is no way a 316i will have it in the future so yeah, BMW has already achieved its goal to poison its current customers to upgrade in the future bar the short term warranty...sigh.

 

[ceteh]

BMW have already successfully "stolen" some of those customers who were thinking of Asian D segment cars. I'm beginning to see more 316i cars on the road in and around KL and Selangor.

Thanks to the 316i, I already know what I want standard in my next car - adaptive dampers; and there is no way a 316i will have it in the future so yeah, BMW has already achieved its goal to poison its current customers to upgrade in the future bar the short term warranty...sigh.

settle 316i for now ... few years later, upgrade to 328i LCI, might have adaptive dampers

 

[Gunso7889]

Diesel..... mileage and low end torque....

 

[Mavik]

BMW have already successfully "stolen" some of those customers who were thinking of Asian D segment cars. I'm beginning to see more 316i cars on the road in and around KL and Selangor.

Thanks to the 316i, I already know what I want standard in my next car - adaptive dampers; and there is no way a 316i will have it in the future so yeah, BMW has already achieved its goal to poison its current customers to upgrade in the future bar the short term warranty...sigh.

A very good point indeed!

 

[seancorr]

settle 316i for now ... few years later, upgrade to 328i LCI, might have adaptive dampers

Haha I try wait for all new 3 Series or take a step up!

 

[sh_Callum]

In my opinion, the price difference between 316 and 320 is not really much. If you do a maths computation (cost per horse power), 316 is paying RM1536 per horse power while 320 is paying RM1304 per horse power. Whereas 328 M Sport is paying closed to RM1290 per horse power. So, 320 certainly an optimum point.

Think about it, 136hp vs 184hp, nearly 50hp difference, hell lot of difference in terms of performance !!! Either 320i or 328 M Sport is the choice !!!

 

[richard912]

The price diff between 316i against 320i can effectively be channeled towards upgrades/mods to a point the modded 316i will be slightly better than a stock 320i. And you could still have some change leftover.

 

[sh_Callum]

Depends on individual needs - power or mods/features

 

[Mavik]

The price diff between 316i against 320i can effectively be channeled towards upgrades/mods to a point the modded 316i will be slightly better than a stock 320i. And you could still have some change leftover.

Performance wise I doubt it will ever over take a 320i.

I used to think that way last time with my cars. Buy a 1.8 Civic to mod it to be better than the 2.0 Civic. Still tak boleh and wasted money.

Then bought a 1.4 Golf TSI because kena con by marketing of ECU remaps and piggy back. A remapped 1.4 TSI Golf is as fast as a Golf GTI. Bloody wasted money there and even after the mods, on dyno, no where close to the GTI or 2.0 TSI engine.

So if you can afford the 320i, just go for it. Don't think logically that by saving money and buying the 316i and then modding it will make it achieve more than the 320i, it just doesn't.

 

[seancorr]

That's why my 316i is still stock with plans to upgrade to better model when the time is right. I too see no point modding here and there end up when you sell it the value is even worse due to the mods. But that's just my 2 cents on this.

 

[Mavik]

That's why my 316i is still stock with plans to upgrade to better model when the time is right. I too see no point modding here and there end up when you sell it the value is even worse due to the mods. But that's just my 2 cents on this.

I completely agree with you 100%

 

[Genie]

I am happy with my 316i, just afforable for myself. Don't feel it is as powerful when I used to feel with my 3L car.. But sport mode would be help a bit. ZF mission is great..Normally drive on the highway and in terms of fuel effieciency, I am impressed.. I guess 15-16km. However, if you can afford, why not 320i or even higher.. The more you pay, the fancier options you got... btw One thing I feel about BMW Malaysia, is warranty is too short.... 2years.. Make people think the way that BMW is not durable? I was only my concern when I decide the brand....

Just a quick question here... My car just turned 9000Km after 5 month. Is it too much? I am not sure how normally the mileage would be for local people.
Thank you guys.

 

[Mavik]

I am happy with my 316i, just afforable for myself. Don't feel it is as powerful when I used to feel with my 3L car.. But sport mode would be help a bit. ZF mission is great..Normally drive on the highway and in terms of fuel effieciency, I am impressed.. I guess 15-16km. However, if you can afford, why not 320i or even higher.. The more you pay, the fancier options you got... btw One thing I feel about BMW Malaysia, is warranty is too short.... 2years.. Make people think the way that BMW is not durable? I was only my concern when I decide the brand....

Just a quick question here... My car just turned 9000Km after 5 month. Is it too much? I am not sure how normally the mileage would be for local people.
Thank you guys.

Yes, two year warranty is indeed short compared to the other makers. Most people average 25,000km - 30,000km a year.

 

[Duke1316]

Dear all sifu, I will going to collect my new 316i next week. I read a lot posts, I placed deposit on August, SA told me the 320 waiting list have to wait until Feb or March only is my turn.

Anyway, i feel happy with 316i as well since i'm just a new bie. Hope that no problem for my new car. :rock: Will ask for advice from all the sifu here in future. :burnout:

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Dear all sifu, I will going to collect my new 316i next week. I read a lot posts, I placed deposit on August, SA told me the 320 waiting list have to wait until Feb or March only is my turn.

Anyway, i feel happy with 316i as well since i'm just a new bie. Hope that no problem for my new car. :rock: Will ask for advice from all the sifu here in future. :burnout:

 

[Duke1316]

Hi Damienlch, finally my home minister approved my purchase of new 316i and feel very happy for it. But suddenly I start to feel nervous due to hearing alot of people saying BMW cars are expensive to maintain and alot of issue with it. Would you mind to share with me some of your experiencr with your new 316i?

Cheers...

 

[Enigma56]

Duke1316

to be a soldier, one must not afraid of gun!