F30 test drive - 328i

[ahloong2]

The only thing that come across my mind why no 'optional' items are offered, is because the 'assembly line' could not accommodate all custom make or optional item. Just look at the car color selection, in many cases some buyers have to settle with what color is available at the moment but not what color they want.

 

[ALBundy]

Is it fair to compare between Malaysia with China?

The main reason i withdrawn had been commented by achyung! Don't want to drive the car but keep on dreaming if the car has this and that.

My SA is not surprise when i phoned him. But he did mention that CKD will be better. Only GOD know!!

I am still BMW fan. To those already received their new car. Enjoy your ride!!

Do I sound like I was born yesterday to pay for a non M 3 series close to half a million bucks? Preposterous price tag, not to mention brainless.

That's the bottom line ain't it?

Everyone wants to all the options included, but not many are willing to pay for it

As I said/asked earlier how many are willing to pay say 350k for 2 liter 4 pot car? They are not stupid also.

Let's be realistic about it. Go and talk to the SA and even better the branch managers at various dealers. Find out what is the general market sentiment.

I did that when the test drives were held. Generally sales is encouraging, but many are holding back to buy the yet to be launched 320i because they are not willing to pay more than 300k for a 328.

And yes, if you want all the options plus the inline 6 engine and willing to pay for it, the 335 is your best option. It's a lot of money, but what to do we are in Boleh Land!!

Cheers

 

[ALBundy]

Funny how some like to defend BMW Malaysia.
The whole argument here is we would like to see
A better specced car. Just that no option is avail for us
At the moment. Why can BMW do it for the z4 with
Options? Basic spec rmxxx. Add a few package and
+ rm xxx. It's not that it's not possible. Audi does it. Why ? Is
their profit margin higher or are their car cheap to make?
As an end user. I don't give a rats ass about all that. It's what I get
for my moneyS worth.
End of the day I just don't want to drive a rm 300k car
And say to myself .. Damn wish I had the HUD or the NAV.
Aahhh but I can't coz I got to play my part and
buy a lesser specced car for the good of BMW brand in Malaysia.
And yes there are the grey import guys. But that's a whole
Diff ball game all together.

It is not about defending BMW Malaysia but rather just stating the facts so everyone can make an informed decision.

As for the Z4, the options you mentioned is actually a package and its fixed, which means only two prices were submitted to Kastam, with and without the package.

The "free" options in the package you could have is to choose the different rims design (multi spoke 293 or radial spoke 292) because the price between the two wheels is similar.

Anyhow, in my humble opinion it is a flawed comparison. You can't compare a Z4 with the F30, in terms of sheer sales volume. I would be surprised if Kastam will entertain thousands of applications for variances in docket prices.

Cheers

p/s perhaps in the future BMW Malaysia will add in a special package in the form of the M sport version with 16 speakers and HUD

 

[Quentin]

yes, CKD F10 comes with Quad zone air-con and bigger LCD display !

That's it ?
No HUD ? No Premium sound system ? No larger rims ?

 

[affan66]

I think we are wayyyyyyy out of topic here.

Any comments or reviews on the "drive" itself?

I tested the 328i last weekend. Powerful car but needs some getting used to with the sudden boost of power from the turbo. Rideability is much better than the e46 and e90 in the normal trim (not the m-sports since suspension setting for the f30 is the same for sports and luxury. M-sport not out yet).

The car feels well weighted and internal dimensions give a pretty nice feel. Doesn't feel cramped like previous generation 3s especially for back passengers.
Like the paddle shift, seamless. Ratios seem good to me, the 8 speeder mates well than the 6 speeder.
Engine grunt, emm not to my liking. But this is something getting used to i suppose.

Will i buy one? Maybe, but definitely not in Luxury trim. Sports, maybe, M-sports? Wait til its out, check the price and then check the wallet. Haha

 

[Morganl]

I think the conversation had been steer to Holland already... better to come back to boleh land and continue the original topic...

I was told that SKD price will have around 20k discount from the current price (328i from 309k down to 285k ~ 290k range).... depending on how desperate BMW Malaysia is for 2012 sales volume, we might see Pre-reg campaign on F30 for Christmas 2012, that should bring another 15kish reduction to around 270k range hopefully.... spec will go up for 328i maybe in the form of M-sport package (steering + some interior trim, go take a look at the White 328i at Quill Auto), but no details as this is still pending BMW Malaysia confirmation... but don't expect HUD as I think that's unrealistic at 270k price range (Pre-reg 0 mileage SKD price)... I don't think the sound system will get a boost either...

320d should get minimum bigger screen and navi on SKD (assuming if BMW Malaysia listen to feedback from the ground).... wasn't paying attention on 320d so didn't really note down more details of the potential for 320d SKD....

Also, if we were to take a cue from F10 5 series launch previously... once SKD cars were released, most of the CBU demo/test drive car were immediately put up for sales at Demo car price... if I recall correctly those were priced around 15-18k off SKD price depending on mileage (b4 negotiation, I was just asking for price back then).. so you can do the maths ur self if you are interested... might want to start talking to SA to reserve these once it is up for sales, especially if you are looking for Sport line since most of the test drive car is Luxury line...

 

[Bruce_Z]

I think the conversation had been steer to Holland already... better to come back to boleh land and continue the original topic...

I was told that SKD price will have around 20k discount from the current price (328i from 309k down to 285k ~ 290k range).... depending on how desperate BMW Malaysia is for 2012 sales volume, we might see Pre-reg campaign on F30 for Christmas 2012, that should bring another 15kish reduction to around 270k range hopefully.... spec will go up for 328i maybe in the form of M-sport package (steering + some interior trim, go take a look at the White 328i at Quill Auto), but no details as this is still pending BMW Malaysia confirmation... but don't expect HUD as I think that's unrealistic at 270k price range (Pre-reg 0 mileage SKD price)... I don't think the sound system will get a boost either...

320d should get minimum bigger screen and navi on SKD (assuming if BMW Malaysia listen to feedback from the ground).... wasn't paying attention on 320d so didn't really note down more details of the potential for 320d SKD....

Also, if we were to take a cue from F10 5 series launch previously... once SKD cars were released, most of the CBU demo/test drive car were immediately put up for sales at Demo car price... if I recall correctly those were priced around 15-18k off SKD price depending on mileage (b4 negotiation, I was just asking for price back then).. so you can do the maths ur self if you are interested... might want to start talking to SA to reserve these once it is up for sales, especially if you are looking for Sport line since most of the test drive car is Luxury line...

We are coming back to the original topic hopefully... heres hoping for the M-sport will materialise here soon in SKD and especially in Estoril Blue!!!

View attachment 23658

 

[Morganl]

Estoril Blue + M-Sport Package!!! Available from third quarter of 2012.... hopefully this is the surprise BMW Malaysia has for us when SKD is launch...


M Sport Package.

Athleticism is inbred in the new BMW 3 Series. Those looking for even greater dynamic character will find just what they require in the M Sport package, including many extra equipment items. Discover its benefits – from the third quarter of 2012 at your BMW Dealer’s.

The M Sport package with its innovative equipment features is based on the athleticism of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan with Sport Line and turns to the BMW M3 for its appearance. One constituent is the M Sport suspension lowered by ten millimetres with stiffer spring and damper settings as well as harder stabilisers.

Its dynamic character is emphasised by the exclusive M Sport body colour of Estoril Blue metallic, a special aerodynamics package with numerous body components, chromium exhaust pipe finishers, modified suspension settings and M Sport light-alloy wheels with a diameter of 18 or 19 inches. Front and rear bumpers, sill covers in body colour and a striking diffusor insert in Dark Shadow Metallic on the tail underline the sporting character of the M Sport package, exploiting its visual effect to the full.

On the inside, the M Sport package includes the M leather steering wheel with multifunction including short-shifter gear lever (for manual transmission) in soft leather nappa with M emblem and sports seats. The seat covers are in a characteristic fabric-Alcantara design. In addition, there are three further leather finishes.

The decorative surface is designed in Aluminium Hexagon with blue accent trim strip. The M emblem decorates the entry sill and footrest.
The M Sport package – made-to-measure ingredients for true sports enthusiasts.

 

[Bruce_Z]

Interesting read from f30driver.com below.... the f30 has some "unusual" designs to its undercarriage system; e.g. The front suspension subframes and rear suspension arms are now back in steel (vs. aluminum previously), the rear arms have aero covers, perhaps to reduce drag,and it's oil pan is now made of plastic! Perhaps the new N20 engines has given BMW engineers new challenges to achieve its 50/50 weight distribution...

http://www.f30driver.com/forum/showthread.php?t=906777

 

[RH5]

Test drove the F30 328i Sport trim this evening.

My short impression:

Pros
1. Very torquey / responsive engine.
2. I like the sport seats.
3. Good space at the back seat. Enough room and comfy.

Cons:
1. No more soundtrack of an inline 6... felt a tad incomplete.. huh
2. I felt the Peugeot 407 hugged the road better.. Maybe need the M-Sport suspension to hug the road more firmer? Or is it because Peugeot is still on hydraulic steering?

 

[a5glude]

This is the Malaysia TVC for the F30, wonder why they didn't localise it instead just getting from other country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IosU2Z45kVc

 

[astroboy]

I have problem loading the above link.. this however works.. :hmmmm2:
[video=youtube;IosU2Z45kVc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=IosU2Z45kVc[/video]

 

[carlsson]

Had a quick test drive at Quill just now..went for the 328..
i have to say i like the size or it, bigger and looks grander, seems like theyve fixed a lot of the internal set up, like the power window switches and what not..
VERY light steering wheel..
not as kicky as my 320d,decent acceleration and all, and quiet engine..
one of the thing that gave me a shock was the autoshutdown of the engine when stationary.

overall, not bad at all..im not liking the idrive being totally exposed though..

 

[morrogan]

They mentioned that the exposed i-drive screen is anti glare which I am doubtful. You can read under the bright sun light?

 

[muhaiminrahim]

They mentioned that the exposed i-drive screen is anti glare which I am doubtful. You can read under the bright sun light?

i had no problem viewing during my test drive..

 

[E46Fanatic]

I drove the 328i sports trim earlier today. Overall the car has grown up and feels "softer" than the e90. It's also much much more comfy vs the E90. While the rear passengers enjoy the extra legroom, I find the design of the dash of the f30 makes the car feel narrow and cramped from the driver seat vs the e90. Engine was very good, and power keeps climbing to redline unlike the Audi a4/5 2.0Tfsi which tend to fizzle out at higher revs. However, the turbo lag is noticeable on the 328i even in sports mode and at higher RPMs. Dab the throttle and it takes about half a second before the car lunges forward (Audi 2.0TFSI has better throttle response in this aspect). The best part of the car is the new 8 spd tranny. Love the speed of shifts and downshifts and the occasional farts coming out from the exhaust on shifts. 80-90% experience of the VW/Audi twin clutch tranny when pushing the car. But much smoother than the twin clutch while plodding along on normal drives.

Brakes are softer and spongy vs E90 and less initial bite and feel as well vs the A4. Suspension is also softer, better than the stock pre FL e46 which was very soft but not as engaging and more muted vs the E90. Noticeable weight shifting of the chassis when quickly swerving the car and a more roll vs E90. But not bad and wobbly just... softer. Steering is lighter vs e90 325i with active steering but still much better than Audis steering feel.

Overall it's more muted, comfy and grown up vs e90. From e46 to e90 the driving engagement to the driver was significantly higher, but for f30 it's a few notches down. Not as raw and direct anymore but likely better to live with as a daily driver over its predecessor.

I think the M sport will sort out the soft feeling of the f30. The car is likely now under tyred as well today. Great for FC but not as shiok as can be.

 

[dzuljazz2001]

Another test drive of the F30 tis Sunday (8th. April) is in store guys. Feel free to drop by AB Kl, Jln Tun Razak for tis event specially tailored for our BMWClub. Brunch is also prepared for us ...Pls do register at the thread posted at the Members Meet-up :top:

 

[Vroom325]

no lar ,none is defend bmw just state the fact straight.

your money , your choice.

wait for CKD or LCI or the best wait 6 more year buy F30 end of life batch sure
1. no bug . problem free
2. 5 years BSRI
3. 0%
4. every gadget availble will be in it.
5. Sure got discount.
like the current outgoing e90. FULL SPEC.

if money not concern , talk to bmw you want the "I" experience , can have your name on the trim.

I always get BMW at the end of their cycle. This is my 2nd. It has to be at least LCI.

 

[Vroom325]

I think we are wayyyyyyy out of topic here.

Any comments or reviews on the "drive" itself?

I tested the 328i last weekend. Powerful car but needs some getting used to with the sudden boost of power from the turbo. Rideability is much better than the e46 and e90 in the normal trim (not the m-sports since suspension setting for the f30 is the same for sports and luxury. M-sport not out yet).

The car feels well weighted and internal dimensions give a pretty nice feel. Doesn't feel cramped like previous generation 3s especially for back passengers.
Like the paddle shift, seamless. Ratios seem good to me, the 8 speeder mates well than the 6 speeder.
Engine grunt, emm not to my liking. But this is something getting used to i suppose.

Will i buy one? Maybe, but definitely not in Luxury trim. Sports, maybe, M-sports? Wait til its out, check the price and then check the wallet. Haha

Agreed, when we talk about BMW, it's the driving dynamics that comes top on the list.

 

[Vroom325]

We are coming back to the original topic hopefully... heres hoping for the M-sport will materialise here soon in SKD and especially in Estoril Blue!!!

View attachment 23658

M sports, the essence of BMW! It's a must if driving dynamics come first on your list