cnet.co/1cAea44 The BMW 3 Series used to be a simple and fairly small car. It's not small anymore, but it seems to be simple once again, thanks to this model.
We have a 320i Sport, I like the seat + mirrors memory feature, amazing balance of performance & fuel economy, and great handling. The driver's car, absolutely love it. . .
I`ve had my 2014 320xi for 10 months and it has been a lot of fun to drive. It is quick and very nimble that is about as good as anyone would need driving in Chicago. It was a program car with 4,800 miles that knocked $5G`s off the price. That with the Sports package ,moonroof ,and heated front seats and I was out the door at around $33,000 that is about right for a retired guy living on a pension. 3 year lease gives me 45,000 miles and a reasonable monthly cost. Throw in the 5 year 50,000 mile maintanance BMW deal and I`m a happy guy. I did the same thing with my 2011 328xi and will do it again in 2 years.BMW treats it`s customers well and always makes oil changes a breeze. I`m hooked and look forward to driving this car everyday and that`s what it`s all about.
Awesome, awesome review. Love how he details everything, and gives a concise opinion on how he feels about the car's price in relation to its range siblings. Great job, Brian.
This is for the person who has dreamed about owning a new BMW but doesnt have new BMW cash. My advice; buy a 2-3 year old lease turn-in. You can get a 328 with all the options and it will cost less than this 320
I've bought one (320i M Sport) and this is my ninth BMW. I didn't buy it because I dreamed of owning a new BMW but don't have the cash. I chose this model because it does exactly what I want it to. I could have chosen a larger engine etc but this engine suits the journeys I'm doing in it. In any case, I have a more powerful BMW in the garage for those days when I just want to go out and have some fun!
@@AkioWasRight Except leasing is essentially a perpetual loan if it's your go to way of getting a car. Purchasing a car and driving it into the ground is a much less expensive way of owning a car.
@@AkioWasRight Routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations can be done yourself at cost. It's irrelevant in this context because leased or purchased cars need maintenance either way. The fact is leasing a car is a waste of money. It's a perpetual loan. Those who live debt free (i.e. minimal loans) live the best.
i doubt anyone is watching this vid but people who just bought or are thinking of buying a 320i. it does not share the exact same engine as a 328i. the 328i has different pistons and ecu mapping. you can get to stock 328 power by a simple 600 dollar tune but you wont get too much more than that without sacrificing reliability. you will find many people say different things from "just get a 328" to "why wouldn't you just get an m3 if you want speed". this car is still a BMW however. its a drivers car through and through. the 320 isn't fast, sure... even when fully modded... but its fun. its economical. the early f30s are cheep. and as he said in the video, simple. that means it doesn't have the same issues as most luxury brands: modern, untested, unreliable tech. which is why most mechanics worth their salt will recommend waiting until at least the second or third year into the generation of a car to buy one for the sake of them having the kinks worked out. great little entry beemer (or just cheep daily) that looks good, and feels good.
Last week I picked up a 2015 CPO 320i with 40k miles for $15,797. Black/tan, Nav, Driver Assistance Package, Power Sears, Moonroof and Comfort Access. My 2009 e90 335i/6 speed fulfills my performance oriented driving pleasures :)
I think the goal of Cnet reviews are mostly to review the tech, rather than the car itself. And that is why I like cooley's reviews b/c he does something that nobody else does (review the tech).
To get the iDrive with touch you need the Navigation package for all the BMWs. So I don't understand this comment in the video. The suspension on this car is same as other 3 series. :-) So it is not any less crisp than the 328i for example. I have the same car with the Navigation package. It adds the iDrive with touch + Bluetooth streaming + BMW Apps. It also adds a larger in-dash LCD display (to display additional nav graphics like intersection details) and a larger on-dash LCD display for displaying maps etc.(also allows splitting screen to display Maps and Entertainment details at the same time) The specs on the car do not look that impressive; but C&D still achieved a time of 6.5s 0-60mph. The car is not slow !!. The car also handles very well and the more you push it the better it goes. I was very surprised about it after my initial drive, and picked it over the VW GTI for those reasons. The car also comes with a very nice 8-speed transmission that can be operated in Normal, Sport and Manual modes. On top of that the car has 3 driving modes like the other 3 series (Sport, Comfort, Eco). One needs the sport package for Sport+. I would say that in Eco mode the car may appear a little slower than some may like. For crisp responses you put the transmission in Sport mode and switch drive mode to Sport as well. I think this is a very good car for the money; especially because you can get it for a lot less than MSRP; more so than the 328i And I've been averaging a very close to 34 mpg.
BMW shouldn't be yelled at this for this. they are simply offering a cheaper option 3 series for people who want a BMW but don't need all the fancy stuff. you guys act like BMW is doing this to its 328 and 335!! lol chill out. BMW is still excellent in technology, have the best nav system out there and BMW performance is sweet as everyone obviously knows.
Camerons Car Reviews dude... BMW is only a luxury sport brand in USA in Germany they have the even more basic models (318i or 316i) which has features like a Toyota corolla lol
emdec55 80% of Americans never obtain a passport for overseas travel so how would they know what's the norm in Europe or elsewhere. Successful brand marketing relies more on perception than fact.
Interesting that you choose to cite a Huff Post article that assert only 3.5% of Americans travel abroad, so unsure how that helps at all. Going to Canada or to Cancun for Spring Break hardly constitutes overseas travel but that's a reason why there's been an upsurge in US passports issue recently, where prior to 2009 a valid driver's license would have sufficed.
Just read the Huff Post article instead of scanning thru it and it states around 5% of Americans went abroad in 2009, so how does that improve your argument?
Am I the only one who PREFERS levers over power seats? (A) power seats move much slower than adjusting manually (B) they drain battery power (C) if the electric motor breaks you have yet another nuisance. Have people really gotten so lazy? What's next? 'Power doors'?
but the thing is I never heard of or saw or experienced a failed motor in the seats. every body now criticize car manufacturers for putting in more electronic things in their cars and how they will fail, so here is my answer to them My 08 Audi A4 is still running strong and I had ZERO issues that did come by a sudden, All electronics in the car are still working except for a dome light that I need to change!
Very pleased with my 2014 320i M Sport auto saloon. Performance is fine as is handling and comfort. Build quality is excellent. The only thing I don't like is the 'auto stop/start' facility but thankfully you can deactivate it. I regularly drive it from London, UK to Bonn and Munich, Germany and back and it's more than happy sitting at 135 mph on the autobahn. You don't need a more powerful engine for everyday use.
Very nice, a BMW 320i with 4cylinders instead of the old six pots, that actually packs a punch,.. What a beauty love that outside my house, to set a few tongues wagging.
I've seen some of these reasonably equipped (power and heated seats, navi) for not much more than the base price. It might be worth it if you can score a decently equipped one.
This is the same exact car that I have, and I love it! My husband has a mustang 1995 series. We also have Ford Explorer sports 2015 edition. We also had a chevy avalanche before. We love 'em all! Whatever the brand, it doesn't matter to me. I am to what I like and how much could I afford!😊 I would never say never if I have the bucks!😀 I'm still wishin' for ferrari or bugatti!😀
Not all true. You can get a 320i with navigation, blue tooth streaming and full power seats. Showing the model with bare bones isn’t a true representation.
Watch the whole video they say at the end. and why would you spec a 320i out like that you are just throwing money away on features a 328 comes standard with and you get a sloth
It is really hard to believe that there isn't enough market in the US for BMW to sell 3-series estate there. Same goes for all the other small and mid-size German premium cars.
I agree, the 3 series have long been the ultimate driving machine and benchmark for this segment. However, it's not the value leader in my opinion haha at least in 320i configuration.
I love the manual seats. The 3-series that made BMW great, the late 80s-early 90s E30, had amazing reliability via simplicity. BMW today should offer a back-to-basics model: minimal computer, manual windows, simple AC, simple low-output motor. Bill it as a "ultimate driving machine" - all the focus is on the actual driving dynamics - not any extras that break and get annoying.
I understand what the 320i is trying to do, but i think the 328i is more sensible, b/c if you're not buying a bmw to get something special and distinctive, why get one at all? Also, surprised he never mentioned the 335i. BMW's inline 6 turbo is possibly the best engine in its class, 0-60 4.8 sec, and he never even bring it up here.
I think the purpose of 320i is actually to boost 328i sales. Some people wanted one but were hesitant to buy the "cheap", base model. Now the 328i is actually a step up, and everybody is happy.
walmark1980 I couldn't agree more. It's just like what Apple did with the 5c and 5s. It was a smart move for BMW, but it also makes a beamer more "accessible" to younger guys who might not have been able to or didn't want put up the 37-38 grand for a decent 328 with not all the options. I would like to see, though, just how they cope with the 30,000 dollar starting price on the new MB CLA, which I think is ugly, and the upcoming Audi A3.
The point of the 320i is to offer more choice and and a lower base price. I've really never understood Americans obsession with big horse power. Most of your guys live in large congested cities and your roads are straight freeways. If you live in LA or NYC why would you ever need more power than this ? It's a very nice driving, looking and built car with a perfectly adequate engine for 90% of drivers in 99% of driving conditions. Here in Europe we even get the 316 and 318i's and d's and even those fit the bill for most people living in a city or driving on motorways. On the whole BMW's have always been about good driving and feeling cars and not outright performance. Not everybody wants a 300Hp Camry, some people just want a really nice car. And it doesn't matter how much you spec a Camry you can never options away the cheap plastics and cheaper feel.
Drives better. Safer. Free maintenance. Everyone does realize that BMW has been making "cheap" 3ers for 20 years. This isnt new. They arent losing their way. There engineers are still at tge top of their games. Its just that this is new for the U.S. client. Europes has almost 8 different drivetrains available. And yes it is to get market share. BMW isnt the giant that audi is with all their brands. Its bmw. You could argue Mini, but very little (almost none at this point) is shared between brands. They have to capture new customers. Whats wrong with that? You think ford, toyota, and honda arent making boatloads of the loaded up cars you all are recommending?
BMW needs to upgrade the hud lights to make them multi colored to make it easier to read at night. It makes a big difference. I personally prefer white lights with red needles
When I was trying to decide between a 328i and a 320i I honestly found the 320i more fun to drive. It seems these days, when you spring for a more powerful engine, all you feel is lag. The pressure is on to achieve optimal fuel economy. The throttle response in my 328i is terrible and it is impossible to open the engine up and enjoy the powerband like in the 320i. So why did I choose the 328i? Oddly enough, the lease quote I was given for the 328i was more favorable than for the 320i...either an idiot dealer, or they had a cash buyer for the 320i...
I would not get a 320 ever. Either you get the 328 with some options for the modern BMW experience, or if you want the old BMW sports luxury car experience you get a 1 series and take it completely stock (with any engine choice). The 320 just doesn't fit into the price bracket very well.
@@snazzullz haha obviously just a joke but enjoy the car. besides all the expensive maintenance involved, it should make for a great car. Personally I would not buy a bmw under a 428i model. Not worth all the maintenance cost.
***** Not sure what you mean by that. I drive a Honda Civic - never had a BMW. I just like the 3 series, and I don't like a bunch of gadgets. I also like the VW Golf, Mazda Miata, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and a few Lexus models. They are all just vehicles - It's just that I prefer some models over others. Fanboy? Nah...
knox2613 just got this one in white for 2014. with brown leather interior. my only gripe is that it's a bmw with no power seats but ill forget all about that in a week. fun little retro car to drive and ur still gonna pick up girls in it. its a bmw hello
Whoa 33k. I think most people would just shell out a couple more k and get any of the rivals like IS, Q50, C, A4. You get much more equipment and performance with just a bit more money.
This video basically described everything that my BMW X3 has. (except the power, torque and weight number). There are many things about the BMW range that very dissapointing. Turns out 50 to 60% of the car is not just Badge. While other brands give you more car.
7.1 s 0-60, and you feel lack of power? You are crazy or spoiled. This car has great handling, engine and transmission and it would destroy its opponents on any track. Specially some stronger American cars with poor driving dynamics. And there are no electrical adjustment seats? Who cares when you have car like that. It has 50:50 body weight distribution, RWD, best steering and tight and really strong chassis. What would you want more for curved roads? If you want electrical seats in basic equipment, go and buy Hyundai or some other brand. This is car for enthusiasts and not for some moms who would only drive kids to school with it.
Americans are so engine-minded. In Europe the 335i, 328i, 320i, 316i are all the same car. You can equip them with the same options, it all looks the same. 80% of the petrol 3-series are 320i over here. Never seen a 320i without xenon front lamps, it looks not like a BMW this way.
You don't need to go to the track to appreciate having the control of a manual transmission. But yeah I guess that kind of driver is not the target consumer for this car.
BMW should make a 309i with a .9 liter engine making 100 horsepower and 100 lb ft of torque with no stereo, no AC, no CC, 3-speed auto, bench clotch seating, and crank style windows for $25,000. I'd totally buy it.......
BMW should make a 0.5 series with a no liter engine with half a horsepower and 0.25 lb ft of torque, no seats, no windows, no steering wheel, no fuel economy, and no transmission. In other words, just a bicycle. They can price it at $20,000.
In Finland the 316iA is about 40k USD, this 320iA probably 50k, so stop complaining about the prize, in US u get more of everything for much lower prize.
Juha Mäntysaari The BMWs are cheaper here because some of them aren't exactly "German" made. There's a BMW plant in South Carolina that helps makes a few other BMWs in the US.
I'm thrilled to death by Cooley's presentations but this time he wasn't very honest. The car lacks tech and performance for it's price and manual transmission should be cheaper, not same price.
A Freethinker It's supply and demand. It takes a bite out of their bottom line to have to round up the stuff to stick a manual gearbox in one car a day vs. hundreds of automatic installations and tests. There are companies that'll even charge more for a manual now and in the future.
The manual is the same price because in the US not alot of people buy the manual, so it brings up the cost. In comparison, in the UK an auto costs over £1000(about $1,500) more than the manual. Supply and demand.
We have a 320i Sport, I like the seat + mirrors memory feature, amazing balance of performance & fuel economy, and great handling. The driver's car, absolutely love it. . .
I`ve had my 2014 320xi for 10 months and it has been a lot of fun to drive. It is quick and very nimble that is about as good as anyone would need driving in Chicago. It was a program car with 4,800 miles that knocked $5G`s off the price. That with the Sports package ,moonroof ,and heated front seats and I was out the door at around $33,000 that is about right for a retired guy living on a pension. 3 year lease gives me 45,000 miles and a reasonable monthly cost. Throw in the 5 year 50,000 mile maintanance BMW deal and I`m a happy guy. I did the same thing with my 2011 328xi and will do it again in 2 years.BMW treats it`s customers well and always makes oil changes a breeze. I`m hooked and look forward to driving this car everyday and that`s what it`s all about.
+Bruce Basile If you don't mine me asking about how much do you pay monthly and how much down thinking of leasing one, was it under $350 for 36/15k
Awesome, awesome review. Love how he details everything, and gives a concise opinion on how he feels about the car's price in relation to its range siblings. Great job, Brian.
I'm glad to see Car Tech up their production value in their videos.
This is for the person who has dreamed about owning a new BMW but doesnt have new BMW cash. My advice; buy a 2-3 year old lease turn-in. You can get a 328 with all the options and it will cost less than this 320
I've bought one (320i M Sport) and this is my ninth BMW. I didn't buy it because I dreamed of owning a new BMW but don't have the cash. I chose this model because it does exactly what I want it to. I could have chosen a larger engine etc but this engine suits the journeys I'm doing in it. In any case, I have a more powerful BMW in the garage for those days when I just want to go out and have some fun!
Why would anyone want a lease? That's like throwing your money in the trash and burning it
@@AkioWasRight
Except leasing is essentially a perpetual loan if it's your go to way of getting a car. Purchasing a car and driving it into the ground is a much less expensive way of owning a car.
@@AkioWasRight
Routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations can be done yourself at cost. It's irrelevant in this context because leased or purchased cars need maintenance either way. The fact is leasing a car is a waste of money. It's a perpetual loan. Those who live debt free (i.e. minimal loans) live the best.
Arent all your bmw you get used? Buying used BMW's is never a good option
Another precise and insightful review, a tip of the hat to you.
cant belive the f30 is 10 years old now it still looking good.
Hmm
i doubt anyone is watching this vid but people who just bought or are thinking of buying a 320i. it does not share the exact same engine as a 328i. the 328i has different pistons and ecu mapping. you can get to stock 328 power by a simple 600 dollar tune but you wont get too much more than that without sacrificing reliability. you will find many people say different things from "just get a 328" to "why wouldn't you just get an m3 if you want speed". this car is still a BMW however. its a drivers car through and through. the 320 isn't fast, sure... even when fully modded... but its fun. its economical. the early f30s are cheep. and as he said in the video, simple. that means it doesn't have the same issues as most luxury brands: modern, untested, unreliable tech. which is why most mechanics worth their salt will recommend waiting until at least the second or third year into the generation of a car to buy one for the sake of them having the kinks worked out. great little entry beemer (or just cheep daily) that looks good, and feels good.
Excellent review, I liked the way you compare the two models, that´s very helpful!
Last week I picked up a 2015 CPO 320i with 40k miles for $15,797. Black/tan, Nav, Driver Assistance Package, Power Sears, Moonroof and Comfort Access. My 2009 e90 335i/6 speed fulfills my performance oriented driving pleasures :)
I think the goal of Cnet reviews are mostly to review the tech, rather than the car itself. And that is why I like cooley's reviews b/c he does something that nobody else does (review the tech).
To get the iDrive with touch you need the Navigation package for all the BMWs. So I don't understand this comment in the video.
The suspension on this car is same as other 3 series. :-) So it is not any less crisp than the 328i for example.
I have the same car with the Navigation package. It adds the iDrive with touch + Bluetooth streaming + BMW Apps. It also adds a larger in-dash LCD display (to display additional nav graphics like intersection details) and a larger on-dash LCD display for displaying maps etc.(also allows splitting screen to display Maps and Entertainment details at the same time)
The specs on the car do not look that impressive; but C&D still achieved a time of 6.5s 0-60mph. The car is not slow !!. The car also handles very well and the more you push it the better it goes. I was very surprised about it after my initial drive, and picked it over the VW GTI for those reasons.
The car also comes with a very nice 8-speed transmission that can be operated in Normal, Sport and Manual modes. On top of that the car has 3 driving modes like the other 3 series (Sport, Comfort, Eco). One needs the sport package for Sport+.
I would say that in Eco mode the car may appear a little slower than some may like. For crisp responses you put the transmission in Sport mode and switch drive mode to Sport as well.
I think this is a very good car for the money; especially because you can get it for a lot less than MSRP; more so than the 328i
And I've been averaging a very close to 34 mpg.
BMW shouldn't be yelled at this for this. they are simply offering a cheaper option 3 series for people who want a BMW but don't need all the fancy stuff. you guys act like BMW is doing this to its 328 and 335!! lol chill out. BMW is still excellent in technology, have the best nav system out there and BMW performance is sweet as everyone obviously knows.
It's just a HORRIBLE value manual seats for $33,000 really?!?!
Camerons Car Reviews dude... BMW is only a luxury sport brand in USA in Germany they have the even more basic models (318i or 316i) which has features like a Toyota corolla lol
emdec55 80% of Americans never obtain a passport for overseas travel so how would they know what's the norm in Europe or elsewhere. Successful brand marketing relies more on perception than fact.
Interesting that you choose to cite a Huff Post article that assert only 3.5% of Americans travel abroad, so unsure how that helps at all. Going to Canada or to Cancun for Spring Break hardly constitutes overseas travel but that's a reason why there's been an upsurge in US passports issue recently, where prior to 2009 a valid driver's license would have sufficed.
Just read the Huff Post article instead of scanning thru it and it states around 5% of Americans went abroad in 2009, so how does that improve your argument?
Am I the only one who PREFERS levers over power seats? (A) power seats move much slower than adjusting manually (B) they drain battery power (C) if the electric motor breaks you have yet another nuisance. Have people really gotten so lazy? What's next? 'Power doors'?
What if I told you, power doors already exist.
but the thing is I never heard of or saw or experienced a failed motor in the seats.
every body now criticize car manufacturers for putting in more electronic things in their cars and how they will fail, so here is my answer to them My 08 Audi A4 is still running strong and I had ZERO issues that did come by a sudden, All electronics in the car are still working except for a dome light that I need to change!
NightArrow I haven’t had a motor fail in one of those motors but I have had the switches start to go out
Neil Verma I like them for the memory option. No memory no point .
It's a luxury car, that's why there is a complaint, if I buy a luxury car I expect power seats STANDARD.... Even my 2011 Camry LE have them,
oh I remember these! Classic F30 now
love this guy... love this show...
Very pleased with my 2014 320i M Sport auto saloon. Performance is fine as is handling and comfort. Build quality is excellent. The only thing I don't like is the 'auto stop/start' facility but thankfully you can deactivate it. I regularly drive it from London, UK to Bonn and Munich, Germany and back and it's more than happy sitting at 135 mph on the autobahn. You don't need a more powerful engine for everyday use.
Very nice, a BMW 320i with 4cylinders instead of the old six pots, that actually packs a punch,.. What a beauty love that outside my house, to set a few tongues wagging.
I've seen some of these reasonably equipped (power and heated seats, navi) for not much more than the base price. It might be worth it if you can score a decently equipped one.
Brain cooley best cars reviewer
I'm watching this and thinking this is the 2000-07 generation of BMW. That was a huge step back.
0-60 7.1 seconds? More like 6.5 but anyway.
am driving it right now, absolutely love it so much !!! it beats this 320i in every single aspect !
I like his reviews
Interior looks like shit
Great review. For 4k more I would go for the 328i.
Can't wait for my sport package 320i to arrive. 335 would have been great, but i'm done with getting in trouble for speeding.
remap the eng9ine and you ll be flying
This is the same exact car that I have, and I love it! My husband has a mustang 1995 series. We also have Ford Explorer sports 2015 edition. We also had a chevy avalanche before. We love 'em all! Whatever the brand, it doesn't matter to me. I am to what I like and how much could I afford!😊
I would never say never if I have the bucks!😀
I'm still wishin' for ferrari or bugatti!😀
Porsche and BMW, The king of options
CNET really messed up by getting rid of Cooley. I still watch these videos.
If this was any other luxury car brand with manual seats, Brian would be screaming...
I personally dont see anything wrong with this car.
I have a 2006 wagon and its beautiful to drive.
Best to buy any N20/N26 powered BMW with a built date of 03/15 and newer to avoid the dreaded timing chain issues.
@Veyron87 a 325i from 7 years ago has 182hp they work.
sins I was kid I love BMW. Now im 60 for the first time I have 328i and I love it more that before.
Nice. Have fun driving it! :)
I'm surprised that this car doesn't have the matching M sport bumpers, over here they offer the steering wheel and bumpers together.
Not all true. You can get a 320i with navigation, blue tooth streaming and full power seats. Showing the model with bare bones isn’t a true representation.
Watch the whole video they say at the end. and why would you spec a 320i out like that you are just throwing money away on features a 328 comes standard with and you get a sloth
It seems a bit odd to me to check the tech of a car with almost no tech :P
I did not actually. I assumed because at 2:41 he says "one choice on the gearbox". A bit of conflicting information there.
I like this car its very subtle.
DAMN THAT FERARI IN THE BACK!
It is really hard to believe that there isn't enough market in the US for BMW to sell 3-series estate there. Same goes for all the other small and mid-size German premium cars.
i wonder if a simple ecu tune will get the 320i to the 328 power
this guy should do all car reviews.
I agree, the 3 series have long been the ultimate driving machine and benchmark for this segment. However, it's not the value leader in my opinion haha at least in 320i configuration.
That is a really perfect car i know cause i HAVE ONE!
I love BMW
U may not know this in Egypt we still have 316i with 1.6 136bhp engine, so BMW can sell many 3 series here.:-P
I love this car I own a base model black 320i. This car is like my child.
I love the manual seats. The 3-series that made BMW great, the late 80s-early 90s E30, had amazing reliability via simplicity. BMW today should offer a back-to-basics model: minimal computer, manual windows, simple AC, simple low-output motor. Bill it as a "ultimate driving machine" - all the focus is on the actual driving dynamics - not any extras that break and get annoying.
Taking it back
I understand what the 320i is trying to do, but i think the 328i is more sensible, b/c if you're not buying a bmw to get something special and distinctive, why get one at all? Also, surprised he never mentioned the 335i. BMW's inline 6 turbo is possibly the best engine in its class, 0-60 4.8 sec, and he never even bring it up here.
I think the purpose of 320i is actually to boost 328i sales. Some people wanted one but were hesitant to buy the "cheap", base model. Now the 328i is actually a step up, and everybody is happy.
walmark1980 I couldn't agree more. It's just like what Apple did with the 5c and 5s. It was a smart move for BMW, but it also makes a beamer more "accessible" to younger guys who might not have been able to or didn't want put up the 37-38 grand for a decent 328 with not all the options. I would like to see, though, just how they cope with the 30,000 dollar starting price on the new MB CLA, which I think is ugly, and the upcoming Audi A3.
The point of the 320i is to offer more choice and and a lower base price. I've really never understood Americans obsession with big horse power. Most of your guys live in large congested cities and your roads are straight freeways. If you live in LA or NYC why would you ever need more power than this ? It's a very nice driving, looking and built car with a perfectly adequate engine for 90% of drivers in 99% of driving conditions. Here in Europe we even get the 316 and 318i's and d's and even those fit the bill for most people living in a city or driving on motorways. On the whole BMW's have always been about good driving and feeling cars and not outright performance. Not everybody wants a 300Hp Camry, some people just want a really nice car. And it doesn't matter how much you spec a Camry you can never options away the cheap plastics and cheaper feel.
Drives better. Safer. Free maintenance. Everyone does realize that BMW has been making "cheap" 3ers for 20 years. This isnt new. They arent losing their way. There engineers are still at tge top of their games. Its just that this is new for the U.S. client. Europes has almost 8 different drivetrains available. And yes it is to get market share. BMW isnt the giant that audi is with all their brands. Its bmw. You could argue Mini, but very little (almost none at this point) is shared between brands. They have to capture new customers. Whats wrong with that? You think ford, toyota, and honda arent making boatloads of the loaded up cars you all are recommending?
The 3 series drives very well, better than an A4 and C. Not too sure about the Infiniti rival though. Might need to check that out...
whats that song in the beginning
BMW needs to upgrade the hud lights to make them multi colored to make it easier to read at night. It makes a big difference. I personally prefer white lights with red needles
Does it come equipped with cruise control?
+kevin p absolutely.
it will be mine tomorrow
When I was trying to decide between a 328i and a 320i I honestly found the 320i more fun to drive. It seems these days, when you spring for a more powerful engine, all you feel is lag. The pressure is on to achieve optimal fuel economy. The throttle response in my 328i is terrible and it is impossible to open the engine up and enjoy the powerband like in the 320i. So why did I choose the 328i? Oddly enough, the lease quote I was given for the 328i was more favorable than for the 320i...either an idiot dealer, or they had a cash buyer for the 320i...
Immortals don't die! I'm positive they don't listen to the ones that aren't!
We had a 323i from 2006-2011
I would not get a 320 ever. Either you get the 328 with some options for the modern BMW experience, or if you want the old BMW sports luxury car experience you get a 1 series and take it completely stock (with any engine choice). The 320 just doesn't fit into the price bracket very well.
Sometimes i watch this just to hear Cooley's voice.
JUST BOUGHT MINE YESTERDAY! ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! BELIEVE IN YOURSELF ALWAYS ! MY FELLOW WONDERFUL HUMANS!🌈🙏🏼🐸
did you tune it?
Calm down
You just got a bmw poverty package 3
@@gabrielmondragon6308 LOOOOL! THIS FOO!🤣👌🏼 ON DA REEEALLL BUT WHO GIVES AF I ENJOY MY RIDE😘
Lol fr calm down these cars go for like 20k or less 😂
@@snazzullz haha obviously just a joke but enjoy the car. besides all the expensive maintenance involved, it should make for a great car. Personally I would not buy a bmw under a 428i model. Not worth all the maintenance cost.
in a long term test of a 328i in the latest issue of motor trend, the power steering failed at 14533 miles!
Getting one for my first car 2006 or 2007
This is the one I would choose. White, please.
***** Not sure what you mean by that. I drive a Honda Civic - never had a BMW. I just like the 3 series, and I don't like a bunch of gadgets. I also like the VW Golf, Mazda Miata, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and a few Lexus models. They are all just vehicles - It's just that I prefer some models over others. Fanboy? Nah...
knox2613 I also like the basic nature of it. Good handling, nice looking, refined, and for a BMW inexpensive.
knox2613 I also like the basic nature of it. Good handling, nice looking, refined, and for a BMW inexpensive.
knox2613 just got this one in white for 2014. with brown leather interior. my only gripe is that it's a bmw with no power seats but ill forget all about that in a week. fun little retro car to drive and ur still gonna pick up girls in it. its a bmw hello
Joey Srour manual seats is fine. You adjust your seat once and leave it.
I think that's the Engine in the new mini
i noticed the ferarri behind :)
at 00:46 "all the 3 series are basically 4 doors (correct) or convertibles (wrong)".
Whoa 33k. I think most people would just shell out a couple more k and get any of the rivals like IS, Q50, C, A4. You get much more equipment and performance with just a bit more money.
This video basically described everything that my BMW X3 has. (except the power, torque and weight number). There are many things about the BMW range that very dissapointing. Turns out 50 to 60% of the car is not just Badge. While other brands give you more car.
5:22 , forgot to cover plates?!
7.1 s 0-60, and you feel lack of power? You are crazy or spoiled. This car has great handling, engine and transmission and it would destroy its opponents on any track. Specially some stronger American cars with poor driving dynamics. And there are no electrical adjustment seats? Who cares when you have car like that. It has 50:50 body weight distribution, RWD, best steering and tight and really strong chassis. What would you want more for curved roads? If you want electrical seats in basic equipment, go and buy Hyundai or some other brand. This is car for enthusiasts and not for some moms who would only drive kids to school with it.
Which BMW would release another 320 because this is what the original 3 series was all about.
Sweet
Is this car good at anything?
That "barebone" BMW is still 10 times more equipped than my everyday car...
This has been in canada since 2012
Exactly. Infiniti Q50 has 328HP engine starting at $36k
Americans are so engine-minded. In Europe the 335i, 328i, 320i, 316i are all the same car. You can equip them with the same options, it all looks the same. 80% of the petrol 3-series are 320i over here. Never seen a 320i without xenon front lamps, it looks not like a BMW this way.
No bluetooth music?!
did you not watch the whole video? 5:26 there is a manual option...
The TSX and A4 are both FWD
Ill keep it simple! Win for me!
No Bluetooth Streaming on a $40K car 2014 model is just crazy. (At any price actually)
You don't need to go to the track to appreciate having the control of a manual transmission. But yeah I guess that kind of driver is not the target consumer for this car.
I'm prefer Caddy ATS or MB C class
How did you get me hating tech from giving Brian Cooley a compliment? You got issues kid...
BMW should make a 309i with a .9 liter engine making 100 horsepower and 100 lb ft of torque with no stereo, no AC, no CC, 3-speed auto, bench clotch seating, and crank style windows for $25,000. I'd totally buy it.......
BMW should make a 0.5 series with a no liter engine with half a horsepower and 0.25 lb ft of torque, no seats, no windows, no steering wheel, no fuel economy, and no transmission. In other words, just a bicycle. They can price it at $20,000.
lolol
Yes, but if they start selling cars that start under $30 they would risk not being viewed as a "luxury" brand.
Why ?
Where's the galaxy note. ??
In Finland the 316iA is about 40k USD, this 320iA probably 50k, so stop complaining about the prize, in US u get more of everything for much lower prize.
Juha Mäntysaari you are complaining about people in the us complaining! see what im saying? lollll
Juha Mäntysaari The BMWs are cheaper here because some of them aren't exactly "German" made. There's a BMW plant in South Carolina that helps makes a few other BMWs in the US.
Unreliable? I have 2 BMWs, one is 1999 735i and the 335d, both are working and never had a single issue!
Dang, Mercedes CLA250 is like 32K, with more than decent interior and power. This is like the stripped down "Versa" of BMW
This is a bimmer I want.
Another numbered car for multiple numbers that will end up multiple number of times in a shop
Call me crazy, but I like the old school mpg gauge
im getting this just to lease
how was the lease?
don't forget the cadi ats
whats the name of the Ferrari model behind both of them
Its a Ferrari 458 italia.
that is the Ferrari F360.. not the 458
+Saad Qureshi your stupid, its a 360.
Jay Connel The one right behind Brian Cooley is the 458 italia. The one facing away is the Ferrari F360.
I'm thrilled to death by Cooley's presentations but this time he wasn't very honest. The car lacks tech and performance for it's price and manual transmission should be cheaper, not same price.
BMW is going to stop making manuals soon and they don't have the production efficiencies for their manuals anymore which is why its the same price.
Jaime Lannister
So thier lack of efficiency of transmission construction is reflected in the price, which is bad.
A Freethinker It's supply and demand. It takes a bite out of their bottom line to have to round up the stuff to stick a manual gearbox in one car a day vs. hundreds of automatic installations and tests. There are companies that'll even charge more for a manual now and in the future.
The manual is the same price because in the US not alot of people buy the manual, so it brings up the cost. In comparison, in the UK an auto costs over £1000(about $1,500) more than the manual. Supply and demand.
*****
So the conclusion I could draw is that it's cheaper or the same in the US, but it shouldn't be so in Europe.