I've got a loaner 2014 328d for the day. Anyone care?

"Voice of C. Montgomery Burns" (voiceofcmb)
11/07/2014 at 09:32 • Filed to: None

The answer is most-likely "No". But here's what I know so far about this diesel BMW, the first diesel BMW I've ever driven.

- It's a loaner and the average MPG is listing 35.8 MPG (35.7 now, yeah I know I'm a wild man).

- It's got a SPORT mode that moves this car from 50mph to 70mph in like 10 seconds, going uphill. I didn't expect it to put me in the seat in those conditions and it delivered!

- The electric steering is too light and a little disconcerting when you're tossing it around.

- It's an F30 3-series, and even after a few years of being out, I still don't like the way it looks.

- It came without NAV and it has a pop-up screen for radio/telephone/etc which looks very low resolution and not very pleasant.

If you do want to know anything more about this beast of an automobile, feel free to ask. It's a Friday and I ain't got shit to do.

DISCUSSION (23)

Nibby > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
11/07/2014 at 09:34

How comfortable is it? How's the trunkspace and rear legroom? I must know those for... dead hooker storage.

Brian Silvestro > Nibby
11/07/2014 at 09:36

WHY DON'T YOU ASK ME THESE THINGS

YOU KNOW MY MOTHER DRIVES ONE

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
11/07/2014 at 09:38

Interesting that it's more frisky than a typical Benz diesel. The e-power steering on the Minis is a little not-quite-right in places, so that part doesn't surprise me. Any general thoughts on the ergonomics, or even how much space the back seat has?

Nibby > Brian Silvestro
11/07/2014 at 09:38

;_; Sorry!

So, could you answer my questions now please?

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > Nibby
11/07/2014 at 09:43

It's a pretty comfortable ride, even in "SPORT" mode. The seats are base leatherette/cheap leather and get the job done. I'd go from sport-seats or something nicer.

Trunkspace is about standard for a 3-series and legroom in the back is adequate, seems a bit more than the last 3-series sedan I owned which was a E90.

As for the hookers, it's a base BMW 3-series. Basically invisible to police. You're good to go.

Cé hé sin > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
11/07/2014 at 09:44

Six row your own gears or eight of the other variety?

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
11/07/2014 at 09:47

I think, outside of the pop-up screen, the button placement is nice and the base steering wheel is sporty enough but it's a bit thin for me as I'm used to the M-Sport wheel on my car.

Back seat legroom is good for a car this size, the dimensions are out on BMW's site as I don't have a ruler, but it feels more comfortable than my old 2006 E90 330i.

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > Cé hé sin
11/07/2014 at 09:48

8-speed auto, I think it's from ZF and it's very smooth.

Brian Silvestro > Nibby
11/07/2014 at 09:51

TOO LATE SOMEONE ALREADY ANSWERED THEM

you're dead to me

Nibby > Brian Silvestro
11/07/2014 at 09:52

;_;

Want some chocolate?

Cé hé sin > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
11/07/2014 at 09:53

Yes, it would be, BMW have bought their automatics from ZF from time immemorial, or at least since the days of the three speed.

Brian Silvestro > Nibby
11/07/2014 at 09:53

yes pls

Jonathan Harper > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
11/07/2014 at 09:58

I love the D

Cé hé sin > Cé hé sin
11/07/2014 at 10:04

I've just wasted a good two minutes on Wiki which tells me that ZF have made automatic boxes with every number of gears from two to nine inclusive. And a CVT. And 12 and 16 speed automated ones.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
11/07/2014 at 10:05

It's not that I'd really plan on getting one unless some things change, but as an aficionado of diesel executive cars... if I end up needing anything vaguely executive next couple of years, my current one may not make it that long.

BJ > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
11/07/2014 at 10:12

Top speed? :)

I've driven the 320d wagon (2006 model, I think) with a 6-speed manual and it was wonderful, just wonderful. Torque at all speeds, quiet on the highways, etc etc etc. It was maybe a bit tricky off the line when the turbo hadn't come on yet (I stalled it more than I should have).

My boss had the 335d with the M-sport package, it was terrifyingly fast. Doing 100 km/h he'd bury the pedal and we'd be at 220 (or more) before you could understand what was going on. Brilliant.

William Byrd > Nibby
11/07/2014 at 10:17

It's a new BMW though, they're going to try and up-charge. You're going to have to bring some extra cash to lure them into the car with. Ala GTA, you'll get it back, but still, something to consider. I'm a planner.

Nibby > Brian Silvestro
11/07/2014 at 10:24

Alex B > Jonathan Harper
11/07/2014 at 10:40

Kinja'd!!!

Jonathan Harper > Alex B
11/07/2014 at 10:47

Wrong D.

Alex B > Jonathan Harper
11/07/2014 at 10:51

Come on, you know you want that D.

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > BJ
11/07/2014 at 11:08

No top speed but I hit about 80mph without issue ;).

I would LOVE to test drive the 335d. Honestly, I think that's the only diesel car I would happily own. Get 30mpg average and 475ft/lb torque.

Brian Silvestro > Nibby
11/07/2014 at 11:29

lolwut