stewie20068

Last spring, I mentioned that I might consider buying something new after 9 years with my TSX. I ran through a short list including a used Audi S5 or a new BRZ, but I settled on a new 2013 BMW 328i E92 Coupe.





7 months and 8,000 miles later I'm really happy with my decision. After reading reviews of the new F30 3-series I was discouraged that future BMW's would match the accomplishments of the E90 3 series. Test driving an F30 back to back with an E92 confirmed my suspicions. Another great thing about the 328i is that you get all the handling and looks of a 335i (I've already had the car parked out front next to an Audi R8) for $7,000 less. I really wanted that sweet NA inline-6. The 328i engine is also much more reliable.

When I first got my TSX there were lots of little things I wanted to fix and improve. My first impression of the 328i is that it's nearly perfect from the start. Here are the big things I noticed upon switching:

1) The 328 is noticeably quieter and more comfortable on long drives
2) The steering is phenomenal. It's heavy yet responsive. My TSX steering sometimes felt floaty, but the bimmer is always perfect.
3) The stock brakes are stronger and smoother than my RackingBrakes on the TSX
4) The headlights are amazing. The high-beams have high output, the adaptive beams are great in turns, and the corona rings look sick at all times.
5) The bimmer base stereo has much more depth and clarity than the system in the TSX
6) The BMW clutch gives you much smoother shifts.
7) The pedals are spaced much better for heel-toe downshifting. Learning to master the heel-toe is very satisfying.
8) Rear wheel drive is a great new challenge after 9 years of FWD. I'm having a blast learning to hang the tail out.
9)The thick M-Performance steering wheel is much more comfortable than the skinny TSX one
10) fuel economy on the TSX was much better at 26mpg. I'm only getting 21mpg in the bimmer
11) The shifter on the TSX was slicker. I miss it.
12) The driver seat in the TSX had better lumbar support for my back
13) The bimmer has all sorts of clever nooks for storing things

I've made a few minor enhancements to the car, but I plan to leave it mostly stock. 30% tint made it sleeker. If the 328i starts to feel underpowered, I'm planning to swap in the 3-stage intake manifold from a 330i, tune it, and get to 265hp. I'm looking forward to this project once I'm out of warranty. My BMW Performance exhaust sounds sexy as hell. It's quieter than my Tanabe Medalion Touring on the TSX, but I find the metallic growl to be much more satisfying and bearable for long trips. Here's a video from another E92 owner that pretty much sold me on the car:


Overall I would give my modified TSX a 7/10. My new Bimmer is a 8.5/10. I think that the 328i was a perfect step up from the TSX. Maybe next time it will be an M4.

terdonal

Glad you are enjoying it. Nice looking car.

metalusion

is that your house in the first pic? WOW.

stevejojo

Nice buy. I think you hit it on the nail with your driving impressions of the bmw vs tsx. The tsx gear shifter is one of the best I've used. S2k being the best!