30i v 28i

[Big Bad Boris]

I posted a week or so back that I had finally decided I would buy a 30i when the ongoing crisis is finally over (to replace my E85).

All feedback to the questions I asked was all very positive and only made me happier about my decision. However, for my £12k budget I have noticed some well specced 2013/14 28i’s beginning to come into the equation. So here I am asking for thoughts of a say 2011 30i v a 28i that would be two or even three years newer, for similar budget.

I know this brings up the old chestnut of 4 v 6 cylinders etc etc. Any 28i owners out there want to sing their praises (or otherwise), anyone switched from the 30i to the newer but smaller engined 28i and have a view either way?

One of the main pluses of the 30i Is the engine which although not the most powerful, seems to regarded as one of the best BMW (possibly anyone) has made and very reliable with it? Against that what are the thoughts and feedback on the high powered version of the 4 pot engine in the 28i?

I’d be interested in views of the learned and experienced folk on here. Obviously I’d like to be out test driving lots of cars and finding this stuff out for myself, but that’s is not going to happen for some time... so seeking some virtual test drives and feedback from you good folk.

Thanks, regards and stay safe one and all.

 

[Rassi]

For a cabriolet, with the roof down, what would you rather listen to? A 4 cylinder or a 6 cylinder engine? For me it is that simple. If your priorities are a newer car, with a (slightly) better fuel economy, then get the 28i.

 

[brillomaster]

arguably, the 3 litre straight six is one of the best naturally aspirated straight six engines BMW made, short of the M engines. it therefore loves to rev, sounds glorious, and needs to be revved out to get the best out of it. on the flip side, as its NA, you're kinda stuck with the factory output of 255bhp.

the 2.8i on the other hand, a turbocharged four, will give a decent wedge of midrange torque from the turbos, sound like every other turbocharged four cyl engine, and not really benefit from being revved out. however, a remap can easily add another 50-60bhp, and get you up to ~300bhp.

for me, the choice would be if you use it daily, or if its just a fun driving weekend car... if you use it daily, the better mpg and mid range torque of the 2.8i, if its a weekend driver, the purity and soundtrack of a naturally aspirated straight 6.

 

[Smartbear]

Hi, I’ve owned both & without a doubt the 30i sounds better.
The turbo 4’s as previously mentioned have better mpg and also cheaper tax due to lower emissions.
Due to less weight over the nose they also handle a bit sharper.
You also get the option of choosing an lci model with the 20i range as that wasn’t introduced until 2013
Rob

 

[Big Bad Boris]

Thanks Rob, good feedback one question what is an “lci model with the 20i range”... I would like to know one if I see it

 

[Smartbear]

Thanks Rob, good feedback one question what is an “lci model with the 20i range”... I would like to know one if I see it

It’s the mid life facelift, only small subtle changes occurred.
The roof motor was also beefed up after March 2012.
The 20i range incorporates the 18/20&28i (which all share the same 2litre engine)
Rob

 

[JoeZed]

i've got a 28i . Yes the 6 pots will always sound nicer but the 28i tone is not too shabby. As for performance the 28i is good - it puts a smile on my face. Road tax hikes coming so if I was to choose again I'd stay with my original choice - 28i.

 

[john-e89]

Hi, I’ve owned both & without a doubt the 30i sounds better.
The turbo 4’s as previously mentioned have better mpg and also cheaper tax due to lower emissions.
Due to less weight over the nose they also handle a bit sharper.
You also get the option of choosing an lci model with the 20i range as that wasn’t introduced until 2013
Rob

Now I don’t agree with you on handling there Mr B, I think the 100kg or so heavier 3litre engine up front makes the car more balanced, with the 2.0 feeling even more wayward due to presumably the weight of the roof so far back being a big contributory factor.

One man’s junk is another man’s..... :lol:

 

[Smartbear]

Hi, I’ve owned both & without a doubt the 30i sounds better.
The turbo 4’s as previously mentioned have better mpg and also cheaper tax due to lower emissions.
Due to less weight over the nose they also handle a bit sharper.
You also get the option of choosing an lci model with the 20i range as that wasn’t introduced until 2013
Rob

Now I don’t agree with you on handling there Mr B, I think the 100kg or so heavier 3litre engine up front makes the car more balanced, with the 2.0 feeling even more wayward due to presumably the weight of the roof so far back being a big contributory factor.

One man’s junk is another man’s..... :lol:

Life would be boring if we agreed all the time John
Rob

 

[john-e89]

Hi, I’ve owned both & without a doubt the 30i sounds better.
The turbo 4’s as previously mentioned have better mpg and also cheaper tax due to lower emissions.
Due to less weight over the nose they also handle a bit sharper.
You also get the option of choosing an lci model with the 20i range as that wasn’t introduced until 2013
Rob

Now I don’t agree with you on handling there Mr B, I think the 100kg or so heavier 3litre engine up front makes the car more balanced, with the 2.0 feeling even more wayward due to presumably the weight of the roof so far back being a big contributory factor.

One man’s junk is another man’s..... :lol:

Life would be boring if we agreed all the time John
Rob

Indeed it would sir....and would look like communist China.....

 

[Silverstar]

To me the 30i feels special and that is purely down to that 6 cylinder engine whereas the 18i and 28i that I test drove just didn't. That is amplified even more with the top down. Sure you can get better economy out of the 4 pots but not by much. The LCI version has some upgrades like LED halos and LED side indicators and a roof that you can put up and down at up to 25MPH (I think) but to be honest the difference isn't huge and many of those things can be incorporated into the older car without much cost. The way I see it is that the main advantage of 4 pots is that they can be easily tuned. At end of the day you have to decide what aspect is most important to you. One last point is to think about why the 30i is worth the same as a newer 28i, in time I suspect the 30i will retain it's value better due to that N52 NA 6 pot and the low build numbers compared to the other models but that only matters if you plan on holding the car for a very long time.

 

[JimsZ]

I was split between a 35 or 28i and now in my 5th year (Soon to be 6th later in the year) with a 28i and not had one regret.

Low maintenance, decent enough sound track (while not in the same league as a 6 pot) great motor used as a daily for most of its life in my hands. given the choice of a newer model over an older model, probably with lower miles I think id go 28i again for sure. Doesnt need modding but can be if desired.

My advice, tick the boxes you want to tick most and make a decision based on that

 

[Deepseaskateboard]

28’s are pretty hard to come by in my experience.

You may have a better range of specs available with the 30.
If colour and interior colour in a certain combination is a high priority.

The 28 is cheaper to service and run though.

I don’t think the LCI upgrades are too noticeable. I think if I was considering a 30i I would try to find one with all the right options and the colour I wanted over a limited choice of 28’s.

Performance wise, the 28i probably feels a little quicker, especially with a remap.

 

[Silverstar]

28’s are pretty hard to come by in my experience.

You may have a better range of specs available with the 30.
If colour and interior colour in a certain combination is a high priority.

The 28 is cheaper to service and run though.

I don’t think the LCI upgrades are too noticeable. I think if I was considering a 30i I would try to find one with all the right options and the colour I wanted over a limited choice of 28’s.

Performance wise, the 28i probably feels a little quicker, especially with a remap.

Currently 24 28i on Autotrader and 30 30i however you could just get a 20i and tune it to same or more power then the 28i in which case you would have a lot more choice. 20i and 28i are basically exactly the same except of the higher power ratings.

 

[MACK]

The whole 30i or 28i debate really just boils down to whats important to you. We've not gone with a 28i but a 20i that we intend to remap when the current crisis ends giving us more power/performance than a standard 28i. I would certainly recommend anyone considering a 28i to be looking at the 20i as well, there in much more plentiful supply and usually a lot cheaper too.
The biggest drawback for me of the 20/28i is the noise, the 3.0 does sound so much better and is a bit smoother too. But when I was looking a decent M Sport 30i was 3-5 grand more (even for a low spec car) than what I paid for our high spec 20i. In the end that coupled to the extra power/torque/performance and weight saving of a remapped 20i over the 30i swung it for me. All though every time I jump back in our E85 I do love that 3.0 soundtrack.

 

[Big Bad Boris]

Thanks for all the feedback, I think on balance I am set on a 30i, although I will keep an open mind on other versions (having not been able to drive anything yet).

Next question is spec. I did have a look at a the original price list (from 2011] and was pretty stunned by how much stuff was “extra”... I’m sure I saw “BMW air in tyres £29”

My three must have are the iDrive sat nav system, heated seats and parking sensors (cruise would be nice but not a deal breaker).

Is there anything else from the long options list that owners would strongly recommend or regret not seeking out?

 

[Smartbear]

Thanks for all the feedback, I think on balance I am set on a 30i, although I will keep an open mind on other versions (having not been able to drive anything yet).

Next question is spec. I did have a look at a the original price list (from 2011] and was pretty stunned by how much stuff was “extra”... I’m sure I saw “BMW air in tyres £29”

My three must have are the iDrive sat nav system, heated seats and parking sensors (cruise would be nice but not a deal breaker).

Is there anything else from the long options list that owners would strongly recommend or regret not seeking out?

Wind break makes a big difference, it was pricey so not every car has it. :?
Rob

 

[Silverstar]

I think those are the main options, I would add wind deflector although again it is not a deal breaker if the car you are looking at has everything else and is in tip top condition because you can retrofit it quite easily and they are always available on eBay for between 70 and 130 GBP. The other items that would be nice to have but again not a deal breaker is the extended lighting package and upgraded sound. Also depending on your needs folding door mirrors could be a must have or not a deal breaker but nice to have.

 

[Big Bad Boris]

Thanks guys, is the wind breaker a separate piece thats carried around and clipped in as needed, or does it disappear between the headrests when not in use ?

 

[Big Bad Boris]

p.s. Without doubt black with tarts boudoir red interior is top of my wish list so far. Mr Silverstar sir, I just noticed that’s exactly what you have, please can you post a gratuitous photo to keep me going in these dark times. Anyone else with red leather combinations please feel free to post too, sadly for the sake of the moderators I will ask that this be kept to car interiors at this time