At the moment, there isn’t a single BMW on sale that lacks a turbocharger. That can upset many BMW enthusiasts that miss the days of natural aspiration. Admittedly, BMW made some incredible free-breathing inline-six engines, engines that were some of the best in the industry. So it’s no wonder that fans want them back. Yet, they no longer exist on production BMWs. That means that if you want a naturally-aspirated BMW, you have to look at the used market, which is something many enthusiasts are doing. One such car that’s currently getting popular is the E92 BMW 328i.
The E92 BMW 328i is the last N/A BMW ever to be sold in the ‘States and it’s a car that could be the next great affordable enthusiast’s car. It has the perfect recipe for a great sports car and it’s the perfect setup for someone who truly appreciates the art of driving.
Under its hood lies a 3.0 liter naturally-aspirated I6 engine that makes a mere 230 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, which seems positively puny by modern standards. The new B48 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine of the modern 330i makes 238 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque, with two fewer cylinders and an entire liter less displacement. From 0-60 mph, the old E92 BMW 328i gets from 0-60 mph in about 6.0 seconds with a six-speed manual. The new F30 330i? It can do the same sprint in about 5.5 seconds.
So the old E92 328i is significantly slower than its more modern replacement. However, its free-revving engine is infinitely more enjoyable to use than the more modern turbocharged engine. It revs so cleanly and fantastically, all the while making that old-school BMW I6 noise that we all love and miss. When paired with a six-speed manual, you get to properly rev that engine out and keep it in the meat of its powerband.
But it’s not just the engine. The E92 3 Series feels far sharper and more communicative than the current 3 Series/4 Series. While those new cars aren’t bad by any means, the old E92 just feels that extra little bit more BMW-like.
It also looks superb, the E92 3 Series Coupe. Its proportions are bang-on and it just looks so good, even years later. Personally, I think it’s the second best looking 3/4 Series ever, behind only the E46 3 Series Coupe. Its interior is also simple and uncluttered, lacking any of the crazy fancy tech of more modern BMWs.
The best part of the E92 BMW 328i, though? It’s cheap. Now, you can get a post-LCI E92 328i with decent miles for under $15,000. Considering that it’s also a modern car with every modern amenity one might need, that’s a great price.
When you consider its great looks, brilliant engine, more pure driving dynamics and low price point, it could be the best used car deal for BMW enthusiasts on the market.
I had one of these (a 2008 model, one of the first delivered at the Welt in 2007). I liked it a lot; but, honestly, my 2016 228i is a better car in every respect.
It is. Honestly the 228i (in M-sport) is the car for people who claim they’re enthusiasts, which is why it’s constantly being ignored… The balance straight out of the box makes it the best handling non M BMW. Just add the M-performance diff and PSS tires and you have a car that will beat an e46 M3 anywhere (except sound). If you’re an American, spend the $5000 extra and get a car that will probably be looked back on as a hidden gem.
What kind of BMW enthusiasts drives a 4-cylinder car? The 228i does not stand a chance against the E46 M3, the old M3 is nearly a full second faster to 100km/h…so not even close
What sort of BMW enthusiast forgets the 4 cyl e30 M3 and 318is? Probably the same kind of internet wannabe who hasn’t seen a 228i with diff and tires dust an e46 M3 around a track. You don’t even know that best real world e46 M3 figures are 5-5.5s, very close to real world 228i numbers, nowhere near a full second. As far as 4cyl, my M2 would handle better and be just as fast with a lighter 350hp 4 cyl. That’s just physics.
Bit different comparing those two as we both know that the current 4cylinder now is the result of downsizing, emissions cutting and cost savings, not because of being a better engine than a 6cylinder. So no real BMW enthusiasts will buy a modern 4cyl BMW, an old 4cyl BMW as the e30 M3 is a complete different story. And no need for insults, how many BMW fans are out there being on track watching E46 M3’s competing against new tuned 228i’s? I guess not many, but all are internet wannabes of course if they don’t, right? The M3 will always be the better car, no matter how you twist it or what upgrades you make. And saying that your M2 would be a better car with a 4cyl engine – truly an BMW enthusiast speaking :-) If only the BMW M engineers would have known physics when working on the M2. But with the current trend I believe the next M2 will have a 4cyl engine maybe with 3 or 4 turbos, in the meantime you could have bought the AMG A45 instead of an M2 ;-)
Original M3 4 cyl.
Ditto 2002 Turbo, 1st European production turbo.
2002 tii kickstarted BMW’s reputation here in North America.
And now I guess 4 cyl. is becoming their volume drivetrain again.
’90’s are over.
No more 6 cyl. yuppies.
Even Mercedes are selling 4 cyl. here – when’s the last time THAT happened? Or fwd. hatches & compacts, for that matter.
Your 1st sentence was an insult.
I think you are missing the point, I can go into the past as well and say well BMW had inline 6 engines since the 30ties, 4 cylinder came when into the lineup? 60ties? What are the engines BMW is most famous for? Right – is not the 4cylinder but inline 6 (BMW refused to go the V6 path, thats why its so iconic for BMW). And thats what the article is about, if you like BMW and want a full BMW experience for good money, the 328i is indeed a great choice, no need to brag about your 228i (which of course is not a bad car), BMW enthusiast will go for the 235i or the older 1er coupe with 6cyl engines instead. 4cyl cars has every manufacturer on the market, nobody cares…
So you’ve never seen the 4 cyl. corporate HQ built for the ’72 Munich Olympcs? It’s a tribute to the engine that brought the company back from bankruptcy to prosperity. BMW stopped building I6 for two decades, when they returned it to the market it was 150% of their existing 4. They are the Bavarian MOTOR Works – not BI6W. Since 228i & 328i can both be had in either I4 or I6, obviously their manufacturer supports both configurations. You are the only person not pro-choice.
Do you even read what I wrote? Did I anywhere say 4cyl dont belong to BMW? Why is this article not recommending a 3er e92 with a 4cyl engine? Because I yet have to meet a BMW fan who would prefer a 4cyl BMW instead of I6 – the market is full of 4cyl engines, easy as that, case closed.
“4 cyl. cars has EVERY manufacturer on the market (WRONG), NOBODY cares…” And again WRONG. EVERY generation of 3er has been available with 4 cyl., why pick on E92?!
Again, I will repeat myself and summarize for you the meanig of what I was writing, as it seems you not comprende: what kind of BMW enthusiast will pick a 4 over a 6?
Or you can ask yourself this question: “how many manufacturers on the market have I6 engines?” Now you will maybe understand why the I6 is associated with BMW and BMW fans like them so much.
Bavarian MOTOR Works. I have been following the company since 1970 (when they only sold 1 4 cyl. sedan here), owned an e9, worked @ 3 dealerships, have driven them ALL. I look forward to the new 4 cyl. fwd. BMW – maybe I can afford one again. You should learn to quit while you’re behind. BMW have no future building ONLY I6 engines. Is that what you want?! Can’t help you.
My friend, you are missing the point still. We are not discussing about BMW as a company and if it should or shouldnt produce this or that engine. We are speaking about BMW fanboys picking an I6 BMW over a 4cyl BMW. Of course BMW will build whatever the market wants and they can sell, thats why they have also a 3cyl engine in the active tourer, but would this be a car for BMW fanboys, I doubt it. Peace out!
You miss the point of the entire co. BMW are NOT 1 engine!
Like I said, if you actually tracked cars and drove them hard, you’d actually understand what I’m saying. The N55B30TO in my M2 is 70 kg heavier than the 4 cyl in the 228i, that’s 70 kg in the nose of the car. When BMW developed the e30 M3, they had a more powerful straight 6 available. They developed a less powerful, but lighter 4 cyl because the car would handle better. See what I mean about you being a wannabe? You know barely anything about the history and provenance of the cars you’re talking about, yet your opinion is so strong…
I’m heavily considering a 230i M sport next year, people forget to understand the great intrigue with BMWs is you don’t need their most powerful car in the model line up to really have fun in life.
228i M-Sport all the way!
Mine is loaded up with pretty much every option. I think the most important one is the Track Handling Package, which provides adjustable shocks, M-Sport Brakes, variable steering and Michelin premium summer tires.
Sounds like every “quote on quote” upgrade came from a factory. No disrespect but that’s nothing to toot your horn about.
Go custom or aftermarket.
The E60 is to be looked at as well in my opinion.
The 550i M Sport 6 speed might be a dog much like the E9x 328 can be, but they are naturally aspirated goodness that focus on feel rather than speed.
Well, I’m not sure it’s the “next” affordable BMW, since I bought mine for under $20K several years ago. I’ve enjoyed driving it quite a bit, but now that it’s getting on in years and mileage, my next trade up will be for the 335is or M3 coupe. I’m apparently not one of those people who obsess over exhaust notes, I prefer to turn up the stereo. Like many of the I6 engines, it’s a bit low on torque through 2nd gear. After that the engine is perfect. I’m not ready to leave my hydraulic steering behind, so it seems like 2013 will be the most up-to-date vehicle in my garage.
You didn’t read the article clearly.
It’s about affordable naturally aspirated in-line 6ixes and you go off talking about M3s and turbocharged 335i’s. Shaking my head right now at you.
you can tell what’s a good car but this isn’t too much to brag about! Average looking car for average everyday people
https://motorclubofamericaandcanada.com/membership
If you go by Top 10 sales figures no “average everyday people” buy BMW. Globally, they still sell a fraction of volume manufacturers. E90 3 Series was 2006 World Car of the Year, 335i a budget supercar, so yeh, I’d brag. But then nothing is as special as your name. PRADA = nada.
Typical response from someone who reads as well as Floyd Mayweather.
Any body in here still own a E90-92 3er? Called the dealer yesterday and they said you will receive a mail to confirm parts are availed for the recalled wiring harness. Wondering if any of you or people you know got the letter already? Stuck in limbo cause dealers won’t take in the trade. They will but its a large hit on the value cause of the recall.
It is definitely a buyers market for used BMW’s. A nice E92 328i can be had for 10K.