Deutsch

Watching the Fifth gear review of the 320Si, it blows my mind that BMW NA refuses to sell 4 cyl. models here in the U.S. The 4 cyl's. are just as good as their world renowned I6 engines, and most certainly it wouldn't hurt to pick up a few or so thousand more customers for the 3er. As long as the engines are top notch I don't really see why Americans wouldn't fork over the cash.

siko

It's all about image... at least that's what they say. It seems north americans view 4 cyl engines as "weak"

Deutsch

That's most certainly a short sighted way to judge the worth of a car. My car is a turbocharged five cylinder that has better power than a lot of V6's that I've driven. Cylinder count only means so much, it matters how the sum of the parts work together and how they deliver. But hey, the enthusiast population ia minority, so what does it matter what I say???

klier

BMWs 4 cilinders are too slow. I drove the E90 318i for a small week, and it just is no fun at all.

I for one would love to see BMW taking the 4 cilinders completely out (maybe only for the 1er/2er). Makes the brand a bit more exclusive, and it would help slowing down sales a bit.

Deutsch

I'm looking forward to the new turbocharged four that is to come.

Germaniac

I agree, we had a E90 320 for a few days as a loan car and it while there's no complaints with the car itself, the performance is most definitely uninspired/non-existent... the thing is they're far and away the most popular 3-series here (and I think the most popular BMW?) - I can see why they make sense for a lot of people because they allow people to buy into the brand who don't need, or want, a fast car - and I think removing them from the model line-up (or just not having them, as in NA) is a little short-sighted - not everyone who wants a BMW wants a rocket.

Just_me

320si is different from 318i/320i.

320si is a limited edition (2600). Its not comfortable as a standard 320i and more racier and with a sportier suspension than with a 3er with the sportpackage. The engine has no valvetronic and handbuilt. Also equiped with 18" rims.
173 horsepowers and redline at 7400 rpm.
The racing version is used in STCC/WTCC and developing 275hp.

I admit its no rocket in straightlines but its more sportier and racier and a lot more fun to drive than 318/320/328. Don't underestimate the 320si.

Mr. M

I should say, I reckon more than 80% of 3er sales in Singapore are of the 320i.