Uncovering the Hidden Gems of the BMW F31 328d Wagon
The Search for the Ideal Car
The author had specific criteria for their new daily driver. It had to be a wagon, retain the diesel qualities of the 335d, and be interesting enough to hold their attention. The F31 328d seemed to be the perfect fit, with its four-cylinder N47 engine being a potential downgrade from the tuned M57 in the E90. But the wagon's utility was expected to compensate for it.
They initially aimed for a post-life-cycle-update 328d (2016-2018 model years) with the M Sport package, in a color other than black or silver and with a heated steering wheel. Their budget was around K, which proved to be a challenge. They came close with a 2017 Melbourne Red 328d M Sport at K, but the timing wasn't right and it needed a heated steering wheel retrofit.
The Perfect Estoril Blue Wagon
Then, an Estoril Blue 2014 328d M Sport wagon appeared on a Facebook group. It had everything the author wanted, plus a ton of extras like upgraded blue M Sport brakes, H&R lowering springs, a front splitter, a rear hatch spoiler, and a rear diffuser with dual exhaust tips. Inside, there was a digital Euro instrument cluster, upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound retrofit, folding rear headrests, and larger paddle shifters. It also came with two sets of wheels - color-matched blue and black style 437M wheels from the F8X M3/4 and generic Y-spoke 20-inch wheels with blue accents. The factory cross bars and roof box added to its uniqueness.
Despite having over 100K miles and a higher asking price of .5K compared to a Melbourne Red wagon with half the mileage, the author was drawn to the Estoril Blue wagon's individuality and its potential to fulfill their single-car mission.
The Journey with the Wagon
After purchasing the wagon, the author faced some challenges. By Nebraska, the rear tires were too corded to drive on, and the EGR valve failed. Fortunately, they had a spare set of wheels and tires, and the EGR didn't strand them. They swapped wheels in a cold AutoZone parking lot and continued their journey.
The author initially loved the slammed look of the H&R lowering springs but found them too rough for Colorado roads. They swapped them out for the original springs and replaced the EGR valve and battery. The Euro cluster wouldn't let them re-enable the EDC, but they were willing to make this trade-off for now.
They also had issues with the wheels. The generic Y-spoke 20-inch wheels rode terribly, and the rear tire was stretched. The 19-inch BBS CH wheels with fat snow tires didn't look right on the wife's F31. Eventually, they decided to use the E90's summer BBS wheels with 235/45 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S4 tires, which gave them a better fit.
Future Plans for the F31
As the author settles in with the car, they plan to lower it on coilovers to find a balance between the factory ride height and the slammed look of the H&R springs. They also plan to give the car a proper detail, paint correction, and protective film. Inside, they ordered a custom-fitted dog protector for the hatch and are considering updating the iDrive to an NBT Evo unit to enable Apple CarPlay.
In the few weeks they've owned the F31, it seems to be the perfect fit for their single-car solution. The F31 community is vibrant, and the author looks forward to driving it and can't help but steal a glance as they walk away. It's not as fast or as crisp as the E90, but it still holds a special place in their heart.