I have driven a 325i (sport and non-sport) and a 335i. The ZF auto unit in the 335i is excellent no doubt, but the power is superfluous. I like revving up the engine a bit to get speed; I dabbed the gas halfway, revved 4500rpm in 3rd, and was already going WAY over the 40mph limit in the 335i. As silly as it sounds, I like being able to redline 3 times and still be going a reasonable speed (85mph). Plus the 3-series is one of those cars that really needs sport suspension, and the stock seats on the E90 are :thumbdown.

Believe me, it's a difficult predicament deciding which one I should recommend to my parents for ED next year. However, it will not be my car. So far it's:

328i: automatic, rear sunshades, split folding rear seats, xenons, sport package, and metallic paint.

335i: automatic, rear sunshades, split folding rear seats, metallic paint.

Wild card options: Active Steering, nav, bluetooth, heated seats, CA.

We don't need the massive power of the 335i. But optioned up as listed, the prices are about $2000 apart. Then again, we will sorely miss sport package. But the 335i uses more fuel, and its a new engine.

Yea, very confusing as to which model. If my parents want nav, then I'll be on the 328i sedan boat for sure. College is coming up next year and we aren't made of money (who here is?).