[Needforhandling123]

I currently have a E90 330i, and while its a great car, age is starting to catch up, being 11 years old this year. Maintenance issues keep cropping up one after another. And I'm getting a little tired spending all my time fixing it instead of driving it. So that means I am contemplating a F30. Problem is, when I tested a F30 when it was brand new 4 years ago, it didn't really impress me as much as it should. It seem to lack the tactile steering feel that a 3 series should have. It seemed to be rather numb in terms of the road feedback which was disappointing.

Now that was an early model F30, so perhaps BMW has fixed those issues since then. So my question is, for someone coming from a E90, would I be disappointed with a F30?

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by Needforhandling123

I currently have a E90 330i, and while its a great car, age is starting to catch up, being 11 years old this year. Maintenance issues keep cropping up one after another. And I'm getting a little tired spending all my time fixing it instead of driving it. So that means I am contemplating a F30. Problem is, when I tested a F30 when it was brand new 4 years ago, it didn't really impress me as much as it should. It seem to lack the tactile steering feel that a 3 series should have. It seemed to be rather numb in terms of the road feedback which was disappointing.

Now that was an early model F30, so perhaps BMW has fixed those issues since then. So my question is, for someone coming from a E90, would I be disappointed with a F30?

This debate has been going on for years and you will get many different opinions. I had an e90 335i last year and now I have a 2013 335i. For me the steering is different and has less feel, however I find it to be more nimble and much easier for everyday driving including parking. Going out and hitting hard turns..well, the E90 is better for that. In sport mode the steering firms up..not as much as an e90, but pretty good.

That being said I find the F30 to be better in every way. The interior has better space, is more modern and just has a better feel. The tech is superior. It probably depends on what options you get and interior choice as well as to how happy you will be.

[sygazelle]

Congratulations on keeping your E90 so long.

Certainly the F30 has changed since it was first introduced. The question is whether the 2016 version is your cup of tea. Its a bit of a dilemma since the only way to know for sure is to do an extensive test drive in the model you want with the right options and packages. Problem is, these nicely-equipped cars are harder to find at a dealer to test drive.

For example, I wanted to test drive DHP but I couldn't find an F30 that had it when I was shopping. I had to drive an F10 with DHP instead just to try out that option. It was not ideal but it gave me enough info to decide to order that option. I am really glad I did.

Given your experience with the E90, I'd test drive cars with DHP or other suspension upgrades. They drive quite differently than the loaner F30s so options and packages do matter.

I came from a 5 series to the F30 so I can't give you first hand long term experience. Compared to the E90's I've driven, a properly equipped F30 is a really nice improvement in most ways. The major downside is the lack of heft of the steering. It is absolutely less hefty, even when you put it in sport mode. If that is a showstopper, the F30 is going to disappoint. Personally I think its just fine and I love the F30. Others can't get used to the lack of heft and change in handling feel. You will get both reactions from those that respond to your post.

Go test drive the sh*t out of one that is properly equipped and let us know what you think.

Good luck!

[AudiA4]

Originally Posted by Needforhandling123

I currently have a E90 330i, and while its a great car, age is starting to catch up, being 11 years old this year. Maintenance issues keep cropping up one after another. And I'm getting a little tired spending all my time fixing it instead of driving it. So that means I am contemplating a F30. Problem is, when I tested a F30 when it was brand new 4 years ago, it didn't really impress me as much as it should. It seem to lack the tactile steering feel that a 3 series should have. It seemed to be rather numb in terms of the road feedback which was disappointing.

Now that was an early model F30, so perhaps BMW has fixed those issues since then. So my question is, for someone coming from a E90, would I be disappointed with a F30?

See my signature below. I also have a 2006 E90 330i, as well as a 2014 F30 335i M Sport, both 6MT. You can search my prior posts, as I started a thread very similar to this.

But, the short story is - in my opinion - that while the F30 is a great car, it's not a great driver's car. It's not just the steering, it's the whole chassis setup...competent, but not particularly rewarding. If sportiness, chassis/handling are the most valued aspects of your E90, prepare to be disappointed.

[Needforhandling123]

Hmmm..perhaps I should get a 2 series coupe instead of a F30 sedan? Haven't tested the 2 series coupe, but the reviews say it does retain the handling prowess of what the 3 series should have. Trouble is, with family, a four door sedan will be a lot more useable. But the C class, A4 doesn't really seem better than the F30 in the driving pleasure department. I wonder about the Jagaur XE. I've always been a closet Jaguar fan. But their reliability issues always kept me away. But now under Tata, they have turned over a new leaf, or so I'm told. How does a F30 compare to the Jaguar XE?

[N55Nick]

Get a 340i with ZF8 and don't look back. It's still a BMW and an incredible daily driver. People are nitpicking.

[N55Nick]

And then get a bicycle for the weekend, to get that true "hands on road connected feel" of the good old days, of the 1920s..

[AudiA4]

Originally Posted by Needforhandling123

Hmmm..perhaps I should get a 2 series coupe instead of a F30 sedan? Haven't tested the 2 series coupe, but the reviews say it does retain the handling prowess of what the 3 series should have. Trouble is, with family, a four door sedan will be a lot more useable. But the C class, A4 doesn't really seem better than the F30 in the driving pleasure department. I wonder about the Jagaur XE. I've always been a closet Jaguar fan. But their reliability issues always kept me away. But now under Tata, they have turned over a new leaf, or so I'm told. How does a F30 compare to the Jaguar XE?

The Jaguar XE isn't yet available. If you're looking for a world-class handler, test drive a 2016 Cadillac ATS. It has its own set of shortcomings, but chassis tuning and driving engagement aren't some of them.

[DerekS]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

Certainly the F30 has changed since it was first introduced. The question is whether the 2016 version is your cup of tea. Its a bit of a dilemma since the only way to know for sure is to do an extensive test drive in the model you want with the right options and packages. Problem is, these nicely-equipped cars are harder to find at a dealer to test drive.

I strongly agree with these comments, especially doing a test drive of MY2016 with the appropriate options. Having owned a number of E30, E36, E46, E90 and a 2013 F30-335i, I am very familiar with the changes in the 3er over the past 30 years.

Yes, the initial versions of the F30 were in dynamic terms not as much fun to drive as the best E46 or E90 models. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the numerous dynamic upgrades that BMW has given to the MY2016 F3X chassis - front and rear suspension, steering and brakes have all been improved.

To the OP, be aware that there is also a measurable difference in ride quality between a standard Sport suspension and the optional Adaptive suspension for MY2016. With optional 19" summer performance tires, the latter has a more compliant ride in 'comfort' than the non-variable Sport suspension has with its 18" tires. Of course, the advantage with Adaptive suspension is that you can 'have your cake and eat it too' by switching the setting from Comfort to either Sport or Sport+.

For comparison purposes with 2016 F3X, I would suggest that the OP also consider test driving a 2016 Mercedes C300/C450. While many people would consider the C Class to have a much richer interior than the F3X, it does not measure up for dynamic handling, nor is it as much fun to drive. The Alabama built 2015/2016 C Class has also been fraught with quality control issues - just take a look at either Consumer Reports or Truedelta.com for its reliability stats.

[Needforhandling123]

Originally Posted by DerekS

I strongly agree with these comments, especially doing a test drive of MY2016 with the appropriate options. Having owned a number of E30, E36, E46, E90 and a 2013 F30-335i, I am very familiar with the changes in the 3er over the past 30 years.

Yes, the initial versions of the F30 were in dynamic terms not as much fun to drive as the best E46 or E90 models. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the numerous dynamic upgrades that BMW has given to the MY2016 F3X chassis - front and rear suspension, steering and brakes have all been improved.

To the OP, be aware that there is also a measurable difference in ride quality between a standard Sport suspension and the optional Adaptive suspension for MY2016. With optional 19" summer performance tires, the latter has a more compliant ride in 'comfort' than the non-variable Sport suspension has with its 18" tires. Of course, the advantage with Adaptive suspension is that you can 'have your cake and eat it too' by switching the setting from Comfort to either Sport or Sport+.

For comparison purposes with 2016 F3X, I would suggest that the OP also consider test driving a 2016 Mercedes C300/C450. While many people would consider the C Class to have a much richer interior than the F3X, it does not measure up for dynamic handling, nor is it as much fun to drive. The Alabama built 2015/2016 C Class has also been fraught with quality control issues - just take a look at either Consumer Reports or Truedelta.com for its reliability stats.

Yeah, I'm aware of the different suspension options. Still struggling whether to get a F30. I guess I will at the very least need another test drive with the right options.

[sandwi54]

If you want a similar raw feeling of the 330i, I think you should be considering a F80. F30, while nice, has been designed to attract the general public, so the car became more civilized and upscale. It's a really nice car both inside out, but every part of the car is more muted and in a way, disconnected from the outside. Even the sport suspension won't give you the raw feeling that you are used to in your E90.

I've owned three F30 (two 328 and one 435), and currently drive a F80. There's no comparison between the two in terms of the raw feeling.

[Needforhandling123]

Originally Posted by sandwi54

If you want a similar raw feeling of the 330i, I think you should be considering a F80. F30, while nice, has been designed to attract the general public, so every part of the car became more civilized and upscale. It's a really nice car both inside out, but every part of the car is more muted and in a way, disconnected from the outside. Even the sport suspension won't give you the raw feeling that you are used to in your E90.

I've owned three F30 (two 328 and one 435), and currently drive a F80. There's no comparison between the two in terms of the raw feeling.

Very true. But a F80 cost a heck of a lot more $$$ than a F30 of course.

[sandwi54]

Originally Posted by Needforhandling123

Very true. But a F80 cost a heck of a lot more $$$ than a F30 of course.

Well, which F30 are you considering? If 335 or 435, then a well optioned one is around 60-65k. You can get a decently optioned F80 for 70k.

[eluded]

No the steering has not changed even with the LCI. No neutral feeling. Its still very broken and nobody should ever buy this car because of it. Read the car and driver. Read the road and track. Read the motor trend. Don't listen to people that own the car since all they will say is its the most awesome thing in the world. If you ask me, i think the VSS is awesome and love the steering feel, but what do I know?

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Needforhandling123

Yeah, I'm aware of the different suspension options. Still struggling whether to get a F30. I guess I will at the very least need another test drive with the right options.

You've been given some good advice and your response is you are aware and still struggling? Have you actually gone and test driven a properly equipped F30 lately? If so, what did you think? If not, please go do it and then tell us you are still struggling or that you like it and plan to buy one. At least you will have done your homework.

[Needforhandling123]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

You've been given some good advice and your response is you are aware and still struggling? Have you actually gone and test driven a properly equipped F30 lately? If so, what did you think? If not, please go do it and then tell us you are still struggling or that you like it and plan to buy one. At least you will have done your homework.

And I very much appreciate the responses. So apologies if this come across as a bit rude, but please don't lecture me, thank you very much. Telling me to do my "homework" is condescending and unhelpful. You don't know me. There are many things to consider when buying a car. I've only mention some of the things I am considering. Understand?

[Needforhandling123]

Originally Posted by sandwi54

Well, which F30 are you considering? If 335 or 435, then a well optioned one is around 60-65k. You can get a decently optioned F80 for 70k.

Nope, that's outside my budget. Max for me is around 50K.

[bri1042]

You may well be able to swing a M235i and come in under 50k if you skip the tech package or something. Both the 328 and the 228 properly optioned might not be a bad car to test, too. I haven't driven one, but a RWD 228 does seem like it might be the sweet spot with the N26 engine.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by Needforhandling123

Problem is, when I tested a F30 when it was brand new 4 years ago, it didn't really impress me as much as it should.

As a daily driver, F30 is better car in every way, but it my opinion just doesn't drive as well as E90.

Originally Posted by AudiA4

If sportiness, chassis/handling are the most valued aspects of your E90, prepare to be disappointed.

Agree with this 100%, current lineup is good, very good if optioned properly, it's fast, but just doesn't feel as sporty and fun to drive.

Originally Posted by Needforhandling123

..perhaps I should get a 2 series coupe instead of a F30 sedan? Haven't tested the 2 series coupe, but the reviews say it does retain the handling prowess of what the 3 series should have.

Very true, I had one as a loaner for 4 days and agree with this, however, you mentioned that you have a family, so I cannot see how this can work for you.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Needforhandling123

And I very much appreciate the responses. So apologies if this come across as a bit rude, but please don't lecture me, thank you very much. Telling me to do my "homework" is condescending and unhelpful. You don't know me. There are many things to consider when buying a car. I've only mention some of the things I am considering. Understand?

From zero to troll in 7 posts.

[fshubert]

I loved my E90's but am not disappointed with the F30. I'm on my second F30 and looking forward to a third.

[akack79]

Like others have mentioned, the F3x will not drive like the E9x. I had a E92 335i before my 435i and you'll eventually get "used to" the steering within a few weeks, just flip the switch to sport mode in the F3x.