Any of you E90'ers drove the new F30 328 or 335 yet???

[mniemiec]

Any of you E90'ers drove the new F30 328 or 335 yet??

I heard the F30's got electric steering and was wondering how this changes the feel from the e90.

I always like to have the "next car" lined up just in case and so far it is the new 335 or S4 as my next car. I owned an A4 and loved the car but was at the dealer constantly for little stuff going bad, so far my 335 is much more reliable that the A4 I had.

But anyways I was wondering if you guys felt a difference in the steering feel between the E90 and F30.

[KenU8187]

There is definitely a difference the steering to me it is not as live or firm, I love the firm steering wheel of my e90. The new 335 has a benefit though of having different drive settings. In comfort or Eco the steering feels almost like a Lexus however the ride is also softer which is nice for a road trip or long drive. In sport it is similar to the e9x feel but not quite as firm but def more to my liking over the other two drive settings.

I drove both a new 328 and 335 as a loaner car when having an oil change done in mine

[325iPhil]

I think most of the improvement in the ride is down to fitting higher profile tires...

[menewtobmw]

I have a 2007 335i, and drove a 2012 335i at the BMW Olympics event a while back.

It wasn't a fair comparison as it felt slow compared to my car with Cobb. The steering definitely wasn't as nice.

[325iPhil]

I have a 2007 335i, and drove a 2002 335i at the BMW Olympics event a while back.

It wasn't a fair comparison as it felt slow compared to my car with Cobb. The steering definitely wasn't as nice.

Eh? Do you mean a 2012 335i? Because the OP is asking about the F30, not E90...

[allenybq]

I had F30 328i as loaner for few times and to be honest I don't like the handling at all comparing to my E90 335i. Feels like I am driving Sth totally different like Lexus or Toyota. Especially on the highway the steering wheel is so loose that I lost confident of driving. I wish the new F30 335 will be much better but I haven't driven one yet.

[2009E90]

I just returned a F30 loaner two days ago, and I must say, I was happy to get my car back. My car is bone stock. No mods, yet, I love the way it feels. It's taught, athletic, and just the right size. The inline-6 sound and rumble is addicting, and the way it handles is far better than the F30. I took the F30 from Fresno to Sacramento, then back to Fresno, and then drove to LA. I have to say the F30 is a better long range car, and it cruises comfortably. Here are my thoughts on the F30:

+Fuel economy (Avg. about 35mpg, doing 80mph constantly. The RPM was barely over 2k at 80mph, which helped)
+More interior room, but didn't feel like it has grown that much on the outside (I pulled into my garage, and it didn't feel cramped)
+Outward visibility
+Eco mode in rush hour traffic
+Exterior styling (totally subjective)

-Interior feels cheap (take a look at the gauges, it's worse than a Passat) and poorly designed. The iDrive screen placement makes absolutely no sense at all. I thought it retracted, but it's just a slab sticking out.
-Thrashy 4-cylinder turbo (though it is quick)
-Ride quality (it's no better than a Camry, it was floaty at times)
-Numb steering feel
-Americanized cupholders (I prefer none)

Personally I wouldn't buy one, though my opinion might change if I get a chance to drive the M3/M4.

[mniemiec]

That's not good to hear. I'm going in for the latest recall and hopefully I will get an F30 to try out. I love the looks of the F30 sport package.

[crackerjack1000]

Yes I have driven a F30 328. The car is honestly fast, but it feels very very cheap. At first I hated the steering but after 20 minutes of driving I got used to it. The little 4 cylinder has tons and tons of power that will not disappoint, but the over all quality of the car is cheap. In my opinion not worth the money. It feels and smells like a higher end asian car.

[2009E90]

To put things in perspective, E30 is a cult classic, and I can see E36, E46, and E90 becoming cult classics, but to a lesser degree. I don't see that happening with the F30. EVER.

I'm driving a Passat rental this week. Nothing fancy, just garden variety 2.5L inline 5. The engine and cabin sound more upscale than the F30, and a mid-grade Passat doesn't feel that much cheaper inside than the F30. I was truly disappointed. I plan to keep my E90 for awhile anyway, but now I'm definitely going to drive it until I see the model after the F30, just to see if BMW "gets their groove back."

[Joe F]

There is definitely a difference the steering to me it is not as live or firm, I love the firm steering wheel of my e90. The new 335 has a benefit though of having different drive settings. In comfort or Eco the steering feels almost like a Lexus however the ride is also softer which is nice for a road trip or long drive. In sport it is similar to the e9x feel but not quite as firm but def more to my liking over the other two drive settings.


:lol :lol

This exactly reflects my experience with a new F30 328 loaner car I had. I didn't care for the looks of the interior as I thought it looked a bit cheap. The auto starting and stopping of the engine was strange, but I guess one would get used to it. I would not trade for my 2013 E92 335i:redspot

[sdemetris]

I drove the new x3 with the new n20 motor and maybe i just dont like SUVs (SAV for bmw) but i felt kinda depressed afterward. like it was just bland to me. I have driven an older '06 X3 with the n52 si and m sport package and i thought it was much more bmw like. thats just me though

[mniemiec]

I have a 328 F30 loaner today and here is my impression so far:

- steering felt really light when I got into the F30 from my car, however I am getting use to this, still think there is more play than there should be. Maybe the M/sports model this is different.
- Engine is whiny and makes clunky noise, turbo is laggy, feels like a 4 cylinder with a turbo
- Inside the car my only complaint is the cheap feeling silver plastic, it really feels like it belongs on a Toyota. Everything else seems OK as far as quality.
- Someone complained about the trunk, even with the new setup I don't see an issue with the trunk.
- Key fob feels cheap and light but whatever don't really care for this.
- The iDrive display is OK, I don't mind it sticking out where it is,
- In sport mode there is a cool display that shows the realtime HP and Torque, at least it's cool to look at for the first 5 minutes

That's it so far. I will update if there is anything else before I give the loaner back.

So far the new 328 would be a no go for me. I guess I have to test drive the 335 with M/Sport package to really see how it compares to my 335. I believe when I quickly looked in a showroom 328 with M Package the inside felt much more rich.

[allenybq]

As a BMW lover and owner I have to admit all the conclusion you made as most of us feel the same. Ill be so disappointed if the new M3/M4 turns out to be like this. I am confident the handling and driving will be very nice however I have no idea how bmw can change the cheap interior feeling.

[thenewBMWguy]

I drive a 2007 328xi and I got a 2013 328i x-drive as a loaner. At first I was in awe from driving a brand new car ~1500 miles, but after 1 day I was ready for my own car back.

The steering gave alright feedback in corners (semi-spirited), but I like the feeling of wrestling my e90. You could go through a corner at speed in the f30 while driving with 1 pinky.

When I brought the car back I was only jealous of the navigation unit and position of the cup holders in the f30

[brandlj]

I looked at a 2013 328i basic version, a 2013 328i sport, and a 2009 328i CPO vehicle back in November 2012. The new cars are very cheap feeling. I did not like the artificial steering. I hated the stop/start feature. The engine is powerful but not smooth like the 6 cylinder BMW's I am used too. It made cheap, asian sounds while driving. The interior was quite plain and the electronic doodads are just over kill. I purchased a 328i CPO instead. Saphire Black with sport package, cold weather package, premium package, park sensors, Logic 7 sound, Sirius, rear sun shade, door sunshades, comfort access, heated seats and steering wheel, sport seats and steering wheel with paddle shifters, and NO Idrive. Previous owner was a BMW executive. He ordered this thing just right. Excellent steering, brakes are incredible, the shifter for the automatic transmission is NOT that confounded electronic switch. VERY VERY Happy. Much enjoyment from a 2009 328i.
By the way, my old BMW is a 2000 328i with only options being automatic transmission and premium package. That car ( which my 17 year old is now driving) is still the SWEETEST driving car I have ever owned. I love getting back into it and driving it for a day. VERY Basic 4 door BMW E46!

[NikosBM]

I did. hated it.

[AmazingJr]

It's a good car in my opinion. Electronic gadgets are nice, shifter is just fine, iDrive screen looks good where it is. I really liked the power of the new engine. Ok so it doesnt sound like the old inline 6. Thats probably because it isnt an inline 6 lol... Put a performance exhaust on if it bothers you so much. And the sportline looks really aggressive. On top of all of that with the 328, you get more power and better fuel economy. How could you not like that?

[grahamggg]

Had a chance to drive a 2012-2013 328i as a loaner when my 09 328i was in for routine maintenance a couple of times...the only think I like better about it is the cup holders. Steering is much lighter, and the overall driving experience in anything but sport mode feels like a toyota camry. There are a couple noticeable cutbacks in quality, namely the gooseneck trunk hinges, reversion to standard rather than LED turn signals, and interior controls of noticeably inferior quality.

[2Fripp]

Before purchasing my e90 I drove several F30s. While clearly a personal choice, I found the (electric) steering feel too light in the f30. More importantly, I found the torque and power delivery of the TT inline 6 to be far more enjoyable. I drove several of the cars back to back over the same route to get a good comparison.

Let us know what you decide.







Any of you E90'ers drove the new F30 328 or 335 yet??

I heard the F30's got electric steering and was wondering how this changes the feel from the e90.

I always like to have the "next car" lined up just in case and so far it is the new 335 or S4 as my next car. I owned an A4 and loved the car but was at the dealer constantly for little stuff going bad, so far my 335 is much more reliable that the A4 I had.

But anyways I was wondering if you guys felt a difference in the steering feel between the E90 and F30.

[AmazingJr]

You can still buy the 335 with the same engine

[2Fripp]

Point taken. My drives were in a 2012 328i to keep price points close. Sure the f30 335i has advantages.


You can still buy the 335 with the same engine

[Nomad]

During my search for 2010 328i's the salesman were all dying to get me over to the 2012 row that I could smell blood int he water. It was enough to make me wonder what was wrong with them! Also, when I asked if the activehybrids were selling the reply was a flat No.

[KenU8187]

They were likely trying to clear the lot if older models. I do know the stop start function was relatively rough compared to the 13.

[NY Scotsman]

Driving an F30 328x loaner today while my 2011 328x is having the battery cable recall performed. I would agree w most previous posts with couple of additional items.
BMW engineers have given this car multiple personalities:
in sport mode and DS mode the car handles like my 328 in ds mode but has more power on tap. Feels nimble, fast and like a 3-series that we all love.
in comfort mode and D mode the car is v. quiet and sedate (boring), steering feels light. I guess it is supposed to be for cruising but it does feel like you are driving a Taurus
in eco mode the car gets eye popping mpg (compared to our inline 6s), not prius level but could be a useful mode if gas prices spike again.

Talking about fuel economy when I drove the country road route to work this morning (tight corners, lost of accel, deccel) I got similar mileage (22 mpg) to my e90 on the same route. On the highway route home last night I got 35mpg whereas I typically get 27mpg. So driven hard it does not outperform e90 but driven sedately it definely does.

I really liked changing gears in DS mode, the auto feels very fast (probably talking milliseconds but when you are driving hard those milliseconds count!) and having 8 gears is amazing (never thought I would say that). Definite improvement over the e90 328 auto.

Wife was not impressed by the interior, she thought it was ugly, however she did like the seats which she thought were softer than the e90s. She liked the lighter steering.

Lastly, the sound is like a modern diesel, even after it warmed up it had that gruffer TD sound, defiently not the inline 6 music I have become addicted to :)

So I'll be happy to get my e90 back but probably won't be all that bothered to move to next gen in 5 years or so.

[scubat]

I currently have an 2013 F30 328I loaner while my 2010 328I E90 is in for service. I cannot wait to get my E90 back! The rice burner sound of the engine alone would stop me from buying it. It sounds like a high revving Japanese 4 cylinder. It is pretty quick though! That was the biggest let down for me. As far as the ride, the higher profile tires definitely give it a softer ride but less BMW feel in my opinion. Not a big fan over all.

[jwmullins]

I have a 2011 335i e93, and this week I had a 2013 328i f30 as a loaner overnight. I live a ways from the closest BMW dealer, so I drove the f30 over 100 miles. My comparison really isn't fair because my 335i has the Sport package and a 6-speed tranny, neither of which the f30 had. That said, the f30 handled well, and I was pleasantly surprised by the TwinPower turbo 4 banger. I missed the cruise control being on a separate stalk, which I felt made a lot of sense ergonomically, but that is minor. The steering was very light, and I'm not sure that's a good thing. I definitely felt less connected to the road. The ride was excellent, and I liked the options of sport, comfort and Eco pro modes. At the end of the day it was a great car, but I was glad to get my 335i back.