40 years of the 3 series

[Sockethead]

Yea but the N26 engine and the 8 speed auto is a very impressive combination. 13.9 seconds in the 1/4 mile... Our 2015 X1 with the N55, 6 speed auto the M Sport package ran the exact same ET within a tenth consistently.

I agree that the chassis is mediocre at best. With the butter soft suspension and numb steering, it reminds me more of our old 2001 Taurus than a 3 series BMW..
Kris and both drove that F30 for two years and we were glad to see it go... One boring car..,

EDIT: just saw your post BP. I'm surprised to hear you say that about the steering. Kris and I found it down right scary at times, having to guess where to put the wheel through turns. Sport mode tightens up the steering ratio but does nothing for road feedback. Also try turning around in the middle of the street... The steering radius is huge. The X5 was better...

[1 M Mike]

Fair enough BP. Not a salvation decision, so no eternal consequences. Just differing expectations bro.

No way I'm plunking down $50K for something that waddles and floats like my grandfather's Buick.

Just place it in the "Once bitten, twice shy" category for me as it reminded me of the overboosted, numb steering, Buick handling like '01 330Cic I had for a couple of years that I just never got used to.

Sold it a couple years later and used the proceeds on an IR/NB '04 ZHP.

Instant and again.

[az3579]

There's a reason why before the latest generation of Buicks, the only people that drove them were geriatrics... they were so floaty you could drive through a meteor-induced crater (ie our roads) and not feel a thing. Short of a 7 series, I don't think I've ever been in a BMW that was like that, so I couldn't imagine what you are talking about. lol


Are our roads really that bad? Damn!

[KevinC]

The 2016 top 3-series model will become the 340i, and allegedly BMW has taken steps to address the steering complaints. I get it that electric PS is simpler, less expensive, and (perhaps most importantly to manufacturers) saves a wee bit in fuel economy. But while improvements have been made over the years, it's still positively numb compared to a proper hydraulic setup, like the E46, or my Z4MC had. The original Z4 had really crappy electric steering, and when the M division decided to do a Z4M for 2006, they said NYET to that as well as run-flats. Ah, the good old days.

[1 M Mike]

The 2016 top 3-series model will become the 340i, and allegedly BMW has taken steps to address the steering complaints. I get it that electric PS is simpler, less expensive, and (perhaps most importantly to manufacturers) saves a wee bit in fuel economy. But while improvements have been made over the years, it's still positively numb compared to a proper hydraulic setup, like the E46, or my Z4MC had. The original Z4 had really crappy electric steering, and when the M division decided to do a Z4M for 2006, they said NYET to that as well as run-flats. Ah, the good old days.

The steering was so awful I had to chase a loose-tight condition driving straight.

Good news though, as I've already figured out a work around and will drag one of these along with me the next time. All I need is to throw a Roundel decal on it and I'm good to go.



Hey bp, if I ever wind up owning an F30 that steers like my loaner do you think you code this thing to tighten it up if it's still too loose? If so I have a civilian friend that works at the sub base at New London. He can probably get you clearance to access the base (or maybe Dane has an old uniform lying around that will fit you), as well as for me to dock it in one of the subpens. I'll make sure to have a whistle so I can do everything proper and pipe you aboard.

J/K! Just winding you up dude!!

[Johnmadd]

The steering was so awful I had to chase a loose-tight condition driving straight.

Good news though, as I've already figured out a work around and will drag one of these along with me the next time. All I need is to throw a Roundel decal on it and I'm good to go.



Hey bp, if I ever wind up owning an F30 that steers like my loaner do you think you code this thing to tighten it up if it's still too loose? If so I have a civilian friend that works at the sub base at New London. He can probably get you clearance to access the base (or maybe Dane has an old uniform lying around that will fit you), as well as for me to dock it in one of the subpens. I'll make sure to have a whistle so I can do everything proper and pipe you aboard.

J/K! Just winding you up dude!!

Dane's suit would be a little short imo.