C&D - E90 vs F30

[davesaddiction]

This quote was based on a test of the 328i:

"We're convinced that the E90 would handily win a comparison test against the F30."

Pretty sad... Looks like we all got in at the right time!

I wonder how that opinion will differ once they drive the new M3/4.

[mdosu]

lost out to the ATS in comparison article. this is the most competitive segment of the entry level luxury market, no free lunch! You can't just stamp a BMW logo on it and think no one else can do better.

[davesaddiction]

Originally Posted by mdosu

lost out to the ATS in comparison article. this is the most competitive segment of the entry level luxury market, no free lunch! You can't just stamp a BMW logo on it and think no one else can do better.

It should have lost, but won on points because of styling and rear seat & trunk space. Lame...

[sensi09]

Which test is this....is it online?

A remember a line from a motortrend comparo a few months ago regarding the f30 328i which won...."it's just that good."

[davesaddiction]

Latest issue of Car & Driver, just got it yesterday. 328i vs. ATS - BMW eeked a win on power, size & quality. ATS outshone in handling and fun-to-drive.

I remember that MT article - someone said they were looking for the M badges! Strange that the two opinions are so far off.

[rdollie]

Doesn't surprise me that the e9x does better than the F3x. What I don't expect is that the e9x M3 will fare better than the upcoming M4 (or whatever they're calling it.) I don't think BMW will put an M badge on it until it beats their current benchmarks.

[M Pulse]

99% of 328i buyers don't care about "performance". For many it's just another daily driver with a touch of added luxury or entry in to the BMW brand.

[Cl0ud7]

What is the obsession w/winning magazine comparisons?


You either like/can afford the car.....Pretty simple

[MKE_M3]

I've always found magazine articles very informative and generally, when I get to drive a car, have their impressions validated. Having said that, there is definitely no replacing individual experience and it is very difficult to trump individual taste.

[konaforever]

50k for a 328i? Ouch.

[DBH]

I think this says it all...from C&D test..."FUN TO DRIVE (25 max points) BMW=20 Cadillac=25"

Remember the days when C&D would ALWAYS rate a BMW number one?

[MRV99]

C/D has clout with the ignorant or jelous I have had friend who are Audi driver comment on the family's BMW's because of bla bla mag said it was better.......

[midlifecrisis]

I drove a f30 328i for the first time this week when my e90 M3 was in the shop. I always found the e90 328i loaner cars from my dealer to be very engaging and fun to drive, and recommended the car to numerous friends. They all love them.

I'm not so sure about the f30. On the plus side, the structure is very solid and feels great. It's also very light on its feet - feels lighter than the e90.

The N20 is a real gem. It has great power and torque. Its not quite as smooth as the N52, but the power is tremendous. Coupled with the 8 speed auto, it was a very flexible powertrain. (I'd get a 6 speed if I was buying it for myself.)

Two things affect my overall impression of the car in a negative way. The first thing is - I can't stand run flats. The car I tried had the base tire, and I could tell they were run flats - more noticeable than on my F25 X3 with the dynamic handling package.

The second thing, and the thing that they must fix - is the steering. Even in sport mode, the steering had no life to it. The car seems capable, you just can't feel it through the feedback in the wheel. I always thought that BMWs were "worn" as much as "driven". They seemed a natural extension of the driver's body. The steering feedback and feel was a key component of that feeling. The F30 just wasn't that much fun to drive - something I never thought I had to worry about with BMWs.

I hope they fix this before I have to replace my E90. I might have to shop around if they don't.

[HALOTHANE]

Originally Posted by midlifecrisis

I drove a f30 328i for the first time this week when my e90 M3 was in the shop. I always found the e90 328i loaner cars from my dealer to be very engaging and fun to drive, and recommended the car to numerous friends. They all love them.

I'm not so sure about the f30. On the plus side, the structure is very solid and feels great. It's also very light on its feet - feels lighter than the e90.

The N20 is a real gem. It has great power and torque. Its not quite as smooth as the N52, but the power is tremendous. Coupled with the 8 speed auto, it was a very flexible powertrain. (I'd get a 6 speed if I was buying it for myself.)

Two things affect my overall impression of the car in a negative way. The first thing is - I can't stand run flats. The car I tried had the base tire, and I could tell they were run flats - more noticeable than on my F25 X3 with the dynamic handling package.

The second thing, and the thing that they must fix - is the steering. Even in sport mode, the steering had no life to it. The car seems capable, you just can't feel it through the feedback in the wheel. I always thought that BMWs were "worn" as much as "driven". They seemed a natural extension of the driver's body. The steering feedback and feel was a key component of that feeling. The F30 just wasn't that much fun to drive - something I never thought I had to worry about with BMWs.

I hope they fix this before I have to replace my E90. I might have to shop around if they don't.

+1
Same experience here with loaner while the M3 was in service. I would add that the interior is more Kia than BMW. Too much emphasis on design over material quality and ergonomics. A pitty. The 4 cyl engine is a great thing, however.