The balance of the 3er is sublime and has been since the e46 (when they added DSC, e36 did bite a bit!). Same goes for driver feedback, I am still amazed at how steering and brake feel there is.
But, the main drawback s the cars weight - typically 400kg more than a hot hatch. So thats like having all you mates in the hot hatch! At least the F30 is lighter than the e90!
Compared to say a Clio 200, which needs to be driven by the scruff of the neck and forced around corners a 3er is all about flow and progressive power. Two very different styles, both very rewarding.
I would actually liken the 3er more to a 911 than a hot hatch handling wise.
The other downer of the 3er is no limited slip diff, the higher power engines really could do with one to get the most out of exiting corners
