[newoldbeemer]

I don't know why but of late I'm doing the analysis to get into a new car, and whenever I suggest another F30 I just get a lot of straight-up hatred from both a set of "car guys" as well as coworkers and even my wife. They all say the interior looks "dated". Some of them say the car feels like a Camry but I know where they are coming from, they've obviously driven early year base models.

But I don't think it looks dated at all, in the right trim. With the tech package, leather steering wheel (msport) and possibly the white interior with the anthracite wood trim, I think it looks gorgeous.

But everyone keeps saying stuff like "3 series is played out", "don't do it", "interior sucks", and so forth.

I do like the new C class interior and the new Audi B9 interior, but I checked out the Jaguar XE this weekend and I think the F30 is still way ahead of the Jaguar despite being 4 years old.

Does all the 3 series hatred come from stereotypes perhaps? Of badge-people buying base versions? Or hatred for BMW drivers? Not sure. Or do people genuinely not like the interior so much? Or maybe they've seen it so many times it looks "common" now.

Everyone (car guys and others) is telling me to buy a C class. I am going to check one out. But I am really confused about all the F30 hatred, I really think its an excellent car, possibly still leading the pack.

End of the day I'll buy what makes me happy, but all this emotion confuses me. Kinda like Apple iPhone hatred - if that makes sense .

[newoldbeemer]

I even tried showing people this pic to demonstrate base vs loaded interior, but no one is interested. They're all like "F that. Get something modern"

[Bob in IL]

Just get something you and your wife like and agree on. Hell with friends and co-workers if they aren't helping pay for it. Good luck in your search.

[The Murder 335i]

I agree with Bob haters are going to hate no what. "Interior is dated"
"To much maintenance"
"To pricey"
All that is code for "I wish I had one, all can do is hate to make myself feel better."

[jpics80]

The competition is newer with more modern interiors. I think that the 3 series interior will age much better.

[Blubaron79]

No. I love mine in M sport trim with brushed aluminum and a blue accent stripe.

[icwhatudidthere]

Ignore the haters and get what you like. I went the other way, going from a Mercedes CLA to a 435i GC. I don't think there's a car that's gotten much more hate than the CLA, from people saying it's only for badge-whores to others hating on the glued-on Garmin. But I didn't care, and to my eye, it's still a pretty car.

In any case, I always thought the C Class Coupe would be my next car but honestly, while the interior is beautiful, it just didn't do it for me. It really just took one glance at the 435i with Coral Red and I loved it. And while it's already been out for a few years, it's still new to me.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Basic interior is not great, get the upgraded one

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

I even tried showing people this pic to demonstrate base vs loaded interior, but no one is interested. They're all like "F that. Get something modern"

Your friends and colleagues obviously don't care about driving dynamics and they probably don't "get" BMW's Teutonic design philosophy. I road in a friend's practically new Camry just yesterday. It was nice enough. I'd take a 3er any day of the week.

[rolltidef32]

Honestly, BMW's history is of Spartan interiors that look forgettable. Never remember a BMW with an interior that wowed anyone; very understated.

Thing is, in modern cars, the actual tech is all there. If you have Nav and HUD, etc, you actually have quite the stack.

Thing is that BMWs have been about actual driving, not the cheap tech toys that are outdated next year. If you want snazzy interiors, get the Audi; I won't fault you for it if that's what you're into.

Merc Interiors have come a long way also, so that's another option.

What's under the hood and driving dynamics are where I lay down my cash, but all get some respect.

[Pauleebe]

Buy the interior YOU like. So many people on this forum over-concerned with the thoughts of others, when at the end of the day, YOU are the one driving the car.

Personally, I don't think the interior is dated. Others may have different opinions and that's okay, they'll buy different cars. It's been consistent ever since I've had my E46, and is functional, simple but I also think driver/sport oriented with some class.

[newoldbeemer]

Yeah of course I'll buy the one I like . I just found this irrational.. I want to say almost anger at BMW from so many people, it's just amusing.

It kinda reminds me of how a lot of people like to hate on Apple products. I think when a product is very good and has a following, it also gathers a bunch of haters. I don't know why . It's just a car. I find this amusing. I guess people don't really hate the product itself, they disapprove of what it stands for.

In a sense I guess you can also draw parallels with Camry hatred or Kia hatred.

[DerekS]

Still a great interior !!! IMO, no other car manufacturer makes Sports seats as comfortable and fully adjustable as the ones found in a BMW M Sport ! The sublime M Sport steering wheel is a nice bonus !

[Ali Shiralian]

Yes it's dated. Merc interior sucks too but Audi I like. Would I buy an Audi? Hell no but if BMW don't imporove the interior I'll think seriously about my next car...

[DerekS]

Originally Posted by dwalls90

Buy the interior YOU like. So many people on this forum over-concerned with the thoughts of others, when at the end of the day, YOU are the one driving the car.

Personally, I don't think the interior is dated. Others may have different opinions and that's okay, they'll buy different cars. It's been consistent ever since I've had my E46, and is functional, simple but I also think driver/sport oriented with some class.

Well written

Compared to the MB Class W205, I much prefer the more driver oriented interior of the F30/31 M Sport version, with its simpler layout, superior ergonomics and shifter on the console. I really do not care for the glitzy interior of the W205 and the tacked-on look of the iPod-like Navi screen.

To the OP, you should do a back-to-back test drive of the F30 and the W205. Since you are currently driving an E92, the superior driving dynamics and handling of the F30 should be apparent to you.

You should also check out the recent reliability ratings for the C Class @ Consumer Reports and @ www.truedelta.com . The Alabama-built C Class, especially MY2015, has been plagued with quality control issues.

Good luck with your purchase !

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

I even tried showing people this pic to demonstrate base vs loaded interior, but no one is interested. They're all like "F that. Get something modern"

I don't feel like the interior sucks. I do feel like, on a BMW, you shouldn't need to get a "loaded" interior for it to be "nice". But compared to its most direct peers, the C-Class and the A4, both of which are newer than the 3-Series, the BMW is behind (although, I hate the C-Class nav screen configuration).

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by tex2670

I don't feel like the interior sucks. I do feel like, on a BMW, you shouldn't need to get a "loaded" interior for it to be "nice". But compared to its most direct peers, the C-Class and the A4, both of which are newer than the 3-Series, the BMW is behind (although, I hate the C-Class nav screen configuration).

Agree, BMW needs to step up their basic interior

[otay]

Yeah, it does look dated. The dash anyway...

But, to me, it's functional. That's important. I like hard buttons instead of touch screen. I do wish the screen was a bit larger and more integrated though. Everyone who gets in the car says "does the screen lower into the dash or something?"

For comparison...
2017 Ford Fusion


2016 Infiniti Q50

[chiefneil]

The 3-series has always had a somewhat Spartan, austere interior. The basic instrument panel (speedo, tac, etc) hasn't changed much since I bought my 1995 325i, and the stereo and climate controls are also pretty familiar.

But that's BMW's way, at least for the 3-series. Basic and businesslike. The do hold up well and 10 years later still look good because they weren't trendy when new.

The 5 and higher models have much nicer interiors. With the 3 basically turning into a 5, BMW will probably have to step it up in the next gen.

[goj]

In my opinion this topic is beaten to death. It's all individual preference. Some people like the contemporary sheik styling of MB for instance and others prefer the minimalist simple styling. Both offer the same tech for the most part you just have choose what appeals to you.

[DrivenByE30]

No it is not and i am glad it doesnt look like every other dash...

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by otay

Yeah, it does look dated. The dash anyway...

But, to me, it's functional. That's important. I like hard buttons instead of touch screen. I do wish the screen was a bit larger and more integrated though. Everyone who gets in the car says "does the screen lower into the dash or something?"

For comparison...
2017 Ford Fusion


2016 Infiniti Q50

I don't think the Fusion interior compares in any way to the F30. Yes the screen is better integrated but you have to look further from the road to see it and there's a lot of cheap plastic. My mom drives one with the Sync option and it's nice but the touch buttons are not ergonomic.

As far as the Q50, I'd have to see it in person to judge.

I think the F30 interior has aged quite nicely and still looks modern and sporty. I love the C class Mercedes interior except for the horrible tacked on center screen. What was Mercedes thinking. BMW's is not perfect but far nicer looking.