[wknddrivr]

I know this seems like a strange comparison, but just wondering people's opinions on the ride/feel of the E39 vs F30. The cars are about the same size, and performance numbers are similar.

Personally I've never driven the E39, but always heard good things, and love the style. Tried the 335i Sport at TeamUSA, and liked the car, but as many have mentioned, steering seems numb compared to the E90

[HighlandPete]

To me the F30 is a modern E39.

I know some feel the F30 is a 'soft' car, but to me, a more mature car. Then I rate the E39 as the best BMW ever, full of BMW 'DNA' and core values.

For me the 3-series has always lacked something, the F30 is the best 3-series I've ever driven. Just make sure you specify it to personal taste.

HighlandPete

[03BeastCharmer]

I had a loaner F30 328i last week, and parked next to my wife's E39 M5, and was surprised at how similar the outside dimensions are between the two. Comparing the driving feel between the M5 version of the E39 is an unfair fight as it's up there at the top of any BMW ever. The F30 did feel sporty but more numb in the steering feedback. The F30 did feel lighter when going around corners. The M5 felt stable and planted, but you know car is trying to manage the weight. The interior gadgets are a huge step forward on the F30, but the materials on the M5 are superior (leather quality, full leather dashboard, suede headliner, etc).

[kenwelch]

We own an E39 525iT w/ sport and premium packages. So I took my wife to the Drive for the Team event. Now I'm not sure that we should replace her 2002 model year car with only 85,000 miles. But the new technology is sure pulling at my wallet.

I really need to spend more time in the F30 both the 328 and 335.
Or should I just fix the little things, have the current 525iT super detailed, and keep on driving.

But I sure would like to do the ED on a new F30 and have a great vacation.

[Fugly M3]

funny to see this thread as I was already comparing the two cars in my head

[wknddrivr]

Originally Posted by 03BeastCharmer

I had a loaner F30 328i last week, and parked next to my wife's E39 M5, and was surprised at how similar the outside dimensions are between the two. Comparing the driving feel between the M5 version of the E39 is an unfair fight as it's up there at the top of any BMW ever. The F30 did feel sporty but more numb in the steering feedback. The F30 did feel lighter when going around corners. The M5 felt stable and planted, but you know car is trying to manage the weight. The interior gadgets are a huge step forward on the F30, but the materials on the M5 are superior (leather quality, full leather dashboard, suede headliner, etc).

I've sat in an E39, never drove it, and had the same impression as you about the interior quality. The E39 is on another level. Even compared to the E90, the F30 interior feels inferior. Don't get me wrong I love the style, but the feel seems to be a step down from E90 and a few steps down from E39

[wknddrivr]

Originally Posted by kenwelch

We own an E39 525iT w/ sport and premium packages. So I took my wife to the Drive for the Team event. Now I'm not sure that we should replace her 2002 model year car with only 85,000 miles. But the new technology is sure pulling at my wallet.

I really need to spend more time in the F30 both the 328 and 335.
Or should I just fix the little things, have the current 525iT super detailed, and keep on driving.

But I sure would like to do the ED on a new F30 and have a great vacation.

It's such an amazing looking car, with a great reputation, enjoy it a few more years until they fix the vibrating steering issue on the F30

I visited the museum/delivery center in Munich and gotta say, I was quite jealous of everyone picking up their dream cars! When you are ready to part with the E39, def go for the ED.

[rconti]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

To me the F30 is a modern E39.

I know some feel the F30 is a 'soft' car, but to me, a more mature car. Then I rate the E39 as the best BMW ever, full of BMW 'DNA' and core values.

For me the 3-series has always lacked something, the F30 is the best 3-series I've ever driven. Just make sure you specify it to personal taste.

HighlandPete

Anyone who pans the electric steering on the F30 outta be aware of the recirculating ball steering on the E39, which was generally disliked.

Quite frankly, the F30 is a better car in every way than the E39, other than price. That's what initially got me interested in it. I had always wanted to pick up a nice E39 for a roadtrip car, and then someone pointed out that the F30 was like an E39 except lighter, quicker, and with better mileage.

But the lack of a stick in the wagon turned me away. I'll be keeping my eye out for an E34 M5 touring import

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by rconti

Anyone who pans the electric steering on the F30 outta be aware of the recirculating ball steering on the E39, which was generally disliked.

Quite frankly, the F30 is a better car in every way than the E39, other than price. That's what initially got me interested in it. I had always wanted to pick up a nice E39 for a roadtrip car, and then someone pointed out that the F30 was like an E39 except lighter, quicker, and with better mileage.

But the lack of a stick in the wagon turned me away. I'll be keeping my eye out for an E34 M5 touring import

E39 6-cyl cars have rack & pinion steering. Only the 8-cyl cars had recirculating ball.

[FotiosF90M5]

The f30 and e39 both have that shark look front end. Sorta like the old old m6's with the shark snout. VERY bmw. I love it. They are angry looking.

[Fugly M3]

Originally Posted by fotios335i

They are angry looking.

that's how German cars should look!

[FotiosF90M5]

Originally Posted by E46M54325Ci

that's how German cars should look!

Amen.