[F30RiK]

Got a G20 330i as a courtesy car from my dealership . I'm very impressed about the car. It's drive like a modern E90. It's a big improvement over the F30.

I have a 335 Xdrive FBO stage 2 with Bilstein shocks and Dinan springs on 20 inch wheels and I find the G20 is more fun to drive lol (less power for sure). The steering wheel is precise and the suspension is stiff. Even the door trims are slim like the e90. Now I want a G20 m340i :/

[INROADRACR]

It's interesting how our impressions can differ. I too recently drove a G20 330i for a few days as a loaner and couldn't wait until I got my F30 back. Big differences between my car (340i, RWD, MT, THP) and the 330i (ZF 8 speed), but I liked nothing about the loaner. Really hated the instrument panel, though I know the all digital displays are the future. Performance and sound aside, I just didn't like the ride.

Not saying the OP is wrong in any way, but we all seem develop biases based on what we currently drive and our expectations can vary widely.

One further comment: The 3-series continues to grow and there are things I really miss about the feel of my E46 vs. my F30 and the G20 continues the growth trend. I may need to look at a future 2- or 1-series to regain that 'car as extension of self' feel.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by F30RiK

Got a G20 330i as a courtesy car from my dealership . I'm very impressed about the car. It's drive like a modern E90. It's a big improvement over the F30.

I have a 335 Xdrive FBO stage 2 with Bilstein shocks and Dinan springs on 20 inch wheels and I find the G20 is more fun to drive lol (less power for sure). The steering wheel is precise and the suspension is stiff. Even the door trims are slim like the e90. Now I want a G20 m340i :/

I went from a F30 328i(8+ yrs and 80k+ miles) to a G20 330i, and the improvement is quite noticeable.

In summary, G20 is a nostalgic throwback to E39/E46 days of supple ride and tout handling, with latest techs. It is more like a E39 than E46.

In comparison, F30(esp. early N20/N26) is BMW's take on a peppy engine with softened ride to broaden mass appeal that goes beyond E46/E39.

[Elvisfan]

I noticed 2 things when I had a new 330 to drive. The parking sensors are triggered by low speed. In my car, they are triggered by putting the car in reverse. In other words, I can pull into my garage and hit the wall. Unless i I put it into reverse or hit the button. Also, the HUD is different. Close to a turn, the street names and signs show up in the hud. On the new one, they are in the digital dash. Not in my field of view.

[njdangelo]

Originally Posted by INROADRACR

It's interesting how our impressions can differ. I too recently drove a G20 330i for a few days as a loaner and couldn't wait until I got my F30 back. Big differences between my car (340i, RWD, MT, THP) and the 330i (ZF 8 speed), but I liked nothing about the loaner. Really hated the instrument panel, though I know the all digital displays are the future. Performance and sound aside, I just didn't like the ride.

Not saying the OP is wrong in any way, but we all seem develop biases based on what we currently drive and our expectations can vary widely.

One further comment: The 3-series continues to grow and there are things I really miss about the feel of my E46 vs. my F30 and the G20 continues the growth trend. I may need to look at a future 2- or 1-series to regain that 'car as extension of self' feel.

Ditto to all of this. The E46 was the last real bmw 3 series in my opinion. Don't get me wrong I thoroughly enjoy my car but I expected more from BMW because they have given us more in their previous cars. The f30 feels cheaper and disconnected. The g series does improve on steering feel a bit but I find it visually to be one of ugliest body styles they have ever made. The interior is even cheaper and filled with more plastic than its predecessor. the seats are alright but for some reason they really hurt my back. the center dash is just straight trash. I don't know why I feel so strongly about that part in particular but i really REALLY hate the center dash of the car. the digital display is so hard to understand and get used to, especially with navigation running. All the other digital displays i have seen from other auto manufactures look great. Things don't get better on the exterior either. Looks like a big bucket of yuck. its understandable why Audi and now Genesis are making such waves. Their interiors are so far above and beyond the 3 series interior thats is almost laughable and their performance is pretty much equal. Yes, yes the b58 engine is absolute bliss, you can't deny that, but BMWs are no longer the "ultimate driving machine" they were in the early 2000's - M models aside.... although they look god awful now too.
Personal opinion of course....

[auburnf30x]

I, too, have heard reactions all over the place regarding the G20. I've only ever looked at them, never driven them. I've noticed that they seem to have grown a bit in size, which isn't a bad thing as long as the driving dynamics are good.

Some say it's a step back towards BMW's roots, while others say it's a step closer to a Toyota Camry. Guess it's just up to the individual. When my F30 is ready to retire, it'll probably be a G20 I'll be stepping into.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by INROADRACR

It's interesting how our impressions can differ. I too recently drove a G20 330i for a few days as a loaner and couldn't wait until I got my F30 back. Big differences between my car (340i, RWD, MT, THP) and the 330i (ZF 8 speed), but I liked nothing about the loaner. Really hated the instrument panel, though I know the all digital displays are the future. Performance and sound aside, I just didn't like the ride.

Not saying the OP is wrong in any way, but we all seem develop biases based on what we currently drive and our expectations can vary widely.

One further comment: The 3-series continues to grow and there are things I really miss about the feel of my E46 vs. my F30 and the G20 continues the growth trend. I may need to look at a future 2- or 1-series to regain that 'car as extension of self' feel.

With you there.
Had the M340i for 9 months. Great car, nice engine, muted, great improved handling, tech galore, something I'd expect from the 5er. After 3 months I got bored, struggled additional 6 months and thank god for the hot used car market - dumped it and got me the most fun car I've had since e46...