[stevehecht]

I currently own a 1990 325i coupe with ~140K miles. I love the car; it's been modded with Bilstein HD struts/M3 springs/M3 rsb/4.10 LSD/Turner chip/Z3 short shifter/M3 custom upholstered sport seats. Ideally I would own that plus the F30 but we're moving to a place where we can only garage two cars (my wife's included). For those who have driven both, would I be nuts to give up the E30 for a F30 3-series, probably a 328 Sportline with H&R springs. I'm also thinking about a Dinan Shockware suspension upgrade w/ Stage 1 engine upgrade if they get well reviewed once released. Is it worth paying the extra $40-50K in terms of driving pleasure? I don't care much about the creature comforts of the F30, only how the handling/steering/fun factor compares. (One negative about the E30 is that I'm unable to find acceptable summer performance tires for my 15" rims, so I've had to go to AS Bridgestone Potenza RE960 Pole Position. Good for what they are, but a step down from performance rubber.)

[Cup o' Joe]

We can't really tell you if the car is right for you. Go out and test drive one. You really need to decide for yourself. It will definitely be different than what you are driving now.

Do I like the F30, in general, yes. Its a very good looking car, and the 328 engine is great for a 4 cylinder. The steering is generally pretty numb, but you can place the car where you want it. In comfort, it is very light and nimble feeling, while in Sport it can feel a little more planted. Maybe someone with H&R springs can weigh in on how it drives with those, since mine is only stock. I believe this generation 3er is much closer to a soft luxury sedan than a compact sports sedan (specifically in comfort and eco modes).

My issues with the F30 are with the quality. It is definitely not of the same fit and finish quality as previous BMWs. I have also had a couple of issues with my vehicle, but I like to think that mine was built just before 5 on a Friday. That being said, if my car were problem-free, I would not hesitate to recommend one.

Make friends with a salesperson and ask for a test drive!

[KellerKiller]

Going from a coupe to a sedan first of all is a big step. Second, the F30 is as big as a 5 series from the 90s. If you have it modded, love the driving of the one you have, don't care about the more modern comforts and would only go for a 328... Well shit, keep your pristine almost-classic. I definitely wouldn't get rid of it just to get a new car. But then I'm a bit of a pack rat. I still have my '72 El Camino that I built in high school.

One edit: you could always go up to 16s or 17s to improve the look and get better tires. If I had the possibility of permanence with my Euro E36, I would have.

[stevehecht]

Originally Posted by KellerKiller

you could always go up to 16s or 17s to improve the look and get better tires. If I had the possibility of permanence with my Euro E36, I would have.

I'm not so sure that larger wheels improve the look. I actually bought my car (used) with 17" wheels and sold them to get some classic Euroweaves and some new Ronal LS--both beautiful wheels. And the unsprung weight of larger wheels would not be an advantage either. (I suppose I could get some light weight larger wheels.) No doubt I could get better tires with larger wheels, though.

[Jamesons Viggen]

E30 to F30 might be too drastic of a jump. I could see you jumping into a BRZ.

Have you driven an F30 yet?

[AMJAM]

I doubt your E30 is worth much so keep the E30 and buy a F30 after you drive one. My first car was a 1989 E30 325is in Delphin Grey it was an awesome car I should never of sold it. However is it as good as an F30 not even close

[DrivenByE30]

Where are the pictures?

Y not have both?

Look at my sig

[KellerKiller]

Originally Posted by stevehecht

I'm not so sure that larger wheels improve the look. I actually bought my car (used) with 17" wheels and sold them to get some classic Euroweaves and some new Ronal LS--both beautiful wheels. And the unsprung weight of larger wheels would not be an advantage either. (I suppose I could get some light weight larger wheels.) No doubt I could get better tires with larger wheels, though.

With the mods you have, I understand the concern over weight, but unfortunately they just don't seem to sell good performance tires for that size. Too much sidewall, I guess (I see you concur, you've done your research). The best I could do with my E36 was 'performance' all seasons. They did very well, given the performance of my 1997 320i.

However, my main point is that even with how great the f30 is... I think you would regret getting rid of what sounds like a gem of a car. Definitely drive both first, but you'll never replicate the feel of a tuned and 'dialed in' older beemer with a new one. I'd hold out until you can keep your love and get a new one in the same garage.

[stevehecht]

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

Where are the pictures?

Y not have both?

Look at my sig

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG]http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r260/stevehecht/DSC00108.jpg" border="0" alt="" />[/IMG]

15" RONAL LS MESH

[IMG][/IMG]

17" MILLE MIGLIAs (sold)

[stevehecht]

Originally Posted by AMJAM

However is it as good as an F30 not even close

Wow, that's quite a statement...care to elaborate?

[stevehecht]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

E30 to F30 might be too drastic of a jump. I could see you jumping into a BRZ.

Have you driven an F30 yet?

Have not. I'm kind of afraid to, especially without the sport suspension--I'm afraid I'd get too turned off coming from the E30. I don't know how commonly the Sportline or M-sport is sitting in dealers' inventories.

I'm sort of waiting for Dinan to do their thing and read the reviews then. I'd travel to the nearest Dinan installer that could provide a test drive. I'd rather spend $50K for a car I could love than $40K for one that was meh compared to the E30.

Not really interested in the BRZ, Miata, etc. The E30 gives me a thrill and it still is a very practical DD with a nice sized trunk, decent back seat, etc.

[Meeni]

Driving pleasure, you'll probably disapointed. The F30 is much more confortable and practical, it is not as pleasurable to drive. The E30 is very unique, when you sell it, it's gone forever, you'll never find another one quite like it.

[AMJAM]

Originally Posted by stevehecht

Wow, that's quite a statement...care to elaborate?

Your talking about 23 years worth of development that has mad the F30 a better car. It rides better, handles better goes better and from my personal stand point looks better.

Now as I said I have a very soft spot for the E30 and wish I had kept mine. Would I rather have it instead of the F30 no. Would I like to have it as a garage queen definitely.

I love that F30 can comfortably drive along or you can at the switch of a button have a high performance car that you can grab by the scruff of the neck and have a lot of fun with

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by stevehecht

Have not. I'm kind of afraid to, especially without the sport suspension--I'm afraid I'd get too turned off coming from the E30. I don't know how commonly the Sportline or M-sport is sitting in dealers' inventories.

I'm sort of waiting for Dinan to do their thing and read the reviews then. I'd travel to the nearest Dinan installer that could provide a test drive. I'd rather spend $50K for a car I could love than $40K for one that was meh compared to the E30.

Not really interested in the BRZ, Miata, etc. The E30 gives me a thrill and it still is a very practical DD with a nice sized trunk, decent back seat, etc.

At a certain point, you need to just man up and drive an F30. Do NOT drive an Xdrive car, drive an RWD Sport or MSport as it's the only way to get a mechanical sport suspension.

If you are not too far from NJ, you are welcome to drive my car which has proper tires, springs, and transmission.

[cardnation]

Never sell your E30. You. will. regret. it.

[aktx]

ok, I got the answer. I have had both and tell you the truth, I really regret getting rid of my e30.
so here is the answer. go get the f30 and send me your e30😍, I have plenty room.
then when you wake up in cold sweats about getting rid of one of your best drives in your life, I will send it back👍
ak

[stevehecht]

OK, thanks guys, I'm getting the drift here. Do not sell my E30. That's the reality check I needed and why I started this thread. I'll drive the F30 with sport suspension and see what I think. I'm surprised no one has suggested convincing my wife to get rid of her car. Believe me, I'm trying. It's a periwinkle blue '05 Legacy GT wagon and she loves it. Nice turbo, but let's not talk about uber-understeer...

[DrivenByE30]

Sorry i didn't read you initial post carefully and didn't see your restriction of 2 cars.

1) if the car still run great (no major issue)
2) if you are not in dear need of a brand new car

I would keep the E30.

Yes the F30 is a nice new car but $50K is a lot of money...
Depreciation or Lease ... you would be throwing money out the door like i am doing...
Not very smart... Unless of course if money is not an issue for you.

Your E30 looks great and still in decent shape!
I would proudly continue to drive that one...

Yes it might rattles here and there,
yes it might be slower than most cars nowadays,
but boy the nimbleness, the satisfaction, the "uniqueness"

Based on that, i would totally keep the E30.

You can buy a brand new car any time, but can you find the same E30 again if you wanted to ?

[DrivenByE30]

I fixed your photos here:
1) I love those wheels you have, deep dish


2)


3)


15" RONAL LS MESH (i have the same ones as spares:


17" MILLE MIGLIAs (sold) I am glad you sold them:

[bimmerjph]

Originally Posted by stevehecht

I currently own a 1990 325i coupe with ~140K miles. I love the car; it's been modded with Bilstein HD struts/M3 springs/M3 rsb/LSD/Turner chip/Z3 short shifter/M3 custom upholstered sport seats. Ideally I would own that plus the F30 but we're moving to a place where we can only garage two cars (my wife's included). For those who have driven both, would I be nuts to give up the E30 for a F30 3-series, probably a 328 Sportline with H&R springs. I'm also thinking about a Dinan Shockware suspension upgrade w/ Stage 1 engine upgrade if they get well reviewed once released. Is it worth paying the extra $40-50K in terms of driving pleasure? I don't care much about the creature comforts of the F30, only how the handling/steering/fun factor compares. (One negative about the E30 is that I'm unable to find acceptable summer performance tires for my 15" rims, so I've had to go to AS Bridgestone Potenza RE960 Pole Position. Good for what they are, but a step down from performance rubber.)

God no. I have an E46 and the two don't even feel like they are from the same type of car. I can't imagine what going from an E30 to F30 would be like.

[stevehecht]

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

At a certain point, you need to just man up and drive an F30. Do NOT drive an Xdrive car, drive an RWD Sport or MSport as it's the only way to get a mechanical sport suspension.

If you are not too far from NJ, you are welcome to drive my car which has proper tires, springs, and transmission.

Thanks for the offer, JV. I already have saved your list of mods you've added to your 328i. If I do end up getting the car, I would do pretty close to what you've done.

[Philipangoo]

Honestly you are comparing a 4k go kart feeling car to a 45k+luxury sedan. I have owned both and honestly once you DD anything newer then a e46 you start missing those simple things that updated cars have. Plus if you haven't converted your R12 that AC never cools as well as these newer more efficient compressors. I live in TX so that is huge for me lol. I have an E30 but it's rarely ever driven when it's running.