[frchdragon]

I have been driving my F30 for a couple of days and here are my findings comparing my 2006 525i MT sport package to my 2013 335ix Msport AT.

Road noise:
The F30 has much more road noise and wind noise than the E60, the E60 is really, really quiet compared to the F30.
Win E60

Power:
Zero comparison, the N52B25 is smooth and has power throughout the power band but nowhere the power of the N55.
Win F30

Transmission:
As everybody knows, the ZF8HP is a game changer and the shifts are very fast, but I do miss doing heal and toe (call me old school)
Win F30.

Comfort:
I had very basic seats in the the E60 and the F30 Msport steering is amazing.
BT connection to phone was much faster in the E60 CCC.
Win F30

Handling:
Oh my Gosh... The stock Msport springs with B4 EDC shocks works perfectly for me. I had M5 rear sway and B4 shocks in my E60 but the handling of the F30 is night and day.
Win F30

Braking:
I always loved the pedal feel of floating piston vs 4 pot calipers somehow, I had both the E31 4 pot and the single large piston calipers on my E34.
I don't have enough bite on the F30, might be pads related.
Win E60

Steering/ Road feel:
The steering on the F30 is nice and tight, I have no problem with it. It is very responsive and I can point the car where I want to.
Win F30

Gas mileage:
You really have to be extremely gentle on the gas pedal on the F30 if you want to have good gas mileage on the F30. I could beat all day on my 525i at the track and I still ended up with amazing gas mileage.
Win E60

Cost of ownership:
Cost of EDC shocks... enough said.
Win E60

Ease of repair:
So far the F30 is very easy to work on. I fix all my cars myself (trust issues with shops). Changing shocks, VCG, OFHG, main belt... no issues.
The E60 has a larger engine bay and the N52 is easier to work on ( and you don't kill the engine after changing OFHG...)
Win E60 because non turbo.

This isn't a fair comparison as I didn't have an N54 in my E60, but the F30 reminds me a lot of my E36 325i race car or my E46 330i SSG, the handling of a 3 series is always better than the 5 and this is no exception.
The Msport EDC suspension is really nice, the steering is tight and cornering is fantastic (even though I am on snow tires).
I am in love with my F30, I am getting used to the power and handling before upgrading the car. I really really hate the road/wing noise... but I will get used to it.

[alex0607]

I have an E60 530i LCI. Love the N52 engine. Very smooth. Road noise is very low and the ride is really comfortable on the E60. Surprise you find the handling better on the F30. I feel the E60 has better handling though.

I also have an F30 320i. The F30 car has significant road noise and thought maybe the higher end F30 like your 335i may have better sound proofing and suspension. I guess all F30 were made the same regardless of engine spec. I don't really like the F30 ride quality. E60 is way better but I have to admit the F30 has a really responsive engine even with the 320i. I have JB4 Stage 1 on mine. I am guessing the 2.8L or higher would have even better engine performance with JB4 or BM3.

Between the two I couldn't decide which is better. I am going to update my suspension with the H&R sport spring for the F30. Lets see how the ride will be once they are installed. For the moment, I would just switch cars depending on my mood. If I want power from the turbo and snappy engine, its the F30. If I want comfort plus power, its the E60.

[frchdragon]

I know that I will miss my E60 for long drives.
But I am at a stage in life where I need to sell my 635csi race car and go back to a dual purpose track car, the F30 fits the bill.
The Msport adjustable suspension is very good. I test drove a Sportline without adjustable suspension and the handling wasn't great. I don't feel the need to lower it (except for looks) as the cornering speed is impressive as is with brand new shocks.

As a dual purpose track / daily, the F30 does a pretty decent job, I would love more sound proofing though...

[cfm56d7b]

frchdragon, thanks for sharing your transition-to-F30 experience. I had the same car as yours in the past. Loved it.

Since you are from Canada, what winter tires do you use or plan to use?

[frchdragon]

I bought a set of rims and tires off this forum: Conti TS830P run flat.
We didn't get snow since I purchased the car. I used to run Michelin X-Ice on both my E60.

But track season is approaching...