[Drivaar]

Everyone here sounds so enthusiastic... Am I the only one who is fairly unimpressed?

There is nothing here that makes me feel like I want an upgrade from the E90... Though I do think that anyone who doesn't own an E90 will see some great stuff...

But the delta from E90 to F30 seems very small:

• Performance delta is basically zero for the 335i.
• Fuel economy is up, looks like about 10%. Always good, but not something you'd jump ship for.
• Car is lighter, which is cool given how much bigger it is (which is both good and bad)
• Navigation improvements remain to be seen... sounds like they are cool, but the nav (especially on 2008+ E90s) is very good already.
• Suspension has negligible improvements.
• Steering is now electromagnetic -- not sure what will happen to steering feel.
• There's an 8-speed auto vs. the 6-speed, but I'm not sure I'd actually like that since I like to change gears myself, and 8 is a lot to manage.
• Styling is basically another LCI for E90, it seems...
• The HUD stuff sounds cool...

So... yeah... what do you all feel?

[ibopm]

A LOT of bells and whistles were added. But you're right, there was nothing really major or revolutionary (especially for us folks). But didn't we all expect that anyway?

I've always hated using NAV systems, but this one sounds really cool. Still wouldn't pay extra for a NAV system though.

[Sp82]

disappointed to say the least!

[m@rk]

Is that it?

Not impressed

[David1]

What did you think it was going to be? This is all I expected, just an evolution.

[darksilkx1]

Love it. Sign me up. Sure it will sell like gangbusters. Its hard to beat a timeless design like the E90. This car addresses the primary reservations I had about the E90 - a little more inside room, and a little better technology.

[darksilkx1]

Looks like its the first model with the new foot waving trunk opener.

[Drivaar]

It's true... I think these days making quantum leaps is just so much harder... it's hard to imagine what more one would really even want... For example, I'd ideally want an E90 clone for less $, as opposed to more random little electronic stuff for higher $.

This is where the luxury car segment is destined to die off slowly... All that will remain is brand-name as a selling point. Electronic improvements are really easy to copy, and it doesn't look like there are any patent protections...

[CardinalZeus77]

Not impressed.

I guess you got to see it in the flesh.

[BMWUltimateDriv3r]

I'm passing on this generation.

[mofbb]

Not impressed at all.

[mohrgan]

I like it. The interior appears to be made of higher quality materials than the E90...which is pretty crappy apart from the wood and the "M" steering wheel.

[eisenb11]

I'm impressed with the new electronic toys although, realistically, I wouldn't be paying extra for most of them if I were buying the car.

I'm not, however, impressed with the new front end. Looks like a grimacing jack-o-lantern. Hopefully the M sport kit can take care of that.

[cncmastr]

I think it looks great!

[mookie45]

I think it looks nice, not too drastic of a change compared to the current lci e9x exterior which is ok...i will consider an lci f3x!

[Drivaar]

Yes, it looks good and the electronics are upgraded, but now I'm 100% sure my next car will not be a BMW... I will keep my E90 335i until it's dead, and then I'll get the latest Mazda or Hyundai, either of which will probably be a great small driver's car with all the bells & whistles I'd ever want, for $35,000, in 3 years time.

[Auto]

Look great!

[stefan]

Originally Posted by Drivaar

Steering is now electromagnetic -- not sure what will happen to steering feel

Did not realize this... major deal breaker for me. BMW steering is now the softest and least communicative it has ever been. It's sitting right on the edge... The transition to electromagnetic will push me over the edge. Won't be another 3 series for me.

Originally Posted by eisenb11

I'm impressed with the new electronic toys although, realistically, I wouldn't be paying extra for most of them if I were buying the car.

I agree. Maybe it's part of the marketing plan to make more money in options... so few people are buying just the base car these days.

Is anyone else somewhat surprised that M-sport is being released simultaneously instead of a few MY's down the road?

[BlkITR01]

That's the rear that should have been on the e90 (sans reflectors). I knew the F10 grin would be there. I don't particularly like the extensions on the interior of the headlights either. Maybe the M will be better.

[jafza412]

Pop-up nav screen. Why couldn't it be like the 5-series???

And other than the headlights butting up against the kidneys, it's a nice update.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by jafza05

Pop-up nav screen. Why couldn't it be like the 5-series???

And other than the headlights butting up against the kidneys, it's a nice update.

It's not a pop up nav screen, it's fixed.

[Needsdecaf]

I think it's a great evolution of the 3 series. I'm not sure what people were expecting? Plasma drive? An i8 clone? Dunno?

You had to know what this car was going to have: electromechanical steering, N20 and N55 engines, ZF 8 speed auto, bigger car, and that it would look like a min-F10.

What's nice is: all the 5 series and 7 series toys available (HUD, apps, etc.). The new big nav screen (not present in X3). Lighter than predecessor. I think the looks fit great while still being unique.

Looking forward to seeing it in person!