[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by BMWFB02

There is always a compromise, for me performance outlast interior design. Doubt that any M3 owner really cares about the car's interior. There is an orchestra called S65 that keeps you really busy.

Yeah the S65 really sings. I've dumped a healthy amount of cash into my 335i to noticeably bolster performance. Thus far, I've added the M Performance Exhaust, Power Kit, Front Lip/Splitter, Rear Carbon Fiber Spoiler, and Brakes (Brembo). I will be installing the M Performance Suspension sometime next week. The final mods will be some new, lighter wheels and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

I have a track day coming up soon.

Despite the significant investment in modifications, I fully realize that my 335i is no M3. The setup now is definitely a substantial improvement over "stock." However, it's still a 335i.

With respect to the interior, the F30 interior just offered nice features that I couldn't live without after sampling. For example, I love the HUD. I also enjoy the larger, crisper, and brighter LCD navigation screen.

While the E9X M3 steering wheel is a beauty, the M Sport steering wheel in the F30 is superior (in my humble opinion). The F30 M Sport steering wheel turned out to be so well regarded that BMW stuck it in the M6 and M6 Gran Coupe. They are also making an alcantara M Performance version of the wheel (I've included a pic below). Newer production M5s also feature this awesome, thick, and supple wheel. The only difference from the M5/M6/M Performance wheel is that the trim piece emanating from just below the roundel is hollowed out just a tiny bit.

Originally Posted by Staszek

I dont like the interior of my e90 or the f30, although the M Sport F30 exterior I would take in a second over the E90 it looks better.

That being said I still like my E46 interior the best, it could be updated a bit but its still my fav out of any 3 series ever built. I think the F30 could have been really nice if it wasnt for the awkward screen, I like the integration in the F10 much better.

I digress, this comparison has absolutely no point, and even if they were going to do just a drag race, get the same driver to do both cars so its fair. Really should be a track test as others have said.

Anyone else impressed with the M3's 30 mpg highway? Not bad for a high strung engine.

I agree. The E46 interior has aged well, notwithstanding the old technology or lack of technology in the cabin.

Back during the E46's reign I was cruising around in a W203 Mercedes C-Class. That car was a piece of crap. I kid you not. The gas panel/fuel door pin locking mechanism broke off a few times, leaving me unable to fuel the car. In addition, paint peeled off several plastic trim pieces multiple times.

The W203 was the joke of a C-Class that lit a match under Mercedes-Benz's ass to produce a C-Class with the same quality as the rest of the Benz lineup.

[sensi09]

Wow the e30 is slow haha.....great car though

Wonder if in 20 years we can get a low level hybrid or diesel that will be faster than an e9x M3.

[paddyrx8]

F30, 320d, used, £20,000

E30, M3, used, £45,000

[Prince_of_Persia]

I would take E30 M3 in a heartbeat!! F30 looks cheap and it is pretty ugly IMO

[Prince_of_Persia]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Yeah the S65 really sings. I've dumped a healthy amount of cash into my 335i to noticeably bolster performance. Thus far, I've added the M Performance Exhaust, Power Kit, Front Lip/Splitter, Rear Carbon Fiber Spoiler, and Brakes (Brembo). I will be installing the M Performance Suspension sometime next week. The final mods will be some new, lighter wheels and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

I have a track day coming up soon.

Despite the significant investment in modifications, I fully realize that my 335i is no M3. The setup now is definitely a substantial improvement over "stock." However, it's still a 335i.

With respect to the interior, the F30 interior just offered nice features that I couldn't live without after sampling. For example, I love the HUD. I also enjoy the larger, crisper, and brighter LCD navigation screen.

While the E9X M3 steering wheel is a beauty, the M Sport steering wheel in the F30 is superior (in my humble opinion). The F30 M Sport steering wheel turned out to be so well regarded that BMW stuck it in the M6 and M6 Gran Coupe. They are also making an alcantara M Performance version of the wheel (I've included a pic below). Newer production M5s also feature this awesome, thick, and supple wheel. The only difference from the M5/M6/M Performance wheel is that the trim piece emanating from just below the roundel is hollowed out just a tiny bit.





I agree. The E46 interior has aged well, notwithstanding the old technology or lack of technology in the cabin.

Back during the E46's reign I was cruising around in a W203 Mercedes C-Class. That car was a piece of crap. I kid you not. The gas panel/fuel door pin locking mechanism broke off a few times, leaving me unable to fuel the car. In addition, paint peeled off several plastic trim pieces multiple times.

The W203 was the joke of a C-Class that lit a match under Mercedes-Benz's ass to produce a C-Class with the same quality as the rest of the Benz lineup.

I think this interior is wayyyyy nicer than F30

[KSERGEI-BY]

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

I would take E30 M3 in a heartbeat!! F30 looks cheap and it is pretty ugly IMO

Really ?

[NAV8TT]

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

I think this interior is wayyyyy nicer than F30

Agree 100% the E92 interior is solid, especially when you add the M steering wheel and carbon fiber trim. Never liked the F30 interior.

[Who?]

lol at the e90 owners trying to stay relevant

[elitex]

Originally Posted by newbmwuser

lol at the e90 owners trying to stay relevant

I am sure that a lot of us would jump over to the new M4 when it comes out. Imagine if they had just supercharged the S65 and stuffed it in the new M3/M4. I never liked the exterior styling of the E90 but always loved E92.

[Prince_of_Persia]

Originally Posted by KSERGEI-BY

Really ?

Yeah at the same time I usually don't like regular 3 series and I think e46 M3 is the most beautiful design that BMW ever done.

[Who?]

Originally Posted by elitex

I am sure that a lot of us would jump over to the new M4 when it comes out. Imagine if they had just supercharged the S65 and stuffed it in the new M3/M4. I never liked the exterior styling of the E90 but always loved E92.

im sure some would, but it peeves me off when some people defend theirs at the expense of others.
I'm sure the e90 is a nice car, just don't trash talk the f30 to justify it, it sounds pathetic.

[NAV8TT]

Originally Posted by newbmwuser

im sure some would, but it peeves me off when some people defend theirs at the expense of others.
I'm sure the e90 is a nice car, just don't trash talk the f30 to justify it, it sounds pathetic.

It's not trash talking, it's a personal opinion, I owned that car and I'm not basing my opinion on web reviews and internet junkies forums, the best car I've ever had was a 328 E92 and now I have that in the best sports coupe ever made in its category for 5 consecutive years form, so if you wanna stuff ur F30 with endless M sport mods to get there and not get even close, that's pathetic.

[Ammonia]

Originally Posted by newbmwuser

im sure some would, but it peeves me off when some people defend theirs at the expense of others.
I'm sure the e90 is a nice car, just don't trash talk the f30 to justify it, it sounds pathetic.

Someone is sensitive.





BTW, this sort of comparo is always neat to watch. Top Gear UK did one with the old Ford GT vs the new Ford GT. Pretty crazy result too.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by BMWFB02

It's not trash talking, it's a personal opinion, I owned that car and I'm not basing my opinion on web reviews and internet junkies forums, the best car I've ever had was a 328 E92 and now I have that in the best sports coupe ever made in its category for 5 consecutive years form, so if you wanna stuff ur F30 with endless M sport mods to get there and not get even close, that's pathetic.

I've stuffed my F30 with M "Performance" mods. It's been fun.

Problem?

[ZheHbKa]

they should have picked 720d and then be surprised...(if there is one)

taking the slowest with much more weight and less power and comparing to a performance car...

what would be interesting is circuit performance of similar power to weight ratio cars

[Who?]

Originally Posted by BMWFB02

It's not trash talking, it's a personal opinion, I owned that car and I'm not basing my opinion on web reviews and internet junkies forums, the best car I've ever had was a 328 E92 and now I have that in the best sports coupe ever made in its category for 5 consecutive years form, so if you wanna stuff ur F30 with endless M sport mods to get there and not get even close, that's pathetic.

so defensive its pathetic

did i even once state you have a shit car? no
did i trash talk your car? no
did i say my car was better than yours? no

my discussion was about some courtesy and manners, but obviously you couldnt see that

hate to work with someone like you aye

[princefemi]

Originally Posted by pkim1079

I don't understand BMW drag races I agree. The F30 seems to kick the e90 in the ass pretty hard in terms of driving dynamics.

Does the F30 really kick the ass of the e90 dynamically? I could have sworn that the concensus amongst car reviewers is that the edge goes the e90 when it comes to sportiness and driving dynamics. While many of the reviewers regard the F30 as a competent sports sedan (undisputed segment leader not so much anymore), they believe the F30 has moved towards the center and dialed down the sportiness to apease a broader audience. Every objective car reviewer has given the nod to the Cadillac ATS when it comes to driving dynamics. Comparison reviews of the new Lexus IS don't bode too well for the F30 either. The IS trounces the F30 in handling dynamics, slalom runs, and figure-eight tests despite its power deficit. The e90 would have faired better againt both of these cars. While the F30 is a great car, driving/handling dynamics is not its strongest suite. I don't understand how the F30 kicks the ass of the e90. Am I missing something or did you mean to write e30?

[pkimM3r]

Originally Posted by princefemi

Does the F30 really kick the ass of the e90 dynamically? I could have sworn that the concensus amongst car reviewers is that the edge goes the e90 when it comes to sportiness and driving dynamics. While many of the reviewers regard the F30 as a competent sports sedan (undisputed segment leader not so much anymore), they believe the F30 has moved towards the center and dialed down the sportiness to apease a broader audience. Every objective car reviewer has given the nod to the Cadillac ATS when it comes to driving dynamics. Comparison reviews of the new Lexus IS don't bode too well for the F30 either. The IS trounces the F30 in handling dynamics, slalom runs, and figure-eight tests despite its power deficit. The e90 would have faired better againt both of these cars. While the F30 is a great car, driving/handling dynamics is not its strongest suite. I don't understand how the F30 kicks the ass of the e90. Am I missing something or did you mean to write e30?

All I see when I read those articles are "steering feels disconnected" and once you get past that, you will notice how good the car turns in and how rigid the chassis is. Put some real tires on an F30 with proper sports suspension and you will feel the difference. Driving "feeling" wise the e90 may be better but performance wise the F30 is better. Turns better, goes faster, is more comfy, blah, blah, etc. People get over worked about a little body roll and automatically think oh this car can't handle. Take it up a notch and turn through the body roll and it comes out squatting nicely into/out of the turn.

I own an e90 m3 and had an F30 328i. The F30 was actually pretty impressive on the track and autox and drives much smaller than it is. Others on the forum who frequent the track will agree.

(I don't really pay attention to carmag reviews.)

If you are telling me that an F30 328i sport < e90 328i sport than thats just lol. The f30 may lack steering feel (yes the new steering sucks balls) and the n20 may sound like utter crap (yes it sounds like shit), but thats about all it loses to the e90.

EDIT: Just read all the posts above and regarding my stating that the F30 is better than the e90 - I am NOT including e9x M3's. Only the non-M models. The e9x M3 interior is pretty fucking awesome and I love it more than the F30 I had, BUT have you e9x M3 owners seen the same interior of a non-M?! I dont know what it is but they don't seem as great of an interior (wheel, gauges, buttons, carbon, leather everywhere, etc) or maybe its just the non-M e9x cars I have sat in that had crappy interior options.

That being said, the F80 could pretty much be HOLY SHIT BATMAN! (my e90 is slowly going to be gutted into a track car so I don't mind having to keep it with a new model out and a V8).

[westphone]

Yes more than 20 years has passed, I still find it very privileged to be able to own and drive something more powerful than the E30 M3.

[tc328]

Everyone has a diff taste

I love the E36, E9x, F30..but hate the E46 (ugly as hell)

[tony20009]

Interesting to watch. At least it's nice to know that if one buys an old M3, it's still got enough umph to hang with the regular cars on the road today.

Not sure that I'd think of the 320d as a regular car. 320i seems more regular to me, being that here in the US its base price makes it very accessible, but it may be different over there in the UK. I suspect the M3 would still beat the 320i in the 1/4 mile, but maybe not. It would probably be no less close a race.