[Noor]

I was wondering out of all the six genertations are F30 engines (N20 and N55) the most powerful engines ever made for the 3-Series excluding the M.

1. Is the F30 the most powerful 3-Series?
2. Does the F30 have the best handling?

[Noor]

When choosing No, please state "why" for our learnings

[JoeyO]

Power is measured in horsepower units (in the USA). Horsepower is published for each car. Can't you look it up to get an answer? The answer is not really somebody's opinion.

I was confused by the question, so I answered "No".

[ZheHbKa]

power wise N54 is more powerfull then N55, other engines offered for US market seem to be progressing upward.

handling is way to early to tell, very few people got a chance to drive F30's enough to make that judgement

[Jadar]

Originally Posted by Noor

When choosing No, please state "why" for our learnings

Well for one the F30 is the new generation. The old gen was the E9X, and previous was E46 so still to say that, the most powerfull ''horsepower wise'' non M 3er was and still is the 335is. Now this is strictly 3 series wise, other models may have come with a bit more power with the same engine.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Noor

I was wondering out of all the six genertations are F30 engines (N20 and N55) the most powerful engines ever made for the 3-Series excluding the M.

1. Is the F30 the most powerful 3-Series?
2. Does the F30 have the best handling?

Most powerful ... as said the HP ratings are published.

But the answer to the 2 questions... "power to weight" ratio has a lot to do with how I perceive the most 'powerful'. No good having big BHP numbers if the car is too heavy to haul it around.

As to handling, many will like the older models with 4-cylinder engines, which were lighter, better balanced and more nimble to drive. Then handling is subjective, unless we directly compare by testing.

HighlandPete

[jwilly]

HP/L? The N20.

Joel

[DrivenByE30]

might be the most powerful yes...


but might NOT be the one providing the most joyful experience...

each generation has its own way of communicating pleasure to the driver,
this F30 is certainly not overshadowing the previous generation...

I am still getting so much giggles out of my 230,000 miles E36 328i, it might be slower compared to the F30, but it doesn't have that slight turbo lag.

[Noor]

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

might be the most powerful yes...


but might NOT be the one providing the most joyful experience...

each generation has its own way of communicating pleasure to the driver,
this F30 is certainly not overshadowing the previous generation...

I am still getting so much giggles out of my 230,000 miles E36 328i, it might be slower compared to the F30, but it doesn't have that slight turbo lag.

You are a true Bimmer!!! 3 3-Series wow!!! can you post pics of them side by side

[bimmerjph]

I don't think the F30 is the most powerful. Because wasn't the E90's N54 actually producing closer to 325ish hp, and aren't the N55's topping out at around 315ish.