08-22-2012, 06:38 PM | #1 | |
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Top Gear Tests the F31 328i Touring - Misses only the sound of the inline six
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08-23-2012, 04:28 AM | #3 |
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Interesting that there is the comment on the steering being "sharper" than the previous generation. Also "the steering is beautifully judged, stable at speed but agile in bends". TopGear are usually very critical of such things, but wait for the "steering is dumbed down" comments once users get hold of the touring.
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08-23-2012, 05:07 PM | #6 | |
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08-23-2012, 05:40 PM | #7 |
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Great review...
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08-24-2012, 06:39 PM | #8 | |
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08-24-2012, 06:49 PM | #10 | |
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WHO'S THE BOSS
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08-24-2012, 07:09 PM | #11 |
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I recently had an F30 while my E91 was in the shop. The editor's comment regarding the audible character of the N20 engine is right on. It's fast, but sounds only slightly better than our 7 year old Civic. The whole car felt lighter, and was remarkable quick when you wanted it to be. Steering felt a lot lighter than the E91, but wasn't bad per se, just never had that same tactile feel.
Curious how the 320d will stack up when that's released (hopefully stateside). |
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08-24-2012, 08:46 PM | #12 | |
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I know the F30 is still in it's early stages but I'm really interested to see what BMW does with the steering on the LCI model. I'm thinking if Audi can make such adjustments, BMW should as well. |
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08-25-2012, 07:40 AM | #15 | |
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FWIW, BMW documentation seems to say the former (only changes behavior at extreme steering angles), as they suggest it's actually of the most benefit for parking (but then why call it 'sport'?). Also I find it hard to believe that BMW would feel that non-linear steering is a good idea, but then wasn't that what the 'Active Steering' (as seen on other models) was doing? In any case, I've test driven an f30 320d (Sport Line on 18") with what I was told was standard servotronic steering, and it was perfect for me. Perfectly linear, just enough directness (not so much to make it nervous), ideally weighted (in Sport mode), and the supposed lack of feedback was not something I even noticed. In fact it's been a while since I felt I 'blended' so naturally with a car - for the steering feedback to become a limiting factor you'd have to be on a track (or drive like a complete nutcase). |
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08-25-2012, 07:54 AM | #16 |
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As an owner of an F30 328i, I do agree with the medium revs, medium throttle uninspired drone. Although to be fair, I very rarely find myself in that situation. Because peak torque is in at 1200rpm and hangs about 'till 4800rpm, it needs diesel like revs to move it. With the 8AT in D and the driving mode in Comfort, climbing to motorway speeds doesn't really see it go past 2300/2500rpm and this remains much the same in daily driving. This engine speed means it's still damn near silent. The only points where this situation occurs is in overtaking as the transmission smoothly drops a few cogs and has the revs around 3000-5000. Or, like in Scotland a few weeks ago, on back roads where you're not sure if something is coming the other way. Mind you, those roads were so good it was booted good style in Sport and DS and oh yeah, that sounds good!
BUT, does it sound as good as the 330d? My 330d. My E90 LCI 245ps unit. No, it doesn't. I love my 28i to bits, but if I could've, I would've gone for the 30d again in the F30 and I think this is the most logical and actually best choice if you're in that market. For those few that don't know why I didn't get the 330d, it wasn't on the market in time as I ordered in March for May production. Economy is remaining around the 38-41mpg (UK) mark which is okay, but I wanted something more like 41-44mpg. F30 328i 8AT WOT sound E90 LCI 330d 6MT WOT sound
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08-25-2012, 08:19 AM | #17 | |
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08-25-2012, 09:57 AM | #18 | |
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08-25-2012, 01:13 PM | #19 | |
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08-25-2012, 05:20 PM | #20 | |
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08-25-2012, 06:17 PM | #21 |
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I thought the Adaptive changes the boost based on speed.
The Bimmerpost review didn't like the std steering so it seems there is not a consensus. I guess get out and drive it if you can. |
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08-26-2012, 09:05 AM | #22 |
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Less body roll than E90? This makes no sense. Most reviews say the opposite is true. I have an E92 and even with drive there is very little body roll. I've only experienced a tad bit more in the E90's I've driven. For the F30 to have less would be quite the accomplishment but I don't understand how this review is in such stark contrast to almost all others.
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