04-04-2016, 04:32 PM | #1 |
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C&D review: 340i xDrive
Overall a very positive review, except (big surprise) for steering feedback. Even the explanation isn't entirely surprising, though it sure as hell is disappointing:
Asked why 3-series steering is less communicative these days, two BMW chassis engineers have told us that they could match the feedback provided by electric assist with what they used to provide with hydraulic power steering, but “our customers don’t want it.” This is what happens when your primary mission is chasing volume in an attempt to beat Mercedes-Benz and Lexus for the luxury-brand sales crown year after year.http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ve-test-review
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04-04-2016, 05:02 PM | #2 |
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04-04-2016, 05:48 PM | #3 |
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Curious as to why the 340s are always showing slower 1/4mi times than the cars they replaced even with better power numbers and better butt dyno impressions. This C&D article is a case in point.
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04-04-2016, 06:01 PM | #5 | |
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04-04-2016, 06:05 PM | #6 |
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Weight. The 340 weighs more than the 335, sad but true. The 335xi 8AT tested at 3739. This 340xi with lighter 6 speed tips the scales at 3802.
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04-04-2016, 06:21 PM | #7 | |
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04-04-2016, 06:25 PM | #8 | |
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04-04-2016, 06:31 PM | #9 |
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There's a lot of variables in 0-60 times, especially with a manual. They still haven't tested a 340i xDrive 8-sp with the track package, most likely the quickest combination.
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04-04-2016, 07:04 PM | #10 |
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[QUOTE=NightWriter;19696333]Overall a very positive review, except (big surprise) for steering feedback. Even the explanation isn't entirely surprising, though it sure as hell is disappointing:
Asked why 3-series steering is less communicative these days, two BMW chassis engineers have told us that they could match the feedback provided by electric assist with what they used to provide with hydraulic power steering, but “our customers don’t want it.” This is what happens when your primary mission is chasing volume in an attempt to beat Mercedes-Benz and Lexus for the luxury-brand sales crown year after year.So for those "that DO want it" , which is probably everyone in this entire forum, what is the fix? Anyone have ideas or insight? Is it a simple module, coding, hardwear....?! If its simple coding or a module to fix my F series to feel like my old E90.... i would pay money!
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04-04-2016, 07:14 PM | #11 |
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Love everything about my 340i xDrive. It hauls ass for sure.
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04-04-2016, 08:01 PM | #13 |
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Odd that they could just make the E90 steering feel an iDrive option if they wanted to. Why not give the option and make everybody happy? Isn't that what the technology is for?
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04-04-2016, 08:58 PM | #14 |
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Magazines just say that about BMWs now because it's the vogue thing to do.
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04-04-2016, 09:30 PM | #15 |
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The E9X 335i x drive manual did 4.7 to 60 (C/D test). This was the version with the N55. Quite keen to see how the AT performs but all of the 340i tests are making my decision to sit out on the LCI and hang on to my 335hp N55 a tad more palatable.
Let's hope the AT tests make me eat my words
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04-04-2016, 09:55 PM | #16 |
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odd the 340 was faster (a tenth) than the 340X; and in triple digits a lot faster. Very interesting. Awesome that C&D only reviewing the manuals, #SaveTheManuals !!!
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04-04-2016, 10:23 PM | #17 | |
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04-05-2016, 06:39 AM | #18 | |
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Wonder how much longer BMW will keep the manuals. If none of their competition are doing it... I suppose sales numbers are the key. Curious what they were on the S4/S5 now that Audi has ditched the manual. Once manuals go I may be forced to have two cars. Been always leasing and having a fun daily driver in stick. Screw 0-60 times. I want to feel connected to the car through that pedal and stick. BMW hasn't figured out how to dial out the feel, tactile sensations, vibrations from there yet to keep their customers happy! |
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04-05-2016, 08:12 AM | #19 | |
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04-05-2016, 08:24 AM | #20 | ||
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04-05-2016, 08:29 AM | #21 |
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If the goal is to achieve ever increasing levels of refinement, then yes, filtering out steering feel is going to happen. The typical "luxury" customer doesn't want to feel road imperfections and vibration make their way to the wheel much less into the cabin. I also wonder if its just easier for crash test scores/safety, to engineer more isolated sub systems (sub frames/ crumple zones/ collapsable steering columns, etc) to achieve this refinement and not have to figure out how transmit some level of feel thru all these systems. The engineers probably don't want to get into those discussions.
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04-05-2016, 08:36 AM | #22 | |
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Sure it's a bit lighter. But to imply that it sucks is just silly. From all the negative press. I was fully prepared to hate the f30 steering. Then I drove one (albeit without vss), it's still very good imo. You want the old unrefined steering feel? Stick with the old unrefined car.... Last edited by vtown; 04-05-2016 at 08:43 AM.. |
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