[kmenard]

I have heard one of the knocks on this car is the handling. I haven't had it on the course yet, but I haven't found an exit/entrance ramp this thing doesn't love!

Still need some winter tires, but the traction control works almost a little too well...as I found out when trying to play a little in the snow today

[Billfitz]

It's a family car, it's not supposed to handle like an M2, or look like one either. It's amazing how many people just don't get it.

[TigerTrump]

On a smooth road, an F30 probably handles better, but in my opinion on a bumpy back road the GT is better. I have driven both, and the F30 doesn't have enough suspension travel to cope with driving my favourite roads fast. So it really depends on where you drive.

[phnikola]

For a person coming from 4 years X3 use, my GT handles SUPERB... I could not ask for more...

[falome2]

GT is a Unique by itself. Starting from its design. I would say GT is better of both worlds (Sporty enough along with comfort) Push your throttle the 240 or 300 HP pushes you when in need or take it easy and enjoy the ride. The rear active spoiler that comes up automatically at 60mph is super stylish and claimed to give you more traction at high speeds by keeping the car stitched to the road. My fellow GT mates have you ever enjoyed the boot open sit and have a drink at your campsite? such a wonderful feeling and so glad to have the flat bench style trunk like the SUV's. The GT it is if you want a Sedan but you like the road clearance and utility similar to a crossover. Enjoy folks!

[peikko]

It handles really nicely and I prefer the driving position as well. I wouldn't trust it as much as a regular 3 saloon but do more than most other cars...

Plus U.K. roads are terrible and it copes.

[ipilcher]

Pre-LCI adaptive suspension was insanely floaty/bouncy in comfort mode. (I found myself driving in sport mode on rough roads just to stay in control.)

Thank goodness for Dinan Shockware!

[Lazarus.Bird]

Agree with a lot of the sentiments here. I think the GT is a great best of both worlds compromise. Being 6'5" I love all the extra room, especially as a new dad, and living in Pittsburgh where we have potholes galore I love the extra clearance and slightly higher ride. I got hit with round 1 of the nor'easter in Philly last week. About a foot of snow on unplowed and unsalted roads. I was going up hills like a champ, and didn't have to worry about ground clearance when turning off a plowed road to an unplowed road with mounds of snow stacked up.

I also think the car is a blast to drive, especially with mine with the 6 cylinder and DHP. I've driven a few loaners from my local dealership while having my car worked on. Standard 3 series obviously zips around a little better, but also feels a bit like a go kart and I feel like I'm going to fly off the road going over a bump. Standard 5 series feels like I'm driving a damn boat. I was rather uncomfortable in it.

Definitely happy with my purchase 8 months later and wouldn't change a thing. Only downside to the 3GT is because of their unpopularity, it can be a bit hard to find exactly what you want on the used market!

[Richbot]

The chassis balance is pretty good on square summer tires. With all that ass moving weight rearward it’s no surprise. But for a sport sedan it’s heavy, tall with a high center of gravity and very softly sprung. E90xi we had before this one was a much better handling car. But it gets the job done and is the best babymobile in this small of footprint on the market imo.

[Richbot]

Originally Posted by TigerTrump

On a smooth road, an F30 probably handles better, but in my opinion on a bumpy back road the GT is better. I have driven both, and the F30 doesn't have enough suspension travel to cope with driving my favourite roads fast. So it really depends on where you drive.

We’ve put 60000 miles on ours and I am confident the GT is a hot mess when pushed hard. All those nice things about it (long wheelbase in particular) that make it a fine car driven at a brisk pace fall apart when you really start to cane it.

And that’s ok, that’s not what it’s for, and most BMW’s are the same way. That’s why m cars happen

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by Richbot

for a sport sedan it’s heavy, tall with a high center of gravity and very softly sprung.

It's not a sport sedan. That would be the F30. It's has some sporty elements, but above all it is a practical family car. Two of the reasons I bought mine were the higher driving position and the better ride than the other F3* models. I value comfort, and my days of thinking myself as Mario Andretti ended around the same time Mario himself retired from racing.

[Richbot]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

It's not a sport sedan. That would be the F30. It's has some sporty elements, but above all it is a practical family car. Two of the reasons I bought mine were the higher driving position and the better ride than the other F3* models. I value comfort, and my days of thinking myself as Mario Andretti ended around the same time Mario himself retired from racing.

Are you talking to yourself? Read the post directly above yours

[captive411]

The F34 is my first sports sedan. Just upgraded from a Jetta. I have to say, although I love the upgrade in every possible way, you do feel the weight of this car. I don't mind it since I'm not taking corners at speed with my son in his carseat, but it is noticeable even to a first time Bimmer owner.

Again, I still love driving this car every day.

[yippy77]

Originally Posted by captive411

The F34 is my first sports sedan. Just upgraded from a Jetta. I have to say, although I love the upgrade in every possible way, you do feel the weight of this car. I don't mind it since I'm not taking corners at speed with my son in his carseat, but it is noticeable even to a first time Bimmer owner.

Again, I still love driving this car every day.

The cornering and general handling do take a bit of getting used to - especially if you leave it in Comfort mode. Coming from an E90 sedan I was not happy the first few drives but I have quickly got used to it, understand more what the car’s handling limits are and appreciate all the added benefits. As has been mentioned, given the size, weight and height it’s going to behave quite different to a lighter, lower sports sedan. One of the comments from a YouTube review struck home with me - they were saying it makes more sense to think of the 3 GT as a slightly cheaper alternative to a 5 series BMW. If you compare how a 5 handles I can see that similarity.

[khailuan]

Also coming from an E90 335i XDrive, the handling is not at the same level which is expected. The understeer is very apparent specially in sport mode. However I'm fine with all that and agree with most of the comments in this thread: it's not the purpose of this car. The advantages over the E90 more than make up for this small setback. The extra legroom in the back, the comfort of the M Adaptive Dampers, the huge trunk, the higher seating; it offers the best of both sedan and sav.

[Tribalpinoy911]

H&R makes a spring specifically for the F34 GT xdrive. Lowers 1.75F 1.4R. Don't know if you'll need new camber arms or if you'll need to upgrade your shocks though..

[dub2moto]

I find our '14 3GT has too little rebound damping. So, over sharp speed bumps, the wheels SNAP back down. Also, in faster sweepers, with bumps, you get un-controlled pitch. So, for us non-sport or adaptive damper owners, what options exist for better shocks?

DubMoto

[Billfitz]

You do know the purpose of speed bumps, right?

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

You do know the purpose of speed bumps, right?

The only speed bump I've ever snapped over were the ones I didn't notice in time to crawl over! Nice that more/most are now painted/marked in some way.

[Tribalpinoy911]

If you can find a set of lowering springs for this specific model being sold in the US. I've seen ac schnitzer at about .5 drop all around and h&r at 1.9f and 1.4r I believe.

I couldn't seem to find a specific set for our models anywhere