[Just_me]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Driven: new BMW 3-series

Rating:


What is it?

The first F30 (sixth generation) BMW 3-series that we’ve got behind the wheel of, which goes on sale at the start of 2012. It’s bigger than before (37mm wider in the front track, 47mm in the rear, with 50mm added to the wheelbase), and yet it’s 40kg lighter. All 3s will now be turbos, and the 328i is now fitted with a 245bhp four-cylinder unit.

Technical highlights?

There are four different handling modes - Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, each altering ride, steering and throttle responses. In Eco Pro mode even such things as the level of air con, heated seats and mirrors are reduced to help you make that next petrol station. The six-speed manual comes as standard, but BMW’s eight-speed auto is also now available across the range (for £1500).

What’s it like to drive?

Very impressive. Despite being a bigger car it doesn’t feel it, thanks to that 40kg weight loss over than the outgoing model. It retains the same balance and handling qualities from before, only now it also rides better. Improvements to run-flat tyre technology allied to damping developments and a stiffer chassis have combined to make this 3-series more composed than ever before. Sport mode can be used all the time, and Sport+ won’t rattle your fillings out.

How does it compare?

Positively. It steps the game on from the previous generation and is destined to build on the success that has seen some 12.5 million 3-series sold since 1975. Chief rivals - the Audi A4 (261bhp/214g/km) and Mercedes C-class (201bhp/161g/km) - can't match the BMW's 245bhp/149g/km performance and economy balance, and it's more fun to drive, too.

Anything else I need to know?

Inside the cockpit remains as driver focused as before – to the extent that front passenger space feels a little impinged. There are three main trim levels - Modern, Luxury and Sport – although we won’t get the Sport here in the UK, as M Sport will arrive in March.

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evoc...w_3series.html

[justinnum1]

Very nice, just have to decide now about the $300 steering and $900 m suspension. Unfortunately i wont be able to test anything before i order/buy.

[F30 King]

nice!

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

Very nice, just have to decide now about the $300 steering and $900 m suspension. Unfortunately i wont be able to test anything before i order/buy.

That's easy, as with any other BMW you ALWAYS avoid the steering and ALWAYS get the upgraded suspension.

The base suspension does not change based on the driving mode you select, and if it's anything like the base suspension in our non-sport F10 5 series, it's absolutely terrible. It's literally too soft to even be comfortable, the car floats way too much and you can actually jam into the bump stops if you hit a pot hole or go through a particularly bad intersection (plenty of those in San Diego).

The base suspension on my previous E90 was alright, but the sport suspension is eaaasily worth the few hundred bucks extra.

Actually, go drive an F10 with base and sport suspension and see what you think, I'm willing to bet they're using the same systems on the F30.

[TheBingoBalls]

Didn't BMW switch to a no-charge of choice on transmission (it wasn't extra if you wanted an AT?)

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by Remonster

That's easy, as with any other BMW you ALWAYS avoid the steering and ALWAYS get the upgraded suspension.

The base suspension does not change based on the driving mode you select, and if it's anything like the base suspension in our non-sport F10 5 series, it's absolutely terrible. It's literally too soft to even be comfortable, the car floats way too much and you can actually jam into the bump stops if you hit a pot hole or go through a particularly bad intersection (plenty of those in San Diego).

The base suspension on my previous E90 was alright, but the sport suspension is eaaasily worth the few hundred bucks extra.

Actually, go drive an F10 with base and sport suspension and see what you think, I'm willing to bet they're using the same systems on the F30.

I had an e90 335 sport and a e90 328 non sport, so i know BMW sport suspensions are amazing. Perfect blend of sport and luxury. The Msuspension sounds nice but not sure i need it. The regular sport should be just fine, tho the 10mm drop does sounds nice. Also dont know how stiff it will be, to stiff or not stiff enough.

[M-Power111]

I wonder where the half star went.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by M-Power111

I wonder where the half star went.

this. it beat its competitors too so idk what happened

[clar]

Originally Posted by M-Power111

I wonder where the half star went.

I guess they were trying to avoid sounding like fanboys.

[bmwdinamo]

[QUOTE=

[DaveL]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

Very nice, just have to decide now about the $300 steering and $900 m suspension. Unfortunately i wont be able to test anything before i order/buy.

Leaving a 335 for an F30 328?? Down grade.

[iwannabimmer]

Originally Posted by DaveL

Leaving a 335 for an F30 328?? Down grade.

No, he is upgrading, because F30 > E90 based on looks from pictures and magazine reviews so far.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by clar

I guess they were trying to avoid sounding like fanboys.

Nah. Trying to save/help Audi/Mercedes from embarrassment.

[/fanboy]

[akhter]

Originally Posted by 宝马.e90

Didn't BMW switch to a no-charge of choice on transmission (it wasn't extra if you wanted an AT?)

for US i believe 8sp AT is standard and MT is a no cost option.

There is an upgraded sports AT for a few hundred more.

[1on135_deal]

i wonder when the 335xi will come out?

[piloto]

About $5,000 for an individual color iirc. Go with Steve Thomas BMW and ask for Ryan Amico. They had me approved and good to go on a Moonstone E90, but I chickened out and went with AW instead.

[JohnMan]

It's interesting so far the one real mixed/somewhat negative review comes from C&D when they usually worship the 3 series. What does that mean I wonder?

[M3WC]

Originally Posted by DaveL

Leaving a 335 for an F30 328?? Down grade.

I am doing the same thing and I can't wait.

Once I heard the 328i was getting a turbo 4 I was sold. I wouldn't touch the 328i prior to this change.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by JetBlack5OC

I am doing the same thing and I can't wait.

Once I heard the 328i was getting a turbo 4 I was sold. I wouldn't touch the 328i prior to this change.

Why not? straight-six, NA engine. Fuel consumption isn't great but it isn't bad as. I think it works as a no frills car that you just drive that's smooth and handles great.

[M3WC]

Originally Posted by 宝马.e90

Why not? straight-six, NA engine. Fuel consumption isn't great but it isn't bad as. I think it works as a no frills car that you just drive that's smooth and handles great.

I mod every car I own. Even my daily driver, as this will be. I have a feeling the N20 is going to be one of most modded BMW engines ever. The 328i with the NA straight six has no room for improvement, it is what it is. Good smooth powerplant, just not for me.

[vladberca]

Great reviews so far. N20 has big potential for modding

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by JohnMan

It's interesting so far the one real mixed/somewhat negative review comes from C&D when they usually worship the 3 series. What does that mean I wonder?

It means you have to drive it for yourself and not rely on the heavily biased automotive magazine industry. Basically whoever is hooking up the mags the best will get the better reviews. Its all subjective, i personally prefer 335 over s4 after driving both, but since C&D says otherwise, am i wrong? NO.