F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > Got a Brand New G20 Loaner- Some thoughts
GetBMWParts
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-18-2019, 01:57 PM   #1
Savageenterprise
Captain
United_States
981
Rep
640
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 (E93)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Out and about

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Got a Brand New G20 Loaner- Some thoughts

So I took my car in for service today and they gave me a brand new 330i xdrive as a loaner. Just figured I'd share a few things about the car...

Exterior- Please see pics. Ugly IMO but the rims spec'd on this one are pretty nice. The grill as we all know is a massive fail and just stares you in the face.

Interior- I would say fit and finish is pretty decent. Some of the control buttons being metal is a nice touch but I wish they would go all or nothing. They have these nice metal buttons next to plastic ones which makes it a bit wonky looking.

Seating position is nice and there is enough adjust ability in the steering wheel that I'm sure you'll be able to find a comfortable arm resting position.

Gauges are all digital on this G20 and you can toggle a few different displays on the right side. One of the things included that I thought was cool is a G meter.

But the dash, although nice looking, is flawed and here's why. When sitting in the car the whole dash and radio buttons, controls etc is a lot lower than in my F30. It's almost as if it all got smushed down...

The shift knob is also really easy to bump in and out of gear. I only mention this because I put the car into neutral while driving about 5 times. The radio buttons are much lower and because they're so low my forearm bumped the shifter by accident and caused me to bump into neutral several times. For example if you had water bottles in the cup holders they would completely block them. You could obviously just use the S/W buttons but since I'm not familiar with the car I figured I'd set some presets for my short driving experience.

Tranny- A bit clunky coming to a stop sign with a slow roll through. My F30 is a stick so I don't know how the G20 compares to an Auto F30 but I was kind of disappointed to feel that clunkiness. I also tried both sport and comfort modes to see if it would still happen and it did.

Shifting though, when driving in Manual mode, is lightning fast both up and down.

Suspension- So I would say this is where this model is exceptional compared to my 340. This car has standard suspension and so does mine. Going over bumps in the G20 is a lot less harsh and even low speed cornering is much more flat compared to my car. It's enough of a difference that I noticed it just driving through some curvy side blocks to my house.

Anyway, just figured I'd give my two cents on the car since they're still new and there aren't too many around just yet. Personally, I don't think I'd go for a G20 once my lease is up. Cheers folks
Attached Images
    
__________________
"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."

Last edited by Savageenterprise; 07-19-2019 at 07:18 AM..
Appreciate 2
johnung4512.00
      07-18-2019, 02:11 PM   #2
Wolfus Aurelius
Lieutenant
Wolfus Aurelius's Avatar
133
Rep
433
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 328i (gold/cream)
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Da Swamp

iTrader: (0)

Exterior is nice; I like that color, and wish they would offer more light interiors. I think you're right, though, about the instrument panel. It looks a bit like they're trying too hard to make it resemble an iPhone. Is the night lighting still orange?
Appreciate 1
      07-18-2019, 02:30 PM   #3
Savageenterprise
Captain
United_States
981
Rep
640
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 (E93)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Out and about

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolfus Aurelius View Post
Exterior is nice; I like that color, and wish they would offer more light interiors. I think you're right, though, about the instrument panel. It looks a bit like they're trying too hard to make it resemble an iPhone. Is the night lighting still orange?
not sure. I've only had it for the afternoon so I havent seen it at night.

That being said, you know you can toggle the ambient lighting in the F30 right? Between Classic and Sport. Classic is the Orange ambient lighting and White is the Sport.
__________________
"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2019, 02:38 PM   #4
ndx6spd
Private First Class
79
Rep
156
Posts

Drives: 2015 335i x
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Detroit

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Savageenterprise View Post
Exterior- Please see pics. Ugly IMO but the rims spec'd on this one are pretty nice
ya, nice rims
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2019, 02:43 PM   #5
Wolfus Aurelius
Lieutenant
Wolfus Aurelius's Avatar
133
Rep
433
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 328i (gold/cream)
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Da Swamp

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Savageenterprise View Post
not sure. I've only had it for the afternoon so I havent seen it at night.

That being said, you know you can toggle the ambient lighting in the F30 right? Between Classic and Sport. Classic is the Orange ambient lighting and White is the Sport.
I don't have a Classic setting in my 2015 -- not that I have seen in the manual, anyway. The only change I know of to make to the lighting is the brightness/dimness.
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2019, 02:57 PM   #6
Savageenterprise
Captain
United_States
981
Rep
640
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 (E93)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Out and about

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by ndx6spd View Post
ya, nice rims
lol. I know I didn't post a side pic...I'll snap one later
__________________
"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."
Appreciate 1
ndx6spd79.00
      07-18-2019, 07:17 PM   #7
Wires
Brigadier General
Canada
1637
Rep
4,843
Posts

Drives: 2016 340i xDrive
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Calgary

iTrader: (0)

One of the beefs a reviewer had about the dash is the lack of configurability. It's just an LCD screen so you can technically do anything with it.

I'd say Audi for the win with their "virtual cockpit". They do a better job with the flexibility of that space and content you can display.

Great to hear about the handling. The notes before it was launched was it was meant to reclaim the "ultimate driving machine" with less body roll.
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2019, 07:21 AM   #8
Savageenterprise
Captain
United_States
981
Rep
640
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 (E93)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Out and about

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wires View Post
One of the beefs a reviewer had about the dash is the lack of configurability. It's just an LCD screen so you can technically do anything with it.

I'd say Audi for the win with their "virtual cockpit". They do a better job with the flexibility of that space and content you can display.

Great to hear about the handling. The notes before it was launched was it was meant to reclaim the "ultimate driving machine" with less body roll.
I agree with you on Audi for the virtual cockpit. Before I leased my wife her Acura RDX I sat in a new body Q5 with VC. I mean it was just absolutely perfect and screen resolution, ergonomics etc were spot on.
__________________
"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2019, 07:38 AM   #9
BMWILUVU
Lieutenant Colonel
809
Rep
1,597
Posts

Drives: 340ix
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: The Boibs

iTrader: (0)

The 330 has surprising power for a 4-pot and it handles like an F30 LCI. IMO, the G20 grille is still unattractive and some of the buttons look cheap and have super-small labels on them. During my drive, I did not even look at the virtual cockpit.
Appreciate 2
      07-19-2019, 07:40 AM   #10
jubu
New Member
jubu's Avatar
United_States
10
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: F34 328i xDrive GT
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern NJ

iTrader: (0)

I agree with and noticed most of the points mentioned above when I also got it as a loaner recently--it hasn't really won me over. I'm particularly not fond of the Lexus-ish style rear.

Plus my toddler wouldn't stop screaming "Hey BMW" and activating the hands-free assistant since he's seen the BMW commercials...not sure how much of that I could take if I had to drive it much longer.
__________________
Appreciate 1
      07-19-2019, 08:07 AM   #11
johnung
Major General
United_States
4512
Rep
5,377
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW 335i x-Drive Auto
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: New Jersey/Philadelphia

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Savageenterprise View Post
So I took my car in for service today and they gave me a brand new 330i xdrive as a loaner. Just figured I'd share a few things about the car...

Exterior- Please see pics. Ugly IMO but the rims spec'd on this one are pretty nice. The grill as we all know is a massive fail and just stares you in the face.

Interior- I would say fit and finish is pretty decent. Some of the control buttons being metal is a nice touch but I wish they would go all or nothing. They have these nice metal buttons next to plastic ones which makes it a bit wonky looking.

Seating position is nice and there is enough adjust ability in the steering wheel that I'm sure you'll be able to find a comfortable arm resting position.

Gauges are all digital on this G20 and you can toggle a few different displays on the right side. One of the things included that I thought was cool is a G meter.

But the dash, although nice looking, is flawed and here's why. When sitting in the car the whole dash and radio buttons, controls etc is a lot lower than in my F30. It's almost as if it all got smushed down...

The shift knob is also really easy to bump in and out of gear. I only mention this because I put the car into neutral while driving about 5 times. The radio buttons are much lower and because they're so low my forearm bumped the shifter by accident and caused me to bump into neutral several times. For example if you had water bottles in the cup holders they would completely block them. You could obviously just use the S/W buttons but since I'm not familiar with the car I figured I'd set some presets for my short driving experience.

Tranny- A bit clunky coming to a stop sign with a slow roll through. My F30 is a stick so I don't know how the G20 compares to an Auto F30 but I was kind of disappointed to feel that clunkiness. I also tried both sport and comfort modes to see if it would still happen and it did.

Shifting though, when driving in Manual mode, is lightning fast both up and down.

Suspension- So I would say this is where this model is exceptional compared to my 340. This car has standard suspension and so does mine. Going over bumps in the G20 is a lot less harsh and even low speed cornering is much more flat compared to my car. It's enough of a difference that I noticed it just driving through some curvy side blocks to my house.

Anyway, just figured I'd give my two cents on the car since they're still new and there aren't too many around just yet. Personally, I don't think I'd go for a G20 once my lease is up. Cheers folks
Thanks for taking the time to post. That front end sticks out like lipstick on a pig. I'd be blackening those kidneys out immediately.

Agree. Those wheels are nice. 19's? What size and model tires are they using now?
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2019, 09:00 AM   #12
Savageenterprise
Captain
United_States
981
Rep
640
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 (E93)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Out and about

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by jubu View Post
I agree with and noticed most of the points mentioned above when I also got it as a loaner recently--it hasn't really won me over. I'm particularly not fond of the Lexus-ish style rear.

Plus my toddler wouldn't stop screaming "Hey BMW" and activating the hands-free assistant since he's seen the BMW commercials...not sure how much of that I could take if I had to drive it much longer.
__________________
"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2019, 09:05 AM   #13
Savageenterprise
Captain
United_States
981
Rep
640
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 (E93)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Out and about

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWILUVU View Post
The 330 has surprising power for a 4-pot and it handles like an F30 LCI. IMO, the G20 grille is still unattractive and some of the buttons look cheap and have super-small labels on them. During my drive, I did not even look at the virtual cockpit.
It does actually have a suprising amount of power TBH, I don't think I mentioned that. The handling though is definitely better in the G20. I have an LCI F30 as mine is an 18' and the cornering is flatter with less body roll in the G20.
__________________
"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2019, 09:59 AM   #14
upsidedownfunnel
Colonel
United_States
1996
Rep
2,499
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2014 BMW 335i  [0.00]
I personally like it. I saw an M340i the other day, and other than the strange grille pattern, I thought it looked like a nice modern interpretation of a 3 series. It's not the prettiest 3 series, but it's definitely not the worst either.

I think as we see more of these G20s driving around, our F30s are going to start looking really old. The F30 didn't look that much more modern than the E90, but the E90 started looking old fairly quickly. BMW always seems to do an "evolution/revolution" approach to styling (E36/E46, E90/F30) so that every other generation is a fairly big jump in styling. When the E90 came out, the E46 (though still one of my favorite 3 series) started looking really old.
Appreciate 1
Schmitz241.00
      07-19-2019, 09:59 AM   #15
adhrp
Lieutenant Colonel
adhrp's Avatar
1212
Rep
1,545
Posts

Drives: 2020 M550i (G30)/2021 X3 (G02)
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Ever since the G20 was launched, I decided that my next vehicle would be either the X3 or X5. I love the looks and features of the new X5. After seeing the G20 in person, I became even more set on the X3/X5.
__________________
2020 M550i (G30) | Carbon Black/Black Nappa | DHP | DAP | Executive | Luxury Seating | Park Asst | Ceramic Controls | Front/Rear Heated Seats | 20" 668M wheels
2021 X3 (G02) | Dark Graphite Metallic/Cognac | Premium | DAP | Front/Rear Heated Seats

Sold/Retired: 2012 328i (F30)
Appreciate 1
      07-19-2019, 12:50 PM   #16
Savageenterprise
Captain
United_States
981
Rep
640
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 (E93)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Out and about

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnung View Post
Thanks for taking the time to post. That front end sticks out like lipstick on a pig. I'd be blackening those kidneys out immediately.

Agree. Those wheels are nice. 19's? What size and model tires are they using now?
I don't think this is a sport trim one so the rims are 18's running Bridgestone Turanza's
__________________
"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2019, 12:52 PM   #17
Savageenterprise
Captain
United_States
981
Rep
640
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 (E93)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Out and about

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
I personally like it. I saw an M340i the other day, and other than the strange grille pattern, I thought it looked like a nice modern interpretation of a 3 series. It's not the prettiest 3 series, but it's definitely not the worst either.

I think as we see more of these G20s driving around, our F30s are going to start looking really old. The F30 didn't look that much more modern than the E90, but the E90 started looking old fairly quickly. BMW always seems to do an "evolution/revolution" approach to styling (E36/E46, E90/F30) so that every other generation is a fairly big jump in styling. When the E90 came out, the E46 (though still one of my favorite 3 series) started looking really old.
I get what you're saying but idk. Overall it's not terrible looking but there's just nothing you can do about the grill...

Whatever color Blue this is though is really nice. Especially in the sun it's got a nice deep sparkle to it
__________________
"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2019, 12:58 PM   #18
Savageenterprise
Captain
United_States
981
Rep
640
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 (E93)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Out and about

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by adhrp View Post
Ever since the G20 was launched, I decided that my next vehicle would be either the X3 or X5. I love the looks and features of the new X5. After seeing the G20 in person, I became even more set on the X3/X5.
The last time I was in for service before this I got a brand new X3 as a loaner. It was a very nice truck with ample room and everything considering it's the smaller size truck.

For me personally, I would rather just have a nice sedan or a real truck like a Tahoe or Denail instead of a crossover. It is kind of nice having at least one SUV in the house though for when we're traveling with the baby and I could see the X3 suiting that perfectly.
__________________
"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2019, 01:02 PM   #19
upsidedownfunnel
Colonel
United_States
1996
Rep
2,499
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2014 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Savageenterprise View Post
I get what you're saying but idk. Overall it's not terrible looking but there's just nothing you can do about the grill...

Whatever color Blue this is though is really nice. Especially in the sun it's got a nice deep sparkle to it
I agree the grille is a problem not easily solved. The main problem with the M340i grill is just that it doesn't use slats instead using that strange diamond pattern.

The main problem with the 3 series grille in general is that the surrounding trim is just too thick. It'd look much better if the rings were thinner. So even if you get the black M Perf grille in black, it still looks too thick and just looks like a big black patch in the middle of the car. I strongly prefer the black grille on the F30, but the G20 I think actually looks better in chrome since it's so big.

I believe some modifications might help, though. The louvres in the grille are separately removable so opening them up permanently or removing them might make it look a lot better. Another modification that might help is if someone makes a grille with thinner surrounds. Then it might look better in black.
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2019, 01:51 PM   #20
BMWILUVU
Lieutenant Colonel
809
Rep
1,597
Posts

Drives: 340ix
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: The Boibs

iTrader: (0)

Is this really an improvement?
Appreciate 2
Littlebear3508.50
Mr Podman220.50
      07-19-2019, 02:58 PM   #21
Savageenterprise
Captain
United_States
981
Rep
640
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 (E93)
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Out and about

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWILUVU View Post
Is this really an improvement?
It's so bad lol
__________________
"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2019, 03:22 PM   #22
Schmitz
Lieutenant
Schmitz's Avatar
United_States
241
Rep
494
Posts

Drives: e90 328i
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Rhode Island

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
I personally like it. I saw an M340i the other day, and other than the strange grille pattern, I thought it looked like a nice modern interpretation of a 3 series. It's not the prettiest 3 series, but it's definitely not the worst either.

I think as we see more of these G20s driving around, our F30s are going to start looking really old. The F30 didn't look that much more modern than the E90, but the E90 started looking old fairly quickly. BMW always seems to do an "evolution/revolution" approach to styling (E36/E46, E90/F30) so that every other generation is a fairly big jump in styling. When the E90 came out, the E46 (though still one of my favorite 3 series) started looking really old.
I've thought this too. Don't forget e21/e30.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:31 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST