[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by __

Michael, what are you going to get to replace the 3er? "Linearity"? I'm not sure what that means. I can say despite all the car rags bitching and moaning about the steering I haven't read a single review that didn't say it is precise and takes the car exactly where you point it.

I haven't made a choice yet. My lease does not end until October. I'm leaning towards a GTI right now.

The steering may precise but it lacks a build up as cornering forces (slip angles) increase. Perhaps it's best to say it's too linear. The EPS also lacks road feel. There's more to steering than precision. You need to know what is going on at the tire patches and the F30 fails badly at this.

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by __

Michael, what are you going to get to replace the 3er? "Linearity"? I'm not sure what that means. I can say despite all the car rags bitching and moaning about the steering I haven't read a single review that didn't say it is precise and takes the car exactly where you point it.




As you know, I also own a 2006 E90 330i sport package and I don't agree that "there's really no comparison" with an equivalently equipped F30, specifically with sport suspension, staggered set-up, performance, summer tires.

That set-up obviously isn't a priority for many "enthusiasts" right here on these "enthusiast" forums, because a staggering number of them choose xDrive with all season tires and are satisfied to buy a car off the lot that doesn't even mitigate their choice by having the adaptive suspension.

Why is your screen name _? I've seen you post several times and always wondered about that.

[StealYourFace]

Originally Posted by strumbringer

I think the LCI 340i (xDrive even) with THP is plenty fun in the twisties, FWIW. Corners nearly flat, sticks like glue.

I bet!

It is cool that they finally offer an XI (xdrive even sorry I am old school, and I just cannot stand the new nomenclature - I prefer the pragmatic over marketing bs) with a sport suspension! Certainly the PSS tires are a quantum leap over any run flat previously offered! I personally would rather have analogue dampers included with the other goodies (cooling, tires) included in the THP.... or at least a sub option of either or within the thp.

Congrats on the car, it must be a god damned rocket. I drove an m235i when they came out and was absolutely blown away by the power and package, the 340i must build on that nicely with the new motor.

[AudiA4]

Originally Posted by chaungo

Obviously you're driving the wrong F3x

Some spring changes and m adaptive and it changes the car completely, I've taken my car and my buddy's e90 335i through some nice twisties around here and there was no comparison, the F3x was a blast to drive vs the e90, the e92 m3 however was a different story as that V8 engine and exhaust was ridiculous (supersprint)

I have the adaptive dampers, staggered setup, and summer performance tires...and why should I have to "change the springs" to call it an even comparison? You're making my point for me. Regardless, my main beef is with the steering and not the suspension.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

I haven't made a choice yet. My lease does not end until October. I'm leaning towards a GTI right now.

The steering may precise but it lacks a build up as cornering forces (slip angles) increase. Perhaps it's best to say it's too linear. The EPS also lacks road feel. There's more to steering than precision. You need to know what is going on at the tire patches and the F30 fails badly at this.

hmmm......for me I couldn't trade the dynamics of rwd for fwd. I loved my '96 G20, but for me there's just no comparing the dynamics of being pushed through the corners rather than pulled through.

[StealYourFace]

Originally Posted by __

hmmm......for me I couldn't trade the dynamics of rwd for fwd. I loved my '96 G20, but for me there's just no comparing the dynamics of being pushed through the corners rather than pulled through.

LOL I agree 100% ... and that said we wound up getting a GTI I got an absolute steal deal on a 2014 LOADED GTI 4 dr with 40k miles. I won't be driving the car so it's all good.

[BM57]

StealYourFace: Thanks for sharing your E90 experience. That post must have taken you quite a bit of time and I do appreciate it very much.

[Ali Shiralian]

Originally Posted by chaungo

There is no i6 sound being pumped in via active sound on the 28i.

Drive a 35i and there's a huge difference between engine sound.

And not just the sound lol

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

* Steering/maneuverability - Again, anyone that compares the steering of this car to a camry is a drama queen. It felt tactile, deliberate and precise. No, not exactly like hydraulic, but different doesn't mean worse. Plus I like the reduced noise - the per steering pump in my e90 has always sounded like a cat in heat esp after autocross or track time. And given the increased size of the car, and the soft non sport dampers, the car felt nimble and athletic.

Thanks for sharing your review. As far as steering feel goes, a detailed thread in the other forum about E90 versus F30 driving dynamics says:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...177&highlight=

"The slip angles producing cornering forces at the tire patches create what's known as aligning torque-essentially, the tire trying to return to straight-ahead running. This aligning torque is fed back through the rack-and-pinion steering gear to the steering wheel. It's part of the information the driver uses to learn what's going on where the rubber meets the road. The K&C machine reported that aligning torque is 64 percent lower in the (F30)328i than in the (E90)335i. While the switch to electric power steering may improve mileage, it's a bummer for Bimmer driving satisfaction."