F30 too big?

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

I'm sorry but can't this thread simply be solved by driving the freaking car?

An f30 with the sport suspension will drive like a smaller, tighter car than the e90 non-sport (or an e90 all wheel drive version).

It is very similar in size to an e39. I've met people who driven an e39 who thought they drive like a boat, and if you drove a 525i/528i base package, I agree. I drove a 528i base automatic that made me want to introduce it's front end to a telephone pole and spare the world it's dynamics.

Of course, I've also driven e39 540i sport package'd and now own an e39 m5 with a dinan stage 2 suspension.

My 4000 pound e39 now handles like an e46/e90 sport-suspension'd car.

It's not the size, it's how it carries it's weight.

I did drive it, a short test drive with a nut from the dealership telling me to nail it and hit 110 mph on Rt 287. I also thought the E39 530 sport was perfect until I had more hours behind the wheel - you really need to live in it a little bit. I know you can tighten up the handling on a 5 series, but you can't fix the feeling of extra mass and the longer wheelbase that has to affect the tossability of the car. To me the difference in the drive in the old 5 vs. 3 was night and day.

Now, I'm hearing that the F30 drives like a smaller car so I'm hoping that with more seat time I wouldn't feel like I'm driving my old 530. It is six inches shorter with a more sophisticated suspension, so maybe that will be the case.

To another poster, I did look at the 1. I'm not averse to its looks, it's that it's a coupe. I think the E46 is marginally cramped but provides a good balance because I care more about how it drives 95% of the time vs. the times I need to stuff the car with hockey bags and kids, and it does work when I need to do this. You just can't do that in a 1. No sedan (yet) and the back seat is practically useless IMO.

Originally Posted by RF330

I did drive it, a short test drive with a nut from the dealership telling me to nail it and hit 110 mph on Rt 287. I also thought the E39 530 sport was perfect until I had more hours behind the wheel - you really need to live in it a little bit. I know you can tighten up the handling on a 5 series, but you can't fix the feeling of extra mass and the longer wheelbase that has to affect the tossability of the car. To me the difference in the drive in the old 5 vs. 3 was night and day.

Some 3 pilots -- myself -- install M parts + aftermarket LSD + matched shocks/springs. We feel the 3 is lacking just as you note for a 5. Have not yet found a limit of grip, my modded ride. Comfy too.

Your points are good, of course, but can be solved doing the same, 5'r. Mind you, my ride's 4000 lb; any 5 can overcome its length & mass. What dimensions, Ferrari?


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Originally Posted by RF330

I did look at the 1. I'm not averse to its looks, it's that it's a coupe. I think the E46 is marginally cramped but provides a good balance because I care more about how it drives 95% of the time vs. the times I need to stuff the car with hockey bags and kids, and it does work when I need to do this. You just can't do that in a 1. No sedan (yet) and the back seat is practically useless IMO.

Here a convertible shines. With much better access to rear seats [convenient parcel area & dog quarter as seating adults there ill advised], I recommend it over any other 1 or 3.

Being tall, diff to imagine anything but a Li for more than 2, entire product line. Gotta say, Li has more rear leg room than most 'lux' offers, especially LS. Limo-like.

Consider: If Japanese vans rode well, primary function would trump nearly all expensive lumps.


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Originally Posted by RF330

I did drive it, a short test drive with a nut from the dealership telling me to nail it and hit 110 mph on Rt 287. I also thought the E39 530 sport was perfect until I had more hours behind the wheel - you really need to live in it a little bit. I know you can tighten up the handling on a 5 series, but you can't fix the feeling of extra mass and the longer wheelbase that has to affect the tossability of the car. To me the difference in the drive in the old 5 vs. 3 was night and day.

Now, I'm hearing that the F30 drives like a smaller car so I'm hoping that with more seat time I wouldn't feel like I'm driving my old 530. It is six inches shorter with a more sophisticated suspension, so maybe that will be the case.

To another poster, I did look at the 1. I'm not averse to its looks, it's that it's a coupe. I think the E46 is marginally cramped but provides a good balance because I care more about how it drives 95% of the time vs. the times I need to stuff the car with hockey bags and kids, and it does work when I need to do this. You just can't do that in a 1. No sedan (yet) and the back seat is practically useless IMO.

I've given this great consideration and have decided that you are not allowed to buy an F30.

BJ

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

I've given this great consideration and have decided that you are not allowed to buy an F30.

BJ

LOL - fair enough!

Originally Posted by sunny5280

This looks like a nice one:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...28734771&Log=0

Nice. Wish BMW would at least offer a red that's actually red like they used to.

To the OP, yes, the 3-series has gotten way too big imo. A big departure from the true sport sedans/coupes/converts that were (are) the E36's and E46's.

The OP has a point. My wife and I were out two nights ago and she asked me if the car that turned in front of us from the opposite direction was the new BMW 5 Series (she has an '08 5 Series). I said no, it's the new 3 Series. Confusing isn't it?

Originally Posted by tdd

Nice. Wish BMW would at least offer a red that's actually red like they used to.

To the OP, yes, the 3-series has gotten way too big imo. A big departure from the true sport sedans/coupes/converts that were (are) the E36's and E46's.

I like your red BMW. I had a '79 320i in that color and the same in a new car.

Originally Posted by beden1

I like your red BMW. I had a '79 320i in that color and the same in a new car.

Thanks! And I have had the same problem your wife had. Saw an F30 on the road and thought it was a 5.

Originally Posted by tdd

Nice. Wish BMW would at least offer a red that's actually red like they used to.

To the OP, yes, the 3-series has gotten way too big imo. A big departure from the true sport sedans/coupes/converts that were (are) the E36's and E46's.

I'm going to go to the E46 forum and start a thread about how it's too small, let's see how that goes over.

BJ

Originally Posted by tdd

Thanks! And I have had the same problem your wife had. Saw an F30 on the road and thought it was a 5.

My wife has a problem with the E46, keeps asking me why people drive used status symbols from the height of the yuppie era. Didn't know how to answer her.

BJ

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

My wife has a problem with the E46, keeps asking me why people drive used status symbols from the height of the yuppie era. Didn't know how to answer her.

BJ

That's not nice. I thought you only looked down on Walmart shoppers, Corvette and Toyota owners?

His E46 is my personal favorite BMW body design and I would be happy to drive it too judging by his picture.

To the OP, why don't you just keep your ZHP? You seem to really like it, and if you're still happy with the styling and such, why change? Sure, it may be expensive to maintain, but it'll be cheaper than buying a new BMW.

Originally Posted by Chris90

Even the E90 feels bigger & boatier than my ZHP, though similar to how the E46 felt after my E36. Every new 3 series is a tradeoff vs the old one – bigger, a little less involving, but with (usually) nicer interior, better features and a better engine. Trust me, if you think an E39 sucks compared to your ZHP, you’re not gonna like an A3 – yeah, it’s smaller, but it’s nowhere near as involving or balanced as your car.

I'm currently borrowing a friend's 1995 325Cic (E36 generation), and it's just a blast. Sure it squeaks and rattles. Sure it's down on power. Sure the fit and finish is not that of a new BMW, particularly with 135K miles on it. That said, it's a joy to drive around town in a way that the 335i is not. The 335 is all powerful and amazing, but it just doesn't feel quite as responsive and fun. Totally subjective I know.
I regularly drive a 2006 BMW X3 3.0i manual with ~40K miles on it, but this 1995 325Cic has me thinking about picking up one of these on the side:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...26975299&Log=0

Originally Posted by iamthewalrus

I'm currently borrowing a friend's 1995 325Cic (E36 generation), and it's just a blast. Sure it squeaks and rattles. Sure it's down on power. Sure the fit and finish is not that of a new BMW, particularly with 135K miles on it. That said, it's a joy to drive around town in a way that the 335i is not. The 335 is all powerful and amazing, but it just doesn't feel quite as responsive and fun. Totally subjective I know.
I regularly drive a 2006 BMW X3 3.0i manual with ~40K miles on it, but this 1995 325Cic has me thinking about picking up one of these on the side:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...26975299&Log=0

Looks like fun. Had an e90 335i and found it just didn't light my fire. It was stable, comfortable and fast as hell... but oh so heavy and removed.

Originally Posted by beden1

That's not nice. I thought you only looked down on Walmart shoppers, Corvette and Toyota owners?

His E46 is my personal favorite BMW body design and I would be happy to drive it too judging by his picture.

Point is, why do E46 owners feel it's their right to come into the F30 forum and crap all over our cars? You yourself, no disrespect, but you aren't ever going to own an F30 either, not sure what you get out of this.

BJ

Originally Posted by E36toF30

To the OP, why don't you just keep your ZHP? You seem to really like it, and if you're still happy with the styling and such, why change? Sure, it may be expensive to maintain, but it'll be cheaper than buying a new BMW.

I hear you, I noted earlier that I was considering giving the zhp to my son when he starts driving next year and getting me a new one. I may end up doing that if I can't get comfortable with any of the current offerings. Worst case scenario is me envying the car I give to my kid.

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

My wife has a problem with the E46, keeps asking me why people drive used status symbols from the height of the yuppie era. Didn't know how to answer her.

Cause they are fun to drive. You wouldn't understand.

Originally Posted by RF330

I did drive it, a short test drive with a nut from the dealership telling me to nail it and hit 110 mph on Rt 287.

Which dealer was this? BMW of Morristown?

Originally Posted by RF330

I hear you, I noted earlier that I was considering giving the zhp to my son when he starts driving next year and getting me a new one. I may end up doing that if I can't get comfortable with any of the current offerings. Worst case scenario is me envying the car I give to my kid.

Well, I guess you could buy an F30 (or something else), figure out whether you like that or your ZHP more, and give your son the other one

Originally Posted by iamthewalrus

I'm currently borrowing a friend's 1995 325Cic (E36 generation), and it's just a blast. Sure it squeaks and rattles. Sure it's down on power. Sure the fit and finish is not that of a new BMW, particularly with 135K miles on it. That said, it's a joy to drive around town in a way that the 335i is not. The 335 is all powerful and amazing, but it just doesn't feel quite as responsive and fun.

I'm not a pilot, but I'd imagine it's a bit like comparing flying a P-51 Mustang to a modern F-15 fighter. The latter is full of gadgets, it's crazy fast, and flies itself, while the Mustang is loud, rumbles the seat of your pants, and you feel the movement of every aileron - you feel like you're flying the aircraft rather than being a passenger.

Originally Posted by Jamesonsviggen

Which dealer was this? BMW of Morristown?

Yes. A mile away from my house.

Originally Posted by E36toF30

Well, I guess you could buy an F30 (or something else), figure out whether you like that or your ZHP more, and give your son the other one

Never, no new cars for new drivers. I already have an issue with him driving the zhp, even though it'll be almost ten years old. It doesn't look it, has 58K miles and is in top mechanical condition. I'd give my left nut to have that car as a 17 year old.

He'd like a GTI if I keep mine and I haven't even hinted that my car could be his.

RF330 - There's no such thing as the perfect car. Be realistic about how much you can (and will want to) change it to fit your needs, and buy the car that's closest to that.

The f30 can be outfitted with a more sporting suspension and tires with faster turn-in/responsiveness. The suspension will probably sacrifice a bit of comfort, and the tires may be a wash if you get rid of RFTs.

If you don't want to drive a ~3500 pound car with a 110 inch wheelbase, nothing will adequately replace lower weight and shorter wheelbase.

Have you evaluated the offerings of other brands?

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

I'm going to go to the E46 forum and start a thread about how it's too small, let's see how that goes over.

LOL. Please start one. I'd love to see the responses. For starters, the E46 doesn't need an on-board array of video cameras to back-up or park