So now that the F30 has been out a while..

reflector delete is pretty pointless who the hell notices it? doesnt look that much better imo. not to mention wouldnt you feel great if you got plowed into by some old lady pulling into traffic cause she can barely see and would have noticed the reflector... all to make you 3 series like 1% "better"

Originally Posted by chris328

reflector delete is pretty pointless who the hell notices it? doesnt look that much better imo. not to mention wouldnt you feel great if you got plowed into by some old lady pulling into traffic cause she can barely see and would have noticed the reflector... all to make you 3 series like 1% "better"

Enthusiasts can get focused on details so I understand and respect the reflector debate, just like all the other changes owners focus on (like debadging).

But, for me, I don't see the big deal. Barely noticeable. I never gave them a second thought.

That old lady was asking for it though.

Originally Posted by chris328

reflector delete is pretty pointless who the hell notices it? doesnt look that much better imo. not to mention wouldnt you feel great if you got plowed into by some old lady pulling into traffic cause she can barely see and would have noticed the reflector... all to make you 3 series like 1% "better"

Many F30 enthusiasts purchase what are called "xenon" headlamps to replace the halogen ones. They create more light, run bright even in daylight, and make the car look more original, like it's European cousins.

Many new technological innovations like this have occurred since 2005.

BJ

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Many F30 enthusiasts purchase what are called "xenon" headlamps to replace the halogen ones. They create more light, run bright even in daylight, and make the car look more original, like it's European cousins.

Many new technological innovations like this have occurred since 2005.

BJ

In the case of Xenon headlights I think it occured in 1998 on the 3 series.

Originally Posted by chris328

reflector delete is pretty pointless who the hell notices it? doesnt look that much better imo. not to mention wouldnt you feel great if you got plowed into by some old lady pulling into traffic cause she can barely see and would have noticed the reflector... all to make you 3 series like 1% "better"

I agree. I don't think the front side reflectors detract much at all from the overall looks of the car, especially when all cars are supposed to have them. And, this is coming from someone who is OCD!

Originally Posted by beden1

I agree. I don't think the front side reflectors detract much at all from the overall looks of the car, especially when all cars are supposed to have them. And, this is coming from someone who is OCD!

I don't think I have ever noticed that an E9x had the reflectors deleted. I am sure I have seen cars that this had been done to but I never paid attention.

CA

Originally Posted by chris328

reflector delete is pretty pointless who the hell notices it? doesnt look that much better imo. not to mention wouldnt you feel great if you got plowed into by some old lady pulling into traffic cause she can barely see and would have noticed the reflector... all to make you 3 series like 1% "better"

Yes, not a big deal, and so much better than the orange reflectors inside the headlight before LCI. Those were very noticable.

Originally Posted by 55

Yes, not a big deal, and so much better than the orange reflectors inside the headlight before LCI. Those were very noticable.

They don't bother me in the least.

Originally Posted by tturedraider

They don't bother me in the least.

+1.

But, again, enthusiasts are all about the details, so I understand that others might not feel the same.

Originally Posted by captainaudio

I don't think I have ever noticed that an E9x had the reflectors deleted. I am sure I have seen cars that this had been done to but I never paid attention.

CA

I guess I really never considered the amber reflectors or lights before this thread. When I was out driving today, I started looking at what each car had. It started to become an obsession, so thanks, just what I needed was another obsession in my life!

Originally Posted by beden1

I guess I really never considered the amber reflectors or lights before this thread. When I was out driving today, I started looking at what each car had. It started to become an obsession, so thanks, just what I needed was another obsession in my life!

The E90 handled the reflector requirement in a subtle, cool sort of way. Flows nicely with the car.

The F30 executes it poorly, looks like a stuck-on bandage, very uncool. So it must go.

BJ

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

The E90 handled the reflector requirement in a subtle, cool sort of way. Flows nicely with the car.

The F30 executes it poorly, looks like a stuck-on bandage, very uncool. So it must go.

BJ

There's that awful word again. I thought the placement was a perfect example of form follows function. It is a reflector. It should be in a perfect position for reflecting. On the F30 it is.
Nothing "stuck-on" on that car at all.

Stuck on reflectors, stuck on navigation system...what's next stuck on M badges???

More bling for the shallow status enthusiast no doubt.

What options are available for the spirited commuter who likes to push his car, but not enough to affect resale value?

Originally Posted by ///M-ratedE90

Stuck on reflectors, stuck on navigation system...what's next stuck on M badges???

More bling for the shallow status enthusiast no doubt.

What options are available for the spirited commuter who likes to push his car, but not enough to affect resale value?

Shell 93 Octane.

Originally Posted by ///M-ratedE90

Stuck on reflectors, stuck on navigation system...what's next stuck on M badges???

More bling for the shallow status enthusiast no doubt.

What options are available for the spirited commuter who likes to push his car, but not enough to affect resale value?

The best option for the F30 is the dynamic handling package. Adjustable shock absorbers.

Brought my 2011 in to the dealer for the 30k vehicle check. They changed the oil, brake fluid, and in cabin filter along with a full inspection. I was given a 2012 base model 328i with 4000 miles on it for the day. I thought I was going to be excited, but actually was underwhelmed. The positive was the power, smooth and quick. The rest was of the car felt very loose on the road. I felt like I had to make steering corrections whether I was in sport mode or comfort, very sloppy. The suspension was harsh over all road irregularities in comfort or sport mode. The quality felt cheap. Whats up with the turn signal click sound? Horrible! Maybe the car was beat on since it was a loaner, but my E90 with 30k makes less noise and drives like its brand new. The BMW sport feeling has gone out the window with the F30. It drives like a main stream Toyota Camry! I really tried to like this car, but after picking up my E90 with its tight precise steering there is no comparison. No wonder why sales are down!

Originally Posted by 3284me

Brought my 2011 in to the dealer for the 30k vehicle check. They changed the oil, brake fluid, and in cabin filter along with a full inspection. I was given a 2012 base model 328i with 4000 miles on it for the day. I thought I was going to be excited, but actually was underwhelmed. The positive was the power, smooth and quick. The rest was of the car felt very loose on the road. I felt like I had to make steering corrections whether I was in sport mode or comfort, very sloppy. The suspension was harsh over all road irregularities in comfort or sport mode. The quality felt cheap. Whats up with the turn signal click sound? Horrible! Maybe the car was beat on since it was a loaner, but my E90 with 30k makes less noise and drives like its brand new. The BMW sport feeling has gone out the window with the F30. It drives like a main stream Toyota Camry! I really tried to like this car, but after picking up my E90 with its tight precise steering there is no comparison. No wonder why sales are down!

There's no question that BMW softened the F30 for those of us (raises hand) that are more interested in a comfortable ride than a harsh one. I loved many things about my E90 M-Sport, but the pothole explosions were not one of them, made my kids nauesous just to ride in it.

So what you used to view as the "base" suspension on a 3 Series is now on what is called the Sport line. Had you driven that, you'd have been impressed that a car that's larger is that nimble on its feet, the quick acceleration you noticed plus the traditional firmer ride. For another $900 you can add the Adaptive M Suspension which is the best of both worlds. Push a button, it adjusts for the soft Comfort ride of the base that you drove, push it again and it adjusts to the firm Sport ride of the Sport line that you would have liked.

What used to be a 3 Series given- a taut, connected ride- is now something you have to ask for. It's still there, but if you test drive the wrong version you're going to be disappointed.

BJ

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

There's no question that BMW softened the F30 for those of us (raises hand) that are more interested in a comfortable ride than a harsh one. I loved many things about my E90 M-Sport, but the pothole explosions were not one of them, made my kids nauesous just to ride in it.

So what you used to view as the "base" suspension on a 3 Series is now on what is called the Sport line. Had you driven that, you'd have been impressed that a car that's larger is that nimble on its feet, the quick acceleration you noticed plus the traditional firmer ride. For another $900 you can add the Adaptive M Suspension which is the best of both worlds. Push a button, it adjusts for the soft Comfort ride of the base that you drove, push it again and it adjusts to the firm Sport ride of the Sport line that you would have liked.

What used to be a 3 Series given- a taut, connected ride- is now something you have to ask for. It's still there, but if you test drive the wrong version you're going to be disappointed.

BJ

Are you getting paid to post stuff like this in defense of BMW?

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

The E90 handled the reflector requirement in a subtle, cool sort of way. Flows nicely with the car.

The F30 executes it poorly, looks like a stuck-on bandage, very uncool. So it must go.

BJ

I wonder why BMW changed the positioning of the reflector? The angle from the E90 looks like it would still work on the F30. I still don't think I would cover it though because the cover looks like your car is missing some option.

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

There's no question that BMW softened the F30 for those of us (raises hand) that are more interested in a comfortable ride than a harsh one. I loved many things about my E90 M-Sport, but the pothole explosions were not one of them, made my kids nauesous just to ride in it.

So what you used to view as the "base" suspension on a 3 Series is now on what is called the Sport line. Had you driven that, you'd have been impressed that a car that's larger is that nimble on its feet, the quick acceleration you noticed plus the traditional firmer ride. For another $900 you can add the Adaptive M Suspension which is the best of both worlds. Push a button, it adjusts for the soft Comfort ride of the base that you drove, push it again and it adjusts to the firm Sport ride of the Sport line that you would have liked.

What used to be a 3 Series given- a taut, connected ride- is now something you have to ask for. It's still there, but if you test drive the wrong version you're going to be disappointed.

BJ

Well said. BMW knows its market and it's not us. The F30 base model fits their customer base to a 'T'. If you want the performance we had with the E90 you can still get it, but now they fit you with an 'M'.
BMW is out to kick ass. Ass is not kicked on the track but with production numbers. BJ speaks the truth about what it takes to sell to the larger market. It's as simple as that.
Porsche knows it. Audi and Mercedes know it. Even Ferarri knows it! Now you know it. We may not like the dilution, the fuzziness, the lack of precision, but the vast majority of their customers will be quite happy in an upscale performance Camry, thank you very much.

Originally Posted by DSXMachina

Well said. BMW knows its market and it's not us.

How sad. I still get a little jittery and adrenaline rushed when I get to take it to 5K in second gear coming out of a tight 15 mph turn. That being said, I mourn for the F30 drivers who will miss the rush.

One more reason to hold on to my not so refined E93.

Originally Posted by Nordic_Kat

How sad. I still get a little jittery and adrenaline rushed when I get to take it to 5K in second gear coming out of a tight 15 mph turn. That being said, I mourn for the F30 drivers who will miss the rush.

One more reason to hold on to my not so refined E93.

+1, rip to adrenaline rush in the bimmer

Originally Posted by DSXMachina

Shell 93 Octane.

Or, where available, 101 octane unleaded racing pump gas. The only way to get 93+ octane in CA is to blend in 101 octane unleaded racing gas (if it is available nearby). Otherwise, it is 91 octane piss-water.

Originally Posted by anE934fun

Or, where available, 101 octane unleaded racing pump gas. The only way to get 93+ octane in CA is to blend in 101 octane unleaded racing gas (if it is available nearby). Otherwise, it is 91 octane piss-water.

Just for laughs, what's 101 octane going for these days? We can buy it here in NH at a very few stations (Hafner's in Hudson is my closest). The last time I bought some was about four years ago and it was $12/gal., gotta be a lot more now with regular gas twice as much as then.

Originally Posted by DSXMachina

Just for laughs, what's 101 octane going for these days? We can buy it here in NH at a very few stations (Hafner's in Hudson is my closest). The last time I bought some was about four years ago and it was $12/gal., gotta be a lot more now with regular gas twice as much as then.

The last time I purchased the 101 octane stuff was back in 2008 before the economy tanked. Gas prices were close to where they are now, and at the time, the 101 octane gas was running close to $9/gallon. I would imagine the 101 octane stuff is presently around $9/gallon, although with the supply disruptions that are occurring with CA refineries, the price of the stuff that gets blended to make 101 octane gas, is new territory nowadays. For example, gas prices jumped $0.30 in one day (!) two days ago.