People Switched from E90 to F30 - Please comment

I cross shop and cross own multiple brands. I'm not loyal to one brand and fortunately an equal opportunity car lover. I have an MB E350 and it serves the purpose for which I purchased it for well, yet I would consider a 5 series when it is time to replace it as well as another E. I have a Cayenne S, but would not likely consider an MB ML as a replacement. I might consider an X5, but with knowledge the new version will be out shortly, I would not likely replace with an X5 until the new model is released. I have a Boxster S, and would be hard pressed to replace that car with SLK, but might consider a Z4, but in all likelihood, replace with another Boxster S. My wife has an Audi, and she would consider multiple brands,including Audi, for a replacement. I'm looking at smaller sedans now, which is where my interest in the F30 comes into play. This will be an addition versus a replacement. I want something larger and less sports car-like than the Boxster, but less sedate than the E350. I'm leaning towards the 335, but would also consider an S4/S5, and would also consider a 4 series if it were available. I would not likely consider a C-Class, and I have no interest in cross shopping Cadillacs. I guess I don't fit the brand loyalist mold.

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

I owned both an E90 and an F30. You? Have you even taken a test drive?

I'm not going to bother with the laundry list of improvements that the F30 has over the E90 because it's like talking to a wall. Take the E90, make it better, you have an F30. Simple stuff.

Your car is 7 years old. Step up or step out.

BJ

You remind me of Eric Cartman on South Park because you speak with such authority!

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Very few people cross-shop off of a 3 Series. Once you drive one, you don't want to go elsewhere. Many people cross-shop a 3 Series off of a Mercedes or an Audi and they can come and go as they please. There are so many more BMW owners than MB or Audi the company simply doesn't need their business.

I was just glancing at some sales data, and while I didn't find final 2012 sales figures for all brands, it seems like the three German car makers are nearly in a dead heat for global sales. Also, one article claims that Audi buyers most often consider BMW models, not MB.

Originally Posted by bmw_or_audi

I was just glancing at some sales data, and while I didn't find final 2012 sales figures for all brands, it seems like the three German car makers are nearly in a dead heat for global sales. Also, one article claims that Audi buyers most often consider BMW models, not MB.

I think the executives at BMWUSA will be relieved to know they are selling so may cars that they don't need business from Audi and MB customers.

CA

Originally Posted by captainaudio

When it comes to buying the same car brand multiple times, you'd think that the high-end luxury makers have the market cornered. Once you've driven a Mercedes, it seems, you only shop for cars from Mercedes-Benz. Likewise with BMW and Audi, whose customers seem to be fanatically loyal. Still, if you picked any of these brands, you'd be incorrect. According to the latest study on brand loyalty, conducted by JD Power and Associates, the brands with the highest number of repeat buyers are:
- Ford (62% customer retention)
- Honda (62% customer retention)
- Hyundai (60% customer retention)
- Lexus (60% customer retention)
- Toyota (60% customer retention)

BMW, Audi and Mercedes are very close to each other in sales and Lexus, which was the best selling luxury brand for many years, is fighting to regain losses in incurred after the tsunami disaster in Japan. Audi trimmed BMW's lead in 2012 luxury-car sales worldwide to just 2,110 vehicles by the end of August, compared with a 40,000-vehicle deficit at the same time last year. Audi is being fueled by growth in China and in the U.S. in particular, reports Bloomberg.

I have said this before, do not confuse BJ with facts.

Originally Posted by EddieB

And they did. But I do like Omega.

Me too, but only my vintage pre-Moon '64 Speedmaster.

BJ

Originally Posted by beden1

Fixed!

Thank you. That was an honest mistake, quite proud of the fact that I'm smart enough and wealthy enough to lease for the rest of my life.

BJ

Originally Posted by beden1

The F30 328i includes some amenities that were options on the E90, and while that is better, I have not seen any reviews where the F30 is deemed significantly better (or even better) than the E90 328i. I think the "not screw it up" part is partially true, however.

You really should start including a disclaimer that says something like "purely my opinion", and possibly "BMW F30 super duper fanboy" when you post.

I think I do a good job representing the average BMW owner, not the enthusiasts who still hang onto the 3 Series and option it in an unusual way.

And as an owner of two E9X vehicles I think I've got a good grip on what the F30 is or isn't. As someone who hasn't owned an E90 and doesn't own an F30, perhaps you can go back to the forum where the 14 year olds worship your every move and bow before the 335is as if it's a precious jewel. They need your help over there. Lots of questions about leaking oil, used car prices, how to get the Bar Mitzvah money out of the bank without the parents looking, etc.

BJ

Originally Posted by beden1

You remind me of Eric Cartman on South Park because you speak with such authority!

You remind me of a bored E93 owner.

BJ

Originally Posted by bmw_or_audi

I was just glancing at some sales data, and while I didn't find final 2012 sales figures for all brands, it seems like the three German car makers are nearly in a dead heat for global sales. Also, one article claims that Audi buyers most often consider BMW models, not MB.

Could be.

Remember that the F30 transition created significant downtime for 3 Series sales and the knowledge of the new F32 and F33 slowed down those bodystyles as well. Next year with all 4 bodystyles in the new sheetmetal sales will return to normal and Audi and MB will be comfortably in the rearview mirror.

BJ

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Thank you. That was an honest mistake, quite proud of the fact that I'm smart enough and wealthy enough to lease for the rest of my life.

BJ

This may be true, but if that is your wrist sporting the watch, you need a tan brother!

-Corey

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Me too, but only my vintage pre-Moon '64 Speedmaster.

BJ

Originally Posted by cordoor

This may be true, but if that is your wrist sporting the watch, you need a tan brother!

-Corey

What BJ needs is a 7 series. No one parades Rolex watches around in a lowly entry level luxury pretender.

Originally Posted by dtc100

What BJ needs is a 7 series. No one parades Rolex watches around in a lowly entry level luxury pretender.

3 Series = Mass-market BMW. Rolex = Mass-market luxury watch. Seems OK to me....

Originally Posted by Zeichen311

3 Series = Mass-market BMW. Rolex = Mass-market luxury watch. Seems OK to me....

The average sport Rolex models now list over $12,000. That's hardly mass market pricing.

Originally Posted by Saintor

So far it still is, IMO.

Although the E30/36 will do better in autocross, the E9X is certainly the best driving tool, the best athlete overall. Base version can be deceiving but with the right stuff, they are a blast to drive. Not for nothing that many car mags said that it would have won against a F30.

If the E9X is the best driving tool, the best athlete overall, I nominate the E46 for being the "most BMW". Where the E9X can be cold, the E46 was more engaging and more 'emotional'. It said BMW louder.

So where is the F30 in all of this? It is supposed to be an improved E9X. Mixed bag of feelings so far. As mentioned many times earlier in the thread, many aspects are a downgrade, such as the base engine, the steering feel and the too soft damping. Despite the pics, I thought that the cockpit would feel definitely better than the E9X - can't even say this. I hope that BMW will give it within 1-2 years a Civic_2012-treatment, more 'rigueur', like they did revise the highly criticized steering of the 1999-2000 E46. Hopefully the 4XX will fix a few issues.

I don't see any other car of this class that I want more than a new 335i/435i, as a replacement for my E90 (although a new A6 3.0T is also a possibility). But it is sad that we have to settle for less in so many regards and I just can't lie.

Although I have not owned an E46 or E90 but considered and test drove a few over the years. I have had a e90 (328xi) loaner a couple times in the past and IMHO the F30 has performed what it has set out to do, face it, the majority of 3 series buyers are not purists. For those of us who like the BMW and want the handling, daily drivablity without the harshness think the F30 is fabulous! The new steering may not feel as connected, but it provides a better drive for a majority of drivers. With some of the options availible as the DHP, BMW seems to attemt to still satisfy the purists as yourself.

The new cockpit layout has the traditional gauges with pretty good intrigration of some modern functionality. The new iDrive sceen is not the hidious hump in the middle of the dash as the e90 and has a minimal material between the top of the screen and the road (I paid a premium to get my Samsung TV with a small frame). Some other models like the A4 have the Navigation screen intigrated in the dash requires you to "Look Way Down Off the Road to view" (remember the old radios at the lowest part of the dash or tape players under the dashboard?). The BMW Navigation keeps your vision closer to the road in front of the driver. In the same respect, the HUD is one of my favorite features. I think if you drove the F30 335i with summer tires the DHP, Tech Package, Sport trans for a couple of days...

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

I think I do a good job representing the average BMW owner, not the enthusiasts who still hang onto the 3 Series and option it in an unusual way.

BJ

I agree with BJ here.

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Me too, but only my vintage pre-Moon '64 Speedmaster.

BJ

Nice. My dad still has his mid-50s vintage Constellation.

Originally Posted by beden1

You remind me of Eric Cartman on South Park because you speak with such authority!

When I think about him, it is rather this.

Originally Posted by beden1

The average sport Rolex models now list over $12,000. That's hardly mass market pricing.

Maybe he was referring to Rolex knock offs.

Originally Posted by beden1

The average sport Rolex models now list over $12,000. That's hardly mass market pricing.

agree ... Rolex is not a mass market watch .... Tag Heuer is

Originally Posted by SilverX3

agree ... Rolex is not a mass market watch .... Tag Heuer is

Agreed, poor choice of words...maybe "volume" would be better? That is, not the epitome but the most popular (or nearly so) and the one everybody knows. My thinking was a 7er might be better paired to the Patek Phillipe, Franck Mueller, Bregeut tier...anyway, feeble attempt at a snarky analogy. If I try to think it through any further I'll only sprain something.

Originally Posted by Zeichen311

Agreed, poor choice of words...maybe "volume" would be better? That is, not the epitome but the most popular (or nearly so) and the one everybody knows. My thinking was a 7er might be better paired to the Patek Phillipe, Franck Mueller, Bregeut tier...anyway, feeble attempt at a snarky analogy. If I try to think it through any further I'll only sprain something.

The best bet is to cover all the bases and have a 3 a 7 a Rolex and Patek Philippe.

CA

Originally Posted by captainaudio

The best bet is to cover all the bases and have a 3 a 7 a Rolex and Patek Philippe.

CA

L328 plus Rolex when BJ is with the wife, and 7 plus Patek when with the mistress. Or should it be the other way around?

Originally Posted by captainaudio

The best bet is to cover all the bases and have a 3 a 7 a Rolex and Patek Philippe.

CA

I have a 3, a P-Car, a Rolex and a Patek Philippe. Does that qualify?

Originally Posted by beden1

I have a 3, a P-Car, a Rolex and a Patek Philippe. Does that qualify?

Is your P-car a mass market product?