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4-series - some interior materials downgraded?

20K views 227 replies 42 participants last post by  Jamesonsviggen 
#1 ·
Hi all,

I attended a launch party for the 4-series, x5, and 328gt this past weekend held by Ottos BMW. Nice event, really done up right. I think I made $50 back from Ottos on the amount of liquor and food I consumed :)

Anyway, the 4-series is a stunning car on the outside. The inside is overall pretty standard BMW 3 affair and nicely laid out. Bit sexier when standing back.

When I got in, some pieces jumped out at me as downgraded and I was quite surprised. I was there with one of my closest friends, a car guy who is currently evaluating the CLA, ATS, 3-series, and other $35-50k vehicles - so very familiar with the class.

1. The visors look so so, but feel very cheap and plasticky. This is clearly a downgraded part from a few years ago. It feels like a 2011 1-series visor.

2. The headliner is this el-cheapo vinyl mesh over a padded cloth. It looks and feels like it belongs in a 2006 scion tC, which I'm pretty sure I saw it in previously used as a seat covering. This includes the a-pillars, so directly in line of sight.

3. The door card is, perhaps, the same as the f30 and may have just felt even thinner than previously. What's striking me now is that this particular optioned up $61k 4-series is now solidly above the cost of a Porsche boxster, for example. This should not pass muster in this vehicle anymore.

...

There's a few others, but I'll add that BMW really hit the nail on the head with this generation sport steering wheel. Gorgeous. And the seats are delightful, albeit need to be broken in a tad.

The main stuff has been done right, but a lot of little (and large items like the headliner) just feel a cut below this level of vehicle.

As much as I enjoy BMW, and am considering an f30 335 or f80 m3 as my next vehicle, the f30 platform is really employing the lowest grade interior materials I've seen since the e36 in a 3-series. The e46 was excellent and the e90 was just not an exciting design.
 
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#2 ·
The only thing that I really think looks cheap is the silver waffle weave trim. Feels and kinda looks like cheap plastic to me. There need to be other better options than that to get with the black leather.

I never feel the headliner, so I'm not sure how much that matters.
 
#10 ·
The only thing that I really think looks cheap is the silver waffle weave trim. Feels and kinda looks like cheap plastic to me. There need to be other better options than that to get with the black leather.

I never feel the headliner, so I'm not sure how much that matters.
It's actually 100% metal and cold to the touch in the winter. I could do without the pattern, it does not look any better to me than the non patterned offering in the Sport Line.

I do appreciate that it's not plastic though.
 
#3 ·
2. The headliner is this el-cheapo vinyl mesh over a padded cloth. It looks and feels like it belongs in a 2006 scion tC, which I'm pretty sure I saw it in previously used as a seat covering. This includes the a-pillars, so directly in line of sight.
That sounds like the "Anthracite headliner" that comes with the Sport Line and M Sport Line. I quite like it.
 
#5 ·
The cheap-feeling part that shocked me the most is the storage cubby to the left of the steering wheel. The cover to that compartment feels like flimsy plastic better suited to a 1980s Ford Escort than in a BMW with a sticker pushing $60k.

The general cheapening of the interior and inflated sticker convinced me to make the leap to the F10 instead.
 
#7 ·
I've had about 5 days where I got to drive an f10 extensively and I have to agree, even the base model f10 is a wonderfully appointed vehicle. The tan interior is going to SUCK in 20k miles, and some of the materials are going to get scratched to crap because they are so soft, but it's definitely luxurious inside.

I just can't get over the size of the f10, personally. It drives well for it's size, but so does a 2002 7-series.
 
#6 ·
I agree. Was shopping for my M5 and sat inside a 435 because it looked beautiful, but was thoroughly disappointed with the interior compared to my retired S4 and even to my previous e92 335i. I really wanted to wait for the M4, but seeing the plastic trim and how it creaked and flexed, I decided to go up a class. I remember my fullly loaded e92 335i was in the 50's, now 428's are in that range and 435's are going into the 60s. You'd expect higher quality of materials, but it is basically inflation and cost cutting on BMW's part. What stood out at me as being cheap were the plastic colored trim that goes around the interior and the sport steering wheel. The one I sat in had a blue strip running across the dash and doors. Pressed down on them and it flexed and creaked. On the steering wheel, press the bottom of the silver accent, it also flexes. It is silver painted plastic and not aluminum like the one used in their higher-end vehicles. If you can ignore that fact, it's a beautiful car.

People need to also realize that BMW is a volume seller and in order to maximize profit, they need to cut down on cost of materials. Take the F30 for example, it comes in a $29k 320i version and a loaded 335xi for close to $59k. Everything is shared on the interior and you're paying extra on the higher trim levels for engine, suspension, other mechanical bits, and upgraded electronics. You are basically driving a car with the interior level of sub $30k vehicle. BMW is a premium brand, but they are trying to capture the VW, Honda, and Toyota market. I'm sure the BMW will drive better, but the interior fit and finish and material quality will not reflect its cost.
 
#18 · (Edited)
I agree. Was shopping for my M5 and sat inside a 435 because it looked beautiful, but was thoroughly disappointed with the interior compared to my retired S4 and even to my previous e92 335i. I really wanted to wait for the M4, but seeing the plastic trim and how it creaked and flexed, I decided to go up a class. I remember my fullly loaded e92 335i was in the 50's, now 428's are in that range and 435's are going into the 60s. You'd expect higher quality of materials, but it is basically inflation and cost cutting on BMW's part. What stood out at me as being cheap were the plastic colored trim that goes around the interior and the sport steering wheel. The one I sat in had a blue strip running across the dash and doors. Pressed down on them and it flexed and creaked. On the steering wheel, press the bottom of the silver accent, it also flexes. It is silver painted plastic and not aluminum like the one used in their higher-end vehicles. If you can ignore that fact, it's a beautiful car.

People need to also realize that BMW is a volume seller and in order to maximize profit, they need to cut down on cost of materials. Take the F30 for example, it comes in a $29k 320i version and a loaded 335xi for close to $59k. Everything is shared on the interior and you're paying extra on the higher trim levels for engine, suspension, other mechanical bits, and upgraded electronics. You are basically driving a car with the interior level of sub $30k vehicle. BMW is a premium brand, but they are trying to capture the VW, Honda, and Toyota market. I'm sure the BMW will drive better, but the interior fit and finish and material quality will not reflect its cost.
I was at the BMW dealer today getting our E90 M3 serviced. They have a new M5 on display in the showroom so I went over to take a look. The sticker was $115,000+. Nice looking car but the interior was also not up to that price level.

I started thinking what I would get for about the same money if I needed a fun sedan. I decided it would be better to get an S4 and an M3. Wait, that's what we have in our stable already! :neener::neener:
 
#8 ·
When I sat in a 4 Series the main thing I didn't like was the new touchpad iDrive controller. It felt kind of flimsy compared to the previous design which I have in my car which has a really nice solid, well-engineered feel. Anyone else care to comment on this?
 
#16 ·
I have been saying this same thing since the F30 showed up early last year: the interior gets out of sync with the car price quite fast. It may pass as a good interior at $30,000 but this F30/F32 has been rushed into the $60,000+ bracket with the exact same entry-level plastics.

And it looks like it is no longer a personal opinion: BMW will introduce the Full Leather option in the M3 and M4. So it seems to me that when you are going to cross the $80,000 bracket it better be in an interior that justifies the madness. And BMW knows that.
 
#29 ·
I've heard this argument a few times now and I am not understanding the justification, I have the dark burl wood trim on mine (Didn't care for the feel of the hexagonal aluminum) and I feel it is light years over the previous generation as far as fit and finish... I have heard no rattles, no creaks, and I love the new iDrive controller.
 
#33 · (Edited)
I attended a launch party for the 4-series, x5, and 328gt this past weekend held by Ottos BMW. Nice event, really done up right. I think I made $50 back from Ottos on the amount of liquor and food I consumed :)
So, lemme get this right....Otto's charged you $50 for booze + horse overies?

>SNIFF!<

Those bastards still owe me $100 for maintenance they did some time back. Swearing I was drag racing my new bike, they charged me for clutch replacement while still under warranty. But - suprise! - while my bike was in their shop, BMW came up with a recall due to defective clutch design. Problem? Exactly what happened to me.

Like I said, they still owe me $100 not refunded....shortly after, BMW pulled their franchise to sell bikes - complaints were at that point bypassing Otto's - customers were complaining to BMW engineering directly about quality of service and bad workmanship, and complaints were many.

Do with this what you will....pass it on if you like....I know I did not return.

And now, not-so-unbelieveably, they get ya drunk for a $50 show. Dude, they charged you for advertising! Hope the sales babe was killer.

.
 
#37 · (Edited)
This is what's keeping me away from a 4 Series consideration (I'll check one out closely in person today). I detest the cheapening of the F30 interior and found it very upsetting that BMW would market a "4 Series" yet use an EXACT duplicate of the IMO underwhelming 3 interior.

M-B has been using cheap plastics lately, however with the initial images of the next-gen C Class (granted as usual with M-B lately, the real-life feel of the materials aren't much cheaper than what the pictures insinuate), BMW's 3/4 Series insides are going to look far and away on the downside. IMO the 3/4 interiors took none of the rich, elegant and refined luxury characteristics that the 5/6/7 (who the 5 and 6 IMO are tops in their classes) share, as the larger and smaller chassis Bimmers seem to have interiors from entirely different manufacturers from each other.

Other than that, the 4 Series looks very promising. To each their own.
 
#39 ·
I'm hoping an f30 LCI would address a variety of interior materials.

For example, BMW made the e60 from 2004-2007 and the interior materials and design had some....questionable...elements.

In 2008 they made some relatively minor changes, but which added up to a better design and materials look and feel.
 
#45 ·
Interior materials and design in luxury cars seems fairly uniform these days - what they giveth in a nicely padded and well appointed seat, they taketh away in the odd cheap switchgear or flimsy cup holder.

My wife's 2007 M35X is an upgrade over my W210 Mercedes E320; better wood, leather, more nicely appointed. The Merc has fabulous old-school rocker switches though and really nice door cards.

My E46 ZHP has a wonderful interior save for the rotary headlight light switch, which feels light and cheap.

Of all the things you'd think automobile manufacturers would have figured out by now, it'd be the interiors of their cars :dunno: So many available materials for home and furniture that are inexpensive, durable and high end, yet automakers are still hard up on hard plastics and cheapening out the cheaper lines - have you been inside a Mini? Gasp ....
 
#47 · (Edited)
Regarding the plastic looking metal trim you saw on the 4 series, was it the "aluminum hexagon trim"? Assuming they haven't changed it/cheapened it, I have the same thing in my e92 and I think its pretty nice. Cool to the the touch (so real metal), and nice detailing. Also doesn't show fingerprints or get scratched up like other inteiror trims would.

I haven't spent a lot of time examining an F30/32 interior, but my first impression was that it seemed nicer than my e92-- mostly i think i just find the design more pleasing. And they addressed 2 of my pet peeves-- the super cheap looking overhead console on the e90/92 and the smooth hard plastic used on the side of the seats. In exchange, they've introduced that silver painted plastic all over the place (on the Msport wheel atleast, but also on the base "no line" trim), and it sounds like some parts bend/creak when pressed now. Atlast the e90 was failry solid if you poked and prodded around.

I'm not sure whether BMW 3 series inteirors get "cheaper' or if they just move the cheapness around. Heres' my anal run down:
-e46: best interior design and best dash plastic, but lots of cheap feeling platic in the center console. Rattled and creaked from new. Headlight switch was cheap. Liked the precise feel of the door handles (no play). Nice glove box door mechanism. Uncovered metal seat tracks look cheap. Cheap plastic used on side of seats. Nice feeling radio/climate buttons. Seats are uncomofrtable after 2 hours or so. Crappily finished trunk.
-e90: Boring dash design, terrible overhead console, but pretty much no creaks or rattles. Same issue with seat tracks. Same cheap plastic on seat side. Better headlight switch, worse feeling radio/climate buttons but passable. Block orange 80s font used all over the place starting to look dated/cheap. Idrive controller feels high quality. Headrests atleast in LCI don't tilt and no seatback nets. Excellent seats...could drive all day long. Same crappy leather. Crappily finished trunk.
-F30: Better interior design but not as nice as e46, Crappy "silver satin" trim applied liberally, better overhead lights/console. Poorly integrated idrive screen, with some cheap plastics. Seatback nets and tilt headrests make a return. Same crappy leather. Drove one but was distracted my light steering and didnt notice if it rattled/creaked. Trunk uses slightly better looking carpet, but maybe thats my imagination. Better looking gauge cluster with no use of blocky orange font (climate control is still a slight offender though). Slightly better finished seat rails (I think they now have end caps on the rails so its not just an unfished piece of metal). Better looking/integrated climate and preset buttons. So I guess they've done a better job at (for me atleast) at hiding the cheapness.

The only new car interiors that I've been totally impressed with are Porsches. They feel solid, well designed, and even without the extra leather options they feel well made and use nice plastic. Then again, they should for the price. With Audis i'm impressed at first and then when I poke around I find similar amounts of cheapness (in different places) as with BMW. Honda interiors feel like they'll hold up the best and have the nicest feeling knobs. Ok, I also like the Mercedes SLS gullwing interior but thats 200k+!
 
#48 ·
Honda interiors feel like they'll hold up the best and have the nicest feeling knobs. Ok, I also like the Mercedes SLS gullwing interior but thats 200k+!
Of the four Hondas we owned, the 92 Accord LX had the best interior hands down. Seats were strong, dash was black and well finished with really nice switchgear, gauges were precise and well laid out. It was Honda's best quality iteration of that car - had four wheel double wishbone suspension, too.

My 87 Accord was the runner up - strong interior - high grade seat, switchgear and dash materials built for the long haul.
 
#55 ·
Sat in one today. Very unimpressed with the interior for a car that can easily cost as much as a 5 Series. Just a cheap interior all in all, in appearance and many materials. I also don't love how long the rear quarter window is. Overall it's still promising but I need to see more on the roads to see how I really feel. Also, halogen turn signals on the taillights is a joke and screams downmarket.

I noticed it had "only" 60% German part content compared to 75% on the 5er which may explain some of the material discrepancies (aside of course lower base price). Also the M Sports all had 18" wheels on em. Not sure if it's available with 19's?
 
#59 ·
Sat in one today. Very unimpressed with the interior for a car that can easily cost as much as a 5 Series. Just a cheap interior all in all, in appearance and many materials. I also don't love how long the rear quarter window is. Overall it's still promising but I need to see more on the roads to see how I really feel. Also, halogen turn signals on the taillights is a joke and screams downmarket.

I noticed it had "only" 60% German part content compared to 75% on the 5er which may explain some of the material discrepancies (aside of course lower base price). Also the M Sports all had 18" wheels on em. Not sure if it's available with 19's?
Sat in which model?
 
#57 · (Edited)
Written by a guy eating cookies with no pants on looking into BMW's past through some seriously rose colored glasses. If I get around to investing the energy I'm going to point out some of the misremembered and just flat wrong things posted in this thread about past BMWs.

News flash - turns out in objective reality the E46 had some pretty glaring and annoying shortcomings that mean as good as it was in certain areas it really wasn't "all that".
 
#60 · (Edited)
435/428i's with M Sport. I'll add that I saw one on the road and it looked "meh" and then another one at an angle and light where it looked beautiful.

It's a very dynamic design which can't be "figured out" by quick and specific impressions (unfortunately same can't be said of the interior).
 
#62 ·
The german content vs. elsewhere means nothing - mexico can make some damn fine plastics and metals.

I've been considering a pre-owned f30 328i or 335i, a new one, or an f80 m3 once it comes out. I think at this point it comes down to what BMW does with the f80 m3 interior.
 
#63 ·
It's just the architecture that needs improvement as well, which is why I'm not holding my breath for the M version just yet. With what appears to be an at least decently promising C Class interior, if it shows well in real life, one has to wonder if BMW will do any drastic changes to the 3 LCI inside.
 
#70 · (Edited)
With BMW you get what you pay for
I have 2013 535 with white interior, looks awesome feels great, expensive 65K+
I had a 03 Z4, so so interior (used)
07 335i paid 48k+ in 07 perfect interior
14 435i bought it 2 days ago 6 speed, Black interior, with blue exterior m package paid 51K and I think its worth every penny
I prefer simple interiors I am in the automotive industry and look at Audi's and Benz all day long I think they are an overkill with all their lights, buttons gadgets etc. I keep all that at home so i will not be distracted while I am enjoying the twisties in So Cali
 
#72 ·
With BMW you get what you pay for
I have 2013 535 with white interior, looks awesome feels great, expensive 65K+
I had a 01 Z4, so so interior
07 335i paid 48k+ in 07 perfect interior
14 435i bought it 2 days ago 6 speed, Black interior, with blue exterior m package paid 51K and I think its worth every penny
I prefer simple interiors I am in the automotive industry and look at Audi's and Benz all day long I think they are an overkill with all their lights, buttons gadgets etc. I keep all that at home so i will not be distracted while I am enjoying the twisties in So Cali
The first year for Z4's was 2003.
 
#73 ·
This is sad to hear:tsk:

I guess the trend continues it started with F30 and now continues with more expensive F32. For the price you pay above F30 the F32 should at least give you better feeling materials. It is already bad enough that they did not distinguish the interior enough from sedan after the whole name change.

The BMW needs to step it above and stop ruining the 3 series platform.
 
#74 ·
This is sad to hear:tsk:

I guess the trend continues it started with F30 and now continues with more expensive F32. For the price you pay above F30 the F32 should at least give you better feeling materials. It is already bad enough that they did not distinguish the interior enough from sedan after the whole name change.

The BMW needs to step it above and stop ruining the 3 series platform.
That is my biggest disappointment with the 4-Series... BMW goes thru the trouble of creating a completely new Series, apparently to position it completely above the 3-Series and not just an offspring of it, but then fundamentally tacks the whole 3-Series interior on. :confused:

No front-to-back center console, no front door folding compartments, no distinctly split rear seats, all as in the E92. Just slightly different door panels and a plastic cubby separating the almost-bench rear seat. Pricing is in line with the E90 and E92 pricing, so the upmarket purpose is even suspect. Even the M3 and M4 main changes are limited to the trunk of the F82 because even the CF roof will be available in the M3. Everything else is pretty much the same.

The only 4-Series that makes a lot of sense to me -regardless of the interior critique- is the 4GC, just because it will really be a 3-Series Sedan with a premium price.
 
#98 · (Edited)
OMG!!! (I hate that term, but I can't think of anything else that fits this thread.) This thread has so much crap information and just crap in general it's almost beyond belief. I'd really like to go through it and address each crap point, but it's just not worth the energy. The really sad thing is that uninformed newbies are going to read this thread and believe even half of it is true. :tsk:

Newbies, just flush this thread and go check out the car for yourself.
 
#122 ·
+1

In fact, I can't believe how much time I've wasted on this thread so far.
 
#99 · (Edited)
Then there's this guy ....

Have just had an opportunity to test-drive the 428xi. At first I didn't think of it seriously; my 528xi being a compromise of performance (vs. I6 models) towards comfort and prestige the 5-series offers, I could only imagine going "down" one class (i.e. from 5 down to 4) if the latter was equipped with the larger engine (i.e. 435xi)...BUT, while actually driving it, I found the 428xi absolutely wonderful when compared to my F10 with the same engine! Not only the handling (M-sport suspension, low CoG), but - above all - the drivetrain's responsiveness have left me a very frustrated 528xi owner. Only today did I witness the true potential of BMW's 4-banger, and understood all the hype around it (and the 4-cylinder Engine of the Year Award).

Of course I realize it's exactly the same engine I have, simply implemented much wiser due to:

- the SAT's gearing ratios designed with sportiness in mind from the very beginning
- the throttle response being day and night difference to my laggy 528xi implementation (in fact, in the 428xi's Comfort mode it's more direct than mine in Sport+ mode!!!)
- the chassis, lower and lighter, also having been designed with sporty rather than comfy virtues in mind (why can't BMW combine the sport suspension with xDrive on F10 beats me; the 4-er has it and now the 2-er does, too)...

Even the interior - so highly appraised in the F10 - has nothing left to be desired in the 428xi. Smaller, yes - but otherwise the same feeling of quality. Even the same BMW smell :)

All in all - in spite of my 59 years of age and serious spine condition - I'm determined to do all I only can in order to "downgrade" from the prestigious F10 to the 4-series. Of course, a 435xi would be even better, but due to the crazy "luxury tax" we have here on anything larger than 2.0l displacement - it's unfortunately above my financial means.
.... but he's just some old Polock who's probably just had too much vodka. He can't possibly know what he's talking about.
 
#102 ·
All I hear is people whining about BMW 3 series and the 4 series, you guys are complaining about why its more expensive, when it seems cheaply built, plastic is used etc etc. Well don't buy it then. I just sold my 335i that i bought in 07 (new) loved every aspect of the car. I picked up a 435i Manual and to my surprise it has more room in the back seat. It is wider and longer. The M package gives it better lines than the old coupe. I had a choice of purchasing a coupe 335i back in 07 and I felt cramped, i am 6.2 and 195 and if anyone was to sit behind me in 335 they were unable to. That may friend is big change in it self. I do not find it like its got more plastic than my old 335. Nicely built car. I would not be caught dead in a GLORIFIED VW oops I meant AUDI.
Don't trade in your 335 for a 435 the lesser cars on the road the better and unique for me. You guys are all absolutely correct 435 is BMW marketing sham.
 
#103 ·
If "all you hear" is whining about "BMW 3 series and the 4 series, you guys are complaining about why its more expensive, when it seems cheaply built, plastic is used etc etc. " then don't participate in a thread titled " 4 series, some interior materials downgraded".

With respect, it's a complaint thread :dunno:
 
#107 ·
To be fair to BMW, there was a high-level of discontent over the very cheap interior of the e36. It didn't stand up to Audi's then gorgeous and luxurious b5 a4 - not even close.

BMW, when launching the e46, REALLY rectified this and delivered a simply outstanding interior in the e46 in both classic, timeless design and excellent materials.

The e90 then came along with a....at best....teutonic design (read: bland) that also had some cheaper parts. Not a ton, just some, combined with an unexciting but decent design for 2006.

We've seen this cycle before. And now Mercedes is supposed to be unveiling a revolutionary new C class in 2015. if they do, I'm pretty certain we'll see BMW revise the F30 and definitely improve the successor.

In addition, the f30 came out in 2011. Since then, BMW is now presenting the 3-series against the 1 and 2 series as a step up. So it will need to deliver a superior interior, albeit not at the 5-series level.
 
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