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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions G20 3-Series: What I've learned since taking delivery

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      04-05-2019, 09:09 PM   #45
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chickennuggets View Post
Can you not order one from Munich anymore? I assume most lot cars will be from Mx, but surely there's no reason you can't custom order one from Germany?
Btw, beautiful car mate. Congrats!
Certainly, one can still do ED which will be built from Germany.
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      04-05-2019, 09:28 PM   #46
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Extremely good and detailed review.

Thank you!
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      04-05-2019, 09:50 PM   #47
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IS3andME View Post
You said it yourself. What the poster is mentioning is the resemblance to the L-shaped Lexus design language. Because Lexus starts with “L”. And Let’s be clear the Lexus third gen IS, which is the XE30 started production in 2013. The design was finalized in 2010-2011. The LF-CC concept, which showcased the L-shaped lights, came in 2012.

The F30 came out in 2011, and it didn’t have L-shapes rear lights. Now, I do believe that there are Euro spec rear lights (please correct me if I am wrong) that do have the L-shape when lit up (when doing a check, I saw a few online), however, there came after the Lexus rear lights. Lexus designers decided to put the L-shape in the rear lights, as a Marketing move, because Lexus starts with L.

So, people see the G20/30 3 series’ rear L-shaped lights, and their mind instantly thinks “Lexus”, because that is the other car marque that has very prominiant L shaped lights. In fact, there is L-theme to almost all of the front and rear lights of all Lexus vehicles.

In short, this is probably coincidence. Just like how some people think that the Ferrari P80/C one off looks like a Ford GT, when the person who ordered the one off wanted a car influenced by the 330 P3/4
L-shaped taillight has been a BMW trademark since early 90s in various BMW lineups. BMW reinterpreted the modern L-shaped taillight in thinner and more 3D sculpted representation on newer gen BMW models which happened to be the modern trend among other car brands.

F30 had L-shaped taillight since MY2012, just bit taller format. You might be referring to pre-LCI E90 that had backing light cluster as part of taillight. In terms of taillight interpretation, it's still L-Shaped (brake light cluster).

In any respect, BMW, Lexus or any brand, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
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      04-05-2019, 10:06 PM   #48
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DML View Post
Without getting too specific, the layout is what I'm referring to. Take a look at "Kia" better yet a Maxima, IDENTICAL!! Not very European if you get the drift.
A gearbox is a car's transmission. I'm completely lost here. Are you talking about the shifter? The layout of what? The buttons around the shifter? I don't see the resemblance. The G20 shifter surround looks European, it just looks kinda cheap.
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      04-05-2019, 10:13 PM   #49
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mii View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by windnsea00 View Post
Did you happen to own a F30? I generally have liked most of the previous 3-series generations but really didn't care for the F30 for a handful of reasons, curious if you feel it's a big improvement on that chassis, especially in vehicle dynamics.
F80 replaced my F30. My comparison is drawing from memory when making the same sharp turns on the same road under dry day condition. G20 holds very well on turns with increased chassis stiffness, ride comfort also improved.

For cross reference: https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24355718&postcount=370

E46 - 18,000 Nm/deg
E90 - 22,500 Nm/deg
F30 - 29,300 Nm/deg
G20 - 36,625 Nm/deg (based on 25% more than predecessor)

E46 M3 GTR (w/roll cage) - 46,000 Nm/deg
F80 M3 - 40,000 Nm/deg

G20 is approaching F80 M3 stiffness overall, and even higher in body stiffness in certain area if 50% is applied.
How do I measure my caged E30 M3 for this metric?

What if it's 38000, 2300lbs and 325hp? What's the point? I could buy an E30 MS chassis that probably on par but ??

T
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      04-05-2019, 10:31 PM   #50
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by DML View Post
Without getting too specific, the layout is what I'm referring to. Take a look at "Kia" better yet a Maxima, IDENTICAL!! Not very European if you get the drift.
A gearbox is a car's transmission. I'm completely lost here. Are you talking about the shifter? The layout of what? The buttons around the shifter? I don't see the resemblance. The G20 shifter surround looks European, it just looks kinda cheap.
Aesthetically speaking, the layout etc...looks beyond cheap. Please don't feel offended, after all, you didn't build it.
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      04-05-2019, 10:56 PM   #51
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ///Mangler View Post
Who the frick obsesses to this level? Wowza.
T
You're looking at one. Devil is in the details, if BMW mess up the obvious one, let alone under the hood.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ///Mangler View Post
How do I measure my caged E30 M3 for this metric?
What if it's 38000, 2300lbs and 325hp? What's the point? I could buy an E30 MS chassis that probably on par but ??
T
For E30 M model as you mentioned, reduce 20-25% (based on BMW's claim of improvement over each gen), then add 10% of improvement from the cage implementation, that's our bulk part figure.

Example: (Guesstimate)
46,000 (E46) x 0.80 (E36) x 0.80 (E30) x 1.10 (Cage) = 32,384 (Still impressive on E30 M3 compared to torsional rigidity of newer gen)

Those metrics were derived from each gen based on BMW's claim of torsional rigidity and % of improvement. The actual driving experience also reflected with those improvements. Not all potential buyers are going to track their car, and having improved torsional rigidity on stock form will experience better ride quality.
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      04-05-2019, 11:27 PM   #52
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mii View Post

Sound System Option: (HK 464 Watts, 9 Channels, 16 Speakers)
1 x Tweeter Instrument Panel
1 x Midrange Instrument Panel
2 x Tweeter Front Door Trim
2 x Midrange Door Central
2 x Bass Speaker
2 x Tweeter Rear Door
2 x Midrange Rear Door
2 x Partial Shelf
2 x Tweeter Partial Shelf

With quieter cabin, HK sound system is sheer joy. G20 does not equipped with CD player in STD trim. Optional CD player is required for those who planned to play CD directly.

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Need to figure out how to read ISTEP version on iDrive 7, as previous iDrive allowed ISTEP version to be extracted from user profile. If anyone knows the trick, feel free to chime in.
Several sources had stated that iDrive 7 was not available until May 2019 and it was an option even then.

Are you saying that iDrive 7 is standard equipment and available now?
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      04-06-2019, 12:35 AM   #53
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PureModelsOnly View Post
But Lexus tail lights tho
time to move on... you won't be able to change the design.
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      04-06-2019, 12:42 AM   #54
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IK6SPEED View Post
Several sources had stated that iDrive 7 was not available until May 2019 and it was an option even then.
Are you saying that iDrive 7 is standard equipment and available now?
Optional ZPP includes Live Cockpit Pro and iDrive 7 10.25" display.
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      04-06-2019, 12:43 AM   #55
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beto_L.A. View Post
time to move on... you won't be able to change the design.
My wallet can, though. Let's see what an LCI brings.
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      04-06-2019, 12:48 AM   #56
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I saw 330i in person, very impressed as a my2018 m owner. But for sticker price, i dont think it does justice.
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      04-06-2019, 12:52 AM   #57
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Originally Posted by BM dnobagaV View Post
My wallet can, though. Let's see what an LCI brings.
look at the LCI 7 series similar design of the back lights... the design is here to stay for several years...
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      04-06-2019, 02:57 AM   #58
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We have great posters on this forum
Thanks very much for this insight
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      04-06-2019, 10:07 AM   #59
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by padaarnaulat View Post
I love how a 4cylc 3er interior quality and design is near identical to the overpriced 'flagship' 8er. A person would have to be stupid to buy 8er for the design
Even though they might look similar in pictures, the difference in quality is apparent the minute you sit down in a 7 or 8 series. Even a 5 series or X5. A lot of the materials are just a little better and everything seems a little more solid. Things like the material around the shifter, the climate control temperature readout, the presence of some hard plastics in the G20, and even the quality of some of the soft touch plastics is inferior to upper trim cars.

Larger cars have a larger profit margin so it's easier for them to include higher quality parts in them. Maybe it's different in Europe or Asia, but American market cars almost always use cheaper parts that might look the same in pictures in the smaller cars.
I've personally been in both a US 135i and a German 118i and I promise you thé US gets much better materials than the Chevy / Ford level BMWs and Mercs.

I was pretty damn surprised to see a Chevy tier interior with cloth seats in a bmw.

That said, the US 3 series was never as nice as the 5 series but the F30 saw BMW really testing the limits of their customer base. Aside from the seats it was pretty cheap similiar to Porsche circa 1997. The difference being BMW had never been bigger when the F30 launched and now Porsche was on life support when the 996 gen launched.

I'm glad OP seems to imply that BMW has Atleast solve the creaking in a brand new car. It was hilarious leaving my 10 year old 5 series still solid and creak free as a rock and hopping in a brand new 330d Fully loaded only to find it full of creaky plastic.

The good news is really this. The F30 sold like crazy but existing BMW faithful more or less tore it up with criticism. BMW could have stayed the course on the cheap interior and probably gotten away with it but Atleast took it upon themselves to do better.

I
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      04-06-2019, 10:18 AM   #60
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Germanauto View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
Yeah BMW's new commoditized gear shifter and drive control buttons are shared on basically all their cars now. It's not integrated to the specific car at all. It's just a big plastic square put in the middle of the center tunnel. It's got blank buttons that aren't even intended for higher trim 3 series. The buttons will ALWAYS be blank on all G20s since those are only for functions in SUVs or larger cars. It's kinda lame.
It looks and feels OK in the likes of the X5 and 8-series due to the piano black plastic finish. The dull plastic on the 3er definitely looks icky as hell.

BMW hit peak 3-series quality with the E90 and I fear that will never come back. That car's interior was so high quality and well-constructed it boggles my mind.
It was high quality, I had one, but even back in the day it looked dull and don't get me started on the rubberized interior door handles that had a nasty tendency to melt and if not careful stain your clothes with an icky black colored goo.

The Dakota leather in mine was ok but honestly would have Prefer Sensatec for better durability.
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      04-06-2019, 10:22 AM   #61
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Also, 2 thoughts

1. Someone copy this review and apply its criteria and measurements to a Mexican G20. I strongly suspect that the new factory will be unable to match the quality and I'd advise anyone not to rush in to ordering one. We all see how Tesla's new plant is going for build quality. Mexican workers can make good stuff but it took Fender about 15 years to have the Mexican build quality match US for their guitars.


2. Anyone have any insight on where exactly M adaptive settings relate to non adaptive?

My impression is the F30 had an ultra comfort set up stock. The M sport suspension took this to a 'sporty' but not really track ready set up. And I'd call an M car trackable street and the competition streetable track.

Similar to Porsche's base/s/GTS tubings.

My M5 adaptive suspension is the best if used, and this is compared to Audi SQ5 which hardly seemed to do anything and took the ride from harsh to harsher. and an Audi S6 which is better mostly sits in comfort to less comfort.

Thé M5 goes from comfort to about 90% the level of the Z06.

I saw measurements for the e89 Z4 35is and someone said you would switch from softer than a 30i to harsher than M sport 35i but very short of the old M roadster. Keeping in mind Z cars tend to be different from the rest of the line in terms of suspension philosophy. The e89 was a GT car in conception snd the 35i was always a step softer than the 335i and the new M40i is allegedly sitting at M4 levels of suspension while the rest of M40i (340i 240i) are a step softer.

My question is what does comfort normal and sport settings attempt to be compared to the no adaptive base / M-Sport / M models.

Will a G20 tighten up to M sport firmness or can it tighten to M proper firmness?
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      04-06-2019, 10:25 AM   #62
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 530iDriver View Post
It was high quality, I had one, but even back in the day it looked dull and don't get me started on the rubberized interior door handles that had a nasty tendency to melt and if not careful stain your clothes with an icky black colored goo.

The Dakota leather in mine was ok but honestly would have Prefer Sensatec for better durability.
Hmm maybe it's because my car has spent its entire life in a mild climate but I've never had an issues with those rubberized door handles.

There's some flaking of the plastic around the steering wheel radio buttons cuz my brother doesn't cut his nails promptly, but otherwise it looks and feels exactly the same as the day we took it home off the showroom floor.

Dakota definitely isn't as luxurious as Vernasca but it's damn durable.
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      04-06-2019, 10:46 AM   #63
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Is that a oem windowshade? Wondering if the F30 one fits the new one.
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      04-06-2019, 11:02 AM   #64
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Undoubtedly one of the finest BMW reviews I have ever read over the last 15 years. Thank you!

How does the track package compare to the standard MSport suspension and also to the previous M3 in terms of handling?
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      04-06-2019, 11:11 AM   #65
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jmpascual View Post
I was surprised that the 330i feels just as fast as my old 13' 335i. M340i is gonna be a beast.
M340i is indeed a beast and makes me wonder how much better will the M3 be? If bmw can make the M340i so good and fast, the M3 will have to be significantly better to justify for the price premium.
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      04-06-2019, 11:42 AM   #66
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Germanauto View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 530iDriver View Post
It was high quality, I had one, but even back in the day it looked dull and don't get me started on the rubberized interior door handles that had a nasty tendency to melt and if not careful stain your clothes with an icky black colored goo.

The Dakota leather in mine was ok but honestly would have Prefer Sensatec for better durability.
Hmm maybe it's because my car has spent its entire life in a mild climate but I've never had an issues with those rubberized door handles.

There's some flaking of the plastic around the steering wheel radio buttons cuz my brother doesn't cut his nails promptly, but otherwise it looks and feels exactly the same as the day we took it home off the showroom floor.

Dakota definitely isn't as luxurious as Vernasca but it's damn durable.
Yes the melting door handle bits were a common and widespread complaint for the E90.

Dakota leather was fairly durable but not overly impressive or supple as Vernasca or Napa.
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