10-05-2018, 10:24 AM | #1 |
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2019 G20 M340i or 2018 F30 340i?
Featured on BIMMERPOST.com So there are a few threads regarding the G20 with great details with this whole community of contributors! I've been driving a 2005 ACURA RSX TYPE-S since I bought it brand new Feb '05. I love stick shift but am wondering if I should grab whatever is leftover in manual trans for the F30 or finally give in switching over to automatic waiting on the M340i. It's a hard decision because I like all the improvements on the g20 over the f30 and wonder if all the technology and subtle improvements in looks and design and features will outweigh getting the F30? I'm very split as the driving engagement goes away if I got the G20 route (and I mean engagement and not caring that the auto is faster and more fuel efficient, simply the rowing gear engagement) and the F30 will have a lot of great tech/features compared to my RSX but then I may whine about the navigation and idrive being better in the G20 vs F30, the button layouts, the door handles, the more premium upscale interior on the g20 vs f30 not better than other car makes as we all know the g20 interior isn't the most upscale (let's not debate about other cars as this is only F30 interior vs G20). Is anyone else in this kind of predicament? Are you willing to forego manual trans for the new G20 tech/features and faster motor? I'd love to also start a poll but don't know how on Choose F30 Manual Fully Loaded or Choose G20 M340i Thanks! Last edited by Score04; 10-05-2018 at 11:08 AM.. |
10-05-2018, 10:31 AM | #2 |
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How important is MT to you? How much will you regret not getting a G20?
You should put together a list of your priorities and see which comes out on top, like the following: Power, G20 M340i Immediate deal: F30 Resale value/Leasing: G20 Reliability: F30 (I avoid first year models) Gadgets: G20
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10-05-2018, 10:35 AM | #3 |
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A lot of the tech is important to me and the improvements on the g20 are great. Somewhere there is a mention of spare tire being available like the X3 now has which is also a plus. I know everyone says to avoid 1st year and told myself I wouldn't do that and hope to be lucky if I bought the 1st year. My current car is 14 yrs old Feb '19 and have delayed buying a car for a while now waiting on the g20 details. I dislike the gauge cluster but being a tech person I could see myself regretting getting an F30 only to see G20 out there. Yes, the deal on the F30 exists now for sure. I already thought about putting a priority list together and think as the months pass by leading up to the car making it to the showrooms will keep me interested about the g20. I was just seeing what someone else would do being in a similar situation.
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10-05-2018, 10:42 AM | #4 |
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Personally, my other car is a 13 year old TSX. I was going to buy a X3 which just got redesigned for this MY. I'm waiting until 2nd-3rd MY. So if I were you i'd wait. You've already kept it for 14 years, what's 1 more year unless it's falling apart
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10-05-2018, 10:55 AM | #5 |
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Interestingly I consider myself very used to auto cars, as the last time I drove a stick was at least 10yrs ago. But you know what? Often times I still get mad about how auto tranny behaves even with the well praised ZF8 on our BMWs. If you've never extensively driven an auto before, I'd suggest that you do that before making a decision. Or you might regret going the G20 route and being mad at its auto...
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10-05-2018, 11:11 AM | #6 |
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My RSX has 169K miles and have begun dumping money into it (like 2800 in AC compressor, radiator, ball joints, etc). This is why an extra year is something I can't wait for. I mean, I could try to sell my RSX and get something for like 3K to last another year but not sure I want to go that route. The RSX drives fine but it is beginning to rust and can try to maximize whatever worth it has.
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10-05-2018, 11:15 AM | #8 |
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Since you're in Chicago, are you going with RWD or AWD? If AWD, I would go with G20 since you can get the lowered sport suspension with it.
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10-05-2018, 11:19 AM | #9 |
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I was going to go with RWD since it is lighter :-) and get a winter wheel package like I've done with my RSX (even though it is FWD). But, I may decide on AWD on the last second.
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10-05-2018, 11:39 AM | #10 |
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I'd lease a first year but would not buy one... I've Designed/ installed automotive assembly systems for 20+ years and have to agree don't buy one first year... also look at the stats... 2014-2015 years are the most reliable due too it's been in production for a while so all the bugs are worked out...
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10-05-2018, 11:51 AM | #11 |
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It's going to be hard to find a RWD 6MT in Chicago. You can't order a F30 anymore so you'd either have to compromise on color/options, search nationwide, or get a G20.
It sounds like you're a tech person so I would just go with a G20 unless 6MT is your first priority. |
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10-05-2018, 12:01 PM | #12 |
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I am in a similar boat. I have a 2003 540i with the 6 speed. I love it, but it needs significant work to be 100% or as close to that as a 15 year old car with 180k can be. Its been a NJ car all its life and salt wounds are digging in. Realistically it needs like $6k to be OK including $2k for just rust remediation, nearly every mount, bushing and bearing is probably due to over due, and the timing chain guides have been one start from failure for the last 10 years ( not really ) but you never know when it will hit you. So I really want to snag something soon. I have a second (slightly older 740iL )car to split miles on so its not too bad, but its also got a few age related things that will need attention soon. Anyway, I will push out at least to next year to possibly get a G20.
edit: important bit.. I am also really unhappy that there is not going to be a 6MT on this car. So I am considering other makes, but the G20 really reads/looks great on paper/in pictures. If the trans is not horrible, and if it drives nice, i'll likely be sold. Was going to say the same thing. I otherwise hate the idea of leasing, but with a new model ( that we might not even like/love ) new issues to be figured out, I would only consider leasing now for the first year or two, and then maybe buying one in another 3 years after that, maybe even luck out with an LCI. I have prepared my angus for leasing, and am psyching myself to even enjoy it. Having a fresh car with nothing to worry about that dealer will not just make all better sounds pretty great. |
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10-05-2018, 12:02 PM | #13 |
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Basically unless 6MT is a must or if you're really trying to keep your costs down, the G20 is a better option as far as anyone here can advise (no one has driven one so we don't have those kinds of reviews to say for sure). It's got a host of improvements in power, handling and tech that make it the obvious choice other than if you need 6MT or a cheaper price.
I've driven stick my whole life but am looking at my first auto with my next car. I have a longer commute with traffic that I never had (stop and go sucks with a clutch), a kid on the way and a wife that can't drive stick (she could learn, but I'll feel more comfortable if she's more comfortable driving it should she need to for whatever reason). With the advances in the autos on these kinds of cars and manual "modes" where I can still control the shifting I'm not really concerned about going auto at this point in my life. |
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10-05-2018, 12:07 PM | #14 | |
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The whole question is how important is having a manual transmission to you? If it’s the most important aspect of getting a new car then your choice is made for you, it has to be an F30. If ordering is truly no longer available then be prepared to travel to get a RWD manual F30. The likelihood of finding one in Chicagoland is virtually 100% nil. I absolutely recommend getting a sport suspension RWD. A good set of winter rubber will get you anywhere you need to go.
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10-05-2018, 01:50 PM | #15 |
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Looks like EOP for F30 is this month so OP would need to find an open allocation quick!
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10-05-2018, 02:12 PM | #16 |
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If you need a car now, the G20 is not even in the equation. Just buy the F30. If you can wait, then it's better to test drive the G20 to see if you like it. There will be lots of used F30 around. Why not look into the 2-series?
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10-05-2018, 02:18 PM | #17 |
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I'm not sure a smaller 2 door car is a good alternative to most people looking at the 3-series.
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10-05-2018, 02:43 PM | #18 |
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Thanks all! I can push about 6 months in Chicago with my car but it'll take a toll on it. I mean for the love of god, the front passenger splash guard is halfway torn across and slightly hanging. Once a week of snow hits the weight of the snow sitting in the splash guard will rip it out. I mean LOL to a f'n splash guard going bad so will buy a new front set before snow. Also, my rearview mirror is starting to peel on the outside. HAHA. Both leather seats developed a nice Butt crack in the middle. Stick shift is very important but think it's time to give up on that. I definitely want a 4 door car as 2 door is not an option anymore. Getting married next weekend and 14 years in a 2 door car makes me want a 4 door car. I've never leased and that hasn't been an option as I like to own my car and understand what everyone is saying about the 1st year avoidance. I've been waiting for about 2 years on car change and held off the minute I heard a new generation coming as many have complained that the F30 is not a true ultimate driving machine. I wouldn't notice that as I have an RSX the last 14 years that is featureless and screams in the high revs but doesn't go anywhere. LOL
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10-08-2018, 10:39 PM | #20 |
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I was in the same boat so that tells you my decision. I ended up with a loaded xdrive 340 with manual 😀 the I would love the G20 but manual was my first priority. To me the F30 is already very luxurious and powerful enough. I don't race. Just want a nice ride.
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10-08-2018, 11:55 PM | #21 |
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I learned to drive stick in an Acura and can tell you Honda transmissions are super easy to drive. The thing with BMW manuals are the super-long clutch travel. Hope you’re not less than 5’7”! Very different than what you’re used to!
Having said that, get the F30 manual. No question. Are you buying used or new? Because if you’re looking at the 340, you’re NOT going to want to go with the “base” model. You’re probably looking at around $55K-$57K MSRP (before incentives). If you’d consider used, you can get an LCI F80 with ~20K miles for about the same price as a loaded F30 340i new. If you can wait till the end of the year and you don’t mind dealing with a dealer out of state, you’ll probably get a much better deal on a manual 340i RWD out of say New York in December. My current car has a 7-speed DCT, which I LOVE, and was looking to get an F80 DCT off the lot. But considering that BMW isn’t going to offer one on the G20, I’m dead set on getting a stick F80 or F82. BMW insists that it’ll continue offering the manual on the M2 but I’d doubt they can justify the development costs and emissions certifications on that for the next generation. This may very well be the last manual offered on any premium production vehicle. Get it while you can! |
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10-09-2018, 02:53 PM | #22 | |
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