[bmwdrive]

I've seen a lot of favorable comparisons of the G20 to the F30. I'm wondering how people would compare the new G20 M340i to the old E90 335i. I had the E90 for 10 years and loved it. I would like a similar replacement, but I'm not sure if the M340i is close enough. Another option is to wait for the M3 G80. Or I could go with the M2, even though it's a bit small for what I need day-to-day.

Obviously the G20 is a different car. I'm looking for that "ready-to-go" tight feeling I had driving the E90. The G20 might be a bit too big for that, even in all-out M3 form.

[TheObviousChild]

I'm sure it's different strokes for different folks, but for me, my E90's were my least favorite next to my E46 and F30s. I'm super stoked for my M340 though.

[geddylee]

As much as I loved my E46, I would have to agree that the E90 was incredible and perhaps the best all around 3 series ever made. You still had great steering, more useable space on the inside. The introduction of Idrive, turbo motors, rear vents, and a very high quality cabin.

I've driven the M340 and while it's no E90, it almost reminds me more of the E60 5 series. The length of the hood just makes it never feel like a 3 series.

That being said, it's closer to an E90 than the F30 is. The steering is much more firm, the suspension feels planted without a punishing ride. Body roll is minimal and well controlled. But it feels like it's a larger class of vehicle then the E90 ever did which is why it's hard for me to compare.

[stein_325i]

If you're looking for an "older" BMW feel, I'd highly reccomend driving any form of 2 series, especially the M240 and M2 Competition if you don't need 4 doors. They have that small and nimble feeling that the new 3er lacks due to its growing size and weight. The steering isn't E90 level of feel (although no new BMW feels like that in my opinion), but the 2 series is just such a good car everywhere else that the steering is forgivable.

[MmmmmM2]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

If you're looking for an "older" BMW feel, I'd highly reccomend driving any form of 2 series, especially the M240 and M2 Competition if you don't need 4 doors. They have that small and nimble feeling that the new 3er lacks due to its growing size and weight. The steering isn't E90 level of feel (although no new BMW feels like that in my opinion), but the 2 series is just such a good car everywhere else that the steering is forgivable.

I tell you, if I wasn't married, I'd have an M2C in my garage tomorrow night.

[bmwdrive]

Isn't there a 4-door M2 coming out soon? That may be the answer. I also really like the M2C. Stretch it to accommodate my day-to-day driving and I'm sold.

[Pauleebe]

Originally Posted by danf72

Isn't there a 4-door M2 coming out soon? That may be the answer. I also really like the M2C. Stretch it to accommodate my day-to-day driving and I'm sold.

I think there was supposed to be a 2 series gran coupe (4 door). Not sure that we'll see that in an M model, but BMW seems to be making an M variant of every vehicle lately, so perhaps.

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by Pauleebe

I think there was supposed to be a 2 series gran coupe (4 door). Not sure that we'll see that in an M model, but BMW seems to be making an M variant of every vehicle lately, so perhaps.

There is a 2gc in the works, but it's supposed to be fwd with a transverse engine. It's really a 1 series badged as a 2gc. If you don't mind that, I'm sure it'll be a fun little car.

[buckybadger]

M2C is a real BMW. Hardcore and tight but I have to say that it's not for everyone. It's only for those who enjoy hard seats, tight turns, stiff rides, tight steering and a tank feel built in the fatherland. It's not a cushy car and it has a rough/raw ride compared to any 3 series. Some people will be annoyed with this type of a ride while others will rejoice.

E90 was amazing, F30 is okay. G series is comfortable but no where compared to M2C. I have only driven the 330i. IMO, E90 was way better than G in terms of raw feel.

[bmwdrive]

I test drove the M2C. I only had 5 minutes behind the wheel but loved it. It felt so fun and alive.

Shouldn't the current M4 be similar but in a slightly larger package?

[Eagle Creek]

Originally Posted by buckybadger

M2C is a real BMW. Hardcore and tight but I have to say that's it's not for everyone. It's only for those who enjoy hard seat, tight turns, stiff rides, tight steering and a tank feel built in the fatherland. It's not a cushy car and it has a rough/raw ride compared to any 3 series. Some people will be annoyed with this type of a ride while others will rejoice.

E90 was amazing, F30 is okay. G series is comfortable but no where compared to M2C. I have only driven the 330i. IMO, E90 was way better than G in terms of raw feel.

Doesn't it feel somewhat logical that a car built using 15 year old technology and manufacturing processes feels more raw than 15 years improvement in sophistication?

[buckybadger]

Originally Posted by Eagle Creek

Doesn't it feel somewhat logical that a car built using 15 year old technology and manufacturing processes feels more raw than 15 years improvement in sophistication?

Raw simply means more road feel.

M cars are way more advanced and sophisticated.

[x986]

dan, I agree with you about the E90. After a Euro delivery, I kept mine for 7 years. For me that is a "World Record", never approached by any other car.

[Carjack]

There were two E90’s.
The earlier models had hydraulic steering. The later models electric steering. I always thought two different cars.
The hydraulic steering models were excellent and reminded me somewhat of a Heinkel Bubble Car I owned many years ago. Nimble. But for the ladies steering whilst parking was a tad on the heavy side. At least for my Wife.
The electric steering was not so good for sure and was a different motor. But steering light whilst parking which pleased my Wife. But even this model felt more nimble and a smaller motor to drive than the F30.
The G20 outshines all, in all respects except steering perhaps not quite as good as the hyd E90 and perhaps feeling not quite as nimble.
However, am quite enjoying my G20 330i M-Sport for sure.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by TheObviousChild

I'm sure it's different strokes for different folks, but for me, my E90's were my least favorite next to my E46 and F30s. I'm super stoked for my M340 though.

I agree.....well, except for the 340i statement. I'm not personally looking to buy one.

[bmwdrive]

Originally Posted by x986

dan, I agree with you about the E90. After a Euro delivery, I kept mine for 7 years. For me that is a "World Record", never approached by any other car.

Yeah. I had a 2007 with the hydraulic steering. 10 years and 130k miles. World record for me too. It wasn't perfect by any stretch. HPFP and other issues. It also couldn't survive a full day at the track. But it was a fun drive. I would like the E90 with the G20 engine and interior.

[Wmzorba09]

E90 did drive well, but aesthetically I found the E90 the ugliest BMW of all recent 3 series models...so hideous I held on to my E46 until the F30 was released in 2012. As for the ride...put a M340 in Sport Plus and it will surpass the the E90 in steering, handling and horsepower, torque, etc. I'd take a G20 over an E90 any day. If you don't agree... go purchase a mint E90 instead.

[TheObviousChild]

Originally Posted by Wmzorba09

E90 did drive well, but aesthetically I found the E90 the ugliest BMW of all recent 3 series models...so hideous I held on to my E46 until the F30 was released in 2012. As for the ride...put a M340 in Sport Plus and it will surpass the the E90 in steering, handling and horsepower, torque, etc. I'd take a G20 over an E90 any day. If you don't agree... go purchase a mint E90 instead.

Hit the nail on the head.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by Carjack

There were two E90’s.
The earlier models had hydraulic steering. The later models electric steering. I always thought two different cars.
The hydraulic steering models were excellent and reminded me somewhat of a Heinkel Bubble Car I owned many years ago. Nimble. But for the ladies steering whilst parking was a tad on the heavy side. At least for my Wife.
The electric steering was not so good for sure and was a different motor. But steering light whilst parking which pleased my Wife. But even this model felt more nimble and a smaller motor to drive than the F30.
The G20 outshines all, in all respects except steering perhaps not quite as good as the hyd E90 and perhaps feeling not quite as nimble.
However, am quite enjoying my G20 330i M-Sport for sure.

This is incorrect. The E9x 3er had hydraulic steering all the way through its model run. Electric assisted power steering was not introduced until the F3x.

Edit: I stand corrected. It turns out at some point BMW did start using EPS on the E9x in Europe.

[EXE46]

Here we have the same redundant responses, those whose first BMW was the E90 claims it's the greatest 3er BMW ever built, sigh. 10 years from now those whose first BMW started with the G20 will claim the same thing..haha.

[Wmzorba09]

Originally Posted by EXE46

Here we have the same redundant responses, those whose first BMW was the E90 claims it's the greatest 3er BMW ever built, sigh. 10 years from now those whose first BMW started with the G20 will claim the same thing..haha.

I fall into neither category and can definitely say the E90 was hideous and much prefer the E46, F30 or G20 over the E90.

[EXE46]

Agreed, to this day the E90 looks ho hum, didnt age well at all. The E46 was a great looking car with a nicely appointed interior and a mint one is drop dead gorgeous today especially with the M Tech II bits ala ZHP or the E46 M3.