[clee1982]

I think most of us can live with steering is good in sports mode, my G30 is pretty remote even in sports mode just heavier (hence feel more stable?)

[Calamari]

Originally Posted by ADEe92

On the discrepancies between reviews I'd say that the US reviewers are reviewing models with adaptive steering (hence being able to switch between comfort and sport), while the review here is for a bottom spec RHD 320D in the UK. Even though it's an m-sport, presumably it has no adaptive steering and as such is always set to "comfort" seeing as they are the default company car for a lot of people in the UK.

Your assumptions about the adaptive steering not being available in the tested car is incorrect.

Both in F30 and G20, steering setup depends on the driving mode. Sport line and MSport both have several driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. These modes, among other things, affect the setup of automatic gearbox, throttle response, steering feel. This is standard on all cars, not only on Sportline and MSport. I think the only difference is that Sport line and Msport have an additional Sport+ mode (where DSC allows a small degree of wheel spinning and sliding) that is not available in SE and Luxury line. (I might be wrong, though since I never drove SE or Luxury line)

There is a costly option for sport steering or servotronic, but that is something completely different.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by 10"

"The steering is still squishy and lifeless"

I've read enough....still a 0/10.

Surely you can't judge a car on one tester's comment.

We have to wait and see...

Other parts of the UK press isn't so negative. From first production car drives, (both also testing 320d models), AutoCar and WhatCar comment...

AutoCar
BMW was quite plainly keen to produce a steering rack with good on-centre stability, a clear sense of tactile load and with linear handling response as you add lock – all of which it has very successfully delivered.

WhatCar
Its steering set-up represents perhaps the first time since electric power steering became the norm that BMW has managed to deliver something truly exceptional: the weighting is consistent and it communicates a good sense of the road surface beneath through the wheel rim.

I'll be waiting for a test drive or two, before I make any judgement.

[ADEe92]

Originally Posted by Calamari

Your assumptions about the adaptive steering not being available in the tested car is incorrect.

Both in F30 and G20, steering setup depends on the driving mode. Sport line and MSport both have several driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. These modes, among other things, affect the setup of automatic gearbox, throttle response, steering feel. This is standard on all cars, not only on Sportline and MSport. I think the only difference is that Sport line and Msport have an additional Sport+ mode (where DSC allows a small degree of wheel spinning and sliding) that is not available in SE and Luxury line. (I might be wrong, though since I never drove SE or Luxury line)

There is a costly option for sport steering or servotronic, but that is something completely different.

Fair enough - I'd imagine that there's potential for sport mode on the 320d to be tuned differently from sport mode on the 340i though given their different audiences. The euro 320d is available with a manual transmission, so there are definite differences.

Will have to test drive one at some point - probably once the G21 comes out

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by praxis218

At least it's not one of those E90 specials with 16" rims and halogen headlights.

The first BMW I got new was one of those, exactly 0 options on the build sheet so it was even a manual. I liked that car but fuck it was ugly as hell!

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by Remonster

The first BMW I got new was one of those, exactly 0 options on the build sheet so it was even a manual. I liked that car but fuck it was ugly as hell!

The E90 specials as you call it were pretty common baseline in other markets. Nothing wrong with 16" wheels and halogens per se, but the US market is used to certain levels of equipment.

People younger than 30 seem not to realize that these cars were sold for decades with very spartan levels of standard equipment. Some would cringe to see the spec sheet of your run of the mill E30 or E36.

[Calamari]

Originally Posted by ADEe92

Fair enough - I'd imagine that there's potential for sport mode on the 320d to be tuned differently from sport mode on the 340i though given their different audiences. The euro 320d is available with a manual transmission, so there are definite differences.

Will have to test drive one at some point - probably once the G21 comes out

Given the fact that M340i is a "mild" M-division product, positioned half way between an actual M3 and the rest of "civil" G20 versions, it's reasonable to expect that steering will be a bit heavier, and maybe even quicker, especially in sport and sport+ mode. After all, a great deal of steering setup is done through software settings.

This difference is also expected for all other setting in drive modes, since 340i is a completely different beast compared to the 320d.

I also can't wait for G21. It should be an excellent allrounder.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

People younger than 30 seem not to realize that these cars were sold for decades with very spartan levels of standard equipment. Some would cringe to see the spec sheet of your run of the mill E30 or E36.

Absolutely! Per BMWNA, based on VIN and retail sale date, I was the first to take delivery of an E21 in the U.S. in October, 1976 from the dealer's first load of 1977 models. Here was the content:

• 4 speed manual
• manual door locks
• manual windows
• hand crank sunroof
• no A/C (added BMW A/C kit to lower center console during prep)
• cloth seats, not Sensatec, not leather, cloth...with little tufts!

BMW didn't become a luxury brand until some of my generation realized BMW wasn't British Motor Works, and started attaching status to the brand in their vacuous search for personal identity.

BTW, if anyone ever sees VIN 5420689 anywhere (yes, they were that short back then), PM me please!

[ADEe92]

Nice! My first and second BMWs were both similar spec to yours, but even more basic! In Australia we got "hot weather package" euro spec cars, which back then basically meant a bigger radiator and cooler thermostat.

First one: 1977 320i - M10, 4 speed manual, everything manual including mirrors and no power steering, no sunroof, no AC, beige cloth interior.

Second one: 1978 323i, 3 speed auto, as above including no power assisted steering - parking was a workout with the 6 cylinder! Had dealer fitted air-conditioning and a vertical cassette player. Eventually got tired of the auto, so converted it to a 4 speed manual.

Both cars were a lot of fun - the 323i was surprisingly quick for what it was, and used to embarrass the 80's GM V8 stuff Unfortunately I totalled that car in a crash in the end.

[openwheelracing]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

"The steering is still squishy and lifeless."

Ouch...

Heyy BMW, I have something squishy and lifeless too...in my pants.

Looking for that old school BMW steering feel? The Tesla Model 3 has it covered. Handles better too.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by openwheelracing

Looking for that old school BMW steering feel? The Tesla Model 3 has it covered. Handles better too.

Relentless!

Are you suggesting that Tesla Model 3 EPS feel is better than BMW 3 Series EPS feel? BMW gives nothing away on basic suspension geometry, so this is a tuneable engineering decision, not the ongoing discussion of the inherent sensory superiority of hydraulic versus electronic power steering. As has been said in other threads, we need much more experience with the G20 in its various forms to have a real understanding for comparison. But, I understand that you are eager to reach a conclusion!

[openwheelracing]

my bad, I should've stated my experience is with F3X which is absolutely garbage compared to Model 3, E90, and very likely G20.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by openwheelracing

my bad, I should've stated my experience is with F3X which is absolutely garbage compared to Model 3, E90, and very likely G20.

That's OK. I think we all realize how enthusiastic you are, and that's a good thing!

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by openwheelracing

my bad, I should've stated my experience is with F3X which is absolutely garbage compared to Model 3, E90, and very likely G20.

Scroll down to about halfway, right under the seaside photo of Estoril Blue.

http://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/254...its-reputation

[openwheelracing]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Scroll down to about halfway, right under the seaside photo of Estoril Blue.

http://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/254...its-reputation

I got high hope for the G20. Two thumbs up.

[spikecraib]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Scroll down to about halfway, right under the seaside photo of Estoril Blue.

http://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/254...its-reputation

I’d missed the write up. Thanks for sharing. The M340i sounds like it could be a winner.

[Ceramic Rabbit]

Feels really similar to the reception of the last 3 series in 2012, was basically as good or better than all competition in every way making it crazy good all around.

[upsidedownfunnel]

I can't really trust random peoples' reviews of this car. Hopefully to professional reviews are correct and not just pandering to BMW for priority treatment.

And while the M340i impresses with that ripping acceleration, agility and grip, there’s something more: Real, honest-to-Gott steering feel and sound, both dramatically improved over today’s milquetoast 3er. Like the M2 and M235i, there’s real weight in the helm, and enough feedback to keep any driver engaged and entertained.