[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by xcusem3

The F series looked dated when it first came out... it just didn't stand the test of time like so many other previous generation bmws.

I agree a few months after production stopped and it looks like it's 2 generations old already

Because it was at best a refreshed E90. Basically a 2006 design. Everybody else not only caught up but got way ahead. In the past it didn't matter how late in the product cycle a 3-series was it was still best in class!

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Sure there is a lower spec car vs. a higher spec, but there's no question the G20 is highly improved inside and out.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, the F30 was a very half-assed effort by BMW. It did not push the buck forward with exterior/interior design, interior quality, and went into the dungeons with its driving dynamics. It's no wonder BMW lost so much footing in this segment, the F30 won't be missed.

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Because it was at best a refreshed E90. Basically a 2006 design. Everybody else not only caught up but got way ahead. In the past it didn't matter how late in the product cycle a 3-series was it was still best in class!

Mostly agree with you guys, with the exception of the upper tier models from the platform. I have had quite an array of BMWs including E36, E46, E90, E82, and quite love my F30. That being said, I have driven others that were not a 340i, and they were prettty awful, so mostly get what you guys are saying. For the F30 to be great, you really had to dial up the model and options. Still better than E90, which I think is the "okayest" three series of all time, significantly less inspiring than the F30 IMO. The problem with the F30 is that it came with asterisks; fully loaded M Sport and upper tier models, or fairly unnnotable.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by golf_234

Mostly agree with you guys, with the exception of the upper tier models from the platform. I have had quite an array of BMWs including E36, E46, E90, E82, and quite love my F30. That being said, I have driven others that were not a 340i, and they were prettty awful, so mostly get what you guys are saying. For the F30 to be great, you really had to dial up the model and options. Still better than E90, which I think is the "okayest" three series of all time, significantly less inspiring than the F30 IMO. The problem with the F30 is that it came with asterisks; fully loaded M Sport and upper tier models, or fairly unnnotable.

I was still unimpressed with higher spec F30s but I will say, I haven't driven the latest couple model years. Maybe they were better, but there's only so much the engineers can do to improve a car that was flawed from the beginning. On a side note, I will say that the F30 was incredibly handsome when spec'd nicely (like yours).

I'll have to disagree with you on the E90. That car was incredibly dialed in and sporty no matter how it was optioned. The steering was classic BMW, and the interior was built to such a high standard it was amazing. The F30's interior was noticeably cheapened.

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by Asianoak

I was never a fan of the F series so anything is an improvement. But does anybody else think Audi when they see the taillights?

No not really.

[wknddrivr]

Originally Posted by golf_234

Mostly agree with you guys, with the exception of the upper tier models from the platform. I have had quite an array of BMWs including E36, E46, E90, E82, and quite love my F30. That being said, I have driven others that were not a 340i, and they were prettty awful, so mostly get what you guys are saying. For the F30 to be great, you really had to dial up the model and options. Still better than E90, which I think is the "okayest" three series of all time, significantly less inspiring than the F30 IMO. The problem with the F30 is that it came with asterisks; fully loaded M Sport and upper tier models, or fairly unnnotable.

Agreed that the higher end F30s are better than the non m-sport versions, but the E90 was a much better driving vehicle than the F30 in any configuration. But then again, I still prefer the driving dynamics of my E36 M3 over my E90.

To me, the F30 was so far off the mark in driving dynamics, interior design and material quality, that when my E90 was totaled, I went right for the G30 5 series. The G series cars are a huge step up from the bargain basement f-chassis vehicles (aside from the F90 and F87)

[psuibmw]

Originally Posted by CBBMWNA

These jokes are old. We get it. 😉

Absolutely, cannot take them anymore

[antzcrashing]

Must compare M sport to M sport! Currently i think the new 3 grill looks too big but it will grow on me. Also hate the tail lights bc they look like Japanese design style, nothing wrong w Jap cars, just dont like it on a BMW

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by ssquared

Agreed that the higher end F30s are better than the non m-sport versions, but the E90 was a much better driving vehicle than the F30 in any configuration. But then again, I still prefer the driving dynamics of my E36 M3 over my E90.

To me, the F30 was so far off the mark in driving dynamics, interior design and material quality, that when my E90 was totaled, I went right for the G30 5 series. The G series cars are a huge step up from the bargain basement f-chassis vehicles (aside from the F90 and F87)

For sure see where you are coming from. That being said, I will note that the F30 that I have now with the B58 (in Sig) Is my favorite BMW that I have had. To the point where, no, I would not exchange it for any past car I have had even new. That includes even the E46's which had many. Just too dated for me now.

But as a general statement, you have it down. I am well aware that it is a niche with this car. I would say that the late 340i platform with the B58, they did a very, very good job with, including driving dynamics. But is surrounded by "okayness" in its peers.

My biggest issue with the E90 was in its atrocious design. I just found the exterior and interior styling from that Bangle era to be so bad. Even if the car were a magnificent driving machine, which probably could be argued they were, the styling was just lethal to the car. I am really big on the driver slanted dash as I view it as such a big part of BMW's heritage, and its lack in the E90 with that awful plank dashboard. It was so bad. I liked that car, (E90 328i) but it was mostly a tool to me and don't miss it really. Uninspiring. As a contrast, I love my F30, I really do.

E36's are sweet! My brother has a last model year Alpine White sedan, with all the sport appointages, and we have been restoring it, a lot of fun and very special car.

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

Must compare M sport to M sport! Currently i think the new 3 grill looks too big but it will grow on me. Also hate the tail lights bc they look like Japanese design style, nothing wrong w Jap cars, just dont like it on a BMW

People keep saying that, I don't think it looks Japanese. Especially seeing it in M Sport at the dealer in person. I disagree with those sentiments and felt the design was very cohesive in person.

Will say it doesn't photograph as well though I will admit, which is usually the case for modern angular looking cars.

[dansobolanu]

1 F30 it’s not an M pack like the blue one
2 G20 is like a smaller twin of G30

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by 10"

Are they selling leftover F30s at Lexus dealerships now?!? Am confused..

that was really funny. i don't think i've ever heard that one before.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by golf_234

For sure see where you are coming from. That being said, I will note that the F30 that I have now with the B58 (in Sig) Is my favorite BMW that I have had. To the point where, no, I would not exchange it for any past car I have had even new. That includes even the E46's which had many. Just too dated for me now.

But as a general statement, you have it down. I am well aware that it is a niche with this car. I would say that the late 340i platform with the B58, they did a very, very good job with, including driving dynamics. But is surrounded by "okayness" in its peers.

My biggest issue with the E90 was in its atrocious design. I just found the exterior and interior styling from that Bangle era to be so bad. Even if the car were a magnificent driving machine, which probably could be argued they were, the styling was just lethal to the car. I am really big on the driver slanted dash as I view it as such a big part of BMW's heritage, and its lack in the E90 with that awful plank dashboard. It was so bad. I liked that car, (E90 328i) but it was mostly a tool to me and don't miss it really. Uninspiring. As a contrast, I love my F30, I really do.

E36's are sweet! My brother has a last model year Alpine White sedan, with all the sport appointages, and we have been restoring it, a lot of fun and very special car.

as a new 340i owner i agree with everything you have said. i think the issues is people are speaking without having driven every engine and model year because a lot does change.

my e90 325i was a shit box. you guys saying the interior was better than my 2016 328i are completely wrong. i couldn't wait to get out of the car that didn't even have an ipod plug in at the time. neutral to pre lci design except for the ugly reflectors IN the headlight housing. i'm assuming the e90 love came from lci. i did passionately love my e90 m3.

early year f30's were not great. 2016 plus a lot started changing. even though it was a 330i loaner, i still found the 330i to be better than my 328i. i don't regret getting the 340i and i'm surprised more people don't have one.

[mckman]

I can second the opinion of others that the F30 drives very differently depending on the model. The difference between my previous F31 M- sport package and my current F30 340i is like night and day. Of course the B58 makes a huge difference, but the steering and overall suspension is much better as well. The interior quality is also nicer overall in the 340i. Plus I have a manual, which is no longer available in the G20. If I only ever experienced the F31 I would have been disappointed, but the 340i has actually been very nice, even compared to my previous E90.

In the pics of the two white cars side by side, both the G20 and F30 look ok, however the G20 grill still looks weird to me with the closed off strip at the top.

[golf_234]

Originally Posted by mckman

I can second the opinion of others that the F30 drives very differently depending on the model. The difference between my previous F31 M- sport package and my current F30 340i is like night and day. Of course the B58 makes a huge difference, but the steering and overall suspension is much better as well. The interior quality is also nicer overall in the 340i. Plus I have a manual, which is no longer available in the G20. If I only ever experienced the F31 I would have been disappointed, but the 340i has actually been very nice, even compared to my previous E90.

In the pics of the two white cars side by side, both the G20 and F30 look ok, however the G20 grill still looks weird to me with the closed off strip at the top.

Originally Posted by rjd598

as a new 340i owner i agree with everything you have said. i think the issues is people are speaking without having driven every engine and model year because a lot does change.

my e90 325i was a shit box. you guys saying the interior was better than my 2016 328i are completely wrong. i couldn't wait to get out of the car that didn't even have an ipod plug in at the time. neutral to pre lci design except for the ugly reflectors IN the headlight housing. i'm assuming the e90 love came from lci. i did passionately love my e90 m3.

early year f30's were not great. 2016 plus a lot started changing. even though it was a 330i loaner, i still found the 330i to be better than my 328i. i don't regret getting the 340i and i'm surprised more people don't have one.

See you guys are both in Southern Ca. Aha, some nemeses. Perhaps see you out there on the roads

[Art__Vandelay]

I like the front of the G20 and I don't mind the grill either. The interior is also a step up. I'm sure it is a really good car. But I hate the rear, looks so boring and kinda cheap. And yes, there's a L shape (at least the lights), but that's about it, other than that it doesn't look BMW at all (which wouldn't be such a problem if it at least would look any good). The shape is so dull and uninspired, while the grey part is so 90s.

But well, maybe I'll accept it and get the M3 next year, because I think everything else is okay.

[ihbase]

The g20 appears derivative. It is as if a focus group comprised of impitent Lexus lessees got stoned and designed a car based upon the X4 design elements. Accordingly, the g20 grill, confused X4 character lines, and derivative rear make the f30 look like a design masterpiece.

In other words, it took the g20 to make the f30 look really good.

Add a column shifter, bigger doors, wider seats, cupholders big enough to hold 44-ounce Slurpees, and the choice of engine soundtracks, and we can just nail the coffin shut on the entire concept of a driver's car.

-now get off my lawn!

-Michael

[Kid Red]

Gross. I just can’t bring myself to like anything about it. The kidney grills are huge, no space between then, the bumper is a mess of creases and pointless curves. The headlights look like Camaro taillights, the rear end and taillights are almost a straight swipe from a boring Lexus.

I’m bitter because this was going to be my next car. However, every time I see a photo of it, I cry a little and then

The F30 may look dated next to it, but at least the F30 isn’t offensive to look at. I don’t like BMW’s design language at all.

[wunderbar911]

Personally I still like the F30 better in that pic. Looks more classic. Only part that bothers me is that grill. Just doesn't seem to be the right proportion. Perhaps blacked out could help but I really think they messed up there. The rear lights and the chisseled front head lights I can still live with.

[sq86]

Originally Posted by CBBMWNA

These jokes are old. We get it. 😉

Reminds me of the endless comments about the horrible steering (and driving dynamics for that matter) on the F3X so they ended up "improving" it for the G2X. It's one of the primary selling points of this generation, per the BMW.

The jokes maybe "old" but sometimes it's good to beat the crap out of a point so the people that made bad choices know they messed up, big time.

[sq86]

The F3X was never a looker to me. I hated the front end. The rear end was an evolution of the E9X. Now the G2X looks ok on the front end and horrible in the rear, especially since it looks like… well we know what. Complete 180 (pun intended).

The interior looks more upscale on the G2X compared to the F3X even though it's not compared here.

Still not a fan of either aesthetically though. I'm holding out till I get to drive a G2X though. Hopefully that's it's saving grace as they so claim.

[ozziewizzle]

Originally Posted by Tazmn Jr

Looks are growing on me. The F series looks a little old in comparison already

Originally Posted by Tazmn Jr

Looks are growing on me. The F series looks a little old in comparison already

And I think if we were to add the E9x to that pic it would actually looks less old than the F series too as the G series adopted the bulkier look of the e9x series that had been stream lined by the F series me thinks....

[AddictedTo///M]

At least the kidneys don't look like this anymore.... I hated that the kidneys were separate along the top line. I'll post some more shots of the G20 M Sport and Sport in a little bit.