[Bmwphile]

Would be interested to hear what G20 owners, who previously had F30s, what in their daily drive is their 5 biggest improvements over their previous drive. Not necessarily, what the advertising brochures and marketing guys highlight. But what YOU find are the biggest improvements with respect to what YOU personally value. It is relatively easy for me as my F30 was an early build with very few features that later became standard as the F30 went through its life cycle. For me in order of importance:

1. Media interface, I Drive 7 with its brilliant screen and control options, eg Hey BMW make the F30's look like an old Casio toy with very little functionality.
2. The ride (even on runflats) with M Sport adaptive suspension is soo much more comfortable compared with the standard setup on the F30 (also on ruflats)
3. Driver assistance systems. Have Driving Assistant Professional. Active Cruise control with Stop & Go and Lane and Steering Control is amazing. Car almost drives by itself. Although, not used much as haven't done much out of town driving.
4. Interior fit and finish. Quality materials, rock solid assembly, (nothing budges!) and not even a creak or squeak throughout the whole interior.
5 HK sound. Much, much improved over the standard HiFi in the F30. Good bass, clarity, and ability to stream Spotify is great

[hans007]

I had an F30 before.

I don't think the interior is actually better built, but more like the aesthetic of the interior just looks way better or its fresher. Like someone actually put some effort into designing it. The F30 even when it was new and I had it the first year they had m-sport, I felt like design of the interior already looked old when it just came out.

[Jmpascual]

Previously had an pre-lci F30 335i and now have a G20 330i.

Highlights over previous gen (sorry more than 5 ):

-The car (G20) is rock solid and I haven't had any issues in the year and a half that I've had the car. My F30 had tons of problems and the fit and finish is nowhere close to the new gen.
-Definitely the new ambient lighting. Must have especially with an all black interior
-All four doors with comfort access (as it should be), as well as lock when leaving/unlock with approach
-Full LED with lasers, and LED inside and out
-Much cleaner interface with iDrive7 and more customizable, touchscreen
-Appreciate all of the new active safety features. I also have the adaptive cruise + lane keeping but prefer to drive the car myself.
-True 3 zone climate control
- Feels much more balanced and flat in the corners
-Better fuel economy

Highlights of F30:

- Not necessarily a highlight but I've gone from 6 cyl to 4 cyl. Don't get me wrong, the power is definitely enough for everyday usability. But I definitely regret not getting an M340i. That thing is a BEAST.

[NYC_340i]

I had a 2016 340xi (so the LCI) and I now have a M340xi and here are my thoughts overall:

Engine: I'm really liking the improvements made to the engine. The B58 on the F30 was great but the added power on the G20 is really noticeable. Even though I have it disabled the few times before coding start/stop off I noticed it's much smoother and smarter.

Transmission: Slightly more smoother shifts and improvements in the shift points in all modes. Again this is just polishing what was already great on the F30.

Suspension: I'd say the suspension on the xDrive models between the two with the stock runflats is the biggest improvement mechanically. I'd say the ride is a good amount smoother (comparing 18" runflats on the F30 to 19" runflats on the G20 so that says something). The ride is also more refined and you really feel an improvement in the corners. Even on the F30 340i with xDrive you got the standard 3 series suspension compared to a M sport suspension with the G20 so that's great.

AWD: Haven't been able to test in the snow this year but I feel with the G20 you have more control to go further RWD bias with Sport Traction and Traction off. I find myself having more fun than I did with the F30 with traction off. The standard LSD on the M340i is also a great addition.

Exhaust: I just think the G20 has a more refined exhaust. On my F30 the stock exhaust was too quiet and with a resonator delete it did wake it up a little. However the M340i with MPE sounds even louder yet more refined. The valve control on the G20 is more predictable as well. While I unplugged it on the F30 almost instantly, I actually like the valves on the G20. Seems mostly open in Sport and on the highway it quiets down nicely in Comfort.

Interior: The F30 interior started to look old even during the LCI release but overall quality I had no complaints about. My car was a South Africa build so it was known for it's low faults. The new leather in the G20 is a huge improvement over the Dakota leather in the F30 and overall the new interior looks much more modern and high quality.

Tech: Love the tech in this car. Use the self drive mode all the time and it makes the F30 feel so dated once you drive the G20. HK system sounds ever so slightly better but I can't really tell. Key features I like in the G20 is the self drive mode, remote start, iDrive 7 and all the standard features that was missing on the F30.

[Gdiddy23]

I owned one of last made F30 335ix's and my ownership for those few years was relatively smooth.

I'd have to agree with most of what's already been said above. However I also feel like the paint quality on the G20 is better. Maybe that's bc I didn't opt for BSM paint (which showed everything). Had both ceramic coated but the G20 seems better IMO.

I'm also somehow getting about 2.5 mpg better on my M340 and I drive it in sports + almost all the time. Can't speak on AWD yet but MN gets nasty winters and it will def get put to the test later this year!

Honestly I love this vehicle and even tho I have car ADD, I plan on sticking with it for awhile (I think )

[Soul_Glo]

OP. I don't mean to thread jack but wonder if you would consider adding: would ever you go back to your F3X?

[hpetric]

Back - to - back drive from my mother's F30 318d (N47, base) to my G20 320d (M sport):

- engine refinement and sound insulation;
- fit/finish
- steering
- ZF8 is a bit more intelligent
- adaptive LED is more homogeneous than bi-xenon

- F30 MSport has better seats than G20 MSport.

[TLOLX]

Originally Posted by hpetric

Back - to - back drive from my mother's F30 318d (N47, base) to my G20 320d (M sport):

- engine refinement and sound insulation;
- fit/finish
- steering
- ZF8 is a bit more intelligent
- adaptive LED is more homogeneous than bi-xenon

- F30 MSport has better seats than G20 MSport.

Pretty much it. On my side, a lot of the same.

From my 2016 F31 318d M pack manual to my 2020 G20 330e M pack:

G20 major improvements:
-steering: much more direct and refined. The car feel more "solid" in the hands.
-brakes (M sport on G20): it really bites when you press the pedal! Very progressive as well. Great feeling.
-suspention (Adaptative on G20): the car is more rigid and comfortable at the same time! Great accomplishment. But I wouldn't mind having the passive suspension as in my F31. Anyway is one of the best costXbenefit optional for the money you can get.
-sound insulation: It is another car. Superb!
-tech(idrive 7 and driving assistant professional): even though it can be annoying sometimes... for exple to have the engine running when you are out of the car or to leave the A/C on in neutral. This simple tasks can be challenging and deeply irritating. You will find yourself screaming while the car beeps at you, insisting in disobeying.
-interior overall quality and look: right on the spot

F30 has better seats (tipical BMW lower position I could not find in my G20) and the analogical instrument cluster IMO. Cannot get used to the rev counter anticlockwise and really disappointed with lack of configuration options in G20... anyway I saw the new M8 track layout and I hope it gets to the 3 series, why not?

[Firaxis]

On my shopping travels I took an M340i for a spin:

Pro's:

-That engine <initiate drool here>

-Interior looks better, as others have mentioned the quality in certain places is still somewhat lacklustre but ultimately it's a pleasant place to be.

- Refinement, quiet as a mouse in a good way, when doing the long daily it's more relaxing than the F30.

- X-Drive suspension, the 335D I had was like driving on pudding.! I know it's a cruiser not a sports vehicle but still. M340i / G20 does it better..

-Tech, if you're bothered by such things. Personally I believe the standard kit that comes with most cars is good enough but as a toy..

- Holistically the shape has improved, the M spec one's look awesome.!

F30 340i Pro's:

-No X-Drive, why is it the only option? It adds expense, weight and sorry but the F30 M340i M-Sport suspension OR the G20 330i M-Sport suspension is a lot better. Your own M3's would disagree with the premise in can't be RWD.!

-Smaller, I think I might need a bigger garage at this point. I understand regulations / safety requirements but at this rate we'll all be driving HGV's.!

- Personal thing here but I prefer the old grills.

- Biggest issue, even with discounts the price difference between a year old F30 340i Shadow Ed and an M340i was 20K for a similar spec.! It's improved for sure but that's an umm massive difference. Imagine what you could do to your F30 with that spare change?

Will I get a G20 M340i? Yeah most likely.! Just not yet.

[3ismagic#]

Pretty much everything about the driving dynamics is better in the G20.

The steering is sooooo much better. The suspension is better tuned, as is the transmission. The chassis is tighter.

The interior is substantially improved. the F30 interior looked data almost from the day it was released. new idrive is better.

The F30 drove me away from BMW, the G20 brought me back.

[alpinewhite3]

F30 328i RWD(pre-lci) to a G20 330i RWD

Highlights:

-interior is better quality with better fit & finish
-Sensatec has finally reached leather status
-Chassis is much more composed and improved-solid with no more body roll
-Shifts are quicker and car feels much faster
-Fuel economy has improved

Lowlights:

-Led lights not as bright as xenons
-Pirelli runflats even worse than continental runflats
-car is bigger and fatter
-steering is still meh

[Mr.G20 M340]

Had an F30 335 and 340, more g20 m340 x drive.

M340 wins:
-performance
-tech
-comfort

F30 wins:
-Looks way more aggressive
-harmon kardon cane standard on 340, I'm sure lci g20 will get standard Harmon Kardon
-sport button layout, I don't like all the new buttons for eco, comfort and sport on g20 lol

[fueledbymetal]

Originally Posted by Bmwphile

2. The ride (even on runflats) with M Sport adaptive suspension is soo much more comfortable compared with the standard setup on the F30 (also on ruflats)

This is my #1 - the adaptive suspension is superior in both compliance AND body control.

[RSnic]

I had a '14 328 (F30) and have '20 M340 (G20). Here's my view of G20 vs F30:

Pros
• Roadability. Minimal body sway compared to F30 -- adaptive suspension
• Responsiveness -- even in EcoPro (UGH!), much more responsive steering & pedal response
• Form & fit -- interior feels & looks so much better!
• iDrive 7 -- even with some of the counter-intuitive menus, much more driver selection

Cons
• Loss of manual transmission-- though paddles aren't a bad substitute
• Bigger
• Loss of traditional grill
• No over the air update-- I know check is in the mail

For what it's worth (with apologies to Buffalo Springfield)

[TheDudeMan]

Owned/leased several generations of 3 sereis including the F30.

Compared to the F30 specifically the G20 chassis feel more like the traditional BMW - "ultimate driving machine." Its got more rigidity in the right places while being less choppy. The steering feel far better and less synthetic - you can actually feel the road. The car corners flatter.

Moving to the interior. While I did enjoy my f30 interior, especially the Msport steering wheel, the overall feel was cheap. The materials used were harder and less refined. However, I did like the simplicity. The instrument cluster especially was more to my liking as it was analog and made you feel like you're driving a BMW. My g20 is equipped with the virtual cockpit, I really could care less. It would have been cool to see some modern analog gauges.

Overall it's definitely a step up, I just wish it literally wasn't large and stayed the same size.

[Ikester19]

G20 likes;

1. Chassis of the G20 is the biggest improvement for me; dare I say the chassis feels even better than my previous M2
2. Updated tech including os7
3. Fit & finish; the overall quality is a step up such as the seats, leather, trim, paint quality etc
4. Engine and exhaust note (this version of the B58 is just a masterpiece)
5. Lighting; laser headlights are amazing, like the ambient lighting too

Things I miss most of the F30;

1. Msport steering wheel of the F series is my personal favourite Bmw steering wheel ever!
2. Analogue dials, classic red/orange dials; what did Bmw do by going all digital?
3. Body size & proportions
4. Driving position; the driving position in the F30 feels a little better to me than the G20
5. The classic temperature dial between the air vents

[M40i4me]

Originally Posted by hans007

I had an F30 before.

I don't think the interior is actually better built, but more like the aesthetic of the interior just looks way better or its fresher. Like someone actually put some effort into designing it. The F30 even when it was new and I had it the first year they had m-sport, I felt like design of the interior already looked old when it just came out.

Starting to feel that way in my e90! The F30 although a great car didn’t appeal to me. The G20 looks great and although many hate the new 4, that may be my next car.

[Dpfghela]

I miss my F30.

Steering had more feel
Smoother ride but firm
Seats were more comfy
More reliable
Looked nicer IMO

G20
More blingy interior
Much more technical
Heavier fit and finish
Slightly quicker
Quieter when driving
Jittery as wind up teeth
Unreliable. In my case

[JTYAMSHAYIN]

Had an f30 for about 4 months before getting a g20 so I think my review will be less sentimental than some.

G20
Interior: Way nicer and the seats are much more comfortable. The wife no longer complains after longer drives. The interior on the f30 was in no way bad but clearly aged by the time of my 2018 model. Miss the red interior, though.

Ride: Very quiet and nice ride even on the 19in run flats. The f30 on 19's was pretty harsh. Wind noise is also really reduced and feels more like a 50k car. Plus it handles corners much better and definitely not as much body roll.

Exterior: The G20 looks nicer IMO. The f30 is a good looking car but put both M-sport models next to each other and the G20 just looks meaner and more sporty.

[zamboni]

One thing you can't get on G20 is MT.

[nye2018sd]

Originally Posted by Bmwphile

Would be interested to hear what G20 owners, who previously had F30s, what in their daily drive is their 5 biggest improvements over their previous drive. Not necessarily, what the advertising brochures and marketing guys highlight. But what YOU find are the biggest improvements with respect to what YOU personally value. It is relatively easy for me as my F30 was an early build with very few features that later became standard as the F30 went through its life cycle. For me in order of importance:

1. Media interface, I Drive 7 with its brilliant screen and control options, eg Hey BMW make the F30's look like an old Casio toy with very little functionality.
2. The ride (even on runflats) with M Sport adaptive suspension is soo much more comfortable compared with the standard setup on the F30 (also on ruflats)
3. Driver assistance systems. Have Driving Assistant Professional. Active Cruise control with Stop & Go and Lane and Steering Control is amazing. Car almost drives by itself. Although, not used much as haven't done much out of town driving.
4. Interior fit and finish. Quality materials, rock solid assembly, (nothing budges!) and not even a creak or squeak throughout the whole interior.
5 HK sound. Much, much improved over the standard HiFi in the F30. Good bass, clarity, and ability to stream Spotify is great

EVERYTHING, not kidding!

[SilverZeus]

I moved from F30 328i M Sport to G20 330i M Sport. Both with Adaptive Dampers.

1. Technology - A lot to love in G20!
- Cameras and sensors. Especially the front collision sensor. A warning comes up prior to the car in front of me braking.
- Android Auto integration.
- Bower Wilkins Equalizer - Need to code it.
- Digital instrument clusters - Multiple layouts (Need coding)

2. Ride is refined (quiet) but 50% stiffer. The comfort is 50% stiffer than F30.
- Prefer F30, so I coded Comfort+ to the G20. Comfort+ is about 20% stiffer than F30's comfort. Much better for daily driving.

3. Steering is heavier even in comfort.
- Coded Comfort+ to the G20 brings lighter steering similar to F30's Comfort.

4. As mentioned by @Ikester19 I have the same feeling about the driving position. the F30 is better, probably time will tell.

5. Interior, dash and tech G20 is way more modern and better finishes than F30.