[WXdrivefun]

In North America, trends in past years have indicated a shift in people favouring cross overs and SAVs/SUVs over the sedan counterparts..

So why did you decide to drive the G20 3 series(either 330i or M340i) compared SAV/SUV counterparts G01 X3(30i or m40i) or even the G05 X5 (40i or M50i), other than the cost?

Interesting to see everyone's story behind this decision for those who don't mind sharing.. Photo for attention...

[Graaf_Autowerks]

Personally I have always favored the styling and look of a coupe, gran coupe or sedan. I think Crossovers and SUVs look clunkier, suffer some performance loss to their sedan or coupe counterparts, and are akin to buying one pair of shoes for different sports. They may work okay in most scenarios, but they won't truly excel in all of them.

If I needed to get more cargo space I would look to a wagon before considering any of the SUVs available today.

[enginediver]

I had a fully loaded F80 M3 but the suspension was killing me. The M340 is the perfect balance

[wtwo3]

I personally always prefer cars (sedans or coupes) over SUV's for daily driving. BMW can work their magic but at the end of the day physics is physics, and a lower to the ground car doesn't have to compete with a high center of gravity the way an SUV does. So that makes driving much more engaging and fun. I did drive the G01 (when shopping for an SUV), and while it's a lot of fun for an SUV, it just can't compete with the G20.

That being said I did get a G05 as well for family hauling... the G20 just can't compete in comfort and overall luxury with the G05.

[TruthOne]

We already have an SUV and I hate driving it. It's soulless, boring and big and we got it for the kids. I'm a car guy. The fascination with SUV's is mind boggling I personally hate them but my wife likes them for long trips. It makes a little sense with kids but when I see people with no kids buying SUV's I just wonder why?

[VipinLJ]

I agree with wtwo3 and TruthOne. Sedans are fun to drive. No matter what anyone says, I've never driven an SUV that was as fun to drive as it's sedan counterpart. The only reason I have one is because the wife loves SUVs (she's tiny and needs the added height for better visibility - no, adjusting the seat height in our sedans don't help). Plus, with a baby now, it's easy to carry her stuff around (the trunk also makes for a good diaper changing station). Other than that, I simply don't get it. Unless you're into off-roading (which these SUVs will suck at), it makes no sense to me to get one.
And why the 330i over the M340i? I test drove the 330i and M340i back to back and it was the hardest decision ever to get the 330i instead of an M340i. I'd just gotten a ticket for overspeeding in the A7 and my wife put her foot down and said no. With the M340i, I'll probably get it impounded in a week tops and she doesn't have the time to run after lawyers to get me out of jail. So that was that.

[Merami fan]

The G05 is excellent; I drove one for a while. But it's not a sedan.

Two reasons I picked a 3 series: 1) fun to drive and 2) not the size of a small house. That said, the 3 series isn't exactly "small" these days. Beats the bus-like feeling of an Escalade or similar, though. I went for the 330i over M340i because I want to keep my license and for smaller wheels and better comfort (18s look fine).

I didn't consider a 5 series just due to the size, but I had an LCI as a loaner recently. I wouldn't really call it too sporty... Haven't driven a recent E-class or other competitor to compare it to, though. I suppose it's relatively sporty for the segment?

[momall]

Originally Posted by WXdrivefun

So why did you decide to drive the G20 3 series(either 330i or M340i) compared SAV/SUV counterparts

SUV's may have the performance figures but for me the driving dynamics in the 340i together with the power delivery & control I felt spoke volumes.

SUV's are great at what they do and I chose to get a VW tiguan that fulfils that role for us whilst providing an opportunity to increase spend towards the 340i for me

My take on the best of both worlds...

[erawamai]

Almost all SUVs look completely overweight, large and overall ugly. Just tall, fat and weird with huge wheel arch gaps. Very few makers pull off a nice looking SUV.

So I decided that while I can (i.e. a a small family of mum dad and a 2.5 yo toddler) to get a 330i. Plus, I've always wanted a BMW 3 series since I was younger (I was 17 in 2000 e46 !).

However, I 100% understand why some people want an SUV. Especially if you are a bigger person. I also think it is driven by women who want to sit high, the perception of space because of the high roofline and ease of belting kids into child seats. But I know if I buy an SUV every time I look at it I'll think 'yuck'.

Anyways, here is a super clean e46 BMW for sale in Australia.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-6855903/?Cr=0

[its_jacobli]

I test drove an X3 M40i right before ordering my M340i. I understand why the X3 can be very appealing to a specific group of potential buyers as it shares the same B58 while presenting great value when it comes to practicality. I'm 6'5 so naturally the sensible thing to do is to go for an X3 or even an X5 40i at roughly the same price point. But this generation of 3 series comes with a great driving position and sufficient headroom that is more than enough for someone like me. Since I'm still in college and I barely used the back seat on any occasions, I would rather have the 3 series which comes with the latest interior and infotainment, is much easier to maneuver around town and arguably, more fun to drive.

[ovesund]

I got a G20 because all SUVs are ugly. Plain and simple
Well, that, and the fact that I'm not 70+ and I don't wear a hat.

If I could then I would have considered the G21 due to the extra space, but it was not available back when I ordered my 330e.

[Ikester19]

Had an M2 which I loved but then I started a new job and my commute time went from 45m to 75m each way. The ride in the M2 was too firm borderline uncomfortable when driving that much each day. Got the M340i now and very happy.

[Bris-M340i]

The M340i is our second car and had to be fun to drive - I live near a cool mountain road with lots of twisties Our other car is the practical family car, a Subaru Outback. Wish more manufacturers made raised station wagons/estates like the Outback with some minor off-roading ability. Can’t understand this fascination with SUV’s!

[GamecockM340]

Had a 2016 Range Rover Sport. Put 30K miles on it in one year and sold it. Picked up a second car (08 Rav4) for my long commute to work (45mi each way) and wanted something fun. Got a great lease deal on a demo and yeah. Best freaking decision ever.

[erawamai]

Further to my earlier post.

My in laws have a 2014 x5 2.0 diesel. Drove it a few days ago. Only confirms what I wrote earlier.

I get it. It's big, tall and roomy. But my god is it average to drive at any pace slower than 'gentle cruise'. It's probably the most unenjoyable car I've ever driven. On par with a Ford Explorer for feel.

You sit too tall on top of the seats. So high up I feel like I'm driving a tractor. The ride is wallowy (which should mean comfy, right?) but small imperfections thunk into the cabin. I can feel how heavy and tall it is going around corners. Made me feel seasick.

The steering is vague, zero feel and oddly weighted and does not return to centre strongly.

The positives are it seems to be built reasonably well. Engine torque and the gearbox is truly excellent. The parking sensors and cameras work well. Traditional gauges. Soft seats and plenty of room.

[Pandi]

I have had a terrible history of swapping/adding cars in the past 11 years. My wife drives our Tesla which now has 82k miles and we will drive it until it dies. I drive a leased SUV. I believe the M340i I have ordered is the perfect balance of luxury and sporty and is the car I will keep and pass down to my currently 6 yr. old kid when she gets her license.

[mzdial]

Originally Posted by enginediver

I had a fully loaded F80 M3 but the suspension was killing me. The M340 is the perfect balance

I did the same. I had an individual SMB F80 that was loaded to the nines... But I fell out of love with the daily beating. I'm sure if the roads and highways that I lived around were better, I would have kept it. But as much as I loved to look at her, and occasionally get the opportunity to wring her out, it wasn't a relationship that I could see long term.

I've done 3's since the late 90's, and I love the platform/size — though they have grown over the years. I decided to go with the 330 last year when it launched. It's not a bad car, but to be honest, I've not loved it like the E46's E90's (2005 325i sedan and 2011 335i coupe) and 2012 F30 HEA sedan that I had. Yeah, the tech is much better and gas mileage — but I miss the six cylinder engines and the steering feel.

I've also had several of the major recalls hit my car because of it being an early model, which in the 17 months I've had mine — put it in the shop for over a month. Granted, that does put some damper into the joy of owning it. Also, it seemed like I have needed to code the car to get a lot of the features that that have made it better (Sport+).. That irks me that it was software gimped.

At least in my market, I don't think the 3 is very popular. I rarely see them (and I live near a large metro area in Indianapolis.) Where it used to be a default to buy a 3 sedan if you wanted a great sedan, most people are just looking for the latest/trendy thing and they have went with a Tesla.

As for me, we have the G20 330, and an G01 X3, and they are a good pair. But since my car is a lease this time around, I'm doubtful that I'll stick with it at lease end. I might go M340i, but the current pandemic has changed my family/fun needs and will evaluate when that time comes.

That's my two cents.

[Montaver]

I had an E90 M3 which I loved, but sold it for an M2C. Didn't get on with the M2C, sold it after 9 months as I had the space to move to a two car setup. Replaced the M2C with a Cayman GT4 for track/weekend then picked up an ex loaner base 330i on lease as the hauler.

I considered a Macan, but the 2.0L felt gutless and they don't lease well. Would of liked a Macan S but really not worth the cash. I would of liked an m340i but as well but I did the switch in the summer and there was basically no inventory.

I like the 330i a lot, great tech, comfortable, quiet, plenty of poke, dog is happy in the back. Wish my car had the HK sound, but the base hi-fi is passable. My one complaint is the steering is very busy on the highway, it constantly needs micro adjustments which gets irritating. I was going to start a thread to see if this is a persistent problem for other owners. It happens particularly over 70MPH.

Here's a snap -

[erawamai]

Originally Posted by Montaver

My one complaint is the steering is very busy on the highway, it constantly needs micro adjustments which gets irritating. I was going to start a thread to see if this is a persistent problem for other owners. It happens particularly over 70MPH.

Cant say I've experienced this with my 330i.

I did take delivery years ago for my now father in law of a brand new x5. Driving it home on the expressway I hated the steering. Very busy. Constant adjustment. How new is your car? Maybe its a brand new car thing and it will settle down.

[ArchJR]

I drive a 540i now, and after experiencing all of the car's many luxuries for nearly three years, if all feels a bit too indulgent and disconnected. I drove nearly every car in this class plus some SUVs, and narrowed my choices to the Model 3, M340i, or 330i. The 330i won out for its combination of lightness, handling, economy, and design.

I might have gone for the Model 3 if lease rates were more attractive. A $48k Model 3 is almost $200/month more to lease than the $57k 330i I ordered. That is too much for a stiff riding car prone to quality problems and short on luxury.

Taking time to make this decision also made me reconsider car reviews, as my experiences (admittedly in mostly short drives) did not jive with the pros.

Macan S - It's brilliant, well made, quick, and more fun than any other SUV. Yet there is no escaping the heavy feel. It is not, as many journalists proclaim, as good or better to drive than a sport sedan.

TLX A-Spec SH-AWD - I don't understand the hype one bit. The engine is coarse and slow to rev. The drive modes deliver lethargy or droning. There was nothing about this large Acura that made me want to push it. And there is no getting used to the infotainment.

CT5 V - If could drive with a blindfold, I'd love it. I do understand the praise for this Cadillac. Ride and handling are excellent. But there is no excusing the design inside and out, and CUE still needs serious work.

V60 - I love wagons and could almost forgive the lackluster powertrain. But there are serious dynamic and ergonomic problems under this Volvo's pretty veneer. Considering the brand's safety reputation, I find the haphazard instruments and tedious Sensus puzzling. (Even after a weeklong S60 rental the controls were still distracting.)

I look forward to my "downgrade" to the 3-series.

[Merami fan]

Originally Posted by ArchJR

I drive a 540i now, and after experiencing all of the car's many luxuries for nearly three years, if all feels a bit too indulgent and disconnected. I drove nearly every car in this class plus some SUVs, and narrowed my choices to the Model 3, M340i, or 330i. The 330i won out for its combination of lightness, handling, economy, and design.

I might have gone for the Model 3 if lease rates were more attractive. A $48k Model 3 is almost $200/month more to lease than the $57k 330i I ordered. That is too much for a stiff riding car prone to quality problems and short on luxury.

Taking time to make this decision also made me reconsider car reviews, as my experiences (admittedly in mostly short drives) did not jive with the pros.

Macan S - It's brilliant, well made, quick, and more fun than any other SUV. Yet there is no escaping the heavy feel. It is not, as many journalists proclaim, as good or better to drive than a sport sedan.

TLX A-Spec SH-AWD - I don't understand the hype one bit. The engine is coarse and slow to rev. The drive modes deliver lethargy or droning. There was nothing about this large Acura that made me want to push it. And there is no getting used to the infotainment.

CT5 V - If could drive with a blindfold, I'd love it. I do understand the praise for this Cadillac. Ride and handling are excellent. But there is no excusing the design inside and out, and CUE still needs serious work.

V60 - I love wagons and could almost forgive the lackluster powertrain. But there are serious dynamic and ergonomic problems under this Volvo's pretty veneer. Considering the brand's safety reputation, I find the haphazard instruments and tedious Sensus puzzling. (Even after a weeklong S60 rental the controls were still distracting.)

I look forward to my "downgrade" to the 3-series.

Spot on.

The Macan is slightly overrated due to being a Porsche. The post-refresh looks good with the rear light bar, but Porsches don't lease well and you pay a pretty penny for options.

Hard to explain the TLX, though. The A-Spec AWD has a higher base price than the 330i xDrive, and nothing about it compares... Interior, infotainment, drivetrain. It IS slow. 0-60 takes 6.5s. Maybe reviewers just want to cater to wider audiences instead of saying 'you should just take your pick of the Audi/BMW/Mercedes in this class' all day, every day.

Enjoy your G20! Obviously some bias here, but I'm sure you'll love it.

[Montaver]

Originally Posted by erawamai

Cant say I've experienced this with my 330i.

I did take delivery years ago for my now father in law of a brand new x5. Driving it home on the expressway I hated the steering. Very busy. Constant adjustment. How new is your car? Maybe its a brand new car thing and it will settle down.

2020, 6500 miles. Tire pressures were slightly off which helped a bit but its still there. It's actually very hard to describe, but I have to make constant micro corrections. The car tracks straight but gives it almost a feeling of instability. I think there is something with the variable ratio tuning. For example if you hold the steering wheel in a constant radius it doesn't stay consistent. BMW steering has been poor since the move to electric but I really don't understand the tuning at all. My M2C steering was numb but didn't have this issue, the electric rack in my GT4 doesnt either. Modern BMW is such a juxtaposition between good and bad, its very frustrating.