[DJ Rocc]

Anyone else driven an BMW E46 or something close, that now drives a 4 Series?

I had a 2002 E46 which was my first BMW. I know that it was a smaller car than the 4Series GC that I now drive, but that said, I found that the steering on the old E46 was so much more precise that my 4Series. Not saying that my 4 Series Steering is terrible, it isn't - especially in sport+ mode.

But I remember I could point the E46 anywhere and it would go to that point unwavering, like the straightest arrow. I would not describe the 4Series Steering like that, the E46's Steering was almost telepathic!

Anyone else have a similar experience?

(Also, driving my Wife's 2016 Audi A3, the steering is a bit more numb, but it still holds straight lines a bit better than my 4, imho)

[DJ Rocc]

So no one drive a TI or a previous e46?

[CalCarNut]

Guessing most that did bought a 3 series rather than a 4 (?)

The steering IS different...but it could be RFTs vs go flats also contributing to a different feel. My ex has a '09 335i and it definitely feels stiffer than my '15 GC. Do I like it better? Not particularly....

[T4NZ4NIT3 335i]

Hydraulic vs electric power steering.hydraulic was better.

[Danddd]

Originally Posted by T4NZ4NIT3 335i

Hydraulic vs electric power steering.hydraulic was better.

Yep. Came from an '06 E91 to a '16 F31. There is no center feel. There is nice resistance in Sport mode, but again doesn't communicate well. Seems to understeer at higher speeds on the interstate. First time that happened I was taken back.

[DJ Rocc]

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

Guessing most that did bought a 3 series rather than a 4 (?)

The steering IS different...but it could be RFTs vs go flats also contributing to a different feel. My ex has a '09 335i and it definitely feels stiffer than my '15 GC. Do I like it better? Not particularly....

I do think you are right that go flat tires would help improve the handling and ride tremendously, but I really don't want to carry a spare with me.

[DJ Rocc]

Originally Posted by T4NZ4NIT3 335i

Hydraulic vs electric power steering.hydraulic was better.

Completely Agree.

[DJ Rocc]

Originally Posted by Danddd

Yep. Came from an '06 E91 to a '16 F31. There is no center feel. There is nice resistance in Sport mode, but again doesn't communicate well. Seems to understeer at higher speeds on the interstate. First time that happened I was taken back.

Exactly, very nice explanation.

[T4NZ4NIT3 335i]

Originally Posted by Danddd

Yep. Came from an '06 E91 to a '16 F31. There is no center feel. There is nice resistance in Sport mode, but again doesn't communicate well. Seems to understeer at higher speeds on the interstate. First time that happened I was taken back.

I drive my friend's old 325i beater and boy do I miss that feel when i get back into my 2013 335i.This steering is a step backwards. This is my first bmw, didnt do much research,if i had to do it all over again i would have opted for an e90 or e92. Steering feel is important to me. F30 steering has a pretty big deadzone on center and reacts a bit late to minor inputs, its less twitchy which some granny style drivers would like,but for anyone who drives even slightly spirited,this is a drawback.

BTW-this is with michelin PSS 255/40/18 all round..

I would test drive the shit out of my next bmw,i want the same steering as my friends beatup 325i.

Gosh BMW..why do you fix things that aint broke.

Having said that..I drove my colleagues 2015 335i xdrive msport with m adaptive and VSS..pretty darn close to 325i feel..but I WANT MOAAARR

[AndDown]

My daily driver is a 2003 E46 and my wife drives our 428i GC. I've gotten used to the different dynamics of both cars and enjoy driving both on their own merits. I'm usually in sport (chassis mode only) or sport+ when driving on our freeways or open country roads. The steering is stiffer but still not as "heavy" as my E46 but I don't have a problem with pointing the car where I want it to go. Where I really do appreciate the "lighter" steering is when parking, especially parallel parking.

[revone]

Drove an E46, and E91 and E92 previously, I'm actually starting to prefer the electric steering. The only little niggle is that very small steering adjustments need a bit extra input in order to activate the electric assistance. Did not like the variable steering on the E91 way too light.

[Danddd]

Originally Posted by revone

Drove an E46, and E91 and E92 previously, I'm actually starting to prefer the electric steering. The only little niggle is that very small steering adjustments need a bit extra input in order to activate the electric assistance. Did not like the variable steering on the E91 way too light.

My E91, an '06, definitely did not have light steering at all. I had the sport package, but I don't think that had any effect on the wagon model.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by T4NZ4NIT3 335i

I drive my friend's old 325i beater and boy do I miss that feel when i get back into my 2013 335i.This steering is a step backwards. This is my first bmw, didnt do much research,if i had to do it all over again i would have opted for an e90 or e92. Steering feel is important to me. F30 steering has a pretty big deadzone on center and reacts a bit late to minor inputs, its less twitchy which some granny style drivers would like,but for anyone who drives even slightly spirited,this is a drawback.

BTW-this is with michelin PSS 255/40/18 all round..

I would test drive the shit out of my next bmw,i want the same steering as my friends beatup 325i.

Gosh BMW..why do you fix things that aint broke.

Having said that..I drove my colleagues 2015 335i xdrive msport with m adaptive and VSS..pretty darn close to 325i feel..but I WANT MOAAARR

The EPS takes far less engine power to operate. It's the same reason your 428i has a 4 cylinder engine. Fuel economy and emissions. BMW is far from alone with this strategy.