[r3dbimmer89]

Ok, so here is another usual loaner car post in regards to an F30 328i. I have driven the F30 in 328i form and 335i form. The first few times were with a CA and once was alone at the Drive for USA event. I walked away broken hearted at the idea that BMW had softened my beloved 3 series (yes I am one of those guys). I kept thinking about moving over to Audi or God forbid a Benz.

Fast forward to yesterday, I noticed my E90 having some fuel injector/carbon build up issues so I dropped it off for service. I requested a 2012 328i and immediately I got the same feeling I did the first time I drove it. But after spending some time in sport mode and flinging the car here and there it is still a true 3 series. Even though the standard suspension is a little softer overall it still has the balance and skills that make this car special. Yes, the EPS is weird and looses feedback although there is some communication when those tires are really being used and abused. The EPS isn't horrible and you would get used to it, I just wish I could have it in sport mode at all times. This is a good car hands down. For all those E90 naysayers, get over it. The 3 series is still the king.

And I can't forget that wonderful N20 I-4. It does feel and sound tiny (which it is) but it has to be one of the smoothest, most flexible 4 bangers in the world. Extremely capable engine with 90% of that turbine like feel one would get from an I-6 (due to the turbo).

After two days in an F30, I am convinced. This will definitely be my next car in M Sport of course.

[chrisny]

Amen.

People forget how much these cars can change depending upon options. You can't just show up and drive a car and assume if it has the same engine, it will perform the same no matter what the options. Lesser cars may not differ as much, but any car with decent performance will offer a sport suspension and other performance options that are truly more dynamic and tangible. Not always easy to find them all to test drive and compare, but it is usually worth visiting multiple dealers till you can.

Even my '07 x5 had a tremendous suspension upgrade when you got the sport package. Driving with and without it was night and day (for performance as well as a smoother ride) and set it apart, for me, from the top heavy truck like driving of the Range Rover Sport supercharged.

Is the loaner a Sport Line with the Sports Automatic transmission? Did it have Dynamic Handling Package?

[r3dbimmer89]

Originally Posted by beemer3

Is the loaner a Sport Line with the Sports Automatic transmission? Did it have Dynamic Handling Package?

Actually, it's a basic 328i with the standard suspension and 17" wheels. The stock tires do suck...giving up way before the suspension does.

[doublevanosrc]

The turbo 4 in the 328 is a gem especially with the 8spd box. I still wonder if BMW is going to do an update where it will stay in the mode that is in for all those that drive in sport plus all time. Seems weird that a car so hi-tech wouldn't have a basic feature like that.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by r3dbimmer89

Actually, it's a basic 328i with the standard suspension and 17" wheels. The stock tires do suck...giving up way before the suspension does.

I had an F30 loaner last week. It was the base base model. Not sport or luxury. Manual seats. Perfect for a loaner car I guess. But I must say that when you put your foot on the gas in sport mode, it certainly feels stronger than my E90. If I can get that feeling in the basic model, I can't wait to get my M-Sport!