RE: All-new 2019 BMW 3 Series revealed
Discussion
Current issue of Car Magazine (I'm a subscriber) is effusive in its praise for the new - calling it the 'perfect 3'. Not sure if there is anything on the website here http://carmagazine.co.uk, as it's one of those that won't let you view unless you turn AdBlocker off, so they can f
k off with that.
k off with that. numtumfutunch said:
Wills2 said:
335d xdrive is anything but a joy to drive, noise heavy, softy sprung and very unBMW, the awful push me pull me action of the xdrive when on a low grip surface isn't very sporty either.
The dullest BMW I've had, couldn't wait to get rid.
Me tooThe dullest BMW I've had, couldn't wait to get rid.
0-60 faster than an 80's 911 Turbo is addictive but soon wore off
50mpg on the motorway at 75mph is pretty impressive though, although as a fast tourer its noisy and lacks refinement
But just as its about to go back I has overtaken by a 140i last night in a 30 limit who then pulled a huge gap by the time the NSL sign appeared and I gave it some welly on a twisty wet road strewn with slippery leaves. The gap was closed pretty rapidly and I could tell he/she was giving it some but even so it was just bloody boring, like a Terminator with 4 wheels.
The car is phenomenal but doesnt stir the soul. Its not a diesel thing, although it does sound like a tractor from the outside when its cold, because the E46 330d I ran years ago did have a lot of character
Cheers
I agree about the E46 330d, my brother had one last year, used to drive it now and then, I don’t think it’s the engine, I just think the E46 is such a compelling package, and with 180 bhp and 280 lbft, low kerb weight (compared to a new one), compact body with the brilliant steering and comfy seats.
It was an 02 plate and coming from a 430d, when I used to drive it and hammer it, I never got out of it and got back into mine thinking, wow this is so much better. If insurance wasn’t an issue, I’d buy a clean E46 330i tomorrow and keep it forever, timeless design, I think BMW were at their peak with the E46.
Chestrockwell said:
numtumfutunch said:
Wills2 said:
335d xdrive is anything but a joy to drive, noise heavy, softy sprung and very unBMW, the awful push me pull me action of the xdrive when on a low grip surface isn't very sporty either.
The dullest BMW I've had, couldn't wait to get rid.
Me tooThe dullest BMW I've had, couldn't wait to get rid.
0-60 faster than an 80's 911 Turbo is addictive but soon wore off
50mpg on the motorway at 75mph is pretty impressive though, although as a fast tourer its noisy and lacks refinement
But just as its about to go back I has overtaken by a 140i last night in a 30 limit who then pulled a huge gap by the time the NSL sign appeared and I gave it some welly on a twisty wet road strewn with slippery leaves. The gap was closed pretty rapidly and I could tell he/she was giving it some but even so it was just bloody boring, like a Terminator with 4 wheels.
The car is phenomenal but doesnt stir the soul. Its not a diesel thing, although it does sound like a tractor from the outside when its cold, because the E46 330d I ran years ago did have a lot of character
Cheers
So even though the 335d xdrive is flawed I can understand why Bmw went that way.
numtumfutunch said:
Me too
0-60 faster than an 80's 911 Turbo is addictive but soon wore off
50mpg on the motorway at 75mph is pretty impressive though, although as a fast tourer its noisy and lacks refinement
But just as its about to go back I has overtaken by a 140i last night in a 30 limit who then pulled a huge gap by the time the NSL sign appeared and I gave it some welly on a twisty wet road strewn with slippery leaves. The gap was closed pretty rapidly and I could tell he/she was giving it some but even so it was just bloody boring, like a Terminator with 4 wheels.
The car is phenomenal but doesnt stir the soul. Its not a diesel thing, although it does sound like a tractor from the outside when its cold, because the E46 330d I ran years ago did have a lot of character
Cheers
In a similar vein, I drove a 2006 330i manual recently, just an SE with 80'000 on the clock. What a cracking thing that was. Nigh on 260 bhp, slick 6 speed box and still averaged over 30 mpg with mixed driving - and sounded glorious. 0-60 faster than an 80's 911 Turbo is addictive but soon wore off
50mpg on the motorway at 75mph is pretty impressive though, although as a fast tourer its noisy and lacks refinement
But just as its about to go back I has overtaken by a 140i last night in a 30 limit who then pulled a huge gap by the time the NSL sign appeared and I gave it some welly on a twisty wet road strewn with slippery leaves. The gap was closed pretty rapidly and I could tell he/she was giving it some but even so it was just bloody boring, like a Terminator with 4 wheels.
The car is phenomenal but doesnt stir the soul. Its not a diesel thing, although it does sound like a tractor from the outside when its cold, because the E46 330d I ran years ago did have a lot of character
Cheers
I have first dibs when it comes up for sale.
It's one of those cars worth buying now for 3 grand or so and just keeping and maintaining.
'So you've got the new shape 3 Series?"
Who gives a f
k? 
iSore said:
In a similar vein, I drove a 2006 330i manual recently, just an SE with 80'000 on the clock. What a cracking thing that was. Nigh on 260 bhp, slick 6 speed box and still averaged over 30 mpg with mixed driving - and sounded glorious.
A slick manual gearbox and BMW...that's not something you hear very often! The manual gearbox in my 2006 Z4M was an absolute pig to use. 
Ares said:
Wills2 said:
335d xdrive is anything but a joy to drive, noise heavy, softy sprung and very unBMW, the awful push me pull me action of the xdrive when on a low grip surface isn't very sporty either.
The dullest BMW I've had, couldn't wait to get rid.
Not driven a 335d xdrive so can't comment. But the 340, 550 and M5 xDrive doesn't have any of the attributes you mention, and certainly aren't softly sprung. The dullest BMW I've had, couldn't wait to get rid.
Quite what the F90 M5 has to do with a F30 340i I'm not quite sure, like comparing my old F10 520d se to my old F10 M5 utterly pointless.
Wills2 said:
Ares said:
Wills2 said:
335d xdrive is anything but a joy to drive, noise heavy, softy sprung and very unBMW, the awful push me pull me action of the xdrive when on a low grip surface isn't very sporty either.
The dullest BMW I've had, couldn't wait to get rid.
Not driven a 335d xdrive so can't comment. But the 340, 550 and M5 xDrive doesn't have any of the attributes you mention, and certainly aren't softly sprung. The dullest BMW I've had, couldn't wait to get rid.
Quite what the F90 M5 has to do with a F30 340i I'm not quite sure, like comparing my old F10 520d se to my old F10 M5 utterly pointless.
And it hasn't, I've been talking about x-drive. Keep up
Ares said:
The 340i drive was MSport only. If you've spec'd an SE, it'll have softer suspension settings!
And it hasn't, I've been talking about x-drive. Keep up
All xdrive variations have SE springs whether they’re in M sport trim or not. However I don’t believe the 340i is available in xdrive unless there has been a very recent addition to the line up.And it hasn't, I've been talking about x-drive. Keep up
JonDerz said:
Ares said:
The 340i drive was MSport only. If you've spec'd an SE, it'll have softer suspension settings!
And it hasn't, I've been talking about x-drive. Keep up
All xdrive variations have SE springs whether they’re in M sport trim or not. However I don’t believe the 340i is available in xdrive unless there has been a very recent addition to the line up.And it hasn't, I've been talking about x-drive. Keep up
340i Xdrive has been sold for years
Was thinking this morning I guess we should see a new M440i land in the next couple of years? That could be a very interesting proposition in Coupe or Convertible form. Will be tempted to give the M340i a go next year to get a bit of a preview, already got a new Z4 M40i on the way so should be a fun comparison 
numtumfutunch said:
You are mistaken
340i Xdrive has been sold for years
Not in the UK though, it's only ever been RWD here. 340i Xdrive has been sold for years
Ares said:
Not really. Very different.
Unless you are a handbrake-turning 12yr old, a manual handbrake has no benefits for a driver.
Maybe not, but an electronic handbrake has no benefits for an owner when it stops working because it needs a "software update" as I frequently read about on another forum from disappointed E89 owners! Because any long-term BMW owner knows "software update" entails pain in the wallet! Unless you are a handbrake-turning 12yr old, a manual handbrake has no benefits for a driver.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Mr Tidy said:
Ares said:
Not really. Very different.
Unless you are a handbrake-turning 12yr old, a manual handbrake has no benefits for a driver.
Maybe not, but an electronic handbrake has no benefits for an owner when it stops working because it needs a "software update" as I frequently read about on another forum from disappointed E89 owners! Because any long-term BMW owner knows "software update" entails pain in the wallet! Unless you are a handbrake-turning 12yr old, a manual handbrake has no benefits for a driver.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I bet you believe planes will fall out of the sky the second Brexit happens too.
As for ain't broke/don't fix - we'd all be running around on horseback if that was true.
va1o said:
Was thinking this morning I guess we should see a new M440i land in the next couple of years? That could be a very interesting proposition in Coupe or Convertible form. Will be tempted to give the M340i a go next year to get a bit of a preview, already got a new Z4 M40i on the way so should be a fun comparison
There is a whole world outside the UK numtumfutunch said:
You are mistaken
340i Xdrive has been sold for years
Not in the UK though, it's only ever been RWD here. 340i Xdrive has been sold for years
Chestrockwell said:
numtumfutunch said:
Wills2 said:
335d xdrive is anything but a joy to drive, noise heavy, softy sprung and very unBMW, the awful push me pull me action of the xdrive when on a low grip surface isn't very sporty either.
The dullest BMW I've had, couldn't wait to get rid.
Me tooThe dullest BMW I've had, couldn't wait to get rid.
0-60 faster than an 80's 911 Turbo is addictive but soon wore off
50mpg on the motorway at 75mph is pretty impressive though, although as a fast tourer its noisy and lacks refinement
But just as its about to go back I has overtaken by a 140i last night in a 30 limit who then pulled a huge gap by the time the NSL sign appeared and I gave it some welly on a twisty wet road strewn with slippery leaves. The gap was closed pretty rapidly and I could tell he/she was giving it some but even so it was just bloody boring, like a Terminator with 4 wheels.
The car is phenomenal but doesnt stir the soul. Its not a diesel thing, although it does sound like a tractor from the outside when its cold, because the E46 330d I ran years ago did have a lot of character
Cheers
I agree about the E46 330d, my brother had one last year, used to drive it now and then, I don’t think it’s the engine, I just think the E46 is such a compelling package, and with 180 bhp and 280 lbft, low kerb weight (compared to a new one), compact body with the brilliant steering and comfy seats.
It was an 02 plate and coming from a 430d, when I used to drive it and hammer it, I never got out of it and got back into mine thinking, wow this is so much better. If insurance wasn’t an issue, I’d buy a clean E46 330i tomorrow and keep it forever, timeless design, I think BMW were at their peak with the E46.
For example, removing the backbox from the M54 produces this sound https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCIMwBaDN6k
daveco said:
And even though the E90/1/2 N52 3.0 had more power it didn't have the same character as the M54.
For example, removing the backbox from the M54 produces this sound https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCIMwBaDN6k
I don't speak 'engine code', but from experience, the classic BMW 6-pot sound has been gradually watered down for over 20yrs.For example, removing the backbox from the M54 produces this sound https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCIMwBaDN6k
Friend of mine at University had an E21 320 - beautiful 6-pot sound that even the E36 323i I had couldn't match.
daveco said:
And even though the E90/1/2 N52 3.0 had more power it didn't have the same character as the M54.
I've always preferred the noise that the M54 made over the N52 as well. Even in standard guise it was more vocal than the very muted N52. Both are lovely and smooth engines though. Chestrockwell said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
M54 sounds best in the E46, in E39’s and even E60’s, the sound is almost non existent. I think it was downhill after the M54 in the E46 in terms of engine sound. The nicest sounding 6 since then is the engine in the M135i/40i’sEdited by RobM77 on Monday 5th November 17:35
Between me and me old man, we've had every variant of BMW 6 since the M50. The best sound comes from the N52 as it passes 3,500 rpm, or an E36 325i with part of the exhaust missing.
Mine's away getting fixed at the moment, so I have the joys of a Mini Cooper D to listen to. Think it has the latest 3 cyinder diesel up front and it is.....lumpy. Infinitely harder to drive smoothly than the 1 Series also for some reason.
Mine's away getting fixed at the moment, so I have the joys of a Mini Cooper D to listen to. Think it has the latest 3 cyinder diesel up front and it is.....lumpy. Infinitely harder to drive smoothly than the 1 Series also for some reason.
bodhi said:
Between me and me old man, we've had every variant of BMW 6 since the M50. The best sound comes from the N52 as it passes 3,500 rpm, or an E36 325i with part of the exhaust missing.
Mine's away getting fixed at the moment, so I have the joys of a Mini Cooper D to listen to. Think it has the latest 3 cyinder diesel up front and it is.....lumpy. Infinitely harder to drive smoothly than the 1 Series also for some reason.
We noticed that with both petrol and diesel MINIs, both 3-cyl (also noticed it with the latest 118i) - but most of the lumpiness seemed to come courtesy of the gearbox. Its as though with the advances in autos, manufacturers have stopped developing the manual box.Mine's away getting fixed at the moment, so I have the joys of a Mini Cooper D to listen to. Think it has the latest 3 cyinder diesel up front and it is.....lumpy. Infinitely harder to drive smoothly than the 1 Series also for some reason.
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