What is the best 3 series saloon?

[anonymous-user]

What do you think the best 3 series saloon is?
...and why?

Non-M. As in no M3’s!

Standby. Go.

Edited by Super_G on Sunday 28th March 07:29

[anonymous-user]

dasbimmerowner said:

Maybe this should be, best 'non M' 3 series saloon to make it a little more interesting?

D’oh! That was my question. Let me adjust.

[anonymous-user]

g3org3y said:

Super_G said:

What do you think the best 3 series saloon is?
...and why?

What do you mean by best? For looks? For performance or driving experience? Overall package?

InitialDave said:

The E30.

But anything except the E36 is pretty decent. E36s are horrible.

Yes. It’s an opinion poll really so could be based on handling, boot size, looks...

It was spurred by reading an article last night on how the E90 was the closest thing to BMW heritage and the way the 3 saloon drives... I’ve never had an E30. I do have an E46 but other than it’s looks I don’t think it can beat the E92 that I had... but those are coupes. Potato patato

[anonymous-user]

Heathwood said:

An early E90 330i in my opinion. It’s in the sweet spot where rust prevention is such that you don’t really have to worry about the bodywork, it’s modern enough to feel err, relatively modern. It retains the traditional 3 series dynamic appeal and has hydraulic PAS. Lovely N52 engine. Inexpensive to buy and run.

Yes that’s what I came across yesterday. I guess I need to try and drive one to experience the dynamics.

[anonymous-user]

I haven’t seen many G20’s out. In Devon where I was mine was the only one. Since moving to Hook, I have seen one 330e that’s it. There seem to be many available at dealerships. Is it to do with BIK or something?! I am not interpreting it as the model has over promised and under delivered. Trying to understand it.

The F30 is not a bad proposition reading up once suspension is addressed. I was trawling through old threads on here and it made sense. Why my 330d x drive was so bad. It was on SE springs. Why would you do that?! Learned a lot.

[anonymous-user]

Court_S said:

The F30 335d suspension was ludicrously bad. I test drove one and it totally killed the car; great engine and gearbox let down by sone very soft, wallowy suspension.

Yes you can say that again... I'd be happy with "very soft, wallowy suspension" that would have been better. It's the first time I've spent £20k on a car and then another £1300 on suspension!

I changed the ARB's and it made a monumental difference. Highly recommend it.

For me, its my first BMW the F30 with a Msport and Aero kit.