Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 9 of 9.00

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  Yikes, that steering - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By David Parks - October 16 - 12:13 am

  Within twenty seconds of pulling out from the dealership I said, "Whats wrong w/ this car?" It is the steering. Id read about the steering in the car magazines but I had no idea what it would feel like. Its as though someone at the factory forgot some part when putting the steering assembly together. Its just weird. Maybe I might get used to it if I bought the car but I dont want to get used this this. Ive never felt steering like this in any other car Ive owned/driven.

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  Indeed not the Ultimate Driving Machine anymore - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By DLBedfordNH - April 10 - 4:44 am

  I wasnt even thinking about the BMW 3 series -- I was looking at the GS350 FSport (MT gave it a glowing review!), the Giulia (CRs example seemed to live in the shop from day one), S6 (close to M5 speed but much less expensive), ATS-V, GT350, used Cayman. My goal was to replace my RX-8 R3, mainly because I want to have my family of 5 all fit in the fun car, and the RX-8s constant need to downshift was not fun anymore after 5 trouble-free years. Therefore I quickly ruled out the Cayman, GT350, as well as then ATS-V sedan (kids still need boosters, and most have a very wide bottom). I drove the S6 first. Its such a quick car, the dual clutch was fast and smooth, and the interior was such a nice place to be! However, it is realistically a $78k car with some options, and it did not feel like a $78k car. Then the GS350 FSport -- it drove like a slightly updated version of my 2009 G37 -- little more numb, cool new gadgets to play with, same acceleration, ridiculously difficult to use "mouse" controller. It wasnt even that quiet cruising on the highway, which was supposed to be THE highlight of a Lexus. Then I thought Id go for the M3, but happened to see a 340i xDrive at the same dealer, with a STICK! It was $64k sticker, with red leather, M Sport Trim, bunch of driver aides and tech stuff. Edmunds own long-term 340i seemed to garner mostly positive reviews, so I was excited and tested it. I wont bore you with all the details of the purchase experience, but they knocked $9k off (nobody knows how to drive stick anymore?), decent deal on the RX-8, and made me wait over an hour to "prep and detail" the car. The biggest impressions so far, after about 500 miles: 1. The M Sport steering wheel is VERY nice, looks great (I stare at it far more than the exterior of the car, so exterior styling ranks very low in my book) and feels nice in the hands. 2. The clutch uptake is lazy (I am coming out of an RX-8, so this may not be fair to the BMW, but I hate it). 3. The gearing is wayyy too tall (performance of the manual tested elswhere is quite a bit slower than Edmunds long-term 340i auto), so despite the mountains of low-end torque, it doesnt give you that "kick" on takeoff. 4. The suspension is MAGICAL -- it stays relatively flat in corners but still soaks up bumps well. In contrast, the G37s suspension is firm enough to make the ride uncomfortably busy on New England roads, but does not keep it as flat while cornering. The GS350 is slightly better. Only the S6 is similar. 5. Getting on the gas out of a corner is so much fun, and the AWD system inspires a lot of confidence! 6. The steering is the same for the 340 as the S6 as the GS350. They are all pretty accurate, all very numb, and the "sport" setting just add effort without making it any more accurate or giving it any feedback. I agree with another reviewer here about the huge difference in handling compared to previous generations of BMWs -- I drove a 2009 328 xDrive when it was new (first time driving a BMW), and immediately was knocked over by the handling! I realized what all the fuss was about! 7. Nobody ever compliments the 3 series for how quiet it is inside. In then end, I went for the 340i because it felt like it was at least 80% as capable as the S6, had the same bland handling, had a manual that wasnt available with the S6, so it was a much better value. Again, the ATS-V was out of the question because the back seats are too small for 3 kids with boosters; the Giulia consistently showed major quality issues that will ruin your driving experience (MT had an article about stranding in the middle of an intersection!!!); every other 5-seater had the same boring steering; so, I never thought Id say this, but the BMW was a great value!

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  No longer the 3 series - lost soul - 2017 BMW 3-Series
  By JerseyDrew - April 14 - 5:49 am

  If youve driven a previous generation 3 series, and fell in love like I did, this car may disappoint you. My 2011 BMW 328i xDrive wasnt perfect by any means - uncomfortable seats, crappy MPG, and nearly exploded on NJ potholes- but it had a "soul". The steering was weighted perfectly - no gimmicky sport/comfort/ ECO pro mode, brakes had a nice bite, and car always felt confident going twice the recommended speed limit through exit/on-ramps. Throaty inline 6, and I could go on... this new model may appeal to Lexus/Mercedes-Benz owners - shiny, colorful displays, and cool lights. The car is definitely more comfortable to drive around town (softer suspension and electric steering). MPG improved greatly (average +10 mpg compared to older model). Thats all I can say- I guess BMW is trying to appeal to the mass market buyer. Until the 3 goes back to its roots, Im planning on buying an Audi next.