2011 335i in for service.....F30 loaner is horrible

OutOfStep · 07-29-2015, 11:42 AM

My 335i is in for a scheduled service, and they gave we a 328xi as a loaner. It is god awful. The steering is so over boosted and touchy, that I can barely drive in a straight line. I feel sea sick after a quick drive.

CantCatchMe · 07-29-2015, 11:59 AM

I share a little bit of the same with you. I hated the F30 328, a overly sensitive car when driven.

DEMONSE90 · 07-29-2015, 12:33 PM

That's because you're driving the base model...

derrick603 · 07-29-2015, 12:41 PM

I wasn't in love with the F30 328i I got as a loaner either. The stereo was nice though.

bmwmsport · 07-29-2015, 12:45 PM

Gary of the 3 series?

OutOfStep · 07-29-2015, 01:10 PM

Base model or not, the steering is unforgivable.

MiniXP · 07-29-2015, 01:20 PM

Agreed about the steering. Idk if I could get used to that, just way to light for a BMW.

I was impressed with the power for a 2.0 turbo though. The gas mileage was pretty good too.

E90Flossin · 07-29-2015, 01:22 PM

The steering is pretty light. For some the the E90/E92 is way too heavy. The steering on the F30 feels like the audi, and buyers prefer that. For my taste, it was too light, however the idrive, power from the 2.0 Turbo and comfort is much better than the latest models. I am not a huge fan of the newer look though. The 2 series for me is perfect!

Johnny Boost · 07-29-2015, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEMONSE90

That's because you're driving the base model...

+1

I've had a base F30 320i and it was crap. I'm sure a base e90 328 would be just as bad. I've also driven a fully loaded 435i m-sport and it drove better than my e90 m-sport. In sport mode, the steering was just as tight as the e90 m-sport but it felt more planted and confident in turns.

Welcome to NBA Jam · 07-29-2015, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Boost

+1

I've had a base F30 320i and it was crap. I'm sure a base e90 328 would be just as bad. I've also driven a fully loaded 435i m-sport and it drove better than my e90 m-sport. In sport mode, the steering was just as tight as the e90 m-sport but it felt more planted and confident in turns.

I just hate that you can't set a default steering setting. It's so annoying.

OutOfStep · 07-29-2015, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiniXP

Agreed about the steering. Idk if I could get used to that, just way to light for a BMW.

I was impressed with the power for a 2.0 turbo though. The gas mileage was pretty good too.

The engine is impressive, as is the 8 speed auto. I'm a manual trans guy, but the car has considerable scoot.

Krynos · 07-29-2015, 05:07 PM

I just had a 328i loaner for a couple of days too. I agree - the steering is too light, and it's constantly shifting. I found it annoying. Still though I appreciate a decent loaner when mine's in the shop. The loaner before that was a diesel. It was brown. We named it Brown Thunder.

bahasad · 07-30-2015, 07:50 AM

Hyperbole much? Have you driven a camcord recently?

Besides the steering feel and refinement of the I6, my F30 is an improvement over my E90. Power, handling, acceleration, and not too mention interior layout, tech, and space. I alternate driving my F30 and E90 on a daily basis, logging 100-150 miles on each.

Don't make the E90/F30 to be more than it is - regular sedans.

blueridger · 07-31-2015, 08:59 PM

I just spent a week in a 328i Sport loaner. I'm grateful for the loaner but am really happy to have my car back. I enjoyed the crisp rear view camera and found the auto tranny to be pretty quick, yet the dynamics of the car are lacking in my opinion. To me the e90 feels thick and juicy, very analog, while the f30 feels detached...digital.

ny325 · 07-31-2015, 10:37 PM

Agree with OP. I've had a Msport 335i loaner, and it feels like your on a boat. The steering, chassis, regardless what mode your in feels disconnected from the road. I don't have the same confidence pushing the F30, as I do with my E90.

924er · 07-31-2015, 11:25 PM

I get that feeling everytime I get a loaner. Put it on sport and it's much better. I think ur exaggerating a bit about the straight line.

Let's face the facts tho, the steering is more precise, the car handles better, it has more hp/tq, better MPG, and quicker 0-60. Bmw just upgraded as they should. But I agree it doesn't feel like ur typical tight steering bimmer.

335idle · 07-31-2015, 11:25 PM

agree had base model and sport loaner sucked so much.

DF · 08-01-2015, 10:17 AM

I've had several of them as loaners. I agree the steering is too boosted at low speeds. But I felt the chassis was as good as the e9x. I hearse they addressed that to a degree with the 340

Swish · 08-01-2015, 11:33 AM

That's the exact opposite of what they should have given you! My dealership always gave me a better car (so to speak) than what I brought in. For instance, my wife had a 2003 325xi, and when they had it for an oil change, they gave me a 330xi. I was driving a 528i at the time, and when I decided to buy a new car, I bought a 2006 330xi. At that time, the 5 series had the ugly Bangle butt, so there was no way I was buying one. My wife's car always seemed too small, but when I drove this newly designed 3, it was longer and wider, and perfect for my 6'1" frame.

When my 330xi was in for maintenance, they would give me a 335i or 535i. Yeah, I bought 335i this past April.

thakid22 · 08-04-2015, 07:56 PM

F30 Base steering..
My first complaint is that it is too light, even in sport mode. I do like its accuracy, however.
The E90 has a bit of vagueness/play on center that is very unbefitting a car with sporty aspirations.
The F30 is laser accurate and responsive the instant you start to move the steering wheel off center.
E90 effort build up and weighting is far superior in my opinion. Spin the wheel left or right, even at an standstill, and
effort builds up as if the rack is attached to a tightly coiled spring. Very nice. I instantly know where the wheels are pointed
by feeling the resistance through the wheel.
The F30 allows the steering wheel to turn without varied resistance. Turn the steering wheel anywhere within its range and if the car isn't
moving you'll have to almost guess how far the tires have actually turned. Win = E90

F30 base ride is, frankly, a mess.
I always equated BMW suspensions with fine body control. The E90 suffered weak body control. But the F30 is even worse.
The F30 can float up and down and lean side to side in a very in BMW like fashion. Your average Altima, Accord, or even Avalon are
more composed around town. F30 suspension tuning does NOT feel expensive in any way. That being said, it does very well at minimizing brake dive/squat. Additionally, when hustled along a SMOOTH road with twists and turns, the ride seems to hunker down quite nicely.
All doesn't remain well for long though. Throw in some bumps, potholes, dips and elevationsand the ride/handling deteriorates to less than your average family sedan. The suspension audibly thumps, thrums, and bumps. The front end and rear suspensions bounce up and down at different rates (porpoise?). And you can feel a bit of lateral instability. Ugh.

E90 ride and handling left a bit to be desired too. SMOOTH roads were fine, with a stiff sporty feel, while also being supple. Potholes and bumps were far too harsh on sport suspension settings. Worst of all is the E90 tendency to let the rear end bounce over dips, bumps, and elevations. Head to the twisties, though, and all is forgiven. E90 steering is athletic and talkative in the corners and grip is PHENOMENAL. The E90s cornering prowess makes you almost forget it's other ride/handling shortcomings. While the F30 has excellent grip, the dynamics aren't even close to par with the E90s. I have yet to sample an F30 with sport package, VSS, or Adaptive Shocks. So maybe there is a better ride/handling balance in other iterations of the F30.

Still, I find my self often questioning "who in the hell is approving these final BMW suspension calibrations?" Ride is good on good roads. But the harsh, flinty, crashy, jarring ride on bad roads is absurd. And cheapens the feel of otherwise expensive feeling vehicles. E60, E90, F30... Have runflats destroyed the legendary BMW ride and handling balance? Don't let the car magazines fool ya, there IS a price to be paid for BMWs stellar handling.

justpete · 08-04-2015, 08:15 PM

Agree with op the F30 steering is atrocious although recent model years have gotten better. I think the suspension in non-sport models is so floaty it magnifies the light and twitchy steering response. Had my loaner swapped out for a 428i sport model and it's actually not nearly as sucky but it gets twitchy in sport+ though. Still glad I got an E90 in '12 instead of getting on the list for an F30.

Herakles · 08-04-2015, 08:50 PM

Wow im reading this and wondering if i am going best route saving some money and buying the e90 335xdrive msport i found vs spending the extra money on a used 2013 xdrive msport (with adaptive suspension)

Ive also heard people that get to compare interior of F30 and E90 say the e90 feels much more high quality, while the F30 feels cheaper inside, some said rental grade-

Did you notice that also when comparing?

07-29-2015, 11:42 AM	#1
OutOfStep Enlisted Member 17 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335i Sedan 6MT Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Chester County, Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	2011 335i in for service.....F30 loaner is horrible My 335i is in for a scheduled service, and they gave we a 328xi as a loaner. It is god awful. The steering is so over boosted and touchy, that I can barely drive in a straight line. I feel sea sick after a quick drive.
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07-29-2015, 11:59 AM	#2
CantCatchMe Lieutenant Colonel 340 Rep 1,744 Posts Drives: 2012 335i xdrive msport(E92) Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: West Bloomfield, MI iTrader: (2)	I share a little bit of the same with you. I hated the F30 328, a overly sensitive car when driven.
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07-29-2015, 12:33 PM	#3
DEMONSE90 Private 12 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2007 Black 328XI Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	That's because you're driving the base model...
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07-29-2015, 12:41 PM	#4
derrick603 Captain 55 Rep 592 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Fremont, CA iTrader: (0)	I wasn't in love with the F30 328i I got as a loaner either. The stereo was nice though.
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07-29-2015, 12:45 PM	#5
bmwmsport Captain 127 Rep 951 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Jackson, MS iTrader: (0)	Gary of the 3 series? __________________ 2010 E90 335i Le Mans Blue Metallic // Saddle Brown // M Sport // iDrive // Comfort Access // Blown By Twins
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07-29-2015, 01:10 PM	#6
OutOfStep Enlisted Member 17 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335i Sedan 6MT Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Chester County, Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	Base model or not, the steering is unforgivable.
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07-29-2015, 01:20 PM	#7
MiniXP Captain 69 Rep 718 Posts Drives: 08 335i, 06 X5 3.0 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Agreed about the steering. Idk if I could get used to that, just way to light for a BMW. I was impressed with the power for a 2.0 turbo though. The gas mileage was pretty good too. __________________
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07-29-2015, 01:22 PM	#8
E90Flossin Vroooomm 24 Rep 352 Posts Drives: Lci 335i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	The steering is pretty light. For some the the E90/E92 is way too heavy. The steering on the F30 feels like the audi, and buyers prefer that. For my taste, it was too light, however the idrive, power from the 2.0 Turbo and comfort is much better than the latest models. I am not a huge fan of the newer look though. The 2 series for me is perfect!
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07-29-2015, 05:07 PM	#12
Krynos Private First Class 54 Rep 158 Posts Drives: E93 335i, F10 528i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	I just had a 328i loaner for a couple of days too. I agree - the steering is too light, and it's constantly shifting. I found it annoying. Still though I appreciate a decent loaner when mine's in the shop. The loaner before that was a diesel. It was brown. We named it Brown Thunder.
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07-30-2015, 07:50 AM	#13
bahasad Major 327 Rep 1,490 Posts Drives: F30, E90 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Somewhereinamerica iTrader: (4)	Hyperbole much? Have you driven a camcord recently? Besides the steering feel and refinement of the I6, my F30 is an improvement over my E90. Power, handling, acceleration, and not too mention interior layout, tech, and space. I alternate driving my F30 and E90 on a daily basis, logging 100-150 miles on each. Don't make the E90/F30 to be more than it is - regular sedans. __________________ Current: 17 Mustang GT no bmw Gone but not forgotten: 07 E90 335I, 04 UA6, 95 E36, 04 EP3, 16 S550 EB, 14 F30 328I Stg 1, 08 E90 328I
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07-31-2015, 08:59 PM	#14
blueridger Private First Class 15 Rep 113 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 Porsche Boxster [0.00] 2011 BMW 335i Sport [0.00]	I just spent a week in a 328i Sport loaner. I'm grateful for the loaner but am really happy to have my car back. I enjoyed the crisp rear view camera and found the auto tranny to be pretty quick, yet the dynamics of the car are lacking in my opinion. To me the e90 feels thick and juicy, very analog, while the f30 feels detached...digital. __________________ Current: 2011 335i Sport, 987 Boxster Prior:e92 M3 DCT ZCP, f10, e93, e46, ...
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07-31-2015, 10:37 PM	#15
ny325 Brigadier General 895 Rep 3,141 Posts Drives: Jet Black E90 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Gridlock iTrader: (0)	Agree with OP. I've had a Msport 335i loaner, and it feels like your on a boat. The steering, chassis, regardless what mode your in feels disconnected from the road. I don't have the same confidence pushing the F30, as I do with my E90.
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07-31-2015, 11:25 PM	#16
924er Colonel 352 Rep 2,050 Posts Drives: e92 335i '10 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	I get that feeling everytime I get a loaner. Put it on sport and it's much better. I think ur exaggerating a bit about the straight line. Let's face the facts tho, the steering is more precise, the car handles better, it has more hp/tq, better MPG, and quicker 0-60. Bmw just upgraded as they should. But I agree it doesn't feel like ur typical tight steering bimmer. __________________ '10 e92 N54 DCI intakes, ER chargepipe, TIAL BOV, VRSF 5in FMIC, BMS Downpipes COBB e30
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07-31-2015, 11:25 PM	#17
335idle First Lieutenant 29 Rep 360 Posts Drives: 17 X3 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Draper, Utah iTrader: (0)	agree had base model and sport loaner sucked so much.
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08-01-2015, 10:17 AM	#18
DF Major 239 Rep 1,255 Posts Drives: F23 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sherman Oaks iTrader: (0)	I've had several of them as loaners. I agree the steering is too boosted at low speeds. But I felt the chassis was as good as the e9x. I hearse they addressed that to a degree with the 340
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08-01-2015, 11:33 AM	#19
Swish First Lieutenant 52 Rep 361 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	That's the exact opposite of what they should have given you! My dealership always gave me a better car (so to speak) than what I brought in. For instance, my wife had a 2003 325xi, and when they had it for an oil change, they gave me a 330xi. I was driving a 528i at the time, and when I decided to buy a new car, I bought a 2006 330xi. At that time, the 5 series had the ugly Bangle butt, so there was no way I was buying one. My wife's car always seemed too small, but when I drove this newly designed 3, it was longer and wider, and perfect for my 6'1" frame. When my 330xi was in for maintenance, they would give me a 335i or 535i. Yeah, I bought 335i this past April.
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08-04-2015, 07:56 PM	#20
thakid22 Lieutenant 287 Rep 595 Posts Drives: 2021 Bmw M340i M-Sport w/ VDC Join Date: May 2013 Location: Little Rock iTrader: (0)	F30 Base steering.. My first complaint is that it is too light, even in sport mode. I do like its accuracy, however. The E90 has a bit of vagueness/play on center that is very unbefitting a car with sporty aspirations. The F30 is laser accurate and responsive the instant you start to move the steering wheel off center. E90 effort build up and weighting is far superior in my opinion. Spin the wheel left or right, even at an standstill, and effort builds up as if the rack is attached to a tightly coiled spring. Very nice. I instantly know where the wheels are pointed by feeling the resistance through the wheel. The F30 allows the steering wheel to turn without varied resistance. Turn the steering wheel anywhere within its range and if the car isn't moving you'll have to almost guess how far the tires have actually turned. Win = E90 F30 base ride is, frankly, a mess. I always equated BMW suspensions with fine body control. The E90 suffered weak body control. But the F30 is even worse. The F30 can float up and down and lean side to side in a very in BMW like fashion. Your average Altima, Accord, or even Avalon are more composed around town. F30 suspension tuning does NOT feel expensive in any way. That being said, it does very well at minimizing brake dive/squat. Additionally, when hustled along a SMOOTH road with twists and turns, the ride seems to hunker down quite nicely. All doesn't remain well for long though. Throw in some bumps, potholes, dips and elevationsand the ride/handling deteriorates to less than your average family sedan. The suspension audibly thumps, thrums, and bumps. The front end and rear suspensions bounce up and down at different rates (porpoise?). And you can feel a bit of lateral instability. Ugh. E90 ride and handling left a bit to be desired too. SMOOTH roads were fine, with a stiff sporty feel, while also being supple. Potholes and bumps were far too harsh on sport suspension settings. Worst of all is the E90 tendency to let the rear end bounce over dips, bumps, and elevations. Head to the twisties, though, and all is forgiven. E90 steering is athletic and talkative in the corners and grip is PHENOMENAL. The E90s cornering prowess makes you almost forget it's other ride/handling shortcomings. While the F30 has excellent grip, the dynamics aren't even close to par with the E90s. I have yet to sample an F30 with sport package, VSS, or Adaptive Shocks. So maybe there is a better ride/handling balance in other iterations of the F30. Still, I find my self often questioning "who in the hell is approving these final BMW suspension calibrations?" Ride is good on good roads. But the harsh, flinty, crashy, jarring ride on bad roads is absurd. And cheapens the feel of otherwise expensive feeling vehicles. E60, E90, F30... Have runflats destroyed the legendary BMW ride and handling balance? Don't let the car magazines fool ya, there IS a price to be paid for BMWs stellar handling. Last edited by thakid22; 08-04-2015 at 08:17 PM..
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08-04-2015, 08:15 PM	#21
justpete Brigadier General 1233 Rep 3,778 Posts Drives: '11 328i '19 M6 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M6 [10.00] 2011 BMW 328i [9.00]	Agree with op the F30 steering is atrocious although recent model years have gotten better. I think the suspension in non-sport models is so floaty it magnifies the light and twitchy steering response. Had my loaner swapped out for a 428i sport model and it's actually not nearly as sucky but it gets twitchy in sport+ though. Still glad I got an E90 in '12 instead of getting on the list for an F30. __________________ 2011 E90 328i 6MT, BMW Aero, CF hood/boot, PI+CAI+RM+3IM+BPC, SS+CI528+ThermoTec+SS#1+2XBurns, AKG 75D eng/trans, Al/Delrin diff/RS, CM 850, UCP, CAE, AKG DSSR, DiffsOnline 3.91 30/90 LSD+BW cooler, C&R, Setrab, Accusump, AST 3-way+Swift, Aurora PR+BW spherical, Vorshlag CPs, M3 brace+UR bar, ARC-8 18x8.5, 255 R1R, RB/CSL rotors+cooling, 135i calipers, RS29, RT700, Safecraft, OMP HTE-R+804F+QD Superquadro, 6pt cage+FIA, Braille, RT DL1Mk3
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08-04-2015, 08:50 PM	#22
Herakles Captain 248 Rep 824 Posts Drives: United States Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Pa iTrader: (0)	Wow im reading this and wondering if i am going best route saving some money and buying the e90 335xdrive msport i found vs spending the extra money on a used 2013 xdrive msport (with adaptive suspension) Ive also heard people that get to compare interior of F30 and E90 say the e90 feels much more high quality, while the F30 feels cheaper inside, some said rental grade- Did you notice that also when comparing?
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