[NightWriter]

Overall a very positive review, except (big surprise) for steering feedback. Even the explanation isn't entirely surprising, though it sure as hell is disappointing:

Asked why 3-series steering is less communicative these days, two BMW chassis engineers have told us that they could match the feedback provided by electric assist with what they used to provide with hydraulic power steering, but “our customers don’t want it.” This is what happens when your primary mission is chasing volume in an attempt to beat Mercedes-Benz and Lexus for the luxury-brand sales crown year after year.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ve-test-review

[chiefneil]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

“our customers don’t want it.”

That's what I've thought for a while. I always figured the steering was pretty much where they wanted it. Although with the M3 and M2 you'd think they'd be chasing the more hardcore audience that wants more feedback.

[S6F]

Curious as to why the 340s are always showing slower 1/4mi times than the cars they replaced even with better power numbers and better butt dyno impressions. This C&D article is a case in point.

[crex]

I don't buy it. If they could have, they would have done it for the M3 too.

[goj]

Originally Posted by stevefoster

Curious as to why the 340s are always showing slower 1/4mi times than the cars they replaced even with better power numbers and better butt dyno impressions. This C&D article is a case in point.

All of them have been manuals so far. And also there could be some driver error because the RWD 340i was quicker launching than the AWD 340i (of course both manuals)

[auf Deutsch]

Originally Posted by stevefoster

Curious as to why the 340s are always showing slower 1/4mi times than the cars they replaced even with better power numbers and better butt dyno impressions. This C&D article is a case in point.

Weight. The 340 weighs more than the 335, sad but true. The 335xi 8AT tested at 3739. This 340xi with lighter 6 speed tips the scales at 3802.

[goj]

Originally Posted by auf Deutsch

Weight. The 340 weighs more than the 335, sad but true. The 335xi 8AT tested at 3739. This 340xi with lighter 6 speed tips the scales at 3802.

Likely the driver...no way should a 0-60 be slower than the RWD version with same trans...extra weight or not.

[goj]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

Overall a very positive review, except (big surprise) for steering feedback. Even the explanation isn't entirely surprising, though it sure as hell is disappointing:

Asked why 3-series steering is less communicative these days, two BMW chassis engineers have told us that they could match the feedback provided by electric assist with what they used to provide with hydraulic power steering, but “our customers don’t want it.” This is what happens when your primary mission is chasing volume in an attempt to beat Mercedes-Benz and Lexus for the luxury-brand sales crown year after year.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ve-test-review

Very positive review, I do have to say the C&D commenters really love to hate on BMW

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by stevefoster

Curious as to why the 340s are always showing slower 1/4mi times than the cars they replaced even with better power numbers and better butt dyno impressions. This C&D article is a case in point.

There's a lot of variables in 0-60 times, especially with a manual. They still haven't tested a 340i xDrive 8-sp with the track package, most likely the quickest combination.

[scostu]

[QUOTE=NightWriter;19696333]Overall a very positive review, except (big surprise) for steering feedback. Even the explanation isn't entirely surprising, though it sure as hell is disappointing:

Asked why 3-series steering is less communicative these days, two BMW chassis engineers have told us that they could match the feedback provided by electric assist with what they used to provide with hydraulic power steering, but “our customers don’t want it.” This is what happens when your primary mission is chasing volume in an attempt to beat Mercedes-Benz and Lexus for the luxury-brand sales crown year after year.

So for those "that DO want it" , which is probably everyone in this entire forum, what is the fix?

Anyone have ideas or insight? Is it a simple module, coding, hardwear....?!

If its simple coding or a module to fix my F series to feel like my old E90.... i would pay money!

[ErkanTR16]

Love everything about my 340i xDrive. It hauls ass for sure.

[bimmercar]

strange that the xdrive 0-60 time is slower than official bmw time, even with MPSS

[paul e]

Odd that they could just make the E90 steering feel an iDrive option if they wanted to. Why not give the option and make everybody happy? Isn't that what the technology is for?

[Blubaron79]

Magazines just say that about BMWs now because it's the vogue thing to do.

[300hp]

The E9X 335i x drive manual did 4.7 to 60 (C/D test). This was the version with the N55. Quite keen to see how the AT performs but all of the 340i tests are making my decision to sit out on the LCI and hang on to my 335hp N55 a tad more palatable.

Let's hope the AT tests make me eat my words

[eluded]

odd the 340 was faster (a tenth) than the 340X; and in triple digits a lot faster. Very interesting. Awesome that C&D only reviewing the manuals, #SaveTheManuals !!!

[goj]

Originally Posted by eluded

odd the 340 was faster (a tenth) than the 340X; and in triple digits a lot faster. Very interesting. Awesome that C&D only reviewing the manuals, #SaveTheManuals !!!

Ahh BMW is sending them the manuals. They are trying to give the message that they are an enthusiast option. Most likely since the entire competition has left the stick shift

[2015M4inCT]

Originally Posted by goj

Ahh BMW is sending them the manuals. They are trying to give the message that they are an enthusiast option. Most likely since the entire competition has left the stick shift

Should have included the M-Sport package too.

Wonder how much longer BMW will keep the manuals. If none of their competition are doing it... I suppose sales numbers are the key. Curious what they were on the S4/S5 now that Audi has ditched the manual.

Once manuals go I may be forced to have two cars. Been always leasing and having a fun daily driver in stick.

Screw 0-60 times. I want to feel connected to the car through that pedal and stick. BMW hasn't figured out how to dial out the feel, tactile sensations, vibrations from there yet to keep their customers happy!

[bahasad]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

Overall a very positive review, except (big surprise) for steering feedback. Even the explanation isn't entirely surprising, though it sure as hell is disappointing:

Asked why 3-series steering is less communicative these days, two BMW chassis engineers have told us that they could match the feedback provided by electric assist with what they used to provide with hydraulic power steering, but “our customers don’t want it.” This is what happens when your primary mission is chasing volume in an attempt to beat Mercedes-Benz and Lexus for the luxury-brand sales crown year after year.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ve-test-review

Very disappointing explanation from the engineers for the lack of feedback. BMWs core audience have been enthusiasts/sporty oriented drivers. By alienating us, and going after the non discerning customer, eventually it will catch up to them.

[goj]

Originally Posted by 340i6MT

Should have included the M-Sport package too.

Wonder how much longer BMW will keep the manuals. If none of their competition are doing it... I suppose sales numbers are the key. Curious what they were on the S4/S5 now that Audi has ditched the manual.

Once manuals go I may be forced to have two cars. Been always leasing and having a fun daily driver in stick.

Screw 0-60 times. I want to feel connected to the car through that pedal and stick. BMW hasn't figured out how to dial out the feel, tactile sensations, vibrations from there yet to keep their customers happy!

With double digit take rates of the manual transmissions BMW won't throw them out. If that drops then they're in danger.

[Prossx]

If the goal is to achieve ever increasing levels of refinement, then yes, filtering out steering feel is going to happen. The typical "luxury" customer doesn't want to feel road imperfections and vibration make their way to the wheel much less into the cabin. I also wonder if its just easier for crash test scores/safety, to engineer more isolated sub systems (sub frames/ crumple zones/ collapsable steering columns, etc) to achieve this refinement and not have to figure out how transmit some level of feel thru all these systems. The engineers probably don't want to get into those discussions.

[vtown]

Originally Posted by Blubaron79

Magazines just say that about BMWs now because it's the vogue thing to do.

I agree. The mags are all on the hater bandwagon. After all these years gushing over the 3 they finally decided to hate on something. Now they are like a dog with a bone.

Sure it's a bit lighter. But to imply that it sucks is just silly.

From all the negative press. I was fully prepared to hate the f30 steering. Then I drove one (albeit without vss), it's still very good imo.

You want the old unrefined steering feel? Stick with the old unrefined car....