[Slim415]

I have a 2011 e92 335is. I've been going crazy for the past 6 months trying to decide if I should sell my E92 for an F30. How many of you came from that platform? What were the biggest changes in the F30 platform? Specifically an F30 335i. Is the electric steering a big downgrade from the hydraulic? I loooove my E92's hydraulic steering. My biggest concern is that I will regret selling my car. It took me forever to find it as I'm a stickler for my future car to hit all the marks on my checklist. My car is a bit rare as it is a 335is with lowish miles, all options, Dakota black interior and a 6MT. It was the only manual trans 335is for sale in CA at the time. I truly love my car but I've been bit by the F30 bug and it's been eating away at me. I'm worried that I would be selling a rare and unique car for one that's more common. Not saying that an F30 isn't special, I just wouldn't be able to afford a super nice one probably. I don't know, I can't even find one in 6MT (except for the forum).

[adhrp]

Your case sounds to me like one where you should rent an F30 for a week or so. Given your considerations, I wouldn't just jump into one based on people's opinions/words and then hope that you would love it, or live to regret it. Also, given that your are really itching for the F30, there's the risk of confirmation bias that should be taken into account when asking what you are asking on the forums.

[davidr3]

Originally Posted by Slim415

I have a 2011 e92 335is. I've been going crazy for the past 6 months trying to decide if I should sell my E92 for an F30. How many of you came from that platform? What were the biggest changes in the F30 platform? Specifically an F30 335i. Is the electric steering a big downgrade from the hydraulic? I loooove my E92's hydraulic steering. My biggest concern is that I will regret selling my car. It took me forever to find it as I'm a stickler for my future car to hit all the marks on my checklist. My car is a bit rare as it is a 335is with lowish miles, all options, Dakota black interior and a 6MT. It was the only manual trans 335is for sale in CA at the time. I truly love my car but I've been bit by the F30 bug and it's been eating away at me. I'm worried that I would be selling a rare and unique car for one that's more common. Not saying that an F30 isn't special, I just wouldn't be able to afford a super nice one probably. I don't know, I can't even find one in 6MT (except for the forum).

Came from an e93, biggest differences to me was the tech, transmission, and as you mentioned the steering. Tech was a huge plus to me, just so much more cool factor and the e93 always felt a little outdated to me (not all in a bad way). I absolutely love the new 8 speed automatics but that wouldn't matter in your car since you're looking into a 6 MT. Finally the steering, definitely took a little bit to get used to but once you're there you kinda forget what the e9xs steering felt like. Will you miss the 335is? Absolutely. Does it mean you should keep it? That decision remains with you, all I will say is that the hydraulic steering will have to go some day unless you plan on specifically searching for hydraulic steering vehicles which will only get rarer as time goes.

[Slim415]

Originally Posted by davidr3

Came from an e93, biggest differences to me was the tech, transmission, and as you mentioned the steering. Tech was a huge plus to me, just so much more cool factor and the e93 always felt a little outdated to me (not all in a bad way). I absolutely love the new 8 speed automatics but that wouldn't matter in your car since you're looking into a 6 MT. Finally the steering, definitely took a little bit to get used to but once you're there you kinda forget what the e9xs steering felt like. Will you miss the 335is? Absolutely. Does it mean you should keep it? That decision remains with you, all I will say is that the hydraulic steering will have to go some day unless you plan on specifically searching for hydraulic steering vehicles which will only get rarer as time goes.

All good points. I think the first step would be to test drive an F30. Btw why did they not make a 2 door model? Correct me if I'm wrong but the coupe didn't come out till the 435i in 2015? So I would have to settle for a sedan if I wanted a 335i.

[jcarv20]

I went from an e92 to an f32. Overall i'm happy with the decision, the F32 is way more reliable. Interior is a big improvement, e92 definitely feels more aggressive in terms of ride and motor but my f32 on springs and in sport or sports plus mode is pretty aggressive. I'd love to have another e92 as a project car but my f32 is a solid vehicle, no regrets.

[itsrichierich]

I drove my buddy's E90 335i around for about 2 weeks. Not saying I didn't like it, but the F30 335i fitted my needs more. It was up to date, more tech, more comfortable and just a classier look. I definitely enjoyed my F30 more than the E90.

[davidr3]

Originally Posted by Slim415

All good points. I think the first step would be to test drive an F30. Btw why did they not make a 2 door model? Correct me if I'm wrong but the coupe didn't come out till the 435i in 2015? So I would have to settle for a sedan if I wanted a 335i.

Probably just a transition period from it being a 3 series coupe to the 4 series taking the coupe spot. But yeah if you wanted a 2012-2014 it would need to be a sedan for the F generation. I personally was tired of a coupe and having to move the seats forward to allow people in so a 4 door suited me more.

[Tommy-G]

I also went from an E93 to an F33...biggest upgrade was tech.
That being said, your E92 is the perfect version. Type 313 wheels, the diffusor etc.

I had to get out of my E93 b/c it needed a rear main seal and a valve cover gasket so it was truly my only economic answer

[jbiswurm]

I think you'd be crazy to move on. But.... it depends on your values. Since you mention steering feel i think youre like me and value an engaging and emotional driving experience. I left my e92 for an f30 due to a growing family and need for sedan.

The f30 is capable. Probably more capable than the e90. However it lacks soul and the driving experience and this feels less capable. Youll go fast but it wont feel as fast. Personally, i really dont care for tech.

[Psi5]

I went from a 2007 E90/335/N55 to a 2020 F32/440/B58, both 6MT, Sport/M-Sport. While I loved my E90, I love my F32 more. The tech is a great (adjustable drive-train/performance; safety; infotainment, etc.), the transmissions are very similar feeling (although a new clutch v. 150K clutch is a big diff), and the F30/32 looks and feels like a natural evolution of the E90/E93. The Dynamic Digital Cluster is very cool and the Heads-Up Display is life-changing. Don't get a new BMW without HUD.

The F32 steering is fine by me. I had the Active Steering option on the E90 which I thought would be a huge difference from my previous E39 but after a few months I got used to it just like I did the F32's. For general and spirited driving, the F32 is superior IMO although incremental, not like going from a Camry to an M4 or anything.

Anyway, all that said, I agree that you should rent or borrow one for a few weeks and see what *you* think. It's your money, your driving, and your opinions that matter. Once I took an F32 on an extended test drive (and drove a G20/M340 as well as an F22/M240 for comparison), my decision was easy: order a new F32 (only way to get a custom color and a MT).

Could you keep the E93 as a garage queen and use your F30/F32 as a dd?

[chiefneil]

You can see from the responses that’s ultimately a personal decision. I went from an E36 to an E46 to F30. The F30 has convinced me that my love affair with BMW is over and my next car will be a Porsche.

It’s a competent, fast, comfortable car no doubt. But I just feel no connection to it, the way I felt connected my E36 and E46. The steering is a huge part of it, and exhaust sound is probably the rest of it.

I honestly don’t think the problem is really the switch from hydraulic to electric steering - I think the lack of feel is by design. My wife went from an E53 (X5) to an E70 X5, both hydraulic steering. The steering on the E70 was about the same as my F30; it totally lost all feel compared to the first-gen E53. You can also see in interviews with BMW engineers and designers that they’ve purposely taken steering feel out (one even said it was to appeal to people who want to drive one-handed on the autobahn).

[jbiswurm]

Originally Posted by chiefneil

You can see from the responses that’s ultimately a personal decision. I went from an E36 to an E46 to F30. The F30 has convinced me that my love affair with BMW is over and my next car will be a Porsche.

It’s a competent, fast, comfortable car no doubt. But I just feel no connection to it, the way I felt connected my E36 and E46. The steering is a huge part of it, and exhaust sound is probably the rest of it.

I honestly don’t think the problem is really the switch from hydraulic to electric steering - I think the lack of feel is by design. My wife went from an E53 (X5) to an E70 X5, both hydraulic steering. The steering on the E70 was about the same as my F30; it totally lost all feel compared to the first-gen E53. You can also see in interviews with BMW engineers and designers that they’ve purposely taken steering feel out (one even said it was to appeal to people who want to drive one-handed on the autobahn).

This is likely true. Plenty of manufacturers have elec PS and have great driver feedback. F30 softness is likely just BMW changing their target market from spot driving enthusiasts to luxury car segment. Most people want less road feedback rather than more so thats the direction. This is a business afterall.

[Sidewinderpb]

I’ve had two e92s and two f30s. Very much miss the feeling of connectedness to the e92. The f30 feels more like steering a boat trough water. Hopefully coilovers help, but they’re not even comparable IMO. Would definitely prefer a well-specced e92 such as yours. If it makes your decision any easier, the manual transmissions are essentially the same. Same feel/throw on both the shifter and pedal.

[davidr3]

Another point that doesn't seem to of been discussed, this current engine you have is a n54, can you afford the unreliability of the N54? N55 may be more reliable and a better option for you.

[jh_f30]

Keep the E92. As you said, the "is" is rare and special. F30s are a dime a dozen. Not that I don't love my F30, but if I could have a well-sorted 335is, I probably would, despite the sacrifice in some of the tech/comfort.

However, that's just my opinion. If your priorities are changing...maybe a longer commute, getting older and appreciate a little more "softness", need more space in your car, then the F30 makes a compelling case.

If, on the other hand, driver engagement, feedback, and fun-to-drive are your top priorities, F30 might not fit the bill. An F22 M235/240 might be a better middle ground.

[Danddd]

You'll miss the steering and the all around solid feel for sure.

[itsrichierich]

Funny thing is when I read about getting an E46 M3 or E90 M3, people said they felt disconnected when driving the E90 compared to the E46.

OP, if you're every in the SoCal area (San Diego), you'rem ore than welcome to drive my car.

[Montaver]

The F30 has none of what you love about the E90, I think there's your answer. I still miss my E90 M3, BMW hasn't built anything better since and I say this from experience. All new cars have tech, refinement, take your pick. That connectedness isn't coming back unless it's Porsche, Lotus, McLaren etc.

[MmmmmM2]

I had a 2012 E92 335i prior to my F30 340i. The F30 has a much better tranny but steering is lackluster. It's definitely an upgrade over the 335i in most ways, but if I had a 335is I would keep it as it is a very special car.

[Slim415]

Originally Posted by davidr3

Another point that doesn't seem to of been discussed, this current engine you have is a n54, can you afford the unreliability of the N54? N55 may be more reliable and a better option for you.

It's been so far so good with no repairs needed aside from basic maintenance. Been spending tons on performance on body modifications though. Pretty worried that one day my turbos will need replacement. That will be a bad day.

[Slim415]

Originally Posted by itsrichierich

Funny thing is when I read about getting an E46 M3 or E90 M3, people said they felt disconnected when driving the E90 compared to the E46.

OP, if you're every in the SoCal area (San Diego), you'rem ore than welcome to drive my car.

Thanks I definitely appreciate that 👌☺️

[smrtypants44]

Steering is bad.... theres like a 2 inch dead spot on center that drives me crazy.

A big plus on the f3x platform is that the alignment setup is less aggressive so your tires last a lot longer