Thoughts on the newest 3 series

[nrubenstein]

The real problem is that BMW is really proud of the 2.0T, and there is no longer a discount for the manual. A pretty stripped out 328i is in the low $40s, which is an awful damned lot for a 328.

The car itself looks like a pretty nice DD. I may have to get a sedan sometime in the not too distant future, so leasing one of those would make some real sense.

[Kershaw]

Electric steering, 99% of the time sucks. I'm hoping BMW's is better, but considering their hydraulic steering is recent models is more lifeless than my Caprice beater, my hopes aren't high.

you're just flat out wrong. i think there is a thread in OT about opinions...

i love the electric steering in my rx8. it is perfect. i wouldnt change a damn thing about it. if i could, i'd put it in my e30. as well as my drive by wire throttle body.

[nando]

Considering how terrible the BMW hydraulic steering has always been from a longevity standpoint (the damn things ALWAYS leak), I wouldn't mind electric steering at all, assuming the feedback was good.

[nrubenstein]

you're just flat out wrong. i think there is a thread in OT about opinions...

i love the electric steering in my rx8. it is perfect. i wouldnt change a damn thing about it. if i could, i'd put it in my e30. as well as my drive by wire throttle body.

E90 electric steering wasn't great, though. Although its better in the newer cars.

[MattBimmer]

I just think electric steering is blah. If the response is nice then I think it'll be fine. But man I am pumped about the more aggressive hood and front grill :)

[mikeedler]

I don't care at all for the headlights coming all the way to the kidneys, but maybe it will grow on me.
electric steering seems just fine to me, it is the active steering that drives me crazy!

[5Toes]

Want that 4 pot in my E30 >_>

[KenC]

I think they look amazing. I love the kidneys

[Chaz]

Just wondering what electric steering is. Is there a sensor in the wheel that tells the wheels how much to turn and basically to straight link from the wheel to the axel like other cars? I thought BMW was going back to the ultimate driving machine slogan, that means more of a drivers car and not a leather couch right?

[BrooklynMW]

The new headlights kinda look like the new Audi A6

[OniKyan]

Yeah, what exactly is electric steering?


The whole car though, DO NOT WANT. I haven't really liked any of the newer BMW's (2000+) besides the 1 series and the Z4M Coupes.

[mikeedler]

Yeah, what exactly is electric steering?

instead of having a hydraulic pump and hoses, it has an electric motor in the rack. I do not understand the hate or complaining about it- I think it is great.

now the ACTIVE STEERING is a bit odd to get used to. it is speed sensitive, at low speeds, the rack has a VERY short ratio.- at highway speeds it is normal again. and in the middle it is variable.

[OniKyan]

instead of having a hydraulic pump and hoses, it has an electric motor in the rack. I do not understand the hate or complaining about it- I think it is great.

That doesn't seem so bad. I thought it was going to be like drive by wire, where the steering wheel isn't actually connected to the rack.

[KenC]

That doesn't seem so bad. I thought it was going to be like drive by wire, where the steering wheel isn't actually connected to the rack.

Yeah, I don't get why people are hating on it. It's like hating an electric water pump.

[Kershaw]

i doubt bmw uses just 1 motor. i know my rx8 has 2 redundant steering motors. 1 less belt to worry about. 1 less fluid to leak. it's awesome.

anyone (in the dc area) who has any doubts about it is welcome to drive my rx8 and see for yourself.