E30 Soul?

[CrusherCurtis]

The steering is stupid light, but honestly I just love the way the e30 feels. IMO it feels like no other car. I wonder how the steering feels with the rack swap?

Lol. The E9x is a really pathetic car. Cheap doesn't even begin to describe them.

Is this so? I've always liked them, but never drove one.

[bastianshaw]

e30 w STOCK rack is more nimble than almost any other stock car, yes the steering is overboosted, but i think it is BALANCED

[325ix]

Interesting note, the 2002 has a quicker steering ratio than E30. The E36 rack swap provides the feel i think should have been original from the factory.

I have the non-M e36 rack with no power steering. It really does make it a fantastic car to drive.

[mikeedler]

a 335i e90 steering is better feeling than an e30! esp. if it has active steering. Doesn't mean the car is more fun to drive though, or not having soul?? I love a little e30, but come on now, 30 years of development, it must be a little bit better as much as you all don't want to admit it.

[CabbE30]

a 335i e90 steering is better feeling than an e30! esp. if it has active steering. Doesn't mean the car is more fun to drive though, or not having soul?? I love a little e30, but come on now, 30 years of development, it must be a little bit better as much as you all don't want to admit it.

Of course it's "better"! Every part of the car should be better because evolution. But that doesnt mean it has more character or spirit than the e30. The steering is not the only thing that "makes a car," important but it's not the lone factor. I know you know that, but for the sake of argument.
Example, average E90 is 1 kip heavier than average E30.

[Anthony B]

BMW sold their soul just after the e30,

I've driven an e36 328i, e46 330ci, & some random e9x non of them feel like you're really the driver more like you sitting in the drivers set just for aesthetic purposes,

[Jim Lepage]

i have the non-m e36 rack with no power steering. It really does make it a fantastic car to drive.

+1

I was not impressed by the feeling of the stock rack + power steering

[pandaboo911]

The e30's steering is light and numb because the steering rack is 4 turns lock to lock. It's a totally different feel if you swap in a z3/e36 rack, handles like a go-cart

[ScHpAnKy]

The e30's steering is light and numb because the steering rack is 4 turns lock to lock. It's a totally different feel if you swap in a z3/e36 rack, handles like a go-cart

++, my e36 m3 steering rack is a HUGE difference for handling!

[CrusherCurtis]

Alright gotta get a z3 rack now.

[JinormusJ]

The steering in an e30 sucks; let's be honest; 4-turn lock to lock is horrible steering box ratios. That bei said; the e30 garnishes it's soul from the fact that even though it has a light steering feel, the light weight and engineering of the chassis compensates for it and gives it amazing cornering ability.

A power steering delete and 2.7 L2L z3 1.9 rack are all upgrades you could do. I've driven in a buds z3 racked e30, and the steering feel is unmatched. Feels nice, tight, responsive, and heavy

[Nick_S]

lol at a e90 owner talking about "soul"

This. I drove one and while it was a comfortable car, it embodied nothing I think of when a car has 'soul'. Soul is character and it's undeniable that E30's are packed full of them. From the classic looks, to the way they drive and handle, it just puts a smile on your face. An E90 is an appliance car, a very nice one but it has no soul. Most newer cars don't.

[evandael]

It's all about perspective, guys. E30s lack soul when compared to E9's, E9's lack soul when compared to pre-war roadsters..

[Solarian]

I've driven an E92 335i coupe quite a bit, it absolutely has no soul. Total luxury car. No feel, no feedback, nothing. IMO, if you want a new BMW, you have to get a 1 series.

[dannyyisntt]

It's all about perspective, guys. E30s lack soul when compared to E9's, E9's lack soul when compared to pre-war roadsters..

I don't think that statement is true. Cars used to mean something. Unlike today where they're more of a couch that takes you from point A to B.

They used to be about the experience. The feel from behind the wheel. They had quirky things about them that helped you bond with them.

Whereas today cars are meant to get you where your going in comfort, without annoyance and with good gas mileage.