The F30's hidden value

[EtaSax]

So... the F30 has a value-minded model now... the 320i. Same turbo four as the 328i but detuned down to 180 horsepower (I'm suspecting software...), so very much inline with the M20B25 you guys rock around in terms of power. I could actually see where this could be very popular and carry over the most spirit of the E30. The new 320i skips out on a good amount of luxury, therefore moving its focus back towards the driving dynamic, and I think that makes it more of the car we as E30 drivers are used to. Surprisingly, you can get a really interestingly spec'd out version for relatively good value. Take this for example. This: http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...tionId=3920224 was a 320i I put together on BMW's configurator-ma-bob. It's got very similar kit as our E30's do: leather seats (manual), manual trans (though this is a 6 speed), sunroof (moonroof), and that's about it. However it also has the "M Package" which adds an upgraded suspension and sports seats, among other things, as well as the "Lighting Package" which includes upgrades to the headlights. The grand total of this car would be around $37k.

Now consider this... I've read that in 1987, the MSRP of my 325e was around $25k. Adjusted for inflation, that cost comes to be as near as makes no difference $50k. Imagine that.... Now you consider, which is the better value...

Coincidentally, one could consider this specifically spec'd 320i to be very similar to the 318is of yore (4 cylinder, sport suspension, etc...). In 1991 the 318is cost $21,500. Adjusting for inflation that comes to be right at $35k, curiously close to the price of the sporty 320i.

Rev's thoughts?

[emerson.]

The new F30s are fat pigs. E30s are not fat pigs

[e30Villain]

f30s look ugly without the sports package

[e30edward]

I doubt the F30 will still be running 25 years later.

[CHIF8008]

still prefer a e30

[JinormusJ]

F30s are ugly...

Real ugly

[obes]

they look badass...starting to see em everywhere lol

[Roysneon]

they look badass...starting to see em everywhere lol

C-C-C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER!!!!!!!!

I agree with everyone itt. They do look great, but are too big and heavy, even without all the options. A car that size with the power of an m20 would feel absolutely anemic.

I also agree that I don't feel that there will be as high a percentage of F's still on the road as there are E30's after 20-25 years. Cars now are made to be awesome for 5-7 years then be replaced. Older cars were made to be good and stay just good for as long as possible. It's just a different mentality when building or buying new cars.

[chadthestampede]

The f30 is 4 inches shorter, 2 inches wider, and roughly a half inch taller than an e34. The 328i weighs 11 lbs more than an e34. Basically what you are talking about here is a modern 520i, which by all accounts are relative to icebergs in their mobility.

[herbivor]

Good move to make a more affordable BMW.. Considering its the exact same engine parts though, just detuned, I don't see why it costs less.
I'll probably test drive one in April.

[gtdragon980]

IDK but @ 3295lbs making 180hp and 200lb-ft, it's just as much a pig as an e46 325i @3100lbs making 189hp and 181lb-ft. That being said, it has much more potential for power to eliminate the sluggish feeling from being overweight. I would rather have the f30, although I'll hold that thought till I see the reliability of these cars.

[slammin.e28]

I do wish the 3s were smaller, that said, I think the F30s look damn good. Same for the F10s, om nommy.

If they would have stopped growing at the e46 level, they'd be perfect. But no, now we're on the verge of being e38 size.

[nick123]

f30s look like any other piece of crap. Good thing I only like old cars.

[evandael]

I like the sports package f30. very aggressive.

with a tune, downpipe, and front mount, I wouldn't be suprised it the N20 knocked on the door of 300hp. now we're talking.

[ravenlord89]

Good move to make a more affordable BMW.. Considering its the exact same engine parts though, just detuned, I don't see why it costs less.
I'll probably test drive one in April.

Costs less because of the markup on the other models. BMW doesn't cost money because shit is expensive, they cost money because they can.

I would own an F30, but only on a lease, and only for the next few years. It isn't a life car like the E30.