[mecheng77]

I had the day off and I was running errands and decided to stop off at the bmw dealer considering last week I drove an s4 and was impressed. Today I drove the 2016: 340i x drive and 2016: 435i x drive grand coupe.

I really like the hatch in the 435i very easy to lug stuff but the rear seat bottom was very low to gain head room and the car had a large blind spot, felt big and handling was so so.

The 340i was the opposite: better front and rear visibility, better handling, great acceleration. Brakes were so so, didn't feel as good as my e90. Yes the steering is light but it still felt communicative and I've accepted that new cars with epas have light steering. My E90 felt like a work out after, so I will just say it's different. The ride is much better than the e90, less nervous and I like the extra room

I'm not looking at selling my E90, I have the 328i and I love it. I just want to compliment it with something more sporty and I want the 6cyl turbo and budget is $30k ish.

Questions: I understand the suspension and steering was upgraded in 2016, is this a big change? Does the 335i drive okay?

Is the b58 better than n55? It felt great, no lag. Is it as reliable? I understand the vanos is in the back?

http://youwheel.com/home/2016/03/27/...linder-engine/

Is their any options that are must haves? It had premium package with coral red leather. Looked sharp

Can I get the auto without xdrive. I prefer rwd with good snow tires.

Anything else? Has anyone driven a 435 Gc? I forgot to put it in sport mode, would the handling improve?

Thanks, here is a pic of the car. Love the rims!!

[Wires]

My B58 is 10x better than my N54. More power, better throttle response, quicker spool. I've had it for 3 years and no issues to date. Eliminates the charge pipe issue, air to water intercooler performs better than the n55 air to air intercooler. The B58 is a great engine.

Not sure about your AWD question. I can tell you that x-drive, with proper throttle control makes it corner VERY well. In sport (if it has active suspension), the ride and steering gets stiffer, throttle response feels "better" since it comes on harder at the bottom end masking most turbo lag.

The must haves is a BM3 tune though. That turns it into a beast (M3'ish power for $30k less).

[Mr Podman]

Too many doors, looks like a Hyundai.

[anotheran]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

I had the day off and I was running errands and decided to stop off at the bmw dealer considering last week I drove an s4 and was impressed. Today I drove the 2016: 340i x drive and 2016: 435i x drive grand coupe.

I really like the hatch in the 435i very easy to lug stuff but the rear seat bottom was very low to gain head room and the car had a large blind spot, felt big and handling was so so.

The 340i was the opposite: better front and rear visibility, better handling, great acceleration. Brakes were so so, didn't feel as good as my e90. Yes the steering is light but it still felt communicative and I've accepted that new cars with epas have light steering. My E90 felt like a work out after, so I will just say it's different. The ride is much better than the e90, less nervous and I like the extra room

I'm not looking at selling my E90, I have the 328i and I love it. I just want to compliment it with something more sporty and I want the 6cyl turbo and budget is $30k ish.

Questions: I understand the suspension and steering was upgraded in 2016, is this a big change? Does the 335i drive okay?

Slightly better. But each MY was already getting better if you check VSS steer motor changes

Is the b58 better than n55? It felt great, no lag. Is it as reliable? I understand the vanos is in the back?

No question b58 is miles better. Yes, vanos in back

Is their any options that are must haves? It had premium package with coral red leather. Looked sharp

Get adaptive if u don’t plan to mod suspension

Can I get the auto without xdrive. I prefer rwd with good snow tires.

Yes but really really hard to find

Anything else? Has anyone driven a 435? I forgot to put it in sport mode, would the handling improve?

If you’re thinking gc, it’s heavier and slightly slower.
No, won’t.

Thanks, here is a pic of the car. Love the rims!!

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by anotheran

Slightly better. But each MY was already getting better if you check VSS steer motor changes

No question b58 is miles better. Yes, vanos in back

Get adaptive if u don't plan to mod suspension

Yes but really really hard to find

If you're thinking gc, it's heavier and slightly slower.
No, won't.

Ok so adaptive suspension was a separate option? I assume in the engine bay I will find some electrical wires near the shock tower?

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by Mr Podman

Too many doors, looks like a Hyundai.

Originally Posted by Mr Podman

Too many doors, looks like a Hyundai.

I think the f30 is aggressive looking. I've liked every 3 series I think they all look good but I think the f is one of the best looking.

One thing is for sure, it drives a lot better than a Hyundai

[anotheran]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

Ok so adaptive suspension was a separate option? I assume in the engine bay I will find some electrical wires near the shock tower?

it was part of the MPerformance 1 option. unfortunately it forces you to take VSS

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by anotheran

it was part of the MPerformance 1 option. unfortunately it forces you to take VSS

Is the vss no good? Sounds good in theory.

Is the steering feel adjustable with vss ?

[anotheran]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

Is the vss no good? Sounds good in theory.

Is the steering feel adjustable with vss ?

Steering ratio is mechanical and can't be adjusted. weight affected by drive mode (comfort vs sport). If your test car had it and you didn't feel the odd steering then you shouldn't worry

[exE36M3]

FWIW - I've got a 435i with the M Sport Package - adaptive suspension and VSS. Comfort to sport mode is literal night and day. The car WILL float and bob in comfort mode. Not fun if you drive agressively, but on a long commute or around town... it's nice.

See a corner or open on-ramp, click Sport mode and the car, throttle, and steering all go into fun mode.

As a reference I come from Miatas, BRZs and E36 M3s. My 435i doesn't handle like the Miata or BRZ, but it's close to the E36 M3 now with Eibach Springs and new Monoball bushings..

[5ilver-5amurai]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

I had the day off and I was running errands and decided to stop off at the bmw dealer considering last week I drove an s4 and was impressed. Today I drove the 2016: 340i x drive and 2016: 435i x drive grand coupe.

I really like the hatch in the 435i very easy to lug stuff but the rear seat bottom was very low to gain head room and the car had a large blind spot, felt big and handling was so so.

The 340i was the opposite: better front and rear visibility, better handling, great acceleration. Brakes were so so, didn't feel as good as my e90. Yes the steering is light but it still felt communicative and I've accepted that new cars with epas have light steering. My E90 felt like a work out after, so I will just say it's different. The ride is much better than the e90, less nervous and I like the extra room

I'm not looking at selling my E90, I have the 328i and I love it. I just want to compliment it with something more sporty and I want the 6cyl turbo and budget is $30k ish.

Questions: I understand the suspension and steering was upgraded in 2016, is this a big change? Does the 335i drive okay?

Is the b58 better than n55? It felt great, no lag. Is it as reliable? I understand the vanos is in the back?

http://youwheel.com/home/2016/03/27/...linder-engine/

Is their any options that are must haves? It had premium package with coral red leather. Looked sharp

Can I get the auto without xdrive. I prefer rwd with good snow tires.

Anything else? Has anyone driven a 435 Gc? I forgot to put it in sport mode, would the handling improve?

Thanks, here is a pic of the car. Love the rims!!

That drivers side door looks repainted.

[misguided_will]

i've just come out of a 435i and into a 340i.

435i had 35,000km.

my 340i feels a lot stiffer but that might be because its a lot newer.

engine wise i definitely prefer the b58. comes on pretty strong compared to my 435i.

i love the 340i

[upsidedownfunnel]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

I think the f30 is aggressive looking. I've liked every 3 series I think they all look good but I think the f is one of the best looking.

One thing is for sure, it drives a lot better than a Hyundai

Don't engage trolls.

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

I had the day off and I was running errands and decided to stop off at the bmw dealer considering last week I drove an s4 and was impressed. Today I drove the 2016: 340i x drive and 2016: 435i x drive grand coupe.

I really like the hatch in the 435i very easy to lug stuff but the rear seat bottom was very low to gain head room and the car had a large blind spot, felt big and handling was so so.

The 340i was the opposite: better front and rear visibility, better handling, great acceleration. Brakes were so so, didn't feel as good as my e90. Yes the steering is light but it still felt communicative and I've accepted that new cars with epas have light steering. My E90 felt like a work out after, so I will just say it's different. The ride is much better than the e90, less nervous and I like the extra room

I'm not looking at selling my E90, I have the 328i and I love it. I just want to compliment it with something more sporty and I want the 6cyl turbo and budget is $30k ish.

Questions: I understand the suspension and steering was upgraded in 2016, is this a big change? Does the 335i drive okay?

Is the b58 better than n55? It felt great, no lag. Is it as reliable? I understand the vanos is in the back?

http://youwheel.com/home/2016/03/27/...linder-engine/

Is their any options that are must haves? It had premium package with coral red leather. Looked sharp

Can I get the auto without xdrive. I prefer rwd with good snow tires.

Anything else? Has anyone driven a 435 Gc? I forgot to put it in sport mode, would the handling improve?

Thanks, here is a pic of the car. Love the rims!!

Yes the 435i gc will feel better in sport mode. It actually feels better than a similarly equipped f30 despite being slightly heavier. Anyone who responds to you otherwise has clearly not driven the car, or doesn't understand what a lower center of gravity and near perfect weight distribution does for handling and the driving experience.

[Mr Podman]

BMW Gran Coupe is the best looking Grocery Getter at Whole Foods.



podman

[BMWILUVU]

RWD would be harder to find but if given a second chance, I would have configured RWD instead. Msport brakes would fix your brake annoyance. I also have VSS and have no gripes on steering. The F30 LCI is slightly stiffer and better handling with reinforcement made in the front suspension.

[jdg54]

Originally Posted by Mr Podman

Too many doors, looks like a Hyundai.

Yeah, cool opinion except OP asked for advice that your opinion doesn't help with.


Also, your opinion is wrong.

[jdg54]

OP, the 335i is a very capable car. There's no shame in owning one.

BUT- the B58 is an incredible powertrain even stock and can be an absolute beast when unleashed.

I understand the RWD thing as it makes it more of a "driver's car" but AWD has some really great aspects. You can't go wrong with either.

[kern417]

Suspension and steering differences never made that much of an impact to me but the motor change in 2016 is completely worth it. Also LED headlights and tail lights look much nicer.

The N55 is fine, but let's face it. It was a placeholder. The B58 is the product of some proper development time at BMW and it shows. And when it gets old and you feel like messing with it, the new Supra will have brought on so many tuners and modifications that you can go any direction you want. I think for that fact it'll hold it's value better too, especially if you get it RWD to engage the purist crowd.

[mecheng77]

I can't seem to find any rwd, the 335i and 340i are all xdrive. I guess if it's rwd bias it's fine.

What improvements in steering did they make over the years? Software or hardware. All the 2015 335i and 2016 340i seem to come with an M package was this standard?

[jdg54]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

I can't seem to find any rwd, the 335i and 340i are all xdrive. I guess if it's rwd bias it's fine.

What improvements in steering did they make over the years? Software or hardware. All the 2015 335i and 2016 340i seem to come with an M package was this standard?

It was standard in 2018 only I believe.

[upsidedownfunnel]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

I can't seem to find any rwd, the 335i and 340i are all xdrive. I guess if it's rwd bias it's fine.

What improvements in steering did they make over the years? Software or hardware. All the 2015 335i and 2016 340i seem to come with an M package was this standard?

Be careful getting xDrive cars. If you want a sport suspension, only the M Adaptive or RWD cars got it. The M Sport xDrive cars otherwise all came with the base or possibly even softer suspension. You can always upgrade suspension though fairly cheaply.

M sport package wasn't standard, but most 6 cylinder cars got it. Just like how it is virtually impossible to buy a non xDrive car in Canada or the Northeastern United States.

If the prices are similar, you should get the B58 motor (340i). While I personally don't think the steering or suspension is much better (than a 2015), it is slightly better. So if the price different is small, it's worth it. If it was a big price difference, it's not worth it. 2012-2013 cars were the early steering racks and tuning and had the worst feel. That said, changes were very incremental, even with the LCI cars. I test drove several 2017-2018 340i cars and the differences were simply not enough to justify upgrading. I just decided to save my money for a jump to the G80.

More importantly though, you get the B58 motor which has far more power potential. It has a mechanical water pump, air to water intercooler, and a closed deck engine block. You can also get the MPPSK option which adds a healthy amount of power (35hp) and a very big exhaust upgrade. If you are the type to modify your car, I'm going to guess the B58 will be big tuner engine like the N54.

Other than the small suspension, steering, and the big engine upgrade, there's not much else. There are just one or two very small cosmetic changes on the interior but nothing significant.