[SyCoREAPER]

Actually not nearly as mystical as the title. Took our E91 in for a recall and was given a basically new 2024 330i with triple digits on the odometer.

Let me tell you about that car!
It sucked.

I know cars have gotten bigger but it was like driving a GD tank around (size-wise). Sounded OK, they apparently have G-Sensors built in now that graph on the dash (picture a video game controller joystick output test).

Changing the temperature is a damn chore, it's amazing half the newer BMW owners aren't dead from having to stare at the center screen to do something as simple as adjust the fan or temp, takes longer than you think.

Worst of all to follow and as such, my E93 will likely be my last BMW. Despite all the cool stuff that means nothing when the car handles like dog💩. Maybe it handles fine, I really didn't test it because it felt so incredibly unnatural and lacked any sort gratitiying qualities. It felt like it was driving itself. Barely any feedback, understeer and oversteer depending on the speed. Just not fun to drive. Tried Sport mode, which has its own Sport mode (TF?), same outcome.

Is this just the world of modern mid-luxury vehicles?

(Not flexing, just giving for reference what I'm accustomed to driving:
E93 (2007)
E91 (2009)
Porsche 911 (late 80s)
Porsche 911 SC
Honda Prelude (this is a bit of a flex , supercharged, complete suspension overhaul, etc..)
Porsche 911 (2015)


Recently drove a Cayman R, fun but not my cup of tea and a 2017(?) BMW 540i. Those didn't feel artificial. Anyone drive any newer BMW M's? Do they still feel like you're driving a car?

[johnnyorange]

Originally Posted by SyCoREAPER

Actually not nearly as mystical as the title. Took our E91 in for a recall and was given a basically new 2024 330i with triple digits on the odometer.

Let me tell you about that car!
It sucked.

I know cars have gotten bigger but it was like driving a GD tank around (size-wise). Sounded OK, they apparently have G-Sensors built in now that graph on the dash (picture a video game controller joystick output test).

Changing the temperature is a damn chore, it's amazing half the newer BMW owners aren't dead from having to stare at the center screen to do something as simple as adjust the fan or temp, takes longer than you think.

Worst of all to follow and as such, my E93 will likely be my last BMW. Despite all the cool stuff that means nothing when the car handles like dog💩. Maybe it handles fine, I really didn't test it because it felt so incredibly unnatural and lacked any sort gratitiying qualities. It felt like it was driving itself. Barely any feedback, understeer and oversteer depending on the speed. Just not fun to drive. Tried Sport mode, which has its own Sport mode (TF?), same outcome.

Is this just the world of modern mid-luxury vehicles?

(Not flexing, just giving for reference what I'm accustomed to driving:
E93 (2007)
E91 (2009)
Porsche 911 (late 80s)
Porsche 911 SC
Honda Prelude (this is a bit of a flex , supercharged, complete suspension overhaul, etc..)
Porsche 911 (2015)


Recently drove a Cayman R, fun but not my cup of tea and a 2017(?) BMW 540i. Those didn't feel artificial. Anyone drive any newer BMW M's? Do they still feel like you're driving a car?

I agree and am in sync with everything you have written above, especially about the lack of driver feedback in BMW with the sweet spot being the e9x series when maintained - to me everything starting with the BMW f series feels artificial and kinda sloppy; like driving a bus or flying a DC3.

I think BMW M became shells of themselves and did everything possible to make BMW M feel like a Mercedes AMG car. Modern BMWs feel like modern Mercedes to me.

I fear that both Mercedes and BMW have reached 'good enough' when it comes to handling and driver satisfaction, instead seemingly putting all their focus on removing buttons and making screens, especially as they see the driver soon being replaced by AI

I will always drive and maintain my 09 e91 for as long as I possibly can. I love that car and its telepathic handling.

With all that said, I do confess that I am looking longingly and kinda drooling at a Porsche for all the reasons expressed above

[3PedalJake]

It's not just midlux cars or BMW cars, all cars suck now. They may as well make them all drive themselves because they're putting ppl to sleep behind the wheel (car enthusiasts anyway). Time was even economy cars are fun, my first new car many moons ago was a VW Fox, it was $7k off the lot the cheapest car on the market and it was a blast to drive. I'd rather drive that with it's 81hp and 4MT or my snow car the 08 Accord with a 5MT, than any of the synthetic space capsules on the lots today. They really ruined driving for a lot of ppl when they did away with pedals and sticks in average cars. I plan on keeping my E90s until it's or my wheels fall off.

[SyCoREAPER]

Sort of off-topic but does/did any of the E-Series ever have a manual rack?

I've been told not to loop the lines because of the electronic assist fighting you if not making it impossible to steer. I know looping you're still fighting the hydraulics and the gearing isn't the same as a manual rack but it's close enough (but again not sn option). Would love to drive my 93 on a manual rack and really feel the road.

Mine is older (I'm not s BMW expert) but one of the seemingly enthusiast advisors told me on BMWs they start to bind and get harder to turn. There's a definite difference between the E93 and E91 (not in handling, that's obvious) but in the force to turn.

[3PedalJake]

I've never heard of one. I know US market your choice was between regular hydraulic steering and "active" steering.

[SyCoREAPER]

Originally Posted by 3PedalJake

I've never heard of one. I know US market your choice was between regular hydraulic steering and "active" steering.

Thanks. Maybe I'll source on and loop that.

Such a shame "cars" are what they are today. BMWs are ruined, Honda's are the new Buick (RIP NSX, Prelude and S2000). Nissan Skyline isn't a Skyline IMO. Toyota Supra looks interesting but don't know much about it other than it's expensive.

While interesting in some regard there's the electrics but not fun even if they are quick AF.

And dumb dumb BMW wants 10K to 12K for a remanufactured engine, no core. Rebuild the hell out of it? Swap with a sleeper engine?

There's just no modern cars and no good options. Not looking forward to when it's time for a new vehicle after this last experience. FML. And then those living in the US are facing potential shift from 10% to 15% ethanol, so we've got self destruct incoming.

I'm getting ranty because as I type I'm realizing how bad the situation is.

[Fredo]

The newest car on my fleet is a 2020 G01 X3. The oldest: 2005 E46 ZHP.

I like both. YMMV.

[SyCoREAPER]

Originally Posted by Fredo

The newest car on my fleet is a 2020 G01 X3. The oldest: 2005 E46 ZHP.

I like both. YMMV.

That's true, peoples preferences and choices vary and that's unique tontje individual and neither right nor wrong.

Just for me I guess I'm stuck in the past.

[krhodes1]

I find with the newer cars you need the sport package to get even close to feeling like the standard suspension on the old cars (and it's not that close). The general public wants a Lexus, so that is what BMW generally makes today. The bloat is for real - consider that our cars are already bigger than an '80s 5-series. And the hatred I have for touch screens is literally indescribably, so anything with a screens, screens, let's toss in MORE screens interior is a non-starter.

Overall I think cars have jumped the shark, and have no interest in buying any more new ones. BMW is COMPLETELY dead to me. The only vehicle on the market today I would even consider buying is a Wrangler, and I have no use for one at all, so not going to happen.

-Grumpy aging man

[3PedalJake]

Originally Posted by krhodes1

I find with the newer cars you need the sport package to get even close to feeling like the standard suspension on the old cars (and it's not that close). The general public wants a Lexus, so that is what BMW generally makes today. The bloat is for real - consider that our cars are already bigger than an '80s 5-series. And the hatred I have for touch screens is literally indescribably, so anything with a screens, screens, let's toss in MORE screens interior is a non-starter.

Overall I think cars have jumped the shark, and have no interest in buying any more new ones. BMW is COMPLETELY dead to me. The only vehicle on the market today I would even consider buying is a Wrangler, and I have no use for one at all, so not going to happen.

-Grumpy aging man

+1 on the screen thing from another geezer. When I see vids of ppl ripping out their beautiful analog instruments and replacing them with some starship looking crap I cringe.

[NorthernDancer]

E82 2008 128 bought 2011 essentially only option is sport pkg. Most mods you can't see, ie: tires, brakes, suspension, BMWP exhaust. Just did a 1050 mile round trip and still love the car to pieces. 6MT of course. 72K miles

E91 2006 330XiT imported from Germany. Passed safety here easily on 1st try. Only repairs in just over 2 year ownership: rear window wiper and 1 rear brake caliper, all DIY & not expensive. This too is a fun car and it's now done Watkins Glen [albeit "parade lap"]. 6MT, about 80K miles.

I have no interest whatsoever in the newer BMWs.

[SyCoREAPER]

I'm surprised but also relieved to see I'm not the only one that feels this way about the newer ones.

Hopefully this gets enough hate over time or drop in sales that it at least gets less screened up and better driving characteristics but I think that's wishful thinking and not reality.

[3PedalJake]

Originally Posted by SyCoREAPER

I'm surprised but also relieved to see I'm not the only one that feels this way about the newer ones.

Hopefully this gets enough hate over time or drop in sales that it at least gets less screened up and better driving characteristics but I think that's wishful thinking and not reality.

It is wishful thinking not reality, it's only going to get worse. Manual transmissions were once standard, then they became options, then they went extinct. The same thing is about to happen with steering wheels.

[StradaRedlands]

BMW sales are through the roof, so they're providing what the public wants.
Digital is cheaper, so analog anything ain't coming back.
Us manual shifting, screen-less luddites are outliers, they definitely aren't heading our requests!
I do like the B58 motor... wish BMW skipped the N55 and went straight to that.
Then maybe you could get one in a E platform car.

Find what you love and keep it forever, because that's all there is.
Wait, we're talking about cars???

[SyCoREAPER]

Many areas of humanity are going to hit a life recession.

Car enthusiasts aren't going to find cars exciting (without spending 6 figures). And also in the US talks of 15% Ethanol F-THAT!!!
Computers are getting expensive to the point of where they were when they were new to the consumer market.
Video Games are being created with delusional specs and relying on things like FSR and DLSS and Frame-Gen to be playable.
Cinema is and has been for a long time a downward spiral.
Jobs outsourced where they can and AI replacing where it can (I'm not anti-AI, I'm anti how we are utilizing it).
Financially of course as prices keep going up and wages aren't. Basic necessities are becoming luxuries.

We are in for a very dystopian like future and typical human (especially American {I am American btw to that one troll who would have said something}) resolution is let it happen and try and fix it after rather than be proactive.
I'm not looking forward to it continuing and getting worse as we go along.

Edit: Yeah I just realized I went from the kiddy pool (talking about cars) into the scuba diving training tanks (serious matters).

[Cpet]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

I do like the B58 motor... wish BMW skipped the N55 and went straight to that.
Then maybe you could get one in a E platform car.

Find what you love and keep it forever, because that's all there is.
Wait, we're talking about cars???

The B58 is great. Effortless and seemingly endless power. My folks have a 2019 540i. I like it and I don't. Objectively, it's a fantastic car. Coming from my 3, it always feels huge and visibility is worse. It rides smooth and can still take a turn, but not like the 5s of years past. It looks stately and modern, despite the design being 8 years old. There's a lot of tech, but you don't have to interact with most of it if you so choose.

Compared to the new 5, which is massive, strangely styled in & out, and filled with unnecessary tech, the pre-facelift G30 almost feels like it'll be a classic one day. My 328 and the 540 aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

[Cal122]

Originally Posted by SyCoREAPER

I'm surprised but also relieved to see I'm not the only one that feels this way about the newer ones.

You're in good company. I don't ever plan on selling my E90s.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Cpet

The B58 is great. Effortless and seemingly endless power. My folks have a 2019 540i. I like it and I don't. Objectively, it's a fantastic car. Coming from my 3, it always feels huge and visibility is worse. It rides smooth and can still take a turn, but not like the 5s of years past. It looks stately and modern, despite the design being 8 years old. There's a lot of tech, but you don't have to interact with most of it if you so choose.

Compared to the new 5, which is massive, strangely styled in & out, and filled with unnecessary tech, the pre-facelift G30 almost feels like it'll be a classic one day. My 328 and the 540 aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Good review and perspective, thanks! So far I've been able to keep everything with a N52 minus the X5 with the N55. It's going to have to be good enough as I don't plan on upgrading anytime soon!

[Hoody007]

FYI: newer BMWs often have the “steering intervention” setting turned on, and the car will steer itself. I too find it infuriating and turn it off in vehicle settings when I get a loaner.

IMHO the G chassis cars are good, but not as good as the Exx stuff. Certainly much better than the F chassis…