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      12-21-2012, 03:06 PM   #118
Jamesons Viggen
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Drives: '98 M Roadster stg 2+ S/C
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BradF View Post
I think the F30 is very much worth owning, but the steering feel (or lack thereof) is a dramatic departure for BMW. After my E46, I thought the E90 was fugly but at least it drove like a BMW -- so I ended up with one (actually two).

I just cant say the same about the F30. I love the styling, the interior is MUCH better (yes, even the screen) and the N20/8-speed drivetrain is sublime; in many ways I do think of the F30 as an E90 with some of the kinks worked out (gas mileage on an E90 is abysmal)....but I don't think I can convince myself that it's worth owning because the "Ultimate Driving Machine" experience has been very watered down (yes - the F30 I drove was loaded, so I tried everything I could to like the way it handled).

My question: Porsche just made the same transition to electric steering to gain MPG and the automotive press is singing praises about how the feeling is still there...if Porsche can do it, why can't BMW?
There are Porsche purists who wax on that the last great 911 was the air-cooled 993 and hated everything since.

Porsche sells more specific cars to a much smaller audience. For BMW, The steering change will alienate 15% of existing buyers but at the same time might bring in 20% of people who were on the fence.

I like the steering in my M-Sport and was never impressed with the E90 steering.
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