Paging E90M3!

"G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3" (gbodyman)
11/28/2019 at 20:00 • Filed to: None

128i VS 328i, are there any noticeable handling differences? I don’t do a ton of performance driving, but I still appreciate a car that rotates during trail-braking . As much as I love my G35, it’s getting older, the highway NVH isn’t great and it was always a stop-gap until I could comfortably afford an E90 or E82 and the associated maintenance (water pump and t-stat, VANOS solenoids, the occasional window regulator, blower motor if it hasn’t been replaced yet, etc.) .

DISCUSSION (12)

DasWauto > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
11/28/2019 at 21:33

As you may already know, th e e82 and e90 are effectively the same car underneath. Suspension components are directly interchangeable, the wheelbase is just shorter on the 1er.

I haven’t driven a G35 or a 328i so I can’t offer much in terms of comparisons but I enjoy how my 128i handles. As long as you don’t overdrive the front end, you can get it to rotate a bit under trail braking and it’s alright under power oversteer but it needs an LSD and some camber in the front.

I’ll be fitting a diff and likely Ohlins R&T suspension to add some adjustability while hopefully maintaining ride quality and composure.

Montalvo > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
11/28/2019 at 21:56

They are pretty much the same platform but the 1 series is smaller. Its about the same size as an E46 which has good proportions for handling . You gain about 200lbs or so but get more modern everything in return.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > DasWauto
11/28/2019 at 21:59

A little bit of trail-bra king rotation a la E46 is perfect. I suspect the massive, push-inducing front sway bar on G35s is mostly there because 350Zs needed it to keep them pointed even somewhat straight . It would probably be better balanced with 8k rear springs but that would add even more road NVH.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Montalvo
11/28/2019 at 22:10

Yeah, 70 lbs and four inches of wheelbase difference between an E82 and an E90. Far less dramatic than the difference from a 350Z to a G35, but still present. The E82 actually has a shorter wheelbase than an E46 and splits the difference between an E46 and an E90 for front track width. Is it enough to make a real-world everyday difference though?

Montalvo > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
11/28/2019 at 22:34

For someone not pitching the car to its absolute limit every day? Probably negligible. I personally would prefer an E92 but between an E90 and E82 I would probably lean E90. Its more practical and the support for the 3 series is much more established than for the 1 series. Granted there is a lot of crossover for parts but the 3 series would have more support.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Montalvo
11/28/2019 at 22:48

The other advantage is that E90s are a good bit cheaper than E82s. Having $1,500 already lying around for repairs sounds pretty nice.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
11/29/2019 at 00:58

If you don’t need the back row, then get a 1er. I like my e90 but it’s a big car IMO.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
11/29/2019 at 10:53

I guess our definitions of big vary. An E90 is 8.4 inches (21.3 cm) shorter than my G35 and I already consider that a compact car.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
11/29/2019 at 11:59

Most of the vehicles I’ve owned have been 90s compact cars. To me a 99 Honda Civic is the biggest car I could ever need. The E90 is much larger.

And besides the exterior dimensions it’s a heavy car, and that’s noticeable, Altho the RWD is about 300lbs lighter than my 3800lb Xdrive.

Also now I’m glad I didn’t get a G35 because the e90 only has like 8 inches to spare parked in my garage.,

Jordan > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
11/30/2019 at 22:58

The E92 3 Series has better c ontrolled body movements than the E82 1 Series. This probably applies to the E90 too.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jordan
12/01/2019 at 17:10

Good to know, especially considering how terrible Canadian Roa ds are.

E90M3 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
12/23/2019 at 09:57

I just saw this. I don’t remember any appreciable difference, if there is any, it’s due to the fact that I’ve got wider tires on my 328i, 245 in the front and 255 in the back. I very much enjoyed my 128i and would’ve bought another one if I could’ve found one with a manual.