[The Economist]

2010 GTI here with a deposit on a MY13 335i (tentatively). Funny to see so many here in a similar position - must be something in the water... I echo many of the comments already made. IFF the Golf R came with the DSG (unfortunate requirement from the Missus), I'd be getting that instead of either the 328i or the 335i. The interior is focused and solid, and it still looks and feels great. But, RWD... no matter how well balanced the car, you can't recreate the magic with FWD. From a value perspective, the GTI cannot be beat. It may not be the most powerful hot hatch, but it's the only one I considered seriously.

On a side not, does anyone find their steering on the GTI to be absurdly heavy? I understand being weighty and all for a sporty feeling, but I think it's a bit overkill on the GTI.

[mfear]

Originally Posted by The Economist

2010 GTI here with a deposit on a MY13 335i (tentatively). Funny to see so many here in a similar position - must be something in the water... I echo many of the comments already made. IFF the Golf R came with the DSG (unfortunate requirement from the Missus), I'd be getting that instead of either the 328i or the 335i. The interior is focused and solid, and it still looks and feels great. But, RWD... no matter how well balanced the car, you can't recreate the magic with FWD. From a value perspective, the GTI cannot be beat. It may not be the most powerful hot hatch, but it's the only one I considered seriously.

On a side not, does anyone find their steering on the GTI to be absurdly heavy? I understand being weighty and all for a sporty feeling, but I think it's a bit overkill on the GTI.

i loved the weight of the steering

[ric124]

What! too heavy! LOL!

You might be looking into the wrong cars then because the 335i in sport mode does feel heavier than the Gti. You may want to check out a C300 or C350 to see if thats more to your liking.

Sorry to sound like an @$$ but I really dont want BMW or VW/Audi to read your comment and make the steering any lighter than it is already.

[LAnderson23]

Originally Posted by The Economist

On a side not, does anyone find their steering on the GTI to be absurdly heavy? I understand being weighty and all for a sporty feeling, but I think it's a bit overkill on the GTI.

I don't think my GTI steering is heavy at all. Feels just about perfect. I hope the BMW is close.

[Jbrock22]

Originally Posted by Jbrock22

I have a 2011 GTI. My 328 sport line arrives next week and I should have it before months end. My son is getting the VW. I'll be able to back do back comparisons. The steering wheel in the BMW is fine. The VW seats amazing. I'll compare their comfort to any seat on any car. Everyone comments how comfortable they are.

Picked up my 328i sport line. Two days a hundred miles so far.
The BMW has it all over the GTI. The seats both cars excellent, both steering wheels too.
Handling goes to the BMW. I have the M adaptive. Engines both awesome, again the BMW more torque off the line. Sound systems both excellent both cars have the upgraded radios. But BMW wins. Bluetooth better in the bummer.
The HUD is worth the money. I did not initially want it, it's way cool and works very well.
That being said the VW is 18k less.

[ric124]

Originally Posted by Jbrock22

Picked up my 328i sport line. Two days a hundred miles so far.
The BMW has it all over the GTI. The seats both cars excellent, both steering wheels too.
Handling goes to the BMW. I have the M adaptive. Engines both awesome, again the BMW more torque off the line. Sound systems both excellent both cars have the upgraded radios. But BMW wins. Bluetooth better in the bummer.
The HUD is worth the money. I did not initially want it, it's way cool and works very well.
That being said the VW is 18k less.

I know I prob got raped on the GTI, I was 24 and was clueless on car buying but you are right on the money my 335i is exactly 18k more than my gti.

agreed with the seats but I am loving how the bolsters are adjustable.

bmw body is physically bigger but this car handles so great that it feels smaller I also have the adaptive M and sport steering.

Engine there is no comparison for me! I got way more power now than with gti

Sound I had the regular sat/mp3 radio and the HK system blows that away.


two must have tech features is HUD and BMW assist!

HUD - I dont even use the Nav on the iDrive screen. I would send my destination on the way to the car. Click navigate to it and back to the media screen. I also have the Nav on mute and I just follow the commands on the HUD.

BMW Assist -
Lower insurance rate
My BMW remote app (track car, send nav destination, lock/unlock, horn, lights)
advanced USB (see album graphics and control ipod)
advance BT (stream audio)
SOS button its like OnStar I guess

[ecleland]

Wow didn't expect to see so many replies. I just traded my '07 GTI for a new 335d m-sport back in Dec. it's my 3rd Bimmer and while I really liked my GTI there really isn't a comparison. Bimmer is in another class. RWD and tech make a huge difference and BMW handling is second to none for me.

[wolke9]

Originally Posted by volsfan0911

2010 GTI. Love my car but looking forward to the 335i. GTI is a little jiggly over choppy freeways (which we have plenty of here) but just a very direct feeling blast to drive. The Bimmer on test drives is larger and disconnected in comparison but you're talking about a 4 door sports sedan versus the original pocket rocket. Apples to oranges. I do love my steering wheel though currently

Same situation. Going from MKVI 4dr 6spd to an Estoril Blue II F30 M-Sport 335i. Test drove the 328i and was impressed w/ substantial feel of vehicle while still feeling "small" and not much dive/squat while driving. Loved the handling, solidity, room, and overall driving dynamics.

Still have to test the 335i as my GTI had APR stage 1 flash. extra 40hp and 80lb/ft torque--so the 328i was comparable to acceleration. To me--its the next logical step up after being spoiled by German-engineering. I will miss the flat-bottom wheel though, clear gauges, Recaro-designed cloth seats, and the simplicity of the interior.

I like the design of the 3-series and considered the A4, but its just a tad too boring on the exterior for me.

I hope to order in the next couple of months when my GTI lease is up.

[wolke9]

Originally Posted by The Economist

2010 GTI here with a deposit on a MY13 335i (tentatively). Funny to see so many here in a similar position - must be something in the water... I echo many of the comments already made. IFF the Golf R came with the DSG (unfortunate requirement from the Missus), I'd be getting that instead of either the 328i or the 335i. The interior is focused and solid, and it still looks and feels great. But, RWD... no matter how well balanced the car, you can't recreate the magic with FWD. From a value perspective, the GTI cannot be beat. It may not be the most powerful hot hatch, but it's the only one I considered seriously.

On a side not, does anyone find their steering on the GTI to be absurdly heavy? I understand being weighty and all for a sporty feeling, but I think it's a bit overkill on the GTI.

U want light steering--go test drive a Volvo. Talk about light!! My wife's C30 has unbelievably light steering compared to most cars. Its like back in the 80's steering a Chrysler Lebaron or something--I can't stand it--but to each their own.

I appreciate the heavier steering feel of my VW and the BMW I test-drove--even though its electric assist now.

You are spot on about the value equation w/ the GTI--one of th reasons I purchased one. Looking fwd to getting back into the BMW-fold though

[Jbrock22]

Owned my 328i for a week, today. For me the GTI seats are more comfortable. Not that the BMW seats are bad they are not, the VW's are that good.
Handling the BMW wins, even though in sport mode (adaptive) it could be a bit firmer. The n20 also bests the VW 2.0.

[joonix214]

I drive a 2007 mkV GTI right now and I cannot wait to trade this in for a F30 335i 6spd M-sport soon. I went to the GTI from a 2006 BMW E90 330i and I may be a bit BMW-biased as a result of that transition but the GTI does not even compare. Actually, it's not even close. The feel of the shifter engaging each gear, the feel of the steering (imo), the power being put to the rear wheels, the quality of the interior materials (especially the leather smell), the sound of the engine/exhaust, the seat position, and so much more. IMO, I don't know if I can name ONE thing I like more in the GTI than I did in the BMW (at least in the e90 BMW). Don't get me wrong. The GTI is a great car. A great car when you are coming from most of its competitors (civic SI, wrx, lancer ralliart, maybe even a mini cooper S, or most other hot hatches) but the 3-series is in a different league.

Not only that, but I have been pulled over by cops countless times in my GTI in the span of two years as opposed to NONE in the span of two years in my old E90. My driving habits didn't change between the two cars. I don't know what it is. Even when I follow the flow of traffic, the cops pull me over in the GTI than other cars in traffic. I was never pulled over when I drove the BMW (which is different than what I've heard others say about BMWs and cops).

Needless to say, I just can't wait to get out of this GTI and move on back to the 3-series.

[rconti]

Originally Posted by ric124

I hate that the car has door knobs, I loved the Gti's no door knobs. I personally hate auto dim rear view mirrors and no way to turn it off.

Door knobs? What?

The F30 is faster than my Corrado was. That's all I know. Well, that, and I don't want another FWD as long as I live.

[ric124]

Originally Posted by rconti

Door knobs? What?

The F30 is faster than my Corrado was. That's all I know. Well, that, and I don't want another FWD as long as I live.

Yeh Door knobs it minor but as far as I know the Corrado has knobs too. MKV and up has electronic lock that uses a light on the door to show that its locked or open.

Corrado is a classic and the F30 is a big jump from a Corrado. Its more of a collectors item, a 20 year old car with a retractable spoiler and 4 bucket seats is sweet.

[Red Bread]

I assume you mean door lock buttons? I don't mind the small one's that BMW uses, but do like the clean look that VW/Audi has now. I also hate the auto dimming mirror, especially after one failed in my previous BMW and leaked mercury all over the center console.

I guess this will mark me as an old fogie, but I still hate the window switches being on the door, they belong next to the stick shift.

[tonmonde]

Originally Posted by LAnderson23

How easy is a new steering wheel to put on?

not sure about this specific wheel, but when i swapped out my e92s steering wheel to the M3 steering wheel, the whole wheel was swapped. You need a torque wrench, and some snap on off wiring, but the install is pretty straight forward and can be done in 30 min.
Check the DIY section for guides.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by Rossifumi

I had a E92 335i, and got a Golf R that I now have sold to get a 335i again.
And I can't think of a single thing that the Golf does better than the bimmer. I loved the Golf, it was a smashing car. But the bimmer is just "more".

The regular steering wheel in the F30 is way too thin. But the M-sport will solve that.

The manual in the Golf R is good, but the pedal placement sucks. The clutch pedal and brake are way too far to the right. The R would be a much nicer car with the DSG, which is not offered in the US.
The GTI with DSG is a very fun car to drive. For a FWD it handles nicely, even if it isn't that fast around a track, for spirited street driving overall handling feels very confident and makes you feel like you're really hitting it.

OP:
The 3 as you know is RWD, so the handling and chassis control feel much more confidence inspiring. The rear wheels drive and the front wheels steer so you don't get that "tug" at the front like you do in the GTI coming out of corners. You'll love it.

Past 3's with sport suspension and the GTI feel a bit firmer in ride, which I prefer. The F30's sport suspension is very nice, but for me it could be a bit firmer. But, sometimes a bit softer tuning allows weight to transfer better in cornering even if it's not as flat. With the current sport suspension tuning it seems BMW went for a bit more body lean with more weight transfer. But, it still hugs the corners and tracks sweetly.

The steering wheel in the sport line is a let down. In past sport pkg 3's the steering wheel was thicker and felt nicer. This time all 3 lines get the same steering wheel.
The sport line should have got a thicker wheel imo. I'm getting an Msport, which has a thicker M style wheel. Should be nice and hopefully it will feel as nice as my current 135i sport. The other benefit to the M steering wheel, judging from pictures, is that the center hub is a good bit narrower and gives a better and clearer view of the dash gauges. With my height and the way I set up the seat and wheel, the center hub/air bag is broad and tallish and hides a bit of the gauges. Looks like the M sport wheel should take care of that. It would have been cool if BMW included the M wheel in the sport line or made is a nominal extra cost option. Sport BMW's SHOULD have sportier steering wheels compared to non sport models, that's one of the reasons some buyers choose "sport".
I'm getting very antsy about ordering my Msport. My dealer is still waiting for an open allocation so we can put the order in.

[Raff10]

welcome! I went from a MkV GTI to a 2008 335xi. Though the model years are a bit off, you made me a bit nostalgic- i remember asking people the same question. IMO, to sum it up, my GTI was a lot of fun. Seriously had a blast whipping that thing around. I could never bash it ever, and to this day i still reminisce about how much fun I had in it. That being said, the 3 is a different beast. For example, power wise, there is no comparison (though i know you may get a 328). Most importantly, its a different feel. Where the GTI is raw fun and go carty, the 3 is focused. What I' ve learned to love the most about my 3 is the difference with the power distribution. But what ever... when you make the switch, you'll FEEL the difference and thats the best way to understand the difference. You wont regret it.

[F30.ca]

One thing I'll miss frm my GTI is the steering wheel. Best one I've ever had!

[rich100]

HI

I am also currently driving a 2007 Golf Gti but having owned bmws in the past I am considering moving back into an F30 and would be grateful for the benefit of any advice.

I find the performance of my GTI to be pretty good and on paper the 320i seems to be fairly close. I am little bit skeptical however as athough it delivers equivalent torque, BHP is lower in the 320i and the car itself is heavier.

Just be interested in your thoughts, is the 320i likely to be equvialent to the GTi performance wise or should I really be looking to the 328i?

320d may be an alternative but i don't a great many miles so not sure on that front.

Finally is Xdrive worth having and is this likely to hamper performance much?

[LAnderson23]

Originally Posted by rich100

HI

I am also currently driving a 2007 Golf Gti but having owned bmws in the past I am considering moving back into an F30 and would be grateful for the benefit of any advice.

I find the performance of my GTI to be pretty good and on paper the 320i seems to be fairly close. I am little bit skeptical however as athough it delivers equivalent torque, BHP is lower in the 320i and the car itself is heavier.

Just be interested in your thoughts, is the 320i likely to be equvialent to the GTi performance wise or should I really be looking to the 328i?

320d may be an alternative but i don't a great many miles so not sure on that front.

Finally is Xdrive worth having and is this likely to hamper performance much?

Having finally gotten through my break-in period, I have been able to really floor it in my 328i, and I can tell you it outperforms my GTI no question. It's especially noticeable on the highway, where I can go from 65 to 100+ without blinking an eye. Hammering it in first gear from a dead stop also just throws you back in your seat. In Sport mode this car is absolutely jacked and I don't miss the GTI at all.

I can't speak to how a 320i will perform (we don't even get it here in the States).

[bavarianf30]

Originally Posted by LAnderson23

Hi guys. I'm trading in my 2011 VW GTI when my new 328i arrives in (hopefully) early July. Did anyone else here come from a GTI over to a 3-series? I'd be interested to hear your impressions of the differences, etc. I realize they aren't in the same class, obviously, but I mean as far as driving feel, cornering, etc. One thing I def. prefer in the GTI is the steering wheel. The MKVI steering wheels are sweet, and the BMW one doesn't compare IMO.

Enjoy. the ultimate driving machine brotha.

[bobert]

We got a 2011 GTI in Nov '10 when our G35 was rear-ended & totaled. It was intended to be a stopgap solution until the new F30 arrived (and more money was saved!). Like it so much sold truck to get F30 instead! Our 335i is being unloaded off the ship today - hope to have it next week to join GTI & '99 Miata.