[ACCELCAR]

Has anyone heard whether BMW will make adjustments to the steering, etc. for 2014 as they are reportedly doing with the 5 series? I'm still missing the feel of my old e46, and hoping some updates will bring back a more dynamic feel to the 3 series.

[claykin]

BMW is on their 4th revision of the steering rack for the F30. 3rd revision was used through end October 2012 builds. 4th revision is in cars from November 2012 and the part list indicates it ends with the completion of MY13 builds. Its anyone's guess what comes beginning MY14 (July production).

I'm wondering if they are changing steering rack vendors for MY14 cars (F10, F30, etc.). The current cars rack is manufactured by Thyssen Krupp.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...71&hg=32&fg=12

So far my November build MSport with DHP (adaptive M and VSS) has no steering shake/wobble. I'll agree the F30 steering feel is too light in Eco Pro and Comfort modes but tightens up nicely in Sport mode. It feels just right in Sport. Still not as tight as an E90 or later years E46, but I say "just right" because the F30 is definitely more of a grown up 3 series. More than just evolving from the E chassis numbers, the F30 feels "mature" if that makes sense.

[bmrm396]

im very curious to also see about the possible engine upgrade when they introduce the 4 series ... will it translate to the 3 platform as it has in the past?

i hope to be doing ED this summer so trying to gather all the MY14 info as i can to see if its worth the wait to hold out until then or go a few months earlier ...

[claykin]

Originally Posted by bmrm396

im very curious to also see about the possible engine upgrade when they introduce the 4 series ... will it translate to the 3 platform as it has in the past?

i hope to be doing ED this summer so trying to gather all the MY14 info as i can to see if its worth the wait to hold out until then or go a few months earlier ...

Assuming you're referring to the N55 upgrade? Its coming, most likely will be in 4 series first then will filter down to 3 series after 1-2 years. Waiting will help 4 series coupe and 4 series Gran Coupe maintain some additional exclusivity.

For sure MY14 will get the new Nav system. If that excites you, wait for July production. There will surely be other changes and its very possible the steering rack will change again to possibly improve feel (although the rack in the November+ builds seems pretty good to me).

[bmrm396]

^^^ my thoughts exactly. that y im plannin on holdin out - last time i got an e90 right before LCI and that bummed me out. if i know upgrades like Nav and engine r comin, i can be patient ...

[Alpine3]

Is there any info about a possible 435is with an N54?

[SamS]

Originally Posted by Alpine3

Is there any info about a possible 435is with an N54?

Will never happen.

[sammk]

I've not researched this, but all manufacturers, BMW included, come up with a 'facelift' about 2 years into a product cycle. BMW also has a history of introducing new engines about the same timeframe. So all indications are the 2015 product will likely be a significant redesign from the launch version. Significant partly because that would be a chance for them to work out the launch bugs (even the best OEMs in the world physically cannot launch a 100% defect-free product from the get-go, there will always be running improvements).

That said, I don't know the facts behind what upgrades are planned for 2014, but I don't think the drivetrain would change. Possibly the Nav interface, or possibly other gadgetry. Good luck and enjoy the ED!

[claykin]

Originally Posted by bmrm396

^^^ my thoughts exactly. that y im plannin on holdin out - last time i got an e90 right before LCI and that bummed me out. if i know upgrades like Nav and engine r comin, i can be patient ...

LCI won't be until MY2015 earliest (2012 was a short run which could delay the LCI).

There's always something new coming. The days of year after year of status quo are over. If new Nav comes to US in MY14 (which it should) you may see the new touch iDrive controller in MY15 or MY16. And that's just the iDrive system I'm referring to.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by claykin

LCI won't be until MY2015 earliest (2012 was a short run which could delay the LCI).

There's always something new coming. The days of year after year of status quo are over. If new Nav comes to US in MY14 (which it should) you may see the new touch iDrive controller in MY15 or MY16. And that's just the iDrive system I'm referring to.

Going by past history, LCI for F30 will be MY2016, with the F30 continued for a MY2017 and '18.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by SamS

Going by past history, LCI for F30 will be MY2016, with the F30 continued for a MY2017, '18 and '19.

E90 first MY was MY06 in US (even though they released it during 2005 model year). LCI was MY09.

[shivaswrath]

LCI=?

[SamS]

Originally Posted by claykin

E90 first MY was MY06 in US (even though they released it during 2005 model year). LCI was MY09.

True, but the E90 had a "shortened" lifecycle of only 6 model years, as opposed to the normal 7. And the E92/E93 received their LCI in MY2011, when they were first available as a MY2007. In other words, the 5th model year of the 7 year cycle. Going by that, and assuming the 6 model years of the E90 was an anomaly, the F30 LCI should arrive for MY2016. MY2015 seems a bit too soon, because that will only be 2.5 calendar years after the car's on-sale date.

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

LCI=?

Life Cycle Impulse.

[pkim1079]

Originally Posted by SamS

True, but the E90 had a "shortened" lifecycle of only 6 model years, as opposed to the normal 7. And the E92/E93 received their LCI in MY2011, when they were first available as a MY2007. In other words, the 5th model year of the 7 year cycle. Going by that, and assuming the 6 model years of the E90 was an anomaly, the F30 LCI should arrive for MY2016. MY2015 seems a bit too soon, because that will only be 2.5 calendar years after the car's on-sale date.

Life Cycle Impulse.

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. Isnt that 7 years? You can still get a 2012 e9x.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by pkim1079

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. Isnt that 7 years? You can still get a 2012 e9x.

E90 started for MY2006, and went through MY2011. 6 model years.
E92/93 started for MY2007 and goes through 2013. 7 model years.

[johnofcross]

Originally Posted by SamS

Life Cycle Impulse.

Always wondered what that means. Sounds kinda weird though, with 'impulse' especially. Thanks!

[SamS]

Originally Posted by johnofcross

Always wondered what that means. Sounds kinda weird though, with 'impulse' especially. Thanks!

Probably has a better translation in native German

[jsedlak]

The more and more I drive my F30 the more it feels just like my E46. It's a little bigger, but this thing drives and feels like a BMW. So I agree with you 100%.

Originally Posted by claykin

So far my November build MSport with DHP (adaptive M and VSS) has no steering shake/wobble. I'll agree the F30 steering feel is too light in Eco Pro and Comfort modes but tightens up nicely in Sport mode. It feels just right in Sport. Still not as tight as an E90 or later years E46, but I say "just right" because the F30 is definitely more of a grown up 3 series. More than just evolving from the E chassis numbers, the F30 feels "mature" if that makes sense.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by jsedlak

The more and more I drive my F30 the more it feels just like my E46. It's a little bigger, but this thing drives and feels like a BMW. So I agree with you 100%.

I wouldn't exactly go as far as to say it feels like an E46, but I am not disappointed at all. In fact I'm pretty thrilled.

[jsedlak]

Originally Posted by claykin

I wouldn't exactly go as far as to say it feels like an E46, but I am not disappointed at all. In fact I'm pretty thrilled.

You're right... it's better.

[diesel86]

I think most automotive journalists refer to it as Mid Cycle Refresh, but most Bimmer owners on forums like to be as BMW as possible hence the LCI reference. The same psychology necessitates calling BMW salesmen CA's.

[Tsuvoi]

You can wait until the summer and then some other rumor will come along and make you want to wait another 6 months. And so on... This is a never ending game. It works the same way with electronics and many other things.