[Harsha89]

Originally Posted by techbro

BMW with its cheap scratchy plastics everywhere does not feel like a 50L car.

I found the contrary, the general interior quality of the 3 series is the best of the 3 Germans, with soft touch materials found on the distant places - Glovebox cover, lower part of the door panel, sides of the Center console etc. In the new C-class, though the interiors look opulent and tech heavy, the quality of some panels was the same as the GLA, and the 3 series was definitely better and it was better put together too. Even the seats are real leather in the BMW compared to the C Class which has “man-made” leather.

[techbro]

Originally Posted by Harsha89

I found the contrary, the general interior quality of the 3 series is the best of the 3 Germans, with soft touch materials found on the distant places - Glovebox cover, lower part of the door panel, sides of the Center console etc. In the new C-class, though the interiors look opulent and tech heavy, the quality of some panels was the same as the GLA, and the 3 series was definitely better and it was better put together too. Even the seats are real leather in the BMW compared to the C Class which has “man-made” leather.

Oh, but the new c class felt like a proper luxury car with great materials everywhere with solid built quality. My knee touching the center console, door side bottle holder and most importantly the dash felt absolutely horrible in the 3 series which had black interiors

[Abhi_Automobile]

Originally Posted by techbro

Oh, but the new c class felt like a proper luxury car with great materials everywhere with solid built quality. My knee touching the center console, door side bottle holder and most importantly the dash felt absolutely horrible in the 3 series which had black interiors

We can agree to disagree maybe Matt Watson, one of the only few actual reviewers (and not YouTubers), also agrees on quality of materials on 3 here (interior review at 2:40):

https://youtu.be/4_LT9oqc4Qc

If I were you making a 50l plus investment on a luxury car, I wouldn’t consider the 3 even with 10 lakh discount, given your impression of the interiors!

Consider 5 series, E Class or C Class then. Audi A6 maybe a great choice too; I personally found A6’s interiors even better than 5 or E class for sheer quality. OR save money and get the A4.

[techbro]

Originally Posted by Abhi_Automobile

We can agree to disagree maybe Matt Watson, one of the only few actual reviewers (and not YouTubers), also agrees on quality of materials on 3 here (interior review at 2:40): https://Youtu.be/4_LT9oqc4Qc

If I were you making a 50l plus investment on a luxury car, I wouldn’t consider the 3 even with 10 lakh discount, given your impression of the interiors!

Consider 5 series, E Class or C Class then. Audi A6 maybe a great choice too; I personally found A6’s interiors even better than 5 or E class for sheer quality. OR save money and get the A4.

Yeah, I've seen this video. Matt Watson is not paying 52L for a 3 series

I feel the 3 M Sport is a good car for 35 to 40l cos it rides well, super smooth and has comfortable back seats. Will have to wait and see if they have 10L discounts during Diwali because of the recession and the new 3 series coming out late this year. If that happens do you think the 3 m sport will be available at 35l to 40l?

[Harsha89]

Originally Posted by techbro

My knee touching the center console, door side bottle holder and most importantly the dash felt absolutely horrible in the 3 series which had black interiors

Maybe we both drove different cars . In fact the 330Li was truly impressive. It’s no more a sport sedan, more like a luxury barge. What I found exceptional was the ride quality, it felt like pillows were tied to the tyres . Comparatively, the C-class didn’t ride as well, being a Mercedes. At the moment, I’m strongly considering the 330Li, though I may have to stretch my budget by quite an amount. That’s how impressive I found it to be. But finally, to each, his own.

[PrideRed]

Originally Posted by techbro

Yeah, I've seen this video. Matt Watson is not paying 52L for a 3 series

I feel the 3 M Sport is a good car for 35 to 40l cos it rides well, super smooth and has comfortable back seats. Will have to wait and see if they have 10L discounts during Diwali because of the recession and the new 3 series coming out late this year. If that happens do you think the 3 m sport will be available at 35l to 40l?

I think we are well past the period where you can get 3/C or even A4 for 35-40L. In another year or two we will see Honda City/Salvia retailing for 30L OTR here in KA. In last one year a 40L cars have become 45-50L car. Given the current backlog, production issues, doubt we will see discount to the tune of 10L in any segment for some time.

[Harsha89]

Originally Posted by techbro

If that happens do you think the 3 m sport will be available at 35l to 40l?

The Ex-showroom price is more than 40 lakhs, So no. I don't think it's even possible. The 330i M-sport costs around 65,00,000 INR in Tamil Nadu. I guess the most you may get is a 50-75,000 INR offer at year end.

[techbro]

Originally Posted by Harsha89

The Ex-showroom price is more than 40 lakhs, So no. I don't think it's even possible. The 330i M-sport costs around 65,00,000 INR in Tamil Nadu. I guess the most you may get is a 50-75,000 INR offer at year end.

Yes, I was talking about ex-showroom price. I will go with a BH registration and not worry about road tax for now.

[sharathm]

Just wanted to check with members here on the ground clearance of the 3-series. I know it has been mentioned that it does not scrape when going over speed bumps etc, but I have not found that to be the case.

With 3 adults sitting in the car, I have observed that it does scrape the occasional speed bump. Is that expected, my heart goes into panic mode every time it happens and I guess I just need more time to get used to it, but wanted to check other people's experiences here on this matter.

I mainly drive in comfort mode, not sure if that matters so much.

A friend pointed me to these suspension buffers. I am not sure if its a good idea though..

https://www.amazon.in/Suspension-Inc.../dp/B01NBB822N

Looking for reassuring thoughts (if any).. :-) or advice on what I can do.

For now, I just treat every single road hump with enormous respect and hold my breath for a few seconds longer..

[FamilyTraveller]

Originally Posted by techbro

do you think the 3 m sport will be available at 35l to 40l?

Yes you may be able to find at a pre owned dealership!

Brand new I seriously doubt.

[dealer]

Originally Posted by sharathm

Just wanted to check with members here on the ground clearance of the 3-series. I know it has been mentioned that it does not scrape when going over speed bumps etc, but I have not found that to be the case.

I would highly discourage using a spring buffer on your 3 series. A buffer would mess with your suspension spring rates and accordingly your ride quality/handling will suffer. As a 3 series owner, I too have faced the occasional scrape over bumps which can be attributed to overall spring and damper softness. Sadly, there’s no way to reduce this without going for a custom spring and damper setup which is made to your ride height specifications and stiffness. Since this is quite a time consuming and expensive endeavour, I would recommend adopting the method of diagonally approaching speed bumps at a slow speed and make it a practice. It took a bit of time but i do not have the same scrape issue anymore.

[sharathm]

Originally Posted by dealer

I would highly discourage using a spring buffer on your 3 series. A buffer would mess with your suspension spring rates and accordingly your ride quality/handling will suffer. As a 3 series owner, I too have faced the occasional scrape over bumps which can be attributed to overall spring and damper softness. Sadly, there’s no way to reduce this without going for a custom spring and damper setup which is made to your ride height specifications and stiffness. Since this is quite a time consuming and expensive endeavour, I would recommend adopting the method of diagonally approaching speed bumps at a slow speed and make it a practice. It took a bit of time but i do not have the same scrape issue anymore.

Understood, Yeah even I was a bit skeptical about putting the spring buffers. Glad I asked here, yes I am already approaching speed bumps diagonally and like you said hopefully I'll get adjusted to it soon.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by dealer

I would highly discourage using a spring buffer on your 3 series. A buffer would mess with your suspension spring rates and accordingly your ride quality/handling will suffer.

Totally agree. You'll lose that lovely G20 balance between ride & handling.

Originally Posted by sharathm

Glad I asked here, yes I am already approaching speed bumps diagonally and like you said hopefully I'll get adjusted to it soon.

Another tip is to ensure correct tyre pressure especially at the back. If you're routinely carrying around a fullish load, then pump them slightly more. A harsher ride is better than that awful bottoming noise.



In my experience, it's impossible to gauge the tyre pressure visually with RFTs, because the sidewalls are intentionally very stiff. Invest in a good pressure gauge and check weekly

[rbp25]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Looks like you've woken up the sleeping turtle / Shih Tzu.

Sounds good. Let us know how it goes

So on checking with Akshay at Redline I've been quoted:

2.2L for the Res
2.75L for a FI

These are cash prices.

The alternate option is to remove the resonator and maybe get some work on the mufflers? I'm worried that this route the exhaust would sound very high pitch and not so good. But at the same time those prices are eye watering :/

Im so confused

[SrikantDora]

Oh, but the new c class felt like a proper luxury car with great materials everywhere with solid built quality. My knee touching the center console, door side bottle holder and most importantly the dash felt absolutely horrible in the 3 series which had black interiors

When I sat inside a C class last month I came out mighty impressed and the interior quality seemed much better than a 3 series. There was so much of chrome and some of the bits shouted luxury. Please note this is the 1st impression on 10th May on the day of the launch.

After a couple of days I test drove and my impression changed to the exact opposite. Driving experience in the C was not that great, I was comparing it with my 2019 Octavia TSI L&K.

On the contrary, 3 series felt really well put together and pretty stiff while C class felt fragile/shakey and the luxury items that was wowed on day 1 felt too much bling and the novelty factor wore off really quickly. Now I am waiting for the LCI model because I plan to keep the car for at least 5 to 6 years and I don't want my car to feel old interns of missing latest tech integration when the new generation comes out in 2026. Also, looking at the new 7 and the upcoming BMW EV designs, the LCI interior design should stay fresh for a few years.