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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions G20 330i Loaner Initial Impressions!

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      03-10-2019, 10:25 AM   #1
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G20 330i Loaner Initial Impressions!

Hey guys, so I went into BMW of Mt. Laurel, NJ yesterday at noon to drop-off my '13 F30 328i X-Drive in for ~60k oil change/multipoint inspection.
Luckily the next up vehicle in line of the loaner lane was a '19 G20 330i X-Drive Alpine White w/ Black SensaTec with only 240 miles on it! I have been meaning to check one out to see how it stacks to my F30 good vs. bad.
I was able to keep the car until Monday morning (~2 days/125 miles)

*Keep in mind, below are MY initial impressions/opinions/observations, not trying to start a debate, etc, just sharing for fun*

Detailed Specs:
https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/aj79514

Exterior:
Upon quick walk around of the vehicle, the front fascia has grown on me (especially M Sport models), while the side view I consider decent, and the rear will take me some more time to get used to (not a fan of the "blackline" taillight styling mainly).
Comfort Access also turns on the lights automatically when approaching the vehicle, and having the option to unlock/lock now with the rear doors is a nice feature. Also, you can have the mirrors fold in when locking the door (which previously you needed to Code).

Interior:
Live Cockpit -
This is where the G20 shines and in my view is a night and day difference compared to the F30 as all the Technology is way more advanced as expected. Upon entering the driver seat, you are greeted with the Live Cockpit, which displays the usual info, but also presents the map direction in the center, and the right side is customizable, while I have opted to display media as most beneficial. Meanwhile for the center display, I customized it to show the map, media, and communication as those are what I use most frequently (although it may seem a bit redundant in having the same info on 2 displays). The touch screen is amazing and very fluid/responsive, similar to an iPhone feel and moves through menus with ease.
Audio -
As far as audio, it's about similar to the F30, maybe has more highs/gets louder, however the bass is nothing amazing. I currently have BAV Stage 1 Speakers and BAV Ghost Subs with my stock Hi-Fi Amp which is a night and day difference comparatively.
The ASD (Active Sound Design) is a bit too loud/"fake" for my liking, but I guess without it the car would be very quiet.
Packages/Features -
My vehicle did not have any Cold Weather Package/Heated features (surprising for a East Coast X-Drive model), nor the advanced tech package. Although, having the rearview camera, PDC, lane departure warning, and blind spot assist were all nice amenities that proved useful when I took the car out to Philly.
Remote Start is a nice option, especially during the NorthEast winters.
Trunk -
This vehicles did not have RFT, and actually comes with a Spare Tire in the trunk, and you do lose a lot of space/underneath cargo, so may be difficult to fit larger items.
Controls -
Beginning with the remote key fob, the new metal casing feels much more premium and it has some quality weight too it, when comparing to the previous one that BMW has used for 10+ years on many models.
The steering wheel has a nice feel to it, and all the buttons in general feel pretty quality.
Controls wise, climate is a lot more simpler and direct to use, while the media/preset buttons were similar to the F30.
It definitely will take a learning curve to remember that the start/stop button is no longer on the dash, and placed by the gear selector, which I do like as it's easier to get going and more centralized.
In the center "cubby", I did not have wireless charging, but when placing my iPhone XS in the storage cubby, it opened my Apple Pay screen, guessing it thinks there's a reader there. Also there is 1 USB A port, along with 1 USB C in the center armrest and 2 USB 2 for the rear passengers. It is nice to be able to close the "cubby" and not have a cluttered look of cupholders and misc storage items. Also the interior trims are not glossy (other than the shifter and surround) which doesn't get too bad surprisingly).

Driving:
Handling -
Beginning with the steering response (in Comfort/Sport modes) it does have a nice feel too, and the overall handling of the car seems to feel relatively planted when approaching turns at a increased speed and very smooth.
Power -
I've experienced previous F30 B48 330i's as loaners, and power delivery in the G20 also comes along as smooth and decently quick for day to day/casual spirited driving, but does not give you the sense of how fast you are actually going (if that makes sense).
My current F30 328i has an Intake/Exhaust/Custom Flash Tune putting it at ~300whp, and gives you more of a sense of being "thrown back" in your seat.

Price/Value:
MSRP: $47,645.00
My F30 Sportline with Comfort, Premium, Cold Weather and Nav Packages is MSRP'd at ~$45k, although I cannot directly compare packages/features against the F30, they are roughly in the same ball park give or take.
For those who are interested, not in a rush, and are on a budget - I'd recommend waiting ~2-3 years and picking one up that's off lease/used, as you could probably get it for under $30k, which seems more justifiable to me.
The generic lease BMW is marketing is $499/month and $4,424 down with 30k miles over 3 years, equating at ~$22,424 and a $27,567 Residual.

Overall Thoughts:
The G20 does carry forward the 3 Series brand, and boasts many new finishings/features that bring it up to the current expected standards of the next "decade".
It will certainly take time for myself and others from the F30 community to grow accustomed to the differences fully, as I see many dislike a lot about it.

I personally will be holding onto my F30 for another ~3 years, until the G80 becomes available in the market and has time to depreciate, but it's certainly good to have a "taste" of the features that are yet to come

Enjoy the Pics



















Last edited by smuttana; 03-13-2019 at 02:39 PM..
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      03-10-2019, 11:05 AM   #2
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Thanks for the write up! seems like the apple pay issue from the X5 persists to other models with idrive 7.0 as well.
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      03-10-2019, 06:26 PM   #3
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Thanks for the detailed write-up and pictures.

Alpine white sport line with these 18 inch wheels is probably gonna be my order so it's great to see pictures of the actual car on the road.

I am very interested in how these adaptive LED headlights perform. Especially on highway and open roads. How would you compare them with the bi-xenon on your F30?
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      03-10-2019, 06:38 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Calamari View Post
Thanks for the detailed write-up and pictures.

Alpine white sport line with these 18 inch wheels is probably gonna be my order so it's great to see pictures of the actual car on the road.

I am very interested in how these adaptive LED headlights perform. Especially on highway and open roads. How would you compare them with the bi-xenon on your F30?
My F30 actually came with halogens, then I upgraded to Depo's with halogens :
However, I've been in my friend's F32 with the adaptive lights, and I'd say they're on par, so you should be fine.
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      03-11-2019, 06:26 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smuttana View Post
My F30 actually came with halogens, then I upgraded to Depo's with halogens :
However, I've been in my friend's F32 with the adaptive lights, and I'd say they're on par, so you should be fine.
Glad to hear that! As much as lasers sound cool, I would rather spend 12 hundred euros somewhere else if the adaptive LEDs are up to the job on highway.

Thanks for the info!

Last edited by Calamari; 03-11-2019 at 08:15 AM..
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      03-11-2019, 07:41 AM   #6
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The adaptive LEDs on the G20 do not have BMW Selective Beam though, at least in Europe.
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      03-11-2019, 08:14 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mbanck View Post
The adaptive LEDs on the G20 do not have BMW Selective Beam though, at least in Europe.
Yap. They only swivel horizontally to follow the road.
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      03-11-2019, 08:40 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Calamari View Post
Thanks for the detailed write-up and pictures.

Alpine white sport line with these 18 inch wheels is probably gonna be my order so it's great to see pictures of the actual car on the road.

I am very interested in how these adaptive LED headlights perform. Especially on highway and open roads. How would you compare them with the bi-xenon on your F30?
Why not just go the extra bit and go M Sport if you are going new? Such an upgrade
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      03-11-2019, 09:13 AM   #9
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Returned the G20 and happy to be back in my F30, way more raw driving experience (due to my springs and custom tune)

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      03-11-2019, 12:55 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by golf_234 View Post
Why not just go the extra bit and go M Sport if you are going new? Such an upgrade
Actually, there are multiple reasons:
- I'm buying a white or silver car(makes a huge difference during hot mediterranean summers) and don't like how M-sport optics look with these light colors on a G20. I find that M sport optics look much better with darker colors. I never thought I would feel that way, especially because M trims were always a fantastic visual upgrade. For instance, F30 looks is a completely different car in M sport, way better than in Sport Line.

- G20 with Sport line in in alpineWhite or MineralWhite with shadow line and tinted windows looks very sharp to me.

- M Sport package locks me in with staggered tyre setup with 255s in the rear which are a total overkill on sub 200hp car. This affects consumption, performance, and the tyres are significantly more expensive. I do a lot of high-speed highway miles, and negatives of staggered 255 setup are even more pronounced here.

- I much prefer the design of Sport-line 18 wheels, than 18" M sport ones. I don't want 19 inch wheels. That's an overkill for my taste and needs.

- I can option an M-sport suspension on a SportLine if I find it works well for my usual driving routes (I'll check that on my test drive).

- I can option an M-sport steering wheel on a SportLine if I want

- Last, but not the least, M Sport option is almost double the price of Sport-line

If I was getting an F30, I would definitely have the M Sport. For G20, as strange as it sounds, a carefully optioned Alpine White SportLine looks better to me than M Sport in the same color. (I never thought I would say this). M Sport G20 in white just looks a bit too jap-style and a bit bulky. Sport line somehow looks sharper, and edgy.

Bottom line is: besides the styling, M sport includes some things that I don't need or want. With Sport Line, I can choose exactly the right mix of functional and aesthetical bits.

Last edited by Calamari; 03-11-2019 at 01:15 PM..
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      03-11-2019, 12:59 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smuttana View Post
Returned the G20 and happy to be back in my F30, way more raw driving experience (due to my springs and custom tune)
One sharp F30 you have there
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      03-11-2019, 10:36 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smuttana View Post
Returned the G20 and happy to be back in my F30, way more raw driving experience (due to my springs and custom tune)
looks good bro
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      03-12-2019, 12:26 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Calamari View Post
One sharp F30 you have there
Quote:
Originally Posted by smuttana View Post
Returned the G20 and happy to be back in my F30, way more raw driving experience (due to my springs and custom tune)

Aha, my nemesis. The dark side.



/ thread derail
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      03-12-2019, 12:31 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Calamari View Post
Actually, there are multiple reasons:
- I'm buying a white or silver car(makes a huge difference during hot mediterranean summers) and don't like how M-sport optics look with these light colors on a G20. I find that M sport optics look much better with darker colors. I never thought I would feel that way, especially because M trims were always a fantastic visual upgrade. For instance, F30 looks is a completely different car in M sport, way better than in Sport Line.

- G20 with Sport line in in alpineWhite or MineralWhite with shadow line and tinted windows looks very sharp to me.

- M Sport package locks me in with staggered tyre setup with 255s in the rear which are a total overkill on sub 200hp car. This affects consumption, performance, and the tyres are significantly more expensive. I do a lot of high-speed highway miles, and negatives of staggered 255 setup are even more pronounced here.

- I much prefer the design of Sport-line 18 wheels, than 18" M sport ones. I don't want 19 inch wheels. That's an overkill for my taste and needs.

- I can option an M-sport suspension on a SportLine if I find it works well for my usual driving routes (I'll check that on my test drive).

- I can option an M-sport steering wheel on a SportLine if I want

- Last, but not the least, M Sport option is almost double the price of Sport-line

If I was getting an F30, I would definitely have the M Sport. For G20, as strange as it sounds, a carefully optioned Alpine White SportLine looks better to me than M Sport in the same color. (I never thought I would say this). M Sport G20 in white just looks a bit too jap-style and a bit bulky. Sport line somehow looks sharper, and edgy.

Bottom line is: besides the styling, M sport includes some things that I don't need or want. With Sport Line, I can choose exactly the right mix of functional and aesthetical bits.

You know what, I see where you are coming from. That was actually my first reaction to the G20 as well, which happened to be an Alpine White Sportline , let me see if i can find the press photo:



When I first saw that, and also illustrated in OP's loaner setup, it is a very good looking car. Whereas in F3X, not having M Sport basically means having a different car altogether.

I can see what you mean in that it is a bit understated but still sharp and sporty. Almost reminds me of a ZHP or the E36's back in the day with the sport options that came so fully loaded.

Also kind of funny looking at this post and then the post right above where OP's and my F30's are, really shows you how quickly they start to look dated.
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      03-12-2019, 02:36 AM   #15
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      03-12-2019, 09:52 AM   #16
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Smuttana - did you have a pic of the cargo space with the space saver by any chance?
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      03-12-2019, 10:04 AM   #17
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Quote:
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Smuttana - did you have a pic of the cargo space with the space saver by any chance?
Sorry forgot to upload those. I added them to the original post for easier viewing (4th/5th pics from the bottom)
Definitely a good amount of lost space as far as depth goes, I'd rather opt to have no spare if possible
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      03-12-2019, 10:27 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by golf_234 View Post
When I first saw that, and also illustrated in OP's loaner setup, it is a very good looking car. Whereas in F3X, not having M Sport basically means having a different car altogether.

I can see what you mean in that it is a bit understated but still sharp and sporty. Almost reminds me of a ZHP or the E36's back in the day with the sport options that came so fully loaded.

Also kind of funny looking at this post and then the post right above where OP's and my F30's are, really shows you how quickly they start to look dated.
Exactly my point. Couldn't agree more.

Sport line Alpine White G20 is just the right mix of sportiness and german "seriousness". On the other side, M-Sport in white is a bit JAP-style for my taste with those big black difusors at the back and bulky front bumper with large side air intakes.
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      03-12-2019, 11:11 AM   #19
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Seems like it'd be a great DD. I like the interior and exterior styling sans the sideway vagines in the bumpers.
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Thanks for sharing and info
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      03-15-2019, 07:30 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smuttana View Post
Returned the G20 and happy to be back in my F30, way more raw driving experience (due to my springs and custom tune)

That's a nice looking f30.
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