[highliner]

Hello,

This is my first entry to the forum. I'm quite new to the BMW world.

My gf is offered a company car, in which lease costs will be shared between company and her.

As tired of dullness in VW cars (including Audi's) we want to try something more German as we are also in Germany. We didn't like Mercedes C class at all.

That left us with BMW 3er. We test drived touring version of F30 (F31), diesel, which is having a nice discount at that time (3 months ago). But we didn't like the comfort factors. It was m-sport with RF tires, made the ride very harsh and noisy (we were using a rented GLC at that time). But we loved the car's bullet ride on the autobahn (even with very high speeds). Eventually we decided wait little bit for the G20.

Long story short: We tried the G20 330i m sport version, (why are the test cars always m sport?) and it was an huge improvement over F30 in terms of comfort and also -my personal feeling- handling. Also engine was awesome, I have just felt in a race car, with some comfort parameters. But I didn't like car's never settling suspension, especially on the concrete roads, it was always moving up and down. is it because the tires and m sport suspension- I cannot know. We will not go with the m-sport package anyway.

But the news is I have learned that the discount on the current G30 diesel saloon, particularly 520d, make that car is also in our price range. It is just 30 euros extra per month comparing to the 330i.

We do ride a lot, especially for the weekends. That ride is mostly on the intercity roads but sometimes on the villages in France or Switzerland. We want to have a comfy and silent car, but we (at least I) also value the performance and handling, it other words, "fun of the driving".

We do not need space that much. As a young couple, I see if we don't get 3 series now, we will never again (family will grow).

Question is simple and stupid, But I would like to hear a comment from a person which drive both cars: G20 and G30. how much more comfortable is g30 and how much fun in driving G20. 30 euros per month will not be a decision factor at all

[MT4life]

I've driven G30 530i as a loaner, and I can't imagine how even more boring 520D must drive.
I would go with G20 M330i and replace RFT with proper tires.

[sspdw]

Originally Posted by MT4life

I've driven G30 530i as a loaner, and I can't imagine how even more boring 520D must drive.
I would go with G20 M330i and replace RFT with proper tires.

Yeah, if space isnt an issue g20 hands down.

[Pauleebe]

Unless you need the space that the G30 offers, the G20 is the logical choice in my opinion.

[psuibmw]

The fact is the G20 is the better car and I can see you leaning towards it, since you posting your question here in the G20 firum Me personally I prefer the F10 over the G30 (but that's only me!) ... Even with family growing, you can still fit two kids in the back, it should not be a problem... Get the G20 you won't regret it

[highliner]

Originally Posted by psuibmw

The fact is the G20 is the better car and I can see you leaning towards it, since you posting your question here in the G20 firum

Yes, it is obvious Because whenever I ask such question to a 5er owner, they give a very straight answer (and you guess their comment)..

[alex2364]

I would test drive a G20 with adaptive suspension. If that's still not comfortable enough in comfort mode then get a G30.

[StevenDS85]

The only reason why I would go for the G30 is for the extremly comfortable seats. For driving pleasure, surely the G20!

[MT4life]

Originally Posted by highliner

Yes, it is obvious Because whenever I ask such question to a 5er owner, they give a very straight answer (and you guess their comment)..

IF we're talking 540 550 we can debate, 520D non starter

[highliner]

Thank you everyone, we would do a little short test drive and order 330i

[upsidedownfunnel]

The G30 is a great car. Certainly much better than the F10 it replaces. However, it is still large and insulated. If you need a large or comfortable car, go with the G30. If you don't need the bigger car and prefer a bit more sportiness, go with the G20. The G20 also has a more updated interior (fully using BMW's new interior design language unlike the G30 which is a mish-mash of new and old), although the G30 has more available tech. I'm assuming though, you will stay in the same price range in which case the G20 might actually be better equipped.

[bimmer456]

I was surprised how well the G30 handled at the UDE but that was a 540i. It didn't seem like a huge car but the G20 is the better drivers car. For what it is the g30 is quite capable for its size, great handling for a mid size car. Not sure I would go with 520d. The 4 cylinder will feel a bit weak in the bigger car, not slow necessarily but more pedestrian than the 6 or V8.

[ThugzZ BunnY]

i wouldn't get the g30 without the 6 cylinder. it was made to have at least that and it just feels like a really nice altima with the 4. but just like the above comment mentioned, the handling is very good when you start pushing the car and feels much smaller than it is.

[Fred_Boosted]

If you don't have many family members or friends to drive around, I would suggest you get 330i. I drove an F10 535i for couple days as rental, it was big compare to my 335i.