|
To me the biggest difference between BMWs is the option of 1) adaptive suspension and 2) active steering/variable steering.
Adaptive suspension not only gives you adjustable ride quality, it improves handling and feel
Variable steering makes the car feel much tighter and again improves handling.
I've driven both setups, with those both options the 30i feels 80% of an M40, if you swapped to larger wheels on performance summer tires, I doubt anyone could tell the difference from a handling perspective.
Without the aforementioned options the car does feel softer (but not as soft as a Mercedes!)
Exhaust wise, 30i also has a valve that opens in sport engine modes and it has a nice audible sound and does gurgle occasionally, though it is certainly not on a M40 level and obviously lacks the true pops and bangs.
|