Drove a '17 430i

[Matticus91]

While the 1er was in the shop (again) I decided to skip the X5 and try something else, so I went with the new 430i hard-top convertible - here are my thoughts!

Car driven: 2017 BMW 430i xDrive in Alpine White - two-door hard-top convertible model with B46 turbo 4cyl engine and 8-speed automatic transmission.

20170120_144043 by Matt Steele, on Flickr
20170120_144141 by Matt Steele, on Flickr
20170120_144152 by Matt Steele, on Flickr

Initial impressions: The 430i has sharp styling and with the top-down is pretty eye-catching for a relatively-ordinary car. The side vents give a much sportier look over those without, and suggest a "performance package" despite being standard. Sitting next to a 328 and an X3, the 430 looks quite large, though driving does not give the same impression (even stepping out of a 1-series). The interior is 100% typical BMW, save for the convertible top options, so I won't go too much into that. The nicest feature was definitely the headrest vents which sent warm air at the back of my head while I was driving with the top down in 40-50F weather.

20170120_144133 by Matt Steele, on Flickr

Now let's get on to how it drives. Starting the car up for the first time had me raising my eyebrows, I was immediately impressed with the sound of the B46 and this impression remains after driving it for 3 days. On throttle the car sounds almost like a high-revving 8 cyl, and off-throttle you'll get some really nice pops n' burbles while decelerating. I found myself unable to leave "Sport" mode due to the intoxicating sounds of the exhaust, and often would "blip" the throttle just to hear some more pops. Power delivery is pretty bad on the immediate hit, but within a quick moment boost kicks in and the engine comes to life. I would comfortably say that most people would be happy with the power this car produces. I was also impressed with the efficiency of the engine, seeing high 20's while in Eco mode in the city.

You all want to know about handling so here it is; it's not great. In comfort mode the steering is ridiculously soft, almost making me feel that one could sneeze and send the car off the side of the road. In Sport and Sport+ the steering is better weight-wise, but the non-linear delivery is terrible. Going around corners at any speed requires you to adjust to the steering as it changes sensitivity, rather than simply responding to the road itself. On to suspension - at 4,000lbs, the convertible is no lightweight, but the suspension holds it's own and is decent for a car of this type. We would expect more if it was more aimed at being "sporty".

In conclusion, the strong point of this car is without a doubt the B46 and the vert top. I am so impressed with this engine and would love to try it in a different platform, though anything larger/heavier than the 430i will need more "oompfh". Driving the 430i in Sport mode with the top down was a great experience, and I am so glad to have tried it. However at a price point of $50k, I wonder on the other options in this range. The steering leaves much to be desired, and as a result I would never call this a "drivers car", but we all knew that anyway. The 430i would be perfect for someone looking for decent power and efficiency, as well as the ability to have some top-down fun on occasion.

i'd show the B46, but here's some plastic instead:
20170120_144256 by Matt Steele, on Flickr

[desertman123]

Seems to validate the hypothesis BMW is making luxury cars now instead of drivers' cars! Great writeup, thank you!!

I look forward to seeing how this new series of engines plays out. New tech, possible failure points (long term reliability), etc.



How did you like the 8spd auto? Especially in sport? Driving a manual got me annoyed with the trans' shifting - in sport it held gears slightly too long and made for a tiny bit of engine braking - just enough.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by desertman123

Seems to validate the hypothesis BMW is making luxury cars now instead of drivers' cars! Great writeup, thank you!!

I look forward to seeing how this new series of engines plays out. New tech, possible failure points (long term reliability), etc.



How did you like the 8spd auto? Especially in sport? Driving a manual got me annoyed with the trans' shifting - in sport it held gears slightly too long and made for a tiny bit of engine braking - just enough.

They are definitely stepping away from driver's cars, unfortunately I think this is the future in general...

The 8spd was pretty typical which is why I didn't comment. The gearing was short, shifts were ok. In Sport it hangs way too long and I found myself shifting with the paddles and getting annoyed any time it went back into "auto". It's perfect for normal driving.

[doublevanosrc]

God I hate that steering wheel.

[VRG_135]

I would love to get this car next time I'm in the dealership.......hopefully not anytime soon. And I agree with you, its a nice drive, but I wouldn't buy one.

[Dthltm]

I spent 6 days in a 2017 330i. I liked the responsiveness, and exhaust note for a 4 banger. I hated the disengaged feather-light feel of the steering. The seats I had were hard, but perhaps just not broken in after 6k miles. My 135i doesn't have NAV/ i-drive and honestly I am happy because new and improved 2017 version I used sucked ass.

[Fume]

I had the 2017 330xi wagon for a day with the same B46 engine. I had a similar experience with the steering really bothering me. It just felt so artificial. Even if the comfort mode is super light, I found myself leaving it on that because the "heavier" steering from sport mode felt so fake to me.

The engine sounds okay for a 4 cylinder. However, the power delivery was quite nice and it's definitely one of the stronger points of the car.

Edit: The car I had also had apple car play. I'm not sure if that's a standard feature now but as an iphone user, that was awesome and much better to use than the idrive I have on my car.

[Mach1er]

Yeah, I recently had a 330i loaner and agree with everything you've said. I found myself leaving it in Sport+ because the throttle-reponse was best, much like in a manual. However, the steering in Sport+ was the worst, artifically heavy, as you said. I wanted the comfort steering with the Sport+ throttle-response.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by Fume

I had the 2017 330xi wagon for a day with the same B46 engine. I had a similar experience with the steering really bothering me. It just felt so artificial. Even if the comfort mode is super light, I found myself leaving it on that because the "heavier" steering from sport mode felt so fake to me.

The engine sounds okay for a 4 cylinder. However, the power delivery was quite nice and it's definitely one of the stronger points of the car.

Edit: The car I had also had apple car play. I'm not sure if that's a standard feature now but as an iphone user, that was awesome and much better to use than the idrive I have on my car.

Apple-play is not standard but a pretty sweet feature. I think on a spec sheet you'd be looking at $300-400 for that option

[Esteban]

That's a pretty big car. Considering the 4 series is a 3 series coupe, it sure has grown since the days of the E30 and E36, but I guess that's what the 2 series is for.

Happy to hear that the B46 has some grunt. I'm sure it needs it to push all that weight. Would like to try that engine in the 2 series. Bet it would be substantially quicker, although the 2 series is no lightweight either, but much lighter than your vert loaner. Also happy to hear that it gives you some sporty noises.

Was hoping that the electric steering would be much improved, but I guess it's too soon for leaps and bounds. Probably doesn't feel that much different than the three M235s that I tested. Thanks BMW for giving us 1 series owners it's wonderful hydraulic steering.

It seems nice for a loaner but extremely different from the 1er and will make you appreciate your baby all that much more. Thanks for the write-up.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by Esteban

That's a pretty big car. Considering the 4 series is a 3 series coupe, it sure has grown since the days of the E30 and E36, but I guess that's what the 2 series is for these days.

Happy to hear that the B46 has some grunt. I'm sure it needs it to push all that weight. Would like to try that engine in the 2 series. Bet it would be substantially quicker, although the 2 series is no lightweight either, but much lighter than your vert loaner. Also happy to hear that it gives you some sporty noises.

Was hoping that the electric steering would be much improved, but I guess it's too soon for leaps and bounds. Probably doesn't feel that much different than the three M235s that I tested. Thanks BMW for giving us 1 series owners it's wonderful hydraulic steering.

It seems nice for a loaner but extremely different from the 1er and will make you appreciate your baby all that much more. Thanks for the write-up.

That last line all the way Esteban ... It was great to have for a few days, and I could really see enjoying it a few days out of the month in warmer temperatures, but i would get bored withe the lack of rawness. It's very unfortunate that they're approaching the feel of "just another car".

[infinitekidM2C]

This is a nice cushy executive transportation vehicle...nothing else unfortunately.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Matticus91

That last line all the way Esteban ... It was great to have for a few days, and I could really see enjoying it a few days out of the month in warmer temperatures, but i would get bored withe the lack of rawness. It's very unfortunate that they're approaching the feel of "just another car".

"The ultimate driving machine" is becoming a thing of the past for BMW, except for maybe the M2 (have yet to drive one) and our older BMWs unless they change their ways, but sadly, I don't think they will.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by Esteban

"The ultimate driving machine" is becoming a thing of the past for BMW, except for maybe the M2 (have yet to drive one) and our older BMWs unless they change their ways, but sadly, I don't think they will.

I've heard even the M2 is much more toned down than previous generations. I think it will soon be damn near impossible to find a car with hydraulic steering and more raw inputs than electronically controlled

[mr.fabulous]

*Outstanding* write-up, thanks for this. The brand has left me and I am sad.

[ejm3]

Does this car have legit engine sound or is it piped in?

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Does this car have legit engine sound or is it piped in?

Good question. Maybe a little bit of both?

[davis449]

Not a fan of the 4 series. I was really looking hard at a 435i M Sport to replace my 1er. I was severely disappointed when I did drive one. Not that it was crappy, just disappointing.

[Matticus91]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Does this car have legit engine sound or is it piped in?

Originally Posted by Esteban

Good question. Maybe a little bit of both?

It's legit, was absolutely louder with the top down than up, and much less fun sound out of sport mode.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by davis449

Not a fan of the 4 series. I was really looking hard at a 435i M Sport to replace my 1er. I was severely disappointed when I did drive one. Not that it was crappy, just disappointing.

It just seems so damn big when compared to our 1 series imo. What do you think of the 2 series? Maybe an M240i?

[Esteban]

davis449, just noticed you already got something new. Congrats!

[Chihuahua]

I think at this point it's commonly accepted that BMW 'jumped the shark' some time around 2013 or 2014. Now we have bloated cars with vague steering, two-ton four-door 'coupes', and FWD minivans, not to mention the fact that the hallmark of BMW, the naturally-aspirated I6 is GONE from the entire lineup. Go check out the 1-series that just got released in China, and is no doubt coming soon to a dealer near you.

Thanks for the writeup OP, I'm going to keep my current crop of E-series BMWs (including my 128i M Sport) for as long as I can. I seriously doubt my next car will be a BMW, which I have never said since 1997.