BMW's Development Boss Is Tired Of E46 CSL 'Last Real 3-Series' Claims
Even ‘ordinary’, non-M BMW saloons tend to feel better to drive than much of the competition, but it seems with the new G20 3-series, the German company was especially determined to make the car a damn fine steer.
Talking to Motoring, BMW development boss Klaus Frohlich said:
“It has to beat everybody in the segment in driving dynamics because all the Australian, UK and American journalists say ‘ooh the E46 CSL was the last real 3 Series.
“I do not want to hear that s—t anymore.”
Yikes. Strong words, but BMW’s plan to blow away all the other compact execs is pretty clear when you see what’s been done to the car. Compared to the F30 3-series, the front and rear tracks are wider, there’s more negative camber at the front, while the suspension mountings and the body itself are all stiffer.
So what does all that - plus BMW’s other refinements for the G20 - actually mean for the way the car drives? “First thing and this is for me the most important thing; you can drive fast and completely relaxed. You don’t feel how fast you are,” Frohlich explained. “Second thing and this thing is a big achievement; this car is much more valuable, it has much better materials and it is solid like a rock,” he added, going on to note the stiffer nature of the ‘CLAR’ cluster architecture upon which the car is built.
We’ll let you know if it’s paid off once we’ve had our first drive of the G20, which goes on sale 9 March 2019.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
yeah sorry but the E46 and possibly the E92 were the last great BMW 3 cars. The E92 is only good as an M3 in my opinion though.
Juste because of the engine and it’s redline at 8200rpm, the e46 is more more more fun…. but in 2018 you can’t make a car wich produce 437gr of C02 every kilometers.
WHAT
IS THAT HOW MUCH IT POLLUTED OMG
As long as BMW M is committed to manuals that is all we need
Modern cars become more and more boring to drive, they just feel numb an stripped of any connection to the driver, that’s why so many enthusiasts love older cars. They communicate with the driver so much more than any modern car with tons of electronics and all that stuff. The Toyota GT86 is imo one of the few responsive and soulful cars to drive nowadays
So, basically an old car is a baby that needs the driver’s (adult’s) attention at every turn, and a new car is a capable companion that doesn’t tire you out.
I mean, let people enjoy what they will, right? “Fun” doesn’t mean enjoyable in every situation.
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Thats cause NOT EVERYONE buying a new car would want to have soulfullness in their 5dr family hatchback. They juat want a car that can get them from a to b on the least fuel and at the highest defree of comfort for that price point.
If they’d wanted a car with soulfulness theyd buy an actual sports car. LIKE THE GT86.
I love the fact that BMW is clearly emphasizing that their unique selling proposition is driving dynamics above anything else. It’s why I love them as a company. I had a chance to see and get in the new 3 Series at the Paris Motor show. It’s very impressive. They’ve given it more character (which the F30 arguably lacked a bit), it looks more agressive. The interior is exceptional for the segment, it’s 5 Series-level.
Not talking onLy about bmw here: i dont understand new cars, safer ? Not a single noise or engine tone isnt safe, you cant predict if it goes well… No outside noise, you dont hear anyone from outside… No feeling of your own speed, everytime i take my 120d instead of my e36 i am easilly around 200kmh because i dont feel it, dangerous… assisted parking, tempomat and other aids are for assisted people, just learn to drive correctly and you can save loney on useless options
Making the car numb is the exact opposite of why the E46 is so vaunted. Give it hydraulic power steering and strip away a LOT of weight and you’ll be getting somewhere.
He doesn’t like the truth… E46 will always be a legend. He does not seem to get what we want.
you are best known for your greatest hit, even if you had plenty of hits since. and the E46 CSL is just such a hit for BMW