[RobUK]

From the current crop of available BMWs, which one is it that truly delivers on the "Ultimate Driving Machine" for Britain's roads then? An M4 with adaptive suspension on non-RFTs then? The M235i perhaps? Something else? Doesn't necessarily need to be the fastest in a straight line. Get the impression that the M5 and above are just a bit overweight(?). Would be interested to hear people's thoughts.

[NISFAN]

Hmmmm good question.

Without having driven an M4, I would vote for F30 320i....it has a 50:50 weight balance, is light and has a chassis significantly more capable than it's engine power output. SE suspension.

My concern is the M3/M4 won't be as usable as the e92 M3 on UK roads.

[JustChris]

M235i maybe
Is the M4 current as not out till June
Z4?

[....,,,,..,,..]

I was think Z4 or 235

It should also be stock, so all as per Configurator.

[focal]

probably a 228i Msport w/ MPS installed.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by focal

probably a 228i Msport w/ MPS installed.

Mps?

[Nick the Greek]

No.
The Z4 doesn't handle.

The M235i has to be top spot.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Nick the Greek

No.
The Z4 doesn't handle.

The M235i has to be top spot.

I admit I am really starting to like the 235i, just have to talk wife out of audi S1/TT.

[focal]

Originally Posted by Brigand

Mps?

the 228i M sport is more balanced and lighter than the M235i so adding the M Performance Suspension (MPS for short) at port would give you the best handling BMW currently before the new M2 or M3/4 arrive.

[gtsussex]

I'm with NISFAN with 320i - cracking handler and shows just what weight does to ruin a chassis when you move up the range.

Driving an M235i for a day or two this week - looking forward to it.

[JustChris]

Surely the steering in the 320i is not quite as sharp as the 235i...and the COG is also higher?

Agree the lighter 4cyl have a nice turn in advantage so 228, 320 and 428 all contenders.

[Redben]

I'm in the 320 brigade. Most fun I have had in ages, an F30 that actually turns in properly. You can stick the nose just where you want it

[focal]

Originally Posted by Redben

I'm in the 320 brigade. Most fun I have had in ages, an F30 that actually turns in properly. You can stick the nose just where you want it

the 328 is the same lightness as the 320 but more power

I dropped the run flats and having an elevated sports suspension makes it even better.

The shorter wheelbase on the 228i M sport w/ MPS, spec'd without the sunroof or fold down rear seats would be the ideal set up. I believe there is a 228i track edition but that has the DHP. The MPS is better than the DHP set up though.

[Tengocity]

My Z4 handles way better than any 320i!
Corners flatter, has steering feel, superb traction, agility.... Not a boxster, but nothing BMW has is.

It's on non flats though.

M235i handles better than any F30 I've driven

In IMHO

E90 M3 best handling BMW I've driven

[ukbeemerboy]

It's a good question, but handling is all about personal opinion and unless you've driven every single model in the range it would be hard to say. M5 is probably up there, but equally a 320i or even a 116i which is a lively drive.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by ukbeemerboy

It's a good question, but handling is all about personal opinion and unless you've driven every single model in the range it would be hard to say. M5 is probably up there, but equally a 320i or even a 116i which is a lively drive.

As well as personal, each person handles different size cars to to a lesser or greater level.

Many moons ago we had a full day out with about 50 guys driving a variety of stuff around a track.

Some who did pants in a saloon, did better in a hatch back etc.

The greatest issue people had was with low CofG sports type cars, lots of engine power, however most found it hard keeping them in a straight line.

We did find that the majority could not exploit a car to its best performance (not just speed), everyone sees a racing line different, bottle factor is proportional to price of car.

[G82Dude]

How about a 428i? Lighter, powerful (ish) engine up front - 50/50 weight and the 4 currently has the lowest C of G of any BMW at this time...

Although it's most likely to be the M235i.

[Nick the Greek]

If you are in the F30 camp the 328i handles better than the 320i, as it has enough power to steer the car with the throttle.
My vote is still with the M235i.

[F30AM]

I have driven a 328i sDrive, 320d sDrive and xDrive & 330d sDrive and xDrive.

The best handler of these is the 328i sDrive. But the car I most liked driving even though it was a bit nose heavy compared to the 328i is the 330d sDrive. Maybe I am used to it. I would be happy with either. Between sDrive and xDrive, the sDrive was a better handling car. All these cars had adaptive suspension and I drove them mostly in comfort mode.

Discounting the M3/M4 which are not yet released and which I have not driven and probably will never have the opportunity to drive, perhaps a 228i with adaptive M Sport Suspension would be the best handling car?

[focal]

I know I keep going back to the 228 but why so many votes for the 328 but everyone votes the 235 over the 228. Same lighter engine. There was a review recently and the handling of the 228 is better

[Nick the Greek]

Interesting focal.
Do you have a link by any chance?

[focal]

Originally Posted by Nick the Greek

Interesting focal.
Do you have a link by any chance?

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showt...ghlight=review

http://blog.caranddriver.com/bmw-get...ork-auto-show/

I read an article that I cannot find yet from a highly regarded race driver and he also concluded the 228i potentially is a better handler