[bimmer man]

Our daughter took over the F20 116D and then had to buy a new car for my wife. It ts a 320D Luxury line, MINERALGRAU METALLIC. Surprising how good this run and is much better winter driving qualities than the F 20 116d.I do not know why it is better traction on icy slopes? But we have been very pleased with the 116d Urban. We have driven 19000 km with 116d and only once in the shop to replace the electrical block for climate control. so it is a reliable car. bay bay.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by bimmer man

Surprising how good this run and is much better winter driving qualities than the F 20 116d.I do not know why it is better traction on icy slopes?

Technically these cars are the same, so it all comes down to tyres, which can make a huge difference when it comes to traction.

[AusF20/F48]

The 3er has a slightly wider and longer wheel track than the 1er, along with its tyres, this would account for the difference you feel.
The direction change would be greater (sharper) in the 1er due to the tighter turning radius when the same amount of turn is applied to the steering wheel. You will propably find the opposite when the road is dry. The 1er will be more responsive than the 3er.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Sol01

I have driven both on dry conditions and wet and in both cases F30 was the better resolved car when it came to handling , none of the understeer that was evident on F20 was present on F30.

Which means it is one again down to tire choices, since my F20 also has no understeer issues!

(And I have driven the car to the limit and beyond on tracks and autoX, in wet and dry conditions. Also test drove an F20 on an ice racing track.)

I think running wider runflat tires in the rear than in the front is a bad idea.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Sol01

could well be. I test drove F20 118d and 120d and although the diesels are naturally nose heavier than your petrol version I doubt it that in itself that would be the reason for understeer behaviuor I felt

The car I drove on the ice track was a 116d, and it felt well balanced. It has to be said that I really hate understeer, so I would have noticed if it had such behaviour.

My previous cars (2x E30 and 1x E36 Compact) had too much understeer, and all had to be modified to cure it. Stiffer rear swaybars on the E30s, and softer front bar on the E36 (with Bilstein coilover kit). And of course limited slip differentials on all 3 to compensate for the reduced traction on the inside rear wheel. All cars also got some extra negative camber up front.

So far it seems like the F20 is okay without all these modifications. I can even go without a 4-point harness due to the excellent sport seats.