[bimbimsalabim]

Hi there,

First post here. I'm coming off lease on a 4 series and considering the 2 series as I'd like to try to get a lower payment. I love my 4 series, I think it's one of the nicest looking cars on the road but don't want to pay what I am paying anymore. With that being said I've looked at the 330xi but really am not a fan of the sedan style so my gaze turned to the 2 series. Curious about those who have experience with both what they like about their 230 vs say a 330. I really like the small form factor of the 230 and pleased that it has the same motor as my 4 series (or at least same horse power). The only thing I don't love is that the lease rates seem to be cruddy compared to the 330.

Thanks!

[bimmer_girl89]

It really boils down to your lifestyle needs. I used to have a 328 and realized after driving 3 different sedans in the span of 8yrs, that I don't really need the extra space or doors (no pets, no kids and I don't haul big items) so I made the decision to switch to a 230. Best decision ever (IMO). I have way more fun driving the coupe and I think it just looks better than the sedan too (not that the sedans are ugly).

[bimbimsalabim]

I feel the same. I don't have the necessity for the extra space. I can count on one hand how many times people sat in my back seat over the course of 3 bmws lol.

Originally Posted by bimmer_girl89

It really boils down to your lifestyle needs. I used to have a 328 and realized after driving 3 different sedans in the span of 8yrs, that I don't really need the extra space or doors (no pets, no kids and I don't haul big items) so I made the decision to switch to a 230. Best decision ever (IMO). I have way more fun driving the coupe and I think it just looks better than the sedan too (not that the sedans are ugly).

[bimmer_girl89]

Originally Posted by bimbimsalabim

I feel the same. I don't have the necessity for the extra space. I can count on one hand how many times people sat in my back seat over the course of 3 bmws lol.

Then you'll find that the 230 is more than adequate

[Sportstick]

I have a 3 (albeit the GT) and 2. No comparison. The 2 is far more fun and nimble. The 3 is a great sedan for carrying more people and luggage. Decide your lifestyle/usage and you’ll know your car.

[Mr Carrots]

I'd rather drive an accord than a 330ix that costs tens of thousands more, get the 230 without a doubt

[bimbimsalabim]

Originally Posted by Mr Carrots

I'd rather drive an accord than a 330ix that costs tens of thousands more, get the 230 without a doubt

LOL. Point taken

[bimbimsalabim]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I have a 3 (albeit the GT) and 2. No comparison. The 2 is far more fun and nimble. The 3 is a great sedan for carrying more people and luggage. Decide your lifestyle/usage and you’ll know your car.

For me it was more about "how can I save money?". The 3 series has the best lease program compared to 4 and 2 right now but damned if I am not annoyed to going back to a sedan from a coupe. The 2 is just a sexy car, the 3 is just a 'nice' one.

[mr_clueless]

2 series is more nimble and fun to drive, but the interior feels slightly lower rent and it's also less forgiving than the 3 on bad roads. Also people using the back seat better be physically fit. It is hard to get in and even harder to get out. The 4 is quite a bit better with respect to rear seat entry/exit.

When I last made my decision I picked the 3 for reasons of practicality (my only car). Now I'm thinking of the 2 because 3 is almost at EOP and I would need to order one for MT before Oct and not sure I want to do that. New 3, G20, is rumored to have no MT option. So I may be forced to go back to a 2 or order one of the last 3's, if that is even possible.

[3rdcoast228i]

My last 3 series was a 2007 335i so I can't compare the current 3 series. But if you don't need 4 doors and you want something more sporty, then the 2 series is the way to go. If money is the main factor in which one to get then maybe you should consider not getting a BMW at all. Come back to BMW when the time is right. Sounds like you would be happier not stressing about money, vs being happy with a new car. To me cars are much more fun when they are not a financial issue. I mean all that in a fatherly loving kind of way.

[morphomeman]

I have driven a number of 3's lately as either rentals or loaners. Admittedly they have all had the 4-cylinder rather than my 6, but they always felt bloated to me.
I waited a dozen years to go from an E46 to an F22, because the 3's had simply gotten too big.
2 all the way.

[babaikram]

3 interior and damping is better than 2 series. 2 series is more nimble but lacks some technology like head up display.

[RossG1028]

We had a 2011 328i, and I liked it a lot, especially in Sport Mode. However, we just traded it in for a 2017 230i. Everything you read about the 2-Series being a "driver's car" is true. A car should not be this fun to drive, but it is! We live in an area with tons of round-abouts, and this 230 loves them! 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, and great handling. Once you drive one, you'll see why they are so much fun to put through their paces...

[BEM-S4]

My $0.02 and I have an F23, F30 and F31 that I drive regularly. Your daily commute are you on the highway or back roads? I love my M235 but just knocking out turnpike stints it stays at home. That's not really where that car shines.

[bimmer_girl89]

Originally Posted by RossG1028

We had a 2011 328i, and I liked it a lot, especially in Sport Mode. However, we just traded it in for a 2017 230i. Everything you read about the 2-Series being a "driver's car" is true. A car should not be this fun to drive, but it is! We live in an area with tons of round-abouts, and this 230 loves them! 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, and great handling. Once you drive one, you'll see why they are so much fun to put through their paces...

This is true! I live in a neighbourhood where every exit is a roundabout! So much fun

[Tyresian]

RossG1028 I live off of a road that is fairly low traffic outside of rush hour and it has 3-4 roundabouts in a row. I loved taking these things in my TTS and am looking forward to them with the 230xi. The F30 335xi is just not nimble enough for small roundabouts like these ones, but is great for ripping through a large roundabout where you need to sneak in.

On the 330, I test drove a 330xi and I was incredibly underwhelmed, it is obviously optimized more for efficiency than performance and you can really feel it. It felt incredibly boring to drive, even in Sport, maybe I should have tried Sport+ and maybe a JB+ would help it. I drove my 335xi, then the 330xi, and then the 230xi all back-to-back. The 230xi was the most fun which made that decision easier and saves me some money. It is unfortunate that the quality of the interior and HK sound system is a step down and there is no HUD but atleast with the LCI models they have a slightly larger digital speedometer.

I would prefer 4 doors having dogs but 90% of the time I drive solo, and then for most of the remainder it is just my fiance with me. For the dogs we usually take her Subaru Legacy.

[JY01]

330i is a compact family sedan that won't let you down, but the 230i is the more sporty choice. If you aren't worried about practicality and giving people rides in the back seat, go for the 230i.

I myself was between a 328i and 228i and the better weight distribution and nimble feel was what closed the case for me.

[BEM-S4]

I haven't looked at programs lately but I'd have to assume the 3 has much more compelling lease economics if going that route...

[bimbimsalabim]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I haven't looked at programs lately but I'd have to assume the 3 has much more compelling lease economics if going that route...

Definitely has a better residual and MF however I am beating up about 3 different dealers slowly chipping away at my desired payment on the 230 lol.

[bimbimsalabim]

I've decided on the 230! Now it's just a matter of seeing who has the best price offer! Thanks for your insight guys!

[Azn Ninja]

+1 on 230 over the 330.

If no need for extra space, then why not get a coupe.