[F30form]

Just as the title says, wondering what you have ordered or already have (228/235), why you switched and what your previous car was. Fire away!

[Killramos]

First time owner. Previous car was a MkV GTI.

Loved the car. But wanted something a little more not to mention a luxury feature or 2 doesn't hurt.

Loved BMW's as long as I can remember but the 2 series was such a good price for what it is. (M235i)

[BEM-S4]

Have a 2006 330 ci in the family, it's got 26k miles on it total cream puff. Have been looking for a worthy successor to my old twin turbo S4 which I loved, was thinking the S3 was going to do the trick but just didn't get me that excited. 235 fits the bill perfectly.

Had flirted with a 135 off and on for years now, couldn't quite talk myself into it. Have been driving the big v10 Touareg diesel since the S4. No more SUV for me.

[darkerosxx]

'04 330Ci convertible to M235i, switched because something was going wrong with the car every 3 months or so, even though it was babied, so with the price of BMW parts, it made economical sense to move to something else. Was always a fan of the e46 M3 and the M235i is very close to it. Coming from an e46, the cabin feels very very similar, aside from the cheap plastic everywhere.

[dharo1]

Lexus ---> BMW

[Sportstick]

Technically not a first time, but with last ones a used 1971 2500 followed by a new 1977 320i, it's almost long enough to meet the criteria. A long career with another automaker kept me in non-BMW company cars through retirement. Got a 2009 MB C Class on a heavy corporate discount, and had 5 good years trying to turn it into a "3 series" (antisway bar upgrades, strut tower brace, AMG steering wheel).





At the same time, the F30 seems to have moved closer to MB and away from it purer driving machine roots, so I lost some enthusiasm for that choice. I've given up on MB as they've dropped all manual transmissions, although the quality and dealer service have been outstanding! Now, giving up hope for a 2 Series Gran Coupe, I may have my first two door car again since the 70s.

I am waiting for 2015 as I am hoping BMW opens up Valencia Orange onto the 228i MSport. I think the turbo 4 is plenty and I no longer have the desire to feed gasoline to a 6 for the added power. I've had a variety of high power cars, and now really enjoy handling, steering feedback, and rowing through the gears more than straight-line power. I'd be fine with a Sportline. With Dynamic Handling package, and no powertrain changes, it will feel the same as an MSport, and I actually prefer the exterior Sportline appearance with more bodycolor and less black, such as the rear diffuser.

So, if anyone knows someone interested in a pristine, low-mileage manual trans C Class, that will get me into the 2 Series all the faster!

[bladeomatic]

I used to build/drive some mean VW's in my youth (13 sec 1/4 mile Beetles, etc.). After getting married, family, etc. life has been a series of sensible Accords and minivans. Last car was a Prius, as I was driving a lot for work. A few month's ago wife and I rented a 2012 M3 for a trip along the CA coastline. Stunning ride that hooked me on wanting a driver's car again.

Have researched everything and driven most. BMW consistently gave the athletic feeling I was looking for. Fully intended on getting a 335i, but saw the "Torch" video during the Olympics and later an M235i at a dealership. The 2 door was a strike against practicality but my wife argued we have her 4 door Lexus for 5 people comfort if needed. Took a test drive and the 235 simply made me smile during the entire drive. Punchy, nimble, predictable. 300+ hp, 30+ mpg, civil handling for the wife, beast mode for daddy (sport +) and virtually every reviewer has been confirming my enthusiasm for it.

EB/Black, Performance/Luxury/DA 1 & 2, Alarm, Cold Weather and Performance Exhaust. Just left the Panama Canal headed for So Cal a few day's ago. The wait has been frustrating, but is almost over.

[PigWig]

Ok I don't really fit the bill on this thread, but we were all first-timers at one point ;D

I've always liked fast cars and coupes, but M3s were out of my price range when I was going to school and the first little bit of time into my career, and BMW didn't really offer many other alternatives until the last 5-7 years. I went through a period of time where I was driving a lot of the Japanese coupes (350Z, G35, 370Z, etc), but I've always had a soft spot for BMWs.

I've loved them since I was in junior high or high school, but just never had the chance to buy one. Finally I made the jump with my first E92, and I never looked back. I drove that car until it was unfortunately totaled in an accident, and I liked it so much I bought the exact same car a second time.

I drove the E92s until the F30 was released and got the first year model of the F30, black on coral red with the sport package. I should've opted for the 335i in the F30 instead of the 328i, as it didn't quite fill my need for speed, thus I eventually swapped it in on my M235i.

I've test driven plenty of other cars since I made my BMW switch, and I even added a MB SL500 for a play car for awhile, but IMO nothing compares to the blend of sport, luxury, and fun that you get with a Bimmer.

[crawfordbay]

Acura > BMW

M235i will be my first BMW. Not really a convert as I always intended to join the BMW family. Life just got in the way until now.

Now life really begins.

[abirmaher]

Went from an MKV GTI to an 2011 135i which I picked up new and now going into an M235i after 4 lovely years with my 1 and looking forward to my time with the 2.

[Lucho13]

M235i is my first BMW.
Previous car was a very nice Seat Leon FR 2.0 TFSI (attached).

I switched to bmw since I was looking for something more powerfull and luxury.
I cross-shopped M235i, CLA45 and S3 Sedan.
M235i won, leaving behind the S3 and the CLA. In that order.
I just do not like the ugly rear on the CLA plus the extremely loaded interior.

I am really pleased with my MW M235i.

[SteveAustin]

Mercedes --> BMW

Sold my 2005 C230, fun car and great handling but new C is going to be too big and expensive and (gasp) built in Alabama. Always loved BMWs too so can't wait for my German made 228i. Drove it and was instantly sold.

[Canti]

First time buyer, but I've been drooling over BMW for a long time. It's been the only brand of car that ever really stood out to me on the road. The external styling (lights, grills, even the boxy structures) is really appealing to me.

I thoroughly enjoy the power that these cars can offer, but in reality I am in the market for a commuter rather than a racer. My last car was a choice between buying a brand new Scion tC or an old BMW with no less than 100k miles on it. My Civic at the time was in need of massive repairs and I didn't want to buy another person's problem again. I chose the new car, and don't regret it, but had to put my dream on hold.

Now I've got funds for an entry level BMW. Was looking at the 1-series right around when the 2-series was first announced. After months of waiting I did my test drive on a 228i and a couple of 3ers. The the 3 series was actually a lot nicer than I had expected, and I was almost sold on the X drive, but you can get so many more options with the 228i. I put in my order as soon as I could, and I'm eagerly anticipating its arrival. I'm even going to take the Performance Center delivery (naturally I'd prefer to do this with a better car, but have plans to move west and I wanted to make the most of it).

I'm slowly working my way up in cars, and I'm still in my 20's so I have plenty of time to buy more BMW's. Maybe the next one will be an M car, or a 7-series. We'll see how this one goes.

[jeffclev]

First timer. I had been looking for a replacement for my SRT4 for a while. Criteria:
- equal 0-60 but better MPG (5.5/~27 Mpg) or better 0-60 and similar MPG)
- room for the kids in back
- Auto, but a good auto (stop n go commute & wife drive able)
- small, fun in the twisties
- not too expensive

It was tough to find a car that fit until the M235i came along

[VeryBadman]

228 is my first BMW but I'm not remote from German car and I'm not really a convert...still have an Audi in my garage along side with BMW

The reason for getting this car:
- VW Jetta is boring. I have to travel for job and so driving rental car on weekly basis. At least I want something I enjoy for my commute back home from airport and my Audi is just too big to zip in the tiny parking spot at Airport

- Good MPG...doesn't have to be crazy good 40+ MPG like the VW TDI so 30+ highway is good enough for me and that's why I didn't get 235i

- Good handling and fun to drive...although Jetta is not the most exiting car but it's pretty good in handling category

- Nice interior...again I don't want to repeat my rental car experience back home

- Good look...It's hard to go wrong with 2 doors coupe

- Decent trunk space...although 2 Series doesn't have to best trunk space but it's big enough for me to go grocery shopping and of course carrying my baggage

All in all, I'm very satisfied with it so far

[Areutalkingtome]

First timer here coming from a long line of VW's including a 2008 Tornado Red R32. After driving moms 2013 328 I knew I needed a BMW. I love everything about my 228i and despite what a lot of people are saying I think it rides great on the 18in run flats.

The 228i has a good blend of handling, power, fuel economy, comfort and cost. Its the perfect car for me right now.

[yep]

I have a 235i on order.

I am not only a first time BMW buyer, but a first time "sports car" buyer. The only new vehicle I've bought in the past was a Nissan Frontier 4x4 pick up truck . I tended to be more....practical in the past. The M235i is not a "practical" car. It's not something a prudent person would buy.

Basically, I'm living in Germany for work so I have access to the Autobahn. So I wanted something fast. Mercedes is really more luxury than performance, from what I found. Except their little hatch back which is too expensive IMO. The Audi S4 is over my price range and the S3 isn't out yet.

I wanted a German car to drive around Germany.

So that pretty much narrowed it down. I wanted to keep the price under 40K, but ended up spending 47K on the 235i. I had no reason to get a 3 or 4 series. I don't need 4 doors and the 2 is faster/cheaper than the 3/4 series.

IMO anyone buying one of these cars in the U.S. is wasting money. How often do you even get to break 100 mph in the U.S.? Very rarely. And if you get caught, you're going to prison and possibly losing your career (depending on what profession you're in). Absolutely moronic to buy a powerful/fast car in the U.S.

But I'm not in the U.S., so I can drive fast without going to jail

And I intend to.

[falconati]

Originally Posted by yep

I have a 235i on order.

I am not only a first time BMW buyer, but a first time "sports car" buyer. The only new vehicle I've bought in the past was a Nissan Frontier 4x4 pick up truck . I tended to be more....practical in the past. The M235i is not a "practical" car. It's not something a prudent person would buy.

Basically, I'm living in Germany for work so I have access to the Autobahn. So I wanted something fast. Mercedes is really more luxury than performance, from what I found. Except their little hatch back which is too expensive IMO. The Audi S4 is over my price range and the S3 isn't out yet.

I wanted a German car to drive around Germany.

So that pretty much narrowed it down. I wanted to keep the price under 40K, but ended up spending 47K on the 235i. I had no reason to get a 3 or 4 series. I don't need 4 doors and the 2 is faster/cheaper than the 3/4 series.

IMO anyone buying one of these cars in the U.S. is wasting money. How often do you even get to break 100 mph in the U.S.? Very rarely. And if you get caught, you're going to prison and possibly losing your career (depending on what profession you're in). Absolutely moronic to buy a powerful/fast car in the U.S.

But I'm not in the U.S., so I can drive fast without going to jail

And I intend to.

Well I live in America but I'm taking European Delivery and intend to break the car in on day 1, and on day 2 hit the Nurburgring.

BTW coming from a Toyota daily driver. I've had a lot of nice motorcycles over the years but never a fun car. Until now. ED on June 28

[threepac3]

This is my first BMW and my first luxury car. I'm coming from a 2008 Scion tC which I still have. I also have two Ducati motorcycles: 2011 Monster 796 and 2013 Hypermotard SP. It's nice finally drive a car with a little more class!




~3pac3

[element241]

I'm a BMW first timer, coming from a Nissan 350z. I've always loved M3s, but the new 4er felt too big for me. Leased an M235i to have some fun while I wait for the M2.

[hoyasaxa]

I always wanted an E46 coupe. Wasn't in a position to get an E92, and the new F32 is gigantic and expensive - it looks like a baby 6er. Anyway, I wasn't ever a fan of the 1series and when the F22 came out it was perfect. Right price, right proportions, right timing.

tl;dr - closest thing to an E46 in 2014

[tux2005]

I'm a first time BMW owner (car owner even) although always been a fan. I grew up with my parents owning an E30 (although too young to remember that) and an E34 before a long drought until E36 & E39. I've driven the E39 quite a bit and much preferred it over the domestics I've driven.

I'm waiting impatiently for my 228i Sport Line, ordered in late March for May production & hopefully June delivery.

I did always like the styling of the E82 but didn't need a car as I was relying on public transit and borrowing a car when necessary. With the arrival of the 2 series I had to see it at the Toronto Autoshow and set up a test drive and not long after, the wait began.