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      01-14-2018, 02:00 AM   #1
b-merf30
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In the market for a car

Hi,

My gf is looking for a car. Anybody have an opinion on a 2 series vs a 3 series?

Please and thank you
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      01-14-2018, 02:30 AM   #2
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Hi,

To start with, it really depends on your needs and expectation from the car. 2 series does the job and ticks all the boxes for me. I'm a single guy with no one to carry around besides myself, occasionally I have friends with me. They have all praised the vehicle for the space it has and large windows in the back compared to its size. Plenty of space for carrying stuff around like groceries and enough space for weekend getaway (I get around as if I am moving so it may be adequate to your style). I like the car being compact and nimble, just the other day I picked up a friend and his girlfriend from the airport, I was going to drop them of in the old part of Istanbul with a lot of narrow streets and alleys with high pedestrian walkways around. He said that he loves my car because it is as nimble as a 1 series hatchback but comfortable and spacious inside like a 3 series, now, bear in mind yes it is spacious but not as big as a 3 series which has enormous space in the back. I have driven around in 3 series a lot as both loaners and it is my go-to rental car as it is comfortable, easy and just fun to drive. I was given a choice between 2 series and 3 series when I was buying my car, even though I love the 3 series, I went for the 2 series for the reasons I counted so far, plus, I like to feel special in a way that there are a lot of 3 series but not a lot of 2 series around. Both are great cars, if I was going to buy another BMW besides the 2 series it would be the 3 series.

Omer
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      01-14-2018, 06:24 AM   #3
Ron Jeffries
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What does she have now? Does she like it? Why / why not? What will she do with it? What needs for passengers and carrying stuff has she? What's her general attitude about cars? How much money is she willing to spend?
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      01-14-2018, 08:45 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by b-merf30 View Post
Hi,

My gf is looking for a car. Anybody have an opinion on a 2 series vs a 3 series?

Please and thank you
Depends if she wants a 2 door or a 4 door. While we can debate weights and performance on the autocross. and overall size, if she is looking for transportation, that would be the deciding factor IMO. The 3 is marginally bigger, (4 inches longer and an inch or two wider) and a bit more expensive.
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      01-14-2018, 09:04 AM   #5
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If you have a baby, you'll need and want 4 doors. Otherwise, 2 series all day long for the fun and exclusivity factor.
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      01-14-2018, 09:06 AM   #6
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2 is more fun, 3 is more practical
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      01-14-2018, 09:09 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by b-merf30 View Post
Hi,

My gf is looking for a car. Anybody have an opinion on a 2 series vs a 3 series?

Please and thank you
I have one of each....both 4 cylinder variety.

Within the basic characteristics which distinguish BMW from others, the difference is one of space/comfort versus fun/sporty. My 330i rides very well and still has the engineering refinement for a silken powertrain and outstanding management of road surfaces, while responding nimbly when asked. My 228 (and this should apply to 230) is more taut, more like an athlete on their toes, ready to sprint in any direction as needed, and leave you smiling at it's performance capability. It is very comfortable for 2, occasionally/briefly for 2 more in the rear, but is clearly smaller and more "personal" inside. Both arrived in excellent condition with outstanding build quality. This comes down to what daily driving experience she is seeking......I'd boil it down to comfort versus fun...each has it's role for us, and she should know what matters most to her.
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      01-14-2018, 09:16 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sportstick View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by b-merf30 View Post
Hi,

My gf is looking for a car. Anybody have an opinion on a 2 series vs a 3 series?

Please and thank you
I have one of each....both 4 cylinder variety.

Within the basic characteristics which distinguish BMW from others, the difference is one of space/comfort versus fun/sporty. My 330i rides very well and still has the engineering refinement for a silken powertrain and outstanding management of road surfaces, while responding nimbly when asked. My 228 (and this should apply to 230) is more taut, more like an athlete on their toes, ready to sprint in any direction as needed, and leave you smiling at it's performance capability. It is very comfortable for 2, occasionally/briefly for 2 more in the rear, but is clearly smaller and more "personal" inside. Both arrived in excellent condition with outstanding build quality. This comes down to what daily driving experience she is seeking......I'd boil it down to comfort versus fun...each has it's role for us, and she should know what matters most to her.
I have both also, wagon and sedan version of 3-series in addition to 2-series.

Aside from sedan vs coupe considerations, if more highway driving get the 3. More back roads get the 2.
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      01-14-2018, 10:37 AM   #9
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How often do you expect to drive it?

A) Rarely > get the 3 series

B) a lot, any time you are together > 2 series

C) Only when the future in-laws visit > 2 series, unless you actually like them
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      01-14-2018, 11:09 AM   #10
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Quote:
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2 is more fun, 3 is more practical
Pretty much this.

The 3 is a bit bigger and floatier but has those back doors.
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      01-15-2018, 11:22 AM   #11
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320i best for the average girl. Cheapest to buy, more $ to spend else where.
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      01-15-2018, 11:38 AM   #12
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320i best for the average girl. Cheapest to buy, more $ to spend else where.
Suppose the OP considers his girlfriend to be more than "average"?

In any event, so sexist! Are there also best choices for different ethnicities?
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      01-15-2018, 11:47 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sportstick View Post
Suppose the OP considers his girlfriend to be more than "average"?

In any event, so sexist! Are there also best choices for different ethnicities?
OP said GF, not 'car enthusiast gf'.
I too have a gf. And 320i would been her choice.
The average woman do not care about performance beyond what the 320i can offer.

And yes, there also best choices for different ethnicities. I am not here to answer that.
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      01-15-2018, 12:05 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Merc for hire View Post
OP said GF, not 'car enthusiast gf'.
I too have a gf. And 320i would been her choice.
The average woman do not care about performance beyond what the 320i can offer.

And yes, there also best choices for different ethnicities. I am not here to answer that.
Wow.
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      01-15-2018, 12:37 PM   #15
Ron Jeffries
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I was unable to find a pig emoji.
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      01-15-2018, 12:51 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sportstick View Post
Wow.
My thought's exactly. Said it to myself just before I scrolled to see your reply.
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      01-18-2018, 02:29 AM   #17
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I think the OP will recommend to his gf that she get a 320 just so he doesn’t have to deal with threads like this one !
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      01-18-2018, 03:32 AM   #18
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I think it's best to organise a test drive of each. In which case the questions becomes the more subtle 'Which car in the range best epitomises it?' or 'If I had to choose one model of the 2 and 3 series to drive, what would you recommend' This could generate endless debate.

I had a 330d Touring xDrive and now have an M235i Convertible.

So I'd definitely recommend test driving a 2 Series Convertible, given where the OP lives.
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