THE LARGEST BMW 2-SERIES FORUM ON THE PLANET
2Addicts
2Addicts
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum BMW 2 Series (F22) Forum BMW 2 Series Coupe and Cabriolet (F22/F23) General Forum Interior trim quality

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-17-2013, 05:39 PM   #1
kas
New Member
2
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: Subaru Liberty
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Interior trim quality

To those who have access to a 2 series vehicle - or have previously had the chance and paid attention to the interior - how is the quality of the door trims? Are they soft to touch and have 'give' when gently pressed? I found that the door trims on the current 1 series are quite hard, even the parts wrapped in leather. You have to push really hard for the trim to have any 'give' and for me it really downgrades the feel of the interior.
Appreciate 0
      12-17-2013, 06:37 PM   #2
Wheelwright
Captain
Wheelwright's Avatar
Canada
463
Rep
778
Posts

Drives: M235i (6MT fakerich edition)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Canada, Oak Ridges

iTrader: (0)

Soft-touch plastics in the door trims ? Really ? For me it only matters on contact points, I don't care if the rest is soft-touch, it should only be durable and hard to scratch. That being said I find plastics in 1 series of better quality than in some newer designs such as X1. The reason is because in 1 series they have almost the same texture top to bottom (granted, they are harder at the bottom but in X1 they are really nasty and jarring there). It doesn't bide well for 2 series if it follows this trend, but for me it wouldn't be enough to dismiss the car.
Appreciate 0
      12-17-2013, 06:53 PM   #3
kas
New Member
2
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: Subaru Liberty
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

By door trims I mean around the armrest, around the handle where you pull the door closed and around the plastic panel where the power window switches are.
Appreciate 0
      12-19-2013, 03:22 PM   #4
Vervain
Colonel
No_Country
397
Rep
2,181
Posts

Drives: .
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: -

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I presume it will be quite similar to the F30. Go test that out.
Appreciate 0
      12-28-2013, 02:58 PM   #5
The J-Man
Captain
626
Rep
950
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Denver

iTrader: (0)

I am guessing the new 2 will be full of hard plastic.

My guess is the entire lower dash, the entire center console, and the lower door panels. The dash hump behind the steering wheel also has a good chance of being hard plastic. I think it will pretty much have hard plastic in all the same areas as the X1.

I've read that the production cost between a full on 100% soft touch interior and a cheap hard plastic interior is about $200.

It's a shame what BMW is doing to its interiors these days in cars costing $50,000. Why do I have to buy a 7 series to get a nice interior? Why can't I buy a small car with a nice interior.
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2013, 08:49 AM   #6
Ganxxta
Second Lieutenant
Germany
85
Rep
280
Posts

Drives: F32 4er Coupé
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by The J-Man View Post
I am guessing the new 2 will be full of hard plastic.

My guess is the entire lower dash, the entire center console, and the lower door panels. The dash hump behind the steering wheel also has a good chance of being hard plastic. I think it will pretty much have hard plastic in all the same areas as the X1.

I've read that the production cost between a full on 100% soft touch interior and a cheap hard plastic interior is about $200.

It's a shame what BMW is doing to its interiors these days in cars costing $50,000. Why do I have to buy a 7 series to get a nice interior? Why can't I buy a small car with a nice interior.
Yeah I was looking at interior pics of the 2 and the new Mercedes C class and damn, it is a whole different world in the Benz.
Interestingly both are not so far away from each other in official prices here in Germany.

For the first time I might even consider switching to Mercedes...
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2013, 09:11 AM   #7
ska///235i
***** noob
ska///235i's Avatar
United_States
1354
Rep
10,479
Posts

Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Boston

iTrader: (34)

Garage List
2006 325xi  [0.00]
The C looks way better
__________________
2006 325xi (Sold)
2014 M235I (Current)
2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2013, 10:40 AM   #8
Vervain
Colonel
No_Country
397
Rep
2,181
Posts

Drives: .
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: -

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by ska325xi View Post
The C looks way better
Seriously! I'm eyeing that Benz now..
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2013, 02:22 PM   #9
Mark's M
Lieutenant Colonel
Mark's M's Avatar
Canada
615
Rep
1,820
Posts

Drives: 2016 M3 Individual
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Stoney Creek, ON

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anodite10 View Post
Seriously! I'm eyeing that Benz now..
Ditto. And while awaiting the new M235 or maybe another M3 I went to buy a 3er this past summer and finally compared it to a C350. Long story short...I went with the Benz. Even the "old" 2013 interior in the Mercedes was a premium product compared to the cheap plastics found in the 1's and 3's. It's a shame BMW won't commit to a class-act interior in their lower priced models (and I use the term "lower priced" loosely).

The incoming C Class interior is stunning and the premium materials being offered speak volumes about Mercedes' commitment to growing their market. If they've paid similar attention to driving dynamics with the new model, my switch might just be a permanent one.
__________________
2016 Individual Silverlake/Amaro M3 Conceived by ///M
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2013, 02:37 PM   #10
Vervain
Colonel
No_Country
397
Rep
2,181
Posts

Drives: .
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: -

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark's M View Post
Ditto. And while awaiting the new M235 or maybe another M3 I went to buy a 3er this past summer and finally compared it to a C350. Long story short...I went with the Benz. Even the "old" 2013 interior in the Mercedes was a premium product compared to the cheap plastics found in the 1's and 3's. It's a shame BMW won't commit to a class-act interior in their lower priced models (and I use the term "lower priced" loosely).

The incoming C Class interior is stunning and the premium materials being offered speak volumes about Mercedes' commitment to growing their market. If they've paid similar attention to driving dynamics with the new model, my switch might just be a permanent one.
I'm also hoping to get into a 2 series after my current F30. I really do like it but the new C-Class really cannot go unnoticed right now.

Interestingly, my final two choices were the F30 and the C-Class coupe, but decided to go with the F30 due to the amazing trade-in I was getting from BMW.
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2013, 08:59 PM   #11
Ganxxta
Second Lieutenant
Germany
85
Rep
280
Posts

Drives: F32 4er Coupé
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark's M View Post
If they've paid similar attention to driving dynamics with the new model, my switch might just be a permanent one.
At least from what I've read about the new C, they did.

They now also have some switch as BMW to change engine/gearbox/damper characteristics between eco/comfort/sport etc.

Also they are offering a sport suspension (-15mm) and a sporty power-steering with the AMG package.

I checked and for me a better equipped C would cost me 7k€ more than a 2 series going by factory prices. But thats with AMG package/Full LED headlights and most of the other stuff except the safety assist systems.

AND whats even more important: Mercedes does NOT limit good colors to different lines!!! I can have dark blue with the AMG package.

Why the F... BMW can't I have some dark blue with the M package?
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2013, 09:43 PM   #12
Mark's M
Lieutenant Colonel
Mark's M's Avatar
Canada
615
Rep
1,820
Posts

Drives: 2016 M3 Individual
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Stoney Creek, ON

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anodite10 View Post
I'm also hoping to get into a 2 series after my current F30. I really do like it but the new C-Class really cannot go unnoticed right now.

Interestingly, my final two choices were the F30 and the C-Class coupe, but decided to go with the F30 due to the amazing trade-in I was getting from BMW.
And my dismal trade in allowance (on my X5) from my beloved BMW dealer was the icing on the cake that pushed me over the edge and into my Mercedes; a whopping $3,000 difference. So if I end up staying with Mercedes in the future, it's their fault lol!!
__________________
2016 Individual Silverlake/Amaro M3 Conceived by ///M
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2013, 09:56 PM   #13
Mark's M
Lieutenant Colonel
Mark's M's Avatar
Canada
615
Rep
1,820
Posts

Drives: 2016 M3 Individual
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Stoney Creek, ON

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ganxxta View Post
At least from what I've read about the new C, they did.

They now also have some switch as BMW to change engine/gearbox/damper characteristics between eco/comfort/sport etc.

Also they are offering a sport suspension (-15mm) and a sporty power-steering with the AMG package.

I checked and for me a better equipped C would cost me 7k€ more than a 2 series going by factory prices. But thats with AMG package/Full LED headlights and most of the other stuff except the safety assist systems.

AND whats even more important: Mercedes does NOT limit good colors to different lines!!! I can have dark blue with the AMG package.

Why the F... BMW can't I have some dark blue with the M package?
Yes I'm anxious to read how the AMG pkg'd car performs. And I'm very anxious to hear about the real deal.....the upcoming C55 AMG or whatever they're going to call it. This one and the M235 can't really be cross shopped but a fully jammed M235 here will come in at about 62k (Cdn) and I'd suspect a C400 with AMG pkg will be about the same. If the C55 adds another 10k or so, well it might just be time to splurge.

And ditto the color choices for MB. Good for them!!!
__________________
2016 Individual Silverlake/Amaro M3 Conceived by ///M
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2013, 10:00 PM   #14
ska///235i
***** noob
ska///235i's Avatar
United_States
1354
Rep
10,479
Posts

Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Boston

iTrader: (34)

Garage List
2006 325xi  [0.00]
i hope that Scott guy is reading our complains instead of telling us bmw is moving to a customers demand direction
__________________
2006 325xi (Sold)
2014 M235I (Current)
2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2013, 11:08 PM   #15
dmboone25
Lieutenant General
dmboone25's Avatar
4971
Rep
10,200
Posts

Drives: 2024 Golf R / 2022 718 Spyder
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2007 E92 328i  [10.00]
2007 328i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by ska325xi View Post
i hope that Scott guy is reading our complains instead of telling us bmw is moving to a customers demand direction
He will only chime in to tell us that we really really should love the i3 or the BMW minivan.

We used to get good info from the multitude of people that comment under that screen name. Now we just get fed marketing Kool-Aid of whatever agenda BMW wants to push at a particular time.

It's not likely to change back either...
__________________
Past rides: 2016 981 BGTS, 2020 MINI JCW, 2017 F80, 2015 981 CS, 2014 F22 235, 2011 E82 135, 2008 E82 135, 2007 E92 328, 2007 E92 328 (My lady drives an OG M2. So does my dad)
Appreciate 0
      12-29-2013, 11:45 PM   #16
Mark's M
Lieutenant Colonel
Mark's M's Avatar
Canada
615
Rep
1,820
Posts

Drives: 2016 M3 Individual
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Stoney Creek, ON

iTrader: (3)

.....which is really too bad. Great couple of posts before this one.....and brutally honest.
__________________
2016 Individual Silverlake/Amaro M3 Conceived by ///M
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2013, 04:15 AM   #17
Vervain
Colonel
No_Country
397
Rep
2,181
Posts

Drives: .
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: -

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark's M View Post
And my dismal trade in allowance (on my X5) from my beloved BMW dealer was the icing on the cake that pushed me over the edge and into my Mercedes; a whopping $3,000 difference. So if I end up staying with Mercedes in the future, it's their fault lol!!
I can't believe MB bettered BMW's offer! That's unheard of!
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2013, 11:27 AM   #18
ska///235i
***** noob
ska///235i's Avatar
United_States
1354
Rep
10,479
Posts

Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Boston

iTrader: (34)

Garage List
2006 325xi  [0.00]
Yea and when you talk bad at so call Scott, Jason will find anything to give you a forum warning lol
__________________
2006 325xi (Sold)
2014 M235I (Current)
2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2013, 11:06 PM   #19
wdlfbio
Captain
68
Rep
796
Posts

Drives: 2013 4S, 2015 3500 HD Dually,
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Maple Valley, WA

iTrader: (1)

I have a new 320 loaner while the 335 is in the shop. Absolutely hate the display and how they cut a slot in the dash, slid the display on a plastic case, and glued it to the dash. The rest of the interior lacks sport seats and premium leather (hey, it is a loaner after all) and looks ok. Getting a loaner is one reason I pay a premium for BMW, but this car sucks and driving it only serves to get me from point A to B. Center console, cup holders, etc just don't make sense. No good place for my phone. If the 235 interior is comparable, I'm probably done with BMW for a while.
__________________
'16 235i
'15 3500 HD Dually
'13 C4S
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2013, 11:31 PM   #20
kas
New Member
2
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: Subaru Liberty
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

It seems to me that BMW isn't really trying with their interiors. Audi has been at the top of the class for interior quality and Mercedes are obviously stepping things up to bring the fight to Audi. Meanwhile I found a Kia Forte's interior had better plastics quality than the 1 series hatch. BMW's effort is not good enough.
Appreciate 0
      12-31-2013, 04:00 PM   #21
The J-Man
Captain
626
Rep
950
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Denver

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kas View Post
It seems to me that BMW isn't really trying with their interiors. Audi has been at the top of the class for interior quality and Mercedes are obviously stepping things up to bring the fight to Audi. Meanwhile I found a Kia Forte's interior had better plastics quality than the 1 series hatch. BMW's effort is not good enough.
Your comment about the Kia interior is absolutely true.

It is embarrassing showing people your $50k car with a worse interior than a Kia.
Appreciate 0
      12-31-2013, 06:31 PM   #22
kas
New Member
2
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: Subaru Liberty
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

While some people don't place a priority on soft-touch plastics, this can be a real benefit at trade-in time. Hard plastic tends to scuff very easily which can make the car look more 'used'. Soft plastics have some 'give' when pressed and generally will not mark as easily. Car looks newer for longer, which benefits your resale value.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:38 AM.




2addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST