Looking for some advice: 328i coupe or sedan

[mihalis]

I can't believe it, but it has been almost 5 years since I bought my Accord, therefore I got my monies worth as it has 94,500 miles on it and besides regural maintenance, nothing major has occured. I've been craving to get back into a new/used BMW since I bought the Accord, but I always knew the $mart decision was to just keep it. Things are going okay, where I can entertain leasing a new BMW or possibly purchasing one for about $25K. Problem is, in a recession, used car prices are high, new car prices are low. Anyway, to the point.

Believe or not, here in NE you cannot find a BMW in a stick, and if you do, it it is most likely xdrive. I have located a couple of options. A 328i sedan manual with Moonroof and heated seats/steering wheel. Then I found a 328i coupe with Moonroof and heated seats. Both cars come with the Value Package, but I'm pushing more towards the coupe as it comes with the sport steering wheel, sport suspension, and power seats standard. I used to own a 330ci, so I'm not concerned about not having two more doors, just wanted to get everyone's opinion about the driving differences between the sedan and the coupe. Problem is, both cars are an hour away, in opposite directions on top of that, so it is not like I can just go to the dealer and test drive both :(

[floydr]

...
Believe or not, here in NE you cannot find a BMW in a stick, and if you do, it it is most likely xdrive. I have located a couple of options. A 328i sedan manual with Moonroof and heated seats/steering wheel. Then I found a 328i coupe with Moonroof and heated seats. Both cars come with the Value Package, but I'm pushing more towards the coupe as it comes with the sport steering wheel, sport suspension, and power seats standard. I used to own a 330ci, so I'm not concerned about not having two more doors, just wanted to get everyone's opinion about the driving differences between the sedan and the coupe. Problem is, both cars are an hour away, in opposite directions on top of that, so it is not like I can just go to the dealer and test drive both.

There is no difference in their dynamics; the sports package will be the only difference - sharper steering, possibly more bumpy ride with a sports package. The coupe is -slightly- lower, but not enough to really matter in terms of body roll.

[328xi0wner]

Don't know how much this helps but I own a 328xi coupe and the handling is great. I got a 4 door 328i and the handling was definitely not as reassuring as my coupe. I was not very happy with it. Then again it's hard to compare because the loaner wasn't a x drive.

[mihalis]

thanks for the feedback. Like I said, I'm leaning more toward the coupe, but the sedan would be nice to have in case we have a baby one of these years or we travel with a small fifth person. Then again, when I had my 330ci, a car seat fit just fine in the back and it was pretty easy access. Also, we have my wife's Mazda CX-9, so it will never be an issue.

Another plus with the coupe is that it comes standard with xenon lights as well. If the coupe just had the sport seats, it would be perfect...but I guess I can look for a racing seat down the line. They have about a $3k difference in MSRP, but I feel you get more with the coupe, just not sure if it is $3k more.

[engineer 2140]

well obviously the coupe is a fun drive. but i would say that sedan is a nice option in terms of practicality and possible baby in future. the xenon light is a definite plus. but such upgrades are available for the sedan as well. i guess it really depends on your preference with the style of the car and its performance.

[AlexanderE90]

I own an E90 sedan and as far as looks go, I much prefer my buddy's 328ci to my car. Performance wise the difference is not that obvious, and the sedan is more convenient, but i think the coupe is a much prettier car.

[gsbeto]

My sedan fits me like a glove.

[in transit]

I got a sedan because it's easier to put stuff in the back seat and I occasionally have a third passenger. As far as handling, I'm very happy with it when it comes to hugging on/off ramps, but that is the extent of my performance driving on the streets.

[mihalis]

From what I've read, the sport suspension makes a difference. The sedan I've found does not come with the sports package, therefore it has standard suspension, and the coupe comes standard with sports suspension. The sports steering wheel is a nice touch, not a deal breaker, and also the xenon's. I terms of being more practical, I agree the sedan is the one. If the two cars were not so damn far away from each other, it would make my life a lot easier as I would test drive both of them.

[MartzMimic]

If you've narrowed your choices to these two, bite the bullet and go take a look at both. In an Accord, gas shouldn't be too much of an issues, and in the long run, it'll be less time than you spend for the next 4-5 wondering, "what if..."

[robertmac305]

get what you want..dont worry about price...if you cant afford it..then dont go for it..if you could..do it...get what you want because you dont want to be unhappy..and the what if story...i went from a 4 door 328i to a 2 door 335i..never once do i miss the 4 dr...but when i had the 4dr i was like why didnt i go with the 335i and it was a burden...till i did the change..

[MPRs]

I went from driving a S2000 to a 328xi sedan. It doesn't quite handle like a roadster but it hugs the road nicely and I have no complaints (other than the auto trans). I bought a sedan because I (my wife) will be having kids in the near future so I wanted something nice, reliable, driveable in snow, and also practical...328xi sedan. I can't say for sure I would go with a coupe if I didnt have obstacles forcing my decision. When I see the coupe on the road they look huge to me for some reason, like the length of a lincoln town car or something. Get what you need and want, you have to live with it for the next few years. Do not settle or let others decide for you. If you buy the wrong car you will be kicking yourself in the a$$ every time you look at the car.

[dbubs]

I've owned both an e90 and now a 335 coupe. Was a little concerned Before I got the coupe about rear space- but I hardly ever have rear passengers an honestly it seems just as roomy leg wise. My rear seats fold down on the coupe so I can fit More in the trunk then I ever could in the e90. But the fact of the matter is go with what you want and will suit your needs. Not with what people you don't know tell you to get. Now for my opinion. As for the drive- 335 coupe with sports package is night and day. Power and handling times ten. And I thought the 325 e90 had good handling when I first got that.

[in transit]

You said you don't need the two extra doors so I think you answered your question.

[Philz BMW]

I think 4 door cars are the most practical, even if it's just you driving it. So easy to just toss stuff in the back seat if need be (I hate having crap on the passenger seat). Also, if you do need to transport other people it is much more convenient.

That said, I have a coupe and like it just fine. My wife drives a big SUV and if we do need to travel or go somewhere to pick up crap (mulch, groceries, other crap) we use it. My daughter is older so even if we take the coupe instead of the SUV it's no biggie for all of us to "squeeze" in. Besides, I'm driving so I really don't give a damn about the people in the back or their disposition, I'm good to go!

If I was going to have a baby, I'd probably reconsider a coupe...then again I'm selfish and would probably make my wife keep the baby seat all the time in her rig. My car is just that....MINE. We'll carry that pooping throw up device (baby) in YOUR car. No, you can't drive mine. lol

Good luck.

[mryakan]

If I was going to have a baby, I'd probably reconsider a coupe...then again I'm selfish and would probably make my wife keep the baby seat all the time in her rig. My car is just that....MINE. We'll carry that pooping throw up device (baby) in YOUR car. No, you can't drive mine. lol

Good luck.
Trust me, if you have a baby and get the coupe, you will hate yourself, and I am talking from a selfish point of view too. It is a pain in the royal behind to get out, fold the seat and then get the seat in only to do the opposite every time you need to drop of your kid anywhere. I lived with it for 7 years and hates that part every single time, esp. come winter time, although I kept lying to myself and saying it is ok. Only after getting the sedan and seeing how much easier it is to get the kids (and occasional passengers) in the back that I realized how misguided I was.
Now if you only transport the kid/passengers on a very infrequent basis, then the pain is probably tolerable, but it is a pain nonetheless.

[bimmerlvr77]

wait on the baby....get the coupe! lol

[bigturk]

We got a 17 month old and bought an 06 330i sedan. Great family sports sedan for the cost, performance, handling, and traveling.