[Taipei-TT]

This is a car I never thought I would love....and now....

I currently drive a 2011 E92 and quite love it. However, after being hit by a car while cycling, I have a lower back injury that makes my leg numb in the low seating position of my coupe. Hence, I'm looking for a new solution so that my car will not delay my full recovery. (Anything close to the correct position for me in the e92 means hitting my head. The seats are also simply too low, giving me a bad knee angle...yep...old guy problems! )

I'm 6 feet tall, 162 pounds to give a size reference. I also have two kids, and regularly travel with my tri-bike in the car, as I don't dare put my baby on my Thule roof rack. I am between the 320i and the X3 2.0D. (no diesel available for GT in Taiwan. I don't drive fast anymore (save that for the bike!) so both engines are enough for how I drive.

I think the seating position is marginally better (as in more upright) in the X3, but in all other respects the GT wins hands down.

What am I missing that has led me to the conclusion of buying this odd contraption that seems to be the perfect vehicle for my needs? Owners, please share your impressions before and after you bought the car! Any surprises, both good and bad?

[bavarianboar]

Can you test drive these cars in Taiwan? That may help find the answer!

[norwegianE46]

I came from an E46 I adored, to buying a GT this June. 8500 kilometers and I am still in love. Am still experimenting with the seating height, as the scope seems a lot wider than on the F30 we also considered, whether you want the extra height or stay low. And I'm 6'2!
Try it and you won't look back, the extra space is brilliant and the proportions are a lot more sporty in real life than on pictures.
Pictures of my Midnight blue one on another post here..

[norwegianE46]

I am however considering retro-fitting M-sport dampers and springs... But not sure. The comfort is cossetting, but you notice the increased mass in the bends if you are inclined to do some spirited driving.

[Sp82]

it's ugly....that should be enough talking out of

[Richbot]

You're right on. There's nothing the X3 does that the GT doesn't do better except for ground clearance rear headroom and a tall cargo hold. Solution: tip your cargo over

The GT has better better dynamics, better efficiency, and you can fit a longer piece of wood in it

[norwegianE46]

Originally Posted by Richbot

You're right on. There's nothing the X3 does that the GT doesn't do better except for ground clearance rear headroom and a tall cargo hold. Solution: tip your cargo over

The GT has better better dynamics, better efficiency, and you can fit a longer piece of wood in it

Some of our own arguments right there..:-) and living with it proves it

[allachie9]

Some interesting parallels here Taipei !
I drove an E92 325i SE Coupe for 3 years until September, and just loved it.
I'm getting old (but aren't we all), am 6 feet tall and weigh a little more than I should, and a little more than you !
I ordered the F34 328i Luxury in June and picked it up in September.

See here http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=884601

I loved the 325 Coupe, thought it was the prettiest BMW I've had, and was reluctant to part with it.

But . . . . this F34 is absolutely brilliant. I just love it and know I made the right choice. I really enjoy the higher seating position (and getting in and out), and the space is, for me just perfect.

So my advice . . . Go For It !

[allachie9]

Originally Posted by Richbot

. . . . . . . and you can fit a longer piece of wood in it

Brilliant

What better reason

[gtman]

that thing is ugly

[norwegianE46]

Originally Posted by gtman

that thing is ugly

Well.... That begs the question: Why are you on the F34 part of the forum then .?

[Richbot]

Originally Posted by norwegianE46

Well.... That begs the question: Why are you on the F34 part of the forum then .?

Because haters gonna hate! Best to ignore the trolls

[norwegianE46]

Originally Posted by Richbot

Because haters gonna hate! Best to ignore the trolls

Hahaha :-)

[Joyrdr]

Originally Posted by gtman

that thing is ugly

Everyone has a BMW that fits their lifestyle and current situation. For me this is an awesome car that fits what I need. It fulfills my responsibilities as a father, hauling my kids and groceries or bags around. It fulfills my business or road trip needs when traveling to carry other adults and suitcases and it fulfills my inner adolescent urges to burn up the autobahn in my 335 GT. So you see dear sir, I could have just bought an M5 instead, but the adult in me had to make a compromise and think of my responsibilities. I really didn't want a station wagon (touring) and really didn't want to sacrifice driving agility by getting an X something. So enough of the damn negativity already. Have a great day and troll else where.

[GunnerYank]

Originally Posted by Joyrdr

Everyone has a BMW that fits their lifestyle and current situation. For me this is an awesome car that fits what I need. It fulfills my responsibilities as a father, hauling my kids and groceries or bags around. It fulfills my business or road trip needs when traveling to carry other adults and suitcases and it fulfills my inner adolescent urges to burn up the autobahn in my 335 GT. So you see dear sir, I could have just bought an M5 instead, but the adult in me had to make a compromise and think of my responsibilities. I really didn't want a station wagon (touring) and really didn't want to sacrifice driving agility by getting an X something. So enough of the damn negativity already. Have a great day and troll else where.

Couldn't have said it better! Exactly why I bought one, and exactly why I love driving it so far.

[norwegianE46]

Originally Posted by GunnerYank

Couldn't have said it better! Exactly why I bought one, and exactly why I love driving it so far.

Ditto

[3M TAPE]

Originally Posted by Sp82

it's ugly....that should be enough talking out of

Says the guy who has F25 X3

Anyways, I fell in love with 3GT when it first came out, still debating which one is better touring or gt

[Sp82]

Originally Posted by Double Bubble

Says the guy who has F25 X3

Anyways, I fell in love with 3GT when it first came out, still debating which one is better touring or gt

Lol no ... That would be the wife's , and besides-- would take that over the shape of any BMW GT model-- anyday. Title states " talk me out of" this... And i was stating MY opinion. So i may have a F25 x3 or whatever else you dont like.. If you dont agree thats your choice!

[Germancarnut]

Is it that some people who have a 'problem' with the GT design felt invited by the title of the post?

It's obvious that there are a few who think that it's still popular to bash anything GT in the BMW line-up. My prediction is it will fall out of fashion once more F34's hit the streets.

But you can't really argue taste. I for example find a mainstream car like the last Mercedes C-class far uglier than heavily criticized models such as the 5GT or Panamera, but who cares? You buy what you like and move on.

That being said, having nothing better to do than forum trolling speaks for itself.

[Germancarnut]

Taipei-TT: Test-drive it if you can. We didn't, but we are still very happy with our choice.

The biggest plus of the car size-wise is the rear seating space, which is phenomenal. That together with the total amount of cargo space with the seats folded, without having a boxy shape.

I was a little bit surprised by the softer than expected chassis feel, even with the DHP. I got used to it and drive mostly in sport mode; my wife loves the standard set-up in comfort.

The ride height is perfect and allows easy entry for young kids.

Good luck with your decision!

[benready]

Originally Posted by gtman

that thing is ugly

It's not all that bad. Took this earlier today..

[Joyrdr]

I love how mine looks :-)