[bmbarclay]

So I'm currently leasing a 2014 Toyota 4Runner Trail and the lease ends in August 2017. I used to own an E90 328i M-Sport, Lemans blue over oyster. Long story short, I really miss my BMW. I like sitting up high in my 4Runner, and its a great ride but I miss the agility and handling of a real driver's car. I also miss the quality of BMW and the styling. So in light of my situation, I'm looking at a new lease on either a 328i, or a 428i coupe or gran coupe. I'm just beginning my research. I ordered my car last time and if I order another car I told myself I would plan on doing performance center delivery since I have family in South Carolina. F36 owners, I would really appreciate any advice you have or if you can tell me why you chose the gran coupe over the sedan, and sedan drivers, why you chose against the gran coupe. I also really told myself that I would get the bigger engine in then next car but its either a loaded 328/428i or a stripped 340/435i so I have a choice to make. Below are my pictures of my E90.

[mondaydriver]

Coming from hatchbacks and looking for a sedan as my next car, I was pretty quickly sold when I first learned that the F36 trunk was really more of a hatch. It's basically a sedan with the body style of a coupe and the trunk of a hatchback. For me that was a win-win-win, taking my favorite parts of each of those car types and combining them.

[goj]

I chose the 340i for the new engine and the 6speed manual.

[platty]

If I went back in time, and had a chance at finding CPO, I'd do the F36 Gran Couple M-sport with M-performance brakes.

[kadify]

The 3 series leases better than the 4, usually. That being said, I much prefer having an F36 rather than an F30 because of how much less common the 4 series is. Plus the 4 series feels a tad bit sportier to drive. Whenever I get a 3 series loaner, you can tell that it drives a bit different having a different body shape and high center of gravity, it is a bit more relaxing but the 4 series is a bit more engaging.

HOWEVER, the 3 series just got LCI updates and many of them are really nice (led headlights and taillights, new suspension tuning, somewhat different styling) that the 4 series is due for. I'd say unless you get a really good deal on a 4 series, I'd wait for the LCI or get a 3.

[icwhatudidthere]

You're over a year away from lease end? Or did you mean August 2016?

I just picked up a 435i Gran Coupe. Love the hatchback and the styling compared to the 340i.

That said, 440i's are appearing now in Europe. No word on when they'll be making the trip across the Atlantic. But if you're set on ordering, you'll want to find out when production will end for the 435.

[syenisch]

F36 easily. Looks better. More rare. More functional trunk.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by syenisch

F36 easily. Looks better. More rare. More functional trunk.

I am a huge fan of the F30. I own one! Haha! But the F36 is dead sexy, not as sexy as the six grand coupe, but pretty close....

BTW, it is rarer, not more rare! I had to man, I had to!

[goj]

Originally Posted by syenisch

F36 easily. Looks better. More rare. More functional trunk.

Only easy if you can't drive a manual

[syenisch]

Originally Posted by goj

Only easy if you can't drive a manual

True, good point. Unfortunately had to give up the manual this time around so it wasn't a big deal to me. Doesn't seem like the OP cares either though.

[syenisch]

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

I am a huge fan of the F30. I own one! Haha! But the F36 is dead sexy, not as sexy as the six grand coupe, but pretty close....

BTW, it is rarer, not more rare! I had to man, I had to!

You might want to check your sources. I don't believe it is ever wrong to say "more ____". However it can be wrong to just add an "er" (such as stupider). I couldn't be wrong though. Its bin nown 2 happin!

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by syenisch

You might want to check your sources. I don't believe it is ever wrong to say "more ____". However it can be wrong to just add an "er" (such as stupider). I couldn't be wrong though. Its bin nown 2 happin!

Your argument is invalid! You live in FL!

[JJS]

Originally Posted by syenisch

F36 easily. Looks better. More rare. More functional trunk.

The most functional F3X is the F31. Some even argue it the best looking. Shame USA does not get the 6-cylinder versions.

[metallicpea]

I vote F30. I personally think the sedan looks the best. I like the 4 doors unless you never, ever are going to have rear seat passengers. Even if only occasionally, I do not like coordinating rear seat access in a coupe. Also I just don't dig hatchbacks. And I don't have the need for the access - just use my wife's SUV. Sightlines are the worst, and the wagon is more practical, better looking and more rare - unfortuantely x-drive only or I would have seriously considered one.. So F30 or F31, although that wasn't in your original post.

That's why there are so many options, everyone has a different way of looking at it. Many think the GC is best of all, but from a different point of view it might be the biggest compromise of all. Ultimately, you need to decide what you like the best for your use and aesthetic. Just some points to consider.

[pjkbrit]

My 02c....whatever you do AVOID the 4 cylinder....it's harsh, noisy, unrefined and NOT BMW. Yes it's powerful, nicely weighted in the chassis and quite good on fuel on the highway, but if you expect the silky smooth 6 cylinder experience, spend the extra and don't make the mistake I made!
If you like diesel noises however.....

[CalCarNut]

I was standing next to my running 428..and the majority of the noise comes from the front..not any burbling from the tailpipes...which at idle, just puffs out the exhaust silently. I wouldn't say it sounds like a diesel but it certainly isn't impressive bone stock. Then again, it's just a turbo 4 as mentioned and not the renowned 6cyl.....

[pjkbrit]

Originally Posted by SoCalDave

I was standing next to my running 428..and the majority of the noise comes from the front..not any burbling from the tailpipes...which at idle, just puffs out the exhaust silently. I wouldn't say it sounds like a diesel but it certainly isn't impressive bone stock. Then again, it's just a turbo 4 as mentioned and not the renowned 6cyl.....

I also have a 1985 Saab Turbo....also just a turbo 4....sounds awesome right out the box.

The clattering at idle and the harsh roar under load is really not that sexy IMO. The car drives OK...but the 6 is the real deal

[CalCarNut]

Agreed. With gas (at that time when I bought my GC) heading for $5/gal, I 'forced' myself into going with a car that was going to burn less. I never even looked at a x35 model although I should have, especially since gas fell and is hovering in the $3/range roughly now.

[dalto]

We went 340 over 435GC primarily because of the LCI changes.

We liked the look of the F36 better but the new engine plus the other updates made the F30 seem like the better car.

[SleevedCoyote]

Originally Posted by bbarclay410

So I'm currently leasing a 2014 Toyota 4Runner Trail and the lease ends in August 2017. I used to own an E90 328i M-Sport, Lemans blue over oyster. Long story short, I really miss my BMW. I like sitting up high in my 4Runner, and its a great ride but I miss the agility and handling of a real driver's car. I also miss the quality of BMW and the styling. So in light of my situation, I'm looking at a new lease on either a 328i, or a 428i coupe or gran coupe. I'm just beginning my research. I ordered my car last time and if I order another car I told myself I would plan on doing performance center delivery since I have family in South Carolina. F36 owners, I would really appreciate any advice you have or if you can tell me why you chose the gran coupe over the sedan, and sedan drivers, why you chose against the gran coupe. I also really told myself that I would get the bigger engine in then next car but its either a loaded 328/428i or a stripped 340/435i so I have a choice to make. Below are my pictures of my E90.

I would get a stripped 340/435, yea the options may be nice, but remember more electronics = more things to go wrong.

[Jay757]

F36 FTW!

When I heard BMW was making a 4 Series Gran Coupé a couple years ago and I seen the pics I knew I wanted it.

Like others have said, it's drop dead gorgeous and it's a hatchback that makes extremely good use of the available space it has.

Call me crazy but IMHO the F36 also looks better than the F32 as well.

No more talking here's a pic of mine.

[Jay757]

Just because.... Here's one more pic to really show you how amazing the lines look on the F36...