[Smiller155]

So I spent the last 4 months obsessing about the Gran Coupe, tracking my car 5 times a day, and reading every thread and looking at every pic I could find on the internet. Got my 435 Gran Coupe a month ago and have been driving it every chance I get. Its great, but...

My 2011 3 series vert was just more fun to drive, period. It was more primitive in looks, technology and ride, but it had a much sportier feel (even with the top up). The GC is just a bit too refined a drive for me. Its very practical with shorter doors, 4 doors, and large hatchback, but feels larger than it is. The kids like the back seat better, but I preferred sitting higher in the vert. Maybe I am crazy, but the vert always put a smile on my face, especially with the top down.

Its only a 3 year lease, but I sort of regret not getting another vert. My problem was that when I got the vert in 2011, the prices a money factor were low so I got a great deal. This time, I would have had to drop down to the 428 vert with limited options. So instead, I went for the sexy new model GC with all the options I wanted. The GC is fun to drive but not as fun as the vert.

[xG35c]

My previous car was an E90 335 and I feel the same way - except I ended up with a 428GC with the standard suspension due to higher prices and minimal discount and the need to be first on the block. I thought a car equipped like yours would be about ideal, you would probably think mine's a Camry!
Maybe DHP is the answer?

[tuned2ride]

F3X = Volvo-ized 3-series.

[chylld]

well the vert definitely looks easier to park

[Apl440i or 335d?]

Yep, can see your point and 100% agree.

The F30x is not as fun as the E9x, it's just too refined and grown-up for it's own good!

[Pro]

Originally Posted by chylld

well the vert definitely looks easier to park

[Saphirschwarz]

Originally Posted by chylld

well the vert definitely looks easier to park

[GOLFFRR]

interesting jump of cars. We don't see to many people go from verts to 4 doors. I can see how this would be a big change.

on a side note, its tough to argue the amazing looks the 4GC has, I personally love that car in every way.

[DocB]

Are those 19" Orbits on your 435GC?

[dubdemand]

Originally Posted by DocB

Are those 19" Orbits on your 435GC?

Orbit grey are darker.

Lovely car OP! Sorry it isn't quite what you hoped for! I'll be coming from my current E92 but wonder if I'll notice as much of a difference with mine as both engines will be the 2.0 diesel

[AstonKarim]

Well color your combination on the GC is far superior to your previous 335

[RoundelM3]

This is why my wife and I have a 128i M-Sport convertible and a 335i M-Sport sedan...best of both worlds.

[rjpeaks]

was your convertible a stick?

[ZilberGrau ZHP]

BMW makes such a large range of vehicles now that they dont drive the same at all-
I will say that these are two extremely different ones in so many ways. I can see where you would prefer one over the other. The GC looks so perfect to me though?

[King Bimmer]

The secret sauce is DHP. My car drives better than the 2001 DINAN 3 that I had.

-King

[GMe90]

I think it's undisputed at this point that the e9# series is a better driver's car and more fun to drive than the f3# series. The f3# is much softer, bigger, and more disconnected from the road.

[W_K_C]

Originally Posted by King Bimmer

The secret sauce is DHP. My car drives better than the 2001 DINAN 3 that I had.

-King

[MikeVictor]

Originally Posted by GMe90

I think it's undisputed at this point that the e9# series is a better driver's car and more fun to drive than the f3# series. The f3# is much softer, bigger, and more disconnected from the road.

I'll dispute that. Having put the E9x M3 and F8x M3/4 around the track I'd take the F series any day. I found the 428 superior in balance and lap times to the e92 325 as well.

OP - the colour combo of your GC looks very nice IMO, I quite like it. I can see how you might be left with a little buyers remorse however, as convertibles are very much a lifestyle choice that doesn't crossover. I think you'll come to really like your GC in time however. I came from a 2 door coupe to my loaded 328i and I have to say I still can't think of swapping it after two years, which is unusual for me

[CE750Jockey]

Originally Posted by Ze4eMCe

BMW makes such a large range of vehicles now that they dont drive the same at all-
I will say that these are two extremely different ones in so many ways. I can see where you would prefer one over the other. The GC looks so perfect to me though?

This. You can only slice the onion so thin. The range is so large now, that the left side of the spectrum barely resembles the right side. So while there's now "something for everyone", you better do your research and make the right combo decision or you'll be left wanting.

Example: I'm going from a 328xi Modern, to a 428 'vert Sport. These cars while "similar", really aren't. I know the 'vert is heavier and slower, so I'm chipping the car and adding the Sportline and DHP, otherwise, I'd be left with a good looking 'vert that's drives like a truck.

[GMe90]

Originally Posted by Dabaitu

I'll dispute that. Having put the E9x M3 and F8x M3/4 around the track I'd take the F series any day. I found the 428 superior in balance and lap times to the e92 325 as well.

OP - the colour combo of your GC looks very nice IMO, I quite like it. I can see how you might be left with a little buyers remorse however, as convertibles are very much a lifestyle choice that doesn't crossover. I think you'll come to really like your GC in time however. I came from a 2 door coupe to my loaded 328i and I have to say I still can't think of swapping it after two years, which is unusual for me

I wasn't aware that an e92 325i existed.

[BC4J]

Originally Posted by chylld

well the vert definitely looks easier to park

[metrathon]

Why does your GC sit so high? Take a look at the wheel gap difference between the vert and the GC. It must be at least an inch.