Soon to be new owner but cant decide between...

gen2c4s · 01-02-2011, 01:32 PM

...Coupe or saloon. I will be leasing so want to keep options to a minimum but DCT will be on, bluetooth and telematics and heated seats. 4 doors would be good but we have an E70 X5 so I can cope with a coupe.
I really wanted EDC as I can have in on soft when our 17 mth is in the car and normal when hes not.
My main query is that saloon is shorter than the coupe so where do loose the room in a saloon? Is it in the boot? Somethings got to give if the wheel base is the same yet the saloon is shorter?
Many thanks and Hi.

ersin · 01-02-2011, 02:11 PM

You don't lose anything with the saloon. Well, maybe the longer coupe doors with the foldout door pocket. Or the subtle red light-strip on the door.

You won't be giving anything up in performance either. And except for feeling that you sit up higher in the saloon, both models feel the same way driving. The saloon is easier to get into and out and there's more room in the back seat. It may be shorter, but it's wider and taller than the coupe.

Cheers.

Gkap · 01-02-2011, 02:13 PM

coupe.

donovan · 01-02-2011, 04:06 PM

Family? 4 Door because the wife wont shut up if she doesnt have enough space.
Single and still "getting it in" Coupe because its sexier and you dont need 4 doors because that only brings unwanted extra company.

ss134 · 01-02-2011, 04:26 PM

The only reason to choose the coupe is if you prefer the looks - the saloon does everything exactly the same but can seat 5 - the boot size is almost identical for both cars around 430 litres.

sensi09 · 01-02-2011, 04:35 PM

In terms of looks, I prefer the rear and rear 3/4 of the sedan, but the side profile of the coupe.

Benz-n-Bimmers · 01-02-2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donovan

Family? 4 Door because the wife wont shut up if she doesnt have enough space.
Single and still "getting it in" Coupe because its sexier and you dont need 4 doors because that only brings unwanted extra company.

100% spot on and concise assessment.

NYCMCBM3 · 01-02-2011, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensi09

In terms of looks, I prefer the rear and rear 3/4 of the sedan, but the side profile of the coupe.

+1

JPatrick · 01-02-2011, 04:47 PM

I decided on the sedan mostly for convenience. Those extra 2 doors, for everyday use, are more convenient (IMO) for tossing stuff in the back seat and for the occasional back seat passenger. I love the carbon roof on the coupe but that was not enough to sway me to buy one. I like the looks of both but the practicality of the sedan won the day. If it were not going to be my daily driver I would have opt'ed for the coupe.

BCA · 01-02-2011, 04:56 PM

This topic has been beaten to death but as I was thinking about what to say it occurred to me that the only thing (and I mean the ONLY thing) that I like better about the coupe is that it is available with a CF roof. I'd still get the sedan again for sure, though.

OP, one other consideration in your situation is that it may be cheaper to lease a coupe because the residuals have been a bit higher on the coupes lately. Good luck with your choice.

jonasaurus · 01-02-2011, 05:08 PM

Can't remember which thread where this was discussed so don't quote me on it but rear leg room suffers a tiny bit in the sedan compared to the coupe if my memory serves me right also more head and shoulder room in the sedan. That being said the coupe is slightly longer (4615mm vs 4580mm).

Boot capacity is marginally more in the sedan too (450L vs 430L)...

Guess given you have other options to drive you could do coupe so may well be an aesthetics choice?

BobsM3Coupe · 01-02-2011, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shift@red

I prefer the coupe from any angle, but if you already have an X5, I say get the coupe.

+1. Unlike a previous post above, I find it's easier to get into the front seat of the coupe since the front door is longer than the sedan and therefore the door opening is larger. Also when I was in a M3 sedan, I felt like I was riding on the car (higher seating position) compared to riding in the car (more sports car like position). I also don't care for the looks of the sedan from the A pillar back.

PKL · 01-02-2011, 05:44 PM

The coupe looks infinitely better than the sedan and anyone who says otherwise is out of it!

GregW / Oregon · 01-02-2011, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKL

The coupe looks infinitely better than the sedan and anyone who says otherwise is out of it!

That's my opinion, too, but for anyone with small kids I say get the sedan.

kaykay · 01-02-2011, 05:57 PM

The coupe looks better, that's for sure.

If you already have an X5, get the coupe. Otherwise, with family and all, get the sedan.

BimmerM · 01-02-2011, 07:11 PM

If you plan to travel with your child in the back you might appreciate having rear doors in the sedan as well as being able to strap your child seat in the middle.

On the coupe theres no middle seat back there.

I have a child as well but I got the coupe as that is what "I" like. I know thats selfish but my child can enjoy the exhaust note from the other v8 (my X5 4.8is). My child will not be traveling in my M3

.

I say go with what is more practical for your family if they will be traveling in your M3.

Crazy Bimmer · 01-02-2011, 07:31 PM

M3 sedan is more unique compared to the 3series.

M3 coupe looks too similar to the 3series.

AlterZgo · 01-02-2011, 07:36 PM

The E92 is one of the most practical sport coupes you can get (unless you absolutely need the middle rear seat position to seat 5 people. I have 2 young kids in booster seats and it's very easy to pop the seats forward, have them climb in and one can buckle himself while I still have to buckle the other one. Not a problem at all compared to the 4 door sedan I previously had.

llis · 01-02-2011, 08:04 PM

I drove both and chose the coupe. The saloon felt like there was just more space behind me. Maybe that's real, maybe not, just a feeling. The coupe has a surprising amount of legroom, though. While getting in and out is not as easy as with a 4-door, I did have a friend who's 6'5" sit in back in complete comfort.

Other thoughts:

Saloon - lower cost, lower resale, but perhaps more valuable with no M5 on the market, still can get ZCP, just as fast, about the same weight, looks hawt!

Coupe - if you're getting a car designed for racing, get the design for racing, lots of room (but no center back sitting area), looks hawt!

Ultimately, though, the M3 is such that it has no grass-is-greener aspect. The one you love is the one you're driving right then at that moment. Whichever way you go, you'll love it!

OC3 · 01-02-2011, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donovan

Family? 4 Door because the wife wont shut up if she doesnt have enough space.
Single and still "getting it in" Coupe because its sexier and you dont need 4 doors because that only brings unwanted extra company.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensi09

In terms of looks, I prefer the rear and rear 3/4 of the sedan, but the side profile of the coupe.

^^+1

01-02-2011, 01:32 PM	#1
gen2c4s New Member 2 Rep 14 Posts Drives: X5 xdrive 3.0d m sport Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: uk iTrader: (0)	Soon to be new owner but cant decide between... ...Coupe or saloon. I will be leasing so want to keep options to a minimum but DCT will be on, bluetooth and telematics and heated seats. 4 doors would be good but we have an E70 X5 so I can cope with a coupe. I really wanted EDC as I can have in on soft when our 17 mth is in the car and normal when hes not. My main query is that saloon is shorter than the coupe so where do loose the room in a saloon? Is it in the boot? Somethings got to give if the wheel base is the same yet the saloon is shorter? Many thanks and Hi.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-02-2011, 02:11 PM	#2
ersin Brigadier General 126 Rep 4,144 Posts Drives: 17 YMB F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (1)	You don't lose anything with the saloon. Well, maybe the longer coupe doors with the foldout door pocket. Or the subtle red light-strip on the door. You won't be giving anything up in performance either. And except for feeling that you sit up higher in the saloon, both models feel the same way driving. The saloon is easier to get into and out and there's more room in the back seat. It may be shorter, but it's wider and taller than the coupe. Cheers. __________________ 2017 F80 YMB.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 02:13 PM	#3
Gkap BMF Movement 51 Rep 3,024 Posts Drives: Women Crazy Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: GTA iTrader: (1)	coupe.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 04:06 PM	#4
donovan Brigadier General 371 Rep 4,167 Posts Drives: R8 - Ford Raptor Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: National iTrader: (17)	Family? 4 Door because the wife wont shut up if she doesnt have enough space. Single and still "getting it in" Coupe because its sexier and you dont need 4 doors because that only brings unwanted extra company. __________________ Audi R8 v10 Ford Raptor m3e46freak@yahoo.comfor all euro parts!! ebay/craigslist verified/ m3post/e46fanantics/m3forum/zpost/bimmerforum
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 04:26 PM	#5
ss134 Brigadier General 230 Rep 3,899 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Germany/UK iTrader: (1)	The only reason to choose the coupe is if you prefer the looks - the saloon does everything exactly the same but can seat 5 - the boot size is almost identical for both cars around 430 litres. __________________ 2014 AW F80 M3 DCT 2011 AW E90 M3 DCT - Sold 2010 JZB E90 M3 DCT - Sold 2009 6MT E90 LCI 335i M -Sport - Sold Last edited by ss134; 01-02-2011 at 04:42 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 04:35 PM	#6
sensi09 Lieutenant Colonel 30 Rep 1,789 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: socal iTrader: (1)	In terms of looks, I prefer the rear and rear 3/4 of the sedan, but the side profile of the coupe.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 04:47 PM	#9
JPatrick Private First Class 11 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 2011.5 E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [0.00] 1998 BMW M3 [0.00]	I decided on the sedan mostly for convenience. Those extra 2 doors, for everyday use, are more convenient (IMO) for tossing stuff in the back seat and for the occasional back seat passenger. I love the carbon roof on the coupe but that was not enough to sway me to buy one. I like the looks of both but the practicality of the sedan won the day. If it were not going to be my daily driver I would have opt'ed for the coupe. __________________ 2011.5 E90 M3 - Space Gray/Extended Fox Red Leather/Sycamore Anthracite Trim, DCT, ZCP, everything except Moon Roof
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 04:56 PM	#10
BCA Captain 21 Rep 793 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (1)	This topic has been beaten to death but as I was thinking about what to say it occurred to me that the only thing (and I mean the ONLY thing) that I like better about the coupe is that it is available with a CF roof. I'd still get the sedan again for sure, though. OP, one other consideration in your situation is that it may be cheaper to lease a coupe because the residuals have been a bit higher on the coupes lately. Good luck with your choice. __________________ 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S 2019 Porsche Cayenne Past BMWs: 2015 M3, 2014 550i, 2013 M3 ZCP, 2012 535i, 2011 E90 335i, 2009 E90 M3, 2008 X5, 2006 330i, 2004 330i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 05:08 PM	#11
jonasaurus Brigadier General 76 Rep 3,178 Posts Drives: E90 M3 [Sold] Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Can't remember which thread where this was discussed so don't quote me on it but rear leg room suffers a tiny bit in the sedan compared to the coupe if my memory serves me right also more head and shoulder room in the sedan. That being said the coupe is slightly longer (4615mm vs 4580mm). Boot capacity is marginally more in the sedan too (450L vs 430L)... Guess given you have other options to drive you could do coupe so may well be an aesthetics choice? __________________ ///M3 \| E90 LCI \| Space Grey \| Fox Red with CF Structure \| 6MT \| 260M \| My build
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 05:44 PM	#13
PKL Brigadier General 848 Rep 3,274 Posts Drives: 2020 M4, 2022 X6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Fernando Valley iTrader: (1)	The coupe looks infinitely better than the sedan and anyone who says otherwise is out of it! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 05:57 PM	#15
kaykay Lieutenant Colonel 90 Rep 1,769 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E93 328i Conve ... [9.50] 2011 E92 M3 ZCP [8.66] 2008 550i Sport [10.00]	The coupe looks better, that's for sure. If you already have an X5, get the coupe. Otherwise, with family and all, get the sedan. __________________ '12 CLS550 Palladium Silver - loaded '11 E92 M3 ZCP - SG/B-EXT/CF, M-DCT, loaded '11 E93 328i, BSM over Saddle Brown, sport, loaded '08 550i M-Sport, Carbon Black (Gone but not forgotten), '06 W211 E55 AMG (Gone, miss this animal),'01 E39 540i Sport
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 07:11 PM	#16
BimmerM Lieutenant 98 Rep 525 Posts Drives: '21 F95 X5 M C, '11.5 E92 M3 C Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW X5 M [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	If you plan to travel with your child in the back you might appreciate having rear doors in the sedan as well as being able to strap your child seat in the middle. On the coupe theres no middle seat back there. I have a child as well but I got the coupe as that is what "I" like. I know thats selfish but my child can enjoy the exhaust note from the other v8 (my X5 4.8is). My child will not be traveling in my M3 . I say go with what is more practical for your family if they will be traveling in your M3. __________________ Drives: '11.5 Interlagos Blue E92 M3 Comp, '21 F95 X5 M Comp DIYs: Enable Rear Fog \| Easy Side Gill Replacement \| Front Grill Replacement
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 07:31 PM	#17
Crazy Bimmer The Jesal 391 Rep 5,859 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago IL iTrader: (20) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	M3 sedan is more unique compared to the 3series. M3 coupe looks too similar to the 3series. __________________ 2009 E90 M3 - SOLD
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 07:36 PM	#18
AlterZgo Lieutenant Colonel 1538 Rep 1,665 Posts Drives: 23 X3 M40i, 21 911S, 24 Taycan Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (0)	The E92 is one of the most practical sport coupes you can get (unless you absolutely need the middle rear seat position to seat 5 people. I have 2 young kids in booster seats and it's very easy to pop the seats forward, have them climb in and one can buckle himself while I still have to buckle the other one. Not a problem at all compared to the 4 door sedan I previously had.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-02-2011, 08:04 PM	#19
llis octane chick 79 Rep 1,187 Posts Drives: ex-M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 ZCP [10.00] 2003 BMW M5 [0.00]	I drove both and chose the coupe. The saloon felt like there was just more space behind me. Maybe that's real, maybe not, just a feeling. The coupe has a surprising amount of legroom, though. While getting in and out is not as easy as with a 4-door, I did have a friend who's 6'5" sit in back in complete comfort. Other thoughts: Saloon - lower cost, lower resale, but perhaps more valuable with no M5 on the market, still can get ZCP, just as fast, about the same weight, looks hawt! Coupe - if you're getting a car designed for racing, get the design for racing, lots of room (but no center back sitting area), looks hawt! Ultimately, though, the M3 is such that it has no grass-is-greener aspect. The one you love is the one you're driving right then at that moment. Whichever way you go, you'll love it!
	Appreciate 0 Quote