The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is a polarizing car for BMW enthusiasts. While objectively not a bad car, there’s a recurring sentiment that it doesn’t feel like a proper BMW. Then there’s the matter of cost, as the new 2er isn’t exactly cheap, despite being an entry-level model. So I thought I’d take a look at what could be had on the used market for far less money and, today, we’re going to take a look at the E90 3 Series.
To be perfectly honest, this came about after reading Car and Driver’s review of the BMW 228i Gran Coupe (which you should read because it’s interesting). In it, Csaba Csere referenced his old 2007 BMW 335i a few times in comparison. So that got me thinking — how exactly does a 2er GC stack up against the E90? That’s when I took a quick look at their specs.
Since it’s been ages since I’d last drive an E90, I can only truly compare these cars on paper. However, there are a few things about its driving dynamics that I can remember, for a bit of reference. Anyway, let’s begin.
The first thing that really sparked my interest was C&D’s claim that the 2 Series wasn’t really much smaller than the old 3 Series. Turns out, that’s true. In fact, the 2er is actually a fraction of an inch longer than the E90 sedan, with the 2 Series stretching out to 178.2 inches (4,526 mm) and the E90 at 178 inches (4,520 mm). So they’re about as long as one another.
Despite being the same length, the E90 BMW 3 Series actually has a longer wheelbase, at 109 inches (2,760 mm) versus the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s 105.1 inches (2,760 mm). Credit that extra wheelbase length to the E90’s rear-wheel drive nature. Now, typically, front-wheel drive chassis offer better interior space than their rear-wheel drive counterparts. However, according to C&D, that’s not the case, as the 2 Series has less back seat space than the old E90 3 Series. I will say that the 2er has a bigger trunk.
Though, the 2 Series is marginally wider, at 70.1 inches (1,800 mm) versus the E90 at 70 inches (1,780 mm). That’s not enough to make a real difference on the inside but it’s worth noting that the supposedly small car is actually a touch wider than a 3 Series from not too long ago, without providing any more interior space.
So despite being the same length and actually a touch wider, the 2 Series Gran Coupe has a shorter wheelbase and less interior space than the E90 3 Series. But what about price?
Obviously the E90 3er is going to be significantly cheaper, as it’s almost a decade old already, even in its newest model year. However, what about when it was new? According to Car Gurus, the E90 BMW 328i sedan started at $33,095. When adjusted for inflation, that makes it $41,289 in today’s money. What about the 2 Series? In America, the BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe starts at $38,495, barely any less than what the adjusted price of the 3er would be.
So for around the same money, the E90 BMW 328i offered more interior space, a more fun rear-wheel drive chassis and a six-cylinder engine. While the 228i Gran Coupe has less interior space, only four-cylinders and isn’t as nice to drive. That’s a pretty huge win for the E90.
However, the new 2er does fight back. While down on cylinders, the 228i Gran Coupe actually makes around the same power and more torque, at 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Compare that to an E90 BMW 328i with 230 hp and just 200 torques and the new car will walk away from the old one. In fact, the 2 Series is a lot quicker, hitting 60 mph in 5.1 seconds versus the E90 328i’s 6.0 seconds flat. Thank turbocharging for that.
The 2 Series is also more fuel efficient, produces less emissions and features far better cabin technology and safety. That’s just the nature of it’s time, as the E90 was developed during a time of looser emissions and safety regulations. Though, I’d argue that its increased efficiency is outweighed by its high price tag.
Where the BMW 328i claws back in terms of performance is in its intangibles. Sure, the 2 Series is quicker but the 3 Series will sound better, feel better and thrill you more, even in a straight line. The 2.0 liter turbo-four of the 2 Series is a great engine but it has nothing on a brilliant, naturally-aspirated, free-revving BMW inline-six. Plus, the E90 3 Series could be had with a manual gearbox. Not so in the 2 Series.
Throw both cars into some curves and the intangible gap between the two cars gets even bigger. There isn’t a car enthusiast on the planet that would drive the E90 3 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe back-to-back and choose the 2er as the better car. The old E90 is just sweeter to drive in every measurable and immeasurable way.
In the end, what have we really proven? Well, nothing really. If I’m honest, this will fall on deaf ears. No one who’s looking to buy (see: lease) the 228i Gran Coupe is ever going to cross-shop a used 3 Series. They want something new, something stylish (I’m using that word loosely) and something they can get rid of in three years for a new one. I get that. But it’s our job as enthusiasts to take a closer look at cars and see which ones are worth buying.
While the new 2 Series Gran Coupe is a step up over the E90 in terms of power, tech and efficiency, it’s also a step backward in a few areas. Next, we’re going to see how it compares to the current BMW 330i. That should be interesting.
You say you don’t really remember how an e90 drives then state that the e90 is so much better to drive…
I would say that a base 328i sedan won’t be as thrilling as you remember. (You may also be associating it to something like a 335i sport package car)
I can’t remember specifics as much, such as steering feel, brake feel, etc. however, the E90 is a nicer driving car. That much I do remember. Maybe it’s not “thrilling” but neither is a 2 Series Gran Coupe.
The 6 cylinder engine made the e90 awesome
Bottom-line: Who, in 2020, wants to give up modern telematics, safety systems and other conveniences for their daily driver? Very few would! Sure, maybe as a weekend pleasure car, or for nostalgia’s sake, but, say, as your only car? Not me!
In regards to specifically the 2GC, likely very few. But there are plenty of enthusiasts that will forgo a more modern car for an older one because of how much better it drives. That’s not my opinion. Browse around forums for even an hour and you’ll find plenty.
For me the original 130i with the bmw performance exhaust and induction kit. A proper sports car do you agree?
All this regression at BMW in terms of engine size and drive layout, I put at the feet of emissions regulations. We can bemoan BMW till the cows come home, fact is, their hands are tied when it comes to sporting engines.
Having said that, we still do have the 6 cylinder motor in other models, rear wheel drive etc. why get stuck on a new breed of entry level BMW (that makes economic sense) when BMW still make some of the worlds finest driver oriented cars?
BMW is rolling with the punches, so should we. It’s not too much to ask.
I think the problem really is the 3-series is getting too large. I had owned an E36,46, and 90 generation 3-series and went to a 2-series because of the constant increase in size, as well as the dull dynamics/numbness of the F3X chassis. Luckily I didn’t need 4-doors, but I do know many people wanted a small 4-door RWD sedan, and were hoping for years BMW would make a 2-series sedan only to be disappointed when they announced it to be FWD and using the name of their best driving RWD model.
I think this is a common sentiment. Thankfully, the new G20 3 Series is much better than the F30. It’s still no E46 but it’s a better driving car than the 2GC.
Very true, the G20 is an improvement, although the F3X is so bad anything is better. However, I’ve had the M340i as a loaner and while being better its still too large and heavy, very noticeable every time I drove it. Add to the fact that the competition has pretty much caught up (some already surpassed), and the 3-series is now auto-only, I don’t see much reason if I were in the market to pick it over say a G70 3.3, Model 3 LR/Performance or C43, all of which I find more preferable.
I’m just glad I could get a M240 vert w/6MT while I could, a very hard and rare car to find, and the last of its kind. After the lease I may have to go to Porsche for a Boxster since a convertible with a manual will likely be non-existant at BMW in the future.
Plus one here, OMG I couldnt describe better, a compact 4 door RWD sedan please, love my current F20, but want something new in a few year and hope for the 2GC only to get dissapointed
I have a 2015 328i xdrive and you are absolutely correct about the dynamic dullness/numbness. I lowered the car 1in added 20mm in width, 10% spring increase, tuned both trans and engine, turn off xdrive at will and new version of the eps rack. 310hp crank, 350ft lbs crank, 4.7 to 60. Aside from numb steering its much better also capable of 35mpg
Just my casual observations, having driven neither, but having sat extensively in both [spent an hour in the dealership playing with them, jumping back-and-forth between them]. I prefer the front-seat ergonomics and seating position of the 2GC to the 330i. This was truly unexpected! They felt a bit different, with the 3er giving a sense of sitting lower, more within the cockpit, vs the 2GC, which felt more conventional in that regard, but the 330i did NOT feel more spacious, nor more comfortable, nor superior overall. In fact, it felt slightly inferior. The headroom in the back of the 3er is barely superior to the 2GC’s, and nearly as cramped, and neither did the trunk space seem particularly more generous, if at all.
This is an interesting observation. I’ve spent a ton of time in both and while the 2GC isn’t down on quality (they’re about the same, which is a big win for the 2GC), the 330i felt much larger on the inside. With passengers in the car, the 2GC feels intimate to say the least. Also, I could barely fit a person in the front seat with a car seat in the back. I’m also only 5’9″ and I can’t sit behind myself comfortably in the 2GC, my head hits the roof, as demonstrated in my video review.
Very true, the G20 is an improvement, although the F3X is so bad anything is better. However, I’ve had the M340i as a loaner and while being better its still too large and heavy, very noticeable every time I drove it. Add to the fact that the competition has pretty much caught up (some already surpassed), and the 3-series is now auto-only, I don’t see much reason if I were in the market to pick it over say a G70 3.3, Model 3 LR/Performance or C43, all of which I find more preferable.
I’m just glad I could get a M240 vert w/6MT while I could, a very hard and rare car to find, and the last of its kind. After the lease I may have to go to Porsche for a Boxster since a convertible with a manual will likely be non-existant at BMW.
I”ve watched a zillions reviews, and 6-footers+ obviously have trouble with the headroom in the back, but at 5’9″, that really seems unlikely, but if you say so. With only VERY occasional use of the back seat, I’ll take a massive trunk instead as a trade-off, but truth be told, I’d rather it were a hatch, but that’s not an option for us. My head was very close to the headliner in the 330i, too.
I think the 3 series only has about 50 litres more of trunk space. So yes as you mentioned, not that more generous
I own the 2GC and it is frankly amazing! The quality is amazing and it drives nicely. While I have never driven the current 3 series, I am sure the experience won’t be that far off.
You brought yourself a relatively expensive car without even trying the closest competitor? I’ve driven various models before i actually brought one.
I understand your perspective. But I wanted a small four door coupe, which only BMW and Merc for now at least, cater for. I felt the 3 series and the respective C-class to be too big for my needs.
Me too. I was awaiting a small four door Coupé too. Back in 2011 there wasn’t much choice so i went with a 325i Coupé since it was only my GF and me. The E92 always felt a bit too large, just because of the long wheelbase.
I did test drive 2 Coupé, 3, and the new 1 F20 and this is where i found the F20 had a lot more sense of fun despite being an overall small car and even with the tiny engines. Havin driven an F56 and R50 Mini i can tell they are not even close in terms of driving pleasure. This is why i think the 2GC is hugely overpriced and not even a BMW at all.
There is no way a 228i will do 5.1 seconds to 60mph. Or 328i at 6 seconds.
How the hell do you americans measure 0-60 times ?
I really actually like the new 2 GC. I think it will do well. Great article. As you mentioned about the brilliant N52 six cylinder, really brought back memories as my dad used to own a bmw 130i. Wow it was an absolutely intoxicating motor.