BMW 3 GT

Stringy

Stringy

Stringy

Soldato
Joined
2 Aug 2004
Posts
4,288
Location
The moon
Can I get thoughts on this car:
BMW 320D Sport Gran Turismo Step Auto £18646
Has:
Xenons
Leather
DAB
Enhanced Bluetooth
Heated Seats
10,000 miles
Seems to have everything I'd want apart from Nav (groan...but I could actually live without)

Car choice comes from wanting more space, wanting to start a family (higher ride height good for strapping in little-uns, or so the wife says!) while still wanting something that drives well. The 3 GT seems to offer more than the X-range of BMWs for the money. Welcome to alternatives for close to the same money, not interesting in spending 20k+ to get nav considering that's more of a price difference than the nav option was when new.

Also, anyone know of nav retrofit for this generation of car, given that they already have idrive...? (long shot I know! If it was doable I'd be bothered but if not I'd leave it)
 
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They don't look significantly higher than a regular 3 to me? Thought about a 4gc instead? Still a hatch but much more pleasant looking

Also worth noting the 3 series is pretty small inside in terms of room for kids n stuff. Ok for one but if you want to take multiple teeny sprogs or teeny sprog plus dog etc you'll really struggle until they don't need the massive pram/travel system any more
 
Please don't make an attempt to valid BMW's design department and their attempt to create a new niche where none existed and still doesn't. They're horrid.
 
rodenal said:
They don't look significantly higher than a regular 3 to me? Thought about a 4gc instead? Still a hatch but much more pleasant looking

Also worth noting the 3 series is pretty small inside in terms of room for kids n stuff. Ok for one but if you want to take multiple teeny sprogs or teeny sprog plus dog etc you'll really struggle until they don't need the massive pram/travel system any more
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The GT is a longer car, tons of legroom for the rear passengers. Large boot as well and we'd probably get a roof box for the boot busting journeys.
 
A quick browse of autotrader suggests a 330d touring can be had for under £20k, we have a 15 month old and a large German Shepherd but never felt the need for more space or struggled getting our son in and out.
 
MissChief said:
Please don't make an attempt to valid BMW's design department and their attempt to create a new niche where none existed and still doesn't. They're horrid.
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Quoted for both truth and humour value, like those 2 series mpv esque things, makes me ahamed to carry the badge.

Whoever suggested the 330 touring is along the right lines, estates are a thoroughly underrated car type
 
Ricochet J said:
Can confirm. Went from a hatchback to estate. Never going back.
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They used to be very popular, although being replaced by the pseudo suv style cars that are so popular these days.

Funny thing i watched a documentary that had a section on the original design philosophy of the nissan qashqai and how theyd noted that people wanted big 4x4's with height instead of estates because it made them feel safer for the school run.

Guess that was very forsighted of them considering the whole slew of stupidly named copycats that followed. (kuga, kadjar, mokka etc)

Used to drive a 323f and whilst it was woefully underpowered, under equipped and had a massive drinking problem, i'll give it credit for its comfort, quality and the amazing practicality being able to lug 5 people plus their luggage easily (if slowly)
 
Stringy said:
Also, anyone know of nav retrofit for this generation of car, given that they already have idrive...? (long shot I know! If it was doable I'd be bothered but if not I'd leave it)
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Yes its possible and it's about a grand. It isn't something I'd attempt with a car thats under warranty though.

It doesn't cost thousands more for one with nav though. Don't forget Stratstone prices are pretty much 'the price is the price' whereas everyone elses prices have a load of wiggle room in them.
 
That is a truly hideous interior isnt it:

VehicleImage.axd


There is such a massive gulf between the 3 and 5 series these days, those red accents especially :-/
 
Jez said:
That is a truly hideous interior isnt it:


There is such a massive gulf between the 3 and 5 series these days, those red accents especially :-/
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My thoughts exactly.

"Look at the beautiful exterior of my new.... oh :( ....step on inside instead to look at the lovely....oh :( .... "

:p
 
It's amusing every time I get a 4 Series GranCoupe to drive - it looks absolutely stunning outside and then you get in and it's like.... 'oh'.
 
What's the difference between the 3 Series Gran Turismo and the 4 Series GranCoupe?

Both are hatchbacks
Both are based on the F30 3 Series
Both seat 5

What am I missing?
 
Nearly bought a GT model, I really tried to convince myself it wasn't bad looking, thankfully I didn't. We are finding a standard 3 series has plenty of room for kids unless you are 8 foot tall with the seat right back. Though our kids are only boy 8 and girl 5.

Interior is fine too. :p Though I dont know if 2016 model is any different and we dont have a dog or need prams anymore.
 
Ricochet J said:
What's the difference between the 3 Series Gran Turismo and the 4 Series GranCoupe?

Both are hatchbacks
Both are based on the F30 3 Series
Both seat 5

What am I missing?
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The F34 is based on the long wheel base 3 series (a Chinese 'thing' apparently, or so I've read) and therefore you get more space. Useful when we're planning for kids and we'll have 2 dogs in the boot. Bizarrely rear passenger foot well space will come in handy! It's also a tiny bit higher.

And I quite like the interior and exterior looks.... :s maybe I'm the .00001% of the population this car was aimed at?

Any chance of people giving me alternatives in link form rather than notional cars (I don't doubt they exist but I struggle to find tbem). Want the options this car has, Nav desirable but certainly optional.
 
Ricochet J said:
What's the difference between the 3 Series Gran Turismo and the 4 Series GranCoupe?

Both are hatchbacks
Both are based on the F30 3 Series
Both seat 5

What am I missing?
Click to expand...

It's a question I've never been able to get a bmw dealer to answer other than the 3 is a softer drive and the 4 is more sporty feeling. How true that is i dont know.
 
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