[Portadown95]

I currently have a 2013 X3 35i and I am looking for something a little more sporty to drive with my family of 4 here in Germany. We have a 228 with thp that is a lot of fun but is not family friendly due to it being only 2 doors. I was thinking about a 340i or an M3 but thought I would ask how gt owners how much fun their gt is versus other bmw sedans or SUVs . PS. I am too tall for a 4 series gran coupe.

[Billfitz]

I tried a number of SUVs, including the X3, X5, RX and Evoque. None came close to the GT in the fun category, and they didn't equal it in comfort or cargo space either. The Porsche Macan is the only real performance SUV I found, easily the equal of a 435i, but passenger and cargo space are both lacking.
I also tried both the 328GT and 335GT, I bought the 328 as I didn't find the 335 performance that much better.

[lethbridge]

The GT has got to be in a different league compared to an X3/5 for handling. It won't be quite as agile as the saloon due to being that bit taller and heavier. We all have different tastes though so I'd recommend you try one - I like a 'sporty' ride and like to press on and I've had no issues with the GT. I think you'd really need to be a race track to exploit any difference.

In terms of practicality you can't go wrong with the 3 GT. I had a 5 GT before and I would say there is very little difference between the two - just a bit less height for the rear passengers - that amazed me as it is a foot shorter and a bit narrower than the 5GT.

So I can recommend. When I change I will probably go for an M3 as by then I'm hoping I won't need the space but if you need the space I'd say you can't go wrong. I'd recommend going with adaptive suspension whether you go for an x-drive model or not...

[Bavarianwagon]

My subjective opinion is that the GT is no worse than it's sedan/touring counterparts. A lot of people tend to argue against it purely based on their own
prejudices against the GT line of cars within the BMW line-up.

Even my modest 320d GT with it's 184bhp can still be enjoyed by a young hooligan such as myself when I decide to throw it at the cold scandinavian backroads.
Surely not on par with a M3 but then again you can't take a fridge or anything equally as massive with you for a tarmac tearing session in an M3

It's also a fantastic car for carrying people in the back. Apart from the comfort and the luxurious leather everywhere it's about as roomy as my friend's F01 730d.
Which is pretty nice considering that the 3 GT is significantly cheaper.

I would, if your budget allows for it, urgue you to get a 340i with the M sport package WITH the sports automatic.
It does wonders for the overall feel and especially the looks of the car.

Even though I'm not a family man, I hope this helps in some way atleast!

[Saturns]

Going from GLK350 which is kinda sporty, short wheel base SUV(wagonish) than X3. I had looked at both and enjoyed the GLK more than X3.
Going to GT I definitely feel more sedan maneuverability. Power is about same between GT and GLK but I can feel the weight of the GT as the engine is really working or making more noise. Not to say that the GLK is faster but were comparing a GLK v6 260hp torque to GT v4 turbo 255hp torque which seems to be taxing the engine pushing 3900lbs. The v4 turbo might be just working harder at the same speed and/or accelaration.
Definitely going into the corners or sudden lane shifts the GT is a bit more nimble than GLK and doesnt feel top heavy.
Space wise the GT is awesome, front,back, trunk
Gas wise it also way better than.
My only quib would be that I wish it had 50-80hp more to carry the weight.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by Saturns

My only quib would be that I wish it had 50-80hp more to carry the weight.

Not necessary. The four doesn't have the torque of a six, which is slightly noticeable off the line, but IME only then. The four needs to rev to higher RPMs to compensate, but it's ready, willing and able to do so. I was somewhat concerned coming out of a 260 HP V6 Altima that weighed 500 pounds less than the GT, but other than 0-10 MPH the GT smokes the Altima. Where it really matters, 50-80MPH for passing, the GT in Sport mode is so quick it's almost scary.

[Ronstein]

The 3 series GT is certainly a more agile beast than the X3 and has a great compromise of performance, agility and space. Definately not as sharp or flat in corners as the saloon/touring so it depends on your driving style. Fuel economy (if its a concern) is way better in the GT and Saloon/Touring. Best advice I can give you is to drive both

[Richbot]

We've had a 335xiGT since 2013; ordered ours new sight-unseen to replace the wife's E90 335xi.

It's been a fine babymobile. We have another kid due any day now and the extra rear legroom is a big plus for rear-facing. It drives better than any of the BMW SUV's or the 5er IMO, especially around corners and on the highway where the SUV's can get annoying from a ride perspective (high seating position means more head-toss). The GT has the nicest ride of any modern BMW short of the 7 IMO. It's plush. It's NOT sharp, sporty, or handling focused in any way. The long wheelbase and suspension tuning we get in the US means it's got lots of travel, lots of roll, and lots of pitch and dive. No amount of placebo adaptive damper tech can make up for squishy springs, soft bushings, tall tire sidewalls and a relatively tall ride height with a huge 70lb chunk of glass stuck in the roof. The "M Sport" adaptive suspension does nothing to help this; it stiffens the damping slightly when turned to the stiffer setting, but the springs and antirollbars are functionally identical. Your 228i would leave the 6cyl GT for dead as soon as the first turn comes along, and isn't appreciably slower in a straight line either.

That said, I have an E90M. The 335xiGT might as well be an aircraft carrier when it comes to driving dynamics in comparison. It doesn't drive like any 3-series we've had before, this is our 6th. The fact that they're only available here with AWD doesn't help.

But no 3/4series is all that great from a handling perspective IMO, especially not the AWD models. We test drove the 3 sedan before ordering the 3GT and were disappointed overall. The 2 took over the driving machine mantle, BMW has given up on making the 3/4-series sharp. If you're babying with a 3/4-series, you might as well get the GT. It makes life a lot easier without being terrible to drive, and IMO the regular 3er just isn't that much better to drive. The camry-fication of the 3-series is real, so at that point, why not give yourself the extra space?

If I were shopping something to baby with in the $50k range, there's still not much better out there that gives a reasonable amount of convenience without being gigantic and/or an SUV. It babies better than 5-series while driving better than one. The A5 Sportback may be a contender, and I bet it's a better handler when it does finally arrive.

In other words, it's a compromise, but one of the least compromised compromises you can make for a babymobile, especially if one of you doesn't care much about dynamics and just wants a car that makes your life easier. But if you are hoping it will drive like your 228, expect to be disappointed

EDIT: One caveat I forgot to mention: The frameless door openings for the rear seats are annoyingly small. If the car came with framed doors it would have saved me, my wife, and my daughter several bumps on the head.

EDIT2: If you want to know what a diverse group of enthusiasts and auto journos think about the 3GT over 40k miles, read all of this:

http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series-...erm-road-test/

[Saturns]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Not necessary. The four doesn't have the torque of a six, which is slightly noticeable off the line, but IME only then. The four needs to rev to higher RPMs to compensate, but it's ready, willing and able to do so. I was somewhat concerned coming out of a 260 HP V6 Altima that weighed 500 pounds less than the GT, but other than 0-10 MPH the GT smokes the Altima. Where it really matters, 50-80MPH for passing, the GT in Sport mode is so quick it's almost scary.

Yes I was not used to the 4 revving and spooling high (most of our cars we 6 and higher) ...but yes its ready and willing and quick considering the weight of the car.
Setting Sport mode and gear selector to Sport, its quick for sure. Dont have enough seat time yet but enjoying it.
But I had the 328ix sedan as a loaner for 2 days and did back to back test and you can feel the weight for sure between 328ix sedan vs 328ix GT. Its not slower its just the sedan feels more agile around corners and quick lane changes.

[Portadown95]

Thanks for all the great information! I will see if we can do a test drive or perhaps rent one from the welt next summer.

[sushkr]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Not necessary. The four doesn't have the torque of a six, which is slightly noticeable off the line, but IME only then. The four needs to rev to higher RPMs to compensate, but it's ready, willing and able to do so. I was somewhat concerned coming out of a 260 HP V6 Altima that weighed 500 pounds less than the GT, but other than 0-10 MPH the GT smokes the Altima. Where it really matters, 50-80MPH for passing, the GT in Sport mode is so quick it's almost scary.

There's not much difference in day to day usage but you do get benefits of the six cylinder when the car has more than two passengers. Certainly in F34 but also in F30.

[granCLop]

In terms of fun X3 < GT < sedan, utility GT > X3 > sedan. If rear legroom for rear facing car seat is not an issue (or cargo *******, go for the 340i / M3.

[Seaford]

I have an 84 year old mum and 85 year old mother-in-law to ferry around; the rear space in the 3GT made it an obvious choice and I (and they!) have been very happy with it. Loads of load room too, very useful as I am renovating a house at the moment.

In the real world the 328 is more than adequate - only downside for me is it is a bit noisy at tickover when cold. Plenty of grunt when needed and feels lively in Sport mode. The MSport package adds nicely to the looks and the paddle gear shift adds a bit of fun when needed.

[x-m4n]

I am loving mine but...

http://www.bmwblog.com/2017/01/02/ru...tion-3-series/

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by x-m4n

I am loving mine but...
http://www.bmwblog.com/2017/01/02/ru...tion-3-series/

Whatever. The GC was second on my list, losing out to the GT for the passenger legroom. Chances are pretty good that a new GC would include a long wheelbase version anyway. BMW isn't going to give up on the Chinese market, where a long wheelbase model is a must.

[Noxdiurna]

If they manage to make 5GT as desirable as 3GT, I will be OK even if they decide to fade it out.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by Noxdiurna

If they manage to make 5GT as desirable as 3GT, I will be OK even if they decide to fade it out.

If only one of those two survives it would probably be the 3.

[Crassus]

Originally Posted by Noxdiurna

If they manage to make 5GT as desirable as 3GT, I will be OK even if they decide to fade it out.

The 5GT's biggest shortcomings was manoeuvrability in tight areas. If they equip it with rear wheel steering as standard, it could become more palatable as a daily driver.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by Crassus

The 5GT's biggest shortcomings was manoeuvrability in tight areas.

Being 5 inches longer wheelbase and 7 inches longer overall it's certainly not a good city car. The 3GT is as large a car as I want to deal with on city streets, but still large enough for comfortable long distance cruising.
I ran into another 3GT owner today, who previously had a 5 wagon, back when they still sold them in the US. He's much happier with the 3GT.