Well, from the cover picture and title, I think it’s clear what I decided to replace my 2010 Acura TSX with. For nearly my entire life I’ve dreamed of owning a BMW. It’s been my favorite brand ever since I laid eyes on my first E36 convertible, and a couple weeks ago I made that dream happen with this 2016 BMW 228i xDrive coupe. My first BMW, my first coupe, my first brand new car, and my first vehicle that I paid for entirely with my own hard-earned money — it was a very proud day.
(I didn’t realize how the wind deflector that pops up when the sunroof is open looks like a tiara)
Automotive sales is not a job to take lightly — the hours are long (typically 9-10 hour days, 5-6 days per week), a lot of legwork is involved, some customers can be extremely difficult to work with for one reason or another, reaching an agreement can be nail-biting, and sometimes you will spend hours or even multiple meetings with a prospect, only for them not to buy a car. Luck definitely plays a part, but like most careers in sales, your success correlates to the time and effort you put into it.
That being said, I truly love my job, the people I work with, and the company I work for. Having worked a desk job in public relations, where I was stuck in a windowless cubicle behind a computer screen doing mindless busywork for 8 hours a day, I am very thankful to have a job where I’m working face-to-face with people, constantly on my feet, and every day is a different journey.
Selling cars has also blessed me with a pretty decent income (substantially better than any entry-level office job), putting me in the place where I can comfortably afford a car of this price point, while still maintaining the lifestyle I’m accustomed to, and at the end of the day still save a portion of my monthly income. It’s an understatement to say that I did all the necessary research and planned this out perfectly, waiting to pull the trigger until I knew I had “all my ducks in a row”, as customers sometimes say.
Of BMW’s current lineup, I’ve found the 2-Series coupe most appealing based on my needs, and it’s been high on my radar for the past two years or so, making it an easy choice. I actually first “met” my very car about two months prior, sitting right outside the front door at BMW Gallery Norwood, where my dealer group’s main offices are. I had to go out there again to get a vehicle’s title in late June, and this car was still there. It was instant attraction and I knew it was a match made in heaven; but being a reasonably prudent person, I knew I had to wait just a bit longer and not rush into things.
Having probably spent hours each week over the past year building 228s online, there were only several configurations I deemed “worth it” if I did indeed pull the trigger. I had originally intended to place a special order, but there’s something different about seeing a car in the metal as opposed to a computer-generated image that will take 6-8 additional weeks to arrive from Germany (in the 2-Series’ case, Leipzig to be exact) in life-size form. This one had all the packages I wanted and more, I loved the interior/exterior color combination, it had the upgraded wheels, AND in proper luxury car fashion, wood trim. Overall it was a very elegant package, and it really got my heart racing.
After obtaining a quote from my insurance company and discovering that my insurance would only go up by a negligible amount, I decided it was finally time to just do it already. I inquired with South Shore BMW’s general manager as to whether the car was still available, then went over the general details of a BMW Group employee lease (which discounts the selling price of the car, unfortunately not as much as you’d think), had my trade appraised, and they brought the car over from our other BMW store. I signed the contracts the following day and with that, I was the proud owner (or to be accurate, lessee for the next 36 months) of a new BMW, fulfilling a dream I’ve had for some two decades.
One thing I really like about the 2-Series is that it’s a car you don’t see too many of on the road. Much like the V6 model of the TSX, I like the idea of driving something a little different. It makes you feel like you’re part of an exclusive club. I could have gone for a slightly larger 3-Series for a few bucks less per month, but let’s be honest, everyone and their mother who buys a new BMW gets a 3-Series. It just didn’t spark the same emotional response for me as the 2. Furthermore, I’ve always dreamed of owning a coupe and felt like now’s a good time as ever as a mid-20s bachelor to try out the whole personal luxury thing.
What drew me to this specific car was of course was the way it was equipped. In Jet Black over Terra Dakota Leather and Fineline wood trim with silver accent, this color and trim combination really called to my tastes, as did the upgraded 18-inch double spoke (384 Style) light alloy wheels. The accessory black kidney grilles wouldn’t have been something I thought I would like, but they give the car an appreciated fiercer look. Plus, there’s still adequate chrome accenting the lower bumper and surrounding the windows to give it the elegant appearance I prefer over the BMW M cars’ in-your-face aggressiveness.
As far as packages go, this 228 has everything I would’ve ordered and more. Included are: Cold Weather Package (heated steering wheel, heated front seats, retractable headlight washers), Lighting Package (Full-LED running lights, Xenon headlights), Premium Package (universal garage-door opener, Comfort Access key-less entry, moonroof, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power front seat lumbar support, ambient lighting, satellite radio w/1 year subscription), Driver Assistance Package (rear-view camera, park distance control), and Technology Package (navigation system, BMW Online and BMW Apps, advanced RTTI, remote services). The latter two packages I could’ve done without, but I’m not going to lie, they’re welcomed additions.
Among my favorite features are the uber-comfortable and supportive seats, offering 10-way power adjustments, plus 4-way power lumbar adjustment and 2-way manual thigh cushion adjustment. Never before did I think I’d own a car with power adjustable side bolsters — something very much appreciated to tightly coddle my ectomorphic frame. Active Comfort Ventilation is another novel feature, and one especially appreciated on these hot, humid days. Simply set the time of day you want, and for one half hour (I always do it a half hour before I’m out of work) the car opens up the vents, drawing in fresh air and releasing the stale, muggy air that’s been inside the car all day.
Equally awesome is having Comfort Access, as I now never need to take my keys out of my pocket and can unlock my car by placing my hand within the door handle, or lock it by placing two fingers over it — very James Bond-like. A few other neat features include a suburb voice command (I can enter an entire address for nav in full or simply tell it to call one of my contacts and it will), programmable memory keys (the radio preset buttons can be used as shortcuts or favorites for anything within the iDrive), and of course the incredibly seductive LED running lights.
But enough about gizmos and gadgets. After all this is a BMW, and BMW’s most rewarding quality has always been the driving experience. I’ve been fortunate to get behind the wheel of many luxury and performance cars, but there’s nothing that can quite compare to that precise handling and empowering driving experience possessed by a BMW.
(Fog lights double as active cornering lights at night based on the direction the wheel is turned)
Even among modern BMWs I’ve driven, there’s something special about the 2-Series. Rewarding in every way I could possibly describe, it just feels so pure and perfect. Everything about it is just so smooth and refined, how it rides, how it corners, how it accelerates. Step on the gas a little harder or put it into Sport mode, and you release its inner speed demon and greatly amplified exhaust notes — something very fun to do on an open stretch of road.
The 240-horsepower and 255-lb-ft of torque from its super smooth 2.0L twin-scroll turbo get the 228i xDrive from zero to sixty in just a tenth over 5 seconds flat, which is more than enough for driving to work. The steering has a tight, connected feeling that requires just the right amount of effort to be utterly flawless. Maneuvers are direct and precise, with the car feeling like it’s fully under driver control one-hundred percent of the time. This car really gives meaning to the claim that sometimes it’s just about going for a drive for the pure fun of it, and not having anywhere to go.
Above all, what I think I like best about this car is that it’s very “me”. By this I mean it perfectly fits my personality, my lifestyle, and the image I strive for for like a glove. The size of the 2-Series is just right, the driving dynamics are amazing, and the luxury amenities are everything I could’ve wanted and more. Now being closer to 25 than 20, this was the next major milestone in my adult life. I’ve achieved the car of my dreams and couldn’t be happier!
As a final note, isn’t it ironic that I’ve gone against the trend of most-car buying Americans, from an SUV to a sedan to a coupe? If this is what “downsizing” is, I’m ready to embrace it full-throttle!
Photographed at Nantasket Beach, Hull, MA – August 2016
Related Reading (My COAL Series):
Interesting article title… A lyric from a James Bond song, and yet one of the least BMW-heavy Brosnan instalments.
I told you this already but this article inspires me somewhat… It makes me want to get something sporty.
I love these 2-Serieses. I personally think these are one of the most attractive BMW designs ever, at a time when BMW design language is once again becoming very conservative (pleasant, but conservative). Say what you will about Chris Bangle, but his designs really grew on me and heralded a more adventurous era of BMW design. That being said, these are tidier looking than the old 1-Series coupe but ultimately the proportions are very similar.
It’s funny: our first cars couldn’t have been more different. Then, we both moved to sedans; sedans that were roughly peers, although my Calais had the edge in dynamics and your TSX in refinement. Now, you’ve absolutely blown my 3rd car away with your 3rd car. Congratulations on your fancy new whip! Great color combination (you picked the exact interior color/trim I would have picked), great model choice, now go find some twisty roads and break it in!
Thanks Will. And glad you got my “The World Is Not Enough” reference.
Beautiful car, Brendan, and welcome to coupes. They are the best kind of personal car IMHO. And I agree with William that this new 2 series is the best looking BMW to come out in a long time. The 6 series was my personal fave until I saw one of these. This car is just right. Enjoy!
Congratulations Brendan, If BMW wanted some good advertising copy, this submission would be a gold mine for them. I wish you safe driving and joy in your new vehicle.
It is indeed important that you got your financial ducks in a row so to speak, so that you can have this car and still put some money away on a monthly basis.
I’ve never driven a BMW, but they are ubiquitous here in tony Basking Ridge, and those that have them seem to love them. But yes, most are 3 or X series. This sleek 2 series is “very interesting”.
On the other hand, that Honda Element photobombing your new baby is really right up my odd-ball loving alley.
Hey, congratulations, that’s a beauty and I’m glad it’s all working out for you! BMW is one of the few brands I’ve never owned but they do make some fantastic cars and I’ve certainly drooled over many if them. I hope this serves you in good stead and wish you many, many happy miles behind the wheel!
Thanks Jim, and it’s hard to believe that you haven’t owned a BMW in your impressive list of cars. I could definitely see one in your future at some point.
Jim will be needing an oil change in one of his cars someday, so that’s always reason for a new one!
While I’m tardy to the party, congratulations on the new BMW! There is something extra about any coupe in black – perhaps its a mixture of sinister, sophistication, and elegance. You got a good one so enjoy it!
Congratulations Brendan, you are going to have a lot of fun with your 228. When I was 28, to celebrate my PhD, I got a new, also Jet Black 318ti as my first luxury vehicle. I would have loved mine to have come from Leipzig as my mother was born and grew up there.
You did a better job than me specing it out. Mine had a black interior that I never repeated as I find them too somber.
With your impressive career trajectory, it will be great to watch you climb Sloan’s ladder. Not everyone does it these days, but you are clearly a non conformist.
Thanks John. With half the German side of my family coming from Bavaria, it’s always made BMW just a little more special to me (it was my favorite German automobile manufacturer since I was a little kid and before I even knew what Bavaria was), so I understand the sentimentality it would bring to you.
I’ve never been to Germany or even Europe, but that’s the next thing I’d like to cross off my bucket list. And who know’s I might just get around to it someday soon 🙂
But in any event, I’m proud to be a nonconformist, especially pertaining to cars.
Excellent choice! Congratulations Brendan! Out of BMW’s current lineup, I think the 2-Series comes closest in spirit–and driving dynamics–to some of the most legendary cars to ever wear the blue-and-white propeller.
I also loved BMWs from when I was a kid and the days of the 320i. I was also in my late 20s when I was able to get one for myself, and I never regretted the decision–the car was that good and meant that much to me. I totally understand the elation of being able to make the numbers work and then making the dream come true.
My first BMW was an E36, a 1994 Mauritius Blue 325is with gray leather inside, 5-speed stick and heated seats. It was a beautiful car, amazing to drive, and truly special.
Your new BMW has almost exactly the same dimensions as the E36 coupe–and it puts out even more power than my 325is ever did, so it should be a blast to drive. It is the perfect size–small enough to be nimble, big enough to be comfortable and safe.
May you get as much pleasure from your first new BMW as I did from mine! Well bought!
Thanks George.
I naturally agree about the 2-Series. I think it’s the purest and best modern interpretation of the classic BMW.
I can only imagine how sweet that 325is was. As I even said in this article, the E36 was really the car that put BMW on my radar as a child of probably 3 years old.
One of my first 1/18 scale BMW models was a Mauritius Blue over Coral Red leather 325i convertible. I still have it today, though the convertible top latches and kidney grilles broke off long ago, a result of my use of it as a play toy and not a display item.
Here’s me with it, circa 1999.
That’s adorable. Thanks for sharing Brendan 🙂
That is awesome!! Great picture! So cool that you now have your dream BMW in full size to go with the scale ones you enjoyed so much as a kid!
Wonderful, my favorite current BMW model. Size, color, rims, upholstery, engine…perfect, just perfect !
Congratulations, enjoy it, and I wish you many happy miles.
Congratulations! There is nothing like that first brand new car that you choose (and pay for) on your own.
To show how out of it I am with new cars, I had no idea that there was such a thing as a 2 series BMW. But is a really attractive car.
I understand the BMW attraction for a young guy. I really wanted one upon graduation from law school but by then the 325 was out which made the 318 (that I might have actually been able to afford) feel like “settling”. But even then my inner value-shopper came through and I bought the GTI.
In future years you will have many other priorities and realities that will steal money from your car budget. So now is the time to splurge on that car that really makes you feel good. Enjoy it!
BMW is playing the classic name inflation game; this used to be the 1 Series coupe. And the 3 Series coupe/convertible is now the 4 Series.
Actually, it’s fairly logical, as the 6 Series coupe was always based on the 5 Series sedan. So their coupes/convertibles now all have a number one higher than the sedans they’re based on.
And from the looks of the pictures, the New 2 appears to be a close spiritual successor of the 3 series from my 70s and 80s youth.
Exactly. This is the new 3-coupe from 10-20 years ago. But more funner depending on your definition of the word. Personally I think the 2 is the perfectly balanced Bimmer style-wise.
Ah! That makes so much more sense than what I ignorantly assumed up till now, which was that were still 3 series coupes and 4 series sedans we’re being offered. I thought the 4 series looked a whole lot like a 3 series 😛
Yeah but it all falls apart again when you look at the 4-series “Gran Coupe” which is what you would normally have thought of as a 4 door 3-series with a liftback. It’s gotten beyond confusing and I’m beginning to understand the regular populace (like my mother) when they say they can’t tell an Altima from a Camry from an Accord at a glance…
I agree, beyond confusing is when they also call this a 228i…
The name inflation game also reflects the size inflation that has gone on, the current models are the same size as their next size up equivalent from 20-odd years ago. For example, Brendan’s coupe is pretty much the same as an E36 coupe.
Nice car/sales pitch! If CC had Reddit-style reminders I’d be tempted to set it to remind me give you a call in 36 months,..
Remember, though, you now drive and represent the brand you sell so you basically can’t forget your turn signals EVER 🙂
Nobody in Massachusetts uses turn signals. If he uses them everyone will think that he’s a newcomer. He could even be harassed by law enforcement for ” acting suspicious.”
What I like about the BMWs is that a light tap on the turn signal stock results in just 3 blinks. It says “Yeah I’m turning, but this is all I’ll give ya”.
My Chrysler does the same thing.
That’s really a lane change indicator. It is very useful on the autobahn.
Must be a German thing my sisters V6 Vectra did the same thing.
Congrats Brendan. I like the look of these. It’s probably the closest thing to the 2002tii without getting all M-appendaged. From what I understand (and please anyone correct me), BMW will be taking the 1 and 2 series into FWD so this might be the last of the old-school baby beemers.
the 2-Series coupe will fortunately stay RWD, I’ve heard. But all other 1/2 badges Bimmers will be FWD
Nice car, and since an out of warranty “Break My Window” can empty your wallet fast, I’ve heard the smart way to acquire a BMW is to lease it.
Nice, Brendan. Way to go!
Well, done! Your work, this article, the pictures. Well done, Brendan.
But somebody should have taken a picture of you sitting in the driver’s seat. (Take off the shades, please…)
This will have to do for now. I’m rarely seen in public without shades 🙂
Congrats Brendan; reading this article the whole time I’m thinking to myself “yep, this is the BMW I would buy new for myself, and spec’ed how I’d want it too”.
Then I see this post. I have that exact shirt 😉
I actually unintentionally matched that shirt with my co-workers’ Starbucks order in this picture. MINI Cooper S Clubman All4 with Indigo Chesterfield Leather, BTW.
So Minis do have a cupholder option, then 😉
Clubman actually does have 8!
Automatic? For shame!
j/k That’s a very nicely equipped little car, other than that glaring omission that car in that color combo about the prettiest most appealing new BMW I’ve seen. The 2 series struck me upon debut as a personality split from the ever more bloated 3 series to satisfy the critics of that trajectory(myself included), but natch they’re RARE, at least where I live, especially coupes.
I’d like a manual BMW, but in the form of a ’90s E36 325i convertible. For me right now, stick-shift just doesn’t make sense for my daily driver.
Congratulations. Beautiful car, pretty much the only BMW that still turns me on, as it’s the only close to the original formula that made their reputation, and for a good reason.
I can really see why you got this one, as configured.This seems to fit you just perfectly; quite a bit more so than a rather big four door sedan. Wear it proudly!
Good call on the headline; not that I got the reference, but simply because it’s so true. And when I was your age, something like this would have really done the trick for me.
Ironically, now that I can easily afford most of the lust-mobiles of my youth, I’ve found other ways to feel alive. Went hiking in the wilderness Saturday and Sunday; good thing i had the xBox, as the bushes and trees had so overgrown the deserted forest road, that any other car wider would have had a hard time getting through, never mind getting scratched up badly. So we all find our ways to feel alive…
Happy motoring!
Thanks again Paul! And don’t worry, I also get that “alive” feeling from being active outside and find a way to work it in daily to my busy schedule. Runner’s High is no joke. Was out for a quick 5-miler at 5am this morning 🙂
Congrats, Brendan! I have driven several 3 series coupes, and will say that they are well balanced cars. The 1- (and 2) series has a great look to it, and I hope to be able to drive one someday.
I have gone the opposite direction for vehicles, from a coupe for my first car, to years of sedans, to my first SUV this year.
Finally, I’m glad to hear that you have found success in car sales. I remember many years ago when I was considering careers for myself, and new vehicle sales was at the top of the list. Unfortunately, at the time the dealers I talked to had zero interest in candidates who had product knowledge, only concerning themselves with whether they thought they could move product.
I wish you much success with your career and your new car.
Thank you. Yeah, car sales isn’t the career I ever imagined, but it just kind of fell into place and it makes sense for me right now. The fact that I work at MINI and at the particular dealer I work for has undoubtably made a huge difference. It’s been a very great environment to learn in and grow (something I’m still in the process of), but I can’t be more grateful of the people I work for and work with; it’s definitely played a huge part in why I even wanted to venture into sales.
A shift into marketing with first-hand sales experience under your belt will give you a more rounded (and complete) skillset should you follow that possible path down the track. Your writing skills also demonstrate a superior grasp of narrative which is why I have presumed upon your future plans. Nothing wrong with being a salesperson – the best will probably see greater remuneration than anyone in marketing except the VP, but marketing might ultimately be a more productive use of your talents.
Working at Banana Republic and other clothing stores as a sales associate was one of the best skill-building experiences I had, especially for a deaf guy like me. The pay and working condition weren’t great and glamorous, but the skills I gained were priceless for many years to come. Not to mention meeting lot of awesome customers: some became my friends and acquaintances later on.
Pretty car. A bit more tech-laden than I’d probably prefer, and as mentioned above, an automatic would not have been my choice either, but I can certainly see the appeal. I’m just encouraged to see 20-somethings buying coupes again, however small the numbers may be. It’s long perplexed me, seeing young single people gravitate towards SUVs and crossovers, especially those who don’t lean toward active outdoor lifestyles. Why?
In my half-hearted search for a second household vehicle I stumbled across a mid-80’s e30 coupe in pretty amazing condition and at a reasonable price just last week. It really ticked all the boxes for what I’d like in a secondary runabout, but I just couldn’t justify pulling the trigger. I suspect that near the end of the year when job schedules change and the household starts to really need more than want that second car I’m going to regret not jumping on that pretty little 330e.
Enjoy the car. I know I would.
I’m just a bit out of the “twenty somethings” and I’d go for a coupe but it had better be about twenty foot long…
Most of what people drive is image. I drove higher trim level SUVs for a while because that was the “image” I wanted to project. Did I off road? Once in a while? Did I haul things? Sometimes. Did any of that matter? Nope. Are there other vehicles that would make more sense on a strictly utilitarian scale? Yep. Do I care? Not one bit. Now I drive a big sedan because of the image it projects in my area for my state in life. Are there vehicles out there that might make more utilitarian sense? Yes. Do I care? No!
When it comes to Bimmers, I wouldn’t do less than a 5, or honestly, probably a 7. But I’m happy Brendan found a car that floats his boat and not mine. I don’t read anything more into it than a man following his bliss.
Congrats Brandon,
When I first saw the 2 series, I thought that it was a defilement of a storied brand because with it BMW was going down market.
But looking at pictures, reading stories and seeing your car, I realize that this is what the 3 series should have been. For years I feel that BMW has become the ultimate bloat machine due to the porking up of the 3 and 5 series. The 2 Series is what the 3 Series was once(and is no longer), small, quick and streamlined.
I am glad you leased the car instead of out and out buying it. That way you can be free of the car before the issues start to crop up.
A lot of my friends had the BMW Dream also and bought New BMWs, after the 3rd year of ownership each one started to develop electrical and other issues but they were stuck with them till the loan was paid off due to the resale value being so low the loan was more then the car was worth. Now those folks all own Acura or Lexus vehicles.
The world of Auto sales can be fun and hair pulling.
Good luck with your new car and your new line of work
Thanks Leon, and it’s “B-R-E-N-D-A-N” btw 🙂
Sorry the spell checker on the windows phone was playing games this morning
It’s all good. I disabled that feature long ago after a rather unfortunate autocorrect incident 🙂
For the record I give you evidence of BMW’s first defilement of going down market…
Beautiful car! We coupe enthusiasts appreciate your purchase in keeping the coupe alive!
Great choice! The 2-, like the 1- before it, are the only BMWs that move me.
Mazal tov! As my mother says, enjoy it in good health.
Your story reminds me of my first what-are-you-waiting-for-just-pull-the-trigger-already car: a 2001 525i (CPO). It was a huge leap beyond anything I had owned before; I smiled every time I sat behind the wheel.
(Of course, once the CPO warranty expired, it was a lot less fun…)
If you keep writing for CC in the years ahead (and I hope you do!) it will be interesting to see how your priorities shift for your next cars. Mine certainly have; though there are plenty of modern BMWs in my past, I couldn’t imagine spending money on a new one today. They’re excellent cars–and the 2-series is a car connoisseur’s choice–but we now have a small fleet of tail-finned land yachts to scratch the itch for a cool car.
At first, it was hard to say good-bye to our final BMW when trading it for a Japanese appliance. But now when I look at my garage–full of classics I admired when I was a little kid, plus one Japanese appliance–I smile even more than I did when I got my first 525i.
Nice one, Brendan!
Congrads on your new line of work – it allows you to partake of your passions.
The 2-series does seem to be a throwback to the olden ones of yore — enjoy your ride!
Nice car. The blacked out grill looks great. I worked for BMW (parts) in the ’90’s. The pay was much more generous then the VW dealers paid back then. The parts catalogs, especially when ordering interior parts really sucked, you would have to look at the car and note every detail down to the wrinkles in the leather and pattern of the stitching, every line in the wood trim, and because the wood trim was all off the same log you needed to get a matched set of all the wood because the customer would not accept a replacement piece with a different grain pattern. Nowadays you can just use the VIN and the computer would know what the car came with, back in the day it was a real pain to order the correct part.
Once a tech drilled through the main harness on a brand new 540 installing a ’90’s style cell phone. Had to remove the entire wire harness and call BMW parts tech’s with every tag number on the original harness which would then be shipped out of Germany. After four or five harnesses and 6 months later the factory ran out of ideas on how to get one that was correct.
And we replaced many V8 engines after only a few thousand miles, they were really trouble prone. We got to see a pre screening of Golden Eye and had a big ballroom party for it with free drinks sponsered by BMW showcasing it’s new Z3.
Since the car has been pretty well covered at this point, I’ll mention that’s probably the most attractive license plate design offered in Massachusetts.
Thanks. It’s the “Cape Cod and Islands” design. I’ve always been fond of it and thought its very “South Shore-ness” fit in well with my car’s elegant persona.
Cape Code? Are you sure you have autocorrect turned off lol
No that was the wine. End of the month = long days.
I agree with you there. Most of the other optional issues just have a design on the far left side, and the recent Plymouth 400th Anniversary plate is especially sparse.
At the top of my Mass. want list is one of those Snow Removal plates – a Commercial plate with stacked S/R prefix – on the off chance you ever find yourself with an extra.
Congrats, Brendan! Nothing quite like setting a goal and slam dunking it, huh? It sounds like you got the perfect car that really suits you. Having owned several vehicles that were really ‘ME’, its a very rewarding and satisfying thing. I recently put the dart in the bullseye this summer as well, so that story will be told shortly.
Personally, I love sporty coupes. BMW in particular seems to really nail that genre. You chose well, man. Hope it gives you many miles of ear to ear thrills!
Congrats on the new ride! I think the refresh given when the car was separated out into the “2” family fixed a lot of the issues I had visually with the 1-series coupes–it’s still a nice, compact design but they managed to get rid of the “stubbiness” that the 1-series had. Now it just looks right–compact in a taut, athletic way. And that interior looks amazing! Love the wood grain and especially love the fact that it’s not all black. Great choice, and I’m glad you were able to get your dream car at a time when it doesn’t stretch your finances. If only we all could be so lucky…
Many happy miles in your own ultimate driving machine!
Congratulations Brendan! I’m sure this ride will satisfy and still be kicking once you tire of it. I have a friend who has now had his 318 for 21 years and it’s still going strong.
Congrats Brendan! Well deserved – it’s always nice to walk out and see the fruits of our labor…
The 2 series is by far my favorite current BMW, and as someone who has always liked BMWs their current line-up only worries me because I feel they’re casting too wide of a net in trying to be all things to all people (the MB model). The 1 series or FWD Bimmers don’t bother me – but ti will be interesting to see how they hold up in the long run.
Oddly enough I’ve never ‘aspired’ to a car….the cars I’ve bought new have always been the product of a L-O-N-G process (usually 2+ years and 20+ test drives) that leans heavily on practical. In short order though I grow to love them as an extension of my life/adventures and find it near impossible to shed them once it becomes time to replace (usually after 10 years or 250k miles).
That said, I have a soft spot for older European or Japanese fare….wagons and such. My ‘play’ cars have been BMW, Triumph, Fiat, Audi, Volvo and Saab. Low cost entry fee usually. Often maintenance nightmares but since they’re not my daily drivers it can wait. The kid is going to inherit my Outback in 2 years and I’m thinking of a FX35 or Land Cruiser…
I’d be driving a 2er vs my 335i M-Sport if the former hadn’t been unobtanium in mid-2014 and the latter hadn’t had a $6,000 incentive.
Nice ride, Brendan!