Benefits of 2dr vs 4dr?

[E36Guy]

Hey everyone, I'm brand new to all of this. I've always been a distant fan of BMW's and recently have been test driving a few and I have fallen in love. I plan on owning one in the near future. ASAP. Anyways, I was curious if someone could help me out in choosing which to go with. I like the style of both 2dr and 4dr 328's but I was wondering if I could get some opinions on what is better and why. If you could that would be great (pictures would be nice also). Thanks.

[Joe88e30is]

but I was wondering if I could get some opinions on what is better and why.

I can't answer your question because I'm no expert for sure. I'm new to the e36 too. Just bought a 98 328is. Also have an 88 325is that is for sale btw. But some thoughts came to mind that might help others answer...

Better in what way? Performance? Looks? Practicality? Do you have children (i.e. do you need easy access to the back seats)?

I think you'll find any answers/replies to be subjective. I looked at both 2 door and 4 doors versions and ended up with the 328is. I just like the looks better. No other reason. I have children and have never found the 2 door to be a problem (the 325is is 2 door as well). When hauling family and dogs is needed, we use the Quest.

The only thing I don't like on my 328is is that it doesn't have the Sport Package so I don't care for the seats (not enough side bolstering) and it would look nicer (I think) if it had the lower springs. I had looked at the regular 328i w/Sport Package and liked it better as far as that goes (sat lower and I think the seat were better).

So I know this doesn't help but maybe you could define what you mean by better. What are you looking for, what are your needs/requirements?

Joe

[E36Guy]

Well thanks. As for requirements, I dont really have any. I dont have children or anything really to go into the backseats. The reason I wanted to know was because I like the more sports car style look of the two door, but I can't find the car I'm looking for. (maybe I set my requirements a little too detailed) Ive seen four door versions of the car I want and thought well, what kind of difference would that really make if I settled for a 4 door. I think the more pictures Im seeing, I like the look of the 2 door much better and I dont really need the four door for any reason. So Im thinking I will just have to wait it out and hope that exactly what I want happens to come up. (in case your wondering what I want, 96-99 328iS, 2dr, dark color (dark blue or black), sunroof, 5sp.) Now I cant seem to find that in the LA area where I live.

[AC Schnitzer]

I really like the 4 door but it's just me I had a 2 door before and the only thing that I like is the door without a window frame. The 4 door is more stable and less body roll. Parts are harder to find but about the same price as a coupe. I would go for a 4 door.

[sexontoast]

I personally prefer the 4 doors..

I just think they look way better.. and they are more practicle

[SmootheEar]

I own a 4 door, but I think the 2 doors are more sexy because of the frameless windows.

But, in defense of my own 328i... 4 doors are 2 times more doors than 2 doors, and more is always better, thus 4 doors are better. :)

[981273]

depends on how frequently you have people sit in the back..

2 drs - More sporty - but you have to let people out of the back ... pls bigger door, better chance of a door dent

4 drs - Less Sporty (more family Like) - but you can remain in the driver seat, and people in the back can get out whenever they want -

To get away from the whole dent thing... park far out on the parking lot or Park sidways (People hate that)

[328iBursche]

I've had a 98 328i since last August, and love it. It's definitely more practical to the 4 doors, and as others have mentioned there is a little more sturctural rigidity, and oddly most 4 doors weigh less than thier 2 door counterparts.
Having said that, I think the 2 door does look sexier. But I can't get 2 car seats easily into the 2 door, so I got the 4 door. have fun!