2 Series Gran Tourer

[sp222]

Not much love for this then - understandably with it being FWD etc, but we just swapped an S-Max for one so would be interested in other feedback (if there is any..)

This is the family car, and primarily driven by my wife, but spec is:

220d (not X-Drive) Luxury, Auto
It has a few add ons to the spec, but nothing outrageous
Interestingly comes with non-RFT tyres (on 205 section tyres)

I've only driven it for a couple of short spells but the ride is very good - better than the S-Max, and the handling seems pretty reasonable, but I will update when I've covered more miles. Auto box is great - leagues ahead of the 6 speeder in the S-max.

Space wise - slightly tight in the back for 3 car seats (although much better than a 5 Series), and the boot floor is probably a little higher than the Ford - still plenty of room for 2 good sized dogs.

Anyone else considering one? And it's not quite so ugly in the flesh, but then I own a 1 series too....

[sp222]

So when this thread is eventually unearthed in 2020 with someone wanting one as a minicab...

I just did a 600 mile round trip and the car is decent enough - damning with faint praise, but it is an MPV.

2.0d engine is still tight with only 700 miles on the clock now, but it works really well with the 8 Speed ZF Auto. Ride is very nice - it does have non RFT tyres and 55 section sidewalls - no active suspension, but that would probably be pointless.

Driving position is good and seats are comfy - I was concerned that they weren't sport seats, but I didn't have any aches after 5-6 hour runs.

Weather was pretty poor on the way back and the optional LED's made a huge difference when driving in heavy rain.

Interior is a big step up from the ford, even if it's slightly less practical (you can fit 3 child seats in the middle row, but it's very tight).

Maybe I'll join up to mumsnet to fully discuss it...

[02joe]

I work for the brand and I am a very impressed by the drive of the car. I love how quiet the 220d engine is as well.

Although the Gran Tourer hasn't taken off, the Active Tourer which is largely the same car has proved very popular and supply and demand still don't meet! Also, the new X1 is much the same.

I'd happily have one as a daily drive (even though I don't need the space/seats) as they are regularly well equipped, and very frugal.

I hope you enjoy the car.

[aberdeeneuan]

Thought I'd add to this.

We bought a 218d Sport to replace a Ford C-Max in March. Ours is black and specced up to mSport level (it has 18" model 485 wheels, which do come with run flats, tints, leather, heated seats, comfort pack etc) in black. It's role was to take over the family car, we have two kids but really wanted the flexibility of 7 seats for the odd occasions, and the bigger boot.

So - space - it's really a 6 seater with kids seats. That's fine for us, but it's the width of the car that hurts it as a 7 seat. However, that's also it's benefit as it doesn't feel massive on the road. The sliding seats make for an enormous boot. We went camping in it and everything was in the back whereas in my old A6 Avant we used a roof box, the rear seats and the boot was rammed. the kids love it, they have masses of room.

Spec wise, there are only two things I wish it had. The bike rack prep would be very helpful, while my roof bars from my 3 series fit on it it's a tall car and I'm not that tall! The other is the sunroof. In many ways I'm glad it's not an mSport as the roofline is lighter than the black you get on mSport, but the sunroof would really change the interior feel of the car.

To drive, no complaints. Yes, it's a BMW and not rear wheel drive, but for what we want out of it - that is, a very comfortable nicely equipped family car for covering big distances on holidays while being economical we're really happy.

Haven't had less than 550 miles out of a tank either which is great as that has been on very mixed driving.

[Fox-]

sp222 said:

2.0d engine is still tight with only 700 miles on the clock now, but it works really well with the 8 Speed ZF Auto.

Actually it's not the ZF 8 speed - this is not compatible with FWD applications.

It's actually an Aisin AWF8F35.

[Theophany]

I had one as a rental for two weeks. The mighty 218d. Couldn't get on with it over the 1000km I had it for.

I agree that the autobox is really darn good, leagues ahead of the ZF 6 speed I'm used to. Just seems to always be in the correct gear. It was comfortable, managed to seat 5 of us plus 5 large suitcases in comfort and had a decent ride quality. All the options were typically BMW quality (even if it's built on a Mini platform). It even fared well with my holiday prang, when I smacked the front end into a wall (brainfart, auto boxes don't hold in reverse like manuals) - all that was damaged was the front grille, which I sorted with some superglue and silver nail polish. If I'd done that in my 6, it'd be a whole new front bumper.

The steering is appalling though. Motorway driving was unnerving when passing high sided vehicles as you cannot consciously feel the car drifting in strong winds. Similarly if you get a bit of front wheel spin it doesn't feel as if the steering wheel moves to communicate the lateral movement of the car. In fact, I found it so utterly hateful that I think it's borderline dangerous for anything other than pootling around doing domestic duties. And for the 24k list price I wouldn't even consider it.

Feels like a car created for practically-minded badge snobs to me, if I'm honest. I'd rather have something cheaper to buy and cheaper to maintain for the purpose of the car.

Edited by Theophany on Tuesday 26th July 08:53

[MikeTFSI]

I prefer the naming of the 2 GT, the 2AT, or 'two-at' always made me chuckle!

The concept is good though. Move away from pseudo off road vehicles to practical cars. Function over form is always a good start. I like the idea of making MPVs cool, and the S-max did a good job a few years ago.

However, I so wish they did a RWD straight six MPV... No one would buy it I guess but I would be great as a halo model. I would want one if practicality became a necessity.

[Mutts]

Wife has a 218d Active Tourer. Its an ex-BMW launch car, so loaded with toys. Keyless entry, LED lights('kin bright), different alloys, heated leather sports seats and gawd knows what else.
Bought to replace a Honda Accord Estate, which seemed to be huge. But the Beemer beats it on internal space by a country mile. She loves driving it.

[sp222]

Fox- said:

Actually it's not the ZF 8 speed - this is not compatible with FWD applications.

It's actually an Aisin AWF8F35.

Interesting - makes sense of course, but I hadn't noticed a huge difference in its performance compared to my old F11 530d..

Have had a few more Cornwall - London drives in it since first notes - performs well - not exciting of course, but I didn't notice any of the steering issues noted above on the guy who had the 218d on hire.

And the point about it being a glorified 6 seater is accurate - but 95% of the time it seems my wife prefers the slightly smaller size compared to the old S-Max.

[aberdeeneuan]

Theophany said:

I had one as a rental for two weeks. The mighty 218d. Couldn't get on with it over the 1000km I had it for.


The steering is appalling though. Motorway driving was unnerving when passing high sided vehicles as you cannot consciously feel the car drifting in strong winds. Similarly if you get a bit of front wheel spin it doesn't feel as if the steering wheel moves to communicate the lateral movement of the car. In fact, I found it so utterly hateful that I think it's borderline dangerous for anything other than pootling around doing domestic duties. And for the 24k list price I wouldn't even consider it.

Feels like a car created for practically-minded badge snobs to me, if I'm honest. I'd rather have something cheaper to buy and cheaper to maintain for the purpose of the car.

Edited by Theophany on Tuesday 26th July 08:53

I find the car, particularly on run flats, sensitive to tyre pressures. If they are low they it can "wallow" like you describe, but a top up to the right levels and it's fine. I don't find it any worse for catching side winds than anything else of it's ilk but I've not driven that many MPVs.

In terms of the running costs - I bought ours right at the end of Q1, delivered at the end March. Stayed in the showroom till gone 6 on the Saturday doing the deal, took delivery on the Tuesday. That was a brand new, stock car. In terms of outlay in total cost of ownership (servicing, allowing a running budget etc) it's comparable to the 4 year old Smax we looked at - not cheaper, but not significantly higher.

I did get a very good deal though!

[The Don of Croy]

If your not on run flat tyres, do you have a spare?

I thought BMW had gone over to RF tyres universally, and we'd all be enjoying huge gains from not carrying the redundant steel wheel in the boot (/sarkymode).

[sp222]

No RFT on ours and it just comes with a compressor and tyre weld kit.

Ride (17's with 50 or 55 profile tyres) is really good - marginally better than the 62' plate S-Max that it replaced..

[aberdeeneuan]

The Don of Croy said:

If your not on run flat tyres, do you have a spare?

I thought BMW had gone over to RF tyres universally, and we'd all be enjoying huge gains from not carrying the redundant steel wheel in the boot (/sarkymode).

I think it's a "tyre mobility kit" you get rather than a tyre, so the gunk. Not sure what's worse!

The new run flats are much better than the ones on my old Mini from 10 years ago. Still not perfect but acceptable.

[Theophany]

aberdeeneuan said:

I find the car, particularly on run flats, sensitive to tyre pressures. If they are low they it can "wallow" like you describe, but a top up to the right levels and it's fine. I don't find it any worse for catching side winds than anything else of it's ilk but I've not driven that many MPVs.

In terms of the running costs - I bought ours right at the end of Q1, delivered at the end March. Stayed in the showroom till gone 6 on the Saturday doing the deal, took delivery on the Tuesday. That was a brand new, stock car. In terms of outlay in total cost of ownership (servicing, allowing a running budget etc) it's comparable to the 4 year old Smax we looked at - not cheaper, but not significantly higher.

I did get a very good deal though!

That may explain it then I suppose, I didn't check tyre pressures but the car had done less than a 1000km since new. The other explanation may be that I just wasn't used to the sensation of electric steering - having gone from my E63 to the Mighty 218d, there's quite a lot of development between!

In fairness, I quoted list price, which I imagine few people end up paying.

[Mr Tidy]

sp222 said:

Not much love for this then

sp222 said:

- No, none!

[quote] And it's not quite so ugly in the flesh, but then I own a 1 series too....

Sorry, but it really is (and I had a 1 Series for 6 and a half years)!

I understand why BMW created it to cash in on a niche, but given it is FWD perhaps it should be another "Mini" model seeing as they make lardy "life-style" models anyway!

TBH you might as well get a Honda CR-V, Megane, Scenic, Qashqai, Zafira or similar POS - a 2 Series Gran Tourer is never going to be the "Ultimate Driving Machine"!

But brand dilution seems to be OK so long as there is a profit to be made! But it isn't exactly PH.

[sp222]

I don't think anyone was suggesting it as a particularly PH car ;-)

That said, from my limited experience with MPV's, most are horrible things to drive and the only two I really thought about were this one and the S-Max. The S-max is more practical, and looks better, but inside and in terms of switchgear etc, the BMW beats it hands down. That it handles better than the S-Max is a small bonus.

In terms of cost, there's not much in it so with a better engine and gearbox it's not a daft decision.

When the kids are older though I'd be straight back in a 5 series if possible though..

[numtumfutunch]

Oh no

I have just discovered this thread after the eventual realisation that a 3 series touring is not an appropriate downsize from the current family hack but the 2 series Grand Tourer would fulfil my criteria nicely

Ugh

The main issue is that people would laugh at me, however the boot is usefully bigger than the 3 and the rear seats would come in handy for short distances on rare occasions

Its footprint is usefully about the same and less than an SMax which was the leading contender until today

My main grief is that discounts seem poor to say the least compared to whats available on a 335d Touring

How are you all getting on with yours?

Cheers

[aberdeeneuan]

Had 6 in ours at the weekend with no bother. It really is a very practical, well put together piece of kit, but it's not trendy or cool in any way. But that's fine, we love it for what it actually is. My wife loves it, as do the kids. We've driven 430 miles in one go in it with no problem, yes it's a bit noisier than my old a6 but most things are.

What spec are you looking at?

[numtumfutunch]

aberdeeneuan said:

Had 6 in ours at the weekend with no bother. It really is a very practical, well put together piece of kit, but it's not trendy or cool in any way. But that's fine, we love it for what it actually is. My wife loves it, as do the kids. We've driven 430 miles in one go in it with no problem, yes it's a bit noisier than my old a6 but most things are.

What spec are you looking at?

Still not sure TBH, but disappointed that 4wd wont let me spec the big petrol engine in the Grand Tourer

The thing is a 3series estate will be great for 95% of the time
Its just the other 5% when the space and seats would be very handy

My kids are teenagers, is the back row a decent place to spend time?
We wouldnt do major journeys 6 up, but a couple of hours perhaps

And are any options "essential"

Cheers

[aberdeeneuan]

numtumfutunch said:

aberdeeneuan said:

Had 6 in ours at the weekend with no bother. It really is a very practical, well put together piece of kit, but it's not trendy or cool in any way. But that's fine, we love it for what it actually is. My wife loves it, as do the kids. We've driven 430 miles in one go in it with no problem, yes it's a bit noisier than my old a6 but most things are.

What spec are you looking at?

Still not sure TBH, but disappointed that 4wd wont let me spec the big petrol engine in the Grand Tourer

The thing is a 3series estate will be great for 95% of the time
Its just the other 5% when the space and seats would be very handy

My kids are teenagers, is the back row a decent place to spend time?
We wouldnt do major journeys 6 up, but a couple of hours perhaps

And are any options "essential"

Cheers

I did a short trip (30 minutes) in the back with my son at the weekend. We had the middle row in the halfway slide forward spot, so it's acceptable legroom all round. It depends how big they are, the floor is relatively flat in line with the seats so it's a bit of an odd position. Certainly an S-Max is better for longer trips with larger people in it, but for shorter hops it's fine. You'd really need to try it - the sales guy had his mates in it to Cardiff the week before and said it was fine (he would though!)

For me, the car is pretty well equipped with the basics. Ours has the comfort pack, which gives you front and rear parking sensors which are a must. It also gives cruise control with auto brake, and self parking (used that once). Leather is good so long as you get heated seats. Ours has folding mirrors which also have anti-dazzle which is very effective. Lots of people like Pro Nav, it's very good but ours just has the basic. You can upgrade it by paying £190 (I think) to give you all the connected car stuff and Spotify integration etc so you get a lot of the same features without the big cost. Ours has window tints which look great on the black car.

The luggage net is useful as it's a cheap option but can't be retro fitted. Same with the bike rack option.

Sunroof is great but pricey. Upgraded stereo would be one thing I did wish we had. LED headlights are very good but pricey, depends if you need them.

It all comes down to how little or much you want to spend to be honest. Ours doesn't have some of these and it never feels poorly specced. I would like a 220d xDrive though, but the 218d never really feels lacking even when loaded.