I have had this car for about 2 years and 25000 miles, following a 325tds (E36) and a Passat TDI 110.
The engine is very quiet once warm, and gives excellent performance between 2000-4500rpm - although there is not much at very low speeds. On a twisty road or when overtaking, it is effortless compared with a 318i - and returns 45-50mpg. Gearchange is good when warm but can be obstructive for the first couple of miles.
The chassis is very competent, giving a good ride and very tidy handling even on very difficult roads - it never loses composure. It is not particularly sporty, though.
The cabin is adequate for four, and there is a lot of attention to detail which is appreciated in long-term ownership - such as wipers which switch to intermittent when stationary. The sports seats are probably worth the extra money, for the added support and extra adjustments. The boot is small and awkwardly shaped, however. Demisting can be a problem - the climate control needs to switch on the a/c even in cold weather for this purpose.
Faults have been limited to a rear suspension creak, which was resolved by the dealer.
In summary, I am very pleased with this car and do not expect to change it in the near future.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 130 mph - 143 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: M Sport, Sport, SE, ES
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 137 mph - 150, 170 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: ES, SE, Sport, M Sport
BMW 1 Series - Hatchback - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Automatic, 6 Speed Manual - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 127 mph - 122 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: M Sport, Sport, SE, ES
Not bad intro, but info on what the car has to offer would have resulted in a higher rating (eg comfort, ride, equipment, insurance costs etc.). If you ever redo this op, please let me know and I'll reread it and review my rating :)
MRSCANADA 31.03.2002 03:02
This review is too short(it should be about 1000 words)but
your new and you wrote about my 'dream car' so you get a VH
LL
Advantages: You are probably looking at one of the best all round cars on the market, not cheap, but great cars Disadvantages: These are expensive and the overall cost of servicing and wear and tear repairs are phenominal
jacksback40 06.02.2007 (06.02.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of BMW 320d
Advantages: Image, all round reliable good car and a cheap runner Disadvantages: Small cabin, Paint easily chips, 136 bhp model is relatively slower than the face uplift 150 bhp
doctornadeem 01.05.2005 (01.05.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of BMW 320d
Advantages: Diesel the most fuel efficient, best torque of the range, same motor as BMW 320d - so a QUIET diesel Disadvantages: Diesel may appear more expensive at the pump in the UK, dealer support is shoddy, maintenance costs high, still a british car with the usual quirks
Feb 21st, 2002
(Feb 23rd, 2002)
very helpful by (25%):
helpful by (63%):
somewhat helpful by (13%):
