This is my first diesel car. I didnt know what to expect! The car is one year old,i never buy new always nearly new. That way you will get the benefit of all the optional extras plus any depriciation that occurred. My 320d SE Touring came with leather,rain sensor,xenon light,automatic ,6 cd and headlight washer. All these options cost around £4000,which would have boosted a new car price to around £29,000! I brought it for £22,950. A saving of nearly £6000.
The automatic does slow the car down abit,but if you switch it to the steptonic mode it really goes.
I was amazed at the mid range power of this car. The other day i did a naughty thing and decided to race a BMW 740i. I was expecting it to overtake me with no problem,so i put the it to steptonic and put my foot down.To my amazement the 320D was neck to neck with the 740i.(Thats a 4litre V8). It would have beaten me on top speed ,so as i already made my point i release the accelerator. It felt good!
Back to the review. So far nothing has gone wrong(fingers crossed).
The only complain i have is i cant seem to get a comfortable position on the seat. But having said that the seats are good for long journeys.
As this is my first diesel, is it normal to get some vibriation in the cabin? Can anyone answer that? The vibration can only be felt during idle, once the car got going you wouldnt know its a diesel.!
All the controls are well laid out.I especially like the mutli-functional steering wheel which is standard. Dont expect the boot to be big. It is only adequate. Fuel consumption is good doing 45-50mpg. Back seats are tight but would suit a small family. Cabin solid as a rock. All in all its a great car and i do recommend it.
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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
Hi welcome to ciao - great start. It maybe an good idea to read and rate reviews in many other areas of this site, to give you some idea of what people like!! LArry
Testarossa 10.05.2004 10:36
Welcome to Ciao. Generally you will get more vibration with a diesel, but it shouldn't rattle or anything like that, especially with a BMW. I thought your review was very well laid out for a first review. Sam :o)
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
May 10th, 2004
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