I bought a 2004 model 320DSE recently and am pleased to report it is a nice executive car. The 320D range start with a basic model then the ES then the SE and then of course the Mtec Sport. The level of goodies you get with the car go up with each model but they all driver the same apart from the sports suspension on the Mtec. I decided the Se was probably the best value for myself with Climate control, electric windows , 6 speed manual gearbox, electric windows all round, and cd player advantages over the ES. This is the second BMW I have owned. the first being a 316 made in 92, and I must report it is amazingly similar to drive.
The pedals are offset to the right slightly but this feels quite natural, the, the brakes are exellent, and the clutch is fairly light but has quite a long travel which I find takes a while to get used to. The gearbox snicks as a proper rear wheel drive one should, and feels tight and definite to use. The car is fitted with traction control which senses the forces acting on the car through bends and adjustt the power to the rear wheels to balance the car, and this cwertainly does make a difference, combined with BMW almost perfect 50/50 from to back weight distribution. The engine is quiet for a diesel even on startup and with 150bhp on tap is brisk with quite a sporty feel.Suspension is slightly on the hard side compared to that of an Audi etc but copes well, and should enable most enthusiastic drivers to drive to their own limits safely. I was suprised at the torque of the car at most speed in the first 5 gears and this makes for safe and effortless overtaking. Interior is again surprising like that of a BMW 12 years older but is of decent quality. The legroom in the rear is improved from the earlier model I had and is comfortable for adults to sit in for quite a long journey. The boot I find quite large and can handle a weekly shop or transporting most of the kids toys to grannies. The car is very economical for such a sporty model and returns a constant 50 miles per gallon even on shortish runs. BMW main dealer servicing can be quite expensive but to be honest their is no need to use a main dealer as everthing is pretty standard and most garages could easily handle serviing this car. parts prices are very good, and in fact if bought through internet or component dealer who specialise in german cars are only marginally more expensive that ford or vauxhall parts. Insurance is a bit step at group 14, but these do have a good resale value and I think this makes up for this expense.
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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
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
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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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
Oct 18th, 2007
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