Advantages: Great to drive, spacious, safe, reliable Disadvantages: No rear windscreen wiper, small glove compartment
...We have a 07 plate BMW 320i SE automatic in Montego blue. The 20 means it has a 2 litre engine, and the i means it is petrol rather than diesel. Getting this car was not my choice, I wanted a Ford Mondeo but my husband wanted this car and after much pestering I relented. Not that I have any complaints, it is a great car.
Why did we choose it?
The BMW 3 series is a highly rated car and had won lots of best buy awards and 5 star ratings for motoring ... ...class. Top Gear gave it 5 stars, so did Whatcar? where it is a best buy both new and used (and was their car of the year in 2006). Which? gave it 4 stars and a best buy award. All these people can't be wrong and the fact it is so highly regarded helped in the decision making process. We also considered the Mazda 6 but I found the seats to be too hard but otherwise we liked it, the Mercedes C class but it felt like a boat to drive and was as unresponsive ...
rd52169 17.07.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of BMW 320i
I bought my 1988 E30 320i from a dodgy looking bloke in south norwood. It was dark, a bit wet, and a friday night in October. I needed cheap wheels fast after destroying my mercedes 190e.
So. The car. One of the shocks was shot, the heater blower motor didn't work, the windows were manual, the engine had a nasty top end rattle, it had done 104k and it stank of fags. I paid £500 for it, one of my sillier moments, but I was desperate.
The drive home ... ...dip, but rather nicely the autobox was excellent. Smooth shifts in and out of every gear at every speed.
The following morning I saw it in the light. I wasn't impressed. I then saw the interior in the light, and realised it was more basic than a 1984 Golf. Good stero though, once I'd wired it in. Even better when I got the proper cage on it so it didn't fall out onto my knee every time I accelerated.
I only drove that car for 6 weeks, but it felt ...
robachamings1 27.01.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 320i
Advantages: A higher class boy racer's car Disadvantages: The engine is an under performer
I've owned a BMW 320iSE L-reg for the last three years and I have to say that my experience with it has been mediocre at best. Prior to owning this car I owned a 525iSE (F reg) and it was absoloutely fantastic...the sort of car that dreams are made of. Unfortunately all things come to an end and I had to sell it. By purchasing a 3-series I thought I was buying more of the same however this was not so. Even with a 2-litre engine the performance is ... ...the subject of overheating every BMW I've had has suffered to a greater or lesser degree with this. Yes, it looks good, no there aren't any annoying rattles so the interior quality could be described as above average. Yes, in three years the car has never failed to start, ever but for the price that's not enough. The car has also suffered persistently with squeaky brakes, which the local dealer has described as a 'feature'of the 3-series- honestly ...
DrC 27.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 320i
Advantages: smart, comfortable, economic on fuel, quick Disadvantages: A little conservative in looks, expensive to service
...child-friendly BMW. Obviously the BMW had a lot to measure up to. Some of the key stats then - it is a V6 2000cc engine, which means I get similar brake horse power to the 323i Sport - 170bhp compared to 186 bhp (but you wouldn't notice and it is about £3,000 cheaper). 0-60 in about 8-9 seconds, but more importantly they have discs, on the 17" alloys, all round so brakes 60-0 in about 3 secs. The insurance group is 17, but depending on your circumstances, ... ...to fix, but our local BMW dealer guarantees the smell won't come back within 6 months. They pour a disinfectant into the condenser to kill the bacteria that makes the smell.
I would recommend that you go for Sport version since looks better with spoilers on the front. I also hear that the Sport versions are easier to sell if you need to. The list price for this car is normally around £25,000 - 30,000 with the all the extras we have. Go to the dealer ...
madamemilliecat 13.08.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 320i
Advantages: Cheap, fun, image Disadvantages: expensive if it goes wrong, tricky in wet
I have a theory when buying cars, you should either may a lot and get a new or nearly car, or buy cheap, and get a disposable banger, the midpoint is the danger area, you can fork out a fair bit of cash, but still be left with a pup. Not being loaded I usually go for the later option. This doesn't necessarily mean motoring has to be boring though, I've just bought a 1987 320i for £900 which has been very reliable, looks good, and still has a good ... ...novelty these days, although you do have to be careful in the wet not to put the power down too quickly or else the back end comes round to meet you. The sraight 6 engine is silky smooth, although not much happens at low revs, the power tends to kick in around 4000. The economy tends to depend on how the car is driven, press on and the juice will disappear quickly, but if you drive more slowly good economy is possible.
Build quality is as good as ...
gshughes 26.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 320i
Advantages: Quality, Handling, Engine, Image Disadvantages: Lack of extras, Parts Can Be Expensive
...speeds, 4000rpm+ the distinctive 6-cylinder BMW engine roar brings a smile to your face. Then the car is very capable of keeping up with the GTIs and faster cars on the road at medium to high speed, but don't embarrass yourself off the lights. Fuel economy is quite impressive for a straight six, unless you push the engine(which is quite hard not to do). The MPG dial gives you an education of what really drains fuel. The gearbox is very smooth and ... ...changes in the road. BMW have done an excellent job here.
The interior of my car is not leather, but still of a good quality. Except for a few things. The steering wheel is not leather. My car lacks a lot of kit like Traction Control, Air Con, Adjustable steering column, etc. Fair enough, I may not have the top of the range model but I have heard from many other owners that a lot of these features are not very common on most mk3s. The alpine stereo ...
jenk85 05.02.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 320i
Advantages: Ultimate driving machine, badge, quality Disadvantages: parts and servicing prices
i have had my 2001 320ise 4dr for 4 months now, it hasnt missed a beat and drives like new. its done 65k miles. It has the cloth interior which is ok (i would have preferred leather) and pretty much everything you need in a car. I like the up market feel to the car, the only downside about the look of the car is the standard 16" wheels which look like coasters on a sofa (need to be bigger). It averages 29-30mpg and i have a heavy foot, and its capeable ...
stepdavi 03.03.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 320i
Advantages: Cheap, Reliable, Fun Disadvantages: Lack of toys
Having spent the last 15 years running around in new vehicles and some nice ones at that, 528i, Cherokee, etc, I figured it was time to ditch the depreciation for once. Forking out 1700 smackers for a mint condition 323i dating back to August 1985 was a calculated gamble. With a full service history and an engine that sounds as sweet as a very sweet thing, my logic is simply that if my lack of mechanical knowledge gets me into a real lemon, then ... ...still have cost less than running a very average new car for the same period.
It goes like stink, and the handling offers far more entertainment than anything I've driven since my first proper car a 205GTI when I was younger and dafter.
The lack of toys like aircon and e/w takes a bit of adjusting to, but in the end it's turned me into a real anti-snob and I would rather take my lovely old banger than my wife's new 328, which is all very hi-tech, ...
jonty 24.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 320i
Advantages: Comfort Disadvantages: No go for Rude boy racers
I recently took my car to BM for a service and I was given the new e46 to drive while my 318is was being serviced. I have had my car from new for almost 3 years and have been very impressed with the car overall. I was considering upgrading to the newer model but have now had to think twice as I was not to impressed by what I experienced. If you are after a car that is all about comfort and a nice drive than the e46 is the car for you. But if you ... ...and the ability to totally thrash your car then the e36 wins everytime. The e36 has a more aggresive look to it were as the e46 tells you in it's appearnce that it is a cruising car. There is nothing I like better than approaching a bend and throwing the car into it and then pulling it back in line once I have taken the corner-it does not matter how fast the car behind you is-beacuse if he can not corner like you and your e36 then he is not going ...
Kemal 14.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 320i
Advantages: Almost Everthing Disadvantages: Insurance, Crawling
After buying a BMW 320i SE i would find it difficult to go to any other car. I find them brilliant. Ive always driven French cars and of course always paid over the odds for parts, and they have got to be available. Since then I have compaired the prices of possible repairs in the future and the BMW parts, or similar parts are cheaper and more readily available. The driving of the car is very smooth and has a rapid acceleration. There is alot of ... ...two litre engine. The only problem i have with the car is the high insurance. i can imagine that will change as i am only 23 years old with three years no claims bonus on the ten year old car. I would definatly consider purchasing another BMW in the future. ...
dizzych 30.06.2004
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of BMW 320i
Advantages: good gearbox Disadvantages: low fuel consumption
I have just bought a BMW 320i SE 2.2l 2002 automatic and the experience i have had with it so far has been outstanding. It is such a lovely car to drive, everything is in reach of the driver. Fuel consumption isnt great but what can you expect. I average 31MPG. It is quite fast, o-60 mph takes around 8 seconds in the manual and 9 in the auto. Overall it is a great drivers car and i would recommend the car to anybody. As i am i8 i hve found the insurance ...
ryancjones 28.01.2008
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of BMW 320i
Advantages: great drive............. Disadvantages: heavy on petrol....
ive had my BMW 320i now for about four years now and it has been reasonably reliable, but soon as something goes wrong it costs a arm and a leg. the parts for BMW are so expensive it seems sometimes it is not worth putting new parts on, i think most BMW owners realize this and i guess you get what you pay for. i telling you this in case you are not aware but other wise the 320i is a great motor, i have mine lowered at the front 4 inches and it looks ...
fireman 14.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: not helpful Review of BMW 320i
BMW approved BMW 3 Series Saloon 320I SE 4dr manual in Topaz blue.The car has covered ... more
50,310 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 31.70.Additional Info: Insurance Group 15. Emission Count 213g/Km, What Green Car Rating of 57.
BMW approved BMW 3 Series Saloon 320I SE 4dr Auto automatic in Steel Blue.The car has ... more
covered 58,503 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 30.10.Additional Info: Insurance Group 15. Emission Count 226g/Km, What Green Car Rating of 60...
BMW approved BMW 3 Series Saloon 320I SE 4dr manual in Titanium Silver.The car has covered ... more
63,075 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 38.20.Additional Info: Insurance Group 14. Emission Count 178g/Km, What Green Car Rating of 48.
BMW approved BMW 3 Series Saloon 320I Sport 4dr Auto automatic in Black Sapphire.The car ... more
has covered 43,979 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 30.10.Additional Info: Insurance Group 15. Emission Count 226g/Km, What Green Car Ratin...
Drive Vauxhall Redcar approved BMW 3 Series Saloon 320I SE 4dr manual in Grey.The car has ... more
covered 66,678 miles and has a manufacturer recommended combined MPG of 38.20.Additional Info: Insurance Group 14. Emission Count 178g/Km, What Green Car Rating ...
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