New facelifted 320D 1998cc 2002 model

Advantages: Performance, MPG, Quailty
Disadvantages: Rear cabin space, Small boot

...I ordered a 320D SE 1998cc 2002 model from my local BMW dealer in October 2001 for delivery in December 2001. I was impressed with the dealer (Dick Lovett), as the sales guy was not at all pushy but allowed me to take my time looking over the car and responded well to questions I raised. The first test drive I had was with the sales guy and lasted around 40 minutes, he then arranged for me to have the car for the whole day that weekend. This whole day test drive was excellent and really let me get know the car without any sales person around, and after that I was hooked and continue to purchase the car. The list of options available is huge and it took some time to decide what I wanted. This new car was to replace my company Astra and I purchased it myself using my companies opt out option. The car was ordered for December as my...

focus328 06.03.2002 · Read review
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Review of BMW 320d

320d - Potentially expensive failure

Advantages: Preformance, Economy, choice of trim, extras
Disadvantages: reliability - Expensive turbo failure, Rear Seat Space, Boot Space

...This is my first BMW, and I am sorry to say my last. The 320d has a reputation for turbo failure, which I believe applies only to pre July 2003 models. This failure can happen at any time regardless of service history and so cannot be predicted or circumvented and is a widely publicised failure amongst 320d owners on the internet!. The cost of repairing this vary between £2000 - £3000 and is not something which I would expect from a name like BMW. Other drawbacks include driver comfort, which is virtually non existant, after 15 mins in the drivers seat you rapidly experience another feature of the 320D - namely BMW "Numb Bum", which I must admit was not publicised in the brochure. The driving position is also somewhat strange. Both rear seat and boot space are limited and certainly not inline with the size of vehicle, and all BMW...

jamesey 30.05.2006 · Read review
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Review of BMW 320d

BMW Sporty Diesel with Low Running Costs

Advantages: Good Resale value, sporty, comfortable, sleek
Disadvantages: Feels same as a much older model.

...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...

lightheart 18.10.2007 · Read review
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Review of BMW 320d

My first diesel and was pleasantly surprise!

Advantages: Fuel economy is brilliant,over taking power great.
Disadvantages: A bit of turbo lag,and cabin vibration

...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...

crazydriver 10.05.2004 · Read review
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Review of BMW 320d

HOW SENSIBLE CAN A CONVERTIBLE GET?

Advantages: Weather Proof. Engine. Fuel Economy. Style. Interior Space.
Disadvantages: Purchase Price.

...Please note that the photograph inserted by Ciao at the top of this page is NOT the car of the title - it is the very different last model, soft roof BMW 3-Series. I have published pictures of the latest model - that is, the car reviewed and which the title refers to. WHAT IS IT? The BMW 320d SE is a clever folding metal roof version of BMW's ever popular 3-Series. Particularly interesting in this case is that roof up, the styling is barely distinguishable from the conventional 3-Series Coupe model. The 3-Series has always been one of the more spacious, four seater convertibles, the folding metal roof does not change this, at 4.58 metres long and 1.985 wide, it is identical in size to Coupe model. WHICH SPECIFIC MODEL? The model reviewed here is the new four cylinder, 177bhp 320 diesel, in non-sporting SE trim. This...

RICHADA 27.06.2008 · Read review
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Review of BMW 320d Convertible

BMW 3 series: compact all the way...

Advantages: Great buys at the moment
Disadvantages: Will be replaced in 2005

...After a somewhat disastrous encounter with a VW I decided that in my next car, I wanted to stay German as I was impressed with the build quality of the VW but that I wanted a little more prestige but without a huge price tag. A BMW 3 series probably doesn't say cheap to most people but I have just purchased the BMW 1.6 ES special edition for £16, 495 including metallic paint. What do you get for your money? With this special edition I have got a 1.8 litre engine with 150 BHP. Standard features of this car include: Air conditioning (manual) CD Player 162 alloy wheels Electric front widows M3 steering wheel and gear stick (no controls) Sports suspension Anthracite headlining Storage compartment pocket The base price is £15, 995 and metallic paint will set you back a further £500 ish. This car is...

nickjj78 07.09.2004 · Read review
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Review of BMW 316i

BMW 1.9 Z3 Roadster

Advantages: Great for hot, sunny days and posing, great build quality
Disadvantages: Attracts unwanted attention, NOT a sports car

...If you want a BMW Z3 then do not go for the 1.9 version. The small engine, although provides some torque, is not up to the job to power a heavy 2 seater roadster. I bought a 1997 model in blue, with 65,000 miles on the clock for £8,000 back in April 2006. After changing jobs I fancied a change in car. I had always wanted a small two seater convertible and had considered the MX-5 and MGF. Although I like the look of both of these cars they are a bit.....well...... ponzy. I wanted a 'mans' convertible. Unfortunately the SLK, Z4 etc were way beyond my budget, as was the Z3 - or so I thought..... When I saw the Z3 I had to have a drive in it. It was a bright and sunny day, not too hot since it was April, but the rag top brigade were out in force. The Z3 felt sluggish, but then I had just gotten rid of my 240bhp twin entry turbo'd...

yackers1 12.03.2007 · Read review
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Review of BMW Z3 Roadster 

Red Dwarf series 3.

Advantages: SUPERB
Disadvantages: NOTHING

...Red Dwarf series 3. This wonderfully funny and fantastically written show ran for eight series and almost had a film made, sadly not to be. Starring; Craig Charles - Dave Lister Arnold J Rimmer - Chris Barrie Cat - Danny John-Jules Kryten - Robert Llewellyn Holy was played by two people, Norman Lovett and later Hattie Hayridge. Although Norman did return later in the series. Kristine Kochanski was also played by two people Clare Grogan and then later by Chloë Annett. Kryten was initially played by David Ross but thankfully he did not stay in the role. It had a simple premise, The Red Dwarf Mining ship has a radiation leak which kills all of the crew except Dave who is in Null space put there as a punishment for bringing a cat aboard the ship and then refusing to surrender it up to the captain. He is...

MaldivesHoliday 14.07.2009 · Read review
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Review of Red Dwarf - Series 3 (DVD)

BMW 3 Series

Advantages: Fast, comfortable
Disadvantages: Drinks petrol

...I bought my BMW after my B reg Orion fell to bits. It was about time I bought a new car. I searched on the Internet for the model I wanted (had to get a 1.6 because I knew I wouldn't get insured on anything else!). I found two, one R reg for £8,000, which the dealer would not negotiate on, and a T reg for £6,750. I was lucky because the company were doing a deal at the time. So, f you hold out, you'll get one at that age for around £7,000. However, mileage in all BMWs is quite high. I think this is because they are mostly used as company cars. However, don't be put of by this fact as BMWs are renowed for their reliability. The exterior of the car is sleek and sophisticated and presents a very professional look, especially in black. The bumpers are colour coded and the alloys give it that finishing look. The windows are slightly...

Pheonix5284 20.07.2003 · Read review
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Review of BMW 316i Coupé

Bmw M3 Evo Saloon

Advantages: Fast, reliable, good handeling, comfortable, looks evil, solid build, smile factor
Disadvantages: expensive to maintain and run, steering wheel is a bit big, long gear throw

...Bmw E36 M3 evo saloon I love my M3 evo, 90k on the clock so far FSH and still on the same healthy sounding vanos unit. Ive always had quick cars but this thing is awesome. There are a few updated items on the 3.2 E36 M3 including bigger brakes from the M5 6, speed box and bigger 3.2 twin vanos engine giving a massive 321bhp. Beware though this car cant be run on a shoe string budget. my spends so far 1) new suspension and bushes standard boge set up £1000 2)gear box selector seal £150 3) inspection 2 service £850 which has highlighted that the vavles will need re-set in about 20-30k at a cost of £400 4) Its going in in two weeks to get the vanos serviced ,new mesh oil filter, solinoides cleaned and longer BMW bolts fitted to the front plate at a cost of £150 And if that troublesome vanos unit goes im looking a £1500...

reidtastic 11.07.2008 (07.07.2008) · Read review
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Review of BMW M3