BMW 3-Series Coupe (2006 - 2013) 330d SE (245bhp) 2d Auto (2008/58) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Nothing.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Much admired- especially if they drive it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes- but I would again buy a lightly used one and check the rear inside rims. The 330d coupe offers the best trade-off between costs and performance. Check it out.

What are you likely to buy next?

Don't know- there may be a revamped 3 series coupe in the offing- maybe that.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£25,000

When did you buy the car?

April 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

OK- deals are never as good as one would like but it was better than I couild have got from our local BMW dealer.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Needed to have a four seater- previous car was a Merc 350SLK.

What was the dealer like?

Fine- however the extra payment for a "special polish/protection" was a complete waste of money!

What's it like to drive?

Superb. Very stable. Plenty of power. Quiet and comfortable. Drove down to Italy last 2 years- a pleasure to drive at the high speeds allowed in Germany. Some passengers say the ride is a bit hard.

What's it like to park?

Easy- sensors help- dipping near side mirror. But watch the low profile wheels on kerbs.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Both rear wheels required replacement having developed rim cracks. A "Run-out" test revealed a manufacturing fault in one and road impact damage on the other! The car was out of warranty- so one wheel was replaced free of charge by BMW and I had to pay for the other! £500! Other owners with19" wheels have had the same problem which was highlighted by BBC's Watchdog programme. Only rears-only 19". Dealer says that later cars have better wheels.

What's most practical about your car?

It's a 4 seater with excellent performance. 0-60 in 6 seconds- 155mph top speed and 40+ mpg. Decent boot. Excellent spec.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?