BMW 3-Series Saloon (1998 - 2005) 320d ES 4d (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Likes driving. Prepared to pay for qualty

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

All comments have been positive.

Would you buy this car again and why?

E46 no longer in production. Latest 3 Series(E90) would be on the short list.

What are you likely to buy next?

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£19,600

When did you buy the car?

March 2003

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think so - the ES was cheaper than the base version, decent discount and free service pack. Delighted I went for the Diesel version, it has probably saved me £600 per year on the fuel bill.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Good discount and free servicing pack.

What was the dealer like?

As expected, generally good but can be pretentious.

What's it like to drive?

Feels very secure and solid. Handles well around the bends, but the sports suspension is a bit too stiff. The car is quite heavy for its size, but still reasonably nippy. First gear is very low (6mph/1000 revs) and there is a wide gap to second(11mph/1000 revs), but 4th (25mph/1000 revs) and 5th (32mph/1000 revs) are close. Engine is sluggish below 1500 revs, but by 2500 it really wakes up. There is little point in reving beyond 4000 revs as the power drops off. For a Diesel it is very refined especially when cruising. Typically it gives 47mpg.

What's it like to park?

Easy to park

Have you had any problems with the car?

One rear light bulb needed replacing, done FOC by another dealer. Front disks were worn out by the pads and needed replacing at 80k. Rear tyres changed at 60k and 110k. Front look like they will reach 120k.

What's most practical about your car?

Good turning circle

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I like the revesable boot mat, the rubber side grips well