BMW 3-Series Saloon (1998 - 2005) 320d Sport 4d (6) (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It gave just the right image for a young professional, although they are so common now that there is very little prestige in having a BMW these days.

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

They all like the car and the alloys and spoilers made it look pretty cool. I got the metallic blue which I was never 100% sure about.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I guess I would but this was my second 3 series in a row so after 6 years with them it was time for a change. I have an Audi A4 now.

What are you likely to buy next?

I opted for an A4 2.0T Special Edition and am so glad to get rid of the noisy diesel.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£26,500

When did you buy the car?

May 2004

Did you get a good deal and why?

The car was leased and I would say that the monthly rentals were quite high. This seems to be the case with the new 3 Series as well which is one of the reasons I now drive an Audi A4.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It seemed like the ideal choice for a classy and sporty motorway cruiser. All the reviews said it was the best in class.

What was the dealer like?

The sales team were knowledgable but when it came to renew the car there seemed to be an attitude that I would innevitably order a new BMW (I didn't). Service was generally OK although I did have an issue with them scratching the paintwork when they valeted it - to be fair they sorted this out when I complained.

What's it like to drive?

For a diesel it was pretty quick and would cruise at high speeds very quietly. Handling was fine although having now exchanged for a front wheel drive Audi A4 I cant say that it was any better. If anything high speed cornering seems a little better in the Audi and I dont have the feeling that the tyres are going to come off the rims.

What's it like to park?

Steering in heavy on the BMW (as is the clutch) but parking sensors help when reversing.

Have you had any problems with the car?

After three years and 65K miles the car never put a foot wrong. Tyre changes were frequent (18" low profiles are not cheap and dont last long) and I had a recurring problem of the laquer flaking off the front spoiler. Other than that it was perfect.

What's most practical about your car?

It was just about roomy enough for me and the family and did a number of family holidays including trips into France. It seems pretty comparible on size to the main competitors from Audi etc.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

With BMW everything is optional and so I didn't really have any. It was my first car with Cruise Control which I would now insist on. I am glad that I got the M Sport version as the alloys, spoilers etc made the car look so much better than the SE.