BMW 3-Series Saloon (2005 - 2011) 320d ED 4d (2010/10) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

The car says success and an appreciation of quality engineering, I suppose. Can't really ask the neighbours!!

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

Friends and family like the car... three of them have bought BMWs. Neighbours who have said anything have been generally complimentary, though one or two have reservations about back seat comfort on long journeys.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - performance, handling and comfort with low running costs and a BMW badge are an unbeatable combination.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another, I'm afraid. Is there anything better??

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£23,995

When did you buy the car?

October 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Considering that my car came with leather heated seats and cost around £29k when new, £23,995 for a car with just three thousand miles 6 months later represented good value. I received an excellent trade in for my Scirocco GT and drove away a very happy customer.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The promise of low running costs coupled to the BMW driving experience.

What was the dealer like?

Bavarian BMW were excellent to deal with, though my case might have been helped by virtue of the fact that I had bought cars from the same salesman a few years before. Either way, it was a painless experience, for a change!!

What's it like to drive?

163bhp and loads of torque make this car a pleasure to drive. Overtaking is a breeze, and while 6th gear is very tall, motorway inclines rarely require a change down to make spirited progress. Acceleration is more than lively in the first three gears,and there is lots of torque available in the mid-range. Comfort on the 16 inch wheels and non-runflat Michelin Energy tyres is excellent. The only disadvantage of the lowered suspension raised its head when I had to traverse some particularly high speed ramps recently, and the exhaust heat shield underneath the car bent away from the bodywork. Although it took only seconds to bend it back into shape again, I now treat all speed ramps with extreme caution.

What's it like to park?

Good visibility, reversing sensors, no problem.

Have you had any problems with the car?

This being my first BMW, I had high expectations from the car, and by and large these have been fulfilled. With the exception of the usual items like brake pads and tyres the car has been a model of reliability. Full marks to BMW.......

What's most practical about your car?

Running costs have to be the most practical aspect of the 320d ED- a £20 annual tax disc and an average over the last two and a half years of 53mpg are hugely impressive. Plenty of room for four and their belongings must be added to this, as well as the long-legged nature of the car on the motorway, the engine turning over at just 2,000rpm in 6th gear at 80mph indicated on the motorway.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Heated leather seats over the last three winters.. hugely impressed. Climbing into the car after a gig at 2am to drive 60 miles (or more) home again used to be an uncomfortable experience as one waited for the car to heat up, but not in this 320D ED. I would go as far as to say that I wouldn't buy a car without heated seats again in future.