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

What does this car say about you?

I think it says I've achieved something, have confidence and have a little mischievious streak. This car was a treat to myself for a lot of hard work.

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

Most love it - used it at my friend's wedding for the groom and then the bridesmaids. My daughters love being driven round in the BMW and the wife likes using it for girls days out with her friends rather than her car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - it's just an all round fun and grown up car to have and drive, plus it looks great in red.

What are you likely to buy next?

Larger family saloon, unfortunately to keep up with family luggage on holidays.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

January 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Offer through a car leasing company due to the low CO2 and high mpg.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Drive, looks and leasing deal.

What was the dealer like?

Excellent service - walked me through the selection and ordering service, advised on what benefit the options offered and what worked well together. Excellent aftersales and servicing from the staff and dealership.

What's it like to drive?

Sporty, assured, confident. Even though it's RWD the car handles extremely well in wet and hazardous conditions - the traction control and DSC work very well in all conditions. The lowered suspension firms the ride up a little, but also provides that extra stability when cornering on country roads. The BMW is a lot of fun to drive on either motorway or winding road and has the power available to easily overtake and cruise at motorway speeds whilst maitaining excellent MPG. The gear changes are smooth and the ratio and engine power allows for block changing and holding 6th gear from 40mph so no down changes required on the M42.

What's it like to park?

Even with the rear sensors off I find it very easy to park, the steering is very light at slow speeds and visibility all round the car is good with very few blindspots. The dipping passenger wing mirror is a blessing (came with upgrade though) and helps with reverse parallel parking.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing has gone wrong with the car in the nearly 3 years I've been driving the 320 ED apart from the tyre pressure sensor after hitting a pot hole, but it just needed resetting once the car was stationary.

What's most practical about your car?

The driver's cabin and how the controls and switches are laid out - everything is in just the right place and straightforward to understand from the location and symbol used - you can literally sit in it and drive without going over the manual to figure out what buttons do. A lot of button pressing and time wasting is saved through using the iDrive and also the voice controls. Never have to take my eyes off the road to make a call or change radio staion or CD.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I purchased a number of upgrades for the BMW, but the stand out accessory is the Professional Media kit - wide screen, iDrive with hard drive and sat-nav. Also houses the onboard controls and vehicle checks which can be reviewed through the main screen.