BMW 3-Series Saloon (2005 - 2011) 320d M Sport 4d (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Don't know, didn't care in all fairness. My uncle said all BMW drivers are inconsiderate but I think that is an 80's stereotype that has pretty much gone - Audi has taken over that mantle now...

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

Everyone agreed that it was a great looking car (Le Mans blue, 17 inch wheels, muscular looking with wider rears than fronts) and that its interior was nice, if not as tricked-up as expected).

Would you buy this car again and why?

Sadly not. Too troublesome; unexpected unreliability has really ruined BMWs for me, and not expected from an Approved Used BMW at all. They are very costly when they go wrong and the only thing that saved it for me was the warranty.

What are you likely to buy next?

An Octavia VRS Diesel.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£14,000

When did you buy the car?

April 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was OK, I had set myself a target price and it was the car I wanted. The PX was reasonable.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I had driven a 330D and really liked it, but didn't feel I could justify one - the 320D M Sport seemed to offer an ideal alternative.

What was the dealer like?

Friendly enough but kept calling me Paul, when my name is not Paul... Not pushy but keen to do a deal and did try to convince me to go for a new car on a lease deal, despite me saying that wasn't what I wanted.

What's it like to drive?

Lacked low down torque; sensitive to gear at low speed so town drive not a strong suit. Mid-rangey overtaking was acceptable and it did do 50mpg generally on my commute. Comfortable cruiser (could have done with more torque though). Suspension FIRM, rear seat passengers noted it was bouncy in the back.

What's it like to park?

Easy. Standard parking sensors did help when reversing as the back of the car is largely obscured.

Have you had any problems with the car?

PLENTY: over 2 years this car had around £8000 of warranty repairs, specifically a complete new central locking system; new rear window after demister failure; full clutch and dual-mass flywheel kit; new Alternator after bearings collapsed; replacement Hydro unit (ABS Braking) and new door seals which failed and flooded the car in the wet, and which was not covered in the warranty - BMW did offer 50% towards this as a goodwill gesture.

What's most practical about your car?

It had a reasonable boot and was good for A road and Motorway driving.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Leather sports seats were brilliant and the dual zone climate system was excellent.