BMW 3-Series Saloon (2005 - 2011) 320i SE 4d (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Probably people think I'm well off but actually it cost me less than a new VW Polo to buy.

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

They like the car and surprised how nice it is.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes because it's been superb. My only regret was not buying one before. I always assumed that BMW's were over priced status symbols but I'd never actually driven one. But the quality of the car and the driving experience made me realise what all the fuss was about.

What are you likely to buy next?

Something more economical. A diesel 3-series would be nice but I may even look at a Honda Jazz.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£10,000

When did you buy the car?

December 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

I bought it from a well known very large car supermarket. The buying experience was good, they let me look over it in peace for ages and the price was good. The trade-in I got for the X-type wasn't especially generous but it wasn't insulting either.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

At the time I had a less than 4 year old Jaguar X-Type 2.0D which I had bought at the beginning of 2009 at a car auction and it was an awful car with I disliked intensely and I finally decided that despite the good fuel economy it had to go.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was fine. The process of actually buying the car and getting the keys took absolutely hours. Lots of hanging around.

What's it like to drive?

Beautiful car to drive, very smooth and quiet. Very good comfortable motorway cruiser and quite economical for a petrol 40+ MPG at steady 70. Road holding is superb, IN THE DRY! But awful car in snow and ice, any old front wheel drive car is much safer and far less likely to get stuck. It's the 50-50 weight distribution.

What's it like to park?

With the rear parking sensors an absolute doddle. Shorter than the Mondeo, Cavaliers etc. I've had previously.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Mostly consumable items have gone wrong and not spectacularly, just items that been noted when the car went in for a service item. Brakes in particular and a rattle from the engine that one "BMW Specialist" diagnosed as a failed Dual Mass Flywheel (!) i.e. £1500 to fix, which another specialist fixed for £90 (it was the alternator pulley). On the whole though it's been a fantastic car very reliable and so much better than the X-Type.

What's most practical about your car?

- Heated seats on chilly days - Dipping passenger exterior mirror when reversing - Rear parking sensors - Electrically folding mirrors -.Auto-dipping rearview mirror. - Cruise control.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Start-Stop Button and the electronic key fob. Bluetooth mobile phone connection.