BMW 3-Series Saloon (2012 - 2019) 320i xDrive M Sport 4d Owner Review

Purchased the car 6 months ago, after selling a much loved 05 Subaru Impreza WRX, which started to develop too many expensive problems to realistically run as a single car. Resistant to enter into any leasing/financing arrangements, as a cash buyer on a budget, the choice of reasonably priced second hand saloons, petrol, with four wheel drive, does not leave many options (especially if you're looking to avoid buying an Audi).
Still feeling burned by the last year of Subaru ownership and having to source exotic parts from Japan, I wanted to get something tried and tested, common enough, so parts wouldn't be an issue, but which still had driver appeal. The 6 cylinder engines were beyond my budget, unless I went for a higher mileage, which might mean incurring some hefty bills. A 330i was a possibility, but ultimately I went with a low mileage (16k) 320i xDrive MSport, with a rare manual gearbox and a generous Spec.
It's not a daily driver and is only used once or twice a week, but after 6 months I have to say I'm really impressed with this car. Perhaps to the regular fleet drivers and journalists, the 3 series has become a bit boring, but to me it's been nothing short of a revelation. Though down on power on my previous car and likely much heavier, in real world driving I've not noticed so much difference. The twin scroll turbo is actually much better suited to city driving and goes about delivering power in a smoother fashion. The 4 wheel drive is noticeably biased to the rear and gives the car a feeling of being pushed along, whilst retaining a planted feel on wet roads, comparable to the Subaru. On the motorway it's composed, with excellent cruise control and comfortable seats, making longer trips a pleasure. Coming from an Impreza the ride and road noise are worlds apart. Put it this way, we can now hold a conversation or play music and have a chance of hearing it. The Head Up Display is fantastic and something I wouldn't want to be without, as is the intuitive iDrive system.
In Blue, with a creme leather interior and 18" M Sport wheels and brakes the car looks the part and separates it from the black and grey company cars. To my eyes, the styling of the F30 makes it better looking than the car that succeeded it. The exterior lines and proportions are comparable to the current 5 series and may come to represent one of the last BMW models that could be described as handsome, before the designers 'Jumped the Shark'. With so many cars and such a broad range of specs out there It seems wise to take your time to find the right car. Fingers crossed I'll keep the car for a long time, but if I do find myself in the market again I can't see myself looking much further than a BMW. All the car you could ever need.