BMW 3-Series Touring (2005 - 2012) 318i Exclusive Edition 5d Owner Review

Fabulously versatile reliable mile muncher. Mechanically superb with regular servicing - recommend keeping that up. For a 10 year old car it looks fantastic, paint finish high quality, still looks near new. No corrosion issues so far. Soundproofing is good, could be better, youcan hear road noise depending on surface & tyres but not as quiet as some new cars weve used. Seats are extremely comfortable sitting in them but a bit low, elderly and mobility restricted passengers have found it hard to get in and out of car especially the backseats with limited space between seat and door pillar Tourer (estate) version still looks stylish, not boxy. Very useful space. Entrance not quite as large as some equivalent estates. Would prefer rear seats to fold fully flat, but upholstery is firm mean they make a sloping section when folded down. Useful storage spaces hidden under boot covers and in rear wings Hatchback lid is a bit heavy, check if you can manage it, not suitable if you aren't fit in arm and shoulder. Struts easily replaced at home and cheap on eBay but still heavy to use, newer models have electric assist. Inbuilt satnav and phone Bluetooth are ok and work well but not as sophisticated connectivity as newer models. No wireless connection for music & no inbuilt usb sockets only 12v lighter style ones, but The BMW signature fluorescent round front lightbulb is a non home user replacement, annoyingly expensive for a bulb. Newer models use led so last longer. Wheelhub badges as provided poor quality (corrode/fall off) but easily/cheaply replaced (eBay) just measure size required carefully as each mm counts!! Overall a solid reliable flexible car, high mileage is no problem with annual servicing.