BMW 3-Series Touring (2005 - 2012) 320d (177bhp) SE 5d (2007/57) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I was aiming for a sort of outdoorsy/Daddy-cool/still likes to have fun despite the baby seat image...

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

That it cost a lot more that it actually did. They were very suprised that such a powerful car (and it was pretty powerful for a diesel) could be so economical. They were also shocked at how unreliable it turned out to be.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Highly unlikely. This car has had a devastating effect on my finances. Basic servicing and repair costs are horrendous (£500 for fluids and filters and an MOT, £300 for front brake pads and an MOT). There there is the wonderful run-flat tyres that sees you write off a brand new £120 tyre with a puncture because garages won't repair them. Adding up the cost of having all the faults repaired, plus the last service and MOT, I spent over £2500 in one year on this car. Appalling and a huge disappointment.

What are you likely to buy next?

I have since swapped this car for a 1.6 Tdci Focus.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£14,500

When did you buy the car?

October 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

I thought we got a good deal. My car had been languishing on the forecourt for some time, possibly due to slightly high mileage and non-metallic paint. In the end, I got a significant discount off the window price.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

With our first baby on the way, we figured we were going to need something a bit bigger than my Mini Cooper S. I still wanted something that I would enjoy driving and be proud to own though and I'd always liked the look of the 3-Series Touring.

What was the dealer like?

My salesman was extremely polite, courteous and professional. The showroom was a very pleasant place to visit.

What's it like to drive?

A lovely car to drive that eats up 200+ mile journeys without leaving you drained at the end. Fantastic overtaking torque too - a great drivers car.

What's it like to park?

I found it pretty easy with the parking sensors. I suspect I would have struggled without.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Loads. From the start, the car had a noise that sounded like a worn wheel bearing. It was returned to the dealer several times without success. I eventually replaced the rear tyres and the noise ceased. Turbo boost linkage actuator seized resulting in poor acceleration (common fault) - repaired under warranty. Electronic Steering lock failed (common fault) repaired at my expense £600. Failed microswitch on tailgate glass hatch resulting in phantom in battery drainage issues and the hatch popping open on its own (common fault) repaired at my own expense £200. Paint chipping off bonnet and front bumper (common issue with new 'eco-friendly' paint) repainted at my expense £200.

What's most practical about your car?

Good fuel economy, although well short of official figures. Expect mid 45-50mpg. Actually not that spacious inside given the length of the car.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Seperately opening glass hatch on tailgate - until it started opening on its own.