BMW 3-Series Touring (2005 - 2012) 320d SE 5d (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I don't choose a car to make any kind of statement.

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

Mostly very positive except my brother who is one of those anti-BMW typres.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Not sure, the run-flat tyre and no spare, even a space saver concept fails as mentioned previously. Another problem is finding a replacement run-flat tyre inside the 50-150 mile run-flat range if you get a puncture. Most places don't keep them in stock and have you waiting 1 to 3 days to get them. November 2006 there was a 3 week+ wait to get them at all. If it were not for standard run-flat tyres and no spare I would probably give the car 5 ratings instead of the 4 I have given it. 4 cylinder Diesel engine refinement not dreadful but after 20 months and previously having a petrol V6 do wish it was a bit more refine at low speeds. Virtually silent when cruising though.

What are you likely to buy next?

Don't know, might consider going for an older E39 530d Touring which has a 6 cylinder diesel engine, full size spare wheel and standard tyres.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£27,800

When did you buy the car?

November 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not much less than this as the touring had only just been released and I had already spent 15 months looking for something I liked, so did not want to wait longer.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Growing family, needed an estate but still wanted something fun to drive (i.e. decent handling) with good performance and economy.

What was the dealer like?

Very good.

What's it like to drive?

On standard non-run-flat tyres really quite briliant, exactly what you would expect from BMW. Run-flat tyres ruin the grip and ride with wear and in colder winter temperatures

What's it like to park?

Quite easy, it is a short car with very little front over hang which makes it easy to get the nose round. Rear parking sensors are great for reversing.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Electronic steering lock replaced under warranty, 4 days in the workshop, 3 week wait for parts. Front run-flat tyre premature edge wear (10,000 miles), switched to standard tyres no wear problems after same miles.

What's most practical about your car?

Boot hatch window opening, reasonable boot considering size of car, though not good for large items (e.g. TV sets) due to wheel arch intrusion. Works well as family transport for 4.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

6 CD Changer which plays mp3 disks.