BMW 3-Series Touring (2005 - 2012) 320i M Sport 5d (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It's very stylish, small excecutive sports wagon, it's practical-ish without being fuddy duddy people carrier

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

They are quite jealous and think it cost a lot more than it did

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, it suits me and my family perfectly, room in the boot for the large dog and roof rails for the mountain bikes, roof rack or roof box. I may relent and go for the diesel next time though, although I don't do too many miles the deisel is faster and gives more torque.

What are you likely to buy next?

Newer shaper 3 series or a 2010 5 series estate, I'm BMW smitten for life now

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£13,000

When did you buy the car?

September 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Very good deal, car was £2000 less than a main dealer. It was an ex-lease car which was just three years old and had been maintained with no expense spared with BMW

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I've always wanted a BMW and my ten yr old Golf gti wasn't big enough for my growing family

What was the dealer like?

OK, didn't really get involved, the company did most of it's trading on the internet, all the info and plenty of pictures online, if you like what you see you pay a deposit, go and test drive the car and if it's ok you buy it. No haggling, no warranty, no pushy saleman but you do save a hell of a lot when compared to dealers. At the end of the day it's just like buying privately.

What's it like to drive?

Excellent, it's a BMW. The 320i petrol does seems a bit underpowered and my wifes 1.6 focus is a lot more spritely to drive, but the BMW is the most comfortable relaxing car I've ever driven.

What's it like to park?

So far so good, parking sensors at the rear are a must, it is a little wider than my previous golf but all round visability is excellent.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing so far has gone wrong but it seems to be using oil quickly

What's most practical about your car?

There is plenty of room in the back seats, in my previous Golf the kids kicked the back of my seat which annoyed me, but I'm six foot tall and theres still plenty of room behind me for them to swing their legs.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise control is a very good plus, so are the supportive M sport seats. Another bonus is the seperate opening rear window which is handy if you reverse too close to a wall and need to chuck stuff into the boot.