BMW 3-Series Touring (2012 - 2019) 320i xDrive M Sport Shadow Edition Sport Automatic 5d Owner Review

This is my second 3 series touring, the previous was an e91 318i exclusive petrol with manual box. After seven years of sterling work, the mileage was getting high and a few faults were appearing so the time came to change. One of my main requirements is a tow bar so when this one popped up locally on the approved used website (with a BMW tow bar) I went to have a look and the deal was done. Comparison with the previous model is that these cars share similar traits but the ride and handling on this one is so much better. I would recommend going for the excellent 8 speed Steptronic auto over the manual as the drive is so much smoother and you can switch from ECO Pro mode for economy, through Comfort for normal day to day driving through to Sport and Sport+ for a more spirited drive. Mine is fitted with the Navigation Pro system which has so many more useful feature over the Business Nav in my previous model. The map zooms down to much lower magnifications and map updates are free and automatic (no dealer visit for upgrades) for the first three years. There is more room in the back and the boot area (electric tailgate as standard now) as it passed the 'Strimmer' test whereby the strimmer wouldn't fit in in the previous version without folding a seat down yet fits easily now. The only area where the old model has an edge is the finish of the interior materials. The e91 interior seemed more luxurious. That said, the F31 cockpit is still a nice place to be and the enhancements to the iDrive interface are great whereby you can use the controller of touchscreen or the top of the knob like a mouse. It even has handwriting recognition as well! The voice recognition is light years ahead of the previous version and works very well allowing you to access most functions by simply asking the car. Would I recommend this car? Definately yes!