BMW 320d

I ordered a 320D SE 1998cc 2002 model from my local BMW dealer in October 2001 for delivery in December 2001. I was impressed with the dealer (Dick Lovett), as the sales guy was not at all pushy but allowed me to take my time looking over the car and responded well to questions I raised. The first test drive I had was with the sales guy and lasted around 40 minutes, he then arranged for me to have the car for the whole day that weekend. This whole day test drive was excellent and really let me get know the car without any sales person around, and after that I was hooked and continue to purchase the car. The list of options available is huge and it took some time to ...  Read the complete review

There are some great deals around on the BMW 3 series at the moment if you shop around. I got an 05 plate during 2008 for £8500. I was a bit unsure of getting a diesel assuming that there would be too much of a 'drag' compared to petrol but its really pretty good when it comes to pulling away, obviously it's no M3 but the 2 litre turbo diesel 135bhp engine gives you enough in most driving situations. The engine is exceptionally quiet for a diesel and there is considerable comfort in driving, on longer distances especially when you can cruise along in 6th gear this is really noticeable, like chilling in a nice armchair! I've got a dark ...  Read the complete review

One of the reasons I bought this car was that I had owned a BMW in the past and loved it.Furthermore I had a huge amount of respect for the brand and the backup if things went wrong. However all that has disappeared.This car is a complete dog when you consider what it costs.I have covered only 10000 miles so far.But have had problems with ,the clutch,the flywheel,water leaks,the electric windows and general squeaks and rattles.BMW UKs attitude has been indifferent. On the driving front,the pedals are offset which makes the already heavy clutch feel heavier. Between 0 and 1500 rpm the engine lacks all power, making the car extremely easy to stall (usual ...  Read the complete review

I've owned a 2001 320d Touring, the 136 Bhp model, for 2 years now, its been a reliable car, excellent for cruising in on long journeys. Do be aware however that there are issues with the BMW 2 litre Turbo diesel engine, it seems to have a habit of turbo failure, which is expensive to fix. Also on the later 150bhp models, inlet manifold flaps can break off and enter the engine cylinders causing much expensive damage. BMW you need to recognise this and help affected owners!! However if you maintain the car well, it is sugegsted to do 6 monthly synthetic oil changes, the turbo should stay healthy and provide many years service. My car has done 75000 miles, ...  Read the complete review

This is my first BMW, and I am sorry to say my last. The 320d has a reputation for turbo failure, which I believe applies only to pre July 2003 models. This failure can happen at any time regardless of service history and so cannot be predicted or circumvented and is a widely publicised failure amongst 320d owners on the internet!. The cost of repairing this vary between £2000 - £3000 and is not something which I would expect from a name like BMW. Other drawbacks include driver comfort, which is virtually non existant, and the BMW driving experience can only be described as being dragged over a pebbled beach, after 15 mins in the drivers seat you rapidly ...  Read the complete review