Faults:

So far everything has been fine, but I have one major niggle that nobody can get to the bottom of, even 2 BMW specialists.

There is a loose wobbly feel from the steering when driving very slowly, under 25mph and going over cobbles, small hard bumps in the road. It's almost as though something is loose on the steering column. It's not the bushes or steering coupling; had both replaced. It also does it when you simply sit in the car, engine can be on or off, and move the steering a little to the left and right - you feel this loose sensation then too. There is no wheel wobble on the motorway, so not balancing or tracking- this is a completely different feeling- my problem is really bad on cobbled streets. It is really bugging me, can anyone help please??

A fair amount of road noise for a German car, rattly centre armrest, squeaky brakes, but this is probably because it has non genuine BMW pads fitted. When the sunroof is open, the wind deflector makes a right racket; it's so noisy unlike most other cars with these deflectors fitted.

General Comments:

Ace handling, road holding, steering poise is great, feels very well built. Hated the original MV wheels, so fitted other BMW wheels; this also greatly improved the tram lining and twitchy feel that was ever apparent, especially on the inside lane of the M25 or M6 where the lorries go and leave grooves, it was bordering on dangerous!

Sat nav/TV great, engine sounds lovely, but can be a bit boomy at times with that M sport standard exhaust.

I overall love the car and am impressed with the great fuel economy, but will it be as reliable as a Japanese car? I hope so, but this steering wobble is really annoying me...

Faults:

Replaced or attended to under warranty:

Fuel pump pressure intermittently weak.

Turbo unit.

HVAC fan condenser.

Ongoing issues:

Tow ball interferes with parking sensors.

Intermittent rattle coming from driver's door area - can anyone out there help? It's been to the dealers a few times with no cure yet, and is the only issue that spoils this car

General Comments:

This is an almost perfect set of wheels for those who like driving coupled to an element of practicality.

While the 3 Touring is not the roomiest of estate cars, it gets the job done well enough, so long as you're not always moving house or doing furniture delivery as a living. For me, it has proven ideal transporting parts for an old car I am doing up as well, as lugging business signage around. The tailgate provides better access to the available load area than the rather narrow conventional boot opening on the four door and coupe models.

The previous owner specified it with almost every option - power moonroof, M sport kit (bringing with it 17" alloys and lowered suspension, sports seats, leather M steering wheel with audio and cruise control remotes), heated leather front seats, TV, climate control, rear park sensors and tow package, so it lacks only power seats, which I can readily do without.

The ride is a little compromised with the firmer M sports suspension and low profile 17" rubber, but it corners beautifully.

There have been a few problems, but these were resolved under the extended BMW warranty cover, which has now just run out. I am now on a wing and a prayer and undecided as to whether to continue enjoying the 330d or look around for something new/newer.

The biggest problem is what to eventually replace it with.

The current E91 3 Touring is a non-starter for me as it has challenging styling, and an ugly dash and interior to my eyes, so let's not go there.

BMW, you did a disservice by making the E46 too bloody good and dropped the baton with its replacement. Hopefully, the next generation 3 will pick up where the E46 left off.