2010 BMW 3 Series 320d 2.0 litre turbo diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

All round brilliance of engineering, styling and performance

Faults:

Nothing; but it is still relatively new. Faultless.

General Comments:

I never wanted to own or drive a diesel car because of their engine sound, and the poor performance of old diesel Mercedes and other models that I observed in traffic since the 1970s.

This 320d has blown me away! It is very quick, with enough acceleration to beat large motorbikes, let alone other cars (almost 400 Nm of torque). I drive it hard and it begs for more. Collecting too many speeding tickets now. It mows down steep hills, and the steering is incredible. Fuel economy is outstanding; 5.6 L/100 klm on distance driving and between 6 and 6.5 L/100 klm around city. Satnav, sunroof and all the extras add to the appeal.

I actually bought two cars on the day. First I settled on a Mercedes C220cdi and the sales person gave me a loan 320d spare car to get home. I was hooked and went straight back to the showroom and swapped the description on the contract (and price). Whew! So glad I did that - no comparison between a slogger Mercedes C220cdi and the 320d.

I have racked up almost 1000 klm/week consistently for almost 6 months because I can't stay out of it. I cannot do it justice with my own narrative, and leave it to be discovered by others.

The 320d is the most superbly crafted all round car I can think of. I will only drive BMW diesel cars from now on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2011

20th Oct 2011, 14:47

Great car I agree, but it won't out accelerate a large motorbike. Not even an M3 will do that.

In reply to 20th Oct 2011, 14:47

24th Oct 2011, 20:22

You should try it before you comment. I know big motorbikes (over 750 cc) because I used to ride them. I have street raced large bikes more than once, and won. Maybe not the latest 1100cc bikes, but certainly in the 750 - 1000 cc range. Jeremy Clarskon raced a 520d against the M5 on Top Gear and won the first 250m. After that they are both above the legal speed limit, and the M5 wins the top speed easily. How many city streets allow 100 klm/h? That is what I am talking about.

In reply to 24th Oct 2011, 20:22

12th Dec 2011, 05:12

I have driven a 320d, and it's a nice car, but if you think it will beat a 750cc motorcycle in any kind of race, you are kidding yourself.

If you've beaten a big motorbike, it was because the rider wasn't racing you.

I used to have a ZX7R, which is far from the fastest 750cc sportsbike, and that would eat E46 M3's for breakfast in any comparison below 100 mph (160 km/h), whether off the mark, or roll on acceleration.

A typical 750cc motorbike will do 0-100km/h (62 mph) in somewhere between 3 and 4 seconds. There is not one increment up to that speed where the car would be even close.

The bikers weren't trying.

In reply to 12th Dec 2011, 05:12

3rd Jan 2012, 01:00

I think I made my point. If there is a better car for acceleration, fuel economy, handling, overall performance, style and gadget appointments (iDrive, sunroof, satnav, parking sensors, etc. etc.) for the price; I would like to know what it is.

In reply to 3rd Jan 2012, 01:00

3rd Jan 2012, 15:30

Considering it is an expensive motor to start with, it would want to be as you describe it, but will you feel hard done by when a better model is released, BMW or not?

In reply to 3rd Jan 2012, 01:00

5th Jan 2012, 03:19

I am not arguing with that point. What I am arguing with is your assertion that it can out accelerate a big bike. It can't.

7th Jun 2012, 14:02

I own a 320d and a Kawasaki 750. A 3 series diesel will never out accelerate a big bike?