BMW 3-Series Saloon (1998 - 2005) 320d SE 4d (01) (2003/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Don't really care: we like it and that's all that matters. I suspect most people who hate BMWs have never driven one.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Like it, and can't believe it when we tell them the mileage
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, because it's been everything we expected.
What are you likely to buy next?
Post 2009 BMW 320d or 330d, as the e90 had a facelift that looks much better, especially from the rear which is all anyone ever gets to see of it anyway!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£6,500
When did you buy the car?
April 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes, the price was very cheap at the time. Mileage was high, at 137,000, but you'd swear it was 37,000 to look at and drive
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Same price as a Golf GT TDi 130 at the time, and so much more car for the money. Plus this is my wife's car, and she was replacing a Z3 2.8. Loved that car so she wanted another BMW
What was the dealer like?
Very pleasant, very helpful, and delivered the car to us (60 miles away) for no extra charge
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Effortless: although more power is always nice (I have a 535i), it will cruise easily at licence-losing speeds if you are that way inclined. Acceleration is still impressive.
What's it like to park?
Easy, controls are light and it has parking sensors which can get you to within a couple of inches of an obstacle
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Nothing I don't consider fair wear and tear: it's done 231,500 miles now and still always starts first time. Apart from below, all that's ever been done is servicing (at dealer), brakes and tyres. Tyres last around 30,000 miles, but we do use Goodyear or Continental, cheap tyres might not last as long. You get what you pay for. Rear light cluster wiring looms have been repaired, but both sides cost less than £100 from the local independant specialist. High pressure fuel pump relay went during the cold snap before Christmas, but local dealer charged less than £50.00 to diagnose and fix.
What's most practical about your car?
My wife's regular commute is 90 miles per day, and it returns 55-60mpg day to day, without trying too hard.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Wipers that go onto intermittant when you stop at junctions, ambient amber lighting in the cabin at night. Cruise control!
