Other BMW 3-Series (2005 - 2013) models:

  • Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    I think most people think ive stolen it!

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    So far everyone has liked the car. Its a nice drive and reasonably comfortable.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    No. I wish I'd stuck it out and waited for a 330i. The lack of torque is annoying after being in the z4. Also i would have gone for the touring (estate) as the boot space isnt great (the boot of the zed was more practical) if the rear seats folded down the car would have been better. Also might go for more comfort options as the m sport seats are not a patch on the zeds. The car was giving me terrible back ache at first until in the end i had to raise the height of the seat to get remotely comfortable.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Not sure. Possibly 330i touring but they are like gold dust.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £14,000

    When did you buy the car?

    June 2013

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    It wasnt particularly cheap but then i had been looking for one for ages.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Wanted a manual 6 cylinder BMW with more than 2 seats.

    What was the dealer like?

    Reasonably easy to deal with.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    The car feels solid on the road and everything feels well balanced. The engine is silky smooth and it really takes an agressive right foot to get anything like a muffled roar out of the v6. In comparison to my last BMW a 3.0si Z4 coupe the car feels slow and lacks torque. However for a family saloon its still very quick and has manners unlike the zed. Motorways are this car's natural habitat and it cruises easily with maximum stability. B roads i would have liked a sport button to speed up the throttle response as it takes too long to get the revs up.

    What's it like to park?

    Easy for a big car. Reversing sensors and big mirrors make this a doddle.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Nothing so far.

    What's most practical about your car?

    4 doors with plenty of room in the back for a baby seat.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Idrive is good once you get used to it. Great to be able to store music on the cars harddrive though the sat nav is a pain to operate.