BMW 3-Series Touring (2005 - 2012) 330d SE 5d (2008/57) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not much I hope. It is restrained looking.

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

Couldn't give a .....

Would you buy this car again and why?

I don't know really. It was obviously designed by a man [awkward shaped door pockets; rear doors with no pockets although there is space; seat fabric shows every mark going; front door pillars too low]. The run-flat issue worries me. However, for what I paid - not much more than an equivalent Golf 2 litre, it's in another world.

What are you likely to buy next?

No idea.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

September 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Great deal from car supermarket. Located it by chance before it had been fully advertised. Someone else took a real beating in depreciation costs to cover 3500 miles.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Reputation; engines and driveability. Always wanted a 3 litre diesel manual.

What was the dealer like?

Good. Who cares about going to franchised dealer showrooms to pay top dollar when you can go to the nearly-new market, get treated well and save a ton of cash. Push salesmen, flowers on delivery, extras 'thrown in' - forget it.

What's it like to drive?

Fabulous car to drive - a real beast when you push it with immaculate pinpoint road holding and handling and huge amounts of torque. Quiet and refined at 80mph doing 2,000rpm! A true driver's car.

What's it like to park?

Not that easy. I would like more glass. The rear sensor helps and & I am always worried about kerbing its alloys.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The actuater on the tail gate was not working when I got it. BMW fixed this under warranty - it took some doing as the electronics for the whole car had to be re-set.

What's most practical about your car?

5 door estate. No need to say more.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The windscreen wiper sensor.