2009 BMW 3 Series Review and Road Test
February 19, 2009 by Karl Peskett
2009 BMW 320i Review and Road Test
320i has tough competition from within!
Model Tested:
- 2009 BMW 320i Executive auto – $54,500 RRP
Options:
- Professional Navigation System including: TV and voice recognition with control display and 8.8” colour monitor – $6750
- Electric Sunroof – Glass – $2920
- Metallic Paint (Space Grey) – $1700
- BMW light-alloy wheels star-spoke 283, 7 J x 16-inch, 225/50 R 16 run-flat safety tyres – $700
- Interior Trim (Light Walnut) – No Cost Option
Styling, Handling balance, Quality
Harsh ride, Lacklustre engine, Expensive
CarAdvice Rating: 
So you’ve got about $55,000 to spend on a car. What do you plonk your hard-earned down on?
Some people are not parochial at all, and head straight for the Europeans. In which case you’re greeted with an array of choices. But what to do? You can opt for front-wheel-, all-wheel-, or rear-wheel-drive.
If it’s the latter you’re after, then your choices are two. Mercedes or BMW. In this case, we chose the entry level version of BMW’s mid-sized contender.
The 320i is the cheapest 3 Series available, and for your money you’ll get a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder with 115kW and 200Nm on tap. It doesn’t sound like a lot, and really, it isn’t. Both figures occur at over 3600rpm, which means you need to rev it to get anything to happen.
It’s not overly heavy though, at 1390kgs, so it’s geared for economy. Apparently, but with a combined cycle of 8.0-litres per 100 kilometres, it’s no more than average.
Wierluo, no offence but you own X5 therefore your opinion will be biased towards BMW. Again I have nothing against BMW. In fact I like the 1 series coupe and the Z4. But we are looking at 320i. 320i is the worst among C-Class, A4 and IS250.
I actually went to the BMW website and build a fully optioned 320i touring. It will cost $79800 ($80000). Before the on road cost and it will be slower than the C200k, A4 1.8T and IS250 (hear that BM).
Also I watched top gear yesterday season 6 episode 4 to be precise. Believe it or not there are more 3 series than Ford Mondeo. That tells me the badge is not that exclusive anymore.
Again I have to say, I have nothing against BMW. They made some good products. But NOT ALL their product are good especially not the 320i. A4 1.8T, C200k and IS250 are the better product and a better value for money.
Anti-spam is BMWM3!!!
In this case, the 3-Series’ main rival is actually itself. Petrols are bought over diesels generally because they’re faster and smoother, but it’s obviously different here. The 320i is very hard to justify over its quicker, more efficient oil burning brother. Maybe if BMW employ their turbocharging wonders to this engine without a hefty price increase, then the car would make more sense.
For 55 grand, I’d buy the best Accord Euro and take a nice trip to, well, Europe. I am a fan of BMWs but this just doesn’t cut it. It’s quite mediocre in spite of the brand. It doesn’t ace anything.
Hi
where abouts is the “made in South Africa’ tag or plate on these cars hiding?
I am ex Zimbabwean and have owned several SA assembled BM’s. Their quality control is just the same as their German and US plants. I personally went to their plant in Rosslyn just outside Pretoria and witnesssed my 3 series being assembled Their QC proceedures are ISO 9001 certified and therefore are exactly the same as any other bmw plant. There is minimal human input to the assembly of the car and those that do are very well trained and educated as I gathered in conversation with various individuals.
I have now aquired an SA assembled 320d here in Australia which can be identified by the glass manufacturer being Pilkington.
My issue is these cars are horribly overpriced in this country and for the amount of money I paid for it I could have had a 330d which unfortunately is not sold here. BMW South Africa also offer virtually all models in manual together with 100 000km service maintenance contract as part of the purchase price which is now become the norm with most brands selling cars in SA and something manufacturers should consider in this country.
Hi Zwben
So if you have owned several can you tell me where the label is then please, if there is indeed one.
thanks
i like Bmw this is my best car
Sir/Madam,
I am currently in the market for a BMW 320i and regularily use your website to read reviews. It seems that this review only partially contains the article. Could you please ensure that the full review is uploaded onto the site?
Thank you,
James
James, buy the diesel, you won’t be disappointed