2009 BMW 3 Series Review and Road Test
February 19, 2009 by Karl Peskett
So it should be for $55,000, but the price is only part of the problem for this car. You see, the engine is both somewhat efficient, and vibration-free, but it’s not the smoothest four going around. Listening to it throughout the rev range, and you start to wonder what went on.
With BMW being touted as one of the best engine builders going around, it was a bit of a surprise to not hear the same sweetness for which BMW’s sixes, eights and tens are renowned. It’s not scratchy, but certainly a little gruff. There are more freely spinning 2.0-litre fours around for half this price.
The gearbox needs a little more torque to mask the changes, too, which comes back to the engine. It’s not that the changes aren’t smooth, but it’s that they’re almost DSG-like with a slight shunt to them. Not something you expect from a prestige car. You want it to flow, and be almost seamless.
So, it’s not that quick, not that economical, and yet you still end up paying for a low output motor. The 320i seems a little lacklustre, then. Never fear, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
In the 3 Series range, there is a car positioned at the bottom of the ladder that really fulfils the ideal role. Enter the 320d.
It makes 130kW and 350Nm from its 2.0-litre, turbocharged diesel. You can tell that it’s already better from the power and torque figures, and with a 0-100km/h time of 8.0 seconds, and a combined fuel cycle of just 6.0L/100km (admittedly with sometimes more expensive diesel), it still is hard to argue the case for the petrol four.
Knocking the 320i on the head, though, is the price differential. If you pay an extra $3000, you get the 320d. A car that’s 1.8-seconds quicker to 100km/h, and two-litres better in fuel efficiency.
Not really a tough choice, is it?
CarAdvice Overall Rating: 
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
- Power: 115kW @ 6400rpm
- Torque: 200Nm @ 3600rpm
- Induction: Naturally aspirated, multipoint injected
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Differential/Driven Wheels: Open centre/rear
- Brakes: Single piston ventilated front and rear
- Top Speed: 218km/h
- 0-100km/h: 9.8 seconds
- 0-400m: Not tested
- CO2 Emissions: 191gm/km
- Fuel Consumption: 8.0-litres/100km (ADR combined)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 63 litres
- Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
- ANCAP Rating: Five stars
- Airbags: six
- Safety: ABS, EBD, DSC
- Spare Wheel: No
- Tow Capacity: 1500kgs braked, 695kgs unbraked
- Turning Circle: 11.0m
- Warranty: 3 years/unlimited
- Weight: 1390kg
- Wheels: 16-inch alloy
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