Comments on: 2009 BMW 3 Series Review and Road Test

By: Malcolm

Malcolm — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:27:49 +0000

I have just bought a demonstrator (3,000klms) 2011 320i Tourer.It runs perfectly.I, like most people dont need a car that does 0-100 in 6 seconds or under.I’ve owned a brand new 2000 Jaguar S Type with its thumping great V8 engine;(been there and done that with enormous engine power.It’s simply not required.)
The 320i handles superbly and the ride is excellent.But more than anything, it is great value for money.So it’s the bottom of the range for the 3 series and doesnt have the power of others in the range?….so what? There are always cars faster than the one you have bought.
So many of the writers above seem to be little boy like in their banter about speed….and their ‘mine’s bigger than your’s” attitude.As for the comment that the 320i is a “fake BMW”;….Did the highly qualified engineers at BMW (who know far more about cars than “Weirluo” above )think the 320i is a “fake BMW” when they designed it?.Come on…some of you guys need to get out of the sand pit and stop playing with your Tonkla trucks and….cease comparing your dicks.Go and read a book;go to the theatre or the Opera.There ARE more important and rewarding things in life than comparing and being bombastic about the torque in cars.

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:11:04 +0000

I have just bought my wife a late 2006 320i so it is almost 5 years old. 79,000kms and $24,000 from a caryard. It is exactly what I expected after reading the reviews – sluggish and motor sounds a bit harsh. My wife loves it because of the badge and she only cruises around slowly. We will definitely get rid of the runflat tyres when they are worn out, to soften up the ride a bit. Typical prestige car, the first owner probably lost $40,000 in depreciation in 5 years!I would never buy one new, but second hand they are a great car. Cheap to run if you buy an American workshop manual, do your own servicing and get your parts online from the UK!

By: Luv it

Luv it — Fri, 13 May 2011 01:22:37 +0000

I’ve recently purchased a pre-loved 2008 320i msport for my partner, and I’ve gotta admit………It’s FANFREAKINTASTIC.
She luvs it.
Not the quickest off the mark, but handles like it’s on rails.
Chuck the runflats off, and the ride is comfortably firm.
Room enough in the back seat for two teenagers and their gadgets.
Oh, and didn’t just buy it for the badge, as we’ve had two earlier models as well and just can’t fault the reliabilty of any of them.
Fuel economy is around 8l/100k with a combined hwy/city driving.
Only downside is the rip-off price the dealers try to charge for services, but it doesn’t take a lot of work to ask questions and shop around to find a local mechanic who’s more than capable of maintaining it.

By: ABMPSV

ABMPSV — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:01:53 +0000

Do not forget resale value!! After 3 years Ford/Holden loose around 50-55%!! Instead of 325i – which if I am correct is finished here – buy the 330d. It is an excellent car. 0-100 in 6.2 sec and fuel economy city 8L/100km less than half of FG G6E Turbo Sedan.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:36:11 +0000

I was very disappointed when, after years of hoping to buy a BMW, I took a 325i for a test drive – ordinary performance, ordinary handling, dreadful road feel through the steering, uncomfortable seats, bland interior. Then there are those tyres! (Let’s not go there). I got out of the 325i and went to drive a G6e turbo. What a huge difference! It leaves the BMW far behind. I really think we are being hoodwinked by MBW’s very good publicity machine that gives us an inflated notion of these now South African cars.

By: Carfanatic

Carfanatic — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:04:29 +0000

James, buy the diesel, you won’t be disappointed

By: James

James — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:57:01 +0000

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

By: lhuda.com

lhuda.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:03:54 +0000

i like Bmw this is my best car

By: Glenn

Glenn — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:50:48 +0000

Hi Zwben

So if you have owned several can you tell me where the label is then please, if there is indeed one.

thanks

By: ZWBEN

ZWBEN — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:24:29 +0000

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.