What's it like to live with a modern Three Series? I've written about this car in BMW Car Magazine for the past three years, here I go through the drive and the ownership experience.
Just had my 2014 320d (F30) Auto serviced at 24,000 miles. Still under warranty so took it to a BMW dealer. No problems except the charge - just over £500! Don't love it quite so much any more.
I found myself nodding in agreement to almost all comments. One of better videos I was able to find about BMW 3 series. If not THE best. GOOD JOB! And good impressions just increase while watching. WOW!
What a great review! So much better than 90% of reviews out there that focus on numbers and comparisons. This really gave me a feel of what it's actually like to own one. There's a calmness in your approach that's so informative. A lot of car reviewers say '3 series is a lot like the A4 to drive'. How is that supposed to help me when I've driven neither?! You, however really give a great base-level explanation!
@@markscars1069 No problem, Mark! What was the reliability like in the time you owned the 320d? Looking to replace a Mk6 Golf with one and have heard varying reports about BMWs and their servicing/issues with them? Cheers!
I own a 2013 estate version of this car with a full M-package also 184hp. This is my 1st serious toy and i have to say i am more then satisfied then i expected. Jumping from a 2008 ford transit into this it really didn't take me that long to figure what every single button does. It's reasonably economic, it has enough punch when you need it and it's extremely comfortable. I think i couldn't have made a better decision getting this vehicle.
@@do365nic, I would not have it mapped if you want the car to last as long as possible. I’d say this diesel power plant is stressed enough as is. It’s already dishing out respectable power. Long story short, it just not worth to have your engine konk out for 65 extra horses.
I agree the f30 is very bad insulated wind and road noise is very annoying but after awhile your ears will get used to it, i have to say ive owned the e91 lci its amazing how much quieter that car is inside
I bought mine 3 days ago. 184hp is more than enough for security and actual speed limits. It is personal choise as there is 116hp motors and it is enough for someone. Like your review but there is a lot more from this car that you did not mention.
Same, i was thinking of buying 335 but since i got my liscence half a year ago and i'm still a little scared all the power i'v decided either 320 or 325
@@blazmarjan eeh honeslty man i was in the same boat as you and wanted a 335 cause it was gonna be my first car. i opted for the 328i cause it was cheaper, insurance was cheaper, and its still a pretty decently fast car. where I live gas prices aren't really cheap, so at the moment in my life I feel like the 320d maybe would just be overall cheaper as well? ik that the 320d is much slower than both the 328i, and 335i, but its purely just a financial standpoint in my opinion. with the 320d you still get all the nonperformance things orientated with a BMW 3 series tho which is nice.
just love it... effortless power delivery from low revs... musical... very secure car...light sensation... flies... very musical,,,, had 320d for years... and will never change model...lots of fun... just has perfect equilibrium... i find it somehow safer than the rest...
Very professional review fella, been look for a 2nd hand car even before the lockdowns but I'm very hard to please, had a few Audi's in my years but never owned or even driven a BMW, tell a lie ''i Think'' i drove an old boss of mines maybe back in the late 80's but my memory is slipping with age. A place near me has a nice looking 32d Luxury and have thot about giving it a view in person, I don't see any mention in the add about service history so if that was missing it would be a no deal. The Market just now still appears to be a touch WILD with exaggerated prices for high mileage cars, I do have a look on ebay but that place is a real minefield / wild west. Enjoyed you're review so many thanks.
I have been driving a 2017 Msport edition of these 320d model for the past 6 years and I am a bit confused that you complain about lack of power. The car is a great mix of power and economy though you can't expect it to be as fast as a 6 cylinder 330e. Thanks for review anyway.
F30 hybrid was a four pot I thought? And bear in mind the fat rear tyres on mine meant 190hp was insufficient to move the car around in the dry, which is the point I made in the vid I think. Cheers.
Enjoyed your review Mark. I have a 2015 model year 328i, petrol and I believe you would have enjoyed that car far more. It has 240 hp and is brisk off the line and does not feel underpowered. I am a fan of the ZF automatic with the 328, it is brilliant piece of engineering. I have been told that BMW improved the sound insulation for a quieter road ride, but I have not driven the 2012, so I do not know for certain. Look forward to more of your reviews. Cheers!
Thanks for this. I needed a good solid review. I'm not a big petrol head and am looking for an estate as my second car for commuting to work. I love he look of the touring model and your review shows the a lot of the up sides I'm looking. Will probably be looking at one with about 80000 miles on it and will keep it all being well for a few years if it gives me no bother.
Thank you very much for a very decent review. I was able to tune in and not lose interest for the entire duration of the video review. You've given me something to think about as I decide on buying a BMW 320d Automatic (F30). Hopefully you'll have a review on your 5 Series by the time I decide to upgrade to one too. By the way, I'm from South Africa. 👌
I own the 328d (320d) in America. I bought the car because it does many things well as a family car. It had the highest MPG for a AWD car. I learned a few things from 9 years of Acura TSX ownership…. No more manual shift for my everyday car and don't buy a car with black interior.
@@joshsymons7524 nice was deciding between the 320 and 330 but don’t fancy pay the extra insurance etc so will probs get a 320 and Remap so still get the mpg when driving casually
@@MattHowlett_ That would be the better option. Decent tyres for good traction and a remap, plenty of power! Would be worth running quotes for a 330 stock and a 320 with a map.. see what is cheaper
I've had mine remapped by a very reputable tuning place, its running 248bhp and about 330ft/ib in torque, fuel economy a touch better in eco pro and a lot worse in sport lol, 0-60 6.3 seconds (run at santapod)... I would recommend anyone with a 320d get it mapped
Mark Williams Sa tuning in Harlow where I live, its on par with with e90 330d, cost about £390, they give a turbo and engine warrantee with that too.. I agree with the rest of the review, especially the gearbox, I have to often change down at low speeds in to 1st because 2nd at low speeds is poor, but I love the car..
Great review, Mark Looking at the same car in grey ! I'm wondering if to buy or not ?? To upgrade from my 2010 Mondeo 2.0 140ps even though it is going very well !
disagree... it is sporty... more than enough for security and actual speed limits.. i find automatic much better... smoother...lower consumption... this car is harmonic...musical...perfect car...best auto
Hi Mark, that was an in depth, interesting review! I came across your review as I am looking for my next car. I previously owned a (problemfree) Golf gt and now I am between 320d and Passat bitdi 240ps, 4motion (both used, same price and mileage). What would be your choice? Take into account apart from "driving pleasure" everyday use, running costs (mpg) and practicallity. I 'd really appreciate your opinion!
Thanks for taking the time to make such a detailed review. I am looking to pick a used 320d up but not wanting to spend the earth ... any advice on what to look for? Are the models without adaptive dampers still worth it?
The issue I would suggest you check for is rattling steering columns which are becoming an issue. I had it on mine, cause initially flummoxed the dealer but they made it better eventually without ever really curing it. Over sharp ridges you will hear and slightly feel, a rattle in the suspension area. Sounds exactly like an ARB bush but is, in fact, the column.
Is it worth it for a long run? I'm very interested with 320d... Just a bit scare I'm terms of wear n tear, is it bullet proof enough to be as a daily workhorse
can someone recommend this car (touring) for a men with 3 kids (kids age 9-6-1)? Im considering buying one but dunno if its tight at the back for 3 kids
THE.VOICE.OF.REASON There is arguably nothing that can be done other than mechanical sympathy (no revving from cold) to prevent this. It’s almost entirely random.
I really enjoyed your review of the F30. A nice objective review and like most of the comments mention, one of the best reviews of the 320d. Thank you. I'm coming from a 2012 VW Tiguan 1.4. Would you think if this would be a good upgrade?
Looking to replace a 2012 Ford Mondeo with a new-ish 2017/2018 BMW 3 Series 320d. I am hoping that the change will get me improved comfort on a 50 mile (each way) daily commute. What kind of mileage would one expect?I tent to sit at 70mph. I like a bit of tech in the car, so your feedback was useful there. Not sure I'll notice the lack of power? How comfortable is the vehicle to drive long distances? Occasionally I drive to the south of Germany (600 miles)? Thanks folks!
Hi Mark, I see you are running LED lights? Were they factory and if not can you adives which you are using? Have just picked up a low mileage F31 in Melbourne Red - immaculate. 62 plate. Has them lovely halogens and would be good to hear from someone like yourself as to what you did if anything. Many thanks.
Jonathan Bacon Didn’t do anything. They came as part of the visibility pack, Xenons in those days with the daytime running lights/caronas. Also had adaptive lights which were a real boon on unknown roads at night. They weren’t full LEDs though. Those didn’t come until later in BMW’s range.
***** Oh btw, I drove the all new 1 series and I found the plastics on the doors, dashboard and door handles really cheap... Are they the same on the 3 series?
To be absolutely honest, in my 320d 2012 they are, what's even worse, is the scrooping coming out of it. It seems that bumpy Slovakian roads did their job and it's super annoying.
How much is a downpayment for one of these ? I really want one but I’m only working part time right now and I’m about to start full time with 40 hours a week is that enough to get one of these ?
@@markscars1069 do you think I'll be able to get one if I work 40 hrs a week full time with $15/hr as a dishwasher and I live in Maryland and my APR I'm not sure but each check I make around $850-900
@@markscars1069 also to get a beamer or any bmw how much credit do I need ? I'm planning on getting one by January with my tax return money and my job savings but I'm not even sure how much I need to save up for a down payment I think my credit right now is 500
satpurkh singh As long as you accept that things WILL go wrong, then yes. It will need the usual raft of diesel-related fixes, plus a new turbo at some point and the F3x steering racks are made of pasta. But there's nothing else inherently wrong with it post-100k miles. I've not understood this worry about 100k miles in modern cars. They're built with vastly higher distances in mind before bottom or top-end rebuilds are needed. Cheers, Mark.
great review Mark..but m a bit confused here...........are you happy with the car or not..??? its an objective question....so no extra jazz...just yes or no...' Coz m gonna be buying one this week..rather have already put the deposit'.. :-)..cheers
Did BMW improve the interior qulity of the F30? I sold mine, worst rattle/creaking box iv'e ever had ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RHpZG0a7-i4.html
I'm a senior software developer and where I live, brand new 320d is way out of reach (I'm on my way to buy a used one). Is that also the case in UK for my job type? By the way, this is a great review. I love to see ordinary people who actually own the car, give reviews. Thank you.
BMW all day long. The Golf is competent but if you've looked at the F30 then nothing else will do. It's a damn sight bigger inside too (the Golf's boot is tiny).
The review is good but idk why the reviewer is forgetting its cars like these that let the company make cars that literally wow you by the very same brand just like Ferrari makes cars only to fund their F1 team
You’re somewhat out of touch. Ferrari build cars to fund the market and feed the shareholders. The days of them selling cars to fund racing ended when Fiat took over. And BMW built its reputation on sports saloons. And a 320d isn’t this. You’re using the argument which applies to Porsche building Cayennes then funding 911s but it doesn’t work here.
Sold it two years ago and didn’t film a review. 520d F10 reviews are around in abundance, wouldn’t have been anything new to add or say. I’m planning on filming a review for the Panamera before that sells, so will upload that at some point soon.
@@markscars1069 that's a shame... there are plenty of 320 reviews out there as well, but your's was different. Looking forward for Panamera review then
MMM saying not enough grunt for a 2lt... lol pop it sport mode ,, what more do you need ,, simple not sure what this guy is yapping about.. mind you mine is the m sport auto with all extra,s
