KAF

Last night 'What Car' announced the 320D as it's car of the year.

Conveniently, that is what I was given yesterday for 2 days whilst mine was at the stealers getting the screen replaced & a number of other minor issues addressed.

My opinion on the 320 D?

Handling is absolutely first class, pin sharp instant response, sure footed, knocks my 530D sideways.

The wipers also sweep to the right on Right hand drive models.............what happened to the 5 series then BMW ?

OK those were the good bits.

As far as everything else goes it is not a patch on the 5 Series. Ignoring the unfair power comparison with my car, the 320D is much noisier in all aspects, engine noise, road noise, wind noise.

Brakes are a lot less powerful, even the Xenon lights fitted to this car were no better than the Osram upgraded Halogens on my 530D.

The finish of the 320 is way below the 5's, the interior plastics are clearly cheaper quality. The instrumentation is basic and options limited. Now I understand the logic of the i-drive, you can get so many more features in.

The whole car feels less solid.

I am so pleased I dug a little deeper into my wallet and got a 5 series.

Do not get me wrong, the 3 series is clearly a cracking car in that segment of the market. But in my opinion it is not and never will compete with a 5 series.

To anyone agonising over the two ranges there is only one decision to make, can you afford a 5 series?

Only if the answer is 'no' do you even think of the 3.

Ricracing

Why not a 320d. It is a nice car.

But if you have the ? or ? go for the 530d,
if you have $ go for the 530i.

Markymark

Thanks for that interesting opinion, I was agonising over a similar decision myself a year ago : take the 5 or wait for the new 3.
I really love the 5 and find the interior space much better than the 3 for a 6 footer like myself.

What's the ride comfort like compared to the 5?
And do you think the brakes would be better on a 330i?

Thanks

KAF

Not sure of the brake spec for a 330i, but I would expect the increased power to demand better brakes.

The ride comfort level was fine, it was fitted with 205/55/16 michelin non RFt tyres which help the ride enormously.

I am 5' 10" and like a high driving position, with the 530 I can have the seat at maximum height and still have loads of headroom. In the 320 I had to take a lower seat position as my head kept hitting the roof.

It is a very different set up to the 5's

sforshaw

Official figures taken from BMW UK website:

320d SE: ?24,725 20% BIC rate as a company vehicle, 49.6mpg combined, 0-60mph: 8.3 seconds
520d SE: ?26,235 21% BIC rate as a company vehicle, 47.9mpg combined, 0-60mph: 8.6 seconds

320d SE doesn't even have 17" wheels as standard equipment
For ?1510 extra, how would anyone not buy the e60 Even the dealers believe the 3 is overpriced and underspecced compared to the 5. Trouble is, What Car UK car of the year has to be a new model, therefore e60 not in the running - I know where I'd put my money though. Everytime.

KAF

Well known motoring journalist was interviewed on the BBC this morning and was asked his views on the car, he pointed out that the award is based upon 'sex appeal', reliability, dealer quality, residuals etc. as well as the drive, and that the 320D was a good car.
When asked what car he would have, he looked at the 320D and said "Not one of these".

OOps forgot to mention, jounalist was Quentin Wilson.

DaveH

For what it's worth, I had an extensive test drive in a 320d last week and a 520d a couple of days later. Both were SE Tourings. For an extra ?1600 (drivethedeal prices) I'd choose the 5 every time. The difference in fuel economy and performance is miniscule, and the 5 so much more of a car - refined and very spacious, especially for luggage.

There are feature differences though. In the UK, the 3 scores over the 5 with standard air conditioning advanced, professional radio and extended lighting package. On the other hand, the 5 has self-levelling, front as well as rear PDC, rain/light sensor, and whatever else I've forgotten. The 3 also has aux-in and 12v outlet in the armrest, but so will the 5 from build week 9.

I'm not sure how they justify charging 50% more for 5-Series mats than 3-Series mats though!

Neither has a back seat that folds flat, which is a major disappointment for me.

KAF

Nice to see that the 525i gets the top executive car award.

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/news-special-repo...8154&EL=3147106