Sprint Reviews
ENG
Some facts: The BMW 3Series has always been the sporting driver’s choice and I’ll get straight to it – it still is. While other car makers are trying to infuse dynamism into their machines, the boffins at BMW just keep filing away little-by-little at this winning recipe. In fact, this new model looks like they haven’t filed at all…
That’s right; you’re actually looking at the latest Dreier from München. Not a whole new model but the usual mid- life refresh each car range receives. Retaining its edgy good looks and efficient cockpit is great news for the resale values (either way of 2015) so BMW spent most of their time on efficiency and new technology.
More information: Among the fresh additions is BMW’S cellular- based connectivity package. Next to live traffic updates, detailed maps and internet browsing you also receive a Concierge (butler) service. A call to this centre was met by miniscule VOIP delays and an extremely helpful gentleman with a European accent.
We liked: Weighing down the nose of this accomplished sedan is BMW’S four-cylinder turbo- diesel, which means that this 320d has 400Nm and the bouncy 3-Series front end was slightly less so. This metallic blue press car’s 8speed automatic gearbox (an option of N$24,400) did well to smooth out the power delivery.
BMW South Africa claims average fuel use of four point something litres per 100, we got 7.2L/100km for a week of mixed driving. The four-way “Adaptive M” driving mode selection (N$14,000) makes a marked difference in the vehicle’s responses while handling (with the N$19,700 Sport Line option fitted here) was excellent.
We didn’t: Like most ultramodern cars, surpassing the 320d’s grip levels takes some rather rough driving. In this application, it also required red-lining the diesel engine. Eww. Ride comfort is good (if you stay away from any lowprofile tyres) with sufficient space for four adults, five if the ones at the back all like each other.
Our only other complaint is pricing. You’ll need to start at N$483,000 and budget quite a bit more if you’re addicted to gadgets. As is usually the case with South African press demonstrators, this one was groaning under the load of almost every optional extra you care to mention. Its final price was close to that of a decent 5-Series.
Why you will want one:
BMW’S 3- Series isn’t just good at dynamic driving, this little Diesel is a true milemuncher and the recent updates to the range bring it up to date with innovative tech. Your 320d won’t be unique on the road but it’ll give you years of sheer driving pleasure; and should be easy to sell, too.
“...true mile-muncher...”