BMW 3 Series Sedan

The used car is flooded with overpriced Japanese and Korean cars due to the high COE. At the same depreciation, you can also get a conti car, the choice is clear. So, a BMW 323i sedan. You will know it's a solid car when the door closes with a loud thud, not a piang. It's a 6 cylinder, so it's smooth but don't expect explosive acceleration. Wind noise and tyre noise is kept to a minimum. Leg space is good at the front and back but the rear centre seat is best kept for children.

I own a black E90 318i for exactly a year now. It has been a reliable workhorse and a good looker for me. Right out from the showroom, I replaced the standard RFT and rims with the F10 standard rims and non-RFT Michelin PS3. This helps to save >1kg per wheel which translates to quicker off-block performance. The 318i has a higher final drive than 320i which makes the acceleration from the block marginally quicker than the latter. However, it is still slow compared to a FF car of the same capacity.

Just got a new 318i from PML a week+ ago. The experience is really excellent.

Surprisingly the engine is very quiet. Gear change is very very smooth.

Bump encounter and handling by the car is excellent too probably due to RWD.

Power kicks in at about 2500 to 3000rpm if you tap abit more on the accelerator.But my wife prefer to go slow and let the car pick up gradually. We have no issue on power as I encounter the effective torque working at highway, over takes other cars is a breeze when the engine is engaged.

FC wise is ok, cos once the car engage, travel at 80km/h at 1600 RPM, which is equivalent to my ex car toyota-Altis , But without say, just a little tap the car can zoom to 110km/h with 2000RPM only.

Exterior is cool with the new added new folds to the center of the bonnet,makes the car looks furious and fast. Nice 17' wheels. Nice new grey for 3 series.

Interior is very comfy -can fall alseep anytime . And yes, the sunroof is fun. My kids said feel like the roar of roller coaster when it is open and zooming along highway! The leather seats are of good quality. Portable GPS makes it easy to update maps anytime. Generally, the interior is of good quality and very well built compared to some other German made cars at cheaper pricing.

Tried both 3 series and Merz, feel that 3 series handling is exceptional good esp taking turns and corners and very good brake system. Engine is also more quiet.But Merz is also very neat and handsome too : )

I feel very very safe in the car due to its solid structure, built and engine.

Parking is so easy with the feather light steering wheel technology.

Nothing really beats the drive of a BMW.

It looks great, turns even better.

The ability and poise when accelerating in bends is nothing short of magical.

The flip side is, the 320 is rather slow and underpowered.

You need a 323 at least to bring out the best in this car.

You have to constantly put it in sports mode to get a decent response.

Due to its underpowered nature, fuel consumption is around 9km/l.

Reliability is also suspect, had to return to AD 4 times within warranty period.

After warranty had to spend thousands to repair/replace parts.

However i understand the problems are not confined to the 320.

If you are willing to spend the time, effort (and money-after warranty) to constantly repair stuff, get the 323 at least, then you'll have the ride of your life.

I tested it many times and compared it to others before deciding on the 320i. Having owned it for more than a month now, the following is my assessment.

Handling (*****) is superb as i can take out corners with ease and steering feedback is great. Not many car can beat the BMW for the driveability at higher speeds as you can overtake with confidence, and the brakes work well without problem of too much bit. Dont take my word for it but test drive the car at the tight winding road at s. buona vista yourself. Perhaps this was the deciding factor for chosing this car.

Engine performance is good but I will give it **** only as it does not have the straight line acceleration of the turbo ones. But of course having a turbo is not without problems.

Features wise, it came complete with memory seat, cruise control, sunroof, parking sensor (but no parking camera), rear aircon and foldable rear seats.

Comfort is rated ****. I found the noise insulation in the car to be good. The weight distribution of the car is very even and the rear seat passenger doesnt feel thrown around at turns. Therefore, it is not just a car for the driver only but for passengers too.

Exterior design for the current 3 series with sun roof gives it a sporty look while the interior with the idrive is sophisticated but not complicated.

Only factor outstanding is reliability (***) which I dont have enough history to be able to give a fair assessment. Nowadays whether it is conti or jap, it is unlikley to be trouble free. It comes with a 3-year warranty but a 5-year would be preferable.

On value for money, it is subjective and I have to rate it average if I compare it against other conti cars. However, i must say the sunroof, rear aircon, better head lights and idrive with navigation are worth the extra $$$ against the 318.

Just traded in my Y2008 Pre Facelift 320i to a C180K. It has been a great 26 months driving the 320i. The handling of the car is simply out of the world and I am very happy with the performance as well. There is a lot of feedback about the lack of power but I am one whom do not have any complaint with the power.

I will miss the 320i.

For those of you who raved about the 318 and 320, I beg to differ.

First, the design no eye-candy compared to A4, C-Class and IS250.

Looking for 2nd ride, tested both 318/320. Interior is bland and plasticky. Oh that inline 4 - noisy and sluggish. The suspension is a let-down, ratttling over uneven surfaces unrelentlessly.

Performance? what performance. Sluggish!

Conclusion: The 318/320/X1 are for first-time BMW owners. The brand is the deciding factor.

One of my assistant drive the 318i. First impression, very stylish! Especially bonnet! So elegant! Second Impressions, comfort, I mean ride comfort. Very comfortable! Almost slept in it once! Third impression, value for money. I MEAN VERY! Overall I, as a doctor think that this BMW is really one!

Interior could have been much better if its come with built in screen like those found in 5 & 7 series. Performance wise is great thought. Sheer driving pleasure

Great drive and great road-holding feel compared to the Merc or Audi which were my previous cars.

One needs to 'run-in' to about 2k mileage before we can feel the car's power. There is no 'floating' feel when I rev up or take corners. Great handling.

Only pet peeve for the car is that there are no folding mirrors in the current 320i model.

Intended to buy either BMW320i or C180CGI. Had very high hope to get BMW with its sporty look. BMW was the priority. But was very disappointed. It really depends on ones requirement. For me Response and Money Value is the priority.

The pre face lift E90 3 Series although won several awards such as best sedan, had a minor problem - it was too mild looking.

Well, BMW fixed that with a facelift of the award winning E90. A sportier Hood and bumper, a sex red tail lights, the car is now a looker.

Comfort : Depending where you come from, BMW has always called its marketed its cars as the "Ultimate Driving Machine". The comfort is not the same as a Lexus or even a Merc. The car is quiet, the handling is great but its a sport sedan. The ride is hard and run flat tires does not help with road noise. However, if your defination of comfort is sports handling, this car has it.

Performance : the 6 speed auto gear box is great for daily driving. When the need arise, the sports mode does wonders to increase throttle response improving the overall driving experience.

Just booked one 318 last nite. Went Performance with the intention of buying a 320 but felt marginal difference after test driving both. The price of the 318 convinced me it's more value for money. And the funny thing is the 318 is from Germany wheres 320 is from South Africa.

Owned a 3-series E46 before and decided to go back after the face lifted model arrives. Hated the previous look, now fell in love with the car again.

The combination of the engine rev and gear box makes this car feels like 200hp. It provides additional hp when you slightly step on the accelerator.

No problem if you want to give an Alfa a good chase.

Bought this car 6 months ago, till date no problem as in previous review. Fuel consumption is reasonable & pick up is unmatched. Performance is legendary!!!