BMW 3 Series 320i M Sport 4dr Pre-Model Car Review - February 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £27,780
Tax Band: F
Insurance Group: 27
MPG: 44.1
CO2: 148
0-62 Mph: 8.2 secs
BHP: 170 BHP
Range: 611 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4.5/5
The BMW 3 Series is a very popular car, and for good reason. It offers great performance with smooth acceleration and highly responsive brakes and throttle, making it a very pleasing car to drive, and the 320i entry level model does justice to the range. The classy but understated looks of the standard 3 Series have been given a makeover for this M Sport edition, making it much more eye-catching.

PROS:  Featuring both good performance and even better fuel efficiency the 3 Series is a class leader and one of BMW's best cars. In this entry level edition, the M Sport additions make it even racier.

CONS:  With very firm suspension the 320i M Sport edition of BMW's 3 series does not offer a smooth ride, and can get a bit uncomfortable on bumpy roads.

Behind the Wheel

With a top speed of 142mph, and going from 0-62mph in a time of 8.2 seconds the BMW 3 Series 320i M Sport offers strong performance, although it obviously cannot match the larger models in the range. The 1995cc, 4 cylinder 16v engine reaches 170bhp at 6700rpm, and has a torque figure of 155lb-ft at 4250prm. It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

But the actual driving experience seems even better than the figures suggest, with responsive controls and smooth, effortless acceleration.


Looks & Equipment

With the M Sport trim this is a great looking car with a really sport feel to it. The sporty additions make the 3 Series look more expensive than it actually is. You also get a pretty decent list of equipment, which includes things like cruise control, alloy wheels, power steering, climate control and rear parking sensors as standard.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The BMW 3 Series Coupe 320i M Sport has better than average fuel efficiency for a car of this type, managing 44.1mpg and with CO2 emissions of 148g/km.

The NCAP safety stats also suggest that this is a pretty safe car to drive, with a driver occupancy rating of 5 and a child occupancy rating of 4. In terms of storage you get 460 litres of boot space.

Value for Money

With good fuel efficiency the running costs of the BMW 3 Series Coupe 320i M Sport are not too high. At £27,780, the BMW represents good value for money in this sector and, considering it is probably the best car in its class, the price can hardly be considered extortionate.

BMW 3 Series 320i M Sport 4dr Pre-Model Car Review - by 
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The 318i M Sport comes equipped with a wealth of features, which is what marks it apart from the ES and SE models. The car handles beautifully and makes driving a pleasure, especially as it also...
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BMW 3 Series 320i M Sport 4dr Pre-Model - February 2012
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Medium Exec Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Exec cars that you can then compare to the BMW 3 Series. Here are some popular BMW 3 Series alternatives:

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