BMW 3 Series Touring 320d SE 5dr Car Review - April 2013

The 2.0-litre 16-valve diesel engine found in the BMW 3 Series Touring 320d is considered by many to be the most flexible in the whole of the 3-Series range, managing to strike the right balance between economy, performance, and refinement. The 184bhp power unit produces 280lb-ft of torque at 1750 to 2750rpm, and gives the BMW 3 Series Touring 320d SE 5dr an impressive turn of pace with the car going from 0-62mph in just 7.7 seconds, and on to an overall top speed of 155mph.

The engine in the BMW 3 Series Touring 320d SE 5dr is not quite matched by the standard suspension however, which can get a bit choppy when throwing the car though the corners or braking heavily. The overall refinement of the drive is good however, with the cabin well cocooned from any engine or road noise.

The BMW 3 Series Touring 320d SE comes as standard with power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front and rear windows, cruise control, rear parking sensor, alarm and immobiliser, and a CD player with Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity. You can add satellite navigation for £1,550, leather seats for £1,265, an electric sunroof for £1,155, and metallic paint for £610, all from the list of optional extras.

The BMW 3 Series Touring 320d SE 5dr has the signature BMW twin front grille and discreet propellor logo, but the car is otherwise classy but understated. It is a handsome estate car, but without being too ‘in your face’ about it.

The BMW 3 Series Touring 320d SE comes as standard with driver, passenger, and front side airbags, and with Euro NCAP awarding the 3-Series saloon a full five star for overall safety it is expected the estate models have been cut from the same cloth. The 320d's 3-year manufacturers warranty is for unlimited mileage, and there are no indications that there should be any concerns regarding the reliability and build quality of the car. Rear head and leg room are plentiful, and while the 495-litre boot, growing to 1500-litres with the rear seats lowered, is not class leading it is certainly more than adequate.

The BMW 3 Series Touring 320d SE represents the best value in the 3-Series Touring range in respect of balancing the costs of both buying and running with the car you get for your cash. The standard equipment levels found with the SE trim level are good, and the engine in the BMW 3 Series Touring 320d SE is the most flexible available in the range. For example, although models powered by the less-powerful 143bhp diesel engine return a marginally – by just over 1mpg – better fuel economy, the 184bhp BMW 3 Series Touring 320d SE 5dr is a second-and-a-half quicker from 0-62mph and still returns an admirable 58.9mpg combined. It also falls into the same Road Tax Band D courtesy of its 125g/km CO2 emissions rate, and it is this combination of performance, sensible running costs, and standard equipment levels that will see the BMW 3 Series Touring 320d SE find favour with company car buyers, while also remaining a desirable purchase on the used car market.