BMW 3 Series 325d M Sport 4dr Pre-Model Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
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List Price: £32,590
Tax Band: G
Insurance Group: 31
MPG: 49.6
CO2: 151
0-62 Mph: 7.0 secs
BHP: 204 BHP
Range: 666 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4/5
The 325d engine offers power and great handling and super efficiency and low CO2 emissions. The 3 Series saloon a good company car option but offers enough space to suit families as well.

The M Sport trim offers lots of sporty features but is very expensive considering the SE trim comes with nearly as much equipment for a lower price. The suspension of the M Sport is also very firm and can be uncomfortable.

PROS:  Economical, well equipped, good looking.

CONS:  Expensive for a 3 Series.

Behind the Wheel

The sports suspension on this model repeats the mistakes of previous models and is incredibly firm over poor road surfaces.

The handling in the 3 Series saloon is fantastic, offering controlled and stable driveability. The rear wheel drive is a great addition and gives the car good handling whilst the 325d engine offers strong power credentials whilst running quietly and efficiently. Other noises within the cabin are largely insulated although there is a little wind noise experienced at high speeds.

The 325d M Sport's engine develops 204bhp and 317 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph.

Looks & Equipment

The 3 Series is sleek and stylishly designed, offering typical BMW levels of desirability.

The M Sport saloon comes with cloth/Alcantara seats, power steering, stability control, cruise control, climate control, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels, MP3 connectivity and stereo as standard, with optional extras Bluetooth for £250, satellite navigation for £1550.

The ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology that keeps the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions low includes an automatic stop-start system, brake energy regeneration, on-demand control of engine ancillary components and tyres with less rolling resistance, along with improved aerodynamics.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

Reliability is unlikely to be a concern with this model as BMW are well known for the quality of their service and the construction of their vehicles. On top of this, safety is top rate too with standard equipment including six airbags, dynamic stability control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), dynamic brake control and dynamic traction control - giving customers high levels of confidence.

The optional extra of the Active Security Package (with lane change and lane departure-warning systems) is also available for those wanting to enhance the safety levels and an alarm comes as standard to protect the vehicle from theft.

The car has loads of room in the front and back with leg room plentiful for all occupants. The seats offer plenty of adjustment too and the split-folding rear seats mean the balance of occupant capacity and luggage storage can be varied. In terms of capacity, the boot offers a decent 460 litre capacity even when all the seats are being used, making it a great option for families.

Value for Money

The 325d M Sport has a combined fuel economy figure of 49.6 mpg and CO2 emissions of 151g/km which keep running costs manageable. The purchase price of £32,590 is also relatively good value for a Beemer.

The 325d M Sport is an extremely efficient car, especially for a spacious saloon with a powerful engine. The M Sport trim is the best equipped of all the 3 Series cars and comes with everything you could want – however, if you won’t make use of everything, an easy way to make this car better value for money is to opt for the less sporty SE trim which still offers most the basic features.

As a BMW, this a good car to invest in due to the assured quality and service which are associated with the brand and the 3 Series currently has very good resale values.

BMW 3 Series 325d M Sport 4dr Pre-Model Car Review - by 
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