Drove a new 320d and it was horrid!!

Sir_Pigley · 03-21-2013, 05:50 AM

My car was in having new front brake pads yesterday so I took the opportunity to drive a new 320d whilst I was there.

It was a 320d Sport (not an M Sport) and I was interested to see if I could get along with a new 4cyl car (because budget would not stretch to a new 330d) and hopefully enjoy the more settled ride the F30 is supposed to have.

Basically I hated it. The steering was overly light and had no feel so it wasn't very confidence inspiring. It felt like the front tyres were inflated to about 60psi and crowning. (The salesman suggested it may have had servotronic steering, which I don't know a lot about, so I don't know if that's relevant).

Engine was so rough and coarse compared to my E90 330d, which makes a much more pleasant noise. At higher revs the 320d was awful.

Whilst the ride was better the trade off was markedly worse body control on bumpy rural roads.

On the positive side the seat was marginally more comfortable (softer backrest) and the 320d did still pull really well at low revs. I can see why for some people the increased fuel economy would make up for it sounding like a strangled tractor.

I was glad to get back in my 330d, even though replacement brake pads had turned into needing new discs as well. [Wallet says ouch!!]

Anyway it's put me right off an F30, so my search for a decent Manual E60 530d M Sport will continue............

gIzzE · 03-21-2013, 06:31 AM

It would be a 328i for me if going F31.

Hotcoupe · 03-21-2013, 06:34 AM

I'd agree with a lot of what you've written,especially the noise from the engine,a Massey Ferguson is perhaps better in some respects because it is a tractor, so you expect an agricultural noise.
It's not what's expected from a premium brand though.

Steering does get some getting used to after a hydraulic system,but I find the ride much better than the E92 on runflats that I've had in the past.

Performance is quite good I find,push the sport+ button, and it livens up quite a lot,can't say I've paid much attention to the economy side,the Eco-mode button never gets used

m1bjr · 03-21-2013, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir_Pigley

I can see why for some people the increased fuel economy would make up for it sounding like a strangled tractor.

More than just some.
IF you had to pay BIK and have a fixed fuel payment it makes perfect sense

Its a toss up this week for my next CC.
520d ED
320d Touring
Audio A6 or A5 saloon Blackline
Poss an A3 S line if not too small...

03-21-2013, 05:50 AM	#1
Sir_Pigley Captain 32 Rep 850 Posts Drives: 640d GC / 420i XDrive Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Banbury iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 640d Gran ... [0.00] 2015 BMW 420i XDrive [0.00]	Drove a new 320d and it was horrid!! My car was in having new front brake pads yesterday so I took the opportunity to drive a new 320d whilst I was there. It was a 320d Sport (not an M Sport) and I was interested to see if I could get along with a new 4cyl car (because budget would not stretch to a new 330d) and hopefully enjoy the more settled ride the F30 is supposed to have. Basically I hated it. The steering was overly light and had no feel so it wasn't very confidence inspiring. It felt like the front tyres were inflated to about 60psi and crowning. (The salesman suggested it may have had servotronic steering, which I don't know a lot about, so I don't know if that's relevant). Engine was so rough and coarse compared to my E90 330d, which makes a much more pleasant noise. At higher revs the 320d was awful. Whilst the ride was better the trade off was markedly worse body control on bumpy rural roads. On the positive side the seat was marginally more comfortable (softer backrest) and the 320d did still pull really well at low revs. I can see why for some people the increased fuel economy would make up for it sounding like a strangled tractor. I was glad to get back in my 330d, even though replacement brake pads had turned into needing new discs as well. [Wallet says ouch!!] Anyway it's put me right off an F30, so my search for a decent Manual E60 530d M Sport will continue............
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03-21-2013, 06:31 AM	#2
gIzzE Major General 361 Rep 5,985 Posts Drives: F11 + 997 Carrera S Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	It would be a 328i for me if going F31.
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03-21-2013, 06:34 AM	#3
Hotcoupe Major General 197 Rep 6,110 Posts Drives: Don't know yet! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (2) Garage List November 2008 335D ... [8.34] 2007 335D [0.00]	I'd agree with a lot of what you've written,especially the noise from the engine,a Massey Ferguson is perhaps better in some respects because it is a tractor, so you expect an agricultural noise. It's not what's expected from a premium brand though. Steering does get some getting used to after a hydraulic system,but I find the ride much better than the E92 on runflats that I've had in the past. Performance is quite good I find,push the sport+ button, and it livens up quite a lot,can't say I've paid much attention to the economy side,the Eco-mode button never gets used __________________ ================================= Never argue with an idiot on the internet. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
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