BMW 320d Reviews

BMW gave the 3 Series a final upgrade before an all-new model breaks cover mid-way through next year.

The expression "less is more" is never truer than with two-door coupe and convertible versions of a sedan such as BMW's new 3 Series models. You lose two doors and a roof, but you end up paying more. In the coupe you also lose passenger space, while in the convertible you not only lose passenger space, but also chassis rigidity, cargo space, handling ability, self-respect...What you get more of in the convertible is weight and stares from other road users who might tell you you're a tosser, but secretly are envious. At least with BMW's metal folding roof you get more rigidity, security and sound proofing than with fabric roofs, and when they are up it looks more like a coupe, so people won't think you are too soft to put the top down. What you get more of in the coupe is simply sex appeal.VALUENo one who buys a coupe or convertible really thinks of value, otherwise they'd never pay more for less. Prices for the coupe and convertible versions of the updated 3 Series have risen as much as $1440, but there is a host of new gear on board.The premium over the sedan has always been big. Now you pay nearly $10,000 more for the coupe and more than $22,000 extra for the convertible. This compares with, say Audi, where it's about $6000 more for the coupe and about $20,000 extra for the convertible although it's not exactly comparing apples with apples because of spec differences, but you get the idea. Coupes and convertibles are decisions of the heart, not the head.It should be noted that the 335i models now come standard with the M Sport package which was previously a $2760 option. For those who don't like the firm suspension, it can be deleted at no extra cost. That's big of them!While options can often be expensive when chosen separately, BMW offers packages that make it cheaper. You can save more than 25 per cent with the Innovations Package for the 320d, 325i and 330d which includes a range of LED light features, adaptive headlights and satellite navigation, while the 325i and 330d also get voice control anti-dazzle mirrors and a better audio system.TECHNOLOGYBMW wants your heartfelt coupe/convertible decision to be as practical as can be, so the seat belt is handed to you by an automatic robotic arm so you don't have to reach a mile behind you to grab it because of the longer doors.This is just one of the many technological marvels of these cars, not the least of which is the clever folding metal roof that deploys in 20-odd seconds. There is also a vast array of driver aids available to keep the car in control.The new 320d models are available with a manual transmission with stop-start technology that switches the engine off when stationary to save fuel.BMW claims it delivers fuel savings on the 320d manual coupe of 0.8 litres per 100km, despite an extra 5kW of power and 30Nm of torque (135kW and 380Nm).The top-of-the range 335i gets the new single twin-scroll turbo replacing the previous two separate turbos. While power and torque remain the same at 225kW and 400Nm, fuel economy is 8 per cent better.STYLINGThe coupe has a certain grace that the convertible with its top up just can't match because the rear part of the roof is slightly truncated, abruptly ending the flowing lines. Styling changes over the previous model are minimal but inside Dakota oyster-coloured leather is now standard.There are three new metallic paint options lifting the choices to 15, an extra interior trim choice (bamboo grain anthracite) making it six options and nine wheel designs - four of them new - across three wheel sizes (17, 18 and 19-inch).DRIVINGOver a couple of weeks I drove the 320d manual coupe and the 335i seven-speed auto convertible. While the driver and passenger can expect the usual features and comforts, the rear seat passengers will feel like second-class citizens. Adults will have difficulty getting in, for a start, and when they do they'll feel cramped and claustrophobic.And while more compliant dampers have been used in the M Sport suspension top provide a less aggressive ride up front, rear seat passengers bear the brunt of the pain over rough roads. It's even worse in the convertible as it doesn't get the new compliant dampers. The convertible needs them most to reduce the vicious scuttle shake.The 320d engine is a lusty performer at low revs which allows driver to hustle along quite smartly and still feel calm at the end of the journey.However, it's the bristling and fizzy excitement of the 335i engine that will attract most buyers. Surely you don't buy a coupe or convertible and then turn all practical and opt for the diesel.BMW 320d convertible and 335i coupePrice: $78,500 (320d convertible); $116,700 (335i M Sport coupe + $3500 7-spd double-clutch)Engines: 1995cc 4-cyl. turbo diesel (320d); 2993cc straight 6 petrol (335i)Transmissions: 6-spd man. w auto stop-start (320d), 7-spd DCT (335i)

It takes a while for BMW to effect a mid- model change because they are staggered to happen over a period of up to two years. That's why we are only seeing the mid-model upgrade to the 3-Series Coupe and Convertible now while the sedan model went through its changes about 18 months ago.And essentially, the sedan changes are reflected in the 3-Series Coupe and Convertible.  That means a new visage - new grille, lights with eyebrows, bumper changes and something similar at the back. Changes have been made to character lines on the body and the car's overall appearance has been lifted with new colours and wheels.MechanicalIn line with the modest exterior changes are a range of engine upgrades that yield better fuel economy and more power.  Across both Coupe and considerably more expensive Convertible ranges there are two turbo diesels in 2.0-litre four and 3.0-litre six cylinder while the petrols are a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated straight six and a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbo six in the 335i Sport that replaces the earlier twin turbo engine.This engine has the same power (225kW) and torque (400Nm) as the twin-turbo but delivers maximum torque at a low 1300rpm and uses less fuel into the bargain.  The 335i Sport only comes in M Sport spec' and is available with a seven-speed double clutch "manumatic" transmission as well as the standard six-speed manual.The entry level diesel 320d Coupe ($65,600) gains 5kW to 135kw and 30Nm to 380Nm and is available with a six-speed manual or optional six-speed auto with sequential change.  Other engine have been tweaked for improved economy and lower emissions but are essentially the same as before.Suspension changes offer a new damper with softer initial ride qualities increasing stiffness as more demands are made on the car.  Upholstery upgrades include a sun reflective treatment on the Convertible's seats that keeps them cool on hot days in direct sunlight.Drivetrain and PricingVarious option packages are available across both Coupe and Convertible ranges that include the Innovation Package and the M-Sport Package.  We drove most of the new variants last week and all have characteristic BMW traits like sporty dynamics and a solid feel on the road. The 335i Coupe is approaching earlier six cylinder M3 performance levels and is capable of putting away a 0-100kmh sprint in the low 5.0 second bracket.It has impressive throttle response from extremely low in the engine rev range and sings sweetly up to the 7000rpm redline.  Even the 330d is good for a low 6.0 second split.  The cars have superb dynamics even in Convertible form which bears a weight penalty of up to 150kg.The segmented hard roof on the Convertible takes less than 20 seconds to retract or deploy and when place, looks almost the same as the Coupe model.VerdictPerformance from the other models is similarly impressive - they are great to drive While it would be great to have the 335i in your garage, the reality is that the entry level 320d in auto would do the job just as well around town with the added benefit of being able to cover 1000km on a tank driven carefully and it's a decent performer too.  It's the one we'd buy.BMW 3 Series Coupe and ConvertiblePrices: 320d $65,600 (coupe), $78,500 (convertible); 325i $84,900, $98,700; 330d $94,700, $107,700; 335i M Sport $116,700, $129,900; M3 $158,300, $176,700; ($2965 for 6-speed auto on 320d and 325i, standard on 330d; $3500 for 7-speed double clutch option on 335i)Engines: 1995cc 4-cylinder turbo diesel (320d); 2497cc straight 6 petrol (325i); 2993cc straight 6 turbo diesel (330d); 2993cc straight 6 petrol (335i); 3999cc V8 petrol (M3)Transmissions: 6-speed manual with auto stop-start (320d, 325i, 335i, M3), 6-speed automatic (320d, 325i, 330d), 7-speed DCT (335i, M3 with auto stop-start).

While there are subtle interior and exterior design changes, there is also a host of extra features and some improvements in engine performance and economy.Price and positionPrices start from $65,600 and are up as much as $1440, but BMW Group Australia corporate communications manager Piers Scott says that is due to the extra features. Scott expects diesel uptake to increase "substantially" across the coupe/convertible range."Sports coupes and convertibles are the last bastion for diesels, but the exhaust note on this is so good, it will attract people," he says.MechanicalThe top-of-the range 335i coupe and convertible are the latest models to switch from bi-turbo to single twin-scroll technology, leaving the Z4 35is and 35i as the only BMWs still with bi-turbos. Power and torque remain the same at 225kW and 400Nm, but there is an eight per cent reduction in fuel consumption thanks to the twin-scroll turbo.The 335i models now get the M Sport package as standard equipment. It was previously a $2760 option. For those who don't like the hard suspension, it can be deleted at no extra cost. BMW Group Australia 3 Series product manager Alan Swanson says the coil spring dampers in the M Sport suspension package have been replaced by disc spring valve types for a more compliant ride. It makes a difference and overrides the harshness of the run-flat tyres that are standard across the range.Unfortunately, the new dampers don't come with the M Sport suspension package in the convertible, which is the body style that most needs a more compliant ride to reduce scuttle shake.The M sport package is also available in the 320d, 325i and 330d as before, with largely the same inclusions, but slightly different trims. The new 320d models are now available with a manual transmission and all manuals across the range feature stop/start technology as well as the M3 with double-clutch transmission.BMW claims the technology delivers fuel savings on the 320d manual coupe of 0.8 litres per 100km. That is despite the diesel engine pumping out an extra 5kW of power and 30Nm of torque (135kW and 380Nm).Scott says they were unsure how many customers would opt for manual transmission to get the stop-start feature. "It may be a surprisingly high proportion, but we don't have an exact target as yet," he says.Equipment and designStyling changes are minimal and only the BMW anorak will notice. And while there is the same number of models available as before, there is now an Innovations Package available for the 320d, 325i and 330d that includes a range of LED light features, adaptive headlights and satellite navigation, while the 325i and 330d also get voice control anti-dazzle mirrors and a better audio system.Swanson says savings on the package are greater than 25 per cent and he predicts more than 60 per cent of customers will take up the option. While Dakota oyster-coloured leather is now standard, there is a variety of options available to personalise the vehicle.There are now three new metallic paint options lifting the choices to 15, an extra interior trim choice (bamboo grain anthracite) making it six options and nine wheel designs - four of them new - across three wheel sizes (17, 18 and 19-inch). There has been no change to the operation of the hard-top folding roof. It still goes up or down in about 22 seconds and will only operate when stationary. The only change to the M3 are redesigned rear lights, white metallic exterior paint, stop-start on the DCT, and slightly better economy and CO2 emissions.DrivingBMW supplied only the most altered models, the 320d and 335i, on the national launch through the Brisbane hinterland this week (August 4-5). There has been a slight performance boost in the 320d and I would be lying if I said it was noticeable.However, I can say it is a remarkably lusty performer at low revs which means a driver can hustle it along and still feel calm. I harassed the rear end of a 335i going up the twisty hotmix on the northern approach to Mt Mee and when we arrived at the next stop my nerves were at peace while the other driver got out of his high-revving 335i with his trousers on fire.The 320d rewards a lazy driver. The 335i mainlines caffeine into its pilot. The main difference to be felt on the test drive was in the new M Sport suspension.BMW's damper tweaking has been very effective, taking the harsh bang out of sudden jolts, while keeping the car sitting flat and unrattled. The cars felt composed over the craggy tar that runs around Somerset Dam and our kidneys and the fillings in our teeth were still in place at the end. While the four-cylinder diesel engine sounds less raucous, the real advantage in the manual convertible is that auto stop-start completely silences it when you are stopped at the lights.

An American study has revealed potholes cost motorists about $335 a year in suspension repairs.  But what about all those speed bumps in suburban streets and shopping centres? I'm sure they must wear out your car's suspension.In fact, someone should start a class action against local councils claiming back suspension repairs for the damage done by these insidious bits of Super Nanny nonsense.  If I lived on a busy street, the last thing I would want in front of my house would be a speed hump.Think of it: Cars and trucks slowing down, going down the gears, screeching to a halt, some scraping as they go over the bump and then accelerating loudly away up through the gears.  And then there are the hoons that like to use them to launch their cars and the drunk drivers who hit them too hard and leave behind their bumper bars and some sump oil.  I'd never get any sleep if I lived near one.Yet there are still people out there who want them - although "not in front of my house". It's a derivation of that much-hated NIMBY syndrome.  Apart from the noise speed bumps cause residents and the damage they no doubt do to your suspension, what about the extra wear and tear on brakes and the extra fuel you burn up?Then there is the indisputable fact that speed bumps are the biggest cause of the proliferation of large four-wheel-drive vehicles in suburbia that are used solely for picking up the kids from school and never get their tyres dirty.  Motorists have worked out that big SUVs are great for suburbia because their long-travel suspension and high clearance means they can hit speed bumps at a generous speed without having to slow down.That alone should be enough to have the greenies and therefore the politicians clammering to ban the omnipresent obstacles.  Which brings me neatly to the BMW 320d Executive Touring I have been testing on our suburban obstacle course.This streamlined wagon is actually the perfect remedy for speed bumps and a better option for soccer mums than a big fuel-burning SUV.  Runflat tyres aside, BMW has created the perfect ride for our potholed and speed-bumped streets. Their brilliant suspension engineers have perfectly tuned this car to be able to hit these obstacles at a reasonable speed without jolting the hot coffee out of the precariously dashboard-mounted cup holders.  The secret is to hit them while accelerating. Too many people jam on the brakes, compressing the suspension and dropping the nose of the car. This lowers the clearance and inhibits the ability of the suspension to soak up the bump.The 320d rides beautifully over these obstacles if you get all your braking out of the way first, then actually accelerate over the bump. This slightly lifts the nose and extends the suspension to full unsagged height for maximum impact absorption.  Shame the runflat tyres can't handle the smaller and sharper hits on the road such as small stones, squashed Coke cans and road joins.While the brilliant double-joint spring-strut front axle and five-link rear suspension absorbs the big hits and helps the car hold the road like a much slimmer sportscar, it can't negate the runflat tyre's inability to deal with the smaller surface irregularities.  And then there's that cup holder problem.There is no cup holder in the centre console, so the driver has to store his or her burning-hot latte in the spring-out holder that sits just above the right knee of the front-seat passenger.  At least if an obstacle does cause some hot coffee to spill, it won't burn the driver and cause an accident.But that's it for the criticism of this ideal small suburban family wagon.  The 320d is the only diesel in the 3 series wagon range and it's a pearler.It goes, stops, steers and handles almost like a sportscar, it has generous room in front and back for five adults, a reasonable cargo area with a flat floor and it's frugal on fuel.  And despite being a wagon, it is actually very sleek and sexy.  Just watch your coffee on those speed bumps.BMW 320d Executive TouringPrice: $61,500Body: 5-seater wagonEngine: 1995cc, 4-cylinder turbo dieselPower: 130kW @ 4000rpmTorque: 350Nm from 1750-3000rpmEconomy: 5.9L/100km (tested)CO2: 146g/kmTransmission: 6-speed autoKerb weight: 1520kgTyres: 205/55 R 16 (runflats)

Diesel power is set to drive BMW sales further over the next few months. In the past five years since introducing oil-burning engines to its fleet in Australia the German brand has increased the proportion of diesel sales to 34 per cent.A number of new diesel BMW 1 and 3 Series models, including the first BMW diesel convertibles, will hit the market in December followed by a diesel 5 Series Gran Turismo in March and two diesel X1 models in April.BMW Australia product communications manager Tim James said he expected the proportion of diesel sales in the fleet would increase with the new models. The 1 Series is currently one-third diesel, but in December BMW will add the 118d hatch and convertible in six-speed auto and manual with prices starting from $42,170.The 118d Sports Hatch is the 2008 World Green Car of the Year with its two-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine developing 105kW of power, 300Nm of torque, but sipping fuel at 4.5 litres per kilometre and emitting 119g of CO2 per kilometre. It will feature in its twin-turbo format in the 123d hatch, coupe and convertible with prices starting at $50,790 and going up to $69,480.However, it does not attract the luxury car tax because the two-litre twin turbo's fuel economy is well below the 7L/100km requirement for exemption. Depending on the vehicle, it returns economy figures of 5.2 to 5.4L/100km while delivering 150KW and 400Nm. The single turbo two-litre diesel also arrives in the 320d Touring, Coupe and Convertible in December with prices from $61,500.The 3 Series Coupe and Convertible also get the three-litre diesel straight six used elsewhere in the fleet with prices from $91,900 and in the new 5 Series GT coming in March with prices starting from about $140,000.BMW's smallest SUV arrives in April in diesel guise only. The X1 xDrive20d uses the two-litre, four-cylinder diesel and the xDrive23d uses the twin-turbo engine. James said a 1.8 diesel engine was also being considered for the X1.Diesel penetration in BMW cars is highest in the 5 Series with almost 50 per cent now diesel and the 520d the volume seller, James said. It is followed by the 1 Series with one-third and the 3 Series with 17 per cent. James said diesel was even making inroads in the 7 Series. "The 730d was launched in June and already signs are it will become the volume model," he said.The car returns fuel economy figures of 7.2L/100km, but from this month, new production models will achieve 6.8L/100km and not attract the luxury car tax. James said this was already factored into the pricing, saving buyers $5000. BMW now has 21 cars with fuel economy less than 7L/100km.The X models have been the real winners for diesel. James said diesel represented 85 per cent of X3 sales and 80 per cent of X5 sales, while petrol was the most popular choice among X6 owners.Driving BMW supplied a 118d hatch, 123d hatch and convertible and 330d coupe for test through Bavaria last week. With a mix of autobahn, country road and tight village lane driving, each returned fuel economy figures on their on-board computers similar to official claims.At 200km/h on the autobahn, even the 118d three door (we will get the five-door) still felt like it had more to give, the diesels not only having low-end grunt but plenty of meat throughout the rev range.They are quiet, refined and have less idle clatter than is common among diesels. But it's the twin-turbo model that really stands out, sounding and feeling more like a petrol engine with its free revving and mid-to-top-end power. Handling is not adversely affected by the extra weight of the engines, although steering may be marginally heavier.The manual models feature auto stop-start which cuts the engine when it is stationary and in neutral, starting again when the clutch is pushed in. While this same function feels rough in the new X1 and Mini diesel, it feels much smoother here, maybe because of the engine positioning.James said the auto stop-start function had not yet been engineered for automatic transmissions, but they were working on it. The six-speed manual gearboxes feature well-chosen ratios, although first is a little short and sixth will be wasted in Australia where the highway maximum speed limit is 110km/h.NEW BMW DIESELS (From December)118d Sports Hatch (6-speed manual) $42,170118d Sports Hatch (6-speed steptronic auto) $44,370123d Sports Hatch (man) $50,790123d Sports Hatch (auto) $53,070123d Coupe (man) $57,900123d Coupe (auto) $60,180118d Convertible (man) $52,900118d Convertible (auto) $55,019123d Convertible (man) $67,200123d Convertible (auto) $69,480320d Executive Touring $61,500320d Coupe $67,500320d Convertible $80,400330d Coupe $91,900330d Convertible $104,850From March)530d Gran Turismo from about $140,000From April)X1 xDrive20d and xDrive23d from low $50,000s 

Both cars in question are BMW 3 Series, and both cost around $60,000. One of them is arguably the best prestige car in this class.The one that isn't — the 320i automatic — was Australia's best-selling luxury model last year, what with Mercedes-Benz's new C-Class entering the running only midway through the year.Best-selling, sure, but actually abit of a snore.Granted, it has the rear-wheel-drive and near-perfect weight distribution thing that BMW tends tomention from time to time.But with a four-cylinder petrol engine that's lucky to shift this medium-sized sedan to 100km/h in less than 10 seconds, you needn't be a behavioural scientist to recognise that the main thing it has is a blue-and-white badge.Unable, or perhaps too clueless, to aspire to a model packing one of the marque's almost equally trademark inline sixes, many new prestige punters settle for a 320i. So they're depressingly ubiquitous.Yet so dull is the reality of ownership that a keen driver across the road from us biffed his for a Golf R32. Loads less dough, lots more go.He reckons his mates went for Golf GTIs — an even better proposition in some respects.For a few equally shrewd punters, however, the numerically identical but alphabetically differentiated 320d (as in “diesel”) has been a powerful antidote to entry-level underperformance.As of this week, the 320d boasts the new common-rail-injected, two-litre turbo engine seen to eyebrow-raising effect last month in the 520d and X3d. It will soon go into the 120d (and may go some way towards redeeming that hideous apparition).This unit is 20kg lighter than the one that shoved along the 320d we tested almost exactly 12 months ago, with 10 more power and torque points. It also happens to be about 10 per cent more frugal.And that's nothing compared to the gulf that exists between the diesel and petrol siblings.Indeed, the former beats the latter like a gong.With 125kW, the “d” is appreciably better off in the power department than the 115kW “i”.With 340Nm, most of which is to be had from a nudge above idle, the diesel simply towers over the 320i's less-than-a-Camry 200Nm.In fact, aside from the Wagnerian 335i, no 3 Series torques anything like this assertively.The diesel's off-the-mark response is almost alarming by comparison, with the sprint to 100km/h happening in a claimed 8.2seconds — just shy of two full ticks slicker than its automatic petrol sibling. If the latter isn't already suffering an acute inferiority complex, it gets utterly flattened by the diesel's mid-range punch.Then there are the ever more important matters of economy and emissions. According to the claim for combined-cycle use, the 320d uses six litres of diesel per 100km, the 320i almost eight litres of often more expensive premium unleaded petrol.As for what comes out the tailpipe, try 160g of CO2 emitted per kilometre, as opposed to 190.Although you can get into a basic 320d for $56,700, the Executive model, which sells the numbers, runs to $61,500 — an entirely reasonable $3K over the equivalent 320i.The Exec adds 16-inch alloys with standard run-flat tyres, fog lights and decent trim to a fairly bountiful standard equipment package that, safety-wise, includes ABS with automatic stability and traction control, cornering brake control andsix airbags.One set of optional kit worth taking — as opposed to the M Sport gear, which really isn't — is the Innovations Package, with bi-xenon and adaptive headlights, light washers, USB/audio interface and satellite navigation (albeit controlled by i-Drive). That runs to another $2500.Also standard are the reasons why keen drivers still aspire to the blue-and-white badge — except that, with this car, these factors are allied to sufficient torque to wipe off the V6 Lexus IS250, while retaining an economy/emissions rating that would challenge a hybrid.There's no manual option, but theZF automatic marries happily withthe diesel, slurring through its six forward ratios (as opposed to the fivein the far heavier C-Class).Unless the revs are absurdly low orredline-high, it responds readily toone's gear selections when the stick is slotted into sport mode.Like the best BMWs, the 320d rewards you even when driven lazily. Urged along, it comes into its own, utterly adept at freeway speeds — where its engine is refined almost to inaudibility — and doing a passable imitation of a sports sedan in the passes of the Victorian Alps.There, its agility and response saved your correspondent when a truckie travelling too fast downhill decided to help himself to most of my lane.As ever, the steering is beautifully direct, imbued with real feel and meaningful weighting. Combined with such an adroit chassis and powertrain, this 3 Series has a dynamic edge to carve up the opposition.That's the difference between “d” and “i”. Snapshot BMW 320dPRICE: From $56,700ENGINE: 2L/4-cylinder turbo diesel;125kW, 340NmTRANSMISSION: 6-speed automaticECONOMY: 6L/100km (tested)PERFORMANCE: 0-100km/h in 7.2 secs 

Even sans options, it's still painfully expensive for what is, after all, a fairly underwhelming four-cylinder mid-size car.Indeed, the entry-level 3 Series rivals Mercedes-Benz's C180 as the quintessential try-hard hard car — the one for prestige aspirants whose dough can't go to a model equipped with one of the Bavarian's legendary straight sixes.The 320d is so far departed from this that it deserves a more drastic differentiation than that implied by "d" for diesel.The 2-litre four-cylinder DOHC unit features the latest generation high-pressure common rail electronic injection and computer-controlled variable geometry turbocharger.Unlike the horrid 120d hatch with which it shares this powertrain, the 3Series diesel is stuffed with sufficient sound-absorbing materials to render quibbles about diesel clatter irrelevant at any RPM except idle.And unlike the "other" 320, the "d" can be a responsive performer.Driven through a six-speed Steptronic automatic, it reaches 100km/h from standing in a claimed 8.9 seconds, almost a second faster than its self-shifting petrol counterpart.With all of the diesel's 115kW and 330Nm being yours from 2000rpm, it packs a near knockout mid-range punch to back its off the line jab.Even without the $600 optional sports suspension (one extras box worth ticking), the 320d is a clarity reinforcer as to why a well-set-up rear-wheel-drive remains the enthusiast's choice.Which is also why, in this case, "d" stands for dilemma as much as diesel.While fuel frugality and thus practicality are supposed to be the compelling factors behind the diesel choice — try 7.3 litres per 100km over a week of urban driving — the 320d provides a real reason to look askance at a petrol six.Or the lesser of them at least. The 323i hosts a disappointingly detuned version of BMW's 2.5 straight six — the full whack of which is to be found in the 325i and 525i.But with a mere 130kW/230Nm to shift a kerb weight comparable to the 320d, this six is no quicker as an auto and can't go within a bull's roar of the diesel's distance between refills.It also starts at $11K more, a vast ask when you're already stretching the bucks beyond breaking simply to be seen in a car with a blue and white roundel.Both models, though, are afflicted with the same 16-inch run-flat rubber. While ride is less of an issue in its latest generation, the expense and dubious utility of run-flats remain reasons that mitigate mightily against choosing a BMW.It's absurd that the marque is so married to these things that it won't at least offer the option of conventional tyres and some kind of spare.A base 320d starts at a cool $56,700. Ours came with that woodgrain stuff, adjustable centre armrest, sunroof and metallic paint (an outrageous $1600 on its ownsome) to comprise a chilling $62,220.The 320d Executive starts from $61,500, so dabbling in its option list will send the driveaway price north of $70K before you can say "sheer driving pleasure".At least the 320d delivers more of this than the petrol four or base six. Indeed, if the 320i screams wannabe, the 320d bespeaks an informed choice.Even so, it can't transcend the mindset necessary to purchase any "affordable" prestige car — you have to not much care that you're not getting that much car.

The ubiquitous 3 Series has never been so popular with young executives salary sacrificing to get into one of the iconic luxury cars.Just because someone owns a BMW, does not necessarily mean they earn a lot of money these days. Salary sacrificing has put the car within easy reach of many middle-class motorists.And these motorists still have to watch their pennies and will be mindful of fuel economy.Therefore, I reckon the 320d is going to be a sales winner for BMW.And so it should.It drives and handles like any 3 Series; and that's damn good.It is put together just as well and, of course, it looks the same.But the diesel difference is also noticeable.There is that slight clatter at idle. Not intrusive, but it's there. It goes away under a few revs, to be replaced by quite a masculine gargling and a deep-throated roar on full noise.There is also a good amount of torque launch off the line, with easy overtaking acceleration, without the six-speed gearbox having to kick down as you would normally expect in a petrol-engined car.On the spirited launch drive through the Adelaide Hills a couple of months ago, the on-board computer claimed fuel economy was 7.6l/100km, which is more than the claimed 6.7l/100km of combined tests, but still pretty good.After a week of driving in peak-hour traffic, suburban errands and a small amount of highway running, it returned a more realistic 6.9l/10km.On a highway run, you would just about get from Brisbane to Sydney without having to refuel.It comes in six-speed automatic with Steptronic sequential shift and no manual option, plus cruise control, 16-inch steel wheels, automatic climate control, trip computer, cloth seat trim and multi-function steering wheel. The Executive, which I drove, also gets 16-inch alloys, leather and fog lights.Standard safety features include ABS, six airbags and a host of driver aids such as brake controls for added assistance and braking in corners, plus traction and stability controls.An option is active steering, which is different from speed-sensitive steering which changes the load according to speed. Active steering varies the load according to understeer and oversteer to aid the driver who overcorrects or doesn't respond strongly enough.The feel is simply neutral, which is good.BMW Group Australia managing director Dr Franz Sauter predicts BMW will sell 3000 diesel-powered vehicles in Australia this year.Six months after the 530d was released with expectations of 10-15 per cent of 5 Series sales, it is accounting for more than 20 per cent.Dr Sauter conservatively expects the new 320d to represent only 7 per cent of 3 Series sales; about 280 units this year, but I think he's wrong.If I am right and Dr Sauter is wrong, he said there should be no supply problems as the more technical, time-consuming and expensive diesel production processes had been streamlined.